Chapter 200: Chapter 199: ‘Nine-Tails’!
"But in reality, transformation is the very essence of SIS!"
As Kaminari spoke, the fifteen design concepts previously displayed on the conference table vanished, leaving only a high-resolution virtual projection of the metal alloy itself.
"Let me explain my basic concept," Kaminari began. "First, the main function of this 'battle suit' should be to ensure Momo's safety while she uses her Quirk. It should give her enough time to create whatever she needs without interruption."
He glanced at Manshi who was seated at the head of the table.
"Exactly," Manshi agreed, nodding firmly.
"So," Kaminari continued, "I believe this 'battle suit' should have some combat capabilities of its own. Ideally, it should also be able to operate autonomously."
"This," Kaminari added, "is why I asked earlier about artificial intelligence. Without AI, I feel SIS wouldn't reach its full potential."
Turning back to the glowing virtual projection of SIS in front of him, he elaborated, "So, my idea isn't to make a conventional 'battle suit'—it's to create a battle robot."
"A battle robot?!"
Manshi was visibly startled. Beside him, the young man in the formal suit and Momo both seemed equally surprised.
"But we don't have enough SIS to build a fully functional robot," the suited man interjected, his tone serious.
"That's the problem with your thinking," Kaminari said, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Why does it have to be a complete robot?"
He leaned forward, gesturing at the virtual projection. "Don't forget—SIS can transform! You can design a modular system with multiple modes, allowing it to adapt to different needs and scenarios."
"For example, if Momo needs to fly, the robot could transform into flight mode, something simple, like a hoverboard."
As Kaminari spoke, the virtual SIS projection shifted, morphing into a sleek, long hoverboard. The hologram even simulated Momo standing atop it, balancing effortlessly.
"See? Just like that." Kaminari smiled approvingly before continuing.
"If Momo needs defense, it could switch to defense mode. Imagine it splitting into four small spheres that orbit around her, spinning at high speeds and releasing energy to form a protective barrier with centrifugal force."
The holographic hoverboard began to morph again, splitting into four glowing orbs. As they spun around the simulated Momo, they emitted an energy shield, just as Kaminari described.
Momo's eyes widened. "This... isn't this like your 'Thunder Aegis' move?"
"Exactly," Kaminari confirmed. "You've seen how effective Thunder Aegis is. It's far stronger than ordinary stationary energy shields."
Turning to the suited man, Kaminari added, "So even though the amount of SIS you have is limited, by leveraging its transformative abilities, you can create a multi-functional robot. Of course, these functions can't all be used simultaneously, but they're still accessible as needed."
The man in the suit fell silent, clearly realizing Kaminari's logic was sound.
"And," Kaminari continued, "the 'battle robot' doesn't need to be humanoid, does it?"
With that, Kaminari shifted his focus back to the virtual projection. Meanwhile, Momo quietly watched him with admiration as he passionately explained his concept.
"With 20 kilograms of SIS, you can't make a full battle suit, and you can't even build a human-sized robot."
Pointing at the hologram, Kaminari instructed, "Now, consolidate all the SIS into a humanoid form and show us the maximum size it could achieve."
The virtual projection shifted again. Soon, a stubby, awkward-looking robot appeared, standing no taller than one meter.
"Yep, just as I thought—too short, and honestly, it looks ridiculous." Kaminari sighed, shaking his head. "So, instead of forcing it into a humanoid form, why not go for something... with six tails."
"Six tails?" Manshi raised an eyebrow.
"Right. Oh, by the way, does anyone here know what a Vulpix is? If not, look up Pokémon."
"Mr. Kaminari Denki, I'm familiar with Vulpix and Pokémon," a calm, distinctly professional voice answered from a corner of the room. "You may call me Ebisu."
Startled, Kaminari realized the voice belonged to the artificial intelligence controlling the projection.
"'Ebisu'?" Kaminari repeated, his mind briefly flashing to the Naruto character before he corrected himself. "Wait, no—this must be a reference to the 'God of Wealth,' Ebisu, from Japanese mythology, right?"
"Precisely," Manshi said with a chuckle. "Our family has been in business for generations. We've honored the God of Wealth for centuries, so we thought it fitting to name our AI after him."
"Fair enough," Kaminari said with a shrug. "It's a great name for the Yaoyorozu family."
Returning his attention to the projection, Kaminari asked, "So, how much SIS does this 'Vulpix' use?"
The data appeared instantly above the holographic figure:
Height: 0.6m, Weight: 9.9kg.
"So there's about 10 kilograms left," Kaminari mused. "Alright, let's use all of it and make a... 'Nine-Tails.'"
As soon as he gave the instruction, the virtual Vulpix burst into bright white light. Two seconds later, the light faded, revealing a majestic, golden-furred nine-tailed fox.
"Okay, was the whole evolution sequence really necessary?" Kaminari deadpanned, rolling his eyes.
"I'm merely demonstrating my knowledge of Pokémon," Ebisu replied smoothly.
"Alright, alright, you've made your point," Kaminari muttered. For some reason, Ebisu felt more... human than his own AI, Pikachu.
"This 'Nine-Tails' is in combat mode," Ebisu explained. "The previous smaller form, Vulpix, is standby mode. It's primarily for portability but still retains some combat capabilities and minor functions."
Kaminari nodded. "Got it. Now, I'll start detailing specific functions. If anything I suggest is outside the Yaoyorozu family's capabilities, let me know right away. Ideas are one thing, but execution is another."
His eyes narrowed as he focused on the golden hologram. "First up, let's give it a basic 'fire-breathing' ability. For reference, use the flamethrower attack from Pokémon."
"Technically feasible," Ebisu confirmed, his voice calm and efficient.
"Oh, right—what about the energy source?" Kaminari asked, glancing at the man in the suit. "Do you have energy crystals?"
"There are 423 energy crystals in reserve. How many are needed?" Ebisu responded before the man could even open his mouth.
"Just one is enough," Kaminari said, stunned by the number. Over 400 energy crystals? My dad struggled to get his hands on just a few!
"Alright, let's keep going," Kaminari continued. "Next is the reconnaissance function... followed by flight mode... and then defense mode."
As Kaminari spoke, Momo sat quietly, watching the hologram shift and adapt. A strange thought crossed her mind.
Isn't this basically like carrying around a Pokémon? A Vulpix... or maybe a Nine-Tails?
Still, the more she thought about it, the more the idea appealed to her.
"Well..." Momo murmured to herself, a small smile forming on her lips. It actually looks kind of cool...