Volume 15

**Volume 15** (炎炎ノ消防隊 15, *En En no Shōbōtai 15*) is volume 15 of the *Fire Force* manga series.

## Chapter 124

Main article: Chapter 124
The chapter opens with a flashback to Victor Licht's time working in Haijima Industries Main Office. He is complimented for his thesis on Spontaneous Human Combustion and his conclusion, which he claims was the result of searching for the right answer until he found the truth. Sometime later, Licht walks alone at night and encounters Joker for the first time. Joker claims that Victor commitment to finding the answers is rooted in his sense of justice, which the scientist denies. He is only interested in the truth. Joker smiles and tells him that is exactly what a hero needs.

In the present day, Shinra is outraged that the discoveries made in his last adventure will be concealed from the public for the next three years by the church. While Akitaru Ōbi claims this is necessary to ensure social order, Licht smirks that firefighters can't defy orders. Meaning someone else needs to take action.

At night Company 7 searches for Captain Benimaru , with Konro hoping that he isn't going to be reckless. Standing on a rooftop, observing The Holy Sol Temple – Holy See, Benimaru and Joker discuss their plan of attack. While Benimaru appreciates Joker's blunt approach, he is confused by his willingness to attack the heart of the Empire while being a wanted criminal. Joker explains that he believes he has the right to know the truth about his Country's past and will dismiss morales and ethics to uncover it. He aims to uncover the true sacred scriptures hidden by Sol Temple, something Benimaru hasn't heard of before. Joker claims that he knows about the Sol Temple and turns to begin the attack.

Within the Holy See,Raffles III talks with his subjects about the role of the church within the world, the truth and Asakusa's respect for Benimaru . This discussion is interrupted by a loud noise, signalling the arrival of Benimaru. While Benimaru battles the monks of the temple, he talks with Joker about the dark sensation he feels within the Amaterasu . Which Joker smiles about, noting Benimaru's intuition.

Before they can advance beyond the courtyard, Benimaru collapses to the ground. Joker is bemused, as a large member of the church moves to confront the intruding pair and claims he will not offer them their last rites.

## Chapter 125

Main article: Chapter 125

The chapter opens with Benimaru still sprawled on the ground outside The Holy See. While the monk belittles the Captain's weakness and Joker questions how he was able to subdue the strongest member of the Fire Force. Before they can continue, Benimaru's body begins to smoke and flame and he struggles to his feet. The monk is shocked that he is still able to move and is quickly defeated by Benimaru. Joker picks up the monk's blowpipe and realises that he had attacked Benimaru with a poison dart.

The pair wonder why Benimaru is still able to move after being poisoned but continue their assault and completely dismiss the consequences of their actions. Joker casual walks behind as Benimaru blasts his way through the remaining monks, grinning about how much fun it is to attack the Holy Sol Temple unarmed. Joker and Benimaru kick down the church door down and find it completely abandoned.

Joker explains that the members of the Church have fled into the Netherworld. Benimaru reminds him that the church consider the Nether to be a forbidden area, but Joker claims that the Church are simply preventing others from using the underground realm. Which the Holy Sol Temple want to keep for themselves. Joker reveals the hidden passageway to the Nether and leads Benimaru into the darkness.

Benimaru finally demands that Joker explain himself before they continue, which Joker casually dismisses. The Company 7 captain grabs Joker's collar and tells the criminal to stop testing his patience. Joker slaps his hand away and tell Benimaru to stop trying testing his patience. However, Joker does tell his ally that he was once a member of the church until he learnt something. He was not like the monks or priests they have encountered before, instead, he was part of the church's 'dark side'.

As they continue to search of the 'True Sacred Scriptures', the lights go out and the sound of footsteps echo towards them. Joker warns The Destroyer that those coming towards them from the darkness will be unlike everyone they have faced until now. The Smoking Man lights one of his cigarettes and uses it in combination with his abilities to illuminate the room: revealing The Shadows of the Holy Sun. A group of mysterious harlequin-like figures with their hands clasped in a prayer gesture. Joker grins and says that 'this' is where he came from.

## Chapter 126

Main article: Chapter 126

In the Netherworld, Joker and Benimaru stare down the Shadow of the Holy Sun. Joker scowls and explains that the organisation are the Church's assassins and they are all rotten. When one of the shadows condemns their intrusion, Joker states he is simply returning. When asked if '52' means anything, the shadow is shocked.

Entering a flashback, a young boy, known only as 52, engages in a training exercise in a underground base. His skill with a knife allows him to best a much older opponent and impress his peers. Irritated by the boy's supposed arrogance, the captain of the group beats him to a pulp. While pummelling the child, the captain explains that none of them are special and all that matters is the group. As the captain is restrained from killing the young prodigy by the others, 52 lies on the ground. He claims he only wanted to grow stronger and that all people are individuals despite his leader's claims.

Some time later, 52 examines the watch that was left with him when he was abandoned to the Shadows. Knowing that this item is the only thing that connects 52 to the outside world, the captain destroys it with his third generation abilities and later beats a restrained 52 with the intent of making him suffer down to the bone.

In the Year 184, the Shadows observes the fire raging in the Kusakabe household. Aware that Shō Kusakabe has been abducted by a Demon Infernal, the captain orders them located and killed. While the organisation is distracted by the Demon, 52 (now wearing an eyepatch) manages to escape into the city. While feeing, 52 notices his left eye is burning but continues on believing that the Sun God's light would guide him. At some point, 52 collapses outside a family's house and they tended to his needs without needing a reward, despite 52 insisting on repaying them.

Later, 52 returns to the family with shopping only to see men in black suits leaving the house. Inside, the young man finds the family murdered in their living room by the Shadow of the Holy Sun. Faced with this tragedy, 52 fully embraces the cruelty of the world: becoming the criminal known as Joker.

In the present day, Joker calmly tells his opponent that he wishes to teach them about the truth of the world. The Shadow simply mocks his struggle and draws his sword. Joker removes his long coat, draws his cards and smiles. Ready for battle against his former masters.

## Chapter 127

Main article: Chapter 127

Joker order Benimaru to battle the majority of the Shadows of the Holy Sun while he deals with their captain. The assassins strike, swamming Benimaru with bladed weapons and with the intension of killing him with every strike. Despite his overwhelming power, Benimaru stuggles against his foes as they ignore every injury and simply return to the battle.

Meanwhile, Joker confronts his former tormentor and attacks him by throwing playing cards at him. The captain counters with his Whip-Sword. While Joker is easily able to block the blade itself, he is unable to predict how the captain will use the air currents the whip creates to channel his flames. As a result, Joker is brought to his knees and the captain stamps his head into the dirt. While the captain belittles his former ally's weakest, Joker pushes himself of the floor using his tounge and puches the captain the face and knocks his mask away. Joker grins and reminds his opponent that this is a death match.