Genos was quick to take the jar with the monster flea to the laboratory to get it secured. On heading back, he moved to the hot tub to finally join up with Kamiko. Saitama was soon found swimming with both Mitsumi and Fumio on his back. Garou and Zenchu both stared with shock at how the bald hero was already lapping around the pool over twenty times within five minutes. When the swim was finished, Fumio was able to move into the hot tub to chat with Child Emperor. Saitama sat on a small bench in the pool by a bubble jet to let Mitsumi cuddle into him. Inichi came over to them with a small chuckle.

"I would like to examine the mine you are to acquire. If I may, Lady Mitsumi? I may be able to find a place to set the piece of shell within it," Inichi asked. Mitsumi thought about it and smiled.

"You can. And take any others that are interested in looking, too," she nodded. Saitama looked at Inichi and held up a dripping, wet hand.

"She and I should go with you. But, you go in the morning. Make sure the place is empty and secured. I want a full day of some form of relaxation with her. So, we can explore the mine in the morning. Then we can go fishing in the evening. Or vice versa," he said. "Hmm. You don't sleep, though. Go tonight."

"Ah! I can do that," Inichi nodded.

"Take me with you," Fubuki chuckled to get him nodded at her.

"I want to explore!" Kamiko grinned.

"Darling, didn't those two others want to cook for us, too? The ones that want to learn from Orotsu?" Mitsumi asked. "The gorilla man and his boss?"

"Ugh. Okay. Well, maybe fishing in the morning…" Saitama sighed. "We could explore the mine right after…craaaap! My parents wanted to come by, too!"

"They could go fishing with us. Possibly. I don't think they'd want to explore an old gem mine," Mitsumi chuckled.

"What's this? What gem mine are you talking about?" Daiki asked. Himiko shrugged and Zombieman had no idea.

"Father had a business partner with that gem mine he liked. Remember how he kept talking about it and never really said if he got it? Well, he did. He told me and took me there only once. His business partner was a creep, though. We also just killed that man for being a Secret Skins. Father had secretly put in the contract for it to fall to me if anything happened to either of them. Sooo…" Mitsumi shrugged at their dropped jaws. "I'll have to get that done tomorrow first thing."

"Genos, I'll need the contract as soon as you can," Rendor said.

"Before the night is over," Genos agreed with a stern nod.

"What gems were in it?" Bane asked.

"Um…I think there were diamonds, a small gold vein, and other lesser precious stones. Last I knew," she shrugged again. At their shocked looks, she giggled and gestured to where Tacki was sitting in the pool with Kamikaze. She had made herself a blue swimsuit that resembled overalls, and Kamikaze was wearing a set of purple swim trunks. "Tacki, if all goes well, we want to put a piece of Wind Crane's eggshell in the mine. It was suggested that you could make a line of jewelry for us when we 'find' the crystals. What do you think?"

"Oh! Yes!" Tacki gasped with delight. "We can base it off of cranes, too!"

"Maybe a deluxe edition, but we could do simpler designs first," Mitsumi nodded with agreement. "I'm sure it's getting around that I'm the last Wind Crane Clan assassin, so I would want some intensely detailed jewelry and such if we do it. It would be a bit expected. Maybe. This way the public can get a small bit of what I can wear as a hero and the assassin."

"Do you think it could be another way to fund the Hero Association if we offer for heroes to have a part of your line of jewelry? I know many have insignias to represent what they are, so we can make broaches and such," Sweet Mask asked. Flashy Flash blinked at this idea with a form of delight.

"Hmm. Like my atomic symbol. I can see that…" Kamikaze grinned.

"We could work that in with a separate contract!" Mitsumi agreed.

"The moment we get home, I'll start up some designs. I'll need stuff, though. It's why I want a blacksmith area. I can set it up as I need it," Tacki sighed. "I can do crafts, metalworking, jewelry stuff…"

"Make a list of what you need," Inichi said.

"Tell me where to put your blacksmith place," Tatsumaki said.

"Okay! I'll make you something really pretty in thanks," Tacki grinned to get the green-haired girl give a pleased smile in response.

"Can we go in the hot tub?" Mitsumi asked Saitama.

"I don't want the water to be too hot for you," he said and rested a hand on her belly. "Even Tacki's in the pool with us. We're fine here."

"Okay," she nodded and snuggled into him. "Are you tired?"

"Eh…not really," he admitted.

"Want to check out the mine now?" she asked with a small grin.

"Hmm…" Saitama mused. "Should we wear Wind Crane Clan suits?"

"It's all we brought. Unless Tacki makes us clothes. But we should be there in case something settled in there. It was owned by a Secret Skins. After Father's murder around four years ago, well…it's usually checked on. But…" Mitsumi said with a soft frown. At that, Saitama narrowed his eyes and leapt out of the pool with her to stand up tall with her in his arms.

"Whoever wants to come with us to check out the gem mine has ten minutes to get ready!" Saitama said over his shoulder to the others. "It's getting late, but Mitsumi said something just now. It was owned by a Secret Skins in full for nearly four years. We don't know what's in there now. If there is something in there and whatever it is finds out that the main owner is now Mitsumi, well…I'd rather investigate now. Before word gets back if something is there and waiting."

"Shit…" Garou glowered and looked at Lily.

"I'll be okay here. Go help them!" she smiled and hugged Garou. "Bring me back something pretty?"

"I can look for something," Garou agreed and found himself kissing her cheek. That got Lily to blush hard to get him laughing softly at her.

"I can go!" Tanktop Girl chuckled.

"I can stay and help keep this place safe," Tanktop Black Hole said.

"I have an appointment in the morning, but…I am curious…" Sweet Mask mused and got out of the hot tub. Tanktop Master and Flashy Flash were already heading out to join them.

"Master, should I join you?" Genos asked.

"Kamiko wanted to come with us. Also, if we find something nasty, we need it destroyed safely," Saitama said while he walked off to change with Mitsumi. Her fans were able to cover them after they got their suits to let them change. Genos was now moving with Kamiko and escorting her to the changing booth. The servants were able to keep their clothes neat, and many of them were quick enough to give a swift cleaning press to the clothes that needed it.

"I was hoping to play some games, but…" King sighed.

"I can go and you can stay," Kianna smiled. King gave her a small smile back and shook his head to show he was going.

"Father never really let us see anything," Himiko frowned.

"I know. It's because Mother would have been able to get things from us. I mean…I'd like to go, but…" Daiki sighed and shrugged.

"Then come with us," Saitama said when he approached them fully dressed in his Wind Crane Clan suit with Mitsumi in her Wind Crane Clan dress. She leaned up in his arms to straighten out his headband to get a warm smile given in response. A kiss was placed on her mouth now before he looked around at the others. When he saw that all of them wanted to see the mine, he looked over at Genos. "Where is the mine located? Do we know?"

"The contract file stated it was in the mountain region of City E. I shall send the coordinates to Inichi to let them be given out," Genos nodded.

"I want to go, but I really want to extract what I can in the lab," Child Emperor said. "If there are other fleas found, can you get them?"

"We can do that," Zenchu nodded.

"Fumio? Did you want to come with us?" Mitsumi asked.

"I want to, but I'm a bit tired, too," Fumio yawned.

"You could nap on our way there," Saitama chuckled. "Go get dressed, Son. Let's get going."

Fumio was quick to do his dad's bidding and meet up with the others outside the mansion. Mitsumi had her fans split and form the massive crane wings to show she was ready for flight. Fumio was able to settle himself between them and gave a heavy yawn in comfort. Saitama chuckled and easily kept his son stable when he ended up falling asleep for a short nap.

"The poor dear," Mitsumi chuckled.

"We can let him sleep on Wind Crane's back if he's still tired," Saitama nodded and jumped into the air with Mitsumi. "When we get there, that is."

"Yeah," Mitsumi agreed and waited for her friends and family to lift off into the air. Tatsumaki was able to help transport the others while sitting on Rendor's floating shoulder.

"Follow me!" Inichi said and led the way. Kamikaze was also a bit excited to know that the moon was nearly full. Even as they flew, Wind Crane was looking around to see if any new areas appeared. She sent a thought to Mitsumi now of a possible plan.

"Saitama, Wind Crane plans to fly over the land to really survey what it looks like after tonight. On the full moon in three days, we'll all look so she can give what she saw to Inichi to help find any differences."

"Huh? Oh. Okay," Saitama nodded. "Why?"

"So Kamikaze can find the Moon Blade at last," Mitsumi chuckled. "And there's nothing wrong with a moonlight flight, eh?"

"Oh! And I can try to find good places for us to visit, too!" Saitama grinned and carefully squeezed her.

"Lady Mitsumi! Can you sing? It's so pretty up here!" Tacki beamed from Wind Crane's back. Mitsumi laughed softly and began to sing while in flight. Saitama sighed and pressed into her neck. I'll never get enough of her singing.

"That's her?!" Tanktop Girl gasped from Inichi's bubble.

"Yep," Zenchu chuckled from his place in Wind Crane's mouth.

"And she still tolerates your taste…" Garou snickered from the talons. Zenchu scowled softly at that. Saitama found himself watching the passing landscape and saw civilians pointing at their passing in flight. Mitsumi's singing was clearly making an impact, but they were also flying off so fast that not many could follow them.

"Let me make a phone call…" Sweet Mask sighed from where he was being carried by Tatsumaki's floating power with Flashy Flash and Tanktop Master. Bane was sitting with Daiki and Himiko on Wind Crane's back. Zombieman was letting Himiko sit in his lap. When they got towards a rather mountainous region, Inichi began to send out the mental coordinates to get them to start aiming towards the base of a small group of mountains. They were now landing and getting dropped off fifty yards away where it was safe to do so. The entrance was just up ahead of them at a slight downwards slant into the ground.

"I am detecting five life forms," Genos said when he scanned around. "They are below us."

"Five?" Saitama frowned and set Fumio up on Wind Crane's back to let her carry him and protect him. His son was still incredibly tired, but he was sure to wake up when something was found.

"How far down?" Mitsumi asked.

"Unfortunately, I am unsure. I can detect heat signatures, so it suggests not too far down. I would use this method to scan for survivors," Genos frowned. "I lose range after ten feet of surface interference."

"Can we rip them out?" Tatsumaki asked.

"I would say no," Mitsumi said. "We don't want to damage the mine if there are crystals and such growing."

"Oh. Okay. Well, if we know there's nothing there, I'll make a skylight," Tatsumaki said. "Where's the way in?"

"Wind Crane?" Zenchu frowned at how the massive crane monster hissed and pecked at the ground.

"Secret Skins," Saitama frowned hard. "It has to be."

"Easy, Wind Crane Clan Mother," Mitsumi said to gently soothe her. "They will be trapped if there is only one way in. So, let's build an ambush attack. You peck down just enough, but not enough to alert. We go in the regular way and block their way out. Inichi can also tell you where to strike your beak. Also, think on this. If we find them, Inichi will simply catch them."

Wind Crane clacked her beak with irritation, but she understood. Tanktop Master and Tanktop Girl cracked their knuckles to show they were ready. Garou looked at Zenchu to see his brother shadow phase to scout around. King and Kianna stayed close to Wind Crane to ensure everything would be well when they were told it was safe to go in. Daiki and Himiko were now under guard until they knew it was safe, too, with Zombieman on high alert.

"Do you need me to go in?" Flashy Flash asked.

"We should be enough," Saitama said.

"I'm surprised the two of you aren't dating," Garou said to Tanktop Master and Tanktop Girl. They both looked at each other and back at him.

"Um…I see him as a respected mentor and a brother," Tanktop Girl said.

"Yeah. She's like a baby sister to me," Tanktop Master said.

"So you won't mind if I introduced her to Tsuruga, right?" Garou grinned slightly. "He's the bull monster."

"I think I saw him. He was at the mansion?" Tanktop Girl asked.

"He was. He usually patrols for security. It's not often he hangs out with us. I don't think he's here, though," Garou frowned. We could have used his help.

"I'm here now," Tsuruga said when Inichi was swift to bring him. He snorted and blinked his glowing red eyes. "Who do I need to impale?"

"Possible Secret Skins in the mine that our Lady Mitsumi now owns," Inichi said. "We need to be careful in there."

"That's fine. I can wait here with Wind Crane and protect any others," Tsuruga grunted and flicked his classic bull tail from the torn black jean shorts he wore. His large chest naturally flexed under the light fuzz of black fur hide as he scanned the surroundings. Now he looked at how Tanktop Girl was staring at him with fascination. "Hmm? Is there something on my horns?"

"You are just one of the most incredible monsters I've ever seen up close," she said to get him chuckling softly.

"Thank you for the compliment!" he grinned lightly.

"Really?" Tanktop Master asked her.

"Puri-Puri Prisoner was thinking the same thing," Bane said.

"Well, until that one leaves the lifestyle he wants, I will only see him as an acquaintance. I don't do multiple partners. I am one-on-one only," Tsuruga snorted. "I doubt he will ever change."

"Oh…you're…not into…?" Tanktop Girl frowned.

"It doesn't matter with me. If I care about that one, then it's a done deal. Male or female," Tsuruga shrugged. "Right now, I have none at my side."

"Would you…like someone?" she asked softly. Now he looked at her with a small smile and a soft laugh. Tanktop Master blinked at her with surprise.

"Talk to me like a new friend," he nodded. "Should we find something more, then we can talk more."

"I can do that," Tanktop Girl chuckled.

"Siren stayed at the mansion?" Kamiko asked.

"She did. Metal Knight wanted to help Child Emperor," Inichi said from her thought back. "Metal Knight will mentally assist through me. Should we need him, that is."

"Tsuruga, thank you for being here," Mitsumi chuckled. Shenjou had optioned to come with them in case his venom was needed, and he knew Inichi could transport a drop of his venom straight to Saitama.

"If you need me to play cleanup, just tell me," Shenjou flicked his tongue.

"Yep!" Saitama nodded and scooped up Mitsumi to take her over to the mine entrance. Zenchu had already scouted out the whole place and was ready to guide them in.

"We go straight, then left," Zenchu said and flicked his barbed tail. "Genos was right, though. We have five idiots. I saw the lumps on their arms. We have something to hold five fleas?"

"I have a containment jar," Genos nodded. When they stepped into the mine, Mitsumi paused at an odd sensation. Saitama looked at her and noticed that she was looking at her wrist.

"What is it?" Saitama asked.

"For a moment…I thought I had that…" she winced.

"Ah, nope. I killed it. So, something is here and forcing that memory back up. I'm killing it," Saitama said when his body began to glow a dull red again. "And I don't care if this mine goes with it."

"Saitama…!" she cringed when other memories rushed back to the surface.

"Look at me. Now," he said and gently tilted her face to look into his eyes. She started to calm down quickly, and he focused his senses on anything around them. Then he suddenly turned and grabbed at something that tried to flit by him.

"What?!" the young girl shrieked. He now held her up by her brown hair and glared into her light blue eyes to cause severe panic. How did he figure it out?! His own thoughts should have hidden my movements!

"If you're doing this to her, stop it. Right now," he said with his eyes flickering with fiery pupils. "I already know you're a Secret Skins. My senses are refined to a point that it gets stupid. Nothing can hide from me."

"But…!" the girl whimpered before getting slapped and knocked out.

"Interesting," Inichi muttered and bubbled the unconscious form. "I can block her thought patterns now. Lady Mitsumi should recover shortly."

"Hey," Saitama whispered and cradled her close. "Talk to me."

"Every…bad memory…I ever had…" Mitsumi grimaced and gasped for control. "I mean…"

"I know. And I'll kill that thing for hurting you that way," Saitama vowed. "Inichi has it gift wrapped just for me now. Let's find the other four."

"I already have them," Inichi chuckled. "The other four relied on this one for surprise attacks. She hid their movements with her own. Once you took her out, Mr. Saitama, they were easy to find. She's rather strong in her mental control, but knocked out she has nothing."

"Was she the one causing problems at the mansion?" Saitama asked.

"She was an apprentice to the one we killed in the field. He had a broader range than her, so we killed the one that tried to cause harm in the mansion. This one had stronger control, but lacked in range. None can compare to me, though, once I find them. So we're safe enough," Inichi assured him.

"I wonder. Can we remove the flea before we cut the skin?" Genos asked. "Would it cause a reversion back to normal human?"

"Hmm…" Zenchu mused. "Outside after we evaluate the others."

"Are you okay?" Saitama said in a loving way to Mitsumi when she managed to finally regain control. He kissed her forehead and squeezed her.

"I want to conduct the experiment on that one. Then, Saitama, kill it," Mitsumi said with a heavy grimace before leaning into him. He gave her his usual blank stare before letting his gaze cut right over to the other four thug-like men in blue bubbles. All four of them found themselves cringing with absolute terror at the red glow he gave off.

"Not impressed…" Saitama muttered at them. Then he noticed Mitsumi blink with a bit of surprise.

"Love…they look like the ones from Neutral Grounds. The same ones that were sent to shut us down…" she said. He looked at her and had Inichi study them. The floating blue monster was now quite surprised.

"You are correct, Lady Mitsumi! But these are not the same ones. That makes me think…" Inichi frowned and thought to Sweet Mask outside the mine. :Do you recall the vandals that appeared to take down Neutral Grounds? The same ones that removed us from the warehouse? Where are they?:

:They were…hmm…let me make a phone call.: Sweet Mask replied and Inichi waited patiently with a small gesture that he was searching. :They are currently in the prison. The same one that Puri-Puri Prisoner is in. Why?:

:They may be Secret Skins…: Inichi said carefully.

:What?! I need to call and see if there were any odd marks found on them during their physical exams! Hold on!: Sweet Mask said with shock before making another phone call.

"You would think their boss on being a Secret Skins wouldn't use the same thing," Saitama sighed and shook his head. "Stupid."

"Evil will use evil, love," Mitsumi frowned.

"What's going on?" Garou asked. Zenchu moved over to his brother to whisper softly. Garou was now pissed. "Can we kill them now?!"

"Wait, brother," Mitsumi said softly and gently squeezed his arm to make him stop and look at her with a nod. "We want to conduct an experiment. What would the skin do with the flea removed while the skin is intact?"

"Oh…" Garou mused at the idea now. They walked out of the mine to fully assess the five Secret Skins.

"Hmm. The female is coming around," Inichi mused. "I have her safely shielded off and bubbled."

"I'm sorry…" the girl trembled. "I was…doing what I was told…"

"Oh?" Saitama asked. Mitsumi still didn't believe her, but it was when Inichi rested a gentle hand on her shoulder that showed she was being honest.

"If you are truly speaking the truth, then you need to let me read your thoughts. I need to know everything that happened with you," Inichi said gravely.

"Please!" the girl whimpered. "I wanted to be a hero! I was led completely astray! I thought I was…I didn't…"

"Shut up!" one of the thugs scowled.

"Are they your friends?" Saitama asked her.

"No. Just mean men," she said with a small shake of her head.

"Zenchu. The one that won't shut up. Cut that flea out," Saitama said.

"On it!" Zenchu grinned.

"What?! I mean…no! Don't touch it!" the man seemed to beg.

"We will assess your story after this," Inichi said. Genos had the jar ready, and Zenchu swiftly collected the lump of skin to get it sealed in the jar. The man screamed now, and his body seemed to deflate in his own skin. Inichi kept a careful watch on what happened, and he was soon extracting a newly formed flea.

"NO!" the new flea hissed.

"So…if the original flea is removed from the skin, the monster within becomes a new flea…?" Garou frowned.

"Then why did my fake mother have all those jars?" Mitsumi frowned with confusion. "It makes no sense!"

"I can explain it…" the girl said. "The transformation happens when that infects us. Usually this is how they are formed. The 'flea' you talk about is actually called a transmitter. It's very rare for them to be…um…birthed in certain ways. But they are stronger to be true transmitters. I don't think I got one of those. The one I have was from someone that was too weak as a monster form and was better off as a transmitter."

"Ah! So…the ones that Miu were making were fully created transmitters?" Inichi asked with fascination.

"Yes," the girl nodded.

"Stop! Don't say anymore!" another man shrieked out.

"I never agreed to this! I was tricked!" she argued. "You all knew it! I want all of you to die!"

"And the one in your skin?" Tanktop Girl asked.

"I don't know…if I can be cured…" the girl whimpered softly. "I want to be! I wanted to be a hero! I was hoping to be part of The Blizzard Group from my own ESP abilities! But…"

"If we can cure you and your powers remain, I will gladly accept you," Fubuki said from she was standing with a small nod. Wind Crane now strode over and eyed the girl. As much as she was upset that she was a Secret Skins, she fully understood the situation. Then she looked at Inichi.

"I am blocking all mental conversations going out. Nothing will be heard or received through her or the flea," Inichi nodded.

"My clan, the Wind Crane Clan, is sworn to destroy all Secret Skins. However, that was because one of our own was tricked and turned against us. It was also several hundred years ago when this happened. I know that some things do change. Look at my company! I have monsters as my family! They remember themselves and regret what they were and did before. A few have even become cured, or they know how to become human! But we do have to understand one thing between us," Mitsumi said to her gently.

"Please tell me?" the girl sniffled.

"What do you see when you look at this?" Mitsumi asked and help up a crescent fan to reveal the flower image. Another fan set gently flew around the frightened girl to give off the scent the flowers would give.

"Ah! I feel…I see…regret! So much shame! I…I don't know…what I can…!" she gasped and burst into tears.

"So, you are free. You are different like the others with me," Mitsumi smiled warmly now to get the girl gasping for air to control herself again.

"Yes…I mean…can I…um…I want to know…about you…all of you…" she said with a soft whimper.

"What's your name first?" Saitama asked.

"I'm…Iwasaki Hana," she trembled. He studied her now to see she was wearing all black spandex and had a fairly athletic build for her stature.

"Iwasaki," Mitsumi said now. "My mother, Miu Takashi, was a Secret Skins. We killed her. We also killed one that tormented me by the name of Ajito. Do either of those names mean anything?"

"Yes. They were intensely respected figures. When we heard they were both killed…it was a massive blow," Iwasaki nodded.

"Did you know my wife had parts harvested from her to be fed off of?" Saitama asked with a neutral glare.

"I…yes…but…I didn't touch any of it. When I learned that it was organs from a person…I cringed. The men there, though…" she shivered with disgust.

"So, they all tasted my wife's organs?" Saitama asked carefully.

"Yes. They got the crate. They cooked most of it up like it was a party! I smelled what it was. I got sick! I couldn't…" she gasped with revulsion from the memory. "And…the transmitter in me…the one in my arm…it, too, was highly disgusted. We both have this…bond. It's weird. No others appear to have this. But, because it was from a weaker monster, it has given me the vibe that it, too, was tricked into what it became."

"I see," Inichi mused to show all that he heard was truth.

"Okay. We just need the fleas from them. I guess Iwasaki is…safe. For now," Saitama nodded. "And if they turn into more fleas, then it's more for our experiments. Right?"

"Agreed," Genos said and watched Zenchu extract the lumps of skin. Once all eight fleas were secured, Genos destroyed the skins left over.

"You have a one-time chance with me," Saitama told Iwasaki directly. "I won't hesitate to punch you and kill you. I'm S class and ranked at 3. Remember that. Right now, you're telling the truth. You don't want to attack us. You want to help us get rid of the ones that tricked you. We are also hunting them down, so we appear to have a common goal. Wind Crane, what do you think?"

The massive crane monster lurched forward and seemed to sigh. She looked right at Iwasaki to ask various questions directly. "No. I was never asked if I would kill everyone when the transmitter came to me. I know others did, but I didn't. It just…happened. Like there was no choice. Oh! Where was I found…okay. There's a small building around the Hero Association that had someone there that was 'helping' with assessments. I was called over when I was trying to see where to stand in line.

"When I showed off what I could do, I was asked if I was interested in joining an elite group that could make me stronger. I asked what this group was, and I was told it was too secretive to give out the information where we were. I asked if there was a contract to sign. I was told…the contract being offered was far more permanent than a basic contract. At that said, there was a part of me screaming to get out of there. That something was wrong! But…I was also curious. So…"

"Close to the Hero Association? That's not good," Kamikaze grunted.

"I haven't seen or heard anything," Bane admitted.

"No clue," Zombieman shrugged. He kept Himiko in his lap on Wind Crane's back, and Daiki was just frowning at it all.

"I've been listening in while on the phone call. Those four men definitely had the odd lumps on their arms. They will now be transported to us directly here with Inichi's help. So, we can wait for them and remove those fleas for our own needs. Did we want to see what monsters they were?" Sweet Mask asked.

"Eh. We have that one flea locked away. These we just need for other things. I think. We can just shred the skin off these and kill the monsters," Saitama said. "Then we can look in the mine."

"Was there anything left in that crate?" Zenchu asked.

"Um…I don't know. But I can tell you where it is," Iwasaki said.

"Okay. Inichi told me where it is through you. I'll fetch it now," Zenchu said.

"I told Lily I'd get something pretty for her. Can you find something?" Garou asked. Zenchu chuckled with a small nod and shadow phased out.

"While he gets it, I did have a question for you," Mitsumi said.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Does your transmitter have a name?" Mitsumi asked.

"Ah. Oh. I never asked. I've had it for a few months, but…we sort of had that partnership. And if I knew that guy was dead, I would have never attacked you. I would have asked for your help," Iwasaki admitted. "Another thing I got was intense regeneration from my skin. That slap, though! Wow! My head is still slightly ringing. I'll be okay, though. I just need five minutes or so. My skin never bruises, but I still feel the effects from things."

"What sort of monster are you?" Flashy Flash asked.

"I honestly don't know," she trembled. "I never went that far to find out. And…I don't know if I'll be any different if I separated from my skin…"

"Have you always been this kind? From what I understood, anyone that changed had instant attitude changes," Mitsumi said with a small form of fascination. "My fake mother got fat and extremely mean. Others also had very mean and nasty tendencies."

"I actually didn't," Iwasaki chuckled. "Because I was tricked and didn't fully agree to anything, the transmitter didn't want me to change. It, too…wants to be free. It's like…I get mental vibes and thoughts from it. We were both wronged. It was also a girl that was tricked into what was to happen to her. But her monster form was weak in being something like a caterpillar that spun strong silk. The others didn't like that and…made her into what she is now."

"What?! Not liking that?! Instant fabric! I would have loved that!" Tacki scowled with rage.

"Well, now's your chance to see what you can do. I won't hurt you as long as you keep your mind. We may be able to knock you out. Okay?" Saitama said. Iwasaki swallowed and saw the others nod to show their promise. Even Wind Crane clacked her beak with approval at this.

"Okay. Um…I have to undress. So…let me go into the mine and I'll come out. Just…if I forget who I am…" she winced.

"We know you won't mean it," Mitsumi nodded. Iwasaki nodded back and moved into the mine. Zenchu was still in there and extracting the crate, but it was in a separate area. She was able to undress before clearing her throat.

"Okay. Here goes…" she said and focused on separating out as she was taught before. She felt her skin fall off her and her body grew. When she emerged from the cave, everyone actually gasped with a form of awe. Mitsumi was simply stunned at the monster in front of her. She looks like a colorful phoenix bird of sorts! Absolutely amazing!

"Huh. You're a bird," Saitama said.

"Oh…" Iwasaki said softly and examined herself carefully from what Inichi showed her. She had brilliant, bright red feathers that looked like drops of flaming coal all over. Her height had grown to seven feet tall, and her wingspan stretched to ten feet wide. Even her claws looked like polished bronze with her scaled legs looking like golden amber scales. Her beak color matched her leg scale coloring, and her eyes looked like glowing yellow topaz gems. She was shocked at all of it. "I…wow! I know all the other monsters were so ugly and gross! I mean…I don't know what all I can do."

"And you still have your mind," Mitsumi nodded with a smile. "It does make me wonder if you having your mind still pure like this shows what type of monster you truly are underneath. Something beautiful and not nasty at all."

"I…I do! I'm not…like them…!" she gasped and hunkered down with complete relief. Even her voice was unchanged through it all. "I don't know…what my family would say. They all think I'm on missions and stuff. But…"

"You can still rejoin them with your skin. And, you know what? You can live with us, too," Saitama nodded. "Granted, you'd be the first Secret Skins living with us. But I have a hunch there may be a very rare few like you out there. Just like the monsters we free."

"There are!" Iwasaki confirmed. "I know there are! I met a few of them here and there that want to be free. That were tricked. I mean…I know what happened in the past to your clan…I'm so sorry about that. I wasn't there for it, obviously. But I was never told what I was agreeing to when this happened to me. When I realized what happened…I felt so violated! So rejected! And I was told that I had no more control over my freedom. They used fear to control me."

"Like my false mother did," Mitsumi nodded. She looked over at Zenchu walking out with the crate, and Saitama was quick to shield her away from it.

"If there's anything in it, destroy it," he ordered.

"Yeah, a few things are left. We'll get rid of it," Garou said with disgust.

"Let me change back into my skin. I feel so weird!" Iwasaki said and quickly retreated back into the mine. When she came back out in her human skin and dressed, Tacki was now firing off questions about harvesting feathers, talking about how she was a bird monster at one point and would have kept going until Kamikaze told her to quiet down.

"She'll have plenty of time to talk more, okay?" Kamikaze said. "This is a big thing for her. She needs a little time to adjust."

"Remember. One chance," Saitama said and waited for the crate to get destroyed in full. "What else is in the mine?"

"I know all about it," Iwasaki said. "There's a few areas with diamonds that I saw a bit deeper down, and I saw a vein of gold, too. It's a very rich mine. I know some miners would come in to extract what they could, but I knew how the mine was acquired. So…I would make them get scared and run off with my thought projections."

"Speaking of diamonds, here's a raw one for Lily," Zenchu said and gave it over to Garou. "Tacki may be able to cut it into any shape you want."

"Very good! My father, Etsuji Takashi, made me the sole heir to this mine if anything happened to him or his 'business partner'. As both are dead, the mine now falls to me. We'll finalize the contract the moment we can," Mitsumi nodded.

"Okay. I can show you were all the prime locations are. That's something I can definitely do," Iwasaki smiled.

"We want to set something precious in the mine that can make crystals for us. Do you know of a good place for crystals to grow?" Inichi asked.

"I do! When we know things are settled with the mine, I can show you. Or you can find it, too, since you can read my thoughts," she said to Inichi.

"Did you still want to be a hero?" Sweet Mask asked.

"I…I don't know…" she admitted. "Would I want to? Yes! In a heartbeat! But…with how I am…I don't know."

"Just make a part of the Hero Association for heroic monsters. Done. We don't need a ranking section for them, either. They are allied and blah, blah, blah. Mitsumi talked about it before. She said she'd fund it, too. Just do it! We'll be going to the Hero Association after tomorrow, anyways. Just get it done!" Saitama said with annoyance.

"I'll see what the board says," Sweet Mask sighed. "I think they already agreed. We'll have to set it into motion."

"Oh! She can join us, too! At the evaluation! You would think that Secret Skins would 'know' each other. So, if she's in our company, they'll think we fell for their little trick. Hmm? Of course, they'll still get moved away when we find them, but this will give a false sense of confidence," Mitsumi said with a small grin to get Sweet Mask completely agreeing with the plan.

"Did you have another in your life before?" Flashy Flash asked her. Zenchu rose a brow at this. Mitsumi hid her laugh in her hands and got pulled into Saitama's chest. He was clearly amused now.

"Did I have…? Oh! No. I thought I did, but he was against heroes and all. Said if I went that route then it was pointless to do anything. And with how I am now, I don't know if anything could even happen. Then again, I know it is possible. It's been talked about and boasted. But kids? I don't know. I don't even know if transmitters would be made, but I haven't heard of any. But there were no kids for those that did anything," Iwasaki trembled. "It's another reason why I want to be cured…"

"You want a family?" Flashy Flask asked.

"Who wouldn't?" she shrugged. He found himself walking over to her to stand next to her. She looked at him curiously.

"Have you heard of me?" he asked with a small smile.

"Of course, I have!" she said and blushed softly. "Who hasn't?"

"I, too, have been looking for someone. I actually find appreciation for both your sides. The human and the monster. It's very odd to me! But…if you wouldn't mind me around…?"

"I…sure!" she blinked and found herself speechless.

"Craaaap…this means he may be moving into our place, Mitsumi!" Saitama muttered to her. She found the whole thing pleasing.

"Better him be interested in another than me, hmm?" Mitsumi smiled softly. Now he opened his eyes at the idea.

"Okay. She can stay as long as she doesn't go stupid and keeps that guy away from you. That works for me," Saitama nodded. Wind Crane clacked her beak with approval and gently pressed her beak into Iwasaki's form to accept her.

"Oh!" she gasped and burst into tears on hugging Wind Crane's beak. "Thank you! Thank you! I'll help find any others that are like me! I promise! I know. I get one chance. I'll make the most of it and I won't betray you! If can get cured…even though I may lose some of my ESP…I don't care. Please…I want to be cured! And please…if something does start making me bad…stop me. Knock me out. You know what I'm about. I don't want to be like them!"

"And you're not," Flashy Flash said sternly and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Just keep those thoughts that you're not like them. Okay?"

"I will," she nodded and looked over at the four other thugs being brought over in a blue bubble. They definitely recognized Iwasaki and found themselves grinning that they may be able to utilize her skills for their benefits.

"Sorry. She's good now and on our side. You can't use her anymore," Saitama said with a wave of boredom. "Mitsumi?"

"Right!" she glowered. "Flashy Flash, take Iwasaki into the mine and keep her there for now! I don't want her to get hit by my fans!"

"Done!" Flashy Flash said and was quick to gather Iwasaki up into his arms and dash into the mine entrance. Zenchu now stood in front of it to make an alliance barrier to ensure the fans would remember. He knew they would, but they had to get to know Iwasaki a bit more.

"I know those four, too. Nastiest ones out there," Iwasaki frowned. "They forced me to do a lot of wrong…"

"Well, now they're all going to die," Flashy Flash smirked and silently watched from the mouth of the mine entrance with her. She nodded and sighed with relief. Mitsumi's fans were already flicking out the deadly blades after they filled the sky up and swirling all around the four thugs. The fleas were extracted neatly and sealed up in the same jar that Genos had. When the four monsters formed, Saitama looked at them all with confusion.

"They look like dead fish," he said at the sight of four skeletal monster fish in front of them all. "None of them are different. They are walking dead fish of the same vomit green color."

"You're right! Ew! Are they stinking yet?" Mitsumi asked.

"I dunno. Really gross. And the way they stand around like that? Do they have brains?" he continued.

"Oh! It's their costumes!" Mitsumi beamed.

"WE ARE STRONG TOGETHER!" one of the fish monsters howled.

"Eh…nope. I don't see it. Skin and bones. Flesh falling off. You're gross," Saitama said again. Now the others with him began to snicker.

"NOW YOU WILL SEE-!"another monster started, but Saitama rose up his hand to shut it up.

"Not yet. I'm still trying to figure you out. And talking to my wife about this. Eh…Mitsumi? When was the last time we had sushi?" Saitama asked.

"We had parts of that tuna before we got here. Sooo yummy!" she beamed.

"Oh, yeah! Maybe we can have more of it," he grinned.

"Some places have sushi positioned on naked women as centerpieces," Garou grinned a bit wickedly.

"Don't even think that my wife will do that for anyone. Maybe just me. Possibly. No one else," Saitama said.

"I would just be an object for you to eat off of?" Mitsumi frowned.

"I save the rest of you for dessert. Hmm? And I like the way you taste," he said with a muttered chuckle in her ear to make her blush a beet red. "Anyways, yeah. It's time to go home."

"WE WON'T LET YOU-!" the first fish monster started again before simply evaporating from Saitama's punch and Wind Crane's squawk with him. Flashy Flash could only gape that all four monsters were simply gone. Even Tanktop Master and Tanktop Girl were giving a form of speechless shock. Iwasaki's eyes widened with fear at this, but Zenchu gave a smile at her to show there was nothing wrong with her at all. That put her completely at ease again.

"He was getting dull. And boring. And they all looked gross. And I wanna go home. Okay. Let's go home. Ah, yeah. Bring her back with us? Maybe she can help with the lab and help Child Emperor with stuff. Probably give over things to make a cure. You think?" Saitama asked and watched Mitsumi make the crane wings. "Oh. Fumio still sleeping?"

"He is," King chuckled. "I can watch over him with Kianna."

"Good. Let's go home. We know the mine is safe now," Saitama said and watched Inichi seal it up with a slab of rock after Flashy Flash led Iwasaki out. "Very safe now. Yeah. Home. The mansion home."

"Load up!" Tsuruga snorted and chuckled at Tanktop Girl's small smile at him. "We'll talk when we get there."

"Count on it!" she grinned.

"The guys aren't gonna believe this," Tanktop Master chuckled.

"Just don't tell them shit," Zenchu shrugged and got into Wind Crane's mouth. "And, eh, Garou? I know what you're gonna say. So, I'm just gonna say this first. Fuck you."

"Aww. With that language in her mouth, she should definitely spit you out from the taste," Garou snickered on her back.

"There go my brothers," Mitsumi laughed softly while hovering with Saitama. "I have to wonder about them."

"It will make the trip home a lot more…entertaining," Saitama chuckled and pressed a passionate kiss to her mouth. "We have a bedroom to break in. So…?"

"Oh…that we do…" she said softly and let him squeeze her. With him keeping his arms locked around her and a hand on her belly, she was swift to start flying back to the mansion with the others to finish off the night.