The next day brought with it explosive news — a new addition to the prestigious S-Class of the Hero Association.
However, details about this mysterious newcomer were scant. All anyone knew for certain was his face and the stunning feat he'd just pulled off: averting a disaster that could've wiped out an entire city.
The media, as usual, went into a frenzy. Journalists descended on the story like a pack of ravenous wolves, all scrambling to get any scrap of information about the new hero's origins or background.
Fubuki, leader of the Blizzard Group, sat in her office, her eyes glued to the newspaper. She could hardly believe it.
"It's him," she gasped, a mix of surprise and irritation in her voice.
"That troublemaker we crossed paths with."
Eyelashes, always the cautious one, cleared his throat before speaking up.
"Well, while he might not have been the most... considerate towards us, the rest of the world now sees him as an S-Class hero."
Fubuki's grip tightened on the newspaper.
"Damn it," she muttered. "How did he manage that?"
Mountain Ape, the largest and most brash of Fubuki's group, growled in frustration.
"I can't stand it! We can't just let this guy walk all over us. Fubuki-sama, you've got to tell Tatsumaki-sama about him. She'll put this so-called S-Class Villain in his place."
Fubuki gave Mountain Ape a sharp look.
"No," she said firmly.
"I'll handle this myself. If he's truly as strong as they say, maybe it's time to consider what he can offer.
If he can show me even half of what he claims, I might just hand over the reins of the Blizzard Group to him."
Her words made Eyelashes raise an eyebrow. "You're serious?"
Fubuki's expression grew hard.
"I'm not afraid of strength, Eyelashes. If an S-Class hero is strong enough to challenge Tatsumaki, maybe they deserve to lead."
A brief silence followed. The Blizzard Group's very existence was built on surpassing Tatsumaki in strength — but it was clear to Fubuki that no one could truly rival the
"Tornado of Terror." Not unless they were really extraordinary.
"Where can I find him?"
Fubuki muttered under her breath. The newspaper offered no clue as to Kai's location, but Fubuki had a suspicion.
He wouldn't have challenged my leadership without some reason to show up eventually.
As she scanned the article again, Fubuki's eyes narrowed at the mention of two new B-Class heroes: Albedo and Scathach. "Hmm," she mused aloud,
"I wonder if these two have something to do with him."
Eyelashes, who had been silently listening, interjected,
"Do we have any idea where they are?"
Just then, a soft voice interrupted them. "Fubuki-sama?"
Lily, one of the Blizzard Group's youngest members at just 14 years old, stepped in. Despite her youth, she had an uncanny ability to keep her head in tense situations.
A delicate white lily flower rested in her raven-colored hair, adding a quiet elegance to her already calm demeanor.
"I know where they are," Lily said, confidently holding up a finger.
"The article mentions an address: Okinawa Resort. Both Albedo and Scathach are staying there."
"Okinawa Resort?" Fubuki's eyes widened slightly.
"That's a luxury hotel. If they're there, it could mean they have significant backing. We might be dealing with people who aren't just ordinary B-Class heroes."
Lily nodded, her tone cautious.
"Exactly. We need to be careful. If they've got connections with high-ranking individuals, we should avoid rushing in and provoking them without thinking."
Fubuki gave a wry smile.
"You worry too much, Lily. They're B-Class heroes, and they've chosen to operate in our territory. They'll either recognize our authority, or they'll pay the price."
"To the glory of the Blizzard Group!" Mountain Ape bellowed, raising his fists in the air.
"For Fubuki-sama!"
"For Fubuki-sama!" the rest of the group cheered in unison.
Lily rubbed her temple in mild exasperation, but she held her tongue. It wasn't worth arguing with Mountain Ape, especially when he was in this mood.
"Just be careful," she muttered under her breath.
Later that day, Fubuki and her group stood in front of the hotel where Albedo and Scathach were staying. Kai, aware of the fact that they weren't there for him specifically, was nonetheless prepared for whatever came next.
He had a feeling the Blizzard Group had come to check out Albedo and Scathach, both new B-Class heroes who had earned some notoriety for their impressive performances. Known as the "Newbie Crusher,"
Fubuki had a reputation for "persuading" promising new heroes to join her group. If that didn't work, she was known to apply a bit more pressure.
Kai stepped out onto the hotel balcony, and instantly, all eyes shifted to him. Fubuki and her group froze.
Eyelashes and Mountain Ape exchanged startled glances, clearly surprised by the turn of events. The new S-Class hero wasn't just an abstract idea anymore — he was right here in front of them.
"It's you," Fubuki said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"What a stroke of luck to run into Kai, the shining star of the new S-Class Heroes."
Kai, clearly amused by her tone, shot back with a grin.
"And it's a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Blizzard, the queen of B-Class."
Fubuki's expression tightened. She wasn't used to being talked to like this, especially not by someone who had so quickly risen to such a high rank.
But she wasn't one to back down, either.
"I do what's necessary to maintain my position," she said coolly, though her pride was evident.
Kai cocked an eyebrow.
"Ah, the classic power play. Let me guess — you're here to employ your 'tactics' and try to recruit the new B-Class heroes into your group, right?"
Fubuki gave a small, tight-lipped smile.
"Coercion is such a dull word," she said, tilting her head slightly.
"I prefer to call it 'strategic persuasion.' And anyway, it's not like the other factions are any less aggressive. Strength lies in numbers."
Kai shook his head, his smile turning into a gentle, disapproving one.
"If you really want to compete with Tatsumaki, you need to stop playing these games. True strength isn't about numbers. It's about absolute power."
Fubuki scoffed, though a small seed of doubt planted itself in her mind.
"Absolute strength is a myth," she countered confidently.
"Everyone has weak points. Everyone has vulnerabilities. But, I'll admit... Tatsumaki is a different story. I know I can never surpass her."
The vulnerability in her voice was slight, but it wasn't lost on Kai. He could see the underlying struggle — Fubuki wasn't just trying to stay on top of her own group, she was constantly comparing herself to her sister.
And it was clear that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't escape the shadow of Tatsumaki.
Before Kai could respond, Mountain Ape erupted, shouting at the top of his lungs.
"Fubuki-sama! Your sister might be stronger and more famous, but you're superior in other ways!"
Fubuki shot him a withering glare, wondering if she'd made the wrong choice in subordinates. But before she could reprimand him, Kai couldn't help but chuckle.
"Well, I suppose Fubuki holds the advantage in looks."
"Yes, indeed," Eyelashes added quickly, clearly trying to stay on Fubuki's good side. "Fubuki-sama is unquestionably the most beautiful."
Fubuki fought the urge to roll her eyes but refrained.
"Alright, enough flattery," she said, turning her attention back to Kai. "Is this where you're staying?"
"For now,"
Kai replied casually.
Just then, Albedo emerged from the hotel, her presence immediately catching the attention of everyone.
Her attire was as elegant as always — a sharp turtleneck and a skirt, giving her an air of sophistication.
Right behind her was Scathach, dressed much more casually in a balloon crop denim jacket and white pants, giving off a vibe of carefree adventure.
Albedo glanced at Fubuki and her group, raising an eyebrow.
"Who is that woman with the dark green hair?" she asked, her voice calm but curious.
Fubuki, taking the moment to rally her thoughts, gestured to Eyelashes and Mountain Ape.
"There they are," she said quietly, turning back to Kai.
"Let's meet again later today. I have some... business to tend to. Goldfish to feed, you know?"
Kai raised an eyebrow, sensing the subtle tension in the air.
"Of course,"
he said, stepping aside to let them pass.
"I'll be waiting."