Long ago, there was a war in this country.
I was born on the continent, and when I returned to Japan,
no one imagined the mainland would be air raided.
The war was beyond the ocean.
And somehow, everyone continued to live their peaceful little lives.
This is Japan...
I've finally arrived in my father's country.
Father!
Oh, Fujiko!
Welcome home, Father.
And you are?
I told you in the letter.
This is my old friend's son.
I'm Hyobu... Hyobu Kyosuke. Nice to meet you!
So you're the extraordinary-sensory boy we're adopting?
Yes, um...
Tsubomi Fujiko. Call me Fujiko!
Yes, Fujiko-san!
You don't need to be so formal...
Think of me as your real sister.
From now on, we'll be together.
Okay.
Be careful, Kyosuke-kun.
My daughter is a princess at heart.
I still have trouble with her.
My baggage!
Just like her deceased mother...
Ow!
Father, I'm still upset!
How could you leave your daughter for six months?
I'm s-sorry, Fujiko.
Could it be...
That's right, I'm an extraordinary-sensory user.
A psychokinetic, just like you.
ESP Unit Part One
"Father in heaven, how are you?
Have you seen Mother?
As you instructed, I've arrived at the home of your friend, Baron Tsubomi.
Since my arrival, I've heard many stories.
About how you and Baron Tsubomi researched ESP in college.
About how you crossed the ocean to find an esper.
But after that..."
I thought I told you not to use your powers!
Did you think you'd become some hero?
ESP is unnecessary!
If you want to live as a human, abandon it!
Studying?
Wait, it's a letter...
Fujiko-san!
Let's see...
Stop it! Don't read it!
Come on... Just a little.
A love letter to a girlfriend on the continent?
No! Give it back!
I couldn't suppress his power?! I failed?
For a younger brother, you're a brat!
Show me!
Stop it!
A younger brother should always obey his older sister!
Let him be, Fujiko-kun.
I know you want to show your love for your new little brother,
but the way you express your love is somewhat overwhelming.
Oh. Welcome, Captain.
Captain?
Nice to meet you, Hyobu Kyosuke-kun.
I am Imperial Army Captain Sawatome Eiji.
I attended college with Baron Tsubomi and your father; they were upperclassmen.
My father's...
Then you must also be...
The Captain says he wants to weaponize ESP.
Fujiko...
That isn't incorrect, but it's also not correct.
Both the baron and I want to use your abilities to help the world.
To produce brilliant and easily understandable progress that people will acknowledge.
The army is merely the first stepping stone toward that goal.
ESP used for the people?
That's right.
Your power is a wonderful thing.
Won't you join us?
It may be possible to develop your powers even further.
Join...
We'd like you to join the new organization
we are founding, the Special ESP Unit.
The Special ESP Unit?
It's a military unit composed of select espers,
which was initiated when I began work for the army.
If you produce results working for the army,
surely the people will come to recognize espers as heroes.
That's just an excuse!
All the army wants is to start a war to take away other nations' rights!
You want espers as a tool for that? No, thank you!
Kyosuke!
You agree, don't you?
I'm sorry, but I don't really understand.
You shouldn't rush into a decision.
We definitely don't plan to use this unit
in that unsightly battle overseas.
Furthermore, my unit does not
discriminate based on social status or gender.
Should you join,
you could make a new life for yourself with your power,
rather than hiding it and training for marriage.
It bores you, doesn't it?
Let's go, Kyosuke...
We're not obligated to listen to the adults' conversation any longer.
Eh? But...
Hey, Fujiko!
Wait.
You dropped this.
Thank you very much.
What are you doing? Hurry up.
Hey! Don't pull me, Fujiko-san!
Captain, I don't believe Kyosuke-kun will join.
Why is that, Utsumi-kun?
That letter was to his deceased father.
Professor Hyobu feared the military would use his son's power,
and he chose a life in secrecy on the continent.
Kyosuke-kun respects his wish.
Yes...
Both Kyosuke-kun and my daughter
feel guilt over their power in some way.
That power, which could be such a useful weapon,
is only feared by society.
That's why, as an ESP researcher...
No, as their guardian,
I want to change this world.
Professor Hyobu felt the same way.
Kyosuke-kun came to our attention
due to the detailed growth records the professor left behind.
Not to worry.
I'm certain they will both join.
Why do you think that?
Ideals and theories are not ends, but means.
People live to use that which they were born with.
They are unable to resist the temptation to use those things,
both to overcome and survive.
And at the present time, the espers have
no other place to go.
To use this power for the people...
This power my father told me to abandon.
But if someone will acknowledge me...
I'll...
At that moment,
although it was just a moment,
I couldn't suppress it at all...
They said that my power was stronger than any other on record.
A path on which, as a woman, I wouldn't need to depend on men.
If this monster-like power could become something people would value,
if I could be acknowledged as the best in the world...
I don't want to lose to anyone!
Let's go.
Right!
Everyone appears to be gathered.
Captain, your instructions.
Understood.
You're late.
A soldier must predict what will happen
at any moment in wartime,
and be prepared for whatever may come, right?
Excuse me.
I'll escort you to your rooms at once.
It's wonderful to have you two here.
Welcome
to our ESP Unit.
"Father, one year has passed since then."
Imperial News
Against the great Western powers that aim to dominate and control Asia,
we of Japan have joined the Great Eastern Alliance.
Daring and resolute, our soldiers head into battle.
And the crowds cheer them on,
"We're counting on you for world peace!"
How stupid!
Going out to war... How peaceful!
Now, now...
Look, the next one's starting.
Imperial Army ESP Unit
Following the introduction of espers in the Third Reich,
our country also forms an ESP Unit!
This unit, formed one year ago,
is now being nationally introduced!
The soldiers are young, but all possess outstanding power.
Once feared as monsters,
they gather for our country's sake.
Monsters?
First, a man who shoots fire!
The enemy tank is engulfed.
Private Kikuji Kanji Pyrokinetic
That's me! That's me!
You're happy? You're being called a monster.
This is a teleporter.
Faster than a speeding bullet!
Private Akuta Ryu Teleporter
Using the power of telepathy, he can reach into your mind,
and even perform ninja techniques as seen!
This is, however, only a special effect.
Officer Natsumi Iwao Telepath, Illusion User
Illusions will not appear on film.
These soldiers really can transform.
But only into animals.
Their families have been partners for generations.
Officer Yadorigi Akio Metempsychosis
Private Inugami Hajime Metamorphosis
And the team's keystone, a psychokinetic who manipulates electricity.
Commander Shiga Tadashi Electricity Manipulating Psychokinetic
By stimulating the body with electricity, he can even heal wounds.
A leader you can rely on!
Will this unit be able to lead the continent to peace?
Private Hyobu Kyosuke Psychokinetic
By training hard, they've developed their power,
Officer Utsumi Seishiro Psychometrist
and aim to be first-class Imperial soldiers.
Let's hope they can serve our country as soon as possible.
Hey, what about me?
Let's hope for great results from the ESP Unit!
In the meantime, relax knowing a rested child grows well.
Private Tsubomi Fujiko Psychokinetic
Imperial News Fin
What was that?!
They had no intention of giving us proper introductions!
They're making fun of the ESP Unit...
Why did we accept this interview?
You've made military secrets into a happy newsreel.
You don't want to be seen as just a military weapon, do you?
That's right...
Helping the pubic learn to accept espers is also a part of our job.
You won't change a maiden's heart that easily.
Kyosuke!
Your sister's been disgraced. You should be more...
Huh?
Where's Kyosuke?
While you were getting upset, he said he had to take care of something.
Excuse me!
Oh, you're the boy from the other day.
Have you made the repairs I asked for?
Yes...
All done.
The chain is getting old, as well.
How about a new one? I'll give you a good price.
I'd like to keep it as it is.
It's a memento of my father.
Now, then...
I wonder if Fujiko-san has calmed down yet.
Excuse me, police officer!
You've got a quite a showy outfit for a Japanese boy!
Uh, I'm...
You're not even self-aware!
Aren't you embarrassed, flaunting yourself like that?!
Well...
Japan is in the middle of a war,
That's why I told them an army uniform was fine...
and you're just wasting time?
Not happening.
You always wear your uniform, so at least look nice when you go into town!
Can't you give me something plain?
I like showy clothes.
What in the world do...
Did my little brother do something to cause offense?
Fujiko-san!
Who are you?
Are you trying to impede the police?!
Propounding worthless criticism is not a police duty.
What?
I was only trying to teach him
what it means to be a Japanese man!
There is no need for you to teach him that.
Honestly, it's unnecessary.
You...
Fujiko-san, stop it!
You should be tired of people like this.
Doing nothing but going with the flow,
while preaching his own self-importance.
But...
Who cares if we're not like other humans?
I'll never lose.
I'll never let someone else decide my values or lifestyle!
Could that crowd be...
Tsubomi-don must've done something.
You don't understand anything!
At a time like this, the nation must be united!
You unmannered idiot!
You have no right to speak to me like that.
Why don't you guys leave it at that?
What're you doing?
Fujiko-san!
Don't raise your hand to a girl! It's rude.
Excuse me.
What have you done?
To attack not just the policeman, but the naval officer, as well...
Naval officer?
Wh-What have I...
So as a joint punishment, we're all under house arrest.
That's harsh.
Doesn't look like the Navy will overlook any opportunity to crush us.
Well, nothing to be done.
Currently, the military is an organization that prioritizes discipline and order.
Of course they'd object to the way
we push individuality and act freely.
I wonder if they'll make us do military training this time...
Feel like cutting your hair, Utsumi?
No.
I won't let them do that.
That's why you're all here, at my villa.
Tsubomi-san.
If you try to fit into a mold and lessen your individuality, your powers will weaken.
Because you are different than a regular soldier, you have value.
Will that reasoning work with the military?
That will depend on Sawatome-kun.
Fujiko-san?
Why don't you just apologize to everyone?
I didn't
do anything wrong...
It's fine.
Don't worry about it, Fujiko-kun.
Shiga-san...
No one here originally wanted to be part of the army.
We just wanted our powers recognized.
We all share that feeling.
I was also tired of hearing military people complain about my hair.
For the entire unit to be punished and moved here
is a dream come true.
Shiga-san, Utsumi-kun...
I...
In any case, let's leave it to Sawatome-kun.
We may have been disciplined, but the true problem remains unresolved.
Honestly, between you and Tsubomi-kun...
This is what happens when you let
a bunch of good-for-nothings do as they please.
If you even slightly want to help your country,
then start training like other units!
A word, if you'll allow me. That would be a waste of talent.
What?
You all are underestimating their powers.
It's true that a highly trained unit
is more useful than a single esper.
However...
Change usually derives from something different.
The Third Reich recognized that the quickest
and turned their attention to ESP.
If we don't do the same,
we'll be unable to counter the threat of the great powers.
You have no right to say that!
Right now, you're not even soldiers...
You're just an acrobatic troupe of monsters!
Doesn't appear to be going well...
The higher-ups really want to shut us down.
I'm sure...
Soldiers like us? Even I have to laugh.
This punishment is like our fate.
The Navy's objection was a lie.
They just don't like having monsters among their ranks.
If they're going to fire us anyway, I'm blowing off some steam.
That's going a little too far...
No, no, no, no...
I've reduced the gunpowder, so they won't die.
The secret ninja technique passed down to me, the chili powder bomb.
Itachi's last fart!
I-Itachi's farts are dangerous...
Monsters have monstrous wills.
When it's time for this, leave it to me.
Wait a second!
You'll show us?
Yes.
Even if we have problems as soldiers,
I want us to be acknowledged for our potential as a military force.
How about a match against our country's newest weapon?
If we lose, we'll disband the unit.
How about if we go up against the Navy?
The Navy?
Are you saying you can sink a Combined Fleet flagship?
According to my information,
the Navy has just ordered a groundbreaking, high-powered, next generation fighter plane.
The actual completion is next spring,
but one is in the process of being assembled for testing.
Besides testing the ability of the new weapon,
if we win, we'll be the pride of the military.
And if we lose, you'll be rid of an annoyance.
It's a proposal you can't lose.
Through Baron Tsubomi,
I've also received interest from the head of the Army Aviation HQ.
The Lieutenant General?
You know the rumors?
The 12-shi Carrier Fighter, A6M1 plan...
A6M1...
So this is where you were!
What's wrong?
It's a duel.
The time has come for us to display our power.
The Navy's new weapon...
If used properly,
it will be called the Zero Fighter.
This is a work of fiction, and has no affiliation with any real person or group.
The Imperial Army, ESP Unit.
To protect his companions' home,
the boy with the jet-black hair releases his forbidden power.
Unlimited.
ESP Unit Part Two
There are crimes that can only be tried in the darkness...