Chapter 2

The Mysterious Thief

"Hey, you! What is that?"

"Mmm?"

"This is my Kamen Rider action figure!"

"What is this? What… am I looking at?" Tatsumi asked himself as he was floating in what appeared to be endless darkness.

"That's cool."

"Am I… dreaming? Why am I dreaming? I was supposed to be… chasing a villain…. For Droid-Cop…."

Tatsumi began to wake up as he opened his eyes. When he did, he met with two eyes.

"Huh? Wa!" He gasped as he raised.

"Oh good! You woke up!" The mysterious person cheered. Tatsumi looked at the person who he thinks saved him.

The mysterious person was a young girl who looked around his age, more or less. She had long dark navy-blue hair tied with a ponytail and spiky bang that spiked downward over her forehead partially. Her eyes were dark green, and her skin was a bit on the tanner side. She wore a black scarf around her neck with a strange yellow emblem that looked like a head of a bird, a blue navy outfit that makes her look like a ninja, brown shoes, and kunai strapped her side on a belt.

"Hiya, friend!" She greeted with a smile.

"Umm… Hi," Tatsumi said, looking a bit confused. "Where am I?"

"Why, you are in a warehouse! I am just borrowing this place to relax and stuff," she explained.

Tatsumi looked around his surroundings. The first thing he realized was that he was on a soft mattress. There were also other mattresses, and some of the beds were stacked into a tower.

"I see why you do," he said.

"Yeah! Some mattress company uses this warehouse, so it has a lot of soft and nice mattresses," she said cheekily.

"Right," Tatsumi said. "But why am I here? How did I get here? Last thing I remember…."

"Yeah, well, I found you were lying on the floor after you were chasing that villain who can shoot lightning," the girl stated.

Tatsumi remembered. "That's right! I was chasing Raijin of the Weather Twins because Droid-Cop told me, too, but I fainted when Raijin's lightning attack caused an explosion… Ah, man! She got away!"

"Hey, hey, calm down! At least you are alive," the mysterious girl reasoned.

Tatsumi took a deep breath to calm himself down. "OK. Well, thank you for helping me, but I need to get back to Droid-Cop. I don't know how long I fainted…."

"You have fainted like some hours. It is already like past 7 o'clock," she admitted.

That surprised Tatsumi as his expression showed with his mouth wide opened. "NANI?! It's past seven?! That's how long I fainted!"

"Shhh, hey, keep it down! I don't want us, especially me, to be found by someone," she warned him. "I don't want to get caught just saving you."

"Sorry," Tatsumi apologized but then realized something. "Now that I think about… just who are you?"

"Oh me?" She said as she then grinned. "Call me Yatagarashu!"

Tatsumi thought the name 'Yatagarashu.' He thought it sounded weird for a name, but maybe it was a name for a pro hero. Then again, she didn't like a hero, but whoever this girl was, he was glad that she saved him and grateful for that. Then, he realized something else, something significant, was missing from him.

"Aaah! Oh no!" He yelled.

"Hey! I told you to stay quiet!" she yelled.

"My… My Mix Driver! Where is it?" He asked, panicking.

"Oh, you mean this little thing?" She took out the device. "Here. You can have this back, and these too."

She handed him back the driver and the Quirk Bottles.

"Oh, thank god! All of them are here, and I thought I lost them when I was chasing the villain," Tatsumi was relieved.

Yatagarashu grinned. "Well, since you are awake now, I think you should leave now, and I have other stuff to do now that I can stop babysitting you."

"Oh, well, thank you for saving me and taking care of me," Tatsumi said. "Where is the exit?"

Yatagarashu showed him the exit door. She opened it carefully and looked back and forth to make sure that nobody else was around. "Come on. This way and stay low," she said.

Tatsumi wondered why they had to be sneaky, but this confirmed his thought about Yatagarashu. While she may be his savior, she wasn't a Pro Hero. She looked too young to be one officially, and the way she dressed, she must be something else. Perhaps a villain, but if she is a villain, why would she have saved him? He wants to ask her many questions, but for now, it was better to listen to her and get back to Droid-Cop safely.

"Here. Let's get through this fence here. It will lead us to the alleyway, and you can go back to the street from there," she stated as she walked cautiously.

"OK," Tatsumi replied as he followed behind her.

He followed her behind, and they safely arrived at the alleyway that she mentioned. Tatsumi could see the streetlight at the end of the alleyway, which enters the regular street.

"That light over there is your ticket to see Droid-Cop. If you turn to your left and walk past two crosswalk lights, you turn right, and you will see Droid-Cop's building," she explained.

"Well, thank you! You know a lot about Kyoto," Tatsumi said.

She chuckled. "Tee, hee! Well, of course. As a master thief, I have to study the city to understand where I can hide and stuff when I plan my heist."

"Well, thank you for everything. I guess this is where…. Wait, what?! You are a thief?!" He gasped.

"Oops, I wasn't meant to admit that, but even if I didn't, you would've probably found out eventually," she said proudly. "But yeah, I am a thief."

"Then you are a villain! I had to take you to the police!" Tatsumi declared.

"Woah, Woah! Take it easy, pal," she said. "Is this how you treat your hero who saved your life?"

Tatsumi thought for a moment, and she didn't have a point. He calmed down and made his decision. "Well, since you have a point, I won't tell the police on you, nor I will say to Droid-Cop."

"Thanks!" She grinned. "Well, I guess I will see you around. Bye!"

She jumped on the emergency ladder and climbed up to the rooftop. She turned around and waved bye at him before she disappeared.

Tatsumi wondered who she was, but he could think about that later. He exited out of the alleyway, and just as she said, he followed the directions to Droid-Cop's agency.

- My Hero Academia –

Droid-Cop Agency wasn't an ordinary commercial building. It was a big white mansion. Not only was it his agency HQ, but it was also part of his home.

Around his mansion was a white gate with security cameras and some guards protecting the entrance gate. Through the entrance gate, you would see a beautiful front lawn with bushes shaped of animals and one of them shaped like him in a heroic position.

As you passed through the front door, the receptionist's desk with two receptionist ladies and another guard standing by near the front door. There are security gates where you needed a security card key to get pass through on either side of the receptionist disk. Once you passed through the gate on either side, there is a stairway. The stairways are black and white, which made them look like piano keys. Behind the receptionist's desk is a wide window glass where you can see the backyard, a Japanese-style garden.

The stairways led to a second floor. If you went through the left gate and walked upstairs, it led to the side of the mansion used by the agency workers, such as the sidekicks and office workers. The right side was the living quarters that Droid-Cop privately owned, and it was where he lives. Only guests or authorized persons with a specific card key were allowed to go there.

Somewhere in the mansion, there was the office space room used privately by Droid-Cop himself. His office room was located on the top floor, where he could see most of Kyoto from a higher place.

He looked worried as he looked at the city while waiting patiently and drinking a glass of wine. That was when his desk phone ranged.

He put down his drink and pressed a button to accept the call. "Hello?" he said.

"Sir, I have good news," a woman's voice said. It was his secretary, Miss Kobayashi. "Mr. Tatsumi Kurate was found safely."

"Oh good! That's great to hear, Kobayashi." He exclaimed, looking relieved. "Where did they found him?"

"Well, actually, sir," she spoke. "It wasn't that one of your sidekicks or employees found him. Mr. Kurate himself came to us. He is waiting at the front lobby."

"I see. Well, then let him come into my office and let the police know that Tatsumi boy is safe," he stated.

"I have already done so, sir. I will bring him up to your office right now," she said before the call ended.

After five minutes, the door opened as Miss Kobayashi let Tatsumi go inside. He was very excited that he was shaking nervously and entered the office used by the Pro Hero who he idolizes.

"Tatsumi, my boy! You are safe!" Droid-Cop exclaimed as he raised his arms to hug him.

'I am hugged by Droid-Cop! I might faint again but from excitement!' Tatsumi thought.

Droid-Cop let the boy go and looked at him. "I am glad that you are alright, Tatsumi. I was worried that we didn't find you after you chased after the villain. How are you OK?"

"Oh, well…" Tatsumi wanted to say about how Yatagarashu, the mysterious girl, saved him, but he promised to her that he wouldn't tell her to Droid-Cop or anyone. "You see, I…. A bystander saved me, and that bystander took care of me! Yeah, they showed me to where I find your agency, and here, I am!"

Miss Kobayashi glanced at him, who stood nearby as she looked suspiciously at him. Droid-Cop, aka Kazuma Heiji, looked happy.

"Well, I am glad to hear that someone in this fair, the old city helped you! I thank that bystander's heroic duty as a lawful citizen!" He stated epically.

"Yeah, what a kind bystander," Tatsumi chuckled hesitantly.

'I can't believe I told a lie to Droid-Cop!' He thought nervously.

"Well, what's important that you are safe now. Though I hate to bring the bad news, unfortunately, the villains got away," Kazuma said, changing his tone to be more serious.

"Oh, I see," Tatsumi nodded. That was indeed bad news to hear.

"However, do not worry! No matter what, he will capture the Weather Twins and protect this city with our hands. I will teach you everything I know on how to be a great Pro Hero, like me!" Kazumi said heroically as he posed.

Tatsumi felt very honored that he smiled widely. "Yes, sir!"

"It's been a long day, Tatsumi. Why don't we go and get something to eat? Then later, my secretary here, Miss Kobayashi, can show you where you can rest at my quarter," he said.

Tatsumi gasped. "Wait! You mean that I can stay here, at your mansion?!"

"Why, of course, my boy! It would only be for the rest of your internship for the week, and besides, you should learn better if you stay with me most of the time, so staying at my home mansion here would be best for you," he explained.

Tatsumi couldn't help but smiled. Though his internship started rocky, it was getting better and better.

"Thank you, Mr. Droid-Cop!" Tatsumi said as he bowed to his hero.

"Miss Kobayashi, could you contact the usual place for dinner? I hope they can accept reservation available at this time," he ordered.

"Do not worry, sir. I will arrange the reservation immediately," she said as she got her cell phone out and left out the office to make a call.

"Reservation? Usual place? Where are we going, Mr. Droid-Cop?" Tatsumi asked.

"A place to eat, of course!" He answered.

About 30 minutes later, Tatsumi joined Kazuma Heiji, aka Droid-Cop, for dinner. They ate dinner at a fancy Kyoto inn. Tatsumi ate some of the fanciest foods Kyoto can offer. He was honored and enjoyed that he could taste such delicious food that only a very privileged person could have. There were Geisha who performed for them.

After dinner, they went back to the mansion, and Tatsumi was at the living quarter side of the building. It was something he couldn't believe to see and be in the present, but it was real.

When they entered the living room, it was vast and wide. There was a private bar corner for guests, soft and comfy sofas surrounding a table over a nice, expensive leopard pattern carpet, and a huge flat-screen TV on the wall. There was a white marvel of a woman carrying a pot over her shoulder.

"Welcome to my living quarter, Tatsumi!" Kazuma said. "This is my living room. Here, guests can enjoy the company. You can use the TV and get some juices or sodas in the fridge just behind the bar during your break while you stay here."

"This is amazing," he said as he was impressed.

"If this is amazing, wait till you see other places!" he assured.

The next place he showed was his garage. He owned multiple different cars. Most of them were BMW, and one of them was a Ferrari. There was also a security car, too, used personally for work.

"Wow!" Tatsumi awed.

Then, he showed him was his bathroom, and it was huge. It was more of a bathhouse than just a bathroom.

"And this is my bathroom. I made it to be like a hot spring, and this water is boiling spring water," he explained.

"So cool and hot in here!" Tatsumi commented.

Finally, they arrived in the guest's room, where Tatsumi will be using for the rest of his internship for the whole week. His room was quite big for a guest room, and it was more like a five-star hotel room. The bed was a queen-sized mattress with two pillows. In front of the bed was another flat TV, but smaller in size, and it was also 4K type. There was also a balcony outside the window doors.

"Is this where I am going to stay?" Tatsumi asked.

Kazuma laughed. "Why, of course, Tatsumi, my boy! This is your bedroom for the rest of the week."

"Sir," Miss Kobayashi said. "I got a message that you have a call from the Chief of Police."

He turned to his secretary. "I see. I will accept it." He turned back to Tatsumi, who was looking at him back. "Well, Tatsumi, I hope you enjoy your time here. Have a nice sleep and see you tomorrow in the morning. We start working at 8 am, but we can get an emergency call at any time, so be ready."

"Yes, sir!" He responded.

Kazuma smiled back and left for other business as he mentioned about the call. Tatsumi looked around his new bedroom that he would stay for the rest of the week. He laid down on the bed. It felt very soft and also familiar.

"Hmmm, this bed feels the same as the mattress back at the warehouse, where I met her," he talked to himself as he remembered Yatagarashu. He then realized that his suitcase was under the bed when he checked. He pulled it out.

"My suitcase and all my stuff are here. Maybe Droid-Cop's secretary, Miss Kobayashi, put them here," he said before he noticed a faint smell.

The smell was coming from him, and it wasn't a good smell. "Geez, after chasing that villain around, I stink! I guess I will take that bath then!" He decided.

He took some change of clothes and headed to the bathroom. As Tatsumi walked down the hallway to Droid-Cop's bathroom, he stopped when he encountered Miss Kobayashi near the door to the bathroom.

"Um, Hello Miss Kobayashi," he greeted.

"Hello, Mr. Young Kurate," she greeted in response. "Are you heading into the bathroom and use it?"

"Yup," he nodded. "I need to wash and relax before I head to bed and sleep."

"That sounds like a good idea," Miss Kobayashi said as Tatsumi passed by, but then her next word stopped him. "May I ask one thing; who is the bystander that saved you?"

"Huh?" Tatsumi jumped.

"I said. Who is the bystander that saved you? What is their name?" She asked, looking a bit more serious.

"Oh, um… That's…" Tatsumi thought that his lie would convince Droid-Cop, which it did, but she was a bit skeptical about him. He better had something to say, or else she will find out.

"What's the matter, Mr. Young Kurate? Did you forget the helpful bystander's name, or is there something… you are hiding from me or specifically, Mr. Heiji?" She questioned furtherly.

"Oh no! I didn't forget! Their name was…." That was when something was ringing from his pocket. It was his Smartphone. He took it out, and it was a call from his mother. "Oh, sorry, Kobayashi-san, but I got to take this call! See you and goodnight!"

He rushed into the bathroom, leaving Miss Kobayashi a bit surprised, but looked suspiciously at him.

She glanced at the door but left the scene and went off to her business.

Tatsumi sighed, looking relieved as his heart was still racing.

'Saved by a bell or, in this case, a ringtone,' he thought as he accepted the call. "Hello?"

"Hi, honey," said his mother. "How are you doing? Have you arrived in Kyoto?"

"Yes, mom. I am in Kyoto. I am staying at Droid-Cop's mansion, and it is huge! You wouldn't believe it!" He said excitedly.

His mother laughed. "I see, I see. Well, I am glad to hear you are doing alright and arrived there safely. Well, if anything happens, you can call me, alright?"

"Sure thing, mom. I love you," he replied.

"I love you too, dear. Well, goodnight and do your best!" His mother cheered before she ended the call.

He ended the call and smiled to himself. He put his phone down and changed out his clothes.

- My Hero Academia –

On the same night, most of the businesses were closing down. It was past midnight. The night shift guards at the department store were patrolling each floor. One particular guard was patrolling with his flashlight around the jewelry store.

He was looking around to find anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. So far, he found none.

"All ghost is cleared here, roger," he said, talking through a Walkie-Talkie.

"Roger that," a voice responded.

As the guard was about to leave, he heard a noise. "Hmm?" He decided to stay awhile and searched for the source of the noise he just heard.

He walked cautiously and slowly. As he approached over the glass counter where it contains the jewelry, he noticed something.

"What the?" He stood over one broken glass case. "Hey, I found one glass case at the jewelry store broken, roger!"

"Hello!" He turned around and then suddenly got hit by something hard, knocking him out instantly.

"Hello? Hey, are you there? Hello?" The walkie-talkie said.

"Sorry, sir, but you just rest there while I leave with this bag of pieces of jewelry, OK?" Yatagarashu said as she ran off.

Back at the security room, the guard tried to communicate with the other guard, who was knocked out.

"Hey, can you hear me? Roger?" He didn't respond, so he decided to turn the alarm on, which caused the siren to go on, and he decided to search the jewelry store.

Once the second guard arrived, he saw that his co-worker knocked out, and the jewelry was stolen.

"Hey, wake up! Wake up!" He shook his guard, which caused him to gain his consciousness back.

"Oooh, what happened?" The guard asked, rubbing his head.

"You were knocked out, but most importantly, the pieces of jewelry are stolen!" He exclaimed as he pointed the flashlight over the broken glass.

His flashlight also showed something else.

"Look at here," the other guard pointed as he picked up what appeared to be a card. He shined the light over it, and they gasped.

"Thi-This is!" He gasped.

"Yeah, this card has the sign of the Three-Legged Crow! That Phantom Thief, Yatagarashu, robbed us!"

Hello, everyone! I am back with another udpate to the story. This chapter was supposed to be uploaded earlier, but my PC wasn't working. It didn't show up anything on the monitor even when I turned it on, so I had to send it to the repair center. Fortunately, it was just a memory stick loose, so they re-seated it.

Due to this, some of my other stories will have a delayed update, but rest assure that I can finally get back to working on my fanfic, including this story. Thank you for your patience.

I had a crazy start for a weekend. Apparently, the hot water boiler exploded, but it wasn't a big explosion that didn't start any fire, but a carbon monoxide leaked, so everyone had to get out of the apartment and firemen came to the site. It was a crazy start for a weekend, but everyone is safe and I will get a new replacement. Unfortunately, it means that there will be no heat and hot water for the next couples of days. At least the good news is that my mother got her vaccine in time. I got mine last week. If there is one available near you, I say go get it. You may not be sick or just feel plain healthy, but it is important to get it just to protect your family and anyone you cares for.

With that all said, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. This chapter introduces the new OC, Yatagarashu. Who is this mysterious person? Also, what did you think of that strange dream that Tatsumi had at the beginning?

Goodnight everyone and as always, stay safe and healthy. Plus Ultra!