Kirishima Bupai slowly drew back his fist, as though he had merely dusted off the hem of his clothes.
He turned and casually waved at the people below, who were still petrified. "Leave this guy to me."
"Those who need to rescue people, get to it. Those who need treatment, get treated. Don't just stand there. Hurry." At that, Kirishima Bupai rubbed his chin and thought for a moment.
"Oh, right. You guys, go get some fireworks to set off later. Don't ask why!"
With that, his figure vanished on the spot like mist dissolving into the night, leaving only a faintly wavering afterimage atop the ruins.
"Set... set off fireworks...?"
"Why do we need fireworks...?"
They were utterly bewildered by his words...
Meanwhile, outside Central Station, in a devastated clearing leveled by train wreckage and explosions.
Akaza struggled to stand up from the deep crater his impact had created.
Though the tremendous force had swollen and deformed the left side of his face, his powerful demonic regeneration restored it at a visible speed, leaving only a faint redness.
He raised a hand to touch his cheek, his fingertips still feeling the lingering echo of that irresistible force.
Trembling, his golden eyes held not a trace of rage. Instead, a hint of incredulous fervor flashed through them...
That fervor even carried a measure of relieved wonder. "So strong... This power... To break through my defenses with just one punch, and even slow my regeneration..."
He slowly straightened, much of the violent aura around him dissipating, replaced by pure recognition of a powerful opponent.
Casually brushing the dust off his chest, Akaza fixed his gaze on Kirishima Bupai and spoke with unprecedented seriousness. "Who exactly are you? To possess such power, yet be trapped in a human body... What a waste!"