Krouse holds his cigarette politely down and to the side as he comes closer to check out Deku's gear. He can't make out much about how they actually function, but they look practical enough beyond the inevitable PR friendly styling. He makes a quiet noise of appreciation over them before Deku segues into the rest of his spiel.

And what a spiel it is. He soaks up the details that sketch out another kind of story about the world Deku comes from, which sounds closer to Krouse's than Kate's did. The way Deku talks about the slot of No. 1 Hero doesn't strike him as referring to something informal.

Wrapped up in that is whatever the hell Deku has going on with his - rival? Krouse can get having professional admiration for someone you're competing with, but the effusiveness of it all is a little past that, to say the least.

Then Deku gets to the name, and Krouse is stricken by a sudden coughing fit, no doubt attributable to his unwholesome habit. He steps back, covering his mouth with his fist, and turns his head away politely.

"Sorry," he says, clearing his throat, "I'll definitely let you know if I run into him. The more heroes, the better, right?"

He smiles more brightly than he has yet, evidently cheered by the prospect of potentially encountering such a highly recommended, illustriously named hero.

"You must be pretty impressive yourself, if you're in the running for number one."