Chapter 19
The next day brought forth explosive news — the induction of a new hero into the illustrious S-Class. However, details about this mysterious addition were scarce,
limited to his face and his remarkable feat of averting a disaster that had the potential to obliterate an entire city.
Journalists, hungry for a scoop, swarmed the scene like a pack of ravenous hyenas, desperate to uncover the new hero's origins and history.
In her office at the helm of the Blizzard Group, Fubuki gasped as she absorbed the news. "It's him! That troublemaker we crossed paths with."
Eyelashes cleared his throat, his voice tinged with caution.
"While he might have been less than considerate to us, the world at large now sees him as an S-Class Hero."
Their strength often served to suppress the weaker B-Class Heroes, so being subjected to bullying could be perceived as the world's way of delivering justice. However, Eyelashes had no intention of altering his approach based on this development.
"Damn him," Mountain Apes growled with frustration. "We won't be pushed around. Fubuki-sama, you must inform Tatsumaki-sama about this guy. Let her put this S-Class Villain in his place."
Fubuki shot a pointed glare at the massive figure. "No, I will personally evaluate his abilities. If he can demonstrate even half of what he claims, I might consider relinquishing leadership of the Blizzard Group to him."
The very essence of her faction's existence was rooted in surpassing Tatsumaki and aiding her in various ways.
An S-Class Hero taking over the leadership reins represented a substantial leap in power that Fubuki was willing to embrace. This didn't even factor in her own personal growth and achievements. 'Where can I find him?'
The newspaper article lacked any information on Kai's whereabouts or means of contact. Yet, Fubuki held a suspicion that he would make an appearance soon;
after all, he wouldn't have attempted to assume control of her group without some intention of showing up.
Fubuki picked up the newspaper, which also highlighted the rise of new B-Class heroes, particularly Albedo and Scathach, who seemed to be connected. "We should try to extend an invitation to them."
Eyelashes inquired skeptically, "Do we have any leads on their whereabouts?"
At that moment, a soft voice chimed in, capturing their attention. Lily, a fellow B-Class Hero from the Blizzard Group, entered the scene.
She exuded a sense of professionalism, with a white lily flower gracing her raven hair. "Fubuki-sama?"
Fubuki's eyes scanned the newspaper in search of more details. "There's an address mentioned here: Okinawa Resort. Both of them are staying at the same hotel."
"Okinawa Resort?" Lily's eyes widened.
"I'm familiar with that place. It's a high-end luxury hotel. Fubuki-sama, it's possible that these two have quite a significant background. We should exercise caution and not rush into provoking them recklessly. They might have connections with influential figures."
Despite being the youngest at 14, Lily exhibited a calm and composed demeanor, often serving as a voice of reason within the Blizzard Group.
Fubuki's expression grew serious, her brows furrowing.
"Their backgrounds do not matter to me. They willingly joined the B-Class, fully aware of the Blizzard Group's presence. They will either acknowledge our authority or face the consequences."
"To the glory of the Blizzard Group!" Mountain Ape erupted in spirited cheers. "For Fubuki-sama!"
"For Fubuki-sama!"
Lily let out a faint sigh, her hand rubbing her temple in a gesture of exasperation.
----
Fubuki and her group had come knocking at Kai's doorstep. He was well aware that they weren't there for him specifically.
With the new B-Class Heroes in the picture, they were the likely targets of Fubuki's attention. Known as the "Newbie Crusher," she had a reputation for imposing her dominance over promising B-Class Heroes until they surrendered to her leadership.
Most either joined her faction or aligned with other groups, but the gist was clear. Unfortunately for Fubuki, she had chosen the wrong heroes to confront on this day.
Kai descended gracefully, catching the eyes of Fubuki's group instantly. Eyelashes and Mountain Ape exchanged startled glances, their luck not favoring them as they encountered him here.
"It's you," Fubuki uttered with narrowed eyes, dripping with sarcasm. "What a stroke of luck to run into Kai, the shining star of the new S-Class Heroes."
The sarcasm was palpable in her words. Kai regarded her with an amused look. "And it's truly a delight to meet you, Miss Blizzard, the illustrious Queen of the B-Class Heroes."
Kai couldn't help but marvel at the irony. In just a couple of days, he had accomplished more as a hero than she had throughout her entire career.
Fubuki's dedication to heroism was questionable at best; she seemed more interested in maintaining her position than truly helping civilians.
Her motivations seemed to stem from a desire to prove herself superior to her sister, Tatsumaki, a feat that appeared nearly impossible given her current strength and faction.
Fubuki cast a disapproving frown. "I do what's necessary for my position."
"Ah, of course. The classic power play,
" Kai chimed in, playfully wagging a finger.
"Let me guess: you're here to employ your 'faction tactics' and coax the new B-Class heroes into joining your group."
Fubuki responded, her tone holding a mixture of pride and practicality. "Coercion is such a dull term.
I prefer to think of it as strategic persuasion. Other hero factions employ far more aggressive methods. After all, strength lies in numbers."
Kai shook his head with a disapproving smile.
"If you truly wish to follow in Tatsumaki's footsteps, you need to rid yourself of this approach. Absolute strength can crush any obstacle."
"Absolute strength is just a myth," Fubuki countered confidently.
"Everyone has vulnerabilities, weak points that can be exploited. However, I do agree with you on one thing: Tatsumaki is beyond reach.
I am, in every aspect, inferior to her…"
This deep-seated sense of inferiority had driven her to maintain her top rank in the B-Class. She knew that she couldn't hope to surpass the monstrosities of A-Class.
"Fubuki-sama!" Mountain Ape interjected fervently. "Your sister might be stronger, smarter, and more renowned, but you are superior in your own way!"
Fubuki shot Mountain Ape a dubious glance, wondering if it was time to reconsider her choice of subordinates.
Kai chuckled at the contradictory statement. "I suppose Fubuki holds the advantage in the aesthetics department."
"Yes, indeed," Eyelashes affirmed. "Fubuki-sama's appearance is unquestionably superior."
Fubuki inwardly decided to reprimand her loyal subordinates later, then refocused on kai. "Is this where you're currently residing?"
"For the time being."
As if on cue, Albedo emerged from the hotel. The two women exhibited contrasting tastes in their outfits.
Albedo's attire was still characterized by her turtlenecks and skirts, exuding a more elegant and conservative aura.
In contrast, Scathach sported a balloon crop denim jacket paired with white pants, projecting a more casual and adventurous vibe.
Albedo's gaze was fixed on the unfamiliar woman with dark green hair. "Who is that accompanying Master?" she inquired.
Fubuki seized the moment to signal Eyelashes and Mountain Ape. "There they are," she remarked,
her attention returning to the situation at hand. "may I suggest that we meet later today? I have to tend to two goldfish in the pond."