Chapter 113: The DecisionAuthor: Geraint
Ichika was in his room, changing into a formal black suit. Once he finished, he used the space stone to teleport somewhere.
He arrived in front of Ryukyu's agency — now a large building in the city, with a huge image of Ryukyu as a model hanging prominently out front. Ichika recalled that he also owned an agency, currently run by an old man and his subordinates. Since his hero license expired, his office had been temporarily closed.
Ichika sighed as he entered the building. Inside, the interior design was inspired by Chinese aesthetics, blending simplicity, contemporary style, nature, and power to create an atmosphere of harmony and serenity. Bright and vivid colors—red, gold, and black—dominated the decor. He remembered that Ryukyu's hero costume was a red Chinese dress.
The Pro Hero sidekicks working under Ryukyu noticed him casually walking through the office.
"He's here."
"Isn't that Captain Falcon? What is he doing here again?"
"He's been visiting Ryukyu-san often. She told us not to mind him and to continue working."
Ichika knocked on Ryukyu's office door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Who's there? I already told them I'm busy today," Ryukyu responded while buried in paperwork.
"It's just me."
"Falcon? Come in."
Ichika opened the door and entered.
"What about school? Don't you have classes today?"
"Nope. Today's my day off."
"And your homework?"
"Already finished during class."
…
Ichika settled on the couch and lay down.
"Any hero work today? I want to come with you."
Ryukyu sighed.
"Your license is expired now. You can't do hero work unless it's an emergency. Just like All Might, you can only intervene if the villain threat exceeds even the top Pro Heroes' strength. Aren't you the one who made that rule, Mr. President?"
"I forgor."
"That response again. What a birdbrain."
"I'm Falcon after all. I forget everything in three steps if it's unnecessary. Jokes aside, how is Rumi doing?"
"Why are you asking me? You're his boyfriend."
"There are some topics only girls can talk about."
"If you mean her condition, it's not great, but she's still doing fine enough not to affect her hero work. She's currently conducting a solo raid on a villain group."
"That girl… she should cooperate with the police to arrest villains instead of leaving them half-dead."
"That's Mirko for you. Are you worried about her?"
"Yup. She's reckless."
"Well then… what about me, Falcon?"
"..."
Ichika fell silent.
"I heard about what happened at your school from Lady Nagant. You've become quite troublesome."
"Hey! I didn't cause trouble! I'm trying my best to adjust!"
"Fufufu…" Ryukyu giggled.
"Ryukyu, stop teasing me."
She stood and moved closer to him.
"Huh?"
She sat beside him, making him self-conscious.
"Hey."
"Falcon, about the letter…"
"Feel free to refuse it. I don't know what to do."
"You're confused, right?"
"Yeah."
"So you won't take anyone other than Rumi. You want to stay true to her."
"What about you? Didn't you find anyone better than me?"
"I don't plan to marry. Being a Pro Hero is too much responsibility. You'd be the last guy I like if I got rejected."
"That's such a waste."
"That's up to you, Falcon. Villain groups already want revenge on me. I fear they'll use my loved ones as hostages. I want to avoid that, so I chose to be alone."
Ichika frowned, recalling records of Pro Heroes who died protecting their loved ones, or losing loved ones, like Shimura Nana—All Might's master and the seventh user of One For All. He wouldn't forget what he learned in the commission.
"If I have to marry someone, it wouldn't bother me if it's you. Just imagine someone taking you hostage and calling me."
"That'll never happen. Villains with bounties on their heads are my piggy bank. Many tried to gang up on me, but none succeeded. They all ended up beaten and sent to Tartarus."
"That's why I feel at ease with you, Falcon. Whatever happens, I'll respect your decision on the engagement."
"Wasn't Lady Nagant in the same situation? What was her reaction?"
"I haven't heard from her, but we already spoke with Mirko."
"What did Rumi say?" Ichika asked eagerly.
"If you want to be with him, you have to go through me first! Beat me in a match and I won't mind if you stay by his side! That's what she said."
"Eh? Rumi already decided that? Did you…"
Ryukyu glanced down, dejected.
"Yeah, Lady Nagant and I fought against her—and we lost. She didn't become No. 5 Pro Hero for nothing."
Ichika smiled, feeling relieved.
"So, that's her decision."
He stood from the couch and faced Ryukyu.
"Ryuko!"
He called her by her real name, surprising her.
"Huh?"
"Try your best. I'll be cheering for you and Kaina."
"Did you…"
"Yeah. I accept the engagement. It might be hard in the future, but I'll do my best to make everyone happy."
(To be continued.)
(A/N: Short.)