The atmosphere inside the hall was tense.
Metal Bat's fighting spirit fueled provocation was like a spark falling into a barrel of oil. Tanktop Master's steady gaze met Pochita's low growl, creating an invisible clash between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Psykos adjusted her glasses, her gaze sweeping across the room as if searching for someone specific. When she realized Mr. Sol was not present, a faint trace of disappointment appeared in her eyes before quickly being replaced by a strong sense of purpose.
"Exchange? Of course." Psykos's voice carried a cold, mocking tone. "Mr. Sol wants to see a valuable exchange, not some childish game. We are taking this seriously."
The moment she finished speaking, Gouketsu released a terrifying pressure. The ground trembled slightly as his overwhelming aura, combined with the presence of a former martial arts king, spread throughout the hall. Several Hero Association staff members immediately turned pale.
Nyan Nyan licked its paws, its green eyes fixed on Gojo Satoru with clear hostility. It seemed particularly interested in this human with such a unique aura.
Muzan frowned slightly, instinctively disgusted by the crude sight. Behind him, however, the Upper Rank Demons, especially Akaza, displayed expressions filled with excitement at the possibility of battle.
Akaza stepped forward, a snowflake-like ritual array appearing beneath his feet as his gaze locked directly onto Metal Bat.
"You don't look weak. Let's fight."
"Bring it on! Who's afraid of who?!" Metal Bat showed no hesitation. He placed his bat over his shoulder, his aura steadily rising as the air around him began to distort.
"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute!" Child Emperor quickly moved between them, his small figure attempting to block the surging pressure from both sides. "Mr. Sol isn't here yet! This exchange can only begin under his supervision. That's the rule!"
Zombieman silently stepped forward as well, standing in front of the Hero Association members.
"Acting now would be seen as going against Mr. Sol's wishes. Consider the consequences carefully."
The mention of "Sol" instantly extinguished the flames of conflict that were about to erupt.
Psykos took a deep breath and raised her hand, stopping the restless Monster executives. Although Gouketsu and Akaza were unwilling, they still restrained their auras.
Muzan let out a cold snort and led the Upper Rank Demons back slightly. Even he understood the danger of angering the person known as the "Ancestor."
Metal Bat clicked his tongue but lowered his bat as well.
"How boring..."
Gojo Satoru, however, watched the entire situation with interest. He quietly turned toward Okkotsu Yuta beside him and said, "See, Yuta? Isn't this interesting? That cat-faced one and the guy with the array beneath his feet have very unique energy reactions."
Okkotsu Yuta remained serious. The fighting spirit Akaza had released earlier gave him an overwhelming sense of danger, and there were more than a dozen similar presences gathered inside the hall.
The strength of this world had once again expanded his understanding of what was possible.
Since direct combat was forbidden, verbal confrontation became the only option.
Psykos crossed her arms and looked toward Child Emperor and Zombieman, her tone carrying a hint of ridicule.
"So, when will Mr. Sol arrive? Or has the Hero Association fallen so far that it needs to stall for time just to gather courage?"
"What did you say?!" Metal Bat's suppressed anger flared again.
Tanktop Master spoke in a deep voice.
"Watch your words, Psykos. The association's operations do not require an explanation from you."
Black Sperm split into several smaller bodies, laughing from the side.
"Heheheh, I think they're scared! They're scared that our Monster Association is too powerful and will crush all their precious S-Class Heroes!"
"Bullshit! You pathetic monsters, I can take ten of you myself!" Metal Bat shouted, raising his bat.
Nyan Nyan added sarcastically, "Meow~ Anyone can talk big. I wonder who was running around desperately last time because of Pochita's cannon fire~"
"Are you looking for a beating, you dead cat?!"
Just as the argument was about to intensify again, Bangou slowly walked forward with a chuckle.
"Alright, alright. We're all working for Sol, so there's no need to hurt each other's feelings."
"Since we have to wait, why not move somewhere more comfortable, have some tea, and wait patiently?"
After some reluctance, both sides accepted the suggestion. They could not remain standing in the hall forever.
A large group of people soon moved to the headquarters' largest lounge area. They sat on opposite sides of the room, clearly separated, staring at each other as tension filled the air.
Gojo Satoru sat between the two groups without any concern, watching the situation unfold like a show. He even pulled out his phone to record the scene, only putting it away after Maki gave him a sharp glare.
Okkotsu and the others, however, remained tense. The confrontation between these forces made them fully understand the fragile balance of power in this world and the overwhelming influence of the person who was absent yet still affected everyone present.
At that moment, the center of this storm, Sol, was resting on a soft sofa inside Tatsumaki's living room. His head rested on Tatsumaki's lap, his eyes closed as he relaxed.
Tatsumaki flipped through a fashion magazine using her Telekinesis while occasionally running her fingers through Sol's hair.
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