001 [Video]

[attainment]

[What initially looks like a pink version of Iron Man is addressing the network, although he has enough sense to lift his face plate when introducing himself to strangers.

The confidence with which he carries himself, along with the polite/neutral mask he wears, both suggest that the man is at ease with broadcasting his image for anyone tuning in. However, someone more observant might detect an oddly brittle look in his green eyes.]

Hi. My name is Barnaby Brooks Jr. I'm currently trying to confirm the status of a man who goes by the name of Kotetsu T. Kaburagi. He's middle-aged, wears a distinct beard, and is of Japanese descent.

[This is where he might have made some vaguely smart-ass comment disguised as legitimate concern about property damage, but the anxiety gnawing at him keeps him laser-focused on the task at hand.]

If you've seen a gentleman who fits this description, I would appreciate any information you might have. [He almost mentions the fact Kotetsu was injured the last time he saw him, but for the sake of being cautious, he decides not to expose a potential vulnerability just yet.

The most important question asked, he nearly ends the feed, but stops himself. A beat of silence, and then he dryly adds:]

Also, since my current outfit doesn't do much for letting me blend in, I'd be grateful if anyone can recommend a skilled tailor or a good place to purchase a new wardrobe.

[It's not the sort of thing he'd typically ask right off the bat, but he's so taxed emotionally and mentally that he's decided to free up as much brain space as possible by deferring smaller matters like clothes to people who know the area better than him.]

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[databoner]

Houka Inumuta, former and also present Student Council Information and Strategy Committee Chair at Honnouji Academy. Just Inumuta is preferred, though.

[attainment]

I can't say I'm familiar with Honnouji Academy.

[databoner]

I'm sure it's exclusive to the world I'm from. I can't imagine it exists in any world that Satsuki Kiryuin does not.

[attainment]

And who is Satsuki Kiryuin, if I may ask?

[databoner]

The strongest woman I've ever known. I'm sure that the name means nothing to you, though.

[attainment]

You're right, it doesn't. But then, my name doesn't mean anything to you either, so I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise.

Is this Satsuki Kiryuin here as well?

[databoner]

... No. She's not.

[Probably the first time he's sounded like anything less than a smarmy asshole in this conversation.]

Lady Satsuki has better things to do than waste time here, so I'm glad.

[attainment]

You mentioned she's the strongest woman you know. Is she a fighter?

[databoner]

She is.

[attainment]

I see. And yourself?

[databoner]

... To a degree, I suppose.

[attainment]

Meaning...?

[databoner]

I prefer not to fight. It's not my specialty. Of my team, I would be the "support" class, really.

[attainment]

Fair enough.

[databoner]

And you?

[attainment]

My job requires it, so yes. This suit was actually designed to compliment my fighting style.

[databoner]

I see. So you were a fighter, even before coming here. Then this won't be anything you're not already accustomed to, will it?

[attainment]

In some respects. The hero business sounds like it's run a little differently here than back home.

[databoner]

Oh? Could you tell me how it is where you're from?

[attainment]

The program was originally started to improve public opinion of NEXTs -- that is, people with unusual or abilities -- so our work is filmed and broadcast on live TV.

Heroes are registered with the government, but the sheer cost of things like air time, suit maintenance and damage fines make corporate sponsors a necessity. Additionally, a scoreboard keeps track of each hero's performance. Heroes who don't do well will drop in rank, which makes their sponsors unhappy. Conversely, the hero who's named MVP usually has the largest fanbase, which often translates into the happiest sponsors.

There's more to it, but that's the gist of how things work.

[databoner]

That's fascinating. Your world is a lot more interesting than I gave it earlier credit for- a capitalistic approach to heroism. It sounds a lot more organized than the situation going on here. More competitive, too.

Do you like it? Having a career based on your special ability- whatever it is?

[attainment]

I agree, the system here isn't as efficient.

[Though whether that makes Hero TV better, he can't say for sure anymore.]

Since I'm able to increase my physical abilities 100 fold, my powers admittedly worked well for the show's format. It's not what I envisioned for myself when I was younger, but I grew to enjoy every aspect of my job. Most importantly, though, I accomplished everything I set out to do. That means there's no reason for me to stay in the business, so I intend to submit my resignation papers once I return home.

[The reality still hasn't quite sunk in yet, but it doesn't need to for him to know what he must do.]

[databoner]

Quitting the hero business, hm? Well, I suppose you know by now, you're here to play hero a little longer. Unless you decide to not take any action at all, but as a previous professional hero, those instincts to help people might be hard to put down.

[attainment]

Yes, I'm aware of what the government would like me to do. Generally speaking, though, I don't commit myself to something unless I've given it a lot of thought. Since this is a unique situation, solely basing my decision off of how I'd behave back home isn't particularly helpful.

[But he suspects Kotetsu is registered, and if that's the case, well...Barnaby would most likely have a difficult time staying away, albeit not quite for the same reasons Inumuta suggested.]

What did you decide, if you don't mind my asking?

[databoner]

Registration.

It's a lot less paperwork I have to arrange for my team if the government takes care of our rent, taxes and income. Of course, I don't believe that anyone really-

[A pause.]

...I don't believe that most people here really are registering for the sake of being heroes. It's for the sake of an easy living situation.