On the distant world of Cursa V, light-years away from Earth, the landscape is a desolate expanse of barren terrain. The atmosphere grows increasingly hostile with each passing moment, choked by swirling dust and debris. Amidst this bleak environment, the air is suddenly shattered by the thunderous, ear-splitting screech of a colossal monster engaged in a fierce battle. While a single hero, or a warrior kneeling, facing the monster on it's own. The warrior is non other than the old Ultra warrior, Ultraman Hikari.

He holds on his arm, struggling to keep up as the kaiju towers over him on their two feet. About 5 to 10 metre taller than him. The menacing monster, body's covered with metallic scales up to their 4 arms that each holds a different weapon in their two hands. Black and white decaying fur under the scales, while a trace of a rotten flesh can also be seen in between the scale and the thin fur. The monster's face is no different, with multiple eyes that glows in the colour of a crimson red, and a head in a shape of a monkey's that's covered in black fur. The eyes soon begins to blast a powerful energy toward Ultraman Hikari. Gratefully, he was able to roll away, dodging any direct hit. However the impact of the blast is enough to throw him off of his feet once again and falls, rolling on the ground.

Ultraman Hikari groans, in both pain and anger. The planet that used to be filled with civilization, is now just an empty barren terrain, that's covered in ashes and fire. However, that's no reason for him to give up and flee from the battle right away. He knows the Kaiju is now a critical threat to the universe, leaving now would endanger other planet as they would be able to roam freely. Hikari stands up, balling his fist as he forms any other energy he have left in within him.

Just as Hikari got up on both of his feet, the Kaiju flies out towards the space. Hikari then gazes down on the planet, and notices the bright red that glows between the cracks on the surface. He groans, looking back up to the kaiju and flies towards its direction, as fast as he can. Both giant was able to escape as the planet suddenly explodes into pieces of rocks that will now forever floats in the empty space. Leaving not even a sign of a planet that once used to be a civilization in the system. Not even a single trace of the planet to used to orbit around their sun.

In the empty space, the kaiju flies in a speed of light, but was unable to overpass Hikari's speed. The Kaiju's waist is soon wrapped by Hikari's arm. With his fingers, Hikari grabs on the Kaiju's fur, and climbs the Kaiju so they would level again. Hikari then blows a punch on the Kaiju's face, before using his palm and strikes the Kaiju's Chin's hard as he can. Though, the attempt couldn't even damage nor hurt the Kaiju. Their eyes glows bright red once again, hurling a powerful beam blast toward Hikari. To which he dodges by letting go of the Kaiju, but grabbed onto their ankle, he decides that no matter what, he must lock or eliminate the kaiju once and for all.

Planet Earth, Kyoto.

A total of 20 men and women, stands on the stage in a hall that's filled with people that dresses sharply, in a unique and elegant blend of formal sophistication and sleek. Crafted from a high-tech, adaptive fabric, it combines durability with luxury. The material is smooth and resilient, offering both comfort and a sleek. Whilst the woman wearing an evening dress, the hem of the dress glows with jewelry in a size of a dust, that shines almost like the stars itself in a various colours.

The hall is shined, by a glowing source of light ball that floats by the ceiling of the room, creating a light of bright olive and white thay shines the hall itself. Once an old man, that wears a sharp looking black suit, that would also be complimented by its logo of the UDI. The crowds begin to claps, cheering the old man that soon stands just by the podium. The claps dies down as the old man smile, and taps on the flat of the mic. He then clears his throat before he speak.

"Good evening to you, Generals and leaders of the UDI. Today, we are gathered to reveals and congratulate to our students, that stands on this stage. Look at their face, and be prouds of this faces, as they are the only 20 people that went through the hell of the UDI academy training, and stick through the end." The old man says, with full of pride and joy.

The crowds of soldiers begins to claps, some even smiles and yells congratulations to the 20 candidates who stood on the stage, wearing an olive coloured military coveral.

The old man taps on the mic again, to silence the crowds. He then smiles, as he takes out an envelope in his suit pocket. While opening it, the old man says. "Unfortunately, as all of you has been told. This year, we'd only accept 5 candidates to graduate, and absorb into the UDI official force. The name that is written in this paper, is the name of trainee, that will graduate and absorbed into the institute as an official staff."

The candidates begins to feel the tension, the worries of having to go back to the academy leaves nothing but distress. Years in the academy was never easy, and the thought to return back to go through the same thing would result in quitting for some of the participants.

The old man sigh, leading the mic toward his lips as he speaks again. "Do not fret, nor saddened if you're not chosen. sticking through 10 years in the academy is enough to prove, that bunch of you is a very strong fella... Well, without further ado.. Let us carry on with the ceremony."

The candidates then steps forward, forming a long line along the stage as instructed by the emcee. The old man lifts the card as he reads it. "First candidate to graduate is... Takayuki Kimura!" He reads it out loud, as a middle aged man steps forward, flashing a smile and bows to the crowd as they begin to claps.

Takayuki walks towards the old man, then bow before they both shakes each other's hand. The old man hands him a piece of small capsule that contains the certificate. Takayuki then steps back to the right side of the stage as he stood straight, waiting for the end of the ceremony.

After about 2 other candidates receiving their certificate, there's only 17 left, standing nervous on the stage as they pray and hopes for their name to come up. The old man continues, reading the note of candidates name. "Please, give a round of applause for three of our newly official member of the UDI."

The old man clears his throat, then continues. "Alright then, let us carry on shall we? The next on the list of our graduated candidates... Hana Sato..." The crowd claps, though it seems weaker than the other three.

Hana Sato was quite popular, not because she excels or made any impact in the academy, it's because of how poor her combat exam is. Though, it is well known that she excells in the medical division. To add the poison, she's only 25 years old. Making her the youngest candidate to ever graduate. Some would even speculate that she uses some sort of connection to graduate on this year's ceremony.

With sullen expression, she walks towards the other three candidates who graduated as well, while the old man clears his throat and continue. "Very well, for the last of our candidates that would graduate this year.... Kaito Matsuda!"

A man steps forward, as the crowds claps and congratulates him. The man have a puffy black hair, that falls down onto his forehead as a bang. Standing on 1.73m tall. He smiles half heartedly before he bows and gives them a lazy salute. Kaito waits on the front of the stage as the other 4 graduate steps towards his side, forming a long line facing the crowds.

With a defeated expression, the remaining 15 candidate walks back to the backstage while the other 5 remains. The old man moves to Takayuki's side, with a big smile he says to the mic. "Give a round of applause to our newly graduate academy students..." The crowds claps once again for them.

The old man then turns his attention to the 5 graduate as he say. "Before we end our ceremony today, let me give you a few word. Our universe may have been safe for the last 20 years, free from any invasion of Kaiju. Though, do not let this be a setback for you to not work your hardest. Because the safety of our universe, lies in your hands. Again, we congratulate, and welcome you to the UDI. May your intention be clear, in keeping the world safe. Thank you." The old man bows, as the 5 of them did as well.

The lunch then begin, all candidates walks down the stage to meet their seniors and enjoys the selection of foods that has been made for the ceremony. However, one of the candidate decides to leave early, and not celebrate their graduation. The person is non other than Kaito Matsuda.

Entering backstage, the thuds of Kaito's boot echoes as he steps on the wooden flooring of the backstage. He walk pass the group of candidates who weren't able to graduate on the current year. Some of them turns their gaze towards Kaito, as one of the male candidate speak. "It's no surprise you graduate this year Matsuda... Congratulations." The man says, walking towards Kaito and shakes their hand.

Kaito scoffs, and shrugs as he responds. "Of course, this is the second year they put me as a candidate for graduation. I wonder why it took them so long anyway." Kaito says, in a carefree tone, as if he don't really care about it.

Nevertheless, the man chuckles and nods in response. He pats Kaito's shoulder as he nods and say. "Goodluck then, the universe's safety is also in your hand."

Kaito would scratches the back of his head as he nods and say. "Yeah I know. Don't worry, I'll try not to blow up the sun." Before he flashes a slight smirk and walks towards the locker.

Matsuda opens it, and grabs his olive crossbody bag. He takes a sunshade out of his bag before putting it on and leaves the hall through backstage door. He walks out of the back gate, then stops as the UDI jeep walks passes him. The jeep still looks like how it did before. With a colour of Olive green, and a white lining on each of the Jeep's hem.

Once the jeeps has passes, Kaito crosses the road and walks along the pavement towards his campus. The walk isn't that long, just a couple metres away, they can even see the building from the back of the hall.

The UDI headquarter was already like a town of itself. With buildings for the academy, offices, and even military barrack in the same place. Some would say it would make the place more vulnerable for attacks. But war between humans on earth is no longer a concern, and attack from any Kaiju hasn't happened for decades. Even if there is one, the UDI is well prepared to defend the universe, let alone their base.

The year is currently 2089. Human civilization has advanced, technology now uses plasma and mostly depends on solar energy. It's believed that it would be much better for the environment. Though, architecture design hasn't changed much. It still remains the same, only having subtle changes like solar panel on their roofs, and plasma technology as windows.

As Kaito walks along the pavement, he stops on his track before crossing the road, as the road crossing light is currently red. Kaito gazes to his watch, he then feels a presence beside him. Turning his head around, he realises that there's someone standing beside him. The person is Hana Sato, the woman who graduate on her first nomination year.

Hana stands on 1.64m tall. She have a jet black hair, that lengths down to her shoulder with a form of waviness, making her hair seems puffy. Her white pale skin compliments her black hair as she turns her gaze to him, looking up at him with her light brown eyes.

Hana gives him a subtle smile before turning her gaze back on the road. Kaito notices her sullen expression hasn't changed after how dull people's reaction is toward her graduation. While he's not usually the type to offer comfort, he thought it wouldn't hurt to give a little encouragement.

Kaito clears his throat, keeping his gaze on the road as he speak. "So uhh... Congratulations for graduating on your first nomination year. That sure is something spectacular." He says with his usual calm tone. Offering not much expression.

The sound of Jeeps driving through the road fills their silence. Once it's passed, Kaito sigh thinking that he made a mistake even trying. But Hana, would nods. Then flashes him a soft smile as she says. "Thank you, Kaito... it really means a lot..."

To which Kaito remains silent, placing his hand on his hips to not add more to their awkwardness. Once the light turns green, they both begins to cross the roads, before walking on seperate pavement to their own dormitory. Hana turns her gaze back to Kaito, hoping to wave goodbye to him. But he didn't notices it. They both walks passes the gate to their own dorm.

From the building nearby, a woman stands by the mirror as her gaze lands on both Kaito and Hana from above. An old man sitting in the room talks to her as he holds his tea cup. "Are you sure about graduating Hana Sato? She's very young. Hell, too young for your command. Commander Hayashi... With all due respect, I don't think you're ever a someone easy to deal with..."

Commander Hayashi remains silent until both of them disappear into their each dorms. She sigh and speak. "Hana Sato may have terrible result in her combat and flight test. But her medical exams proves to be extraordinary. I believe her. Even I started around her age when I graduated... Director..."

The director chuckles as he stirs his tea with a steel spoon. He then says. "You're not just another girl that graduated the UDI Academy, Commander Hayashi. Over the pass years, no one has ever come close to becoming as good as you." Commander Hayashi scoffs, brushes the compliments away.

She turns back towards the room and walks towards the exits. Just as she was about to opens the door, the Director smiles, staring down at his tea as he speak. "Naomi Hayashi, a 30 years old Commander. I doubt Hana Sato, or even Takayuki could get to your level by the age of 30... Though, I heard the boy... What's his name again? Kaito Matsuda is it? I heard he might have a great potential."

The room goes silence, only sound occupying is the sound of the steel spoon steering in the cup. Commander Hayashi looks down on her feet, before lifting her head back towards the door.

"We'll see about that..." She opens the door, then immediately leaves before the director could distract her again.

**The next day**

The UDI office is as lively as always. Years of peace within the system and system nearby has made the staffs becomes more carefree and joyful. There's a sight of staff busy typing emails on their holographic keyboard, while some chats with their coworkers in the office.

Inside the building, is a room where new graduate will sits and waits for command for their higher up. Getting information on which division, unit or squad would they get into. The only one that's left, is Takayuki, Hana, and Kaito.

While Hana is trying to calm herself down, Takayuki spends majority of the time speaking to her. Talking about anything he could think of.

"- and that's when I rolled on the ground, then boom! I takes the shot, and win the academy's stand off tournament." Says Takayuki.

Takayuki is a pretty tall man, standing about 1.75m tall. He have a long straight black hair that would fall down below his shoulder. Though he has them tied in a ponytail.

Despite how difficult it is for her to follows his story, due to how constant the topic changes from time to time. She tries her best not to show any disinterest, by smiling and noding to everything he says. Kaito on the other hand, leans his back onto the chair. He tries his best to let the time passes but each time Takayuki speaks, it feels like a minute would take as long as half an hour.

Finally, the receptionist stands up from her desk as she calls out for Takayuki. He sigh, then smiles to Hana as he bid her farewell and stands up, and approaches the reception. Hana secretly sigh in relief as he leaves, she finally able to focus on her own and relaxes on the chair.

She then turns her gaze to Kaito. Feeling of the needs to talk to him, as if a sign of appreciation for yesterday rises in her heart. Hana gently moves strands of her hair off from her eyes as she turns her gaze to Kaito.

She then speak. "So... Are you Nervous about this?"

Kaito ignores her at first, not noticing that she was talking to him. Though, realising nobody answers her question, he turns her gaze to her and finally sits up properly. "Y-yeah. Actually, yeah I'm pretty nervous about this.. Why you asked?"

In response, Hana chuckles at him and shakes her head. "Nothing, you just don't look so nervous." She says between her chuckles. She finds Kaito's reaction to joining the UDI to be quite impressive. While she physically seen very nervous and jumpy, Kaito seems more calm and collected.

He didn't even know how to take it, as a compliment or just a question. Kaito smiles sheepishly, he grins and shrugs, taking a couple second before he speaks again. "I just... know how to act when I need to. Not saying I have those award winning acting skills. I just, know how to look collective. But I promise, I'm actually pretty nervous just like you is. Very nervous..." Kaito says, somehow the awkward tension is making everything feels weird to him.

As the sound of keyboard typing and mouse clicking fills the noises. Kaito and Hana remains silent for a moment. Until Hana breaks the silence once again. "Thanks again, for what you said yesterday... Everyone else don't seems too keen of me graduating early."

Kaito keeps his gaze on the empty wall they're facing, while Hana is staring at the floor. Kaito sigh, as he folds his arms and response. "Don't let it get to you. Over thousands of trainee, only 20 got nominated for graduation candidate. Out of 20 candidates, only 5 is chosen to actually candidates. It must've happened for a reason." Kaito says, in hope that it would at least give her some confidence.

Hana chuckles, she rests her chin on her palm as she folds her legs. She turn a side gaze to Kaito as she responds. "You think so? Lots says I used some sort of... connection to graduate. You know, my dad is a member of the board director."

"I don't think that's the case. Seriously, I don't think your dad would jeopardize the safety of the universe just because you're his daughter. He love you, but far as I heard about Mr Sato? He don't seems like the type to give shortcuts." Kaito replies as he shrugs. Brushing her though off of herself.

Hana smiles softly, she pushes her hair to the back of her ear and nods. "You're right. We were all here because of our abilities and skills that we learned in the academy... Thanks again, Matsuda. You sure know what to say."

With a chuckle, Kaito pulls his zipper down a little and grabs his dog tag. He sigh before pushing it back under his collar. "Guess I got it from my dad..." They both then sits silently, with Hana's confidence recovered temporarily.

After about an hour of waiting, a woman walks into the room. She have a straight long jet black hair that lengths down to her back. A slightly tanned skin and a hazel eyes. Standing about 1.68m tall. She glares down at both Hana and Kaito momentarily, before her left arm rises and motions them to follow her. "I'm commander Naomi Hayashi. Come with me Soldiers."

Without wasting much time, Hana stood up from the seat and follow the commander. Kaito took a couple second before he too follow suits behind Hana. This is all a drag to him, he's heard about a lot of department but never about this commander. Perhaps he's actually getting the kitchen job, that would be less dangerous.

The Woman leads towards to a hangar, before she turns and leads them towards the Hanger command centre. They then gets into a room, which looks more like a meeting room. Hana stands straight, nervousness fills her emotions while Kaito remain as he is. Seemingly calm but a little curious as to what they're doing at the Hanger.

The woman then turns to Kaito as she speak. "You, get in that room over there, I'll be with you in a moment. Hana Sato..."

Kaito does as instructed, leaving them Hana for the briefing as he goes towards the waiting room. He sigh, leaning on the wall behind him as he waits. For about 9 minutes, it's finally his turn.

Naomi Hayashi entered the room with the quiet authority that Kaito had heard so much about. She wasn't like the other officers; her reputation for discipline and precision was well known, but Kaito had never been one to be impressed by ranks. Respect had to be earned.

Naomi approached him, her gaze sharp, sizing him up. "Matsuda, correct?"

Kaito glanced at her and offered a half-hearted nod, not bothering to straighten up. "That's me. What's up?"

Her eyes flicked to his performance record on the nearby display-impressive, but she remained unimpressed. "Fresh out of the academy, top marks in combat and tactics. But your file is missing something critical."

Kaito raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. "Oh yeah? What's that?"

Naomi's gaze remained cold. "Humility."

Kaito let out a short laugh, shrugging. "Humility doesn't win battles. Results do. And I think my record speaks for itself."

Naomi didn't flinch. "Your results come from something more than skill, Matsuda. I've reviewed the footage from your training exercises. There's something... different about you. You seem to push beyond what normal limits would allow."

Kaito's smirk faltered, but only for a second. He didn't like the implication behind her words. "Maybe I'm just better than the rest. Is that so hard to believe?"

Naomi narrowed her eyes, stepping closer. "Raw talent is one thing. But your instincts... your reflexes... they're unnatural."

Kaito felt a flicker of something deep inside him, a strange, familiar sensation he'd been feeling more often lately. He brushed it off with a grin, crossing his arms tighter. "Unnatural? Or just gifted?"

Naomi didn't bite. Instead, she straightened and glanced at the clock. "Well, just letting you know that you're now a member of the Nebula Sentinel unit, we'll depart on our ship in 2 hours. Get ready..."

As she turned to leave, Kaito called after her, unable to resist one last jab. "You'll see soon enough. I don't need any special treatment to prove I'm the best."

Naomi paused for a moment but didn't look back. "Just remember, Matsuda: overconfidence leads to failure." Then, with her usual calm authority, she left the room

Kaito stood there, frowning slightly. Her words echoed in his mind, and for the first time in a while, he felt a strange doubt creeping in. Something about her observation stuck with him. Unnatural instincts? He had always pushed beyond his limits, but could there really be more to it than that?

Just as she stepped out of the room. Red lights suddenly shine, as siren screeches in the air. Naomi tilts her head towards the emergency light before dashes out immediately, while Kaito follows shortly.

**In Space**

Earth slowly becomes more and more visible, while 2 shooting stars flies towards the blue planet. The shooting stars, is none other than Hikari and the Kaiju. With sweat on their face, the pilot nearby takes their walkie talkie and begin to warn the others.

"2- 2 unknown entity is entering the atmosphere! I repeat, 2 unknown entity is entering the atmosphere!" As they warn, the light flew passes them as fast as the speed of light.

4 Jet flies between their way, forming a square shape hastily, while the captain speaks. "Everyone, take out the solar net! And fire the entity with the pulse shot! We must stop it!"

As per orders, the squad shoots out their pulse shot towards the falling entity. Unfortunately, as they takes out the solar net from the Jet hull, it couldn't form perfectly as the Jet wasn't in the correct position. Causing both of the entity to fly right pass them, causing all 4 jet to lose control. The entity then come closer towards the earth. As they reaches closer to earth, they strikes the UDI defensive barrier, slowing them down before they flies right pass it towards the earth.

**UDI Hanger**

Naomi steps out of the building, they all squints their eyes to the sky as the entity closing in. Though the light blue and red fire has disappeared due to the barrier slowing their falling. Despite that, the two hits the earth with an impact hard enough that the strip is ripped apart, flying in the air towards one of the control building, destroying it severely. Kaito and Naomi immediately jumps away, while Naomi and the others safely run towards safety.

Dust filling the air, fear and screams of terror fills the air, accompanied by the sound of rustling, and the control tower falling. Naomi and Kaito stands up, wiping their eyes as the dust flew between their body and hairs.

The grumbling continues, then slowly as the dust clears. A figure of an 70 metres tall Kaiju can be seen, with one leg on the broken airstrip, while the other lays on the body of a blue giant. Kaito and Naomi's eyes widen. She immediately turns to Kaito and pushes a handgun on his chest.

"You want to prove your worth? This is your chance. Evacuate the hanger, and get to safety. The gun shoots shockwave shots, it's a chargeable gun. Go, now!" Naomi says, before she immediately rushes toward the danger. While Kaito stood still at the same position. He groans, cursing to himself before he rushes to the debris.*

"Oi! Can anyone hear me!?" He yells out. Once he hears a voice calling for him, Kaito rushes to the position. He aims his gun and shoots the debris with the shockwave to destroys it. Hana rushes, climbing towards Kaito's side as they helps the people out of the trap.

Naomi marches towards the Kaiju, she lifts her gun and pulls the trigger. The barrel then spin, charging its shot until she releases the trigger and shoots the shockwave towards the Kaiju's left leg. As it hits its scale, the Kaiju turns its gaze towards Naomi, its eyes glows a dark glazing red preparing it's blast towards the Commander.

With a loud grumble. The blue giant, Ultraman Hikari pushes the Kaiju's leg off of him and tosses them away. Ultraman Hikari then does a rising handspring back on its feet. They tackles the Kaiju off of its feet. Both rolls on the ground, until Hikari stays sitting on its gut. Hikari throws his punches repeatedly on their head and throat. The Kaiju rolls them again, pinning Hikari on the ground. Their eyes glows again, shooting toward Hikari under them. Though it was immediately blocked by Hikari's light shield, before it shatters right as the Kaiju's blast stops.

In both shock and awe, Naomi remains seated on the ground, her gaze locked on the battle unfolding before her. "Ultraman...?" she whispers, her voice barely audible over the chaos.

Kaito rushes to her side, his breath ragged, as he raises his handgun and fires at the towering Kaiju. The shots do little to faze the beast, but it gives him the moment he needs. He grabs Naomi's arm, pulling her up to her feet.

Together, they look up at the towering figure of Ultraman Hikari.

Hikari stumbles but refuses to fall, shoving the Kaiju away with sheer force. Both combatants stagger, each rising slowly, sizing each other up for the next round. Hikari raises his arm, ready to unleash another strike. The air crackles with energy as the battle is far from over.

End Chapter 1