One Punch Man: Heroics Start with Dual Kamui

Chapter 173 173: Secretary… and Maid?

"...Me?"

Mosquito Girl froze in place, pointing at herself with a look of disbelief.

"Of course you." Dr. Genus replied without hesitation. "Armored Gorilla can still serve as a combatant, but ever since you lost your blood sac, your strength has been unstable. The only fitting role for you now is secretary..."

As for himself, Dr. Genus still had a vast amount of research data stored away, along with the scientific ability to create artificial monsters for Shinji if needed. While he no longer had the drive he once possessed and would likely never replicate something on the scale of Asura Rhino Beetle, a Dragon-level monster, again, producing Tiger-level or even Demon-level monsters was still within his grasp.

In fact, the most successful subject from the House of Evolution had arguably been Zombieman. Though he had escaped and developed in unexpected ways, his regenerative ability and emotional stability made him far more reliable than Carnage Kabuto, who had ultimately proved uncontrollable.

"Fine... but I've never worked as a secretary before. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do..." Mosquito Girl admitted uncertainly.

"It's easy. Just do whatever Shinji tells you. Or, if it helps, think of yourself as a maid instead." Dr. Genus spoke with a completely straight face. "Although being a secretary is better. That way, you can stay close to him, win his trust, and secure his favor. Even if your combat power isn't very useful, you'll still have value."

"Ohh." Mosquito Girl nodded slowly, only half understanding his explanation.

"..." Armored Gorilla, however, found Dr. Genus's reasoning more than a little questionable.

And so, the naïve Mosquito Girl was coaxed into formally joining the Monster Association under this new role. She put away her apron and instead dressed herself in a maid uniform with thigh-high stockings. Normally, a secretary would be expected to wear proper business attire, but Dr. Genus decided the maid outfit would be far more effective.

Whether this choice came from his personal preferences or from the belief that Shinji would enjoy it more remained unclear.

"Does this even look right on me...?" Having grown used to the airy comfort of wearing nothing but an apron, Mosquito Girl now felt a bit restricted and uncomfortable in the uniform and stockings.

"I wouldn't know. Go ask the boss." Armored Gorilla shrugged. Despite his intelligence, he was still a gorilla, and his understanding of human aesthetics was practically nonexistent.

"Not bad. This should be enough to impress that man." Dr. Genus adjusted his glasses with confidence. "No one can resist a non-human girl in a maid outfit."

"Hm…?" Mosquito Girl stared at him with suspicion before muttering to Armored Gorilla, "Is the boss's brain broken or something?"

"Don't ask me. I don't understand you humans or your weird tastes." Armored Gorilla shook his head.

"In any case, I'll get in touch with the Monster Association's location now." Dr. Genus ignored their whispered exchange, pulling out the phone Shinji had left behind and dialing the number.

"Hello, this is scientist Genus."

"This is Shinji. Do you need something, Dr. Genus?"

"Please tell me the exact location of the Monster Association. I want to surprise you, Mr. Shinji."

"...Z-City, the uninhabited zone. Let me know when you're close."

Shinji wasn't sure what kind of surprise Dr. Genus was planning, but nothing came to mind at the moment.

Z-City, uninhabited zone.

Mosquito Girl and Armored Gorilla accompanied Dr. Genus to the site.

"This deserted area again, huh? Seems the rumors were true. There are plenty of powerful monsters lurking around here..." Dr. Genus muttered as he scanned the empty surroundings. The entire area was eerily silent.

It was the same place where he had once sent Beast King and others to capture test subjects. What shocked him most now was discovering that Shinji, publicly known as an S-Class hero, was also the leader of the Monster Association.

Most people would see this as a dangerous secret, something that could be exploited against Shinji. But Dr. Genus thought about it differently. With Shinji's strength now far above nearly all heroes, what could anyone realistically do with such information?

Even if someone reported him to the Hero Association, Shinji was likely beyond their control. In the end, whoever tried to expose him would either fall victim to his retaliation or be betrayed by the Association itself, used as a pawn in secret negotiations.

So no matter how tempting the idea might sound, Dr. Genus knew better than to risk something so foolish.

"Mr. Shinji, we've arrived." At that moment, Dr. Genus called Shinji.

"Alright, I'll be right out."

The moment the call ended, Shinji appeared in front of them. His eyes briefly lingered on Mosquito Girl's strange outfit, but he chose not to comment.

"Come inside and have a seat at headquarters first." Without questioning the surprise, Shinji invited them into the Monster Association's base.

Naturally, the organization had only one headquarters, since no branches existed.

"Very well." Dr. Genus nodded, then gave Mosquito Girl and Armored Gorilla a subtle look. They followed him without hesitation.

...

The entrance to the Monster Association headquarters was hidden with extreme care, almost impossible for outsiders to locate. They traveled deeper and deeper underground until they finally reached Shinji's office.

The room doubled as a workspace and a guest lounge. Couches, a tea table, a side table, everything was neatly arranged, designed to make visitors comfortable.

"No need for such hospitality, Mr. Shinji. The reason we came today is to show our sincerity." Dr. Genus began, adjusting his glasses. "The surprise I mentioned earlier... is her."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted toward Mosquito Girl.

She, however, immediately made herself at home. The moment she sat down, she began helping herself to the snacks on the table as if she owned the place.

"..." Even Armored Gorilla had the urge to smack the food out of her hands. At least he understood that they weren't here as honored guests.

"Her...?" Shinji followed Dr. Genus's line of sight toward Mosquito Girl, unsure of what he meant.

"That's right," Dr. Genus said bluntly. "She will serve as your secretary and maid, fulfilling all your needs."