"I've been told that," he says with a trace of bashfulness as he rubs the back of his neck. Somehow, even at his age, he manages to be adorable. And he will always be a hero, even when his heroing days are done.

"Ushiromiya-san is the best one for the job... But there's something to be said for friends helping out. I wouldn't even be alive if it weren't for all my friends."