Chapter 94: Business Trip
Author: Geraint
– One week later –
In the workshop, Ichika looked exhausted while working on the design of a new invention. Since La Brava had shut herself in her room with Roboco taking care of her, he had been doing triple the usual work by himself.
"Finished!" He stretched his arms and yawned.
Just then, the door opened and La Brava entered with Roboco. She walked toward him and gave a slight bow.
"Boss… I'm sorry for abandoning my work."
"Have you recovered?"
"Not completely, but I can manage now."
"I see."
Ichika stood up from his seat and turned off his computer.
"We have a business trip tomorrow. We've opened a new business in Yokohama—a boxing gym. I want to check the facility myself. Go ask the others if they want to come along."
"Another business? You're getting richer again?"
"Yeah, Hecker. I need more money to help solve the hunger crisis in Africa. It's the job of the rich to tackle big problems. Do you think we just splurge on luxury and show off? Those are fake rich people—or spoiled kids. Real rich people reinvest, grow their profits, then reinvest again. That's why the rich get richer. Harsh truth."
"Ugh… I'm seriously doubting your real age."
"Forget about that. You girls clean up the office before we leave tomorrow. I'm going to rest. I haven't slept properly in days." Ichika yawned again and left the workshop to sleep.
– The next day –
Outside Might Tower, only La Brava, Roboco, and Belfast stood waiting.
"Huh? Where's everyone else?" Ichika asked.
"Toru, Momo, and Himiko are preparing for exams—unlike you, who skips school without care. Nejire has a hero practical exam at UA," La Brava replied.
"We're staying at a resort for a few days. Don't they want in?"
"You never told them."
"I guess I'll invite someone else to fill the slot. I already paid for the reservation."
"Why not invite your rabbit girlfriend?"
"I'll try."
Ichika opened his phone and called Mirko. A few rings later, she picked up.
"Hey, Rumi!"
I-Ichika? Why are you calling me all of a sudden?
"I just wanted to hear your voice."
…If you've got nothing important to say, I'm hanging up—
"Wait! I want to invite you on a vacation!"
Ichika… You know my situation. I can't see you right now.
"Just this once, Rumi. It's been forever since we hung out. Don't worry—I'm bringing my secretary, programmer, and maid. It's not just the two of us."
There was silence. Then she sighed.
Fine… I'll come. But no touching, okay?
"Eh…"
Then just holding hands! I might survive a few minutes of that! Satisfied?!
"Yay!"
I'll see you at the station. I'll go pack. Wait for us there.
"Okay!"
Ichika ended the call and pumped his fists in victory.
"Yes! Finally!" He raised both arms while the girls clapped for him.
Then he recalled something.
"Huh? Us?"
At the station, Ichika's cheek twitched when he saw Mirko show up—with several familiar faces, all female Pro Heroes in vacation mode.
Midnight greeted him with a big smile.
"Hello, Mr. President! Long time no see. I'm so looking forward to this vacation. Thanks for inviting me!" she said, shaking his hand.
"…I don't remember inviting you."
"Ara~? I'm on vacation leave. Got nothing to do at home."
"…Okay."
Ichika let it slide. Then he glanced at Mt. Lady, who was whistling suspiciously.
"Mt. Lady, don't you have patrol with Kamui Woods tomorrow?"
"Ugh! Why do you know everyone's schedule?!"
"It's my job as acting president of the Hero Commission. No one slacks off on my watch."
"Uuuu…"
Mt. Lady fell to her knees and pleaded.
"Please, Mr. President! Just this once, let me come! I'll do anything! I want a vacation but I'm broke!"
"Oi! Don't you have any pride? Didn't we raise your salary?"
"Waaaahh! I moved my agency to a nicer location and bought a car! I'm flat broke again!"
Ichika sighed in disappointment. She was a textbook example of why some people stayed poor—blowing money on luxuries without planning for the future.
"…Fine. You can come. Just stop the drama."
"Yay! Thank you, Mr. President!"
Mt. Lady lunged to hug him, but he fended her off.
Then he turned to Ryukyu, noticing the awkward tension.
"You came, Ryuko."
Ryukyu fidgeted with her hands. Midnight and Mt. Lady raised their brows.
"Sorry, Falcon… Mirko dragged me here."
Sweat beaded on her forehead.
"It's fine. I was going to invite you anyway. I wanted to apologize for Rumi troubling you."
"It's okay. We're friends."
Ichika smiled.
"Thanks for coming. Let's have fun."
Midnight and Mt. Lady immediately protested.
"Hey! What's with the special treatment?!"
"Yeah! Treat us equally!"
"Tell that to President Mera. I'm just the vice president. Besides, you two skipped work to come."
"What about Lady Nagant?! She never shows up for patrols!" Mt. Lady pointed at Nagant, who looked thrilled just by being in vacation clothes.
"Huh?" Nagant looked over.
"She's a veteran like All Might and Gran Torino. She's earned it."
"Ugh…"
Lady Nagant visibly flinched.
"Did I say something wrong?"
Being lumped in with senior heroes hit hard. "Veteran" meant "old." She collapsed to her knees, dispirited.
"Kaina, are you okay?" Ichika rushed over, his face close to hers. Their eyes met.
Her heart raced.
"I-I don't feel so good. I want to disappear." She covered her face, cheeks burning.
"I haven't even collected the Infinity Stones yet, and you already want to vanish?"
"…I'm not a shotacon."
(To be continued.)
(A/N: I'll fix my mistakes later.)
(Edit: Fixed)
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