"Alright, everyone. Please refrain from speaking or asking questions until I'm through talking. To start, I'd like to express how proud I am of each of you. This includes you, Kombu, even before you agreed to be officially recognized as a member of the House of Evolution. All of you have exceeded my expectations and those of the Association. Any worries that you'd need more time before your hero training have been put to rest. But before I get ahead of myself, I'd like to share the current status report.
City J has adjusted to its new non-human populace. The Seafolk have been extremely cooperative and communicative. Construction of their new homes has proceeded without any incidents. Regarding the now-former leader of the Seafolk, his whereabouts are still a mystery. One Punch Man has remained certain that he wasn't present when he killed his ambushers. So, unless the Association finds him, we'll have to wait for the Deep Sea King to reappear.
As for the mysterious object the Deep Sea King had in his possession and what the deceased Seafolk consumed, research is still ongoing. The clones and I have been working around the clock to try and isolate the mutagen in the remains for study. Unfortunately, due to their condition, it's gone slowly. However, that is not a criticism of your efforts. As I said, you did splendidly.
Yet, there is something that I must mention before we discuss your training. One Punch Man approached me and asked if it was possible to resurrect the dead Seafolk. I told him it'd be of no issue whatsoever. But we agreed not to revive them if Kombu has any objections. These Seafolk are the loyalists of the Deep Sea King. More importantly, your torturers are among them. We will respect your decision if you wish for them to stay dead.
Now then, onto your training. Carnage Kabuto has been assigned Superalloy Darkshine and Tanktop Master. Armored Gorilla has been assigned Child Emperor. Frog Man and Ground Dragon are to be mentored by Flashy Flash. Slugerous will be under the guidance of Hellish Blizzard and her group. Beast King and Kamakyuri will enlist in Silver Fang's dojo. Mosquito Girl...has requested an extension. Admittedly, neither One Punch Man nor myself expected something like this. However, we want you to be comfortable with your assigned mentor, so we granted it. But, Mosquito Girl, I strongly suggest you not waste time making your choice. You NEED to start training as soon as possible. As for Kombu, although you weren't part of the original plan, we still want you to become a hero. But, like with the others, it's YOUR choice. Take as long as you need to fully consider it, and get back to me when you're ready." Dr. Genus stated.
Similar to S-Class, the House of Evolution was trying to be more organized. The most obvious way to start was to have meetings like they did. So, after breakfast, Doctor Genus, his creations, Kombu Infinity, and Zombieman, who was still monitoring them, gathered in a room that would become their conference space. But, as of now, no one was thinking too much about that.
All eyes and minds focused on Kombu Infinity. Of everything Doctor Genus said, the resurrection of the Seafolk stuck out the most. Everyone knew how hard this would be for Kombu Infinity.
"..." Kombu Infinity stared at their lap. They weren't thinking. They held the lives of their tormenters in their hands. Were they angry? Confused? Sad? They couldn't tell. It was...gray. Mute. It didn't feel like anything.
"Kombu?" Mosquito Girl, who sat beside them, spoke while touching their shoulder. "You okay?" She asked.
"...I...don't...know..." Kombu Infinity slowly answered, trying to process this. "...I...don't think I can make a decision. On the one hand, I get why you'd want to revive them. You want to ask about what they ate that turned them into freaks. You probably also want to try and use them for the rehabilitation program you're preparing. But on the other hand, I...I...I can't bring myself to say that they deserve it. I can't even humor the idea. They NEVER showed me mercy. Why should I be kind to them? Why should I give them a second chance when all they gave me was shit?" They questioned as their hands balled into fists.
"You shouldn't. Screw those guys." Kabuto commented while folding his arms.
"Kabuto, careful." Dr. Genus warned. Kabuto wasn't out of line for saying what he did. The reason why Genus said that was for Kombu Infinity's sake. He didn't want their trauma to play again in their mind.
"Hey, I'm just saying what we're all thinking," Kabuto replied. He wasn't angry; he knew why the doctor told him that.
"I agree with Kabuto. Those cretins made their choice. Let them rot." Beast King chimed in.
"Even so, we can't ignore the merit of their revival." Armored Gorilla argued. "As Kombu said themselves, they'd have invaluable information and could be used as the first participants in the rehabilitation program. This decision needs to be carefully considered." He stated.
"Which is why there is no rush on it." Dr. Genus interjected, regaining control over the conversation. "Kombu, there's no deadline. I can revive or dispose of them at any time. Please, do not feel pressured. As I said earlier, we will respect your choice." He assured them.
"...Thank you..." Kombu Infinity responded, still looking at their lap.
"With that settled for now, are there any other questions or comments anyone would like to voice?" Dr. Genus inquired.
Everyone took a few seconds to consider that. Mosquito Girl and Zombieman were the only exceptions. The former because she was still concerned about Kombu Infinity, the latter because he had something else on his mind. Eventually, the other members all shook their heads.
"Very well. Dismissed." Dr. Genus declared, bringing their first meeting to an end.
After a few moments, the room was nearly vacant. Only three people remained. Kombu Infinity. Mosquito Girl. Zombieman.
"...I can feel you staring at me." Mosquito Girl began as she looked over her shoulder. "Do you have something you'd like to say?" She asked.
"I assumed you did," Zombieman answered, crossing his arms. "Here's a wild shot in the dark; you asked for an extension to convince me to train Kombu." He said.
"Nope." Mosquito Girl replied before a smirk appeared on her face. "I want you to train Kombu AND me." She revealed.
Zombieman gripped the sleeves of his coat. This woman. This infuriating woman. After the first time she propositioned this, they had a BIG argument in her room about it. He hoped that was the end of it. Turns out, this mosquito had been buzzing around with an even WORSE idea in her head.
Unfortunately, Zombieman knew he couldn't refuse a second time. He purposefully gave her leverage over him to make amends for his actions. Additionally, it ensured he couldn't refuse whatever she wanted to use her wish for. He got lucky that first time, but pressing it would only wrap a figurative noose around his neck.
"...You...are...evil..." Zombieman growled. To some extent, he had to respect her. She stuck to her guns.
"Hell hath no fury~" Mosquito Girl teased with a wink and her tongue out.
"...Hold on." Kombu Infinity spoke. The words finally sank in and snapped them out of their slump. "Did I hear you guys correctly?" They questioned.
"Mhm! You and I are going to be mentored by Zombieman!" Mosquito Girl cheerfully exclaimed.
"...Woohoo..." Zombieman begrudgingly cheered as well, still gripping his sleeves.
"Wow. Thanks." Kombu Infinity said with a smile. Their worries were swiftly being pushed aside for now. "But wait, aren't you a detective?" They questioned.
Upon asking that question, Mosquito Girl let out an audible gasp. Kombu Infinity was confused by this reaction. Contrastly, Zombieman knew it meant nothing good.
"WE'RE GOING TO BE DETECTIVES!" Mosquito Girl exclaimed as her eyes sparkled. "Better yet, we all match as a color scheme! Zombieman's gray with black hair. I'm black and white. Kombu's black with dark green hair. It's like we stepped out of a noir film!" She carried on, unable to contain herself. "This is SO exciting! All we need now is an office dimly lit by the city's lights. A smoldering cigarette in an ashtray. A flask filled with an unknown alcoholic beverage. Filing cabinets that are overflowing with documents and case files. Oh! And we need a door with our detective agency written on the glass! But first, we'll need a name..." She rambled on, now tapping her chin as she contemplated potential monikers.
As Mosquito Girl pondered, Zombieman casually took out his Desert Eagle and ejected the clip.
"What're you doing?" Kombu Infinity inquired.
"I'm wondering if my ammunition is capable of killing me. It's special-made." Zombieman bluntly responded.
Suddenly, the gun and the clip were swiped from the undead hero's grasp in the blink of an eye.
"There will be NO suicide attempts in front of Kombu." Mosquito Girl firmly stated, scolding Zombieman.
"Does that mean he can shoot himself when I'm not around?..." Kombu Infinity wondered.
"Mosquito Girl, give me the gun." Zombieman requested with a sigh.
"Nope. This stays with me for now." Mosquito Girl said, denying him.
"How? Those jeans you wear can barely fit a piece of paper in those tight pockets. Are you going to carry my pistol all day?" Zombieman questioned.
"Hm, good point. I like these jeans because they show off my legs well, but they ARE more flair than function." Mosquito Girl acknowledged while looking down at herself.
Just then, another lightbulb went on in the insect woman's head. As her face contorted into an ear-to-ear grin, Zombieman felt sick to his stomach.
"...Don't you DARE..." Zombieman warned. His sickly gut was telling him what had popped into her brain.
"We. Are. Going. SHOPPING!" Mosquito Girl slowly said, shouting that last part due to her excitement.
"Nope. NOT happening." Zombieman swiftly rejected the suggestion. "Now, GIVE. ME. THE GUN." He demanded, this time with a gesture of his fingers.
"Oh, come on!" Mosquito Girl whined with a pout. "Do you EVER do ANYTHING fun? Genuinely? What do you DO when you're not being grumpy and stoic?" She asked.
"I relax in my new apartment. I kick back in a recliner, have a nice cold beverage in my hand, and watch TV." Zombieman answered.
"...Oh my god, that's so depressing..." Mosquito Girl replied, now feeling bad for him.
"What? How?" Zombieman challenged. "I'm a busy guy. I have OTHER responsibilities when I'm not monitoring the House of Evolution. What's wrong with relaxing in a comfy chair with a nice drink and some good television?" He inquired.
"Nothing. But is that ALL you do?" Mosquito Girl asked.
"Yeah. So?" Zombieman answered.
...
...
"Dude, I'm not going to lie, that IS depressing." Kombu Infinity commented. "And this is coming from someone who spent most of their days having their hair plucked for food." They added.
"Come on! There has to be SOMETHING else you enjoy! Anything!" Mosquito Girl insisted, shocked and saddened by the state of his life.
"...Well...I like violence." Zombieman said with a shrug. "Especially if there's a lot of blood. When I'm in the midst of combat, chopping limbs and heads, putting holes through torsos, I feel...alive. It's a rush that I can't describe. A state or trance that you either experience or you don't. Call it bloodlust. Call it a frenzy. But when there are rivers of blood, it gives me a warmth I never had. Since, you know, I'm essentially a sentient corpse." He described.
Looking at Kombu Infinity and Mosquito Girl for their reactions, he found a pair of wide-eyed stares. The duo's expressions were a mixture of disbelief and slight horror.
"...Too much?" Zombieman asked, assuming that he over-shared.
Slowly, Mosquito Girl set down the Desert Eagle and its clip. Then, she carefully placed her hands on Zombieman's shoulders and looked him in the eye.
"We are going shopping." Mosquito Girl told him, slightly gripping his shoulders. "If you fight back, I will fly you there myself." She warned.
Zombieman wasn't intimidated or frightened by Mosquito Girl's tone or expression. Nor did he feel compelled to agree because she gripped him. However, by now, he realized that if he didn't go with the first insane thing that came out of her mouth, she'd think of something worse.
"...City J," Zombieman said after thirty seconds of silence. "Kombu won't need a disguise, and you blend in well enough so long as no one sees your wings. That's the only place we can go." He told her.
Hearing that made Mosquito Girl smile. Zombieman preemptively winced before she even uttered a word.
"WE'RE GOING SHOPPING!"
Later, In City J...
Only a week had passed since the Seafolk became part of City J's community. Yet, you wouldn't be able to tell. Those too big for the city remained in the water and near the beaches. They interacted with the populace and even helped fishermen and other vessels out on the water.
As for the Seafolk whose size wasn't an issue, they showed gratitude for City J's hospitality by lending their abilities and talents to its citizens. If there were any in City J who might've been hesitant or flat-out against these non-humans living with them, they didn't exist anymore. City J would become a shining example for the non-human coexistence campaign. Sweet Mask knew this and was already making moves and plans for the near future.
Regarding the Seafolk's new homes, oh, they were lovely. Every single one couldn't begin to express the delight they felt at their new accommodations. Some still needed one, but they knew it would only take a day or more before it was finished. Let it never be said that Metal Knight's machines and the Association's workers were inefficient.
In conclusion, City J was livelier than it already had been. There was joy and merriment in the air no matter where you went! It'd be impossible to find someone without a smile!
"For the last time, this is how my face naturally looks," Zombieman repeated to Mosquito Girl. He was sitting in a chair outside a changing area with his arms crossed.
"Then you NEED to have the Doctor give you a facelift! You look miserable! It's ruining the vibe!" Mosquito Girl responded from within one of the stalls.
This was Zombieman's life now. All because he had to lose his temper and fire a warning shot. If Child Emperor or Metal Knight ever invented a time machine, he'd use it to go back and stop himself. Paradoxes and potential time anomalies be damned.
"No. Chance. In. Hell." Zombieman stated. "If I so much as see that man point a scalpel at me, I'm burning the building to the ground." He vowed.
"Geez, that's intense." Kombu Infinity commented. They were also in a stall. Thankfully, although this was their first time wearing clothes, they knew what to expect. So, there wouldn't need to be an embarrassing assist from Mosquito Girl. "What did the Doctor do to you?" They inquired.
"Let me reply with a question." Zombieman started. "Kombu, were you only tortured when you refused to be a messenger? Or was it like that your entire life?" He asked.
"The first one. Being used as a food source was degrading, but it wasn't torture." Kombu Infinity answered.
"Alright, then." Zombieman began as he closed his eyes. "What I'm about to say isn't an attempt from me to make little of the suffering you endured. But in comparison, my torture at the hands of Doctor Genus was much worse. For several years, I don't know how many, I was his test subject. Not a beloved creation like Mosquito Girl or the others. To spare you the details, and because I don't feel like talking about them, I experienced every kind of pain you can imagine. It was all done for the sake of making an immortal man. A lifeform that would never know death. In the end, Doctor Genus got what he wanted, but he made a mistake. He gave his perfect weapon a mind capable of thought. That was all I needed to escape and destroy the facility I was made in." He told them.
Silence filled the air. Mosquito Girl and Kombu Infinity stopped what they were doing. Neither of them knew about this. To be more precise, Mosquito Girl knew Doctor Genus created Zombieman, but not that he was tortured for years.
"...I'm sorry." Kombu Infinity apologized. As someone who went through a similar experience, albeit not as long or varied, they felt immense regret for being nosey.
"Don't be," Zombieman responded. "Do I still hate him? Yes. I don't think there will ever be a time when I don't. His work toward redeeming himself could be real. With each day that passes, it becomes harder to think otherwise. But that doesn't erase what he did to me." He said. "However, he's doing right by all of you. The fact that he's nice to someone that isn't one of his creations seems impossible. But I guess time does change people." He went on as he tilted his head back to look at the ceiling. "Heh, and One Punch Man. That, too." He added.
"...Zombieman..." Mosquito Girl spoke. "I'm...sorry for our first interaction...I...didn't know...I wouldn't have acted the way I did or said what I did if I-"
"Stop." Zombieman interrupted her. "As you said, you didn't know. How could you? It's not as if Genus would've proudly proclaimed that he tortured me and my predecessors for most of a decade. Hell, it might've been longer..." He said.
"Wait, predecessors?" Kombu Infinity questioned. "Were they...clones?" They asked.
"Maybe, couldn't say," Zombieman answered. "I was sixty-six. There were sixty-five before me. But I was the only success. So, at some point with every previous subject, they reached their limit. I suppose with each one, Genus ironed out the vulnerabilities and refined the regenerative process. Until eventually, he got me. Lucky number sixty-six." He explained.
Silence filled the air again. Shit. Zombieman over-shared like before. He needed to make a mental note to work on that.
"Guys, let's focus on the clothes," Zombieman suggested, looking back at the stalls. "We shouldn't be out here all day. Mosquito Girl's cover could get blown, which'd be a mess for us." He said.
A response came in the form of sounds. They were Mosquito Girl and Kombu Infinity resuming their efforts to get dressed. This, right here, is why Zombieman rarely talked to anyone. Even if you removed his past, the man was a nihilist and didn't shy away from the world's cruelty. He wasn't meant for social interaction or to liven the mood.
After a few more minutes, the duo emerged. As Mosquito Girl had intended, they dressed to match Zombieman's detective aesthetic. Even if he wanted to, the undead hero couldn't lie and say they had failed. If anything, they went above and beyond whatever expectations he might've had.
Mosquito Girl's jeans were exchanged with a pair of brown pants that had suspenders. They fit snugly around her shoulders and her new shirt. In the place of the "One Punch Man!" t-shirt was a white button-up shirt. The sleeves were rolled up on her arms to imply a working woman.
Regarding accessories, Mosquito Girl sported a stylish fedora atop her head. Her choice of footwear was a set of slick black shoes that were polished to perfection. She also carried a coat over her shoulder that would suit her and her attire quite nicely. She was carrying it so it wouldn't hide the clothes she was showing off.
Up next was Kombu Infinity. Their outfit was nearly identical to Mosquito Girl. The differences lay with the choice of hat and a few other articles. Regarding the headwear, it was a flat cap colored black.
Moving on to the other changes, Kombu Infinity wore a jacket rather than a coat. It was unbuttoned so the white shirt and suspenders could be seen. Although, Zombieman suspected they were the type to leave it that way. It'd be too stuffy otherwise. Lastly, they sported a pair of brown gloves that covered their hands.
Together, the duo accomplished the noir-styled appearance they were aiming for. More than that, they fit right alongside Zombieman. As much as he'd hate to admit it, they did look like a proper detective trio. This was a point for Mosquito Girl.
"Well, how do we look?" Kombu Infinity asked.
"..." Zombieman was quiet. He needed to pick the right words that wouldn't excite the insect woman too much. "...You...did it." He said.
In reply, Mosquito Girl furrowed her brow. Nope. That wasn't going to cut it.
"...Fine." Zombieman sighed in defeat. "You guys look like me. Or that you could be with me. So, if that's what you were trying to do, congratulations. You succeeded." He told them.
Hearing that made Mosquito Girl and Kombu Infinity smile. Truthfully, they KNEW they looked great. But getting Zombieman to say so in his unique way was an achievement.
"So, are we done here?" Zombieman asked as he stood from his seat.
"Mhm! We'll gather more clothes that fit this style and head for the checkout!" Mosquito Girl exclaimed.
"Wait, we need more?" Kombu Infinity questioned.
"Of course! We need to have multiple outfits, at least two weeks' worth. Otherwise, we'll walk around in dirty clothes or ones that don't match Zombieman." Mosquito Girl explained.
"You don't HAVE to match me. You don't NEED uniforms to train." Zombieman pointed out.
"Nonsense. If we're going to be seen together, we need to match. Impressions are everything. Plus, it'll do a lot for our public image if we're a stylish trio." Mosquito Girl told him.
"Ugh, fine," Zombieman responded with an eye roll. "But are you sure you'll be able to pay for all of this?" He asked before a realization struck him. "...Wait...how ARE you paying?" He added.
"With this." Mosquito Girl immediately answered while extracting a card from her pants pocket. It was in her jeans before they left the House of Evolution, given to her by Doctor Genus, who they informed of their departure and the reason for it. "The Doctor said we'd be getting paid once we became heroes. One Punch Man, as generous as he is, gave us a bonus for our efforts with the Seafolk. He didn't want us to go without a reward for our hard work." She explained.
"Huh." That was all Zombieman had to say. The generosity of his leader wasn't what surprised him; it was the revelation that the Association already set up accounts for them. Most likely, One Punch Man had something to do with it.
After that, the trio were on their way. They got the clothes they needed and paid for them without any issues. Although they didn't know it, this was the first step for this ensemble. What kind? Only the future can tell.