Chapter 9

"Remember! A real Hero! Is not just someone who goes out there saving people! But also a person who can put the people's minds at ease juts by being there!"

- Lady Black to Teru Momijiyama

"Stronger" (くなる) is the third chapter of Volume 2, and ninth overall of SHY manga series.

Summary
Stardust is smoking in the hallway when approached by Spirits, who thanks him. He doubts her intentions with that, asking why she wasn't with Teru Momijiyama, to which she says she was just going to get in the way since Iko Koishikawa was there with her. Spirits thanks him for making her act so determined, but makes it clear that she hates him. Stardust is unaffected by such a claim, saying that he liked her and to which she reacts angrily, he tries to escape her.

Teru wakes up in a recovery room inside the base, being greeted by a girl who scolds her for making Iko cry with worry until she sleeps. Teru doesn't know who she is, which makes her exasperated. She actually couldn't see her well, so the girl introduces herself as Lady Black, a nurse at the Black Cross. Even so, Teru doesn't recognize her.

A man scolds her for yelling, approaching and asking Lady Black to get along with Teru, however, she refuses as she finds her "stupid". He apologizes to her, saying that Lady Black has a foul mouth, suggesting they start over. Teru still doesn't know who they are. He replies that they are both Heroes of the Black Cross and that Stardust had asked them to come and take care of her, with him introducing himself as Doktor Schwarz, director of the Medical Department and the Germany Hero. Lady Black says that she is a nurse accompanying him, and that she was the one who healed her. Teru, finally noticing that all of her wounds were gone, is surprised, as that was the Swiss Hero's power.

She is even more surprised when Lady Black says that Stardust had recognized her and congratulated her. Despite this, Teru still has doubts about whether she could be a Hero, which angers Lady Black. She berates her for all of her previous attitudes and lack of power from her Heart, claiming that she didn't deserve to be the Hero of Japan. With her sharp tongue, she points out that all she has done is worry Iko, recommending that she give up being a Hero if she has any shame.

Lady Black leaves first and Teru is left affected by her words. Doktor says that despite Lady Black's harsh words, she just wanted to advise her in her own way. He leaves telling Teru that she should try to have more confidence in herself.

Iko is woken up by Teru, with both of them back in Japan, and the first scolds herself for making her carry her there. They walk and Iko makes mention of separating from Teru, but Teru stops her, apologizing to her for worrying her, promising that she would become stronger even if she was currently weak, starting to cry. Iko offers her a handkerchief to wipe away her tears, soon comparing her shyness and blushing to a flame of compassion. Teru is surprised, but the two laugh.

Teru arrives home announcing her arrival, only to be startled by N-Villio who tells her to turn on the television. She does, and they both see news of a man in China who has caused a ruckus. Teru is aware that this is Stigma's doing, and she doesn't let her determination die, even though she is afraid.

Appearances
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Characters

 * Stardust
 * Spirits
 * Iko Koishikawa
 * Teru Momijiyama
 * Lady Black (debut)
 * Doktor Schwarz (debut)
 * N-Villio
 * Meng Long (mentioned)

Locations

 * Heroes Hideout
 * Japan
 * Teru's house

Items
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 * Heart Conversion Bracelets
 * Healing (mentioned)