A weekend afternoon.
On a lake outside Z-City, an old man and a young man, both dressed in short-sleeved shirts and beach shorts, lay in a small boat. Both wore large sunglasses, each with a fishing rod in hand, leisurely fishing in the afternoon sun.
Bang and Jordan Evans.
When there were no monsters running rampant, these two were probably the most idle duo in Z-City.
Especially after mastering Instant Teleportation, Jordan's efficiency in slacking off increased day by day.
Often, before anyone noticed, he'd teleport from the office to his own apartment for an afternoon nap.
You simply couldn't understand the joy of instant travel unless you experienced it yourself.
Saitama's new job had been as a supermarket cashier. Apparently the supermarket was destroyed by a monster yesterday, and the owner fled to another city with his family overnight. As a result, Saitama had returned to his normal state of unemployment.
Because the boss ran away so quickly, Saitama managed to salvage some usable items from the ruins as his wages. His refrigerator was unusually full. For the first time in a while, he was doing quite well.
Just earlier, Saitama had brought ingredients for the lawn picnic at noon, but didn't stay to fish because he had to train in the afternoon.
"I say, Mr. Evans."
Bang pushed up his sunglasses, reached out to feel the motionless fishing rod, then picked up an iced drink from the folding table. "Why haven't I seen that beautiful girlfriend of yours these past two days?"
"You mean Fubuki? Z-City's been so peaceful lately, she probably got bored and went back." Jordan turned to look at the old man with a mocking expression, speaking irritably. "I'm warning you, don't spread rumors. If word gets out, I'll sue you for defamation."
"I understand, I understand. After all, I was young once too."
Jordan rolled his eyes. "You understand nothing."
Just as he was about to explain the potential danger behind Fubuki to Bang, a soft shout came from the sky. "Super Cop Jordan Evans, Silver Fang Bang! I didn't expect you A-rank heroes to be so lazy."
Just like in the original timeline, Bang's hero name was confirmed as "Silver Fang." What had changed was the hero ranking. Due to Jordan's influence and Lanny's strong recommendation, Bang's ranking after joining the Hero Association was A-Rank #34. He was no longer an unknown B-rank hero from the original timeline, but ranked at the bottom of A-Class, just like Jordan.
Although it didn't have much impact on wealthy, leisurely old men.
Jordan mimicked Bang's gesture of pushing up his sunglasses, tilting his head toward the sound. The first thing that caught his eye was a pair of long legs in black stockings, framed in golden sunlight.
The two A-rank heroes, one old and one young, simultaneously removed their sunglasses. They scrutinized the arrival critically for a while before Jordan raised his hand. "I have a question."
"No one ever passes by here. Fubuki, how did you find this place?"
Fubuki pointed in Z-City's direction. "I just met a jogger. I've seen him at your house before. He's the one who told me."
Jordan's lips twitched slightly. Running into Saitama like this only showed how small the world was.
"I've come here to—"
"If it's about recruitment, I'm not interested. Please do as you wish."
This time, Fubuki was speechless.
I hadn't even finished speaking and you rejected me immediately. When have I, Fubuki, ever been treated like this?
Fubuki lowered her altitude to hover near the small boat. "Hmph. I know what you're thinking. I've come here to say goodbye."
"Huh?" Jordan interjected. "Your sister finally called you back?"
"How did you know? Uh..." Fubuki turned her face away, trying to hide her slightly flushed cheeks. "No! I'm just tired of this lousy place. Besides, someone has already contacted me wanting to join the Fubuki Group. I'm only leaving temporarily to review new recruits."
"During this time, I also realized that instead of seeking cooperation with established, powerful heroes, it would be better to focus on ordinary heroes who want to stand out. Tap into their potential, and they can become the backbone of the team!"
Fubuki brushed the bangs from her forehead, her gaze becoming exceptionally firm.
"Super Cop Jordan Evans, you wait! Next time we meet, my Fubuki Group will definitely make you see me in a new light!"
"Yes, miss." Jordan nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice. "Take care, miss."
Fubuki let out a soft hum. Her entire body enveloped in pale blue psychic energy, she flew away into the distance.
After a long pause, Bang withdrew his gaze. "She's really gone."
Suddenly, Jordan sat up. He reached out and pulled, and a crucian carp weighing more than five pounds was yanked out of the water without any resistance. It drew a beautiful arc, landing accurately in the bucket beside him.
Bang paused for a moment. Then his beard bristled in shock. "Hey, hey, HEY! Using superpowers to fish is going too far, isn't it?!"
Without batting an eye, Jordan rebaited his hook and cast it far away. "Come on. Which eye of yours saw me use superpowers? Where's the evidence? This is pure skill."
"What rubbish skill! How do you explain the fish falling directly into the bucket?!"
"I'm naturally strong!"
"You're cheating!"
"You haven't caught anything all day."
Z-City. Evening.
A taxi stopped before an upscale tea restaurant. The door opened. A fair leg emerged from beneath a skirt hem, wearing transparent pink high heels, and touched the ground.
"Miss, please take care."
After paying the fare, Anzu took a couple of deep breaths nervously. Her beautiful face, made even more radiant by careful makeup, glanced at a tall figure by the French windows. She gently touched her exposed collarbone, giving herself a pep talk.
Go for it, Anzu! You can do this!
She then resolutely walked toward the entrance.
"Section Chief!"
"Oh, you're here?"
Jordan set down the magazine. His eyes lit up when he saw Anzu after makeup. "It's not work time now. Just relax."
"Okay, okay, Section Chief."
Jordan glanced at his subordinate, who was blushing, with a strange look. He couldn't tell this was the same person who usually argued with everyone, complained constantly, and rolled her eyes at him without restraint.
They called the waiter to order. Soon the dishes were served. The two ate and chatted.
"So, Anzu, do you desire power?"
"Desire for power? Why would I desire power?"
Seeing his bewildered subordinate, Jordan was speechless.
By now, Anzu had calmed down considerably. She stared at Jordan with a suspicious look. "Section Chief, you specifically asked me out. Is there something you want to say? Don't keep me in suspense. Just say it."
"Then I'll be direct." Jordan nodded, no longer beating around the bush. "Anzu, you know I'm an esper, right?"
"Of course I know. Jordan Evans, rising star of Z-City, the invincible Super Cop." Anzu nodded, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. "But I've only ever seen those censored videos on the news. I've never witnessed you in action, Section Chief!"