Chapter 27- Verdict
The first court date was set a few days into the third term of school. U.A were understanding, as was Inko's work place and Izuku's day-care. And whilst Inko and Shouta attended each and every court hearing, Toshinori looked after Izuku. The hero was hoping Shouta got justice.
Shouta sat next to Inko in court room, forcing himself to look away from his birth parents. Sensing his discomfort, Inko took his hands in hers. Shouta looked up at her, Inko gave him a soft smiled of reassurance. The case had taken 3 days of evidence and witness testimonies. And this was a second day of the juries deliberating the fate of the Aizawa's on their charges of Child Neglect and Violence and Child abuse (Non-sexual.) Inko had been so surprised by how much evidence and Witnesses they had gathered against The Aizawa's. Tsukauchi admitted on the second day that they had gathered as many witnesses as they could so the Aizawa's had little chance to dispute their words. And Most of the witnesses were from respectable job positions or lived near the Aizawa's. Shouta was able to recognised a few old neighbours and school teachers, teachers who had always had their suspicious. They seemed relieved to see how he looked happier with Inko.
"What if they don't find them guilty, and they go free?" Shouta whispered.
"Then, I will keep you safe." Inko promised, putting a hand on his cheek. "Toshinori will too, we will never let anything bad happen to you." She squeezed his hand. Shouta took a deep breath and nodded, he trusted them. Inko smiled. "So, whatever happens, we'll be here to help you."
The had to wait at least four hours until the jury came back.
"We, of the jury, find the defendants, Aizawa Kei and Aizawa Haruko, guilty on the charges of Child Neglect and Violence and Child abuse (Non-sexual.). Fix the penalty at a maximum of 20 years." A member of the jury spoke out. Shouta sighed in relief, it swept through his body – They were found guilty. Inko wrapped her arms around him, Shouta leaned into her arms.
"Guilty, you'll be safe now." Inko smiled "They can't do anything!"
"yeah." Shouta nodded, finally daring to look over at his parents, they were looking over at him too. Dark emotions swirled in their eyes, disgust, hate… Shouta looked away immediately. Inko shifted in her seat ever so slightly to block them from Shouta's view. "Thanks mom…"
"No problem Sweetheart." Inko replied. The lawyers and officers on their side of the case looked back at them, each with a victorious smile. Shouta and Inko felt so thankful for their help.
Inko and Shouta stood outside room after the whole case. The police and lawyers were all thanked graciously.
"Really Midoriya-san, we are just happy to be able to help." Tsukauchi smiled
"What about the court fee? We never got a letter for it, or anything." Inko frowned
"Oh, Toshinori already paid it." Tsukauchi leant in and whispered to them.
"He… oh that man…" Inko sighed, trying to be made, but couldn't help but smile.
"Toshinori may seem to thrown money around without a care, but it isn't something he usually takes lightly, and I have known him for a long time now." Inko and Shouta gave him a look of surprise. "I should thank you for being there for him, I haven't seen him this happy in years."
"I am sure he is the one who is there for us…" Shouta muttered.
"Well, maybe you both needed each other. I am glad he found you." Tsukauchi said, Inko smiled.
"Then, as a friend of Toshinori's you'll have to come round for dinner some time. No arguments." Inko told him.
"I'll take you up on that offer one day. I better head back to work. Have a nice day." Tsukauchi nodded, a thought came to Shouta's mind as he walked off.
"So… think Izuku will adopt him as an Uncle or something?" He asked, Inko laughed lightly.
"I am sure he will." Inko smiled.
"Mama! Nii-chan! Hi hi!" Izuku ran to them as soon as they opened the door. Toshinori was not far behind him. Inko smiled and lifted up the toddler.
"Did you have fun with Papa?" Inko asked, Izuku nodded eagrly.
"I met Osamu-oji-san!" Izuku beamed
"Osamu-oji-san?" Inko repeated
"He met my sidekick Sir Nighteye." Toshinori gave a small smile. "Izuku adopted him too."
"Oh dear." Inko giggled. "So, what's Osamu-oji-san like?"
"He's grumpy, he needs more smiles!" Izuku replied. Toshinori chuckled, knowing he couldn't disagree.
"We also bumped into you know who." Toshinori sighed as they sat for dinner.
"Izuku's…" Inko stopped herself. Toshinori nodded.
"Papa scare him off. Osamu-oji-san help too!" Izuku giggled. "Tomomi bark and bark to chase him off!"
"I already informed my friend at the station of it." Toshinori said
"You mean Tsukauchi?" Inko smiled
"Yes, he was doing the case of the Aizawa's, wasn't he?" Toshinori tried to look impartial.
"You didn't have to pay for it you know… we could have done so." Inko said
"I know, but I wanted too." Toshinori looked at her, Inko smiled.
"I invited Tsukauchi round for dinner sometime." Inko told him. Izuku perked up.
"New friend?" He asked
"My old friend." Toshinori told him, Izuku's eyes widened.
"They Oji-san or Oba-san?" Izuku questioned.
"I called it." Shouta muttered taking a bite of his udon noodles. The family laughed whilst Izuku just looked a little confused at why they were laughing.
