The next day was the weekend.
In order to fulfill the duties of the "Friendly Neighborhood Task Force," Peter Parker, Lila Barton, and Hitomi agreed to team up and take action.
Since there was no school over the weekend, it was the perfect opportunity to thoroughly investigate those elusive phantom hijackers.
Seriously—high schoolers really do get way too excited about being superheroes.
Hitomi couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
'These guys totally treat their superhero identities like some kind of weekend game, don't they?'
The moment someone mentioned going out on a "hero mission" over the weekend, both Peter Parker and Lila Barton lit up like kids at Christmas.
Even though they'd agreed to meet at 9 AM at the café, those two idiots actually showed up at 7:30!
Only Hitomi arrived slowly, yawning all the way, and strolled into the café right on time—9 o'clock sharp.
As for the supposed fourth member of the "Friendly Neighborhood Task Force," the mysterious one everyone kept mentioning... well, they were still nowhere to be seen.
Hitomi couldn't shake the odd feeling that this so-called "lightwave user" was purposely avoiding her.
"Huwaaah..."
Sitting down at the table, Kagura let out a long yawn.
Ever since my body changed into this loli form, I swear I need way more sleep…
"Morning, Neko Hitomi. You finally made it!"
Peter Parker greeted her with a bright grin—clearly, he'd been waiting a while, judging by the three empty drink cups already on the table.
"Ready to join us for a top-secret superhero investigation mission?"
"No problem~ I can head out anytime~"
Kagura lazily waved her hand. "But wait… is it just the three of us today? Wasn't the 'Friendly Neighborhood Task Force' supposed to have four members?"
"Oh, you mean that guy," Peter replied, scratching his cheek.
"That last member usually doesn't work with us directly. They only show up when things get serious, to lend a hand when it counts."
"Hoh? So mysterious." Kagura narrowed her eyes at Peter suspiciously. "So... you guys don't get along, huh?"
"No, no! Not at all! We're teammates—we're all superheroes team!"
Peter waved his hands defensively and added, "It's just... they never gave us any contact info. Never told us where they live, either. So to put it simply, I have no way to reach them."
"Ahh, I see~ Makes sense." Kagura nodded thoughtfully. "Got it. So where are we starting today?"
Apparently, this so-called lightwave user really did know how to keep a low profile.
Even Spider-Man himself had no clue where they were or what they were doing.
'Hmm... now I'm even more curious about this mysterious superhuman. Hope I get to see them in action someday~!'
"Hey, no need to rush! We're still waiting for Lila to pinpoint the ghosts' locations."
Peter gestured toward Lila Barton, who was sitting nearby with a laptop open.
"There are about 14 high-tech transport routes that could be targeted today. Thanks to part of Rhode Island Industries' surveillance network, Lila can keep an eye on them. If those phantom hijackers dare to make a move, we'll catch them in the act!"
"Oooh, I see~" Kagura nodded on the surface, but inwardly she couldn't help but roll her eyes.
'First of all... there are actually 27 tech transport routes passing through New York today.'
'And you guys have only tracked half of them. Your intel-gathering skills still need some serious work, kids.'
'Second, the Rhode Island Industries surveillance network has already been upgraded.'
'Up till now, Lila's been using Hawkeye's account for data access—super inefficient, honestly. But I've secretly granted her permission to Rhodes Island Industries' global early-warning system.'
'So really... if you guys can keep using these resources, you've got me to thank for it.'
'Not that Peter Parker would have a clue about any of this...'
Full of confidence, Peter's face lit up with excitement at the thought of their upcoming "Spider-Man on the move" mission.
"Oh, right—since we've got some time to kill, Hitomi, do you want to grab something to eat?"
"Sure, sure! Your treat?" Hitomi smiled brightly. "I love eating!"
"Great! Since this is your first mission with us, and to celebrate the 'Friendly Neighborhood Task Force' gaining such a powerful new member, I'll treat you to lunch!"
"Woohoo! That's awesome!" Hitomi's face beamed like sunshine. "Then I'll have ten cheeseburgers!"
Peter Parker: "…Huh?"
Hitomi: "?"
Peter blinked. "…Wait. Ten? Ten cheeseburgers?"
"Yup, yup. Is that weird?" Tilting her head adorably, Hitomi looked genuinely puzzled. "Um… if that's too much, I don't mind paying for myself."
At that, Peter Parker froze inside.
'Oh crap. I just acted all cool and offered to treat… am I seriously gonna back out now?'
'No way. Spider-Man has a reputation to maintain!'
'But seriously—how can this little girl eat ten burgers in one sitting?! What are kids these days made of? Are all magical girls like this? Super energy drain or something?'
'God, she's a total glutton… but wait—that's kind of cute. Watching her munch away would probably be adorable…'
'No, focus, Peter!'
'The real problem is... if I actually buy ten burgers, I'll burn through all my allowance for the week.'
'But I can't go back on my word now, can I? I just said I'd treat her! Spider-Man's honor is on the line here!'
Sneaking a glance at Hitomi, Peter felt a critical hit to the heart.
'I'm dead. I've officially died.'
'How can I say no when such a little girl is staring at me with such innocent excitement?!'
'No, Peter Parker—you cannot back down! With great power comes great responsibility! You said you'd treat her, so suck it up and pay—even if it hurts!'
"Ahem! No, no—it's nothing. I was just surprised by your appetite, that's all. Ten cheeseburgers? No problem!"
Forcing a cheerful grin, Peter waved over the waiter to place their order. "Still a bit early for lunch, but might as well get the order in now."
"Yay! Thanks so much~!" Hitomi nodded happily, completely oblivious to Peter's slowly crumbling smile as he mentally watched his wallet wither and die.
After all…
Hitomi was long used to a lifestyle where tens of millions of dollars could be spent in mere minutes.
Ten cheeseburgers?
That's basically free.
And so, the three of them ordered lunch, waiting idly in the café for any sign of the "phantoms" while passing the time with food.
After all—eating is an essential part of every mission!
Besides, this so-called teenage superhero team was less like an official superhero organization and more like a quirky after-school club.
It was only held together thanks to the abilities, responsibility, and enthusiasm of these young heroes.
In that sense, the "Friendly Neighborhood Task Force" was fundamentally different from formal teams like the Avengers.
But still… throughout history, great heroes often started young.
The fact that these kids had ideals and passion, that they were willing to stand up for the peace and safety of the world on their own—even in small ways—was heartwarming.
Good for them. Good for society.
Thinking this, Hitomi gave a satisfied nod and unwrapped her first cheeseburger…
'Ahhh…It's been so long since I've been able to enjoy a full ten-burger feast like this.'
Back when she was with Cortana, she was only ever allowed five, maybe six at most…
'Beep beep! Beep beep!'
Just as the three were finishing their hearty lunch, an alert popped up on Lila Barton's laptop.
"Guys—we've got a target!"
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