"director…"
Turning his head, Joshiro looked respectfully at his immediate superior.
Director Akari exhaled lightly and waved his hand with visible impatience.
"Go ahead, I'm only a middleman here. Don't place too much weight on my opinion regarding this matter."
"Yes, sir!" Joshiro answered firmly.
He finally signed his name on the document that Bach had placed before him. The Hero Association was still in its early stages and, aside from its efforts to recruit freelance heroes, it also proactively approached individuals who demonstrated noteworthy abilities. In return, the Association offered generous treatment.
This situation left Director Akari in a difficult position. Even before Bach's arrival, orders from above had instructed the police to fully cooperate with the new organization. Considering the financial interests of his officers, Akari was hesitant to reject the arrangement outright, as it would only put unnecessary strain on his men.
"Mr. Joestar, my task is now complete." Bach put away the documents; after handing them to the subordinate behind him, he added, "According to the Association's system, however, you will still need to come to the Z-City branch for ability testing. It will determine your hero class, initial ranking, and other important matters. Please keep this in mind."
"Hero test?" Joshiro repeated, then nodded once. "That's fine. It should be done properly."
"Excellent. Then I look forward to our cooperation," Bach replied, extending his hand politely.
"Likewise," Joshiro answered, shaking it firmly.
…
The idea of being called a hero resonated with him more strongly than he expected. Carrying the Joestar family spirit meant striving toward ideals greater than himself. He knew circumstances would change as time went on, but he also knew that a true hero's resolve should never waver.
That conversation with Bach ended quickly. Afterward, Joshiro stopped by the director's office one last time. Director Akari, weary from the day, could only pat him on the shoulder with a tired gesture and mutter, "Work hard," before dismissing him with a wave.
Joshiro accepted it without objection and left quietly.
The first task after clocking out was to head to the convenience market. His steadily changing physiology demanded food in ever-increasing amounts. Just like a larger engine that requires more fuel, his body's condition was no different. After purchasing daily necessities as well as groceries to fill his refrigerator, he balanced the heavy bags until his arms strained with effort. Finding a quiet corner, Joshiro activated his Stand ability and sealed the items into cards with practiced ease. His hands instantly felt light again.
When he turned, his eyes fell on a familiar figure. Saitama stood nearby, holding his usual plain expression and scratching his head absently, unaware that two strands of hair had fallen loose between his fingers.
"Good evening, Mr. Police Officer," Saitama said politely. "That ability I just saw… was that superpower? Are you a superpowered human?"
Joshiro's expression remained steady, though inwardly he noted the man's keen observation. Another card registered in his hand-
[Fantasy Card: Limiter Fragment] +1.
He concealed the card quickly and made his decision without hesitation. "Now that you know," he said in a lowered tone, "you can come along with me."
Saitama blinked, tightening his fists. His expression shifted to something more serious. "Wait… is this where I get silenced? Is this like one of those TV show plots where the one who finds out too much gets eliminated?"
Joshiro stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Nothing like that. I'm inviting you."
Saitama froze in surprise. "Ah?"
…
The pot of broth boiled, red oil swirling violently as thick slices of beef sank into the bubbling liquid. Steam rose with the scent of spices, filling the enclosed space with heat. Both men sat across from each other with chopsticks in hand, waiting with focused attention for the meat to cook completely.
"Ready," Joshiro announced.
"You're welcome to it," Saitama said quickly.
The moment the slices were done, both pairs of chopsticks moved at once. Two sets of eyes locked briefly, and then the beef disappeared into dipping sauce and into their mouths within seconds.
Saitama winced immediately, fanning his mouth as he coughed. "Hot! Spicy-too spicy!"
Joshiro ate with measured calm, tearing the meat apart with steady precision before reaching calmly for the remaining slices. His physical strength left him unaffected by the heat. By the time Saitama was gulping down beer to ease the burning sensation, Joshiro had already finished the rest of the pot's meat.
Saitama could only watch in frustration as Joshiro placed the chopsticks down with composure. "You still have a long way to catch up when it comes to hot pot, Saitama-kun," he said flatly. "If you want to surpass me at this table, you'll have to try again next time."
Saitama rubbed the back of his head, more embarrassed than angry. He didn't notice more strands of his hair falling away as he answered honestly, "It was already a surprise being invited over. Thanks for the meal, Joshiro-san."
"It's nothing," Joshiro replied with a brief gesture, as if dismissing the words. At the same time he quietly tucked away yet another fragment he had collected. "But listen carefully-the true meaning of hot pot is simple."
Saitama sat straighter instinctively. "What is it?"
"You rush to eat it before anyone else does," Joshiro explained, patting him on the shoulder. "Hot pot without competition has no meaning."
Saitama absorbed the statement with visible seriousness. "I see… I understand now!"
"Then take care of the dishes tonight," Joshiro added. His tone was final.
"Ah… understood," Saitama murmured.
The hot pot meal stretched late into the night. When he finally sent Saitama on his way and returned home, Joshiro summoned his Stand to place the remaining groceries into the refrigerator. He opened the balcony doors to let the night breeze cool the room. The quiet outside contrasted with the faint hum of energy in his hand as a set of cards floated into view. Ten Limiter Fragments flickered with pale light. His Stand projected the message across his vision:
[Fantasy Card: Limiter Fragments] x10
[Can be fused]
Joshiro studied the N-grade card that materialized in front of him. His Stand rarely transmitted emotions, but this time the feedback pulsed strongly-it felt like hunger. He gave the order for fusion without hesitation. The ten fragments overlapped in glowing arcs, blending together until the light finally cleared, leaving a single card floating before him.
[Fantasy Card: Limiter Breakthrough ACT1]
[Type: Special Card]
[Rarity: N]
[Description: Fusion of unknown fragments resulting in condensed conceptual power]
[Effect 1: Breakthrough]
[Allows the user to surpass the natural growth limit of any being once]
Joshiro's eyes lingered on the card. To any other holder it might appear plain, but to him the potential it carried was unmistakable.
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