Chapter 7: Mediator

"Heard you're looking for work, budy?" asked a guy with short black hair; his eyes quickly scanned me, assessing. "I can help you with that."

I looked at him carefully. He was dressed in a simple suit, but there was something provocative in his demeanor.

"What do you want?" I asked a bit warily.

"Maybe we can talk in a more secluded place?" he suggested, turning slowly. "I'll treat you!"

"Alright," I replied, shrugging. I decided to follow him to find out what he could offer.

A new job had eluded me for a week, and I didn't want to settle for being a security guard. Too boring. So, the idea of going to a secluded place with a stranger didn't seem bad.

Soon, we reached an internet cafe and rented a small room.

"So," started this guy, taking out a cigarette and lighting it. He took a deep drag and exhaled smoke. "I'm Si Kon, and you?"

"Toji."

"Well, I work as a mediator," he continued. "I get a job from a client and find someone to do it. Simple scheme."

"Alright," I replied, not showing much interest.

"If you want, I can help you earn a lot of money," Kon offered, looking at me with a piercing gaze. "You're fit enough for this job."

"Sorry, but you don't seem like someone who can offer me a decent income," I replied, yawning.

"And you don't look entirely suited for such earning either…"

Si Kon smirked and pulled out his phone, turning the screen toward me. He slowly scrolled through the history of operations, where I saw large sums ranging from fifty thousand to ten million yen.

"Hmm, not bad, I agree."

"And you won't ask what you'll have to do?" Kon smirked.

"I don't care," I replied, grabbing the ramen they brought me. I'd had enough surprises in my life to worry about details.

"Then let's exchange contacts," said Kon, handing me his phone. "I'll call you for the first job."

I quickly entered my number into his phone and continued eating while Kon monologued.

***

Just a few hours after our meeting, that guy called me with a task. It turned out to be simple: scare one person, and they promised thirty thousand yen. I agreed without hesitation.

After receiving the address and a photo of my "victim," I headed to the specified location. The man in the photo was robust and athletic, with rough facial features and a distrustful look. He seemed like someone accustomed to getting what he wanted.

I roamed the area, pretending to be a casual passerby until I spotted him. He stood at the entrance of a small shop, demanding money from the owner. I also noticed that his hands gleamed with a metallic sheen. It was his quirk – the ability to turn his hands into steel fists, making him particularly dangerous in hand-to-hand combat.

Approaching him, I stopped and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Hey," I said with a slight smirk. "Seems like you're up to something interesting."

The man frowned and turned to me.

"What's it to you?" he growled, trying to assert his dominance.

"Just want you to know," I continued, remaining calm. "Your fun days are over. At least, here."

Apparently, this angered him as he swiftly lunged at me with his fists. However, I was ready. I dodged his punch and, using the moment of his confusion, delivered a precise blow to his ribs.

He groaned in pain but didn't fall. I also noticed that his hands returned to normal; it seemed he needed concentration to use his quirk. In the next move, I struck him in the knee area, causing him to lose balance.

"You... you'll regret this!" he roared, stepping back and covering himself with his hands.

"Doubt it," I replied, smiling. "And now get out of here. See you again, and I'll break your arms and legs."

He glared at me once more with hatred, then turned and ran, leaving me alone. The task was completed; now, all that was left was to get my money and wait for the next assignment.

Days passed unnoticed. I carried out tasks involving extortion, beatings, theft, and even protection, earning two or three times more than I would as just a security guard. The money still disappeared quickly, but I tried to save, dreaming of buying a means of transportation. The subway was inconvenient due to the crowds.

The gym remained my sanctuary between assignments, the place where I spent most of my time. Power indicators grew, as did my muscles, prompting occasional wardrobe updates.

"Hey, budy, let's go faster; we won't get good spots!" Kon shouted, heading towards the sea in just shorts. "Girls, I'm coming!"

"Ha-a-a-h," better go alone.

We had a short vacation. Since summer was coming to an end, Si Kon suggested going to the sea. Well, why not? I had never seen it, so I quickly agreed.

And what can I say? It was worth it. The Edogawa Beach appeared before me in all its glory: endless sand sparkling under the rays of the departing summer sun, and the transparent sea whose waves gently caressed the shore. The sky was clear, and the air was filled with freshness and a light salty aroma.

People around were having fun, playing volleyball, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the sea breeze. Children laughed, building sand castles, and their parents casually chatted, lying on beach mats.

Si Kon was already trying to make acquaintances, and I just enjoyed the moment, feeling the soft sand under my feet. It was a tranquility that I had been missing for many tense years.

"Miyuki would probably like it here," I thought, looking at the sea. "Next time, we'll come here together."

Without much thought, I, after some warm-up, plunged into the cool water. The water was refreshing. I swam, feeling each muscle of mine filling with strength and energy.

After a short but intense swim, I came out of the water, slightly out of breath. Si Kon was waiting for me by the beach chair, but from his disappointed look, it was clear that luck was not on his side.

"These girls just won't leave me alone…" I sighed, making my way through a crowd of girls persistently trying to get my attention. Each of them offered to exchange numbers or connect on social media, but I refused, then ignored them, hoping they would give up.

Sitting under an umbrella, I looked at Kon, sitting across with barely concealed irritation.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked him with interest.

"Ah, nothing at all," he replied, radiating deadly intent. "Eat."

"Fine." I shrugged, took the bento in my hands, and began to eat.

Si Kon's phone rang, indicating a new message.

"Hmm, got a job," he said, turning the phone screen. "I think you've proven your strength, so here's your first serious assignment."

"Let me see."

I took the phone and carefully studied the information. In the photo, there was a middle-aged man with a determined look and a confident posture. He was known for his quirk of speed, making him one of the fastest people in Japan. He was nicknamed "Blitz" for his ability to instantly appear and disappear from the scene.

According to the dossier, Blitz acted as an unlicensed hero, interfering with the operations of the local gang and disrupting their plans, making him a threat to their business. And most importantly, the reward was a whopping one million yen.

"Yes, this will be interesting," I put the phone aside. "I'll take care of this."

"Great," Kon smiled. "But be careful; he's not an easy one."

I nodded in response, feeling the excitement growing inside me. This was more than just a task. My opponent had a quirk similar to what Naobito used. Speed – his main weapon and a strength I had never faced in combat.

Memories of Naobito and his incredible speed and skill flashed in my mind. I was given the opportunity to test myself against someone with similar power, and I was determined not to miss this chance.