Early the next morning, after informing Bang and the others, Aomori took a private car back to the Hero Association Headquarters in A-City.
As the car pulled up to the building, news media workers who had been waiting for ages swarmed like zombies. However, when the door opened, they found the back seat empty. The driver in the front was equally bewildered.
"Where is he?"
How could ordinary people catch Aomori's movements? He had long since entered the building and taken the elevator to his top-floor office.
Having received word, Ms. Fujiwara and Mr. Oomoto had been waiting for some time. Aomori sat in his swivel chair and gestured for them to begin.
Mr. Oomoto said, "Chairman Aomori, the videos related to the unveiling ceremony have been uploaded to all major websites. The search ranking is at the top, and social response has been overwhelmingly positive. Consequently, major media outlets are clamoring for exclusive interviews with you."
"You can handle future interviews yourself. Reject all activities that require me to appear in person."
"Yes, sir! And the heroes under the Association?"
"On a voluntary basis. Encourage positive publicity."
"Understood!"
"Chairman, recruitment for the Disaster Defense Department began yesterday. Here is the list of candidates."
"Hmm... contact this Sitch and tell him to come see me this afternoon if he's free. How are the Logistics, Rescue, and Construction Departments doing?"
"Good. Staffing for those three divisions is complete. They will be officially operational in a few days."
"Excellent."
"Many people have applied to be heroes these past two days. Should we recruit them early?"
"Have them come to the Headquarters for testing first and register their information. Official induction will be pushed back to next month."
"Yes, sir!"
After resolving various miscellaneous affairs, Aomori went down to the R&D lab to find Child Emperor and check on his latest research progress. Along the way, he delivered the [Laptop] containing Akihiko Kayaba to a specially-made office with the highest security, allowing him to begin his work.
"Kayaba, help me screen the surveillance data."
Aomori drew the images of the House of Evolution Monsters and Dr. Genus from his memory and handed them to Kayaba.
"Notify me immediately if there's any news."
"Understood!"
…
A few days later, the Hero Association's first ministerial meeting officially convened.
Attendees included Aomori, the various department heads, and five S-Class heroes. Blast was absent as usual.
In the spacious conference room, Aomori sat at the head of the long table. Looking around, he said solemnly, "First of all, welcome to the Hero Association. Since many of these departments have only recently been established, some of you might not fully understand how the Association operates. I'll have Ms. Fujiwara introduce our organizational structure first."
Ms. Fujiwara, dressed in a professional suit with her hair tied up in a crisp, efficient style, stood up. She nodded to those present and spoke clearly. "Hello everyone, my name is Fujiwara, and I serve as the Secretary-General of the Hero Association. I will now explain our organizational structure. Please look at the big screen."
[Image]
"As shown in the diagram, the highest official of the Hero Association is Chairman Aomori. Beneath him is the Secretariat, responsible for assisting the Chairman and reporting directly to him. The next level consists of S-Class heroes, who have oversight power over the Chairman and management power over the Association. Below that are the eight major departments, which are..."
"The R&D Department, responsible for developing weapons and equipment. The head is Child Emperor." Child Emperor stood up and waved a lollipop at everyone.
"The PR Department, responsible for the Association's brand image and policy promotion. The head is Mr. Oomoto." Mr. Oomoto stood and smiled at everyone.
"The Disaster Defense Department, responsible for receiving reports from the public or observing disasters independently, quickly determining the disaster level, and notifying the appropriate heroes. The head is Mr. Sitch." Sitch had graying hair and a large nose; he looked very amiable.
"The Logistics Management Department, responsible for recruitment, hero management, and internal facility management. The head is Ms. Fukuo." Fukuo was a mature woman with short hair and a mole near her eye.
"The Rescue Department, responsible for rescue work during disasters. The head is Mr. Switch." Switch was tall and handsome, wearing gold-rimmed glasses.
"The Land and Construction Division, responsible for the construction of Association facilities and post-disaster reconstruction. The head is Mr. Ikenaka." Ikenaka was a pot-bellied, balding middle-aged man with a relaxed demeanor.
"The Legal Affairs Division, responsible for legal work. The head is Ms. Kitahara." Tomoko Kitahara, an old acquaintance.
"The Finance Division, responsible for financial work. For now, I will hold this position concurrently. That is all!"
Clap clap clap clap.
"Now, I assume you all have some understanding of the Association's work. Tomorrow marks the eighth day after the unveiling ceremony and the official induction of the first batch of heroes. Although this batch consists of part-time heroes, it marks the official start of the Association's operations. At exactly eight o'clock tomorrow, the citizen service hotline will open. I want to hear the current state of preparation for each department."
Aomori looked around again, landing on Child Emperor. "Child Emperor, you start. Report on your department's progress."
"Okay." Child Emperor held a lollipop in his left hand while his right hand tapped on the laptop keyboard. "The R&D Division currently has three main projects. First, the exoskeleton armor. The third-generation armor with superior performance is nearing completion and is expected to enter mass production in a month. Second, small jet planes, specifically for the S-Class heroes, to allow them to reach disaster sites quickly and minimize unnecessary casualties. Progress is smooth; we expect to manufacture them in two months."
"Wait a second, I don't need that thing," Tatsumaki interrupted.
"I know. We didn't plan for you; it's for the others," Aomori explained. He turned back to Child Emperor. "Continue."
"Okay. The third project is the Disaster Sensing System. Using sensors across the continent, it detects energy reactions during disasters to help us assess the strength and threat of Monsters and find the right hero. This is expected to be operational by the end of the month."
"Good. Add one more project: a gravity field with adjustable gravity. It should ideally reach 10x gravity to enhance the training effects for S-Class and A-Class heroes. If you're short-staffed, ask Logistics," Aomori said.
"Will do," Child Emperor nodded.
"A gravity field? Sounds interesting. My muscles are craving it," Darkshine said, flexing his biceps.
The second person to report was Mr. Oomoto. He stood and said, "In preparation for tomorrow's launch, the PR Department has put out a massive amount of advertising. You've likely noticed our hotline posted in every street and alleyway. We also have a series of promotional activities to ensure every citizen knows about the Hero Association. Furthermore, we've created an official website, including personal pages for every hero, to showcase our quality and attract more people."
"Hmm, very good." Aomori's gaze shifted to Sitch. "Sitch, what about yours? The Disaster Defense Department's work tomorrow is of the utmost importance."
"Yes, sir!" Sitch wiped sweat with a handkerchief as he spoke. "The Disaster Defense Department is fully prepared. First, we have 50 phone lines ready to minimize busy signals. Second, staff have been trained to ensure a polite and professional attitude, and they can accurately record details. We've rehearsed this many times. Third, we've communicated in advance with the 400 part-time heroes to ensure quick and accurate coordination."
He paused, then continued, "The current issue is that the number of heroes during the day might not be enough to cover too many areas."
During induction training, nearly 200 part-time heroes had dropped out for various reasons, and even more full-time heroes, over 400, had already quit.
Aomori thought for a moment and said, "Then have all the A-Class heroes participate tomorrow as well. Their courses are relatively light."
"Understood."
"Regarding the classification of disaster levels, you're clear on that, right?"
"Very clear." Sitch swallowed. "The lowest level is Wolf, a crisis that could threaten the lives of an unknown number of people. Next is Tiger, a crisis that threatens the lives of a great many people. Then is Demon, a crisis that threatens the functioning or destruction of an entire city. Then is Dragon, a crisis that threatens the destruction of multiple cities. Finally, there is God, a crisis that threatens the extinction of humanity."
"The first four levels correspond to our C, B, A, and S-Class heroes, respectively. But to ensure safety, at least two heroes should be dispatched each time."
"Good. From now on, all disasters of Demon-level and above must be reported to me first."
"Yes, sir!"
Subsequently, other department heads reported their progress. Bang and the others nodded as they listened, gaining a deeper understanding of the Association's inner workings.
Three hours later, as the meeting neared its end, Aomori gave his concluding remarks: "Overall, everyone has done a great job. But you must not relax. The Hero Association has just started, and it requires effort from all of us. Additionally, always remember: no matter the time or the problem, the safety of the citizens' lives and property is our top priority. Understood?"
"Understood!"
"Good. Meeting adjourned!"
…
As people left, only Bang and Aomori remained in the conference room.
"Aomori, you really are a big figure now," Bang said with a smile. "I still remember the first time I saw you, you were just a handsome young man with a cold face all day. I didn't expect you to grow into this in less than a year. The youth are to be feared, indeed!"
"It's because you taught me well, Bang-sensei."
"Eh, don't flatter me. I know I'm not a good teacher; otherwise, Garou wouldn't be the way he is now."
"He still hasn't contacted you?"
Bang shook his head. "He'll probably only appear again when he feels he can defeat you."
"Then won't that be a long wait?"
"Hahaha! You, of all people..." Bang laughed heartily, and Aomori joined in.
After the laughter, Bang turned to business: "The six techniques you showed me last time... my brother and I discussed them thoroughly and have some results."
"That's great! Let's go to the training ground and practice."
They took the elevator to the fifth floor, which housed a spacious training ground.
"Bang-sensei, take it easy. Don't use too much force and break the floor." No matter how sturdy the materials were, they wouldn't withstand a single stomp from him. Aomori warned him in advance.
"Brat! I haven't reached an age where I can't control my strength!" Bang stripped off his shirt, revealing his lean, battle-scarred physique.
"Among your 'Six Powers,' many consumed too much stamina, making them impractical in a real fight, like 'Moonwalk' and 'Tempest Kick.' We've removed those, and the remaining four have been simplified into three powers. Watch closely. This is the first power: Immovable Myoo!" [1]
Bang clasped his hands together. His entire body seemed to deflate, his muscles tightening against his bones until he looked like he was made of stone.
"Adapted from 'Iron Body.' Combined with breathing, it causes the muscle cells to instantly bind together, significantly increasing defense. However, because the muscles are so tense, mobility is lost during this state."
"Hmm." Aomori nodded. This was significantly stronger than the previous Iron Body, but could ordinary people really learn it?
"Second power: Stunning the World!"
Bang let his body return to normal before winding up his right arm, which seemed to swell. He punched forward rapidly, vibrating the air and creating a piercing sound.
The punch had actually created a sonic boom!
"Adapted from 'Finger Pistol' and 'Shave.' It accelerates blood flow, concentrating most of it in the right arm for a finishing blow. Similarly, the blood can be concentrated in the legs to increase movement speed." At this point, Bang instinctively moved his leg, but remembering Aomori's warning, he quietly dissipated his strength.
Clap clap clap!
Aomori applauded, cheering for the veteran hero. But could an average person really learn this?
Bang ignored Aomori's subtle expression and continued: "Third power: Willow Drift!"
He immediately became as supple as if he were boneless, swaying gently on the spot. Aomori tried to rush in with a few punches, but Bang dodged them all easily, as if he were dancing.
"Adapted from 'Paper Arts.' Relax the entire body, drifting like a willow seed in the wind, relying on the body's reflexes to dodge automatically."
"How is it? These three powers correspond to defense, attack, and evasion. They're highly practical and the techniques are relatively standard, making them easier to master." Having finished the demonstration, Bang rubbed his lower back.
"Well, Bang-sensei, I have one question. When you say 'easier to master,' what do you mean?"
"An ordinary person practicing for three to five years should be able to use them."
"Three to five years? That's not bad."
Compared to the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist, which takes ten years just to learn the basics, it was indeed much easier.
Forget it. An ordinary person trying to reach the heavens in one step was always going to be difficult. Even for geniuses, the Six Powers in One Piece took years to learn. He had been overthinking it. Others didn't have his extraordinary talent.
Snapping back to reality, Aomori cupped his fists to Bang. "Bang-sensei, thank you very much! This is a huge help. I'll have to trouble you to teach these 'Hero Three Powers' to the students at the Hero's Starting Ground."
"Don't mention it. Being able to let this old man use his remaining energy is enough for me." Bang waved his hand and put his shirt back on.
"I must! Why don't I treat you to a feast for lunch? I'll do the cooking."
"Won't that waste your time? You look like you have a lot to do."
"There's no rush."
"Then I'll be thick-skinned and look forward to your feast!"
"You are most welcome."
[1] Immovable Myoo is the revered Japanese Wisdom King (Myō-ō), serving as a wrathful manifestation of Dainichi Nyorai (Vairocana Buddha) in Shingon Buddhism.