The Copy Robot, still in my Perman suit, looked at me, his gaze unnervingly steady. "I only supported that politician this one time, Mitsuo," he stated, his voice calm and firm. "It was a one-off transaction for a specific benefit. After this, I don't care what happens with their party, whether they win or lose. Our involvement ends here."
I was still reeling from the idea of Perman being involved in politics, let alone taking money. "How much money," I managed to stammer out, "how much did you take in exchange?"
He paused, a flicker of something almost like amusement in his perfect eyes. "Not much... just 1 million yen."
My brain stopped working. One million yen? That was more money than I'd ever even seen in one place! I was speechless. My mouth hung open, and I probably looked like a fish out of water.
After letting the shock sink in for a moment, the Copy Robot efficiently took off the Perman mask. "Now, Mitsuo," he said, handing me the mask, "let's share memories. There's much to discuss from your day."
I took the mask, still numb with disbelief. We touched foreheads, and the day's events, from both our perspectives, flooded my mind. I saw his logical, almost clinical, handling of Pako. I saw his relentless focus in the library, ignoring the stares. And I saw, with startling clarity, the entire negotiation with the politician. It was like watching a perfectly executed business deal, cold and calculating.
When we pulled apart, I immediately brought up my earlier thought. "You know," I said, a little defensively, "you should have checked Pako's identity. She seemed like she was going to show you, but you stopped her."
The Copy Robot sighed, a sound that conveyed impatience. "Mitsuo, we shouldn't worry about such unnecessary things right now. My priority is your overall improvement, not the immediate gratification of a secret identity reveal. That information, while interesting, was not critical for our current objectives."
Then, his expression hardened, and he looked at me sternly. "And speaking of 'unnecessary things'," he began, his voice taking on a surprisingly authoritative tone, "you should not have shown your abilities so openly in front of everyone at school today. Your enhanced speed and improved intellect were obvious. You must be more discreet. You cannot do that again."
My face flushed. He was right. I'd gotten so excited, so carried away with how good I felt. "You're right," I mumbled, looking down. "I understand. I won't do it again. I'll keep it a secret."
He nodded, a brief moment of approval. "Good. Now, about Kirei Suzuki..."
My head snapped up. "Kirei?"
"Yes," the Copy Robot confirmed. "The girl in the library. She offered access to her father's private economic forecasts. This data will be highly beneficial for your intellectual development. You will go meet her tomorrow morning."
"Wait, I will go?" I asked, pointing to myself. "But you're the one who's good at all that economics stuff. You should go!"
The Copy Robot's perfect face remained impassive. "No. You will go. This will improve your interaction with girls. Your current social aptitude, particularly in non-superheroic, casual settings, requires significant development."
My heart leaped into my throat. Girls? Talk to Kirei? I was terrible at talking to girls! "But I... I don't know what to talk about!" I protested, my voice squeaking a little. "I'll mess everything up! She'll think I'm a complete idiot!"
The Copy Robot smirked, a flash of pure strategy in his eyes. "Do not worry, Mitsuo. I have anticipated this. I will give Perman instructions via Bluetooth. Every conversation point, every appropriate gesture, every logical response. You will simply follow my guidance. It will be an invaluable learning experience for your social skills."
My perfect double, my super-smart clone, was going to be my wingman. Via Bluetooth. I didn't know whether to be terrified or excited. Probably both.