Akira was stunned when he heard the voice and turned around to see a girl about his age approaching. She was wearing a white shirt, a black jacket, and a short skirt, which Akira quickly recognized as a school uniform. She must've just finished school like him.
"Am I? What do you want with me?" Akira asked, curious.
"It's nothing, really. I've heard my dad mention you a lot lately," Nako Miyagawa said, her eyes scanning Akira carefully.
"Who is your father...?" Akira asked, puzzled.
"This office belongs to my father!" Nako Miyagawa declared confidently.
For someone who owned a firm, that was indeed impressive and worth being proud of. Many would envy such a position, but to Akira, it didn't hold much weight.
"Oh," Akira responded, uninterested. "If there's nothing else, I'm going inside."
Nako Miyagawa blinked in surprise. This wasn't how she had imagined the conversation would go. She had expected Akira to be impressed, at least a little.
Suddenly, Akira seemed to remember something. "Your name's Miyamoto Nako, right?"
Miyagawa's face tightened. "It's Miyagawa Nako."
Akira nodded. "It's close enough."
Miyagawa was about to say something, but Akira quickly added, "I heard an uncle mention that his daughter practices here too. That must be you."
"Oh, so the office really does belong to your father?" Akira continued, shifting the conversation.
"My dad says you're very dedicated and want to join the Hero Department," Nako said, watching Akira closely.
"Absolutely," Akira replied, his tone serious.
In truth, the Hero Department was just a stepping stone for him. His ultimate goals were still undefined, but he was certain he would find them as time passed.
After some idle chatter, Akira finally reached the gravity room door. He opened it and stepped inside.
Miyagawa Nako followed without hesitation.
"What are you doing?" Akira asked, looking at her.
"Obviously, I'm going to train too," she said, rolling her eyes at his question.
Akira raised an eyebrow. "Just training in that short skirt?"
Nako's face changed, realizing her mistake. "I forgot to change clothes."
"Forget it then. Just watch me train," she muttered, sitting on a stool in the corner.
Akira sighed and moved to the machine, adjusting the weights. Initially, he planned to try 400 pounds today, but seeing Miyagawa Nako there, he decided to stick to 200 pounds instead. That way, she wouldn't be bothered by the intensity.
Akira covered his eyes with a black cloth, then pulled a lever with a click.
The sound of "kaka kaka" filled the air as dozens of fists appeared in all directions.
"Whoa!" Akira dodged a punch, slightly tilting his body to avoid the blow.
"Swish, swish, swish!"
Fists came one after another in a rapid rhythm, but Akira could barely keep up. His training was intense, and soon he found himself overwhelmed.
Miyagawa Nako couldn't help but laugh from the side.
"Akira, what are you practicing for? Are you just getting beat up? This doesn't look useful."
Despite her teasing, Akira ignored her, focusing on regaining his rhythm. The punches came faster, and Akira struggled to keep up, finally pulling the lever up to stop the machine. He lay down, panting heavily.
Miyagawa Nako walked over and pressed a switch to release the gravity. "What are you practicing like this for? I've never seen anyone train like this."
Akira removed the cloth from his eyes, about to respond, but then he froze when he noticed something. He had a clear view of the spring scenery under Nako's skirt. The dark red lighting of the gravity chamber only made it more noticeable.
Seeing the way Akira was looking, Nako quickly realized what had happened. She kicked out, aiming for his head, and Akira barely dodged in time.
"Pervert! You pervert!" Nako shouted, her face flushing with anger.
Akira quickly stood and said, "This is serious. It's not my fault you weren't paying attention."
"Don't tell anyone!" Nako said, her face red from embarrassment.
Akira waved his hand dismissively. "Do you think I'm so bored? People on the street yell about seeing the bottom of someone's skirt all the time."
"Who knows?" Nako huffed, crossing her arms.
The time was still early, but Akira was ready to call it a day. With the distraction of Nako's presence, it was hard to focus on his training.
He opened the door and walked out, with Nako quickly following.
"What are you going to practice next?" Nako asked, still curious.
"I'm done for today, heading home," Akira said, already walking.
"So fast? It's still early!" Nako protested.
"Can you help me?" she asked, her voice hopeful.
"No," Akira refused flatly.
"Don't be so stingy! Our goals are the same, right? We both want to enter the Hero Department and become professional Heroes," Nako said, trying to convince him.
"Sure, but what else?" Akira asked, uninterested.
"Then... can you do me a favor?" she continued, her tone pleading.
Akira suddenly stopped walking, and his expression shifted dramatically.
"No... Forget it," Nako quickly added, stepping back, sensing the change in his demeanor.
Akira grabbed her hand, pulling her toward him with surprising strength, and pressed her against the wall, covering her mouth.
Nako's eyes widened in fear, thinking Akira was about to do something inappropriate. She struggled desperately, but Akira's grip was firm.
"Don't make a sound," Akira whispered.
Before Nako could react, a figure dropped down from above. The man was holding a phone.
"Don't worry, brother, I'll handle this perfectly," the man said with a smirk.