The sun dipped slowly beneath the horizon.
New York—
Bathed in a warm orange glow.
For most people, it was just another peaceful evening.
But inside the Hero Alliance headquarters—
Two completely different atmospheres were unfolding at the same time.
Dressing Room — Operation: Perfect Date
"Stand still."
"Turn around."
"No—no—NO! That's not cute, that's lethal!"
Inside a specially prepared room—
Crimson Sniper was in full control.
Clothes—
Everywhere.
Dresses, skirts, casual outfits, elegant coats—
Piled like a small mountain.
At the center of it all stood Zero.
Still.
Obedient.
Expression calm.
Like a doll being dressed up.
Mash circled around her with a serious expression.
"This one… no."
"Too mature."
"This one… hmm…"
"Too plain!"
Crimson Sniper groaned dramatically.
"This is impossible!"
"She looks good in EVERYTHING!"
Zero tilted her head slightly.
"…Is that a problem?"
"YES!"
Crimson Sniper grabbed her shoulders.
"That means we need the PERFECT one!"
After another ten minutes of intense selection—
They stopped.
Silence filled the room.
Because—
They had found it.
A soft white dress.
Light.
Elegant.
With subtle blue accents that matched her eyes.
Simple—
But overwhelmingly pure.
Mash took a step back.
"…Perfect."
Crimson Sniper nodded slowly.
"…Yeah. This is it."
Zero looked at herself in the mirror.
Her reflection—
Almost unreal.
"…This is… cute?"
Mash smiled.
"Very."
Crimson Sniper added:
"If the President doesn't fall for this, I'll personally shoot him."
Zero blinked.
"…Understood."
Hallway — A Certain Observer
Outside the room—
A certain black-haired young man leaned casually against the wall.
Aiden Cross.
He had arrived earlier.
But didn't enter.
"…Preparation, huh."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
He could already guess what was happening inside.
Behind him—
A soft voice echoed.
"You're not going in?"
He turned.
Standing there—
Aizen.
Calm.
Composed.
Glasses reflecting faint light.
"No need," Aiden Cross replied.
"If I go in, they'll panic."
Aizen adjusted his glasses.
"As expected of you, Boss."
A brief silence.
Then—
Aizen spoke again.
"There's movement."
Aiden Cross's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Where?"
"Underground."
"Monster Association."
"…Garou?"
"Likely."
Aizen continued calmly:
"Two Dragon-level signatures."
"Ragnar… and Grand Oculus."
Aiden Cross smiled faintly.
"Things are getting interesting."
"Should we intervene?"
Aizen asked.
"…No."
Aiden Cross shook his head.
"Let it play out."
"That boy…"
"Is about to evolve."
A pause.
Then he added—
"And tomorrow is more important."
Aizen didn't ask further.
He understood.
Inside the Room — Final Touch
"Done!"
Crimson Sniper stepped back proudly.
Mash clapped softly.
"Beautiful…"
Zero stood there—
In her finished look.
Not flashy.
Not overwhelming.
But—
Impossible to ignore.
"…Tomorrow," Mash said,
"you invite Aiden first."
Zero nodded.
"…Yes."
For the first time—
There was determination in her eyes.
Night Falls
Outside—
The city lights flickered on.
Above ground—
A peaceful night awaited.
A simple date.
A beginning.
Below ground—
Something far more violent stirred.
A battle.
A transformation.
Two completely different stories—
Were about to unfold.
And neither—
Would go as planned.
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