Zenil forced a smile. "Heroes, the Special Operations Unit is only temporary. Once the crisis passes, it will be disbanded."
"Temporary?" Metal Bat scoffed. "Who are you trying to fool? This is clearly an attempt to split the S-Class."
Tanktop Master crossed his arms, his muscles tensing. "I agree. This approach is inappropriate."
Zombieman crushed out his cigarette, his tone cold. "I oppose any form of forced team division."
King's presence rumbled quietly as he raised his hand in silent opposition. Joining such a unit would only increase the chances of his secret being exposed.
Flashy Flash spoke next. "If it improves efficiency, I can understand the intention."
His sharp gaze swept across the room. "But the S-Class should decide the members themselves."
Child Emperor nodded. "That's reasonable."
Superalloy Darkshine scratched his head. "Then… I agree too."
Pig God continued eating. "Munch, munch… doesn't matter to me."
Tatsumaki's hair flared violently. "Are you all seriously buying this so easily?"
Sol casually placed a hand on her shoulder. "Relax. Let them finish."
Zenil immediately seized the moment. "Then regarding the selection of members…"
"We decide that ourselves," Flashy Flash cut in, his tone firm.
Drive Knight gave a mechanical nod. "Acceptable."
Chairman Sitch quickly stepped in as the tension eased. "Then it's settled. The Special Operations Unit will be formed by the S-Class heroes, and the final members will be decided later."
Zenil's expression darkened for a brief moment before his smile returned. "Of course. The Association respects everyone's decision."
Tatsumaki narrowed her eyes. "Why is he suddenly so cooperative?"
Sol gave a quiet chuckle. "He's just waiting for another chance."
The room fell silent. Eyes shifted between Sol and Zenil.
Puri-Puri Prisoner crossed his arms, his body swaying slightly. "Sol is absolutely right."
Zombieman lit another cigarette, watching thoughtfully through the smoke.
Zenil's smile stiffened, then recovered. "You have quite the sense of humor, Mr. Sol. The Association has always respected its heroes. There's no reason to exploit you."
"You'd better," Atomic Samurai said, slightly drawing his blade, a faint glint flashing from the scabbard.
Metal Bat stretched impatiently. "Can we just decide already? I've got plans later."
A brief silence followed. Chairman Sitch wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Since everyone wants to move quickly, let's get straight to it. Any suggestions for the team?"
King's presence rumbled again as he raised his hand. "It should be voluntary."
His voice was steady, though tension lingered beneath it.
Flashy Flash leaned against the wall. "I agree, but…"
His eyes shifted to Drive Knight.
"Intelligence gathering is important, but forming a dedicated team isn't necessary."
Atomic Samurai tapped the hilt of his sword. "You're all overthinking it. Just vote and be done with it."
Superalloy Darkshine hesitated. "I think Drive Knight's idea also has merit."
Pig God swallowed another bite. "As long as monsters get taken down, anything works."
Puri-Puri Prisoner sighed dreamily. "If it means teaming up with handsome men, I wouldn't mind."
Metal Bat shot him a look. "Stay away from me."
Bang stroked his beard calmly. "Rather than forming a separate unit, improving coordination between existing heroes would be more effective."
His gaze shifted briefly to Sol.
Tatsumaki floated beside him, her tone quieter now. She tugged lightly at his sleeve. "Rookie, what do you think?"
Sol smirked slightly. "Let's see how this plays out."
Zenil stepped forward again, his smile tightening. "Heroes, time is limited. How about this…"
"Enough," Tatsumaki snapped, her power flaring. "Who said you could interrupt?"
Sitch quickly intervened. "Miss Tatsumaki, please calm down. Mr. Zenil represents the board."
Tatsumaki turned away with a scoff, though her eyes flicked toward Sol. He was watching Drive Knight, his expression thoughtful.
Child Emperor pushed his glasses up. "We can start small. A three-person team as a test."
"Three people?" Flashy Flash raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."
Zenil immediately spoke up. "In that case, I suggest Sol, Drive Knight, and King…"
"I refuse," Sol said calmly, his voice firm. "I'm not joining any Special Operations Unit."
"I refuse too," King added quickly. "I have other priorities."
Silence fell again.
Zenil's face hardened. "Sol, this is a directive from the Association."
Sol shrugged lightly. "Then remove me from the Association. Otherwise, no."
Metal Bat slammed the table. "That's what I'm talking about. You've got guts."
Tanktop Master nodded. "Forcing heroes into teams is not the right approach."
Drive Knight's eye glowed faintly red. "Do you object to my proposal, Sol?"
Sol met his gaze without hesitation. "I just don't like being controlled."
Flashy Flash straightened. "With opinions this divided, we should postpone the matter."
Superalloy Darkshine nodded. "That works."
Pig God finished his food. "Then let's leave it for now."
Puri-Puri Prisoner sighed in disappointment. "What a shame."
Chairman Sitch exhaled in relief. "Then today's meeting is adjourned. We'll revisit the Special Operations Unit next time."