The Tiny Tots stood in the Japan Branch’s Test Floor in the middle of the training field, looking up at the ceiling. Around them were other older members of the Renegades who were in charge of looking after Chaser operations in the Japan Branch.

  Among them was The Bone Collector, who kept his distance from the rest of the group. The Tiny Tots were the only active Chasers currently at the Japan Branch. Finding suitable recruits seemed tricky; a new batch hadn’t come through since their initial class. The Renegades took the quality over quantity approach, only looking for the best.

  The Canada situation playing out the way it did seemed to validate their approach, and they were not in a rush to fill the Japan Branch’s numbers. The “Tiny Tots” would be enough for the moment, especially with Kenji’s steadily rising abilities emerging.

  “What do you think the meeting is about?” Travis asked.

  “I don’t know, but they better make it quick; I have class in 45 minutes.” Patrick raged.

  “We were all told to sync our schedules, Patrick. No one told you to go rogue and deviate from what we all agreed upon.” Ume berated him.

  “Excuse the hell out of me, bonnie lass! But I’ll be damned if you expect me to be at University earlier than 10am.”

  “Be quiet; it looks like things are about to start.” After Watabe commented, the artificial sky faded to reveal a meeting room.

  Kenji stared at the people positioned on a round table in the center of the meeting room. At the top sat Devin with Zac and Shaila on his sides. Behind him stood Dr. Hamilton, and around the table were the core members of The Renegades. Of course, Franky, Hachiman, and Helena were closest to Zack and Shaila; next to them sat Mawu and Duendes, the Mentors of Travis and Micheal, respectively. Kenji had seen the other mentors before but had no meaningful interactions with them. The rest of the Chasers present in the room stood around the table.

  “Thank you all for attending this meeting on such short notice. Especially those in inconvenient time zones.”

  “Why do we have to be up at 3am for this… stupid Devin.” Another scene appeared in the sky box to reveal two black-masked figures. These were the technological backbone of the Renegades, The Twins. As such, the Renegades went to great lengths to protect their identities.

  “Yeah, sorry, but the Tiny Tots are still in University; we had to schedule it around a convenient time for them.”

  “Hmmmm, fine. A child’s education is important… I guess.” Another of the twins spoke.

  Their voices were distorted, but from their attitudes alone, Kenji couldn’t imagine them being older than he was, maybe even younger. Although that could just be another layer of subterfuge to hide their identities.

  “Back to the point of this meeting. I’d like to introduce Dr. Desire Lea Hamilton. She has been spending the last few months figuring out how to make Nanos work for The Anomaly, and she was successful.” Everyone’s reactions were to be expected.

  Some were excited, some had worried expressions, and others were just at a loss for words. However, Kenji and Ume seemed unsurprised.

  “Don’t be too surprised yet; I have even more shocking news. Zac has no intention of receiving them.” The Chasers became even more rowdy.

  “Not that I’m complaining, I always thought you getting a Program would make you lose your edge, but why? It can’t just be because you’re going to be a dad.” Mawu was the first to respond.

  “We’ll get to that. But first, I’ll let Dr. Hamilton explain what she discovered.” Devin motioned towards Dr. Hamilton.

  “Hello, everyone. I’ll just get straight to the point. As you all know, Nanos didn’t seem to work on The Anomaly because they disappeared or were destroyed before they could complete their work. I initially found this implausible until I examined how your Nanos differed from the prototypes I had created.”

  Dr. Hamilton tapped her datapad, and a screen appeared on the wall behind her. What it showed was an illustration to help describe what she was saying.

  “What I discovered shocked me. While it may not surprise all of you, your Nanos act as a lock and key to your abilities, what you call Programs. It was something I would have never been able to think of; the technology available would not allow for it. When initiated, you show superhuman abilities; when inactive, you're just slightly stronger than the strongest humans, more or less.”

  “What was your approach to Nanos then?” Shaila asked.

  “I’m glad you asked. My intentions for the Nanos were to draw out the individual's potential and have the Nanos dissolve into the subject's bloodstream. However, what you Chasers have is far more complex and admittedly smarter, if only for safety reasons.”

  If things progress like Dr. Hamilton envisioned, then yes, it would be impossible for enemies to replicate her technology. Still, it meant there would be superhumans left walking around unchecked. The Chaser's approach was outside of what she thought possible with current technology, to turn on and off abilities, even against the subject's will. However, it came with clear limitations.

  “The Renegade Nanos unlocking the hidden potential within humans to act as a lock and key, while effective, causes a more explosive reaction. My nanos worked to make the hidden potential truly the subjects. Thus leading to a more stable awakening.”

  “That sounds good, but it risks having individuals with unchecked power.” Duendes pointed out.

  “You are correct, so I simply reprogrammed the Renegade Nanos. To accomplish what I initially envisioned, while simultaneously having the Nanos remain. It was something I couldn't have dreamed of before.” Dr. Hamilton's tone became more excited as she touched her pad, and another image popped up.

  “Using the samples from both The Anomaly and Trigger that were provided, I found success after reprogramming the Nanos. The Anomaly's samples showed clear change. Albeit at the expense of the Nano’s still being destroyed. However, the change was permanent. And re-applying additional Nanos to serve as their original security function would be possible.”

  “This all sounds wonderful, but he doesn’t want them, so what was the point?” Franky asked.

  “What if I told you I could apply this principle to all of you?” Dr. Hamilton said with a smile on her face.

  “She’s saying she can make it so we no longer need to initiate Programs, that we’d always be at 100%,” Ume said within the crowd of Tiny Tots, looking up at the screen. Not seconds later, Dr. Hamilton verified Ume’s assumption.

  “What if I told you initiating a Program will be a thing of the past? The Nano’s would no longer serve as a lock and key for your abilities, but more as a regulator?” Dr. Hamilton smiled.

  Everyone went into a frenzy once again. A Chaser was their most vulnerable before initiating their Program. Even an average human could kill them if they were caught efficiently unawares. Dr. Hamilton gave everyone time to gather themselves. Once everyone had calmed down, she touched her datapad again and continued,

  “That’s not all. During this process, I had another breakthrough. If we go in this direction with the Nanos, these marvelous little machines will be underutilizing their full potential. Since you will no longer need to initiate Programs, we can reprioritize their original functions to enhance your Programs. Something I will be calling Overclocking.”

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  “So, in layman's terms. Instead of controlling our powers, the Nanos will serve to temporarily increase abilities. So an actual regulator, not just metaphorically.” Dr. Shaila explained.

  “Precisely!!” Dr. Hamilton was getting gittier by the second.

  “You say an increase in abilities, and temporary. What exactly are we talking about here?” Hachiman asked.

  “Nearly 100% increase across the board. We are not only talking about power but also capabilities. I looked through your files, and this is the best example I came up with.” The image behind her changed to show Mawu and Akiko.

  “As you see here, these are code names Mawu and Amaterasu. Their Programs work on the same spectrum, just on opposite ends. They both deal with the control of heat values. Mawu decreases heat values while Amaterasu raises them. When these two “Overclock,” not only will the speed and degree they can affect heat values change, they also should be able to encroach on each other's abilities.”

  “So while “Overclocking” I’ll be able to raise Heat Values like Amaterasu?” Mawu asked.

  “You may not be able to do so at the same degree as her when Overclocked, but you should be comparable to her base abilities.” Another clamor echoed throughout the main meeting room, and all branches tuned in.

  “To summarize, with the new Nano processing, you will no longer need to initiate your Programs; you will be at your current 100% at all times, and you’ll be able to 'Overclock' your Programs on top of that.” Shaila dumbed things down for all those watching.

  “You mentioned “Overclocking” would be temporary. How temporary?” One of the standing Chasers asked.

  “In theory, the Overclocking lasts as long as needed. In practice, it’ll last as long as you can handle. You must understand this is a 100% increase in all aspects, including your senses and cognitive abilities. That sudden blast of stimulus could be difficult to handle. So it would depend on the individual.”

  Everyone went silent for a moment, most of them filled with more excitement than when they were first granted their Programs.

  “Are there any more questions?” Dr. Hamilton asked with an excited smile.

  “Just one… with these upgrades, I can only assume The Anomaly will be removed from fieldwork, correct? He really will be a liability at that point.” A female Chaser who was standing spoke.

  Half the Chasers sitting at the table looked at the woman like an idiot. The other half just shook their heads. She wouldn’t say that if she saw what they saw before coming here. The Anomaly, on the other hand, just chuckled.

  “We knew you guys would have these thoughts. Ungrateful little bastards.” The Anomaly spoke.

  “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll take it from here,” Devin said as Dr. Hamilton moved behind Shaila.

  Devin rubbed his finger across the meeting table. A holo pad appeared on the surface of the table. Devin’s fingers rattled across the holo pad, and he wordlessly moved out of the way as the screen behind began to play a scene.

  Devin and Zac stood in the middle of a field training field. The video didn’t have any audio, but it was clear that Devin wasn’t too happy with Zac at the moment and that Zac didn’t seem to care. Devin slowly undid his tie and rolled up his sleeve; the next instant, they were engaging in a melee brawl that was impossible to follow with the human eye and challenging for even the high-tech recording equipment to keep up.

  The fight continued until Zac activated his Dragon Scale, Nano Armor. When the clash between them had finished, it ended in a familiar scene for those sitting at the table. Zac pointing a spear at the neck of a down Devin. Clearing his throat, Devin ended the video. Zac seemed to hold the upper hand during the entirety of the short fight.

  “What you just saw was The Anomaly overpowering me, both with and without my Program activated. He has informed me that he has not reached the limits of what a Taboo Child is capable of. In fact, he is improving at a faster rate as time goes on.” At Devin’s words, the Chaser from before blushed with embarrassment.

  She knew full well that even if she was capable of Overclocking, she wouldn’t be able to last half as long as Devin had. Devin didn’t use any of his abilities, but even still the physical abilities The Anomaly displayed were too ridiculous and overbearing.

  “He hasn’t hit a wall and wants to continue to explore his limits.”

  “Forgive my question, but you seemed rather upset at that time. Is there a reason besides the potential waste of Dr. Hamilton’s time?” Mawu asked.

  “Ah yes, well, I suppose it's time I told you all.” Devin sighed as he looked over Zac.

  “I created the Renegades not simply to police the other Chaser Organization. I had the goal of completely overtaking them and assimilating them into the Renegades. The key to that possibility was ‘The Anomaly' gaining a Program.” Everyone looked over at Zac, who didn’t seem to be too surprised. However, the look on Shaila’s face told a completely different story.

  “Tsk!” Shaila rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair, visibly annoyed.

  “While ‘The Anomaly’ has no desire to obtain a Program, we no longer need him to, and as you’ve seen, he’ll be more than an asset without them. We will have a substantial advantage along with the improvements Dr. Hamilton made with our Nanotechnology. Most importantly, we have Trigger.”

  Everyone in the Japan branch looked over in Kenji’s direction. Kenji looked over in the direction of his father to see his reaction, but there was nothing in that man’s eyes that he could discern.

  “I don’t know what I was expecting.” Kenji thought to himself.

  “Trigger is still a kid,” Duendes said.

  “And yet only 2 people in this room can compare to him. Don't forget I was around his age, when I killed the former leaders of The Adders and Oleanders.” Devin responded.

  “Not to mention there are several other Tiny Tots who will be a substantial addition to our fighting force, especially once they can Overclock.” Devin continued.

  “I don’t like the idea of the kids getting involved in your war, Devin.” The Anomaly interjected.

  “Then you should take the Nanos yourself. Then we’ll have no need to involve them.” Devin responded.

  Zac gave Devin a glare and then put his hands up in defeat. At the end of the day, whether the kids would be involved or not was up to Devin. He no longer had the right to interfere now that he gave up the chance to take in the Nanos.

  “No need to get so worked up. We may be able to consolidate them without much bloodshed. Especially if we convince the Oleanders first. So, are there any more questions?”

  “When do you plan on starting this…conquest,” Helena said excitedly.

  “Dr. Hamilton, how long will it take to enact the upgrades?” Devin asked.

  “I will need to run a few more tests, which should take about a month if I’m being thorough, which I will be. Also, I’ve been informed that some of you don’t have the Renegade Nano Machines. I’ll need to go through the process of replacing the Nanos.”

  “Including Devin and The Bone Collector, there should be only 6.” The Anomaly interjected.

  “Ah well, then I should be able to get everyone upgraded before the wedding.” Dr. Hamilton said with a smile.

  She was more excited about being able to attend the wedding without having to worry about completing this work rather than the work itself.

  “I will also refocus my priorities to assist Dr. Hamilton.” Shaila offered.

  “Having another pair of competent eyes and hands would be greatly appreciated. With Dr. Varma's help, we should be able to get everything done well before Christmas.”

  “Then it’s settled. We will make official plans to subjugate the other organizations, after Zac and Shaila return from their honeymoon. If you have any further questions, contact me privately. Meeting adjourned.”

  Once the meeting was over, everyone left to go about their business. Several Tiny Tots rushed off to University, with Patrick leading the pack. Kenji stayed behind until the training field was empty, and he stared up at the ceiling that had long since changed back to its artificial sky. There was so much to process.

  They expected too much from him. First, it was Zac, and now Devin wanted him to be the face of some war. A war that Kenji didn’t even think was necessary. Why do all the organizations need to be consolidated? Things had worked fine until now. That would also mean having to work with people who wanted him dead. He didn’t understand, or he didn’t want to understand. He hadn’t even had his 18th birthday, and all of this was thrust into his lap.

  He gripped his fist so tight his knuckles turned white. Where was his father in all this? Was he content to let his son be used as a tool of war? Before his irritation thoroughly boiled over, he felt the gentle touch of a familiar hand on his clenched fist.

  “Don’t try and take everything on yourself. Even if no one else is there to help, I am.” Akiko spoke into Kenji's ear as she grabbed his hand.

  He smiled at her, nodding, and turned to see his father staring at him in the distance. He stared back at his father, waiting for him to do anything. All he got in return was a blank stare as his father turned around and walked toward one of the buildings on The Testing Floor. Akiko could feel Kenji gripping her hand tighter,

  “Give him a chance, Kenji. You haven’t made it easy for him to talk to you.”

  “You sound like Zac.”

  “Then I must be right. Sensei Zac is rarely wrong about most things.”

  “Now you’re starting to sound like Ume.” Kenji chuckled.

  “Okay, that’s too much.” Akiko threw Kenji’s hand away and started to walk out of the training grounds.

  “Hey, wait up… I was just kidding!” Kenji laughed as he continued to chase after her. He reached out to grab her hand, the heavy feeling and pressure plaguing him just moments ago faded away like nothing.