If Kenta thought the chaos was over after Hawks' interview, he was dead wrong.
By the next morning, every hero forum, news site, and social feed was buzzing with one thing — Hawks' retirement plan.
The Number Two Hero had accidentally started a trend.
---
Kenta sat at his desk, scrolling through his tablet in disbelief.
> "No way… this can't be real."
He tapped one article, reading aloud.
> "'Hawks Sets Example for Future Heroes: Planning Ahead for Life After Duty.'"
He scrolled further.
> "'Retirement Investment: Hawks' Inspiring Move for Stability and Peace.'"
He froze at the third one.
> "'Should More Heroes Grow Flowers Like Hawks?' …Oh come on!"
Slamming the tablet down, Kenta rubbed his forehead.
> "This guy lies once and suddenly he's a philosopher?"
---
Across the city, the hero community was taking notes.
Mt. Lady, on a livestream, declared dramatically:
> "Honestly, he's right! We can't be heroes forever! Maybe I'll buy a condo!"
Edgeshot nodded in quiet agreement during a panel:
> "Hawks is preparing wisely. Most pros overlook that."
Even Best Jeanist weighed in.
> "A strong thread of foresight, truly admirable."
---
Back at the agency, Kenta watched one more broadcast clip of another pro hero interview before groaning into his hands.
> "They're quoting him like he's some kind of retirement guru. You've got to be kidding me…"
Just then, Hawks strolled in — relaxed as ever, sipping coffee and humming softly.
> "Morning, Kenta."
Kenta didn't look up.
> "Boss, you've started a movement."
> "Oh?"
Kenta shoved the tablet toward him.
> "Look! Every hero in Japan suddenly wants a retirement plan! You're trending. Again."
Hawks skimmed the headlines, clearly amused.
> "Huh. Didn't think they'd actually listen."
> "You turned a cover story into a national campaign!"
> "That's good PR, isn't it?" Hawks said, completely unbothered.
Kenta stared at him in pure disbelief.
> "PR?! Boss, they're calling you The Future Hero of Peaceful Planning!"
Hawks chuckled.
> "Not the worst nickname I've had."
Kenta threw up his hands.
> "You can't keep doing this! You lie once, and the world just agrees with you!"
> "It wasn't a lie," Hawks said, setting his cup down. "Just… a little early truth."
Kenta blinked.
> "Early truth?"
> "Yeah. Something I want to make real one day."
Kenta sighed deeply.
> "You mean with Aerith."
Hawks smirked.
> "You catch on fast."
---
By afternoon, several heroes had actually messaged the agency asking about Hawks' investment advisor or how to "start a flower-based retirement strategy."
Kenta just sat there staring at the inbox, muttering,
> "I didn't sign up for this. I'm a sidekick, not a financial planner."
From his office, Hawks called out cheerfully,
> "Hey, Kenta! Maybe we should start offering hero retirement seminars!"
> "No!" Kenta groaned, sinking into his chair. "Absolutely not!"
Hawks only laughed.
> "C'mon, it's just an investment plan."
> "Stop calling it that!"