G-City.
Misty mountains wound on, streams murmured, and the forests flourished in lush green.
Birdsong and beastly roars occasionally carried from afar through the sunlight and thin mist.
Suddenly.
A series of sharp whistling sounds and black shadows streaking through the woods shattered the forest's harmony.
At the same time.
Within the Sword Saint Association deep in the mountains, the current Sun Blade, Divine Wind, Amane, Zanbai, and the others had gathered once more.
Sun Blade looked at Divine Wind. "You don't want to be a hero anymore?"
"As an S-Class hero, I can meet a lot of powerful people, so I'll probably still be one."
"I just haven't decided which hero organization to join yet."
"I plan to wait for Iaian and Kamikaze's Disciple's investigation results before deciding."
Divine Wind sat formally on the tatami and answered honestly. The Hero Association's dirty secrets had made him more cautious.
"I think being a hero isn't worth it at all." Amane, her dreadlocks tied up, curled her lip.
Unmoved, Divine Wind answered with a smile, "It's my hobby."
"By comparison, the Hero Association might be better, if you don't want to associate with the scum Neo Heroes has taken in."
Dressed entirely in black, with Buddhist beads around his neck and a shaved head, Zanbai offered his suggestion in a cool tone.
"Mm, I'm leaning toward them too. It'll also give me more chances to learn about Yami-hime."
"Of course, I mean the Swordmaster Hall behind her~" Divine Wind teased, biting down on a bamboo pick.
The current Sun Blade reminded him, "You defeated her last time. It probably won't be long before someone comes looking for you. Be careful."
"That's exactly what I want—hm?"
At that moment, Divine Wind's expression abruptly changed, and his words cut off. "Someone's here, and