One Punch Man: Heroics Start with Dual Kamui

Chapter 182: Taking Advantage of the Moment

From the second day of training onward, the focus shifted from physical conditioning to live combat exercises, with the difficulty gradually increasing. The goal was to enrich the trainees' battle experience while helping them identify and overcome their weaknesses.

The most typical example was Gearsper. Although his psychic power was strong, he could not fully control it. Even with a device designed to regulate his abilities, problems constantly appeared. However, through repeated practice in real combat, his control over his power naturally became more refined. This major flaw was something Gearsper had to overcome by himself.

Before combat training began, Shinji never once promised that he and Tatsumaki would guarantee the trainees' safety. This was intentional, so they would not become complacent. After all, if they lacked a sense of crisis, many would slack off, making it impossible to push themselves to their limits. Otherwise, they might simply think, "The instructors will protect us no matter what," and stop putting in real effort.

...

To select suitable monsters as opponents for the trainees, Shinji and Tatsumaki spent considerable effort. The monsters could not be too strong, or else the trainees would simply be crushed, which would make the training pointless.

After all, only someone like Saitama existed… and perhaps Garou, who was another exception that could never be replicated. Only people like them could grow stronger while being overwhelmed by powerful enemies. For ordinary people, such pressure brought no benefit at all.

After this period of training, all the trainees displayed noticeable growth.

For instance, Gearsper had gained more stability in controlling his psychic power compared to before. Especially after witnessing Tatsumaki unleash her own overwhelming power firsthand, it was like a sudden revelation to him. His control reached a new level, and at times, he could even release bursts of his full potential.

.....

Unknowingly, ten days passed, and the first round of intensive training came to a successful close. The Hero Association had recorded the trainees' performance before the training began, and afterward, they would continue to observe their progress to evaluate the effectiveness of this program.

"Shinji-senpai, Tatsumaki-senpai, thank you very much for your guidance during these ten days."

At the end of the session, Mizuki was the last to leave. She bowed respectfully and expressed her gratitude to Shinji and Tatsumaki.

She had gained a lot from this training. Normally, there weren't so many resources available, nor were there frequent opportunities for real combat. If they fought a monster once a month, that was already considered good. But most of the time, the monsters were either far too strong to handle or so weak that they offered no real benefit.

This training was different. The Hero Association promptly shared monster intel, and under the instructors' guidance, the trainees could even choose their opponents.

"You're welcome. It's simply my duty," Shinji replied with a calm smile. Honestly, Shinji felt good helping young heroes. Definitely not because he likes Mizuki's thighs or anything.

"Shinji-senpai, as thanks, let's have dinner together tonight. My treat," Mizuki invited.

"I'm coming too."

Before Shinji could respond, Tatsumaki had already spoken up.

"Of course, Tatsumaki-senpai is invited as well," Mizuki nodded happily.

"...Wait…"

Looks like they've already decided for me? Shinji could only complain silently in his heart. Still, he had no intention of refusing.

...

Shinji and Tatsumaki followed Mizuki to a restaurant.

As Mizuki sat down and prepared to order, she suddenly remembered something.

"Right… Tatsumaki-senpai, are you even allowed to drink alcohol?"

Mizuki wasn't sure of Tatsumaki's age, and if she happened to be underage, drinking would be illegal. With her cute and petite appearance, it wouldn't be surprising at all if she really was underage.

"...!!"

Once again questioned about her age, Tatsumaki immediately felt annoyed. But she held herself back from snapping at Mizuki. After all, ignorance in this situation was hardly a crime.

"What are you thinking? I'm actually a few years older than you," Tatsumaki replied calmly.

"Eh…?"

Mizuki's face instantly showed her shock. She was already twenty, yet Tatsumaki-senpai was still a few years older than her? Her appearance gave absolutely no indication of that.

If Tatsumaki had said she was younger, Mizuki wouldn't have been surprised in the slightest.

"What did you expect?" Tatsumaki said flatly.

"My apologies, I must have offended you just now, Tatsumaki-senpai!"

At that moment, Mizuki realized her words had been inappropriate. Tatsumaki was older than her, yet she had questioned whether she was old enough to drink.

"It's fine. You didn't know about me before," Tatsumaki said, putting on a magnanimous air.

"Your age is one thing, but whether drinking suits you is another. Are you sure you still want to drink tonight?" Shinji asked her.

He recalled the last time at the celebration feast, and what had happened after Tatsumaki got drunk.

With his words, the memory resurfaced in Tatsumaki's mind. Her pretty face flushed red. Even now, she still found that incident humiliating and embarrassing.

"What is it? Tatsumaki-senpai's alcohol tolerance isn't very good?" Mizuki asked curiously.

But the way she asked was far too blunt, without the slightest attempt to soften her words.

"Well…"

Knowing Tatsumaki well, Shinji decided not to say anything. Tatsumaki also fell into brief silence.

"Hmph… so you doubt my drinking ability? Fine, I'll let you see for yourself in a bit."

Clearly, Tatsumaki had been provoked. Originally, she had planned not to drink this time and stick to soft drinks. But after being challenged, she got heated.

"Tatsumaki… maybe you should calm down a little…" Shinji immediately had a bad feeling and tried to warn her.

But Tatsumaki wouldn't listen. "I am calm. Tonight, I'll prove who can drink better between us. Besides, you're here, aren't you?"

With Shinji around, she could drink without restraint. Even if she got drunk, he would take her home, so there was nothing to worry about.

"Well, that's true…" Shinji sighed helplessly. "But aren't you worried I might take advantage of you if you're drunk?"

"Take… advantage…?"

At first, Tatsumaki didn't quite understand what he meant. But soon, realization dawned on her, and her cheeks turned scarlet. She lightly spat out, "Pervert…!"

Yet that was all she said. It didn't sound like she was truly rejecting the idea.