My brain whirred. Her attempt at humor was... adequate. Her confidence, however, was notable. Most humans, even those with perceived higher status, would at least offer a preliminary greeting before launching into casual conversation with a superhero. This one was different.
"I am here to acquire knowledge," I stated plainly, my voice echoing Mitsuo's, but perhaps a shade more formal. "Specifically, information related to global socio-economic structures and their impact on civic stability."
She blinked, her smile faltering for a fraction of a second. "Oh. Right. Of course. Very... heroic," she said, recovering quickly. Her eyes, however, seemed to sparkle with renewed curiosity. "And why in the world would Perman be interested in that? I thought you just punched bad guys and saved cats from trees."
'Her understanding of heroic duties is severely limited,' I noted. 'A common misconception among the general populace.'
"The prevention of global socio-economic instability contributes to overall civic stability, thus reducing the need for direct physical intervention," I explained, shifting the heavy book slightly in my hands. "It is a proactive approach to heroism."
She stared at me, a genuine look of surprise now replacing her playful smirk. The poodle let out a soft "woof."
"Wow," she said, her eyebrows raised. "That's... surprisingly deep for a superhero. I always thought you guys just flew around looking cool." She leaned forward slightly, her chin resting on her hand. "My name's Kirei. Kirei Suzuki. What's your name, Perman? Your real one, I mean, if you're feeling philosophical today."
'Kirei Suzuki,' I registered. 'The daughter of a prominent industrialist. Known for her social connections and academic excellence. Intriguing.'
"My designation is Perman," I replied, sidestepping the question. "And I prefer to maintain my operational anonymity. Also, I neither have an obligation or any responsibility to tell you that."
She sighed dramatically. "Oh, come on, Perman. What's the fun in that? You're literally sitting here, in a library, reading about... global economics. The mystery is already half-ruined." She paused, then winked. "Unless... you're not the real Perman? Is this some sort of clever decoy?"
'A direct accusation,' I processed. 'Her observational skills are moderately superior. However, she lacks crucial data.'
"My authenticity is not for public discussion," I stated firmly, deciding to terminate this line of questioning. My focus was on the book. I took a step towards the reading table, making it clear I intended to study.
But Kirei was persistent. She stood up too, her poodle wagging its tail. "Alright, alright, fine. No real name. But if you're really delving into 'global socio-economic structures,' you're going to need this." She reached into her stylish handbag and pulled out a sleek, modern tablet. With a few taps, she opened a complex chart displaying various economic indicators. "My dad runs Suzuki Industries, so I know a thing or two about global markets. This chart," she pointed, "shows the projected impact of current trade policies on developing nations. It's cutting-edge stuff."
I looked at the tablet. The data was indeed advanced, a refined and real-time aggregation of information I was only beginning to process from the antiquated books. Her access to such high-level, current information was a significant advantage. This was efficient.
"Interesting," I conceded, allowing a flicker of Mitsuo's genuine curiosity to show.
"Thought so!" she beamed, clearly pleased to have impressed me. "Tell you what, Perman. If you're really serious about this 'proactive heroism,' I can give you access to my father's private economic forecasts. They're usually only for top-tier executives, but hey, you're a superhero, right? Just meet me here tomorrow morning, same time." She held out the tablet, then retracted it with a playful smirk. "Unless you're going to fly off and lecture me about 'operational parameters' again?"
My brain evaluated the offer. Access to real-time, high-level economic data would accelerate Mitsuo's intellectual development significantly. It would bypass weeks of laborious book-reading. This was an optimal opportunity. The human element of her offer – the 'favor' – was merely a negligible cost for the acquisition of vital knowledge.
"I will consider your offer," I said, a calculated understatement. My decision was already made.
"Great!" Kirei clapped her hands, her excitement palpable. "See you then, Perman!" She waved, then walked off, her poodle trotting happily behind her. As she left, I noticed several other library patrons were still discreetly staring, but now their whispers seemed to carry a hint of awe.
I finally reached the reading table, placing my thick book down. My primary objective remained Mitsuo's holistic improvement. And if navigating a little human social maneuvering, even with a confident, slightly pushy girl, meant gaining access to accelerated knowledge, then it was a negligible variable. This 'Kirei Suzuki' might prove to be a surprisingly efficient resource. Perhaps 'socializing,' in its most direct and beneficial form, wasn't so inefficient after all. I opened the book, but my mind was already anticipating tomorrow.