Tatsumaki could crush Demon-level disasters like she was dealing with mobs. That monstrous power crushed Fubuki's hope of ever reaching the heights of her older sister. The S-Class was a realm guarded by Amai Mask. A realm she could never cross.
And now someone claimed to take her beyond those heights.
She raised her gaze to match golden eyes brimming with confidence. "You're lying."
She knew the potential of her natural superpowers. She also knew her own limits.
Kai raised a brow at her disbelief. "Well, don't regret your choice later."
Fubuki unconsciously raised her hand, realizing she messed up her opportunity. Kai didn't care and gently pushed her away. He lowered the barrier and waved his hand.
"You're free to go."
Her hand twitched slightly, a sign that she might have realized her mistake. I didn't press the matter; acting desperate with Fubuki would only raise needless doubts. The Esper had a stubborn streak, and I had confidence she would seek me out after I passed the test to enter the S-Class.
"Wait—"
"Fubuki-sama!"
But then a disturbance—voices and footsteps—drew my attention as Eyelashes and Mountain Ape grabbed Fubuki's shoulders, pulling her away from me.
The heroes, who had gathered to deal with the supposed threat to the Blizzard Group, formed a defensive line between Fubuki and me. It was quite the amusing spectacle, though one hero stood out with his distinctive black spiky hair and the large spear in his hands. Stinger, he called himself, ranked 11th in A-Class. His skintight black suit made of bandages was a unique choice of attire.
"I'm Stinger, currently ranked 11th in A-Class. Blizzard of Hell, stand behind me," he declared.
Fubuki rolled her eyes in response, her irritation evident. "Who called him?"
Eyelashes scratched his head, taking the blame. "Fubuki-sama got trapped. Mountain Ape and I couldn't help you."
With a certain audacity, Fubuki walked past Stinger, almost challenging his authority. She then puffed out her chest and said, "I will allow you to be the Vice President in the Blizzard Group. Your future will shine in radiance, young man."
Her shameless offer had a surprising twist. I watched her with a raised eyebrow as I contemplated her words.
But before I could respond, my own words interrupted the flow, causing her to blink in confusion, "No. I want you under me, both literally and figuratively."
Her confusion shifted to a mix of shock and understanding, and I couldn't help but smirk inwardly. The heroes and her subordinates were thrown off balance by the double entendre, their speechless reactions a source of amusement.
Stinger, after exchanging glances with Eyelashes, sighed in realization. "It was a false call, Blizzard Boys. I'm gonna go back to hunting those walking sea foods."
One by one, the heroes disbanded, leaving me alone with Fubuki once more. Her frown deepened as she contemplated her choices, grappling with the decision in front of her. "I built the Blizzard Group from nothing. We're a group with strong bonds. It's not—"
"You don't want to become an S-Class hero then."
Fubuki's sudden resolve caught my attention, and I watched as she clenched her fists, her determination evident. "Wait! I want to… Who wouldn't want to? I'm not doing it for fame or money… I want to surpass my Onee-san."
As her words hung in the air, I understood the turmoil within her. The struggle to escape her sister's shadow, to claim her own path, resonated with my own experiences. The desire to be recognized, to prove oneself against all odds—these were ambitions I had seen in countless individuals I'd encountered on my journey.
"I understand," I said, my voice carrying empathy. "Ambition can be a powerful force, driving us to exceed even our own expectations."
Fubuki's gaze remained locked on mine, a connection forming between us. She was trapped in the shadow of her sister's overwhelming power, yearning to define herself in her own right. I recognized the conflict she faced—the battle between her aspirations and the weight of her family's legacy.
"I've been where you are," I continued, my tone sincere. "I've seen individuals rise from obscurity to challenge the very foundations of power. You have the potential to achieve greatness, Fubuki. But it won't be an easy path."
Slowly unclenching her fists, Fubuki's determination remained undeterred. Her battles were no secret to me—her confrontations, her rivalries. But this was a different challenge, a chance to forge her own identity and claim her place in the world.
"I won't hold back," she affirmed, her voice echoing with newfound resolve. "If you're serious about this, then I'll accept your offer. But remember—I won't be anyone's subordinate."
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I saw her determination. She had the fire of ambition burning within her, much like myself. And in that moment, I saw a glimpse of the partnership we could form.
The tension in the air was thick as I looked at Fubuki, her defiance mixed with curiosity. She had taken my challenge seriously, at least for now.
"You can't do it with numbers," I stated matter-of-factly, watching her closely. "No matter how many A-Class heroes you gather, Tatsumaki will squash them like insects."
Her fists clenched, her frustration and determination evident. "I know, dammit," she muttered, her gaze distant as she grappled with her own limitations. "I'll be your disciple for a week. If I witness significant progress, I'll cede control of the Blizzard Group to you."
Eyelashes, Mountain Ape, and the others chimed in, expressing their concern for Fubuki. They were fiercely loyal to her, and they saw me as a threat.
"Take your time to decide," I advised calmly, unfurling my wings as I prepared to leave. "Goodbye."
Fubuki's shout echoed in the air as I soared into the sky. "You narcissist villain! Give me your name!"
Her fiery reaction made me chuckle inwardly. She was spirited, I had to give her that. My voice materialized in her mind, playful and mysterious. "You'll find out soon enough."
As I departed, I couldn't help but appreciate the intrigue of the situation. I had challenged one of the most powerful heroes in the Hero Association, and she had taken the bait. This was going to be interesting.
Now, as I observed from a distance, Fubuki and her subordinates began their trek back to the city. The tension had not dissipated; in fact, it seemed to thicken. Fubuki's mind was undoubtedly a storm of thoughts and emotions, each step she took a testament to the turmoil within her.
Her subordinates, loyal and worried, kept their distance. They looked to her for guidance, and she silenced their concerns with a glare that spoke volumes. Her decision had been made, and they would follow her lead, even if it led them into uncertain territory.