A few days pass in a blur of coffee orders, frothing milk, and polite smiles. Ace expertly maneuvers around the café, balancing trays and dispensing lattes with practiced ease. Starry's regulars occupy their usual spots, their quirks as familiar as the café's celestial decor.
Another Cosmic Latte for Miura-san, black coffee for Montana, and a triple espresso for Ozaki-san, Ace thinks, his mind a well-oiled machine. But inside Ace's mind, the Taros are in a full-blown conversation.
Hey, Ace, that lady over there looks like Ryotaro's Onee-san! Ryutaros exclaims, his voice echoing in Ace's head.
Yeah, Ace, she reminds me of Airi-san, Urataros chimes in.
Guys, quiet. I'm working, Ace replies mentally, carefully crafting a Galaxy Mocha.
What's wrong, Ace? You don't think I can handle it? Momotaros retorts. "I can fight monsters and serve coffee at the same time!"
No, Momotaros. This is a job. You'll make it worse, Kintaros says.
Ace places the mocha in front of a giggling schoolgirl, smiling warmly. Just behave, okay Ryutaros? We don't want to cause any trouble. It is true, Ami did seem like Airi in some way. Not exact copies, but their aura... was similar. Ryutaros thinks he may have found a new sister.
Ace navigates the café with a practiced ease. He slides a triple espresso across the counter to Ozaki, who accepts it with a wink. A steaming black coffee goes to Montana, who nods his thanks.
You're quite a natural. Maybe you've got an even better game than I do.
"It's not about that, Urataros. I'm just doing my job," Ace thinks back, his focus on a group of giggling schoolgirls ordering a round of Cosmic Lattes. He prepares the drinks with precision, adding a generous sprinkle of edible glitter. He hands them out, a polite smile gracing his lips.
"Thank you!" they squeal, captivated by Ace's charm.
They just want coffee, Ace thinks, trying to ignore Urataros's smug mental laughter. He takes another order—two Starry Chais for a pair of college students studying at a corner table. He knows the cafe needs the money and wants to help Ami out. His shift at Starry is a welcome break from the anxieties of saving the world.
Ami watches Ace work, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Ace, you should take a break," she says, her voice gentle. "You haven't really gotten a chance to explore Musutafu, have you?"
Ace pauses, wiping down the counter. "I'm fine, Ami. There's still work to do."
"Nonsense," Ami insists, her smile unwavering. "I can handle things here for a bit. Go, see the city. You need to get used to it."
Ace hesitates, then nods gratefully. "Thanks, Ami. I appreciate it."
Finally, we get to do something! Momotaros cheers inside his head. I'm getting bored here!
Let's find something fun, Ace! Ryutaros shouts, excited.
Ace ducks into the back room, quickly changing out of his barista uniform and into his regular clothes. He exits through the back door of Starry, where his Trychaser is parked. He throws a leg over the seat and revs the engine, the familiar rumble a welcome sound.
With a final wave to Ami through the window, Ace pulls out of the alley and into the bustling streets of Musutafu. He glances at his watch, calculating the time he has before his shift resumes. He had a few hours to burn and with the Taros excited to see the city, Ace decides to take them out for a tour.
Ace cruises through Musutafu, the wind whipping through his hair. The city unfolds around him, a vibrant tapestry of everyday life interwoven with extraordinary abilities. People with wings soar overhead, others manipulate objects with a flick of their wrist. Buildings sport gravity-defying architecture, showcasing the seamless integration of Quirks into urban design.
"Whoa, check out that guy with the fire Quirk!" Momotaros exclaims mentally, his voice filled with awe. "I wanna fight him!"
"Senpai, must you always think of fighting?" Urataros sighs. "Look at the women! I wonder if they would like to go fishing?"
Ace mentally rolls his eyes. Focus, guys. We're trying to get a feel for this city, not start a brawl or flirt with every girl we see.
Kintaros, who had been relatively quiet, stirs. "Are there any strong people here?"
"Ooh! Look at the candy store!" Ryutaros chimes in. "Can we get some? Please, Ace?"
Ace smiles. Alright, alright. I get it. You're all itching to experience this world firsthand.
The Taros quiet, sensing where he is going. Ace admits, Staying in the DenLiner can be boring. It also would be beneficial to get closer. A long pause. Okay, fine. I'll let one of you take over for today. But only one, and you have to behave.
An uproar erupts inside his head.
"YES! I'll go first! This world needs to know that I've arrived!" Momotaros shouts.
"Now, now, Senpai," Urataros interjects smoothly. "Surely, you'd prefer someone with a more refined touch to explore the finer aspects of this city. Also, you already have possessed Ace before."
"Let me go! I want to see strong people!" Kintaros roars.
"I wanna see the animals! And candy! Please, Ace, let me go!" Ryutaros begs.
Ace winces, his head throbbing. Enough! he shouts mentally. I'll decide who goes first. Everyone, quiet.
The Taros fall silent, their anticipation palpable. Ace takes a deep breath, weighing his options. He needs someone responsible, but also someone who can adapt to the unexpected. He needed someone to have common sense to get out of a situation without fighting. After what he thought was a century, Ace thinks, Urataros, you're up.
"YES!" Urataros screams, "I will not fail you!"
Ace's eyes snap open, now gleaming with a mischievous glint. A pair of stylish glasses materializes on his face, framing his features with an air of cool mystery. A streak of vibrant blue shoots through his hair, styled with a touch of calculated nonchalance. Gone is the earnest barista; in his place stands a charismatic charmer ready to explore.
Urataros, now in control, revs the Trychaser and veers off the main road, his senses piqued by a vibrant energy emanating from a nearby shopping district. He pulls over and parks the bike.
The district is a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Neon signs flash with advertisements, their glow reflecting off the polished storefronts. Aromas of street food mingle with the sweet scent of pastries, creating a tantalizing olfactory tapestry. Crowds of people with various Quirks bustle along the sidewalks, their conversations weaving a symphony of urban life.
Well, well, well, Senpai! Urataros thought, Look at all these lovely women to see! It's like I died and went to Heaven! Urataros then proceeded to walk into the shopping district.
"Oh, so now the turtle gets to have all the fun?" Momotaros snarks mentally, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Figures. Just try not to embarrass us too much with your cheesy lines, Kame."
Urataros ignores Momotaros's jibe, his focus already fixed on the throng of women filling the shopping district. He strolls through the crowd, a confident smile playing on his lips, his eyes scanning for potential targets. It takes him but a few moments.
"Excuse me, ladies," Urataros begins, his voice smooth as silk, "But has anyone told you that your beauty rivals the stars on a clear night?"
The women blush, giggling and whispering amongst themselves. Within minutes, Urataros is surrounded by a bevy of beauties, all vying for his attention. They shower him with compliments, offering to treat him to meals and buying him gifts.
"Oh, Urataros-san, you simply must try this crepe," one woman coos, handing him a delicate pastry filled with cream and fruit.
"Darling, allow me to buy you that scarf," another says, pointing to a luxurious silk creation in a nearby shop window.
Urataros accepts their offerings with a flourish, his words dripping with flattery. "My dears, you are too kind," he says, his eyes twinkling. "But your company is the greatest gift of all."
Inside Ace's mind, a sigh escapes. Urataros, tone it down, he pleads mentally. Remember, I'm the one who has to deal with these women later.
"Oh, don't worry, Ace," Urataros replies with a chuckle. "I'm sure you'll have no problem taming them. After all, who could resist your charms?"
Ace shakes his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. How did Ryotaro deal with these guys? he wonders. The original Den-O must have been one of the most patient men to have ever lived. Then again, Ryotaro had Hana, a woman who could keep these Imagin in check, he did not.
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz