The huge metal block, covered in pits and fist marks, rose and fell.
Aokiji listened to Sitch's mission briefing on his phone while doing strength training, gripping the massive metal block with one hand.
"A Tiger-level Monster in Y-City that can't be eradicated?"
The heavy metal block slammed down, causing a noticeable tremor in the ground!
The muffled thud even carried through to the other end of the phone.
A drop of cold sweat formed on Sitch's forehead.
What was that terrifying commotion?
Is Mr. Aokiji... anger?
True, for a mission of this level, sending him out did seem like looking down on him.
But since he had decided to make contact,
regardless of whether Aokiji ultimately accepted the mission,
Sitch had to finish his job.
He braced himself and continued describing the situation:
"It's a plant-type Monster, a humanoid Monster aggregated from withered tree roots; normal fire and explosions are ineffective."
"But the real problem is that the source of the Monster is still unknown."
"In the past few days, several of these Monsters have appeared every day, causing quite a panic in Y-City."
"Furthermore, the Association has another reason for wanting you to take on this mission..."
At this point, Sitch couldn't help but pause.
The higher-ups made it sound nice.
To help Association heroes carry out their work better in Y-City in the future?
In reality, it was just the Hero Association and the Police Department fighting for authority.
The Fat Executive patted Sitch on the shoulder.
He took the phone quite naturally.
"Haha, hello Mr. Aokiji, I am a high-level executive of the Association. This mission is actually..."
His tone was warm and friendly.
There wasn't the slightest hint of giving an order.
He simply explained the other purpose of the mission.
Sitch stood awkwardly to the side, sighing silently.
Taking action for such a purpose could hardly be called an act of justice.
Mr. Aokiji would probably be very repulsed by this kind of behavior... would Aokiji be repulsed?
Of course not!
To exploit a System bug and grind the progress bar, he could even create Monster farming.
After listening, his heart remained completely untroubled.
He even began to calculate in his mind.
Whether this plant Monster itself possessed farming functionality.
Oh wait, planting functionality.
"I accept this mission," Aokiji said flatly.
"Great!" The Fat Executive's voice held a bit of excitement.
"To be honest, I'm a huge fan of yours! I've been fascinated by Psychic Power since I was a kid!!"
"That peculiar power originating from the human body deeply fascinates me!"
"Unfortunately, I don't have that talent..." he said with great regret.
"Probably because of this interest in Psychic Power,"
"I recently discovered a civilian Esper and specially recruited him into the Hero Association a few days ago."
"His name is Green, an Esper who can control the plants within his body. He should be able to provide some help in this operation."
"I'll notify him to meet you in Y-City and help you complete the Monster cleanup mission as quickly as possible."
After confirming there were no other details, Aokiji hung up the phone.
He briefly tidied up the training area.
Waiting for the Association to send a plane to pick him up.
Hero Association Headquarters.
Sitch took back his phone.
Wrinkles of confusion appeared on his large nose.
"Green? The hero recruited a few days ago?"
He, the Minister of the Operations Room,
actually knew nothing about it?
"Haha, although he was a special recruit, he's been busy with some matters these past few days," the Fat Executive explained.
"He hasn't officially started his hero work yet; this will be his first mission."
Sitch was skeptical.
The Fat Executive patted his shoulder enthusiastically, said a few more pleasantries, and then left the Operations Room.
Along the way,
he still maintained that kind fat uncle image.
Greeting the passing staff members warmly.
He was well-liked in the Association.
Being a high-level executive, he could still chat and laugh with ordinary staff.
Even when joked with, he would laugh it off and not mind.
A rare image of a good boss.
Until he walked into his own office.
"Heh, heh-haha—hahahaha—!!"
He laughed wildly and excitedly!
The fat on his face shook violently!
"As long as I do what that organization said and have Aokiji investigate this incident... I'll soon have Psychic Power, hahaha!!"
His dream of many years was within reach.
He was in an extremely high-spirited mood!
At the same time, he didn't forget to send out the message.
—Z-City Hero Recruitment Site—
Saitama pretended not to notice the gazes of the crowd.
But he was secretly observing the others.
However, looking around,
most people were wearing light everyday clothes.
At most, there were some Disciples of Martial Arts Schools, wearing their School's training uniforms.
Eh?
Could it be... I'm the only one here wearing a hero costume?!
I finally managed to get used to these clothes!
Now I'm being treated like a weirdo again!!
Saitama feigned naturalness, drifting at the edge of the crowd.
More and more strange looks were directed at him.
"Hey, look at that guy. The test hasn't even started, and he's already put on a ridiculous hero costume. Is he here to put on a show? Hahaha..."
Hey! You guys over there!
I can hear you!!
Say another word and I'll punch you into the sky!!
Saitama's eyelids twitched as he suppressed his emotions.
Just then, someone bumped into him from behind.
Saitama steadied himself and turned around, extremely annoyed!
Huh? Are you here to provoke me?!
"Hey, look! There's another one here to put on a show, hahaha..."
The person who bumped into Saitama was a young man wearing a Green cycling helmet.
He was wearing a specialized cycling suit.
On the surface was a layer of self-made cheap armor.
Not far behind him, an old Bicycle was parked.
He lowered his head and apologized repeatedly:
"Ah, sorry! I dropped my Goggles and was looking down for them, so I didn't notice someone was in front of me."
...
(Throw some stones)