Itadori opened his mouth, momentarily speechless. He had indeed nearly exchanged blows with the Monster just moments ago, risking injury in the process.
Megumi Fushiguro took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart, and whispered, "Thank you, Miss Tatsumaki, for your help."
Nobara also lowered her hammer, staring at Tatsumaki with a complicated expression.
Was this the gap between them and the truly top-tier heroes?
"Hmph."
Tatsumaki snorted, completely ignoring them. Instead, she used her telekinesis to lift the small Monster orb and casually tossed it to the Association's logistics personnel, who had rushed over after hearing the commotion.
"Dispose of it."
After taking care of everything, she seemed ready to leave. However, her gaze inadvertently swept toward a newly opened, exquisitely decorated dessert shop across the alleyway, causing her to pause slightly.
Just then, Sol appeared unhurriedly at the entrance of the alley, as though he had simply been passing by.
He glanced over the traces left behind by the battle, then at the three unharmed individuals, before finally turning his attention to Tatsumaki.
"Solved?"
"Otherwise? Were you waiting until you could leisurely come and collect the bodies?"
Tatsumaki floated over to his side. Her tone remained somewhat petulant, but it was noticeably softer than when she had scolded Itadori and the others earlier.
Sol paid little attention to her attitude. Instead, he glanced toward the dessert shop.
"That shop's limited strawberry parfait is available for the last time today."
Tatsumaki's eyes brightened almost imperceptibly, but she immediately put on a stern expression again.
"...Only children like that kind of sweet, cloying stuff."
"Oh, then forget it."
Sol turned as though he were about to leave.
"...Wait!"
Tatsumaki immediately called after him. She turned her face away, her voice noticeably softer.
"...Since we're already here, it wouldn't hurt to take a look. It's on the way anyway."
A nearly imperceptible smile flashed across Sol's eyes.
"Mhm."
The two then completely ignored the three people in the alley and walked directly toward the dessert shop across the street.
Itadori, Megumi, and Nobara watched them leave. After a long while, Itadori scratched the back of his head and chuckled.
"Haha, Miss Tatsumaki is really amazing! But she doesn't seem that scary after all. And she likes parfait..."
Megumi Fushiguro sighed.
"Idiot. That's because Sol is here."
Nobara clenched her fists, her fighting spirit burning even brighter in her eyes.
"Did you see that? That's true power! We still need to work even harder! Let's go. We continue our special training!"
The alleyway interlude came to an end, but the flames of determination in the hearts of the three burned even more fiercely.
In another corner of the city, inside the dessert shop, Tatsumaki delicately scooped up the exquisite strawberry parfait with a spoon, a slight smile curving her lips.
Across from her, Sol quietly drank his ice water. The atmosphere was peaceful.
As for the bill?
Of course, Psykos would reimburse it.
Meanwhile, Itadori, Megumi, and Nobara remained standing in the alley that Tatsumaki had instantly cleaned up. The air still carried a faint burnt smell from the energy that had scorched the surroundings, along with the sweet aroma drifting from the dessert shop across the street.
"Grumble."
Itadori's stomach rumbled at the worst possible moment. He rubbed the back of his head and stared longingly at the exquisitely decorated dessert shop.
"That shop's parfait looks so delicious."
"Yes."
Nobara briefly glanced toward the interior of the shop before shattering his fantasy.
"But we can't even defeat the Monster that suddenly appeared, so we don't have time for sweets."
Megumi Fushiguro was still immersed in Tatsumaki's understated yet awe-inspiring display of power. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes.
"Stop thinking about eating! Did you see that? That absolute power and control! We're too far behind! Our physical fitness and basic techniques aren't even up to par!"
His words awakened the other two.
Recalling the struggle they had faced against the Tiger-level Monster moments earlier, followed by Tatsumaki's effortless crushing of it, a tremendous sense of disparity welled up in their hearts once again.
"Megumi is right," Nobara said seriously. "Our physical combat skills do have shortcomings. We can't learn Sol's techniques for now, but our fundamentals need to be solid."
She remembered what Bang had said earlier while watching their training.
"Old Man Bang!"
Itadori's eyes lit up.
"Isn't he Sol's master? The Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist! Let's go ask him for guidance!"
The proposal immediately received unanimous agreement from all three.
Compared with challenging Sol's nearly impossible simulated data, learning from an experienced martial arts master and strengthening their foundations was clearly a more realistic and effective way to grow stronger.
They wasted no more time and immediately returned to the Hero Association Headquarters, heading straight for the martial arts area where Bang usually trained.
Inside the dojo, the atmosphere was quiet.
Bang stood with his back to the door, slowly practicing the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. His movements flowed like water, seemingly gentle yet carrying a continuous, powerful force.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, he gradually stopped and turned around.
When he saw Itadori and the other two, a kind smile appeared on his face.
"Oh? It's you three little ones. Is your training over?"
"Senior Bang!"
Itadori stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"We want to ask you to guide us in physical combat! Our foundation is too weak!"
Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara also bowed in unison.
"We beg you!"
Bang looked at the three sincere and spirited young people before him. He stroked his beard, and a hint of appreciation appeared in his eyes.
"Not arrogant or impatient, and able to recognize your own shortcomings. Very good."
He nodded approvingly.
"That child Sol also established a very firm foundation early on. Since you are this determined, this old man will give you some pointers."
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