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Chapter 25 - Chapter 25: Abnormality in Z City, Infinite Kelp

City Hero Association Headquarters – Top-Floor Conference Room

A massive holographic projection screen dominated the entire wall. Around a circular conference table, dozens of high-ranking officials of the Hero Association sat in sharp formal attire, their expressions tense. The room carried the faint aroma of coffee—and the weight of unspoken pressure.

"Everyone, quiet down."

Sekingar tapped the table, his mechanical right eye gleaming with a cold blue light. As he moved, the conference table's holographic system activated, projecting three-dimensional report data from various city branches into the air above them.

"Based on the latest intelligence from each branch, we'll now begin the routine briefing."

He lightly tapped the projection. Surveillance footage from Q City expanded into focus.

In the footage, a man in a plush dog mascot suit—Watchdog Man—was squatting lazily on a monument in front of City Hall Plaza, sunbathing as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"First, Q City," Sekingar reported in a neutral tone. "According to the S-Class Hero Watchdog Man: no abnormalities."

"No abnormalities?!"

Geburich, Head of the Armament Department, slammed a fist on the table. His thick mustache practically stood on end.

"Q City's disaster incidence rate last month was triple that of any other city! The average disaster level hit Demon-Class! And you want us to accept that kind of report?"

Sekingar didn't even blink. "That's just his style. His reports are always brief—but the implication is clear: 'As long as I'm here, there's nothing to worry about.'"

"Nonsense!" Geburich's mustache quivered with rage. "These S-Class heroes grow more arrogant by the day—especially that King!"

At the mention of that name, the room's atmosphere grew heavier. Awkward. Tense.

"He was explicitly summoned to headquarters yesterday. And what happened?"

Geburich fumed, pounding the air with his fist.

"Over twenty executives waited two hours for him! And in the end, he took Tornado to the Cloud restaurant for a lavish dinner instead!"

"Utterly lawless," muttered Tanaka from the Human Resources Department. "They act however they please, relying on their power. Yesterday, I even saw him flirting with one of the new clerks in the main lobby!"

Sekingar's mechanical eye rotated slightly.

A loyal supporter of King, he observed their complaints in silence, neither defending nor objecting.

He cleared his throat, feigning neutrality. "Regarding King, the committee has already—"

"Enough."

The commanding voice of Chairman Agoni cut through the room.

The elderly man rose slowly. His white hair framed a face etched with years of wisdom and authority.

"Now's not the time to debate individual heroes. Sekingar, give us the situation in Z City."

The focus shifted immediately.

Sekingar swiped the interface, bringing up a concerning set of readings.

The leader of the Sixth Action Room, Orochi, stood. His voice carried a note of unease.

"According to our monitoring, energy levels in Z City's 'Ghost Town' suburbs are highly abnormal. We suspect a catalyst may be forming—potentially capable of triggering a large-scale disaster."

The display changed to a satellite map.

The outskirts of Z City were marked in an ominous, inflamed red—like a festering wound.

"We've already dispatched two A-Class heroes to investigate," Sekingar added, bringing up their data cards.

"'Golden Ball', A-Class Rank 29, and 'Spring Mustachio', Rank 33."

Chairman Agoni studied the map for a long moment. Then he asked:

"Where is King now?"

Sekingar brought up a new interface. "According to the tracking display… he's in Z City. At Saitama's residence."

"Saitama?" Agoni raised an eyebrow. "The bald newcomer who recently ranked B-Class?"

A fresh wave of disapproval broke out across the room.

Clearly, many believed Saitama's sudden B-Class designation was thanks to King's backing.

"Notify King immediately," Agoni ordered, his voice leaving no room for debate.

"Have him monitor the anomaly in Z City closely. As for the other issues—table them for now."

The old man's sharp gaze swept across the room.

"We'll discuss those matters after the current crisis is resolved."

Z City – Dusk

The last rays of sunlight streamed through the window of Saitama's small apartment, bathing the room in a warm orange-red hue. It gave the modest space a strangely peaceful ambiance.

Kaito set down his game controller and stretched lazily.

"It's already this late," he said, glancing out at the brilliant sunset. "How about we head to the city center for hot pot? My treat."

"Why waste money?" Saitama objected instantly, pointing to the kitchen corner. "I've got hot pot at home. Let's eat here."

Genos immediately stood. "Teacher, I'll prepare the ingredients."

"Hold on." Kaito stopped him. "I'll go buy them. You stay and get the soup base ready."

Grabbing his jacket, Kaito headed toward the door.

Saitama glanced over at Fubuki, who was still lounging on the sofa.

"Hey, it's almost dark. Shouldn't you be heading home?"

Fubuki pretended not to hear. With a light hop, she followed after Kaito.

"King, I'll go shopping with you!"

"Hey! Who said you could stay?!" Saitama called after her.

Fubuki turned and stuck out her tongue before catching up with Kaito, who was already outside. The setting sun cast their shadows long across the pavement—one tall, one short—a strangely harmonious pair.

Supermarket – Evening

Kaito pushed the shopping cart down the brightly lit aisles while Fubuki flitted around him like an eager sparrow.

"King, these mushrooms are really fresh!"

"Oooh, want to try this special dipping sauce?"

"King—"

Her voice, light and melodic, turned heads. Several customers began whispering, recognizing the two figures.

"Wait… is that Hellish Blizzard, B-Class Rank 1?"

"And the guy with her… no way, that's King! The Strongest Man!"

"They look really close…"

If Fubuki heard the murmurs, she made no effort to distance herself. On the contrary, she leaned in even closer. The subtle scent of her perfume—jasmine laced with cedar—drifted to Kaito's nose.

"What kind of meat do you usually like?" she asked, holding up a box of high-grade Wagyu beef, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Kaito was about to answer when his phone vibrated.

An urgent notification from the Association:

Abnormal energy fluctuations detected in Z City. Two A-Class heroes in danger. Immediate assistance required.

His expression sharpened. He tapped out a quick reply, then turned to Fubuki.

"Looks like hot pot's off for tonight."

Fubuki immediately picked up on the change in his tone.

"Did something happen?"

"Association mission," Kaito said simply, already steering the cart toward the checkout. "Head back to Saitama's place. I'll be back soon."

"Wait!"

She grabbed his sleeve, her eyes firm. "Let me go with you. I'm still B-Class Rank 1!"

Kaito looked down at her determined face and couldn't help but smile.

"All right. But you follow my orders. No exceptions."

Fubuki nodded quickly, her enthusiasm visible in every gesture. She didn't notice the way Kaito's gaze briefly lingered on her—drawn to the soft, enticing curve of her figure as she moved.

They paid quickly and exited the store.

Z City – Outskirts

Night had fallen.

An eerie silence blanketed one of the deserted streets in the uninhabited zone of Z City.

By the time Kaito and Fubuki arrived, the situation was grim.

Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio lay sprawled on the ground—bruised, unconscious, and clearly outmatched.

Standing nearby was a small, dark-skinned man with seaweed-like hair draped around him like living vines.

It was Infinite Seaweed.

"So boring," the creature muttered to himself. "I finally beat some heroes, but they didn't even scream. And there's not even anyone around to watch me shine. What's the point of staying here?"

He twirled a strand of his seaweed thoughtfully, voice rising with frustration.

"Maybe I should just go wild and break into the residential areas... make a real entrance! Hmm?"

His head snapped up.

A shadow.

"Someone's here... Another hero?"

..you know the trend guys , rene_chan

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