Volume 7

**Volume 7** (炎炎ノ消防隊 07, *En En no Shōbōtai 07*) is volume 7 of the *Fire Force* manga series.

## Summary

The time has come for Company 8 to fill its roster. Now that there have a scientist in the form of the very suspicious Victor Licht, Captain Ōbi sends Shinra, Arthur, and Iris to recruit an engineer. Vulcan is a exceptionally talented machinist, but his deep-seated hatred of Haijima Industries and the Fire Force means Shinra and company have their work cut out for them. Will they survive this recruitment endeavor?

## Chapter 52

Main article: Chapter 52

In a flashback prior to Victor Licht joining the 8th, he is seen speaking with Joker in a shady room. The Joker tells him congratulations for infiltrating the 8th, and jokes about Victor being in a Special Fire Force, to which Victor says it isn't strange, since they are on the side of justice. Back in the present time, Victor reintroduces himself and gets scolded by Takehisa by saluting with the wrong hand. Victor suddenly becomes interested when Shinra walks into the room, diving to the floor to get a closer look at his feet and the Adolla Burst that he has, to which Hibana protects Shinra like a mother would her son. Shinra then questions Victor on what the Adora Burst is exactly, since he didn't understand when the emperor explained it. Hibana states that the Adora Burst are the flames that created this country via the Amaterasu. Victor goes into a long explanation of the history of the world and how the flames have affected it. In conclusion, he says that Tokyo is the only safe place where people can live, because everywhere else had been destroyed by flames. He finally says that the science community calls the Adora Burst the Flames of Destruction, to which Shinra then remembers and understands why Arrow had said his flames were the flames that will destroy humanity. Shinra then asks Victor about the Adora Link, and although he says he hasn't heard of it before, Victor deceives him and becomes interested that Shinra knows what it is.
Akitaru then picks up Victor's resume, and Hibana asks him why he wanted to join the 8th, to which Victor says he wanted to get a change of pace from working at Haijima, leaving Akitaru unconvinced. Takehisa mentions they were originally going to recruit Vulcan as a scientist, but he's turned down every request to join a Special Fire Force and Haijima. Akitaru then suggests that Shinra, Arthur and Iris go to Vulcan's workshop to talk to him directly, disguising themselves as civilians. Hibana calls it nonsense to try and recruit him, but Akitaru says that the 8th want to change the country, and so they have to do whatever it takes. During this time, Victor observes from a distance, interested in the way the 8th acts. He then thinks to himself that maybe, he can use the 8th to achieve Joker's objective. Later on, the three 8th members are seen walking through what looks like a wreck-yard. They arrive at abstract-looking building, and call out to Vulcan. As they attempt to get Vulcan's attention, they are continuously hit by soda cans thrown by an arm inside the workshop, irritating the fire officers. Suddenly, a young boy appears from behind them, the same boy that Shinra protected from Setsuo Miyamoto in the streets of Tokyo time ago.

## Chapter 53

Main article: Chapter 53

Shinra asks who the boy is, and Yū recalls the moment Shinra saved him from the sentient Flame Human, to which Shinra remembers. Yū then shouts out to his master, saying he gathered all the requested materials he'd asked for, and a man with tattoos and a ram-mask walks out exclaiming to Yū to call him Vulcan or little shit. Shinra and Arthur then shout at him, calling him the latter, and are hit by two soda cans each, to which Vulcan then turns and says he won't help the Special Fire Forces, and slams the door behind him. Shinra nearly gives up and walks off frustrated, but Yū stops him, and they all start conversing about Vulcan's straightforward and stubborn attitude, but despite this, he is incredible at his work, and for some reason, won't associate with Haijima or the fire brigades. Shinra says that the 8th are different to other fire brigades, and Yū eventually leads him into Vulcan's workshop. As Shinra walks in, he spots a machine with an arm holding cans, realizing he was being harassed by nothing more than a robot. As he analyzes it, he fails to notice another can being thrown at him from a distance. As he lay on the floor in pain, a girl walks up with a can in her hand. Shinra mistakes her for another robot, and touches her breasts, to which he is hit on the head.Yū then introduces her as Lisa, an assistant of Vulcan, and is put into a hold by Lisa for bringing in members of the fire brigade. Soon after, a loud engine blaring is heard, and everyone turns to see Vulcan riding atop of a machine, banging on it repeatedly like a drum, and eventually kicking it away, exclaiming that he finally got it to work. Shinra teases him for simply kicking the machine and saying the machine works, and Vulcan realises that the fire officers are in his workshop, throwing cans of tea at Shinra's feet. He throws another at Arthur, to which Arthur uses a tool to bat it away, but instead it bursts all over himself; Shinra calling him stupid, and Vulcan joking the fire officer had been extinguished. Suddenly, a door bell rings, and Lisa hints to Vulcan who it is without revealing the person's name. Vulcan puts on a shirt, and says he'll go alone, even though Lisa looks concerned about this. Shinra peeks through the peephole, and is shocked to see Dr. Giovanni.

## Chapter 54

Main article: Chapter 54

From inside Vulcan's workshop, Arthur watches Giovanni, wondering why he wears such a weird hat--ignoring his weird mask. Shinra instead wonders why Vulcan associates with the Special Fire Force Company 3 if he just said he hates Haijima Industries and Fire Brigades. Outside, in the junkyard, Giovanni implies he was the one to cut off Vulcan's supplies and threatens to do worse unless Vulcan offer his services to him. Vulcan accuses Giovanni of turning his father and uncle into Infernals. Giovanni departs, but not before telling Vulcan that his dream, to help the world's animals, is foolish, when he could use his skills to help people right now. Shinra and Arthur struggle to listen in on Giovanni and Vulcan, too far away to hear but not risking getting closer and being spotted. As they talk, they give each other nicknames with a dialect similar to that of people from Asakusa--which makes Iris jealous that she did not go on the mission. Later, Vulcan sees the members of Company 8 are still in his workshop and demands they leave, as he says his problems have nothing to do with the 8th. Shinra disagrees, saying that if Company 3 is going after Vulcan, then the 8th has to step in as internal affairs, to be a check on the other brigades. Vulcan and Shinra are interrupted by a stuffed squirrel having its head pop up, and something leaking out between its legs. Arthur holds the squirrel--and keeps holding it, as it leaks everywhere. At the same time, Iris is pressing random buttons, ostensibly to turn on the air conditioning, but only making objects in Vulcan's lab shoot off. Vulcan explains that is what machines should do anyway, but when Iris holds a certain orb, Vulcan snatches it and tells her not to touch it. After she apologizes, Vulcan calms down and laughs, thinking the 8th is too silly to be like other brigades. He refuses to join but says he has to show them something to report back to their commander. He takes them outside and turns on the orb, which release fog on which to project images of the extinct animals around the world. Arthur is impressed, and Iris is driven to tears. Vulcan explains his dream is to design a new energy source that will do less harm to the world, and let the animals thrive again. Shinra smiles, realizing that Commander Ōbi was right: Vulcan's idealism is just what the 8th brigade needs.

## Chapter 58

Main article: Chapter 58

By his family’s memorial, Vulcan sets down cans of Yotsuya Cider and Coke for his grandfather and father. He mentions how his workload has increased without having their help but that he appreciates their teachings and tells them that he is now fortunate to have people, his "new family," to help him. Lisa and Yū then approach from behind him as he pays his respects. Later, inside his workshop, Vulcan, wearing his horned skull mask, is banging on engines with wrenches, like a drummer hitting sticks against instruments. Yū approaches to show him his new prototype. Vulcan initially compliments the work--then throws it to the ground, smashing it. Vulcan explains that some things have to be perfected so that they cannot fall apart, such as Amaterasu, because if it did, the nation would lose power. Lisa interrupts to tell the two that dinner is ready. Vulcan compliments the animal-shaped rice dish, but Lisa tells him to just eat already, as all things are ephemeral and will break at some point, like digging into the meal. Vulcan agrees that some things can break, such as human lives, but even after death, family bonds are unbreakable, like those between him, Lisa, and Yū. Vulcan directs Yū and Lisa to flee to the back of the workshop and for Iris to watch over them, while he holds off the invading White Hoods. Before he can act, however, Lisa tasers him. Yū asks what she is doing--and she summons a flame and knocks back Yū. Before Iris can intervene, Lisa threatens to kill Vulcan. Vulcan is confused as Lisa explains that it was not a coincidence that he found her sleeping in his junkyard: she works for the Order and demands he hand over the key to Amaterasu. Vulcan refuses to believe her claim that they were never a family--and Lisa kicks him over. She warns that Giovanni is coming, and he can either tell him where the key is or die. Vulcan smirks, claiming she's worried for him. She sneers back, claiming he is playing dumb. Arthur Boyle holds his own against a member of the Order, who appears as multiple illusions that his blade just slices through harmlessly. However, one comes up from behind and hits Arthur upside the head. Giovanni arrives, instructing the Order not to let anyone follow him into the workshop. Arthur tries to stop him, only for the member of the Order to block him, kneeing him in the back. In the forest surrounding the workshop, Shinra Kusakabe is unconscious, tied up in fire-proof wrapping by two members of the Order, who discuss the arrival of their leader and Shinra's possession of the Adolla Burst. Giovanni enters, finding Lisa standing over the injured Yū and Vulcan, and Iris back against the wall. He tells Vulcan he is going to die either way, so he might as well tell him where is the key.

## Chapter 59

Main article: Chapter 59

Shinra Kusakabe slowly regains consciousness, as he himself tied to a gurney and sees members of the White Hoods carrying him. He has tape over his mouth, preventing him from speaking and fireproof sheets wrapped around him to prevent him from attacking. Then, something like a flower petal falls near them, causing one member of the Order to feel dizzy. More petal form, knocking down the members of the Order and revealing Princess Hibana. Shinra and Hibana are surprised to see each other. She is confused, asking whether he wants to be untied. He shouts that he has to be let loose so he can protect those left at the workshop. With Vulcan on the floor, Giovanni explains that he had Lisa infiltrate his workshop to gain access to the key for Amaterasu. Giovanni mocks people like Vulcan and his relatives, who are too noble and too compassionate to be more suspicious of others and too naive, and that Vulcan thought he could "play house" with Lisa. Giovanni admits that Vulcan's family was cautious hiding the Amaterasu key, but Vulcan still does not know what Giovanni is talking about. Yū regains consciousness. Realizing he is also part of Vulcan's adoptive family, Giovanni launches his hand at Yū's neck, threatening to choke him to death unless Vulcan gives up the key. Vulcan demands Giovanni let go. Suddenly, a bullet hits Yū in the chest. It comes from the tip of Giovanni’s cane, which is pointed at Yū. Giovanni says Yū can be saved from that life-threatening wound, only if Vulcan gives him the information now. Vulcan looks up in shock. Lisa is silent. Vulcan still insists he does not know about a key and begs Giovanni to save Yū. Giovanni then emphasizes how carefully he has been planning this attack and hence should be able to find the key. Vulcan promises to kill Giovanni, and Giovanni begins to strike Vulcan repeatedly with his cane as he continues to insist he was so careful yet has failed in his objective. Giovanni then spots Vulcan's projector. After he calls it garbage, Giovanni smashes it with his cane. Vulcan stares in horror, realizing so much around him is now broken. While Iris tends to Yū's wound, she begs Giovanni to stop, saying the projector is Vulcan's family keepsake. Hibana watches as Shinra smiles nervously and runs to the workshop, running, leaping, and flying so fast that he knocks down trees and loses his shirt. Meanwhile, Arthur Boyle still battles illusionary copies of the Order, before all notice something--or, rather, someone, coming down: Shinra, who tells Arthur not to let anyone get into the workshop. Members of the Order leap at Shinra, who kicks them back or dodges as he heads for the workshop's wall. Giovanni examines the remains of Vulcan’s smashed projector, finding inside of it the key to Amaterasu. While he gloats, the wall behind him explodes, Shinra coming through and slamming his knee into Giovanni's face.

## Chapter 55

Main article: Chapter 55

This Chapter begins with Commander Obi telling Arthur, Shinra & Iris, to see a man named Vulcan. While Shinra is hesitant about having such a responsibility, Obi tells them that they are old enough to make decisions for themselves to which they agree to see him.

Shinra faces reality once more within Vulcan's hologram of animals. While Iris and Yū are amazed at the display, Arthur is still wondering if it is dangerous.

Shinra asks Vulcan if he would at least visit their Commander at least once, to which Vulcan reiterates his statement to do it all alone without Hajima's or the Brigade's help. Yū also tries to persuade him; thinking about how Hajima will eventually destroy him as he won't be able to make any more inventions within the landfill. Vulcan ignores him, telling him that work must be done and walks away into the shop.

Lisa puts out a plate of food for the stray cats to eat from; while complaining that they have barely enough money to feed them as well as the birds. She then likens herself to a street cat. Shinra asks when they first met each other and she begins to tell him her story.

Lisa had lost her parents in a Flame Human Incident which led to her being taken in to a Monastery but she had no desire to become a sister. She apologises to Iris for any rudeness to which Iris replies that it's ok.

She continues on, telling how Vulcan caught her in His Junkyard and took her in. Iris comments that he is a nice guy; to which Lisa agrees, even though she also thinks of him as a bit weird. Yū goes on to tell them that Vulcan thinks he can work more to fulfil his dream of helping people and animals.

Arthur is by the tombstone (hands seemingly in a sign of prayer with the Ratomu hand-sign) and asks about it. Yū reveals that it was his Grandfather & Father's tombstone as they both turned into Flame Humans at the same time. However, he is wary of whether it is normal as well as the fact that Vulcan suspects Giovanni for the death of His family. Shinra wonders whether he saw a bug as well as why Goivanni of all people would be suspected.

Yū explains the story behind Commander Giovanni. He was once a student of Vulcan's grandfather alongside Vulcan's father (a photo of Vulcan's family with Giovanni's face ripped off is shown). Yū explains that after a strange death, Giovanni left to go to Hajima; disobeying a direct order from Vulcan's grandfather which forbade them not to join Hajima. When Shinra asked why Yū could only give a clueless answer while speculating about a link between Vulcan's family and Hajima. Lisa interjects with the fact that only Vulcan knows as she thinks aloud about Vulcan's next meal. Lisa tells them to leave as Yū apologises for not being of any help.

As Shinra is about to thank then, he is hit by the Adolla Link. He feels the sudden sensation of killing intent from Giovanni to kill Vulcan. He drops to his feet as he thinks about the tingling that he felt. Arthur demands an explanation for the Shinra's mysterious behaviour. Shinra is too busy contemplating about the times he has felt the Adolla Link to listen to Arthur's complaint.

## Chapter 56

Main article: Chapter 56

To be added