The two continued their journey, and silence settled between them once more. This time, however, it wasn't awkward. Instead, it carried a quiet sense of comfort.
They walked until they reached the Hero Association headquarters' main hall, where the cool night air drifted through the open entrance.
"Hey," Tatsumaki said again, her voice returning to its usual tone, though it lacked its earlier sharpness. "Are we still going for oden?"
Sol looked out at the brightly lit city.
"Genos just sent the location."
"That shop..." Tatsumaki pursed her lips. "The food's good, but at this hour there's definitely going to be a line."
"Genos probably went ahead to save us a spot, so we can head straight there," Sol replied.
Tatsumaki gave a soft snort, lifting her chin slightly.
"Then let's go."
She floated out first, heading toward the location Genos had sent. Sol followed behind, and the two disappeared into the bustling night streets.
The small oden shop was just as popular as expected. A long line stretched out the entrance.
Tatsumaki ignored the queue entirely and was about to float inside when Sol gently caught her wrist.
"Wait."
She turned back with a puzzled look and watched as Sol walked toward a little girl standing at the end of the line. The child stared eagerly into the shop while clutching a handful of coins.
Sol crouched beside her, spoke a few quiet words, then handed her a banknote and pointed toward the front of the line.
The little girl's eyes sparkled with excitement as she happily ran off.
Tatsumaki floated over, raising an eyebrow.
"What was that? Feeling generous all of a sudden?"
"She's here alone. If she waits too long, she'll get cold," Sol answered simply.
Tatsumaki paused before looking away.
"You don't usually treat me like that," she muttered under her breath.
She said nothing else. Instead, she quietly waited beside him. A few minutes later, after watching the little girl leave with a warm bowl of oden and a bright smile, the two finally entered the shop.
"Oh, you're here!" Saitama waved before calling toward the owner. "Boss, two more servings with spicy broth!"
The four of them gathered around the steaming pot.
Saitama and Genos chatted about the supermarket's latest discounts while Sol quietly enjoyed his meal. Tatsumaki sipped the hot broth, letting out a small breath as the spice warmed her, leaving a faint blush across her cheeks.
The oden simmered steadily, filling the cozy shop with a rich, comforting aroma.
"Ah... I'm alive again," Saitama sighed contentedly after finishing a large mouthful of soup. Tiny beads of sweat formed on his bald head. "Nothing beats this after training."
Genos picked up a slice of daikon with his chopsticks.
"The broth is excellent. If Master enjoys it, I'll learn how to make it."
Tatsumaki gently blew on a tofu pouch that had soaked up the broth before taking a bite. The spicy soup had left the tip of her nose slightly red, but the satisfied expression on her face made it obvious she was enjoying herself.
She glanced at Sol.
He quietly ate a piece of perfectly cooked beef tendon, every movement relaxed and unhurried. Despite the lively conversations around them, he somehow blended naturally into the warm atmosphere.
"Here."
Using her telekinesis, Tatsumaki floated a small dish of spicy miso toward him.
"It goes well with the beef tendon."
Sol accepted it, dipped a small piece into the sauce, took a bite, and nodded.
"Mm."
After finishing their meal, the four headed back together.
The cool night breeze washed away the lingering warmth from the hot food, making the walk especially pleasant.
When they reached a crossroads, Saitama and Genos turned toward their apartment.
"See you tomorrow, Sol," Saitama said with a wave.
"Mm."
The next morning, after enjoying an unexpectedly lavish breakfast in the Hero Association cafeteria, Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara Kugisaki decided to follow Child Emperor's suggestion and explore the city, hoping to experience the customs and culture of this other world firsthand.
Zombieman provided them with some yen and simple communicators before reminding them to stay alert and contact the Hero Association immediately if they encountered anything beyond their ability to handle.
"Finally, some fresh air!" Nobara exclaimed as she took a deep breath, eagerly looking around the city.
Towering skyscrapers filled the skyline while maglev trains glided silently overhead. Pedestrians hurried through the streets, many of them cyborgs or members of unusual races, yet nobody seemed to find it strange.
"This is straight out of a sci-fi movie!" Yuji said excitedly, unable to keep his eyes focused on any one thing for long.
Megumi remained much calmer, though even he couldn't hide the amazement in his eyes. The peace and prosperity of this world stood in stark contrast to the constant tension that defined the world of jujutsu sorcerers.
The three wandered through the busy commercial district for quite some time, browsing unusual shops and purchasing a few interesting trinkets. Gradually, they let their guard down.
Then, as they passed a relatively secluded alley...
"ROAR!"
A deafening roar filled with violent intent erupted from deep inside the alley.
It was immediately followed by terrified screams and the sound of buildings being smashed apart.
"Something's happening!"
Megumi's expression sharpened as he instantly shifted into combat mode.
"A Monster?!" Yuji shouted before sprinting toward the source of the commotion, with Megumi and Nobara close behind.
Deep within the alley, a gigantic Monster with rough, stone-like skin rampaged wildly.
Standing nearly three meters tall, it resembled a grotesquely mutated giant lizard. A casual sweep of its thick tail smashed trash bins into pieces and cracked the surrounding walls.
Several pedestrians had collapsed onto the ground, desperately trying to avoid the flying debris.
"It's a wild Monster!" Nobara quickly assessed the situation. "Probably Tiger level!"
She had memorized a considerable amount of information about Monsters since arriving in this world.
"Hey! Picking on ordinary people isn't exactly impressive!" Yuji shouted.
Cursed Energy surged across his body as he launched himself forward like an arrow released from a bow.
"Yuji, be careful!"
Megumi formed a series of hand signs.
"Nue!"
A giant lightning bird burst from the shadows with a piercing cry, diving toward the Monster and striking its face to draw its attention.
Meanwhile, Nobara quickly circled to the side, gripping her hammer as she searched for an opening.
"ROAR! More little pests!"
The rock-skinned Monster bellowed as its massive tail whipped toward Yuji with tremendous force.
Yuji swiftly ducked beneath the attack, concentrating Cursed Energy into his right fist before driving a powerful punch into the Monster's ribs.
Bang!
=≠=
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