"I Reincarnated in Boku no Hero but They Forgot to Give Me a System"

Chapter 33 — The Promise Not to Be a Burden

After another long and exhausting day working in the Todoroki Industries laboratory, Aoi finally completed the stabilization tests on the new regenerative formula. Carefully, he adjusted the precise dosage, meticulously documented all the observed effects, and handed over the remaining samples to his mother — who was now the company's chief administrator — before stepping out of the building.

The laboratory itself, bathed in soft blue lights and filled with the gentle hum of machines working tirelessly, felt almost like a second home to him. The polished floor shone under the glow of the equipment, reflecting every flicker of light. The whiteboards were covered edge to edge with complex formulas, hastily sketched diagrams, and intricate flowcharts that only Aoi could fully comprehend. Around him, scientists moved quietly, their footsteps muffled and respectful, as if silently agreeing on the unspoken rule: never disturb Aoi when he was in his focused and alert state.

By the time he climbed into the company car, night had already fallen. The vehicle was sleek and black, with tinted windows that hid the interior from the outside world. Inside, the air was cool and still, carrying a faint but pleasant scent of leather and fabric freshener. Aoi settled into the back seat, his small frame sinking slightly into the soft cushions. He was thoroughly exhausted but felt a subtle sense of calm wash over him.

Mirko sat next to him, legs crossed comfortably and leaning slightly toward the window. She casually munched on a snack while her gaze remained fixed on the streetlights flashing past. She said nothing — her quiet presence alone was comforting enough. Up front, Ryuko and Nemuri were engaged in a low, professional conversation about the latest security reports in the area, their voices calm and serious.

The peaceful silence inside the car was suddenly broken by Aoi's voice:

"You know, I was thinking… maybe you could help me with training? It'd be really great to have heroines who actually have battle experience as training partners — to help me with things I haven't learned yet."

His question came unexpectedly, but not without some forethought. The three women simultaneously turned to look at him, their eyes bright and curious.

"Train with you?" Mirko raised one eyebrow, then broke into a wild, toothy grin. "I thought you'd never ask! I'm totally in. I've been itching to stretch my muscles."

Her voice carried the unmistakable tone of someone who thrived on combat and challenge.

"Depends on what kind of training you mean," Nemuri added, her voice dripping with playful amusement. She leaned a bit over the seat to look directly at him, then threw in a teasing wink. "But if it's serious… count me in."

Ryuko smiled warmly, her expression calm, reassuring, and full of support.

"If it's to help you grow — both as a hero and as a person, Aoi… then of course."

Aoi nodded gratefully. Despite his tired eyes, a quiet excitement glimmered within them.

"Thanks. It'll be really good to fight alongside people who are genuinely strong. I want to keep pushing my limits, breaking through barriers."

Mirko cracked her knuckles loudly, the sharp snap echoing through the car's cabin.

"Just don't expect me to go easy on you because you're still a brat. When we fight, I go all out — so be prepared."

Aoi laughed, relaxing his shoulders a little.

"I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Mirko. Bring it on. I'm ready."

Mirko glanced at his determined face and smiled.

"I'm liking you more and more, brat."

Then Aoi turned his gaze to Ryuko and Midnight with a smile. But the smile soon faded into a more serious, thoughtful expression. His eyes focused on something beyond the window glass as he asked quietly:

"You… aren't going on missions anymore?"

Ryuko was the first to answer, her voice gentle but firm.

"We will. It's our duty as heroines. But… we'll take turns. One of us will always be by your side."

Nemuri added softly:

"When one of us is on a mission, the other two will watch over things here. We're not about to let our genius run wild without supervision."

Mirko, ever blunt and direct, scoffed and crossed her arms.

"You're far too important to be left alone. And too dangerous to be unsupervised."

Aoi fell silent for a few seconds. He turned his head slightly and looked out the window again. The city outside was a blur of neon lights, buzzing traffic, and endless movement. But his mind was deep in thought.

"Even though I like having them around… I don't want to be the reason they stop shining like they did before."

He recalled their heroic feats in the timeline he once knew. Mirko, always walking tall toward danger. Ryuko, calm and decisive in battle. Nemuri, cunning and graceful on the battlefield.

Could his presence diminish their brilliance?

Breaking the silence, he spoke softly:

"I know you all have responsibilities… so I really appreciate your help right now."

Ryuko looked at him with admiration. Her eyes held the warmth of someone who no longer saw a child — but a future hero trying to carry more weight than he should.

Nemuri smiled warmly, setting aside her usual teasing for once.

Mirko gave him a light punch on the shoulder — gentle but firm. It wasn't meant to hurt, just a reminder that he was now part of something bigger.

"You're not a burden, kid. But I'm waiting for you to get stronger, so we can fight side by side."

Her tone was half playful, half serious — the kind of tough love only Mirko could offer.

Aoi laughed, feeling the tension in his chest slowly dissolve. He sank deeper into the seat, the exhaustion pressing down on his small body, but alongside it blossomed a lighter feeling — relief.

"And it's not so bad having them by my side. I just wish I could grow faster, so they'd see me as a man, not just a kid. But everything has its time. Still… with me around, as a comparison in strength, intelligence, wealth, and personality… I doubt they'll settle for any ordinary guy. The more I shine, the less interested they'll be in common men. That's how, little by little, I'll win their hearts."

He kept those thoughts to himself. Not yet ready to say them out loud.

Outside, the city shone brightly. Skyscrapers lit up the night sky, and the constant hum of life carried on. But inside the car, everything was calm. Safe.

The car rolled through the illuminated city as the nine-year-old prodigy, surrounded by three of Japan's greatest heroines, closed another day.

A simple day — but one full of promise.

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