Greatly Increased Strength

Setagaya Ward, underground secret base.

"This uniform suits you quite well, little brother Tanimura."

"You flatter me, Officer Iori."

Facing Iori Ichika's teasing, Tanimura Wataru shook his head with a touch of youthful awkwardness.

He was wearing a special police uniform, complete with rank insignia on his shoulders; it was a high-end, custom-tailored piece that would make even an ordinary person look heroic.

Not to mention—Tanimura Wataru's appearance was far from lacking, or his sister would never have suffered that fate.

"Tsk, tsk, starting off as a Superintendent,"

"You're the first person in the entire Metropolitan Police Department of the Island Nation to do so."

Facing Iori Ichika, who was acting carefree as she patted his shoulder, what could Tanimura Wataru say? He could only respond like a fresh recruit:

"I look forward to your guidance, Senior Iori,"

"And Senior Fuji."

"No need for formalities. We're colleagues now, so I look forward to working with you too."

With her hair tied in a high ponytail, the dashing Fuji Seiko extended her right hand to shake the hand of the man who had been her life-or-death opponent, but was now her peer.

She was merely an 'artificial transcendent,' while he was a true transcendent—the very source of power for her and her superior, Iori. Furthermore, after reading his file, Fuji Seiko didn't dislike this young man who still carried a scholarly air.

The law does indeed punish evil, But some evils, even in the eyes of a police officer like her, deserved to die dozens of times over without any injustice.

Yet, the Island Nation's death penalty review process was despairingly cumbersome. Many notorious villains were dragged through trials for ten or even several decades before a verdict was reached.

Swift vengeance was a romance hidden deep in the bones of every ordinary person!

"What are you all chatting about?"

The door to the side opened, and a steady voice rang out.

"Director!" X3

The person who arrived was none other than Metropolitan Police Department Director Takeya Haru. A career is a man's second youth; judging by his glowing face and vigorous stride, it was as if he had returned to his prime in his thirties.

"We're all colleagues now, no need to be so stiff."

"If you have any questions, feel free to tell me."

Patting Tanimura Wataru, who had instinctively raised his hand to salute, Director Takeya turned and gestured to the other side.

"Follow me,"

"I'll take you to see a surprise."

"Oh, you didn't die?"

"Woof~~?"

Hearing its master's words, the Shiba Inu—which was being meticulously cared for by a group of medical staff, wrapped in bandages like a mummy, and missing an eye—raised its head slightly and let out a 'resentful' whine at its owner.

After gaining magical power, it wasn't just strong enough to tear tigers and leopards apart; its intelligence had also soared.

Naturally, it understood its master's words, though it would have preferred not to.

"Ah, my apologies."

Facing the dog that had blocked two bullets for him, Tanimura Wataru scratched his head in embarrassment.

Originally, this dog was merely a tool for his 'experiment,' yet here they were, reunited.

Fate was truly wondrous.

"I didn't expect this Akita Inu to survive."

"Still, it's all thanks to him."

If it hadn't been for the dog stalling for time at the critical moment, Tanimura Wataru would have died at the hands of the Rain Woman long ago.

"Mr. Tanimura,"

Fuji Seiko spoke up from the side to correct him, "That is a Shiba Inu, not an Akita."

Once fully grown, Akitas and Shibas were easy to tell apart, but this one was clearly still in its 'juvenile stage,' making it easy to confuse.

"Ah, is that so?"

Seeing his master get his breed wrong, the mummified one-eyed Shiba Inu grew even more melancholic.

To meet a master is to be mistaken for a lifetime; to meet this master is to be mistaken for all eternity.

"Hahaha~~"

"That won't do, little brother Tanimura."

Giving Tanimura Wataru a heavy pat on the back, Iori Ichika teased him without restraint.

"You are a dignified Dog Demon, yet you can't even distinguish between dog breeds? If word of this got out, other demons would laugh themselves to death."

"Officer Iori. Senior, I will be more careful."

Tanimura Wataru did not dislike this attitude from Officer Iori; such a carefree demeanor was something he had only ever seen in his best friends back in high school. Once they reached university, everyone began planning for their futures, and the day of graduation was often the moment of permanent farewell.

"By the way, Wataru."

With the atmosphere harmonious, Director Takeya seized the opportunity to ask.

"Can you transform other canines into transcendent beings as well?"

The origin of this Shiba Inu had been thoroughly investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, who had "dug through the dirt" to find its parents, confirming it was just an ordinary pet dog.

Combining this with the abilities Tanimura Wataru had displayed, it was easy to infer the truth; however, that was merely speculation. To know the facts, they needed the person involved to speak for himself. Because this answer—

"Hmm."

After closing his eyes to think for a moment, Tanimura Wataru nodded.

"I can."

Excellent!

As Tanimura Wataru gave his definitive reply, Director Takeya raised his hand in excitement, his fingers trembling as he adjusted his glasses.

The two transcendent beings currently in the government's possession were both created using serum derived from a Shiba Inu. If Tanimura Wataru could transform canines into transcendent beings on a large scale, did that not mean the Island Nation could produce an endless supply of Super Soldiers?

"If I had known this, we shouldn't have wasted such a precious healing opportunity."

Director Takeya's gaze fell upon the mummified Shiba Inu, and in his agitated state, he spoke the truth.

?!

What does that mean?

The bandaged Shiba Inu lying on the operating table suddenly bolted upright.

I have bled for the Metropolitan Police Department, I have been wounded for the Metropolitan Police Department, I want to see the Director!!

Ah, those words were spoken by the Director?

Then it's fine~~

"However, there is a cooldown between transformations, and I can only transform a maximum of three at a time."

The secret arts of the Inuzuka Clan included dog training, and they also sold various ninja dogs; rumors in the streets suggested that Kakashi's Eight Ninja Dogs were purchased from the Inuzuka Clan.

At the same time, although most members of the Inuzuka Clan only focused on raising one ninja dog, it did not mean they could only command one; Inuzuka Kiba's sister, Inuzuka Hana, controlled three ninja dogs in battle. The main constraints were cost and energy.

Akihi Yu had granted Tanimura Wataru the ability to transform ninja dogs, eliminating the need for years of training.

But at the same time, this transformation had limits on time and quantity.

"Is that so?"

Calming down from his excitement, the smile on Director Takeya's face did not diminish in the slightest.

He had hit the jackpot!

Not only had he secured Tanimura Wataru as a "genuine" transcendent, but once he transformed more Dog Demons, the government could extract even more "transcendent serum."

By then, with a fully armed transcendent mobile unit under his command, they could quickly suppress any transcendent disturbances—

Bang!

The door was pushed open, and a frantic secretary rushed in, clutching a mobile phone.

"Director, something has happened!"

"Take a deep breath."

Director Takeya, who had been busy envisioning the future, glanced at the secretary with displeasure.

After experiencing so many "transcendent incidents," to still be so clumsy and lacking in the composure of a general was unacceptable.

"Then, report the situation."

"Yes!"

After catching his breath, the secretary spoke at a rapid pace:

"The weapons and ammunition depot of the First Regiment, First Division of the Self-Defense Force, located in Nerima Ward, has been ransacked!"

????

Hearing this, Iori Ichika, Fuji Seiko, and their superior, Director Takeya, all wore expressions that said, "Are you f***ing kidding me?"

Tanimura Wataru, on the other hand, showed no reaction, continuing to tease the bandaged puppy.

"Ransacked?"

"The First Division?"

Director Takeya took off his glasses and rubbed his eye sockets in disbelief.

"Yes, Director."

How is this possible?!

Are the guys in the First Regiment just eating for free?

Thinking of this, Director Takeya felt a bit uncertain: The First Division of the Self-Defense Force guards Tokyo and oversees four regiments. The First and Third Regiments draw their manpower primarily from the Tokyo metropolitan area, the 49th Regiment from the Kofu area, and the 57th Regiment from the Sakura area.

Compared to the 49th and 57th Regiments, the other two have much weaker combat capabilities.

During the last "Earthquake Catfish" incident, the Island Nation government dispatched the most "elite" 49th Regiment. Although they were beaten into a sorry state, at least there were no deserters on the battlefield.

But to put it bluntly, the First Regiment is just a place for various "second-generation" elites to gild their resumes!

This shouldn't be right. Even if they are as useless as they come, there are over a thousand people stationed there; it's impossible for every single one of them to be trash, right?

"Let's go, follow me to the scene!"

He waved his hand, bringing along his three "capable lieutenants." No, make that four.

Including the Shiba Inu cradled in the arms of Tanimura Wataru, Director Takeya hurried toward Nerima Ward.

"Trash, a bunch of trash!"

"You couldn't even manage to sound an alarm! You all should commit seppuku right here and now!!"

By the time Director Takeya and his four supernaturals jumped off the helicopter, what they saw was the First Regiment soldiers standing in neat rows on the training ground.

A middle-aged man wearing the rank of Colonel was roaring at the soldiers in a fit of rage. Judging by his posture, if he had a military saber in his hand, he would likely have hacked a few people to vent his anger on the spot.

Of course, talk is cheap.

Things like seppuku haven't been popular for a long time.

The last time it happened was over fifty years ago, and only foreigners would believe that people in the Island Nation are constantly committing seppuku at the drop of a hat.

Nowadays, if you want this group of "Tokyo sons" to commit seppuku?

They'd shoot you twice first!

"Sir, the opponent is a supernatural."

"We... do not have the ability to counter it."

A soldier spoke up with his neck stiff, the implication being: If you're so capable, you do it.

"You—get out! Get out of my regiment!"

"Fine, I'm leaving!"

Hearing this, the soldier took off his military cap and turned to leave immediately.

Being expelled from the Self-Defense Force not only means losing your salary but also leaves a stain on your resume. But if you can't be a grunt, you can just go home and inherit the family fortune.

It was just for show anyway; if they had known they would encounter a supernatural, who would have come to such a dangerous place?

As this soldier left, a glimmer of eagerness to follow suit flashed in the eyes of the other soldiers.

It nearly made the Colonel, who witnessed all of this, faint from anger.

These "unpatriotic" cowards.

"What happened here?"

Turning his head, he saw Director Takeya approaching with three men and women.

The Colonel took a deep breath to steady his composure.

This "Director Takeya" is a truly "hot" figure with real power in the Island Nation!

As the administrator of the yet-to-be-announced "Supernatural Countermeasures Division," he has been authorized by the Prime Minister's Residence to manage all matters related to the supernatural; his power goes without saying. The three men and women behind him, who clearly look extraordinary, are likely the legendary... supernaturals.

"Please, follow me."

Facing such a high-ranking official, the Colonel dared not be negligent and led the group to the "monitoring room."

"This..."

After watching the surveillance footage, Takeya also began to understand the resentment of those soldiers.

The culprit is... a suit of armor!

That's right, it was that kind of traditional Island Nation armor—a o-yoroi made of bamboo strips, leather, hemp rope, and iron nails, with a suji-kabuto helmet decorated like a longhorn beetle on top, a demon mask covering the face, a tachi sword hanging at the waist, and a tate shield slung to the side. It looked impressive enough, but in modern society, could it stop bullets or shells?

Hard to say.

If it were normal armor, it would certainly be pulverized into dust under gunfire.

But this "armored culprit," occasionally caught in the corner of the surveillance footage, was clearly not a normal existence.

It appeared openly within the First Regiment base, acting as if no one else was around, leaving the patrolling soldiers looking completely bewildered. On the screen, the Self-Defense Force soldiers who witnessed the armor were all looking at each other in confusion.

They were likely thinking: Who is playing cosplay in the middle of the night?

The next second, The soldiers turned in unison.

Like soldiers clearing a path for a general, the stiff-limbed Self-Defense Force soldiers on screen "escorted" the armor to the place where weapons and ammunition were stored, helped it open the door, and personally "saw it off" as it entered. A few minutes later, they watched it swagger out and leave.

"So, it took you this long to realize what was happening?!"

Facing Director Takeya's interrogation, the regimental commander flushed red, unable to utter a single word.

"Forget it, let's go to the scene and take a look."

Rubbing his temples, the joy Director Takeya had felt earlier vanished, leaving behind only profound exhaustion.

A dignified Self-Defense Force, yet someone had waltzed in and emptied their armory.

If this got out, it would be the laughingstock of the world!

Of course, he couldn't entirely blame the other side: judging by the surveillance footage, that 'Armored Transcendent' clearly possessed the ability to manipulate people, though it was unclear what his origins were.

Tsk, What a grand display.

High in the sky, Crow, who had been observing the entire spectacle, clicked his tongue.

What he had bestowed upon that gray-haired old man was the art of puppetry!

But when it came to the application of 'puppets,' the modern world was the true master.

Airplanes, ships, tanks, and rockets—theoretically, these all counted as puppets. Compared to the human-shaped puppets of the World of Fire that spat poison needles and threw shuriken, various firearms and artillery were no less impressive. Moreover, they were far cheaper and existed in exaggerated quantities.

Among the Six Paths of Pain, the Asura Path possessed high-tech weaponry such as 'Finger Missiles,' 'Homing Missiles,' 'Mechanical Armor,' and 'Giant Rocket Arms.'

However, aside from the 'Head Laser Cannon,' the others did not far exceed modern technology.

And the combat power of puppetry relied almost entirely on external forces.

At the same time, through 'Sealing Scrolls,' a puppeteer could carry a massive amount of equipment.

Having acquired the modern weaponry of an entire regiment, the destructive power that guy would unleash made Akihi Yu shake his head just thinking about it.

Puppetry combined with modern weapons was the strongest combination for short-term combat power: it was naturally the perfect way to announce the arrival of a 'New Era.' Thinking of this, Crow spread his wings once more, soaring toward Katsushika Ward.

There were still too few actors; he needed to recruit a few more to put on a grand performance.

PS: In the Island Nation, field officers are categorized as first, second, and third, equivalent to colonel, lieutenant colonel, and major.