It was a weekend afternoon.
On a lake on the outskirts of Z-City, an old man and a young man lounged in a small boat, both wearing beach shorts. With large sunglasses perched on their faces and fishing rods in hand, they fished leisurely in the tranquil afternoon.
It was Bang and Johnson.
When monsters weren't rampaging, these two were perhaps the most idle duo in all of Z-City.
Especially since Johnson had mastered teleportation, his slacking efficiency had increased dramatically.
Often, the moment Kyoko looked away, he'd already Hiraishin'd from the office to his apartment for a nap.
{T/N: Hiraishin=Flying Thunder God from Minato.}
Truly, until you've experienced teleporting from work to your couch in seconds, you can't understand the pure joy of high-efficiency laziness.
Saitama had found a part-time job as a supermarket cashier, but yesterday, monster destruction reduced the place to ruins. The owner fled overnight with his family to another city, sending the future-baldy back to his familiar state of unemployment.
Since the owner left in such a hurry, Saitama salvaged usable goods from the ruins as his wages. His refrigerator was unusually full, making his life surprisingly good lately.
Earlier today, he'd brought ingredients for a lunchtime picnic, but with afternoon training scheduled, he hadn't stayed for the fishing.
"Say, Johnson."
"Hmm?"
Bang pushed his sunglasses up and, noticing no movement on his fishing rod, reached for the iced drink on the folding table, "Why haven't I seen that girlfriend of yours with the great figure coming to find you these past few days?"
I have a girlfriend now?
"You mean Fubuki? Z-City has been so peaceful lately, she probably got bored and went back." Johnson turned his head to look at the old man's teasing expression and said irritably, "I'm warning you not to spread rumors, or I'll sue you for defamation if word gets out."
"I understand, I understand. After all, I was young once too."
Johnson rolled his eyes, "...You don't understand a damn thing."
Just as he was about to explain to Bang the potential dangers behind Fubuki, a light shout came from the sky.
"Super Cop Johnson, Silver Fang Bang, who would have thought that as A-Class heroes, you would be so lazy."
Just like in the original story, Bang's hero name was determined to be "Silver Fang".
What changed was his hero ranking. Due to Johnson's connection and Lanie's strong recommendation, Bang joined the Hero Association at A-Class Rank 34. He was no longer the obscure B-Class hero from the original timeline, but ranked at the bottom of A-Class like Johnson.
Though for a wealthy and idle old man, it didn't make much difference anyway.
"That voice..." Johnson made a Bang-style sunglasses push, tilting his head toward the sound.
The first thing that caught his eye was a pair of black-stockinged long legs with golden edges, bathed in sunlight.
The two A-Class heroes, one old and one young, almost simultaneously removed their sunglasses and critically examined the sight before Johnson finally raised his hand to speak, "I have a question. No one passes by here in a day — how did you find this place, Fubuki?"
Fubuki pointed toward Z-City, "I just met a jogger I've seen at your place before. He's the one who told me."
"..." Johnson's mouth twitched slightly.
To run into someone like this — the world was truly too small.
"I came this time to—"
"Not joining, not interested, please yourself."
"..." Now it was Fubuki's turn to be speechless.
I haven't even finished speaking, and you hit me with this triple rejection. When has she ever suffered such rudeness!
Fubuki lowered herself near the small boat, "Hmph, I know what you mean. I came this time to say goodbye."
"Oh?" Johnson perked up, "Your sister finally called you back?"
"How did you know? Uh..." Fubuki turned her face away, trying to hide her slightly blushing cheeks, "That's not it. This lady is just tired of this dump, and someone has already contacted me wanting to join the Blizzard Group. I'm leaving temporarily to review new recruits.
During this time, I've realized that rather than seeking cooperation with already famous heroes, it's better to focus on ordinary heroes who want to make a name for themselves. By developing their potential, they can become the backbone of the team!"
She flicked her bangs, her gaze growing particularly determined.
"Super Cop Johnson, just you wait! The next time we meet, my Blizzard Group will definitely make you look at us with new eyes!"
"Alright, miss." Johnson nodded repeatedly like a pecking chick, "Safe travels, miss."
"You..."
Fubuki gave a light snort, her body wrapped in pale blue psychic power as she flew away.
After a while, Bang withdrew his gaze, "She really left."
"What else?"
Johnson suddenly sat up, reached out and yanked. A crucian carp weighing over five pounds was pulled by the fishing line, utterly defenseless as it jerked out of the water, tracing a beautiful parabola to land precisely in the bucket beside him.
Bang's voice faltered, then he blew his beard in shock, "Hey hey hey, using superpowers to fish is going too far!"
Johnson rebaited the hook without changing his expression and cast it far out, "Give me a break, which eye of yours saw me using superpowers? Where's your evidence? This is skill."
"Bull! Then how do you explain the fish landing directly in the bucket?"
"I'm naturally super strong!"
"That's cheating!"
"And you're still empty-handed."
"..."
✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱
Z-City, evening.
A taxi stopped in front of a high-end tea restaurant. The door opened, and a fair leg emerged from under a skirt, stepping onto the ground in transparent pink high heels.
"Miss, please watch your step."
"Thank you."
After paying the fare, Kyoko took a couple of nervous deep breaths.
Her face, even more beautiful after careful makeup, glanced at a tall figure by the floor-to-ceiling window. She gently touched her exposed collarbone, giving herself encouragement.
You can do it, Kyoko! You've got this!
Then she resolutely walked toward the entrance.
"Section Chief!"
"Oh, you're here?" Johnson put down his magazine, his eyes lighting up when he saw the made-up woman, "It's not work hours now, you can be more casual."
"Y-yes, Section Chief."
Johnson looked strangely at his shy subordinate, seeing no trace of her usual sassy attitude — no arguing, no rolling her eyes at him without hesitation.
After calling over a waiter to order, the dishes soon arrived, and the two chatted as they ate.
"So Kyoko, do you desire power?"
"Desire power? Why would I desire power?"
"..." Looking at his bewildered subordinate, Johnson was caught off guard.
By now, Kyoko had recovered quite a bit and stared suspiciously at him. "Section Chief, did you specifically invite me out because you have something to say? Don't beat around the bush, just tell me."
"Then I'll be direct." Johnson nodded, no longer being cryptic, "Kyoko, you know I'm an Esper, right?"
"Of course, Z-City's rising star, the invincible Super Cop Johnson — I certainly know." Kyoko nodded, her eyes carrying a hint of expectation, "But I've only seen those pixelated videos in the news. I've never witnessed Section Chief's abilities firsthand!"
✱✱✱
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