The Human Torch (Fire Force) Chapter 4: Train Station (Patreon)

[Third Person's PoV] 


The next day…


“So what changes have you made?” Maki asked as she stared at their armored vehicle, The Matchbox.


“I’m glad you asked,” Johnny said, snapping his fingers at her. “Let's start with the engine.” He popped open the hood. “I completely overhauled it, integrating a high-efficiency combustion system. It now runs on a special fuel mixture I developed that burns hotter and cleaner, giving us more power.


I also added a turbocharger specifically designed to handle extreme heat, which boosts our speed and acceleration. And to keep everything cool, I installed an advanced thermal management system that uses liquid nitrogen cooling. This prevents the engine from overheating, even under the most intense conditions.”


Johnny then looked at her with a smirk. “If the 8th ever performed in a race against the other Brigades, I can guarantee first place.”


Maki chuckled in amusement as she patted his back. “Unfortunately, that isn't a thing.”


“Bummer, there should be… Moving on.”


Moving around to the sides of the vehicle, Johnny pointed out some other modifications. “I reinforced the suspension with heat-resistant components, so The Matchbox can handle rough terrain and high-speed maneuvers without compromising stability. The tires are also upgraded with a new rubber compound that can withstand high temperatures and provide better traction.”


Johnny walked to the rear of the vehicle and showed off some changes to the storage area. “I optimized the storage space and added quick-release mounts for our gear. Plus, I included a built-in repair kit with tools specifically designed for working in high-heat environments. This way, we can make quick fixes on the go if we need to.”


The others who were present for the showing nodded in appreciation. “To do all that in one day is quite impressive,” Obi praised.


Just as the others were agreeing with Obi’s statement, an alarm rang out, signifying an infernal attack.


“It looks like we're about to test out how good your upgrades really are. Get dressed, everyone!” Obi ordered.


As they all went to get changed, Maki stopped him for a bit. “I adjusted your clothing slightly. You should be able to get them off in one quick swoop and put them on just as easily,” she quickly explained before rushing to get changed.


Johnny immediately got changed and went with everyone as they hopped into The Matchbox. As Hinawa began driving them to their destination, he commented, “I can already feel the difference. It operates much more smoothly, not to mention the speed at which we're going.”


They quickly arrived at a train station with people scrambling out in a hurry, screaming in fear.


“Johnny, can you carry us like you did last time to the top of the station?” Obi asked as they all had their gear.


“Yes, sir. Flame On!” Johnny said as he took off his clothes at the same time.


As Johnny created the updraft that carried them, Obi shouted, “Civilians, head to safety! It’s currently dangerous around here!”


“Make way, sister coming through,” Hinawa said, guiding Iris through the civilians toward a flaming cart. There was an infernal walking out of the train cart.


The infernal screeched in pain due to the flames around its body.


“Flame individual confirmed! All members prepare to engage and extinguish,” Obi ordered.


“Understood,” they all responded.


“Ah–”


“You shouldn't be here. Get back,” Obi ordered.


Johnny turned toward who Obi was talking to and both Johnny and Hinawa were surprised to see a boy with short black hair and red eyes looking at Johnny with the same expression.


“Shin–”


“You're–”


Both Johnny’s and Hinawa’s words were interrupted by Obi, who looked at them with a serious expression. “What are you two doing?”


“Right, sorry,” they both said as they turned serious.


Obi lowered his metal mask over his face as he said, “Sister, start your prayers.”


Iris closed her eyes and held her hands together in the same triangle manner as last time. “The flame is the soul’s breath... The black smoke is the soul’s release…”


The infernal screeched as it grew giant balls of fire in its hands and threw them at them. Maki managed to stop one with her manipulation abilities, while Obi pulled out a giant shield to block the attack.


Hinawa then said, “Special extinguishing projectile, Fire!” as he held a small launcher in hand. He released a ball of foam that exploded over the infernal, lowering its flame output.


“Johnny!” Obi ordered.


“Already on it,” he said as he flew past them.


“Ashes thou wert and art,” Johnny muttered as he took a flame attack head-on from the infernal, absorbing it into his body and using it to power his punch.


“May thy soul return to the great flame of fire,” Iris prayed.


Johnny's punch punctured a giant hole that took out the entire middle part of the infernal. As they watched it turn into ashes, they put their hands in the prayer position and all said, “Latom!”


Johnny turned around to see a part of the upper cable of a machine burning before it started falling toward Iris, who hadn’t noticed. Johnny immediately turned into a streak of flames, scooping Iris off her feet and carrying her into the air in a princess carry.


Iris blinked as Johnny looked down at her with a smile. “Are you alright, Sister Iris?”


“Sorry, I’m alright. Thank you,” she said with a small blush at the way he was carrying her.


As Johnny floated down and landed on the ground, he saw Shinra, the black-haired boy, with his arms out as his feet let out small flames and his face turned red in embarrassment.


As Johnny put her down, he pointed toward him and began laughing loudly. “Hahaha! Did you try being the hero again? Hahaha, that's so funny!”


“Shut up. You streaker! I see you still haven't gotten out of the habit of being naked!” Shinra shouted as he pointed toward Johnny, still embarrassed.


“You know I’m going to hold that over your head, right?” Johnny teased.


Iris simply bowed toward Shinra. “I appreciate the gesture.”


Shinra rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. “I didn’t, I didn’t do anything though.”


Hinawa just stared at Shinra. “You’re…”


Shinra’s expression turned serious as he did his salute. “Sorry for the late introduction. I've been assigned to the 8th Special Fire Brigade, Third Generation Fire soldier, Shinra Kusakabe.”


Obi looked at the marks Shinra left on the ground and nodded. ‘He must be the rumored Devil’s Footprint.’


“I take it you two know each other?” He gestured toward Johnny, who was just floating around putting out the fires with Maki.


“Yes, sir. We were in the same class during the academy…” Shinra responded.


After they finished their firefighter duties, they returned to The Matchbox, where Johnny just undid his flames and put on his uniform.


Shinra shook his head and sighed. “The last thing I wanted was to continue seeing you end up naked after graduating from the academy.”


“You’re saying it like I’m willingly choosing to do this,” Johnny rolled his eyes.


“You still enjoy it, you exhibitionist,” Shinra sighed as he got in with them.


Hearing this, they looked toward Johnny, who shrugged his shoulders. “I wasn’t going to spend my whole life hating something I can’t control, so I just decided to roll with it and embrace it.”


“Please tell me you’re still going to keep your clothing on in the office,” Obi said as he patted his shoulders.


“I still have shame. I would do no such thing!” Johnny looked at Obi in surprise.


“Aww…”


They all turned to Maki, who quickly covered her mouth and began turning red.


Shinra, seeing this, glared at Johnny. “You popular bastard,” he muttered, while Johnny just looked at him smugly.