Donbrothers Heroes Of The Peach Guild CH 7

Charles sits in his hovering wheelchair, the polished metal gleaming under the soft light of his study. Books line the walls, their spines whispering tales of countless worlds and forgotten knowledge. A fire crackles merrily in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across his calm, intelligent features. He sips from a steaming mug of tea, listening intently as Hank recounts his... extraordinary tale.

"So, let me get this straight, Hank," Charles says, his voice a soothing balm, "you were contacted through a pair of sunglasses, transformed into a blue-furred ape-like warrior called Saru Brother, and battled a giant baseball monster alongside a delivery man dressed as a peach?"

Hank, pacing back and forth in front of Charles' desk, nods emphatically.

"That's the gist of it, Charles, yes. And there was this chat group—the Peach Hero Guild—with a lady in a jester outfit and a brooding hedgehog. I know, I know, it sounds utterly preposterous."

Charles sets down his teacup, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. He has known Hank for decades, witnessed his brilliance firsthand, and shared countless adventures. He has never known him to be delusional. He can sense the truth behind Hank's words.

"Hank, my dear friend, you know I value your intellect and your… colorful imagination. But this... this strains credulity, even for me."

Hank stops pacing, his brow furrowed with frustration.

"Charles, I understand your skepticism, but I assure you, I am being entirely serious. Every word I've spoken is the truth. I wouldn't jest about something like this."

He hesitates, then continues with a plea.

"If you don't believe me, Charles, read my mind. See for yourself. See the transformations, the battles, the... the absurdity of it all."

Charles considers Hank's request. He rarely invades the privacy of others' minds without explicit consent, but he can sense Hank's genuine distress. He extends his hand, a subtle shimmer of psionic energy enveloping his fingertips.

"Very well, Hank. If it will set your mind at ease, I shall take a peek."

He closes his eyes, his mind reaching out, gently probing Hank's consciousness. Images flood his mind—Hank's lab, equations swirling, experiments bubbling. He sees the moment the sunglasses materialized, the surge of energy as he transformed into Saru Brother.

He sees the chaotic battlefield, the grotesque Baseball Hitotsuki, the Anoni swarming, and the blur of colors as the Donbrothers fought side-by-side. But when he attempts to delve deeper, to understand the mechanics of the chat group, the nature of the power that transformed Hank, he encounters a wall. A thick, impenetrable fog shrouds those memories, obscuring them from his psychic gaze.

He strains, focusing his immense telepathic power, attempting to pierce the veil. But it is no use. The fog remains, unyielding, defiant. It is like trying to push against a brick wall. A wave of shock washes over Charles. He is one of the most powerful telepaths on the planet, yet he cannot access Hank's memories. It is unprecedented.

He withdraws his mental probe, his eyes snapping open, his face etched with disbelief.

"I... I cannot," he stammers, his voice barely a whisper. "I cannot read those memories, Hank. It is as if they are shielded, blocked from my reach."

Hank's eyes widen, a mixture of surprise and intrigue flitting across his face.

"Fascinating," he muses, stroking his blue furred chin. "I knew the effects of the chat group and the power I was given was impressive, but that's more than I could have imagined. If you of all people, can't get into my mind, Charles, who can? Could it be some property of the goddess Helia, or the gear given to me? Who knows, it may be both."

Before Hank can continue his train of thought, a familiar glow erupts from his chest. His eyes widen, and his hand moves instinctively to his coat pocket. The Donblaster materializes in his hand.

[Donblaster!]

The device emits a series of beeps.

"It seems I am being summoned again, Charles," Hank says, his voice tinged with excitement. "Duty calls. We shall have to continue this conversation later."

Before Charles can respond, the Donblaster emits a beam of light that envelops Hank's body. With a flash, he vanishes from the room, leaving Charles alone in his study, his mind reeling from the events that just transpired. The fire crackles, the shadows dance, and the books stand silent, witnesses to a reality far stranger than he could have ever imagined.

…

Chapter 7 - Scene 2

Gotham City—a festering wound on the face of the earth. Skyscrapers claw at the perpetually overcast sky, their gothic spires casting long, ominous shadows over the grimy streets below. Rain slicks the alleyways, reflecting the neon glow of flickering signs that advertise everything from cheap booze to back-alley plastic surgery. The air hangs thick with the stench of exhaust fumes, stale garbage, and the ever-present undercurrent of fear. Crime seeps into every crack and crevice of this decaying metropolis, a constant reminder of the city's broken soul.

In the heart of Gotham, on a street lined with jewelry stores that gleam like sirens in the night, Harley Quinn skips down the sidewalk. She is in her red and black Jester outfit. A baseball bat, wrapped in barbed wire, rests casually on her shoulder. Boredom gnaws at her insides. The day had been dull, and she craves a little chaos, a little excitement to break the monotony.

I could always do a good deed, she thinks, idly twirling a strand of her blue-and-red-dyed hair. Earn some points in that Peach Hero Guild thingy. But nah, being good is overrated.

Her eyes settle on a particularly opulent jewelry store, its windows sparkling with diamonds and gold. A mischievous grin spreads across her face. "Retail therapy it is!"

She swings her bat, shattering the display window with a satisfying crash. Alarms blare, but Harley pays them no mind. She hops through the broken glass, grabbing handfuls of jewels, stuffing them into a burlap sack she has conveniently brought along. Old habits die hard, after all. And, well, she is bonkers.

It's not like they're using it, she muses, admiring a particularly gaudy diamond necklace. Besides, these gems will look great on my pet hyenas.

A shadow falls across the doorway.

"Harley," a deep, gravelly voice booms. "Stop this now. Surrender."

Batman. Of course. Always the buzzkill.

Harley sighs dramatically, turning to face the Dark Knight, her grin widening.

"Batsy! What a pleasant surprise! Just doing a little window shopping, ya know? Besides, if I don't get my hands on these, who will?"

"This ends here, Harley."

"Oh, Bats, you are such a party pooper."

She lunges at him, swinging her bat with manic energy. Batman dodges, his movements precise and economical. He throws a series of batarangs, but Harley deflects them with her bat, laughing as they clatter harmlessly to the floor.

"Come on, Bats! Loosen up! Let's have some fun!"

Their fight is a whirlwind of acrobatics and brute force. Harley's attacks are wild and unpredictable, while Batman's are calculated and controlled. He aims to disarm and subdue, not to harm. After a bit, Batman ensnares her whole body with his wires.

"Ugh, seriously Bats? No fun at all."

[Donblaster!]

A yellow gun materializes in front of Harley.

Her smile widens.

"Well, Bats, it's been real, but I have somewhere to be," she says, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Toodles!"

Before Batman can react, the Donblaster fires a beam of light upwards, enveloping Harley in its glow. She waves goodbye, her laughter echoing in the night, before disappearing completely, leaving behind only the wires.

Batman stares at the empty space where Harley once stood, his cape billowing in the wind. His mind races, trying to make sense of what he just witnessed. This is unlike anything he has encountered before.

He crouches down, examining the wires, searching for clues. Nothing.

What was that device? Where did she go?

A new mystery has presented itself. He turns and grapples away. Batman's investigation begins.

…

The air crackles with the acrid stench of burning metal and ozone. Twisted wreckage of G.U.N. vehicles—Humvees flipped on their sides, helicopters reduced to smoldering heaps—litter the streets of what was once a bustling Tokyo district. Bodies of G.U.N. operatives, clad in black tactical gear, lay scattered among the debris, testament to the raw power that had been unleashed here.

In the center of the carnage stands Shadow, the ebony hedgehog, his crimson eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. He surveys the scene with a detached air, his expression a mask of cold indifference. Just moments ago, he had been a wanderer in a strange, new world, grappling with the realization that half a century had slipped away while he was in suspended animation. Now, he is a fugitive, hunted by an organization he barely understands.

Tokyo, 2024. The neon lights of a technologically advanced metropolis assault his senses. Fifty years. A lifetime lost. The world had moved on, leaving him behind like a relic of a forgotten era. He had emerged from his stasis tube, a ghost from the past, only to be confronted by the harsh reality of the present. The world of 2024 is nothing like the one he remembers.

He was merely trying to find his bearings, to understand this unfamiliar landscape, when the G.U.N. operatives descended upon him. They moved with practiced efficiency, surrounding him with their vehicles and weapons, their faces grim and determined.

"Shadow the Hedgehog, you are under arrest!" their leader had barked, his voice amplified through a loudspeaker. "Surrender immediately!"

Shadow, however, has other plans.

He had given them a chance to walk away, to leave him in peace. But they had refused. They had come at him with their weapons and their threats, forcing him to defend himself. And defend himself he did, with ruthless efficiency.

Now, as he stands amidst the ruins of their assault, a flicker of annoyance crosses his features. He had no desire for this conflict, no wish to engage in senseless violence. But they had given him no choice.

Suddenly, the whirring of helicopter blades overhead pierces the silence. Shadow glances up, his eyes narrowing as a G.U.N. chopper hovers into view. A figure leaps from the open doorway, landing gracefully on the ground. Three figures materialize.

The blue hedgehog, the one with the cocky grin and boundless energy. The yellow fox with the two tails, his eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. And the red echidna, his fists clenched, his face a picture of grim determination.

Team Sonic.

"Well, well, well," the blue hedgehog quips, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Looks like we found the source of all the trouble. And dang, he looks just like me."

Shadow raises an eyebrow, his expression one of disdain. "I do not look like you. You look like me."

"Whoa, harsh, dude," the blue hedgehog retorts, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "No need to get all edgy about it. We just wanna know what's going on here. Why are you wrecking up the place?"

"This is none of your concern," Shadow replies, his voice cold and dismissive. "Walk away. Now."

"Sorry, pal, can't do that," the blue hedgehog says, shaking his head. "We were sent here to stop you. But hey, I'm willing to cut you a deal. Just tell us what you're up to, and come with us. We can talk this out."

"There is nothing to talk about," Shadow retorts, turning to leave. "I have no interest in your… offers."

The red echidna steps forward, his fists clenched tighter. "Enough talk! Let us settle this like warriors! Talk with our fists!"

He charges at Shadow, his powerful legs propelling him forward with surprising speed. "Let us talk with our fists!"

Shadow braces himself, ready to meet the echidna's attack head-on. Foolish.

[Donblaster!]

A yellow gun materializes in front of Shadow.

"What!" Shadow exclaims, his eyes widening in surprise.

Before he can react, the Donblaster fires a beam of light upwards, enveloping him in its glow. In an instant, he vanishes, leaving behind only the faint scent of ozone and confusion.

The echidna skids to a halt, his fists still clenched, his face a mask of bewilderment. "Where did he go?"

The blue hedgehog stares at the empty space where Shadow had stood, his expression thoughtful. "Well, that was weird…"

The yellow fox hovers closer, his tails spinning nervously. "What was that? Did he just… teleport?"

The blue hedgehog shrugs, his usual confidence wavering slightly. "I dunno, Tails. But whatever it was, it got him out of here. Guess we'll have to track him down."

He glances at the echidna, a playful glint in his eyes. "Maybe next time, Knuckles, you'll get a chance to 'talk with your fists'."

…

Chapter 7 - Scene 4

A gentle breeze rustles through the quiet suburban street as a young man, no older than twenty, offers his assistance to an elderly woman struggling with a heavy bag of groceries. His smile is bright, his eyes filled with genuine warmth. He takes the bag with ease, his muscles barely straining under the weight.

"Oh, thank you so much, dear," the old woman says, her voice raspy with age. "You're a lifesaver. My old bones just aren't what they used to be."

"It's no problem at all, ma'am," the young man replies, his voice polite and respectful. "Happy to help."

He accompanies her to her doorstep, carefully placing the bag down before offering a final, reassuring smile. "Have a good day, now."

"You too, dear," the old woman says, her eyes crinkling with gratitude. "You're a good boy."

As the old woman shuffles inside, the young man's smile falters, a strange, unsettling glint appearing in his eyes. His skin begins to ripple, the edges blurring as if melting under intense heat. A viscous, almost iridescent slime starts to drip from his form, pooling on the sidewalk in grotesque puddles. The handsome features of the young man dissolve, replaced by something far more familiar, far more sinister.

Ash-blonde hair spills forth, haphazardly arranged into messy twin buns. Yellow eyes, wide and unblinking, pierce the air. A wide, unsettling smile stretches across her face, revealing rows of sharp teeth.

Himiko Toga.

The transformation complete, she giggles softly, wiping a stray smear of slime from her cheek. "What a pain," she mumbles to herself, her voice laced with a hint of childish petulance. "Being nice is hard work!"

She pulls out her phone, her fingers deftly navigating the screen until she finds the Peach Hero Guild chat group. Her eyes light up as she notices a small increase in her point total.

[+5 Points for Assisting Elderly Citizen]

"Yay! More points!" she squeals, clapping her hands together. "Being a good girl does pay off!"

For Himiko Toga, life had always been a delicate balancing act, a constant struggle to reconcile her true nature with the expectations of a society that couldn't understand her.

She had been an ordinary student, seemingly normal, even popular, doing her best to conceal the darkness that lurked within. She smiled, made friends, and dutifully followed the path laid out for her, all the while battling the insatiable urge to indulge her bloodlust.

But beneath the façade of normalcy, her Transform Quirk fueled a deep, all-consuming obsession. It had been there from the beginning, manifesting in disturbing childhood incidents that her parents had tried desperately to suppress. The dead bird she had proudly presented to them, the unsettling fascination she had shown towards any injury or wound—these were all signs of a darkness that her parents refused to acknowledge.

Forced into quirk-counseling and subjected to relentless social pressures, Toga had learned to hide her true self, to bury her desires deep within. But the strain of pretending, of constantly denying her own nature, had eventually taken its toll.

In middle school, the pressure had become unbearable, and something inside her had finally snapped. She could no longer contain the darkness, no longer deny the urges that threatened to consume her. She had given in, attacking and kissing a bleeding classmate named Saito, reveling in the intoxicating release of her suppressed self.

But that act of liberation had come at a steep price. She had been branded a "demon child," ostracized by her peers and disowned by her parents. Forced to fend for herself, Toga had taken to the streets, robbing and using her Quirk to obtain blood from unsuspecting strangers. She survived by staying hidden, constantly changing her appearance, flitting from place to place like a shadow.

But now, with the advent of the Peach Hero Guild chat group, she had found a new purpose, a new outlet for her twisted desires. Helping people, even in small ways, earned her points, which she could then use to unlock new abilities and equipment. And, surprisingly, she had found a strange sort of enjoyment in chatting with the other members of the group.

It was unexpected, to be sure, but the camaraderie, the sense of belonging, was something she had never experienced before. She almost felt like she had made new friends. She couldn't help but wonder what their blood tasted like. Maybe if she asks nicely, they'll let her have a sip...

[Donblaster!]

The sudden appearance of the Donblaster jolts her out of her reverie. Her eyes widen, a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins.

Another fight? she wonders, her smile widening. That means she gets to see her friends.

Without hesitation, she reaches out, her fingers wrapping around the familiar yellow plastic.

The Donblaster emits a bright flash of light, engulfing her in its glow. In an instant, Himiko Toga vanishes, leaving behind only the lingering scent of blood and a faint echo of her gleeful laughter.

…

The Medicalroid Hitotsuki stomps down the hallway, its massive frame shaking the floor. "YOU CANNOT ESCAPE MY CARE!" it booms, its voice a distorted echo. The surgical saw whirs menacingly, sending sparks flying.

Taro, cradling Hibiki, navigates the chaos with surprising agility. He darts past overturned gurneys, dodges panicked nurses, and leaps over frozen patients encased in translucent capsules. The Medicalroid struggles to keep up, its movements clumsy and lumbering.

"Hold on tight," Taro says to Hibiki, his voice calm amidst the pandemonium. "I will protect you."

Hibiki clings to him desperately, burying her face in his shoulder. Her heart pounds against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the backdrop of screams and mechanical roars. "What's happening? What is that thing?" she cries, her voice muffled.

Taro doesn't answer. He focuses on finding a way out. The main entrance is blocked by the Medicalroid, and the elevators are likely out of service. That leaves only one option: the windows.

But those are on the third floor, he thinks, his mind racing. And I have Hibiki to consider.

He glances at Hibiki, her eyes wide with fear. He knows he can't risk a direct confrontation with the Medicalroid while carrying her. He needs to create an opening, a distraction.

"Hibiki," he says, his voice firm, "I have a plan."

Hibiki looks up at him, her expression a mix of fear and trust. "A plan? What kind of plan?"

"Close your eyes," Taro instructs.

Hibiki's brow furrows. "Close my eyes? Why? What are you going to do?"

Taro doesn't elaborate. He simply takes a deep breath and sprints towards the nearest window. "Trust me."

He crashes through the glass, shattering it into a million pieces. [CRASH!]

Hibiki screams, her body tensing in his arms. The wind whips past them, cold and unforgiving.

Taro grabs onto a nearby tree branch, his grip secure. He swings them both through the air, executing a series of acrobatic maneuvers that defy gravity. [WHOOSH!]

Hibiki gasps, her eyes squeezed shut. She can feel the wind rushing past her face, the ground a dizzying distance below.

Taro releases the branch at the precise moment, landing gracefully on his feet. Hibiki tumbles into his arms, her body shaking.

"What... what just happened?" she stammers, her eyes still closed.

"I experienced a gymnastics class once," Taro replies matter-of-factly.

Hibiki's eyes snap open, her jaw dropping. "You... you took a gymnastics class? And that's how you did that?!"

Taro doesn't answer. He simply adjusts his grip on her and resumes running, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We must keep moving."

Hibiki stares at him, speechless. She can't believe what just happened. She was certain she was going to die. But now, she finds herself in the arms of a strange, stoic man who claims to have taken a gymnastics class, fleeing from a monstrous doctor. Life, she decides, is full of surprises.

Meanwhile, back inside the hospital, the Medicalroid Hitotsuki is enraged. "WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING?!" it roars, its voice echoing through the halls.

It stomps towards the shattered window, its mechanical limbs grinding against the floor. It peers outside, its scanning lens searching for its prey.

Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light erupts in the hallway behind it. [FLASH!]

The Medicalroid whirls around, its surgical saw spinning wildly. Standing before it are four figures, bathed in an otherworldly glow.

Hank, Harley, Shadow, and Toga.

Saru Brother, Oni Sister, Inu Brother, and Kiji Sister.

"Huh? Where are we? A hospital?" Toga says, her head tilting like a confused puppy. "And we are already in costume?"

Hank steps forward, adjusting his glasses, even though he doesn't need them in this form. "I do not detect Momotaro either. Peculiar."

Shadow surveys surroundings, his crimson eyes narrowed, his gaze settling on the grotesque figure looming down the hallway. "Focus. There is an enemy."

The Medicalroid Hitotsuki's one glowing red eye scans them, its surgical saw revving up. "NEW PATIENTS DETECTED. COMMENCING TREATMENT."

Toga clutches her Donblaster, a worried expression clouding her face. "Are we gonna be okay without Taro-san? He usually tells us what to do..."

Harley, however, is bouncing on the balls of her feet, her eyes gleaming with manic energy. "Who cares where the peach dude is?! This is our chance to shine, toots! And earn some points!" She cracks her knuckles, grinning widely. "Harley's gonna show that peach boy who's the real MVP around here!"

Without waiting for a plan, Harley charges forward, twirling her mallet with acrobatic flair. "Alright, robo-doc! Time for your check-up! And this time, it's gonna HURT!"

The Medicalroid responds with a swipe of its syringe cannon, unleashing a beam of sickly green light. Hank leaps into action, his enhanced agility allowing him to evade the beam with ease. The others follow, but are forced to retreat and engage in the Hitotsuki.

Taro, meanwhile, surveyed the scene. The immediate threat was gone, and people were streaming out of the hospital entrance, guided by emergency personnel. The evacuation seemed surprisingly orderly, a testament to the drills and protocols put in place due to the Noise attacks that plagued this world. Even though the source of the chaos was a Hitotsuki, the procedures remained effective.

Satisfied that Hibiki was no longer in immediate danger, Taro gently set her down.

"Thank you," Hibiki said, her voice soft but sincere.

"It was within my duty," Taro replied, his tone as neutral as ever.

"Hibiki!" a voice cried out.

Taro turned to see a girl with short, dark green hair rushing towards them. It was Miku, her face etched with worry.

"Miku!" Hibiki exclaimed, her face lighting up.

Miku enveloped Hibiki in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Hibiki! I was so worried! When I heard about the attack, I rushed here as fast as I could!"

Hibiki gently stroked Miku's hair, guilt washing over her. "I'm so sorry I worried you, Miku. I'm okay, really."

Seeing that Hibiki was safe and with her friend, Taro turned back towards the hospital. He needed to deal with the Medicalroid.

"Where are you going?" Hibiki asked, noticing his departure.

"I must eliminate the source of the disruption," Taro replied, his gaze fixed on the . He started walking.

"Wait!" Hibiki called out, trying to stand up but her leg failing her.

Taro didn't stop. He simply quickened his pace, disappearing into the chaos.

Miku watched him go, her brow furrowed. "Who was that?"

Hibiki smiled, a warm glow in her eyes. "That was Taro. My new friend."

…

The battle was already a mess.

Oni Sister, wielding the Full Kanabō with surprising ferocity, swung wildly, but her attacks lacked precision. Her movements were flashy and chaotic, but more often than not, she ended up hitting empty air. [CLANG!] Her strikes echoed, the Kanabō’s spikes scraping against the hospital walls.

Saru Brother, meanwhile, attempted a more strategic approach. He analyzed the Medicalroid's movements, searching for weaknesses. But his attempts to coordinate with Oni Sister were failing.

"Oni, a more targeted approach is required!" Hank exclaimed, leaping over a fallen IV stand. "Your erratic swings are doing little but damaging the infrastructure!"

"Hey, genius, I'm doing my best!" Harley retorted, swinging her kanabō. "Maybe if you weren't so busy yapping, you could actually help!"

Just then, Kiji Sister launched herself into the air, attempting a flying kick at the Medicalroid's head.

"Suki, suki!" Toga chirped.

But her timing was off. As she descended, Saru Brother attempted to deliver a powerful punch. [SMACK!] The two collided mid-air, sending them both tumbling to the ground.

"Ow! Kiji-chan, watch where you're going!" Hank said, rubbing his head.

"Gomen, Saru-san!" Toga apologized, scrambling to her feet. "I didn't see you there!"

Shadow, who had been observing the chaotic scene from the sidelines, sighed inwardly.

The Medicalroid seized the opportunity, firing a volley of freezing beams from its syringe cannon. [PEW! PEW! PEW!]

The beams flew in all directions, encasing anything they touched in translucent capsules. Saru Brother and Oni Sister dove for cover, while Kiji Sister scrambled to avoid being frozen.

"Scatter!" Hank barked, attempting to create some semblance of order.

But it was too late. One of the beams was heading straight for Oni Sister, who was too close to react. Time seemed to slow as the beam approached her.

Suddenly, a black blur zipped past, knocking Oni Sister out of the way. The beam struck the wall behind them, encasing it in ice.

It was Inu Brother.

With his enhanced speed and teleportation abilities, he had intercepted the beam at the last possible second. He landed gracefully, his eyes narrowed on the Medicalroid.

"Prioritize evasion," Shadow commanded, his voice sharp and concise. "I will handle the ranged attacks."

Without another word, he sped towards the Medicalroid, a black streak against the sterile white walls. [WHOOSH!] He unleashed a series of rapid kicks, each one aimed at disrupting the Hitotsuki’s aim.

The Medicalroid, momentarily stunned, staggered back. It raised its syringe cannon again, preparing to fire another barrage.

"Kiji Sister, now!" Shadow commanded.

Toga, recovering from her earlier mishap, nodded and launched herself into the air once more. This time, her timing was perfect.

"Kiji Kick!" Toga cried.

Her clawed boots connected with the Medicalroid’s face, sending sparks flying. [CLANG!] The Medicalroid stumbled backward, its scanning lens flickering.

"Arigato, Inu-san!" Toga exclaimed.

The force of their battle had carried them out of the hospital and into the courtyard, a small oasis of green amidst the sterile surroundings. Patients who were not frozen watched in stunned silence as the four figures battled the monstrous doctor.

Seeing the civilians in harm's way, Shadow decided they needed to end this fast. "This battle end now."

But the Medicalroid, fueled by Dr. Arata’s twisted obsession, was far from defeated. It unleashed a powerful blast from its syringe cannon, sending a wave of green energy hurtling towards the Donbrothers.

Shadow, with his teleportation ability and speed, was the only one who could react in time. He zipped in front of the others, absorbing the brunt of the blast. But even with his enhanced durability, the force of the impact sent him staggering.

"Inu!" Hank said.

"Are you alright, Inu-san?" Toga said, but before she could finish speaking, Shadow vanished.

The others had managed to dive out of the way, narrowly avoiding being frozen. But now, they were scattered and vulnerable. The Medicalroid advanced, its surgical saw spinning.

"Time for your final treatment!" the Hitotsuki booms.

The Medicalroid advances, its surgical saw spinning. Oni Sister struggles to her feet, a defiant grin plastered on her face. Saru Brother, ever the strategist, scans the terrain, seeking an advantage. Kiji Sister, despite her earlier blunder, is ready to continue.

"Alright, you overgrown tetanus shot," Harley shouts, hefting her kanabō. "Let's see if you can handle a little mayhem!"

But their efforts prove futile. The Medicalroid is too powerful, too relentless. It swats away Oni Sister’s attacks with ease, the kanabō bouncing harmlessly off its metallic hide. The surgical saw spins with dizzying speed, forcing Harley to duck and weave to avoid being sliced to ribbons. Hank attempts to deliver a calculated blow, but the Medicalroid anticipates his move, grabbing his arm and slamming him into the ground. [THUD!] Toga tries to help, launching a series of kicks. However, the Medicalroid barely registers them. It simply brushes her aside, sending her tumbling through the air.

The Donbrothers are pushed back, their initial bravado replaced by a growing sense of desperation. This Hitotsuki is unlike anything they have faced before, its strength seemingly limitless. They are starting to wonder how they are going to take down this monster, when suddenly, traditional Japanese festival music starts playing, its music echoing throughout the area. [🎶 TA-DA! TA-DA! TA-DA!🎶 ] The Donbrothers and the Hitotsuki wonder where that music is coming from.

All eyes turned to the source of the music. In the entrance of the courtyard were beautiful women, Mikoshi and Miko Dancers wearing white yukatas with golden designs, dancing and throwing flowers from their baskets. Half-naked men wearing fundoshi carrying a giant red palanquin. And on the red palanquin was a bike, Superbike Enya Rideon, and on that bike was Don Momotaro.

"AHAHAHAHA! Hey, hey, hey! It's a festival! It's a festival, everyone!" Momotaro announces, a grin on his face. He fans himself with his fan, which has a peach symbol in its center.

The Donbrothers stare, mouths agape, at this unexpected spectacle. Toga squeals with delight, clapping her hands together.

"Taro-san! He's here!"

Hank raises an eyebrow, a mixture of confusion and exasperation on his face. Harley bursts out laughing, her voice echoing through the courtyard.

"Am I seeing things? Is he... on a palanquin?" Hank remarks.

"This is so funny!" Harley says between laughs. "He is extra!"

Shadow, however, remains unmoved. His expression is as stoic as ever. "Was this entrance necessary?"

Momotaro, oblivious to their reactions, continues his theatrical pronouncements, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"A chance meeting may be because of a link from a previous life."

"Even the pebble you stumble upon links to something."

"Dancing together links(en) us together."

"This world is a paradise (rakuen!)!"

"I'll blow all your worries away!"

"Now laugh! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

He continues to fan himself, his laughter echoing. With a flourish, Momotaro throws the fan away, sending it spinning through the air. He revs the Rideon and rides it off the palanquin towards the Hitotsuki. Momotaro jumps off the bike, Zanglassword in hand.

"Now! Let's have a fair fight!" Momotaro proclaims, striking a heroic pose.