"Ah… it connected!" Saitama's face lit up with a small smile.
"Hello?" Sol's voice came through the phone, steady, with the faint sound of wind in the background. "Saitama? Calling at this hour, are you inviting me for barbecue again?"
A collective gasp swept through the conference room. Sitch nearly slipped out of his chair. Tatsumaki's hair lifted slightly with agitation. Bang's hand froze mid-motion as he stroked his beard, and even Drive Knight's optics flickered faster than usual.
"Not about barbecue," Saitama said, ignoring everyone's reactions. "We're in a meeting, and people are arguing about whether you've gone bad, so I called to ask you directly."
There was a short pause on the other end.
"A meeting?" Sol sounded amused, with a trace of disbelief. "You S-Class heroes are holding a meeting, and you casually call me, someone labeled a traitor?"
"They're just going in circles anyway," Saitama replied. "So, are you good or bad?"
The room fell silent. Metal Bat struggled to hold back a laugh, Tanktop Master looked resigned, and Genos leaned closer, focused on every word.
Only the faint wind from the phone could be heard.
"Hello?" Sol spoke again, a teasing edge in his voice. "So this is some kind of trial for me?"
"Something like that," Saitama said. "So, are you a bad guy?"
A soft chuckle came from the other side. "Saitama, what do you think?"
"I don't think so," Saitama answered bluntly. "If you were, my house would already be gone."
A few people in the room let out suppressed laughs before quickly covering their mouths.
Sitch was sweating heavily, urgently mouthing instructions, asking Saitama to get Sol's location and plans.
Saitama ignored him completely. "Then why did you join the Monster Association? Everyone's worried about you."
There was a brief pause.
"Some things need to be handled from the inside," Sol said, his tone sharpening slightly.
Sitch looked like he might collapse, gesturing frantically for Saitama to ask more useful questions.
Saitama blinked, then finally asked, "Right, where are you now? The Association wants to talk to you."
"I'm taking a walk through the underground passages of Z-City," Sol replied casually, a faint laugh in his voice. "They want to talk? Sure, they can come. Just tell them to bring a few medical teams."
Coughing broke out across the room. Sitch's face shifted between pale and green as he waved his hands in panic.
Saitama, completely missing the point, continued, "They said they want a peaceful conversation."
Sol chuckled softly. "Saitama, do you really think they just want to talk? They're probably panicking right next to you."
Sitch nearly choked. Metal Bat let out a quiet snicker before Tanktop Master nudged him.
"I've got things to do," Sol continued. "I'll hang up now. Next time, let's hit the supermarket and grab discounted eggs."
"Oh, sure," Saitama replied easily.
The call ended.
Silence filled the room.
Sitch slumped back into his chair, rubbing his temples weakly. "What… was that…"
Atomic Samurai clenched his jaw. "He's mocking us."
"He's provoking us," Flash said coldly.
Genos, however, was calmly writing notes. "Sol-senpai mentioned discounted eggs. It seems acquiring discounted goods may be part of Sensei and Senpai's training."
Before anyone could respond, there was a knock at the door. A staff member peeked in nervously. "Director Sitch, Mr. Muzan and his group have arrived in the reception room. They said they're here to discuss cooperation."
Sitch froze. He had not even sent an invitation.
Bang stood slowly, stroking his beard. "Since they're here, we should meet them. It's a good chance to hear their intentions."
The heroes exchanged looks before heading toward the reception room. Tatsumaki floated at the back, muttering under her breath, clearly irritated.
Inside the reception room, Muzan sat neatly on a sofa, dressed in a well-fitted black suit.
Behind him stood Kokushibo, Akaza, and the others, also dressed formally. Their presence was still intimidating, but far less conspicuous than before.
Sitch entered with the S-Class heroes and paused slightly at the sight.
Muzan stood and gave a slight bow. "We heard the Association has been considering cooperation with us, so we came directly. I hope we are not intruding."
His tone was polite, his demeanor composed.
Sitch cleared his throat. "We were discussing it. Why are you interested in cooperating with the Hero Association?"
Muzan smiled faintly. "We simply wish to do something meaningful. Assisting in protecting civilians seems like a reasonable path."
Akaza added without hesitation, "We are strong. We can help."
Sitch studied them carefully, fingers tapping lightly against the table. "Your strength is clear, but the Association requires partners it can trust."
Muzan folded his hands neatly. "That is understandable. We have already assisted in multiple rescue efforts." He gestured slightly, and Kokushibo stepped forward with a document. "These are records from the past three months."
Metal Bat leaned back casually. "I told you. They even helped evacuate people during the Boros incident."
Atomic Samurai's gaze sharpened. "Even so, your power is questionable. Especially yours, Muzan. You feel too similar to certain monsters."
Akaza stiffened, but Muzan raised a hand, stopping him.
"We are different," Muzan said smoothly. "But perhaps that difference is exactly what the Association needs right now." His eyes shifted toward Sitch. "Especially after Sol Mirek left."
At that moment, Puri-Puri Prisoner frowned, clearly displeased. "Hey, watch what you're implying. Sol leaving is still a painful topic for me."
Muzan paused for a brief moment, then continued with a composed smile. "I am only stating facts. Sol Mirek's strength is exceptional, and the Association now needs to reinforce its forces."