Chapter 40: Explanation and Admission

Natural-born espers were a rare breed in this world, and most of them, Fubuki included, were prideful and often carried themselves with a sense of self-importance. She had always dreamed of being at the top, of being number one. But... there was always her. That woman, her older sister, was the immovable obstacle in her way. Tatsumaki, the strongest esper alive.

"If I hadn't been born with a sister like her… maybe I could've been number one, just once…"

Inside Shinji's home, the three of them, Shinji, Fubuki, and Genos, sat around a table. It was clear from Fubuki's expression and posture that she had come to explain herself… and to apologize.

"When I reached the top of B-Class, I had this idea. What if I just stayed number one? I could gather everyone ranked below me into a team. If we worked together, if we united our strength, maybe I could someday surpass my sister, who always fights alone."

She didn't hold anything back, openly laying out her motivations and the logic behind everything she'd done until now.

"You're talking about Tatsumaki, the one ranked second in S-Class, right?" Genos asked.

Fubuki gave a small nod. "That's right."

"But if your goal is to surpass her, shouldn't you be aiming for the top of A-Class at least?" Genos looked puzzled. "Even if you're not on her level, you've maintained the B-Class number one spot for quite a while. Reaching the top of A-Class doesn't seem impossible."

It was a fair point. The gap between the B-Class and the S-Class was massive. Even if she managed to recruit every capable hero in B-Class, excluding Shinji, it still wouldn't be enough to beat someone like Tatsumaki. That kind of strategy was just wishful thinking.

"You're underestimating A-Class," Fubuki said with a dry, self-deprecating smile. "With my power, I could break into the top few, sure. But taking the number one spot? That's not happening."

She leaned back slightly, her tone turning heavier. "S-Class hero Atomic Samurai has three disciples. Iaian is A-Class rank 2. Okamaitachi is rank 3. Bushidrill is rank 4. None of them have ever beaten A-Class rank 1, Sweet Mask… which is why they haven't moved up to S-Class."

Her voice lowered. "This world is filled with people who make no sense. My sister, Sweet Mask, King, Blast… they're all freaks among freaks."

Genos stayed silent but gave a slow, understanding nod. In his mind, Shinji belonged in that same category. Since joining the Hero Association, he'd learned the truth about Shinji's strength. The official records on disaster-level threats made it even clearer. The most recent Dragon-level incident had been caused by Vaccine Man. And now, Vaccine Man was practically Shinji's follower, obedient and loyal.

That kind of power was something even S-Class heroes couldn't always count on.

"With where I'm at right now, I can't go any higher on my own. That's why I created the Blizzard Group."

Her head dipped slightly, hands resting neatly on her thighs. Her voice was soft and sincere.

"I know what I did to you was wrong. I got too fixated on staying number one in B-Class. It's the only place where I felt like I could be first at anything. When I saw you climbing the ranks, reaching number four, I panicked. I thought… either I bring you into the fold, or I get rid of you as a threat. I'm sorry."

She remained in that position, quiet and humble, her guilt written all over her face.

"So, you won't be pulling that kind of stunt on other new heroes again, right?" Shinji asked evenly. "If you're ready to drop that mindset, then I'll accept your apology."

"I… I won't do it again," Fubuki replied quickly. "I hope you'll forgive me…"

Shinji gave a small nod, visibly satisfied. "Good. Knowing your mistake and being willing to change, that's what makes a good kid."

"There's nothing wrong with forming the Blizzard Group," Shinji said calmly. "As long as you're not forcing anyone to join or using violence to suppress others, I don't see a problem. Even if you end up dominating the entire B-Class ranking, as long as everyone joins willingly, I won't object."

"Understood..." Fubuki gave a quiet, obedient nod.

"As for your decision to stay at the top of B-Class… that's your call. I've got no interest in criticizing it. And don't worry, I'm not here to compete with you for that spot. I've got my eyes on moving up. Your position's safe from me."

By all accounts, Fubuki should've moved up to A-Class a long time ago. Staying in B-Class didn't benefit her career in any real way. It offered no prestige, no real recognition, just an illusion of victory that cushioned her pride. But it was her choice, a personal decision, and Shinji saw no reason to judge her for it.

"I…"

Ding-dong,

Just as Fubuki started to speak, the doorbell rang, cutting her off. Moments later, the front door swung open and in walked Saitama, completely unbothered by the fact that he hadn't been invited in.

"Yo, Shinji. I'm done sparring with Vaccine Man. Ready for my rematch!" He declared with that same confident, laid-back grin, like a guy who just won a prize at a claw machine.

Vaccine Man trailed behind him, looking considerably less enthusiastic.

That bald head…

Fubuki's eyes widened in an instant.

That was Saitama! The famously unassuming S-Class Hero! She instantly recognized him and was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected another S-Class hero to appear, much less one who acted this casual around Shinji.

And then, Vaccine Man?

That name jolted something in her memory.

He was the cause of a recent Dragon-level disaster. The reports had been murky, but it was widely believed that either Saitama alone or Saitama and Shinji together had brought him down. Fubuki had always leaned toward the first explanation. If she'd believed Shinji had taken part in defeating a Dragon-level threat, she never would've tried to challenge him in the first place.

But now... Vaccine Man was alive. Standing right there. Not rampaging through the city, not causing chaos, but walking into Shinji's house like a grumpy houseguest.

Fubuki's brain practically short-circuited.

"You… you're really Vaccine Man…?" she asked, unable to stop herself.

Vaccine Man, still simmering from being thrashed repeatedly by Saitama, looked even more irritable than usual. His sharp features and permanently hostile expression didn't help.

"Yes, I am. Got a problem with that?"

His intense glare, already scary under normal circumstances, now carried the weight of wounded pride and bruised ego. Fubuki instinctively tensed. That kind of pressure could break a weaker person's composure in seconds.

But he had no interest in wasting words on someone he barely recognized. Turning away, he muttered to Shinji like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"Can I borrow some money? I want to buy a new game… something I can use for training."

He was dead serious. After losing over and over again to Saitama, Vaccine Man had become obsessed with improvement. He couldn't wrap his mind around it. How could a bald, unimpressive-looking human beat him so completely?

Fubuki could only gape in disbelief.

A Dragon-level monster… asking Shinji for cash… like some lazy roommate wanting an allowance for gaming?

Her entire understanding of power, dominance, and hierarchy, shattered.