AN: I don't own My hero academia or the characters form the other animes that will be appearing.

Last time…

Izuku was entrusted to help prove one of his classmates' innocents. The whole academy is now on lock down to prevent any information from getting out until the culprit is found. With the help of a few others, he managed to get enough evidence to full hearted believe in Seiji innocent. Now his dear teacher is under the magnifying glass of suspicion.

Remember to smile

Izuku's heart stopped as he heard the voices. He hated the thought of them suggesting Arata the mastermind of all this. No that can't be right. Arata sensei would never…at least not without good reason. As much as he knew the man liked to mess with them in the disguised of a lesson this seemed far too serious to be a game. The fact the entire school was roped in sent alarm bells to his mind. At most it should have been just his class affected. Gritting his teeth, he pressed an ear against the door and listened in carefully. There were a lot of voices. Most of them he hasn't heard before.

"That's enough," demanded a voice he heard before. The current headmistress of Shiketsu academy.

Another voice spoke up. It was the angry voice that was loudest out of everyone else. "But headmistress, look at the evidence. One of his students broken into our files, his own key card was used for God's sakes. Let's not forget about his background."

"He doesn't have one."

"Exactly!"

"I'm telling you that is not my key card," Arata spoke out in his own defence. "I put a marking on mine to know it was mine. They all look the same anyways. That card you have in the evidence bunker lacks it."

"Then where is? If you show it to us, then maybe we'll rethink."

"I don't have it anymore. There's a hole in one of my pockets. I don't know how it happened, but my card must have fallen out form it. if you give me the time to try and Find it."

Slam! "Lies!"

Another voice he recognised popped out form the rest. The head tech security staff that allowed him to look at the evidence they had on hand. "Let's not jump to conclusions here. True his past isn't much known, but his dedication to the academy cannot be dismissed. Many times, he has found the rats and exterminated them swiftly."

"That makes this whole thing fishy! If he's so good how come he didn't see this coming. Because he's behind it. It's the only explanation."

"Hold it right there. We cannot rely on him 24/7. That's too much to ask for anyone. We all make mistakes this might just be one time he slipped up. Besides isn't the clues just look too obvious. This case can't be that simple. Something fishy is going on here."

"That's still way too convenient."

Roars of arguments exploded once again. Saying things like how his sensei was the only one that can pull this off. Others defended him because it seemed out of character. The voices became louder as insults were thrown. Until one voice silence them all. "I said silence!" Yelled the headmistress. No voices were uttered after. Even Izuku felt this force pushing on his pipes. A quirk perhaps? A thought for another day as the woman made her peace: "I understand all of us are on edge. Since Arata joined us, no spy has been able to break into our ranks or students. They all long since been flushed out. Now with this incident I see we have been slacking. Relying on him too much. For that I deeply apologies."

Izuku tried to devour all the information he was hearing. However, this piece was one he wasn't sure what to make of. Arata's quirk seemed to be a levitation/ telekinesis quirk that allows him to move objects. How could a quirk like that help fine spies that sneaked into the academy? It didn't make much sense all things consider. Then again, he doesn't remember the man every telling them what his quirk was. The more he thought back them more he realised something strange. Sensei's quirk can't have just been simple telekinesis.

"Nether the less," she continued, "I cannot ignore the evidence against you. My great grandfather, our founder, may have allowed you here despite your lack of a background. However, that alone cannot protect you. Not with the case at hand. For now, Darewell will be put in our highest prison until more information comes to light or the stolen documents are found. Your students will be taught by someone else for the following days. Lessons will return to normal by tomorrow. I will not allow my students grades to slip because of this. Although, I will not allow anyone to leave yet. Not until we find our traitor or traitors. Since we cannot rely on Darewell we will have to do things the old fashion way. Continue the search and keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour. Do I make myself clear?"

There was a choir of yes and screeches of chairs. Movement was obvious because of the rustling. There was also this click of handcuffs being adjusted. Then there were footsteps. Izuku quickly dashed away from the door and sprinted to a nearby corner. Peeking out from its safety he watched his Sensei in handcuffs walk out with two guards at his side. One looked far angrier than the other. "Why do we have to imprison him when we already know he's guilty."

"Just do as your told."

After overhearing all those accusations aimed at his teacher he couldn't just stand there and do nothing. He knew his sensei would never do anything that would bring harm to the students or this school. It may be just blind belief, but he was more than willing to stand by it. He dashed out of the corner. He called out to them without thinking. "Sir, please. I think…" his lips were quickly sealed tight preventing anymore words to come out of his mouth. It was like an invisible hand was pinching them together.

His sensei's eyes were glowing. There was a stern softness about them as he warned the boy. 'An 'I think' would not be enough I'm afraid. When you have thoroughly investigated this case, your answer must be: 'I am certain'. Also, it would be unwise to confined with me at this moment. As you might have heard I am under suspicion. You should keep this information to yourself until you have all the facts. Understand."

How odd. The boy could hear him so well for some reason. Like he was in his head. Maybe it was just him. The man was right there in front of him despite his back turned way. Izuku nodded once lightly and the tightness around his lips dropped. Arata fully turned to face his student with a smile. The guards at his side gave the boy menace glares but they did not stop the interaction. Only observed. "Do not threat. my boy. I believe you'll be able to solve this case."

Izuku smiled brightly before giving the man a solid salute. "I won't disappoint you sir. I'll clear both yours and Shishikura names."

There was a pause. Arata's unblinking eyes scanned the boy's face to memory. Like it was an important file image that needed to be kept and copied. He hummed while clenched something in his shirt with his cuffed hands. "Izuku. I want you to promise me something. Wherever you find yourself in a tough situation. Severe or not. I want you to smile just like that."

Confused, the boy tilted his head. "But why sir?"

"A smile can be used in any ways. It's a very useful tool. Depending on who sees it the feeling it gives off is different. To your allies it shows unshakable confidence. They'll believe in you. Feel at ease with you. Follow you. To your enemies that confidence would shake them. It would make them fear you. Or at the very least wary. Might even give you an edge in battle." Then he paused. Clenched that area over his chest again. Izuku came to notice the little habit more and more. It was odd. Arata only doses it when he was deep in thought. Or something weighting heaving in his mind. He was almost certain the man was trying to hold something in his hand. What it was he wasn't too sure. "Most importantly it hides away your true feelings. Fears and doubt. No one will know. No one must know. Just smile. Like everything will be ok."

The boy digested his teacher's request. It was an odd one. Then there was this look in his eyes. They were nearly begging in away. Not only that but they looked sad. So very sad. "Do you smile to hide things too, Sensei?"

Another pause.

Softly, Arata smiled at his student. "I'll let you decide on that, my boy."

"Ok that's enough of that. Time to go down the hole," spat the angry guard. He pushed firmly at his teacher's back. The other squinted their eyes as if saying that was out of line.

Izuku watched his sensei closely while he was rudely being pushed away. That's when he noticed his pocket. As he said there was indeed a hole in it. The piece of fabric from where the hole started flapped with every jolted movement. "Wait!" He called out again, annoying the guards more. Well mainly the angry one. He requested to take a closer look at his sensei's pocket which they allowed so long as they could watch him for any funny business. Taking a closer look at the hole made Izuku realised just how unusual the hole was. It wasn't at the edges. That would suggest his uniform was old or there was some lose thread was caught on something unravelling the pocket open. No, the whole was just above the seam. It was a sharp straight line. No frail marks or force ripping. It looked more like it was cut with something sharp. He asked when this happened.

Arata explained that he didn't know the hole was there until the meeting began. He was looking for his key card to find his pocket in this state. He was certain it wasn't like that when he came to work. So, it had to have happened at some point after he entered the school but wasn't sure when.

Having enough with the talks the guards forcibly ended the conversation and dragged Arata away. Izuku could do nothing but watch his sensei back grew smaller in the distance.

Alone with his own thoughts Izuku wandered the halls of his academy. Normal classes have not started yet since teachers were still busy sorting out the problem. No doubt they are facing some parental backlash as well for this extreme lock down. With his phone still confiscated he wasn't able to contact either of his parents. He hoped they were not too worried about him, but knowing them they are probably worried to hell. So, he hoped the staff can handle them. Right now, he needed to figure out where to go from here. He could not go to Arata sensei for obvious reasons and digging around the faculty was too dangerous. There was a high possibility at least one of them was a traitor if not more. He needed to be careful not to let them get wise on his personal investigation. If he played his cards right, he would look like nothing more than a little kid playing detective. Which was what he was doing, but he planned to win this game somehow. For now, what he needed to focus on was their student accomplice that tried to impersonate Seiji. Find them and that could lead him to the real culprit. The problem was all he had to go on was some sort of transformation quirk was used to mimic Seiji's handprints on the crime scene. Most likely an older student due to their size. And had a black mark/ mole on the back of the neck. That doesn't give him a lot to work on. He couldn't go into the school's database of quirks without looking suspicious, and there are too many people he would need to ask. He could split his team up and hope for the best, but this school was massive with over a thousand students. He couldn't search them all alone.

Sighing at his predicament, he looked down past a window. Across form him was a plot of greenery. Bushes blooming with flowers. An arch way growing with vines. A small flower patch with rows of flowers blooming in order of the rainbow. He'd never noticed this area before, but he had heard about it. The Shiketsu gardens was a green open area used for quiet studies or simple relaxation. The garden is completely handled by the students. Think of it like a class pet but instead of an animal it was flowers. They were to show responsibility and discipline to whoever takes on the task. Completely voluntary. If no one tends to it shows. The garden will slowly die without the students.

To his surprise there were already a few students out there. One of them looked to be one of the older years given their height. He was not too sure. They were quite buff no other stand out qualities from where he stood. Other than his fire red hair that curled upward form the bottom. Almost like curlers were permanently curling his hair tips.

Two of them he knew. His classmates Kory and Miranda were crouched down at the flower beds. They gave the little flowers their daily drink with a watering can. Those two always seemed close form what he observed. They were also quite shy and very jittery. Especially, Miranda. Sometimes it seemed like the world was out to get her with the number of accidents she found her in. Like this one time she slipped over a banana peel. Why that was in the middle of the classroom was a mystery. That was until you catch the cheek grin of Karma watching nearby. Izuku felt compelled to say 'hi' since he was in the area. He walked out form a nearby exit and called out to the two. "Arystar, Lotto. I see you two are working hard."

"AHH!" they both screamed. Koroy dropped his watering can in surprise. Thankfully, no flowers were harmed form its drop.

Miranda, not so lucky. She jumped off her feet which wasn't the best of ideas. It just so happened there was a conveniently placed rock sticking up from the ground. Then she so conveniently tripped on said rock. With her balanced off centred she fell backwards and somehow landed in a steel bucket. Now her lower half was stuck in a bucket, she slumped her shoulders with a defeated look. She didn't even seem surprised by it. Only sighed like it was another day in her life. "Can I have someone help, please," she squeaked.

Both Koroy and Izuku were quick to help. Even the other student with them dropped what they were doing to help. They took charge of the bucket while Izuku and Koroy pulled her form her arms. With a couple of good pulls Miranda shot right out of the bucket and crashed landed into her classmates. They fell hard on their backs. Seeing herself on top of them, she quickly hopped away dropped to her knees and bowed again and again like she was begging for mercy to a king. Kory and Izuku tried to conceive her it was alright right but that just made her cry more apologises.

"Really if anyone should be saying sorry it's me. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you like that." Izuku said while giving a straight down bow.

"I'm so sorry you had to apologise to someone like me!" Miranda cried back.

"Why are you apologising like that?"

"I'm sorry I am apologising".

"Please stop apologising. I'm sorry I didn't mean anything wrong by it."

"I'm sorrier!"

The third student with them defused the endless apologises and ensured everyone was ok. He gave a quick check up on Miranda and she was given all clear. Then he turned to Izuku. "Are you hear to help?" Izuku said no but he didn't mind to. Especially after scaring his classmates from their work. So, the older student handed him the bucket saying that there were some weeds that needed to be pulled. "Now you first years behave. We maybe on lock down but that doesn't mean I'll let this place go to ruin. That happened once, and I won't let that happen again. Understand." The three saluted the older student and nodded firmly in sync. "Good now I'll go trim the rose bushes. You two can look at the vegetable patch." With that he turned his back on them and walked off.

Izuku was still holding a salute determined not to let the older student down. He watched him walk further away. It was then he noticed something on his neck. A black mark. His eyes widen. "Latto, Arystar. Do you know who that guy is?"

Koroy nodded smiling showing off his sharp fangs. "Yes. His name is Ray Akamatsu. From what I know he takes change of the gardens mostly. I liked gardening myself, so I wanted to help out."

"Do you know what class he's in?"

"I think he's a third year in one of the detective classes. Not sure which. Why?"

"No reason," Izuku lied. His wide eyes sharpening as they homed in on the older detective student. "Do you know is quirk." Both shook their head but that was fine. At least now he has a prime subject in mind. He would not let them get away so easily.

Bump!

"Kendo, Taisho, Shiota and Walker. Could you all please come join me on my room? We have some things I'd like to discuss." Izuku announced with a huff. He busted right into the dorms. He saw most of his classmates scattered around the first floor.

Most of them were the guilty verdict group in the command area. They were still dead set on guarding Seiji who was back in his makeshift jail cell of chicken coop wires. They allowed him sleep on the couch at night. Still chained so it could not have been that comfortable. Of course, they also took turns guarding him. Although this time they seemed more relaxed. Only two of them took the guarding seriously. Yuu and Takako were at either side of the falsely accused standing tall with their hands behind their backs. Inu-kage was there too, but he looked so bored while he worked on his weapon. Polishing it till it shined. Inasa and Nagamasa were face together on one of the couches with books opened. The balder of the two started intensely at the book in front of him so hard his eyes might pop out. Even Nagamasa asked him to blink just to be sure that didn't happen. The twins Mai and Sai seemed completely over the thought of guarding and decide to play a game of cards. Allen, Nagisa and Click joined in on the action. Each of them had a hand of cards. Those presents looked at him curiously. Especially, since he was covered in dirt. "What happened to you?"

"I was helping out in the gardens."

"Ok…also which Tashio." This seemed to be a slight recurring problem.

"I assume you mean me." Mikoyasha stepped out from the open kitchen. A blow of rice porridge in hand. The student guards around Seiji stiffened as she walked closer to him. She sat down at arm's length and slid the blow in front of him. Then she dipped the spoon inside the mushy substance and present it. "Here you go."

"You do not need to do that. Elder sister. We are in change with the prisoner. No need to waste your time."

"Now Takako, no need of that. I'm happily to help."

Seiji face was lit ablaze. His eyes casted downward unable meet her. Far too embarrassed. "That's quite alright. I think I'm done suffering through the embarrassment of allowing someone to feed me." Then his wrist crumpled up and morphed into something indescribably disturbing. It detached themselves form the main arms and his right hand was sent floating in the air. It grabbed the spoon from the surprised Tashio and floated back to him. He chewed down from the disembodied hand and nodded. "Thank you for the meal."

"You could have done that this whole time!"

Proudly, Seiji puffed up his chest and raised his chin. "Of course. I've been practicing my quirk for years. A simple detachment of one of my limbs and having them float around is child's play. I simply did not do it till now to show my good faith. I swear I wouldn't try and escape."

The guards raised an eyebrow on their prisoner. They thought they were doing a good job but his just showed he could have escaped at any time but chose not to. It made them think. Then there was Izuku. His eyes became starry with excited sparkles as he dashed over. "That's amazing!" He cheered as he went on a complete tangent on how impressive Seji's quirk control was. Talking about how helpful something like this could be like helping lift someone up from a deep hole. Or a sneak attack on a villain he could capture. He's seen the boy's full meatball quirk in action before, but this little tick opened up a whole new level of possibilities.

Seiji turned red yet again. Even more so than before. He was forced to turn his head way or else he'd be blinded by the star that where the young detective eyes. "Really it's nothing. Just a simple trick I made up."

Click chuckled at the reaction as Izuku leaned closer while Seiji leaned back. "Well, I suppose we should get going."

"Awe but we're in the middle of a game," the twins whine.

"Not anymore," Allen chimed while showing off his hand. A royal flush. There was no beating that.

The twins screamed hacks. "That's like the 10th time you won! How?"

"He's a cheat," Kanda spat under his breath.

Allen pointed at him with an almost fake and scary looking smile. "You have no proof. Now let's get going shall we." He was quick to end the conversation there and headed up ahead first so no further questions could be asked. Although Izuku thought he did saw a playing edge tucked under the boy's sleeve. He was sure it was nothing. After a few quick goodbyes and dusking the dirt off Izuku's uniform the rest of the group soon did followed.

Inside of Izuku room was a quick meeting run down of everything he found out this morning. With Arata under suspicion they can no longer rely on him. This does confirm that teachers and other faculty members are on the suspicion list. They will need to be careful who they talk too concerning them. Then there was the current prime student suspect. His build may match and have the same marks as the fake in the video, but they can't be 100%. They need a matching quirk to pull off the crime, what they were supposedly doing in the time of the crime, and a possible motive. Izuku had faith that they could get that information by asking around the third years like they did before. Just a little more roundabout so not to arousal too much suspicion. Splitting up from here was the best option. Although there was one other thing, he needed that could help crack this case wide open with asking too many odd questions. Something that only one person could achieve. He hoped they could achieve him.

"You sure this is the room?"

"Yeah, I'm sure," Nagisa nodded confidently.

Trusting the boy, Izuku knocked the door. There was a muffled voice on the other side saying it was opened. Then the two boys walked inside. There laying on the bed was the one Izuku was looking for Karma. The redhead was staring at the ceiling bored out of his mind while scattered papers formed an outline around him. Not too far way was Yuko holding a book as thick as two dictionaries in one hand. She greeted the two with a brief nod before returning to her extensive reading.

Karma on the other hand waved lazily at them. "What can I do you for, quirkless detective." Then he noticed his little blue friend and changed his tune quick. He pulled himself up with a grin allowing he papers to fly all round him. He didn't seem to care as his attention was all on them. "I see you brought back our dear little Nagisa. Done with your little investigation?"

"Not quite. I actually need you for something," Izuku explained making Karma raised an eyebrow in interest. Really the boy couldn't believe what he was going to ask of the other, but he had to. He needed all the information he could get to both save Seiji and Arata sensei. At this point he'll do anything. Even resort to underhanded tactics. "I need you to break into a student's locker."

"How dare you!" The redhead blew up. He leaped across to the quirkless boy baring his teeth in anger. Izuku nearly fell off his feet if it wasn't for Nagisa catching him from behind. That didn't stop the much taller boy form sizing him up and glaring down at him with his sharp golden eyes. "You think just because I'm a child of a master thief I can break into lockers with ease. What kind of BS allegations is that? You have no proof. And I am not my father!" He screamed in the quirkless boy's face.

Izuku squealed and slipped into his collar just in case the boy with bite his head off. He did have the sharp teeth for it. However, it's not like he asked without reason. He knew this boy could do it with one simple fact. "You were able to break into the Tashio's and other lockers. You know put fake spiders in them and such. So, I thought you could."

Karma's expression changed on a dime again. "You got me there, detective." He playfully said and folded his arms behind his head with a laughed. Looked like he got caught but still. "Just because I can doesn't mean I will," he stated slyly. "I mean, what's in it for me? With them I got hilarious revenge. If I do it to some rado I could get into some serious trouble. Especially in this high lockdown. It seems like an unnecessary risk for little old me to take." Izuku was about to argue but Nagisa beat him too it. He dragged the young detective back and walked over to his sly friend. He forced the redhead down to his level and whispered something in his ear. Whatever the boy said pleased the other greatly. Karma's golden eyes gleamed as his grin grew even wider. "Sold." He sang as he dashed out saying something on the lines of needing his partners in crime.

In disbelief Izuku turned to the smaller boy asking what he said to convince his friend. He immediately turned red in response and hid his face in his hands. He could vaguely hear him mumbling the words 'dress' in between sentences. Yuko made a back comment that it was best that he didn't know. That only made him that much more curious.

Eventually, Karma returned with the Wakamoto twins following along behind him. Why would he possibly need them. The answer was simple. "How do you think I was never caught breaking into them." With matching sly grins, the twins showed off their secret. Mai held out a wig that looked a lot like Mikoyasha's hair. Same colour. Same style. It even had her black dog ears stitched on. They looked like the real deal. As for Sai he held out what looked to be a sowing kit and fabric that matches their school uniform.

Seeing all that Izuku was quick to figure it all out. "You disguise yourself as the owner. That's why no one ever notices."

"Yup," Karma sang proudly. A little too proud but who cares. We needed this type of skill set right now. Even more with faculty on high alert for suspicious behaviour. A first-year walking into the third years lockers would certainly raise some eyebrows. "Sai here is good with a needle and threat. He modified his sister uniform to fit me and padded some places out to make It look more real. Mai maybe a sporty type but she is good with makeup and hair. Mainly for horror stuff. She thought it was too girly for her until Sai showed her this costume makeup reality show. Gave it a shot and was pretty good."

The girl twin jumped in place. He fingers twiddling in the wig she held. "Please tell him this guy has a mutant quirk. I've been itching for a challenge. Something scaly, rocking, I'll even take slime. Anything."

Sadly, Izuku had to burst her buddle saying the guy was pretty much normal besides the hair and the mole on his neck. She sighed heavily but was willing to do it anyway to get out of guard work. Sai shared the exact same feels. Even if it's only minor modifications he was willing to be a part of this little scheme. Izuku described what they needed to do. The hair must be red with an overexaggerated curl tip which would require a lot of hair gel. Also, the neck mole. As for the uniform nothing much needed to be done expect for these plates on the shoulders of their cardigans. To distinguish the student courses form each other they had different plate colours. For the heroes it was a dark blue. The same colour as the small brand on their inner shirts. For detectives it's a lighter shade of blue. To make things easier for him Izuku offered a spare uniform they could modify to fit Karma. Both twins said they'll have it done but tomorrow. Even better they can even organize a plan to get in without anyone noticing. Trusting them, Izuku hoped they could find something.

Later that day the investigation group gathered their findings. Just ask Izuku predicted the suspected student did have a transformation quirk. It was a weak one, but it was perfect for the crime. By touching the body part of a person, they can copy that part of them. They can use that body part for up to 24 hours. If he encountered Seiji that would make them even more liable to be their faker. Surely, enough they did come into connect with Seiji at some point. Apparently, he was the one that suggested Seiji to replace him for the guarding exercise. He claimed he could not attend for personal matter which made the whole thing even more suspicious. He was the perfect suspect.

Izuku finished pinning down their new piece of evidence and lined them together with string. He turned around and proudly smiled at his comrades for their effort. "Excellent work everyone. I think I can confidently say we got our guy."

"Does that me we can prove Shishikura's innocents?"

"Yes and no," he tuned back to his corkboard. Still one mystery left unanswered. "We still don't know which faculty member could be our traitor. We need to be careful revealing this information too soon or else they're get wary. If we want to clear Arata sense's name to we have to pin down the other accomplices."

"Got any idea who they can be?"

To their dismay, Izuku shook his head. It could be anyone. Although, if they had to be precise our traitor needed to be good with teach if they could manipulate the video so easily. Or have a quirk for that. There was also the missing 'true' key card. They have tried to look for it but came up with nothing. Judging on the peculiarly made hole he found on his teacher uniform there's a high chance they had the opportunity to take it. That lead him to believe they must either be good with blade or had a blade like quirk to get such a clean cut without being noticed. Finally, they had to be well established in the academy. Someone new would be more suspicious than someone who's been here for years or even a decade. He doesn't know all the faculty to be sure. So, he hoped braking into their suspect's locker could help.

"So, what's the plan for tomorrow?"

"We go about our day normally. Classes we be up and running so it might be easier. It will be strange without Arata sensei, but we have to push on. We'll wait for what Karma and co can find and procced from there." He only hoped that would be enough.

The next day, classes were predictably odd. Their replacement teacher was nearly the opposite of Arata. Not that they were bad just different. The energy they gave off was different and that made classes more depressing. They had to put up with it. More so Izuku had to put up with it. Everyone else seemly move on with ease. He could not. Perhaps because he formed more of an attachment towards the odd teacher. Not having him there made him feel empty. Unmotivated. Just a little more. Just a little more. They kept thinking. They just needed solid proof. How to get that is the biggest question.

Izuku was miserably writing down some extra notes. He really should be heading to lunch but with the lack of energy he had he couldn't be bothered to move. Perhaps some peace and quiet alone to think is the best solution for now.

Slam!

So much for peace.

Izuku dully looked up meeting he mischievous eyes of Karma. Slammed on his desk was a small camera. Similar design to what Click usually kept under his uniform. "Firstly, I want to be the first to congratulate you. Secondly, I wanted to give you an early your welcome." With that said he walked off assuming to get something to eat.

The boy soon left Izuku alone in the classroom with a camera in front of him. With no wondering eyes to see him, the young detective took the opportunity to check out what was on it. His bored eyes came to life with each image. Finally, he had everything he needed to prove Seiji absolute innocents and possibly find the faculty traitor.

Once the school day was over, Izuku called on the others for their usual meetings. He was happy to report that Karma's locker break-in scheme was a success and now they had evidence they could use. "Let's have a look at the first picture. Nothing off here expect this purple thing hidden behind this book. On closer inspection it happened to be a purple wig. I think we can all guest what's that for." He said as he presented the camera screen to the others.

The others gathered round and squired their eyes. The screen was small since it was a compacted camera. It was the perfect size to hide without anyone noticing. Still, they were able to see it well enough. It was a cramped messy locker with books thrown in carelessly. In the corner was a tuft of purple. Izuku pressed the button for the next picture which was of Karma uncovering it. It was indeed a purple wig that's style looked an awful lot like the accused hair.

"So unprofessional," Nagisa complained. "If they want to hide the crime, they should have gotten rid of all the evidence connecting to it." The rest of them looked at him oddly. He held his hands up in defence. Said it was only logical. In the back of their minds, they believe Karma might have corrupted him slightly.

"Anyway, Karma also found this," Izuku clicked on the next picture. It was of Karma's hand holding a paper sheet.

The group had to lean to see the image forcing their heads to touch each other's side. Even then they couldn't read it. The image was too small for to read. They knew it was a note. Whatever that note said was written in coloured uneven squares. Most of them were crooked. Like a cut outs form magazines or newspapers. They had to ask what it said since they couldn't see it themselves.

"It's a blackmail note." The young detective explained and brought the camera screen to eyes. He read the note a loud. "It said: 'if you ever want to see your mother well you best listen to the following instructions'. Then it's a step-by-step guide of the night of the crime. Form picking a student to frame, to a map of where to find the information they were after."

Crossing his arm's arms, Click nodded along. "So, we have a motive. Our student culprit needed to play villain to save his mother."

"How terrible," Mikoyasha gasped guiltily. She could only imagine the type of worry and frustration they were going through.

"There's more. A second note. Looks to be more recent," Izuku clicked to the next image but still show it. He briefly scanned through the contents. "According to this they'll have a meet up soon to pass on the missing documents. This will be the perfect time to catch them in the act."

Nagisa jumped up from his seat and clenched his fist determined. "What are we waiting for? We got the Evidence. Let's expose them."

"No, it's too early for that." Izuku halted his groups eagerness to finish this. They had to play safe if they wanted to prove both Seiji's and Arata's innocents. "We still don't know who the faculty member behind this. By outing the student only, the faculty member could escape. We need to get them both if we want to completely win this case."

"And this meeting is the best opportunity to catch them both in the act. That's where you're going with this isn't it?" Click conculcated while waving his camera. "One picture is all we need."

Izuku nodded once. One picture was all they needed. Then they could report to the authorises if they couldn't trust their own teachers. That required braking out of the school with outside communications down. that's a problem later down the line. Caution is key. One misstep and someone could seriously get hurt. They all can. He took one glace at the small team he had. They were all staring at him in anticipation. Waiting for his grand plan to catch both crooks. He doesn't have one. At least not a safe one. The only plan he does have is dangerous if not crazy. They would all be endangered. He couldn't have that. Not when only one of them needed to take the risk. He remembered what his sensei told him. About how a smile made a perfect mask. So, he hid the camera evidence behind his back and smiled brightly. "The note said they will be planning to meet tomorrow night. So, let's think of a plan tomorrow. I'll meet you all at lunch. It's getting late anyway, and we have an early start for class. You should all get to bed."

They all looked at him warily but did not press on. Discussing things tomorrow seemed like a good plan. One problem they weren't aware of. The meeting time wasn't tomorrow night. It was tonight.

Izuku kept on his smiling mask as one by one they said their goodbyes. He gripped the camera behind his back tightly. Silently, hoping they brought the act. The second the doors closed on the last classmate his smile dropped. If anyone were taking the risk, it would be him.

That night Izuku prepared himself. He had to be quick if he wanted to catch the traitors in the act. The boy made sure to take the camera with him to obtain the evidence. A small BB gun was placed in his pockets. It given by Yuko when he started practicing shooting. It may have been a toy by the bead bullets were large and hard. The girl warned him it could inflict quite a bit of damage. Hopefully, he wouldn't have to use it.

He glanced at himself in the mirror. Nothing but his uniform that lacked his cap. With the massive metal S insignia in the centre, it could reflect light and give away his cover. Best to leave that behind. He gave himself a solid 5 second stare. Tonight, was probably the riskiest thing he was ever done. That was saying at lot since he charged at a slime monster with no guarantee of surviving. All to save a friend that hated him. Not the brightest decision he had but at least then there were heroes around. Now he was alone. No All Might to save him at the last second if things get dicey. He prayed it wouldn't come to that. Just one clear picture. That's all he needed. Get in. Get out.

He sighed to himself. "Don't mess this up" he told himself. "Arata sensei and Shishikura are both counting on you. Do not mess this up." He turned to his widow. Luckily, he was on the first floor, so the drop wasn't that bad. He made a makeshift rope with his beddings and blankets to get down easier. There was no way he could go out the front door without getting caught by one of his classmates. Some of them were on Seiji guarding duty. Then there are the cameras that watched the halls. Out the window was the only option. Marching to the window, a glint of reflecting moon light caught his eye. What caught his attention was the broken blade placed proudly on his shelf. He took it and stared. There was this force that compelled him to take it with him. As a good luck charm, he told himself. So, he did and stuffed it into a free pocket Then he opened his curtains wider. His mouth dropped at the sight.

There were several things wrong with what he was seeing. One was the fact on one side was Click and Nagisa were suspended up. On closer inspection it seemed like Click's strings held them both up from somewhere. The other thing wrong was directly beside them was Mikoyasha and Allen who seemed to be flying on a flaming pink stick thing. "What are you guys doing here," he whispered scream.

"You are a bad liar," Mikoyahsa huffed like a disappointed mother.

"So, we guessed you would do something rash like this." Click added on with his usually grin. It did look a little more threatening. It had that touch of 'how dare you try and do this kind' of energy.

"I also asked Karma about the note," Nagisa joined in also looking disappointed.

Caught red handed, Izuku tried to back track. "Well, I didn't want you guys to get involve. This could be dangerous."

"Even more reason why we should," Allen said while extending a hand.

Defeated, Izuku dropped his makeshift rope and took the boy's hand. He hopped out of the widow and landed on whatever it was that was making them fly. He was not too sure what he was witnessing. From the colour of the flames, it looked like Mikoyasha's quirk, but it was used for healing not flight. What he was sitting one was thin like a broom stick but smooth and black. Honestly, he couldn't make heads of tails of it. Still, he was thankful for it safely letting him land on solid ground. When the flames disappeared, what was left in its place was a sword still in its casing. "How?"

Mikoyasha looking slightly bitter turned away. Said there was no time to explanations, and they needed to move. Which was fair. They were on a time limit, but she didn't need to be bitter.

Silently, the group of five sneaked around in the foliage and buildings to the third-year dorms. They made sure to keep a low profile and avoid the eyes of the many cameras dotted about. Eventually, they made it to the dorms and waited. No sooner than 5 minutes pass, their red-haired target stepped out form the building with a friend. They guessed the were an accomplice until they got in earshot of their conversation. Apparently, they were going on night duty tonight guarding the perimeter of the school walls. A perfect cover for one of them if not both.

The group stalked the two of them the best they could while listening in on their chatter. It was nothing incriminating. Just normal talk about school life, how much of a pain it is to be on the night shift and they soon to be practise exams. Then the conversation turned serious when in involved their target's mother. She was sadly rather sickly after an accident she had. They were working hard to make sure she would be comfortable at the very least. The friend tried to comfort the other. Saying the usual that it will be alright somehow. They just needed to stay strong. Their target smiled weakly. Trying to do just that. Honestly, looking at him being like that made them all felt a little guilty. That didn't excuse him for the crime they were going to commit.

Soon they reached a crossing point. Two guards placed at the front gates. With where they were stationed firmly with their hands behind their backs. They wouldn't be moving anytime soon. There was also the fact it was nearly completely opened space besides a line of bushes and trees along the school walls. Other than that, it was grass and pavement. The pair they were following hand no trouble passing through. Even said hello to the two guards. Same cannot be said if the five try and pull the same act.

"What are we going to do?" Allen whispered to the others.

"I can try throwing a rock with my string," Click suggested.

"I can try and made a fake fire with my quirk," Mikoyasha offered.

Both were turned down by Izuku. The rock can only distract only one of them for a couple of seconds. They need more than that if they wanted to past down this area. As for the fire that would cause a fire alarm and alert everyone. Including their target. The plans of the night would be ruined. They needed something that could hold their attention for a few minutes and not alert the entire school. But what?

That's when Nagisa quirked in with a plan of his own. "Leave it to me." He announced. Then he vanished. No that wasn't the right word. They could still see him but couldn't at the same time. It was weird. He crouched as close to the ground as possible and dashed to the bushes. Amazingly the guards didn't notice the blue haired boy for a second. Then there was this piercing surge of aura that made their blood run cold. All eyes were forced to stare at the bush Nagisa was hiding it. Even the guards took notice. They casually sneaked closer to the bushed and heard. "Meow," it sounded so realistic it could fool anyone.

"Awe it's a cat."

The second the guard said that Nagisa dashed nimbly through the bushes. Far away from the others.

"Wait don't go."

"Hey, don't get distracted by a cat."

Soon both guards left the area. Leaving the area completely unguarded. The remaining four saluted their classmate's quick thinking and sacrifice. Then they moved on in a hurry, hoping to catch up with their target.

Eventually they caught their red-haired target again. This time he was alone. They weren't too sure what happened to the friend. Maybe they decided to separate for whatever reason. Or more sinisterly they did something to them so he could be alone. The older student swiped his head from side to side then made a run for it. The four followed the best they could. The found themselves in a parking lot near the cafeteria. There was a truck waiting there. Looked like a food delivery was made. Strange thing was the cafeteria's lights were closed yet the truck was still there. It even had an opened door at the front seat. The older student made one last scan at the area before hoping in. The front lights switched open and the engine roared.

"They're going to get away."

"Not on my watch they're not." The next thing they knew three of the were getting wrapped in Click's quirk. He had his arms across his chest in an X and told them all to run. Which they did. They ran as fast as they could with their arms tied up. Catching the tail end of the truck. They couldn't' see it but the strings extended longer and snaked their way at the bottom to the truck. "Fall on your backs and keep your heads up," whispered yelled. The other followed what he asked, and they skidded on their backs while keeping their heads up. They were luck their uniform had so many layers. The fabric took the bulk of brunt of the friction. Then they found themselves lifted higher as they skidded under the truck. Within seconds they were attacked to the bottom. Only thing separating them from the moving ground below was Click's Yo-yo sting quirk.

"You know for something you call 'Yo-yo stings' they are surprisingly strong." Izuku complimented.

"Thank you," Click groaned while he tried to keep them high enough, they weren't meeting ground, yet low enough they weren't constantly banging at the underside of the truck. The other asked if he was alright and he brushed off their concerns. "If I can hold up a full-grown muscle man with my quirk while hanging upside down in a tightrope 50 feet off the ground, I can hold you guys up."

"You were a part of a Circus troupe?" Allen asked excitedly while Click curiously nodded. "Me too! Well, was. My troupe disbanded years ago."

"Really? I didn't peg you for the type."

Blushing, Allen nodded, "Yeah. I was a clown."

"Well, if it isn't obvious now was a trapeze artist."

"That explains your flexible and upper body strength." They two of them banner for a while bonding on the fact, they were both oddly circus kids. They told stories of their time in the circus. They crazy acts they did. The crazy people they had to live with. It was never a dull moment. Other two happily listened. It was a good way to past the time while attached to the bottom of a truck traveling to some sort of evil lair.

Then Click's arms started to ache form the constant strain of keeping them up while jostling. He groaned from the pain. Luckily, they had someone like Mikoyasha to help. Her healing flames soaked into Click's arms soothing the muscles instantly. He thanked her for her services which she didn't mind giving. She also hand something else that could help them. "My brother and Heart have been working hard lately. They've been coming up with a lot of recipes with only a few successes unfortunately. They did manage to complete this." With her arms restrained she only managed to nudge the tip of whatever it was some her pocket. It looked like some sort of protein bar warped in cling film. "They're call stamina bars. They're only test copies but in theory they should increase your stamina when it's low."

"Sounds perfect." Who knows what they were going to do once the truck reached its stop? Or how low it will take. If that food that can keep them going it might prove useful. The group past the time by just talking. It was all they could do at this point. Talk and hope whenever this truck stops, they can make it out of there in one piece. So long as they stay hidden there shouldn't be trouble.

Eventually, the truck came to a stop. Their mouths shut. They didn't know where they were only, they weren't on the road anymore. The floor beneath them was a smooth concrete grey. The area was well lit. From a distance they could see the bottom of wooden crates of various sizes. Some sort of warehouse they presumed. There was a click of the truck door opening. Then footsteps. The young students bit their mouths. Silencing themselves from getting caught. Staying hidden was their prime objective for now until they find the chance to dash out and hide somewhere safer. The footsteps came to a stop. Still no voices. Minutes pasted when they heard something new.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The hefty noise sounded like a dumbbell was slamming onto the floor. They could here it crack with each sound. Only it was getting closer.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The noise was getting so loud the students felt the vibration on their backs. Even though they were still suspended by Click's stings.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

They held their breaths and hopped for the best. Then there was nothing. It over. They thought and hoped.

Suddenly, something stomped their way beside the truck. They couldn't tell what it was. Only that it was big and dark. The four of them silently screamed and hoped whatever it was it would go way. It did not. The next thing they knew another big dark thing came cashing near them. Since it was closer, they could make it out better. What they saw was something like knuckles and massive figure tips. This did not ease their panic. Then the truck was lifted upwards. Scratch that. It was thrown up with a flip.

There was no use in hiding their screams then. They cried for dear mercy. Click lost control of his quirk keeping them together. The lot of them ended up flying and cashing back on the hard surface. They all groaned form the pain. No doubt obtaining some bruises as well. Izuku barely had the strength to raise his head, but he did. He instantly regretted it. What he saw was something out of a nightmare.

Three Frankenstein looking monsters glared at him. Had stitching running along their bodies and none of them looked like the others. The one that flipped them was dark skinned, and massively muscular. It had a vulture like beak with shark like teeth. A lizard tough peeked out form those deadly jaws. It had another set of arms. Much smaller than the other muscular pair. They would look normal if it were not for the fact they were pointed like spears. Another one stood on some crates. Stich work ran across its sickly dull green skin. It had several arms. Each one looked like a different mutation. One was covered in rocks, another pair wiggled like tentacles and the last pair sparked with flames on its three fingered hands. It did not have a beak like the other. It was lipless and maybe toothless. It was hard to tell. The last one was high above at the railings. It started down at him interest. It had a pair of dragons like wings on its back and a gas mask over its mouth. Each one had these shared traits: crazy wide eyes with a beady pupil and an expose brain. Whatever they were they were anything but human.

They student they were stalking stood beside someone they met before briefly. A devil like grin formed on their lips. "Looks like you kids solved the mystery. I was hoping you would."

AN: and another one down. Felt awkward and slightly on the convenient side but this needed a speed up. Kind of. There's still one more before this case is solved. Next one's the climax.