The Integration Era

By the early 2100s, the rapid growth of the quirked population in Japan had rendered the witch hunts ineffective. Approximately 15% of Homo Sapiens had evolved into Homo Deus, highlighting the urgent need for new approaches. Calls for laws that integrated quirked individuals into society and the government gained momentum during this time.

The Japanese government faced a crucial decision, driven in part by the influence of popular and wealthy superheroes with massive social media followings. These heroes had attained unprecedented fame, surpassing even the most renowned movie stars and celebrities. Corporations seized the opportunity, sponsoring superheroes who appeared in movies, TV shows, and promotional campaigns on cereal boxes and soft drinks.

The government response, coupled with public sentiment, led to the formation of two opposing groups with contrasting beliefs on how to address quirks.

The Cultural Preservation Society (CPS) advocated for the control of Japan's quirked population through military force. They argued that superheroes, despite their public adoration, should be incarcerated for openly flouting the laws. The CPS pointed out the significant collateral damage caused by superhero activities, expressing concerns over the neglect and potential disappearance of Japanese cultural heritage. They feared the chaos and destruction that might accompany the normalization of quirks and called for increased military investment in anti-quirk technology. Some members even supported the continuation or intensification of the witch hunts. Their cause was better known through history as the inception of the Quirk Suppression Movement.

In contrast to the CPS, the Council of Quirk Integration (CQI) believed that quirks were an inevitable part of the world and should be cautiously embraced. They proposed the establishment of new government sectors to manage quirk-related matters and advocated for a program that would legalize superhero activity by transforming them into government workers. These heroes would require proper licensing, government clearance, rigorous training, and be required to report all their activities to the government. The CQI emphasized the need for a well-structured bureaucratic system to handle the increasing number of quirks in the population.

In response to the witch hunts and the CPS's opposition to quirk integration, a massive protest called the March for Quirk Rights took place in the heart of Fukuoka. Thousands of quirked individuals and their supporters marched peacefully, demanding recognition, equal rights, and an end to discrimination.

The rise of famous and wealthy superheroes, with their immense social media followings, led to a seismic shift in public perception. Superheroes became symbols of hope and justice, surpassing movie stars and celebrities in popularity. This unprecedented fame and influence motivated corporations to sponsor heroes and capitalize on their image for marketing purposes.

The CPS highlighted the significant collateral damage caused by superhero battles. They pointed to incidents where entire city blocks were destroyed, resulting in civilian casualties and financial burdens on the government. These incidents fueled public concern and provided ammunition for the CPS's argument against embracing superheroes. Soon enough, in a tragic turn of events, a powerful quirk-induced earthquake struck Sapporo, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. The CPS seized the opportunity to emphasize the dangers posed by quirks, arguing that such incidents were evidence of the inherent risks and instability associated with quirked individuals.

In an attempt to regulate and control superhero activities, the government proposed the Superhero Registration Bill. The bill aimed to require all superheroes to obtain licenses, undergo training, and report their activities to the government. It sparked heated debates and protests from both supporters and opponents of the bill, further polarizing the nation.

In a highly publicized event, a clash between a group of heroes known as the Order of the Phoenix and a powerful villain, now infamously known as the Battle for Osaka, led to one of the largest death tolls in a superpowered battle ever recorded. The CPS used this incident as evidence of the dangers posed by unregulated quirked individuals, demanding immediate action to suppress superhero activity.

Fueled by the rising popularity of superheroes and a desire to protect their rights and contributions, the Cape Defense Movement emerged. Supporters organized marches, petitions, and rallies, advocating for the recognition of superheroes as vital assets in maintaining peace and security.

After years of intense debates and negotiations, the Japanese government passed the Quirk Integration Act. This landmark legislation officially recognized quirks and established the Council of Quirk Integration as a formal government body. The act legalized superhero activities under regulated conditions, ensuring government oversight and accountability.

In an effort to reconcile the opposing factions, a historic summit called the Tokyo Quirk Summit was held. Representatives from the CQI and CPS engaged in intense negotiations, leading to a series of compromises and the eventual formation of the JDQA (Japanese Department of Quirked Affairs), NQRA (National Quirk Regulatory Agency), QIB (Quirk Intelligence Bureau), QRSD (Quirk Rehabilitation and Support Division), and JHI (Japanese Hero Initiative).

It was not long after the Summit that the CPS would disband due to now overwhelming and universal support for quirks throughout Japan. After an exhaustingly long war of political sentiments, the CQI had emerged victorious, changing the fabric of Japanese culture forever and giving rise to an era where quirks became a part of everyday life.