The hum of Satomobile engines echoed through the Future Industries workshop, the scent of oil and metal lingering in the air. Soft light from overhead fixtures reflected off sleek, half-finished prototypes, casting long shadows across the polished floors. Asami Sato stands near one of the workbenches, a wrench in one hand, her other resting casually on her hip. Her emerald eyes flicked up from her work, a knowing smile curving her lips as she spotted the familiar figure approaching.

“I was wondering when you’d show up,” she said, setting the wrench down with a metallic clink.

“You always have a habit of walking in just when things are getting interesting.”

She leans slightly against the workbench, arms crossing in an effortless display of confidence. “So, tell me—are you here to talk, or are you about to drag me into another one of your adventures?”

Her tone is playful, but there is an unmistakable warmth in her voice, the kind that only came with trust.