Chapter 31: Tangled Steps
"His hand glides down my arm, folds over my hand. His fingers lace with mine, palms kissing. I can feel the fast thud of his heart through this single touch."
― Sophie Jordan, Firelight
Ochako
"It's been awhile since you and I have gone out on a patrol together!" Nishimura begins lightly, bumping shoulders affectionately with Ochako as they patrol around Musutafu City.
It seems like only yesterday she was the flustering, shy, and newest student at his Dojo, now well on her way to working with the best of the best Pro- heroes.
Gunhead's martial arts are an added bonus.
The air smells of blossoms and pine reflecting the clear blue day. Spring brings up a greenery rising out of winter's chill, trees swishing about in the light wind. Though a part of her feels unnerved by how quiet it's been, laughter of children at the park and clattering of businessmen at the train stations seem so unreal.
Normal.
Especially when All Might has been retired over a month now.
Ochako chuckles, lightly bumping him back. "It's all thanks to getting my Provisional License, now you can't just regulate me to just doing paperwork or simple errands like getting coffee/tea for the staff!"
Nishimura fakes a groan, laughing alongside her.
"Well, first rule to patrolling, any simple crime in progress and I mean any could be hiding something way bigger! So always be alert and keep an open mind, especially when a villain is ranting and giving away their plans. Not all of them do that of course, but there can be other clues like their attire or any injuries that you need to be on the look out for." He explains.
"Roger that!" Ochako chirps, just happy to truly be out and about taking in the sights.
She hopes Deku is getting as much knowledge out of patrolling and studying with Sir Nighteye's agency. Based on all he told her of his research beforehand, he apparently used to work with All Might.
'Well, hopefully things are going well!' Ochako considers, holding in a laugh.
His expression had looked strained when she had FaceTimed him during lunch to see how he was doing.
"He didn't like my joke I made in regards to All Might! I offended him and I haven't even been here a full hour! I probably would've been kicked out if not for Mirio and Bubble Girl coming to my defense!" Izuku berates himself, fingers tussling up his hair into further disarray.
"Relax, just be yourself Deku! I'm sure that's all he wanted in the first place!" Ochako replies with ease. Surely his joke couldn't have been that terrible to cause offense.
"No, he hates my real self as well! I'm sure I'm just getting in the way of him working more with Mirio by the way he's looked at me so far!" He groans back, holding up the stacks of paperwork beside him in emphasis that all he finds him worthy of being regulated to his filing cases and stamping old reports.
"He already knows all about my Infliction quirk and from what he's seen on the news, doesn't believe I have any control over it. On top of that, he dislikes me already for believing me to be an unworthy successor to All Might and taking on One for All." Izuku goes on, sighing into his sandwich.
Ochako straightens up then, frowning and pumping up a fist in view of the camera. "Prove him wrong then! This guy knows nothing about all the things you've been through! You're plenty worthy no matter what Nighteye and his analyzing eyeballs quirk have to say about it!"
She lowers her voice quickly at the frustrated and amused looks she gets respectively from a passing man on the phone and an older couple out for a jog, reddening.
Right, this is still a public park!
"Ah, but Sir Nighteye's Foresight quirk is amazing! I don't understand the full details of it yet or how he activates it, but it allows him to apparently see his target's future! I'm not sure how I could take him on in a proper fight if he could even predict my use of Infliction! In that case maybe I would have to use One for All, though then he could..." Izuku considers, going into ramble trailing off.
Ochako taps at her phone, breaking him out of his thoughts. "Deku, finish eating before you consider ways to take on this guy! If you go in too fast you really will get stuck stamping papers all day!" She teases gently.
Izuku flusters, quieting with a nod.
"Anyways, I'll let you get back to your lunch as well. I'm sure you'll get to see something exciting with Nishimura's weather quirk!" He grins before clicking off.
Geez, this Nighteye sounded like a harder disciplinarian than even Aizawa-sensei!
"So when you've been on patrols in the past, how did you handle a crime in progress?" Ochako questions, eager to delve into some action. Not that it's a good thing for crime to be happening, but it's the only way she can learn.
Nishimura chuckles, glancing around.
"The best place to start at typically is the Police Station or the city's Hero agency. They normally can provide you with cases or updates on unsolved crimes by a villain or the most recent crimes they've had over the last week they're having more trouble with than usual." He explains.
Ochako nods, gaze following where he points to a tan building, an officer in a navy blue uniform posted outside the door.
The man gives a salute as they approach, nodding to Nishimura.
"Yuichi?! It's been far too long! Or I guess I should be calling you Mr. Atmospheric like back in the old days!" He chuckles.
Nishimura waves him off with a chuckle. "I haven't heard anyone call me by that name in years Toshi! I see you're still in the line of law enforcement as usual. I have my mentee Ochako Uraraka from U.A. High with me! This is one of her first proper patrols, any updates around the city?"
Toshi rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Well, there was a robbery at a Seiwa Mart and near Musutafu Plaza Hotel the other day, but those have already been taken care of. Let me check in the back with the others if we had any cases brought up during morning report, won't be anything extreme though! Maybe just a lost animal or missing phone turned in."
'Doesn't seem like I'm going to be seeing anything exciting either.' Ochako muses flatly, gaze twisting back towards the park. Maybe she's going to end up doing something similar to Deku, only getting a boring tour of the police office or filing old cases...
The streets are growing crowded now that the lunch hour is over, salarymen running back to their offices or using the trains/taxi while other high schoolers hurry back for their classes before the final bell rings.
She feels someone bump her leg just as she's about to follow Nishimura inside, glancing down catching a streak of white.
"Whoa, you okay?" Ochako questions, bending herself down to help the little girl up before she stumbles completely onto the pavement.
She stiffens immediately in her hold, fingers squeezing at her arms, nails digging in.
"I-I'm fine!" She squeaks out in a rush.
'No, how can you be fine when you're shivering like that?' Ochako frowns, taking in her bandaged arms and tattered ivory hair, vibrant scarlet eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"Eri, apologize for bumping into that young woman." A voice states behind her and her stomach lurches at sharpness of the man's tone.
"Sorry, I'm really sorry!" Eri repeats in a breath, lips pursing together afraid to say anymore.
And Ochako looks up to see golden orbs watching her before they hurriedly move back towards Eri.
"Is that your Father? Does he hurt you?" She whispers quickly in her ear. Eri squirms in response focusing on the pavement, beads of sweat pool near her unique horn, crimson orbs wide and nervous as she slowly shakes her head.
But this close Ochako can feel the frantic pounding of her heart, tempo rising as her Father takes a step closer to them...
"No, Father would never hurt me." She mutters just barely loud enough for her to catch.
"My apologies on my daughter's behavior; she can get quite clumsy when excited! She often breaks into a run that makes her forget where to properly look at her surroundings, especially when we're about to head to the park!" The man relates.
There's a coldness to his words that makes her think it's a lie, particularly when Eri's hold on her briefly tightens. His attire as well doesn't match someone about to head to the park or run around, mask covering his face and white gloves that seem more suited for a lab than playing in an open field.
"Come along Eri, we're already late for meeting with the others!" Faux cheeriness laced with warning.
'Don't let her go, she's in danger!' Ochako's thoughts buzz in panic to make her float out of this man's reach. However, she has no idea what this man's quirk is, how dangerous he could easily become to her and everyone else nearby should she resist.
He adjusts his gloves and Eri's eyes widen at the action, hold loosening from her.
And slowly Ochako follows suit in letting go of her, swallowing at knots in her throat as Eri's expression darkens with broken knowing, accepting this man's hand as they start to disappear into the crowds.
Before they fully go her supposed Father gives her a look over his shoulder, nodding at her. "You're a student in training to become a Hero, right? I wish you the best of luck."
Her own heartbeat drums in her ears, bile pricking the back of her throat as she manages a weak smile and nod.
'Play it cool, don't overreact.' She squeezes her fingers together.
A hand touches her shoulder making her jolt, Ochako rising herself back to a standing position.
"Who was that?" Nishimura asks softly, hands balled knuckle-white prepared to blast a burst of wind or rain towards the pair before they can get too far away.
Ochako clears her throat shaking her head, palms sweaty reminded of the scent of blood and ash upon the little girl.
"I don't know, but they're our next case."
Izuku
"Too slow, I expected so much better out of All Might's successor and the boy who's caused so much destruction around the city based on all the news reports I've read about you and that quirk of yours." Nighteye reflects, twirling the stamp between his index finger and thumb.
He dodges another one of his kicks, casually swinging around him as if this is just a dance.
"What's got you so distracted anyways? I figured the advice you got from your lunch talk with your girlfriend would keep you focused on the objective I gave you." He continues on.
'He was listening to that?!' Izuku frowns feeling his cheeks grow hot, scowling and deciding to go for a low kick that Nighteye coolly avoids stepping back.
"Why don't you try using that Infliction quirk of yours? That's what I'm most interested in seeing go up against my own Foresight." Nighteye suggests.
Izuku grits his teeth then, weighing how to attack. 'He's able to see all of my moves before any of them land! His eyes are the basis of how Foresight works so I need to test then if his quirk can predict the future exactly or just the changes in a specific target's behavior patterns.'
His eyes lock onto his then, making a decision.
'Make his eyes itch; tear up.'
This will force him to blink he's sure.
And sure enough once Infliction activates his eyes gain a reddish hue, tears pricking and sliding down his cheeks despite trying to ignore them.
He speeds up his jetting just as Gran Torino's taught him, knocking over books and his desk creating a flurry of white.
'I can reach it, I'll get the stamp!' He pushes himself forward, Nighteye stepping back just in time but not before said stamp stumbles out of his grip clanging to the ground.
The pair study the stamp, Nighteye rubbing away the last remnants of stinging from his eyes.
"I admit that was an interesting tactic, though you show a mix of an uncertainty and hastiness to do rush attacks without properly thinking them all the way through. Both those qualities are unbecoming of anyone trying to become a Pro-Hero. I'm not sure what All Might saw in you just yet, I'm unconvinced still that you deserved to be his successor and not Mirio." He reasons.
'Mirio, did All Might want Mirio all along? He would've gone on to choose him if he hadn't seen me at the train station that day...' He considers.
A prick of rage sparks at his chest, an ugly reminder that he is still so far away from the symbol of peace that All Might was to the community and the world, that Mirio so far and away ahead of him, heat washing over him.
'Burn his eyes.'
The thought rushes up like a flame, but he looks away from Nighteye's silent assessing gaze before he can think of activating such a cruel tactic on him.
"Go ahead, you can do worse with your Infliction. I'm wondering why you chose not to do so in the first place." Nighteye muses.
Izuku shakes his head, picturing and hearing fearful faces and panicked screams. "No! I mean, I don't want to use Infliction to cause more harm than necessary. All Might and Recovery Girl taught me that, the more I use it repeatedly the higher risk of having a long lasting migraine or blacking out."
He sighs, gazing around at the All Might memorabilia that decorates the office, banners and posters of bright reds and blues with All Might's grinning face peering back at them.
'I'm sorry, I can't even impress your old sidekick All Might.' He considers.
Nighteye holds a hand out to him, Izuku blinking before accepting it.
"Villains won't take it easy on you as I'm sure you already know. However, I'll make sure this faint light I see in you soon dazzles, shines brilliantly enough to make them fear crossing paths with you. Does that sound good to you?" He remarks.
Izuku picks up the stamp then, nodding slowly.
"Great, now clean up this mess. There is much we have to discuss in regards to my latest investigation, a slowly growing organization called Shie Hassaikai."
Toshinori
'I truly hope he hasn't been too hard on Young Midoriya.' Toshinori considers, gazing out the window.
He hadn't heard any bad news from Izuku or Gran Torino after Izuku mentioned he planned to intern at Sir Nighteye's agency, though he himself had his own reservations when it came to the man...
"Is everything okay between you two? Why can't you directly give him a recommendation for me?" Izuku questions.
Toshinori shuffles at his toes, words escaping his quickly drying tongue. "I...I well we just had a falling out is all. Oh, but he has taken on Mirio, the 3rd year student! Let's go to him!"
He's given hundreds of speeches in and out of the public's eye since the start of his hero career and that had been one of his worst.
'How many years has it been now?' He considers.
6 years.
Over half a decade has passed since he's had a proper conversation with his old sidekick, the details of their last conversation just as fresh in his mind as if it was only yesterday.
"You have to retire Yagi! This injury...your fight with All for One did too much damage! And my Foresight, it shows if you keep doing down this path you'll-" Sasaki starts.
His head is pounding, Sasaki too smells of disinfectants, of sanitizers and chemicals that permeate this room since that fateful battle. For so many days turned weeks now he's sat in this white cage, the only bursts of color being the crisp navy blue scrubs of the nurses and techs to the colorful assortments of fruits or flowers Ms. Joke and other well-wishers bring.
He moves himself up slowly just as the physical therapy team taught him, wincing at the jolt of pain. Heat races down to his toes, swallows him whole in a burst of rising fire.
"Die? I know you've told me multiple times now. I cant quit Nighteye, you know that already. There are still too many villains out and about, especially those that will use this down period with All for One out of the way to strike on society. I can't retire knowing I can still fight, still be a pillar of hope and peace to the community." Toshinori interrupts him mid-speech.
Sasaki stills, straightening his tie, gaze falling quietly to the hospital tiles.
"I saw from my Foresight that if you continue down this path Yagi you'll die...and I'll be damned if I just standby and let it come to fruition." He mutters.
And Toshinori inwardly curses himself, this is his sidekick not a pestering fanboy...
But just as fast the hurt is gone, back to business.
"Right, well. I'll call you when you are properly discharged from here. I'll check in with Recovery Girl as well to make sure you're actually following your diet and not accepting bribes or gifts from the other Heroes or your fans." He chides him gently.
Toshinori laughs, he supposes he should've hidden the fast food better than right on his table in full view of anyone who comes in.
It isn't until he clicks the door close does he let loose a gasp of pain, gaze trailing downward to his wound.
'It can't be that bad to look at, right?' He considers, hopes.
Recovery Girl and the Wound Care Team are the best of the best in Japan after all.
Of course though it's just as bad as he expects, fingers ghosting along the injury.
This ghastly violet-red wound scares him too.
"You doing okay Yagi?" Aizawa and Yamada poke their head in and Toshinori tacks on a grin, pushing the memories away. He should've told Young Midoriya more than just half-truths, why Sir Nighteye is so afraid for him.
'Next time after school, I'll give him the full details.' He promises himself.
"Fine, about to get some coffee before I tackle all this paperwork that still needs grading!" He responds, moving to stand to follow them to the breakroom.
Katsuki
'Why the hell did I agree to this stupid agency again?!' He grits his teeth.
All that work for a provisional license to hopefully get chosen for Endeavor's agency (when in reality he was only ever going to pick his son and nobody else) only to end up with Best Jeanist who so far has apparently made it his mission to criticize him.
For literally Every. Fucking. Thing.
'But he's the number 3 Pro-Hero for a reason.' He can at least admit begrudgingly to himself, the man sending what must be a taunting smirk hidden beneath all that denim so many people somehow deem fashionable.
"Now Bakugo, scowling and pouting like that isn't going to get you very far with my agency or even out on a patrol if you keep up that attitude!" He taunts, fabric strings sliding along his neck.
When he glances to the mirror he sees he's manipulated his hero costume once more, adding another patch of that hideous blue denim that is the trademark of his outfit and personality.
"Quit it already! My hero outfit doesn't need any of your stupid modifications!" He snaps, tearing off and burning at said patch until it is only a pile of black ash.
"I'm only trying to bring out your best features Bakugo! For example, that hair of yours needs more product, it's littered with dandruff that looks improper on a rising young Hero. Up and coming Heroes need to be like jeans, soft appearance hiding the tough exterior." Hakamada advises.
'Whatever the hell that means.' Katsuki grunts, attention roaming towards outside. It's already nearing late afternoon telling by the growing fuschia tint to the sky, sunlight stretching over a patch of greenish-yellow vines settling against the corner of the window seeking to get the last bit of rays.
'I'm sure even Deku is getting more experience than me.' He clicks his tongue.
"You shouldn't lose focus on what's around you Bakugo." Best Jeanist warns by his ear.
Because in the blink of an eye he's started straightening and gelling his hair, copying his exact style.
Katsuki shakes his hair out, bristling and launching himself back. "I'm not taking fashion lessons from a man who wears ugly plain denim!"
Maybe this will finally piss off Best Jeanist, insulting his beloved work.
Though Hakamada simply tilts his head in confusion, studying him silently as if he's some puzzle. He gestures then to the many accolades and trophies lining his walls, men old and young praising his style, attitude, and most importantly his contributions to the community and Heroes.
"Hmm, I'm starting to sense and see a pattern with you Bakugo. When people ignore or don't rise to your bait, that only makes you angrier. I read your case file you know, even asked All Might what to expect from taking you on at my agency. I like to be...forewarned of what type of students I'm going to be dealing with, especially the more difficult ones." He relates.
Katsuki stiffens, brows furrowing. There is probably much more bad than good he's read about him, his treatment of Midoriya from middle school to now, his little regard for teamwork based lessons or practicums (to the point of having to redo them more than once).
And at his worst, pushing All Might to find out the secret he was keeping from the world, secrets he'd envied Deku for knowing first out of everybody...
'Well, no need to worry about that last one now.' He notes with a light snort.
He rocks back on his heels, coolly observing him back, waiting for him to tear into him just as many of the other Pro-Heroes have done for his attitude. It isn't like he doesn't deserve it he knows, but it gets tiring hearing the same spiel over and over.
"I can see why the League of Villains were just as curious about you as Izuku Midoriya. Your quirk is just as powerful and you've had more time to hone it. On the other hand you're too much of a glass cannon, not easy to manipulate." He muses.
"Tell you what, I have a challenge for you if you care to accept. If you can find a way to escape or counter from my fiber binding attack within 1 hour, I'll let you manipulate my outfit in any way you like." He suggests.
A wicked grin etches Katsuki's face then, cracking his fingers creating sparks and flames of bright reds and yellows. "Including burning them?"
Hakamada nods, raising his hand in oath. "A gentleman never lies. Now if you should so happen to lose or give up, I want you to tell me what goals you hope to obtain by working with me and in the future. I also will need to know your reasoning behind what makes you continue to have that sharp tongue of yours and attitude towards your fellow classmates; all from the beginning."
"What separates heroes from villains is empathy, an understanding of what our fellow comrade in arms are dealing with in and off the battlefield. Do you have those traits that truly separate you?" He pries onward.
Katsuki rolls his eyes sighing at this leading to more unnecessary counseling, but Hakamada forces him to meet his eyes with a simple twist of hand via his fabric, onyx to crimson staring each other down.
"We will shake on it, agreeing to these terms no matter the outcome. Deal?" Hakamada finishes, holding out his hand.
He hasn't studied Best Jeanist's quirk the way Deku, Iida or that one girl who can make anything knowing it's mass or something (Momo) would, but all quirks have a weakness.
And he's sure no matter how much he's mastered his quirk, there has to be a flaw within it he can use to his advantage.
So he accepts for now, expression dancing with mirth and confidence.
"You're on; Deal!"
Izuku & Ochako
"So you're just getting off now too?" Ochako mentions.
The streetlights flicker on beside them, last rays of a pink sunset melding with the dark blues of approaching nightfall.
Izuku barely holds in a yawn, nodding while holding out his hand to her. As soon as their fingers brush Ochako giggles, fingertips growing smudged with ink and pencil lead.
"Nighteye gave us a very detailed report on this criminal organization he's been looking into over the last couple of months: Shie Hassaikai. He wanted to make sure it was drilled into us by us taking notes as well." He explains as Ochako thumbs at black spot of ink near the palm of his hand.
Ochako blinks, nearly stopping them place. "Wait, that's the same group Nishimura and I are looking into as well!"
Izuku lights up then, verdant orbs shining with curiosity. "Really?! Well, let's trade information then on what we know so far!"
Ochako hums thoughtfully, replaying her head that fateful afternoon encounter. "It seems he has a daughter that goes by the name Eri, though they don't look anything alike and I get the sense she's afraid of him."
"How so?" Izuku questions, frowning at the rise of goosebumps along her arm, auburn eyes clouding over.
'This man...what did he do to Eri? To Ochako?' He grits his teeth.
"Ah, well Nishimura and I couldn't do any type of rushed attack. From what the police know after he left, he's the main leader of the group the organization and goes by the name Overhaul. He was involved in a crime a few weeks back over a robbery and truck accident. It seems though only the lower members of the gang were charged as they couldn't trace anything completely back to Overhaul besides possibly the stolen money that has yet to be recovered." Ochako explains.
That still didn't change the eeriness she felt around him. "His daughter...Eri she was covered in bandages and her eyes were teary, afraid to disobey his order. I don't know what type of quirk he has but it must be one that's easily fatal with one wrong move."
"Sir Nighteye has been investigating into him since last month, staking out his hideout on a daily basis watching the people who move in and out of the facility. As of late, there have been less people going in and out which could mean something big is about to happen." Izuku reviews.
Ochako squeezes at his hand then, leaning into his shoulder. "Don't rush ahead of Sir Nighteye! You and I both know we don't have enough information on this guy to make any hasty moves!
"I wasn't planning to! Honest!" Izuku retorts, granted knowing his current track record when it comes to dealing with the League of Villains and any of their associates, it will take more than just that to prove it.
They reach the corner where they normally separate, right outside Izuku's apartment only to see Inko waiting on them, jade eyes brightening at their approach. She steps forward, curling Izuku into a hug.
"Welcome back sweetie! Oh, and you're with Ochako too! Wait, I'm not interrupting a date, am I?!" She questions, stepping back just as fast.
Ochako giggles at her flustering, so similar to Izuku's when he realizes he's been going into a ramble over a quirk or a new bit of info he can use in battle.
"We're just coming back from our work-studies Mom." Izuku mentions.
Inko lights up then, clapping her hands in delight.
"Join us for dinner Ochako, I'm sure you're hungry. Also, you're already practically a part of the family with how much Izuku brings you up!" She cheers.
Izuku's face darkens, waving up his arms to silence her. "Mom, don't bring that up!"
She gestures for the two to come upstairs, cheeks pink in excitement.
"Hisashi has had so much energy lately sweetie, this new trial drug that his doctors have him on seems to be working wonders; not even fully released on the market yet! He's been able to use his fire-breathing quirk in ways I haven't even seen since we first started dating!" She relates over her shoulder.
"Dad changed medications?" Izuku asks too quietly for her to hear, barely keeping wariness out of his tone at seeing his Mom's joy. It's unlike any of his internal medicine or infectious disease/pulmonary physicians to want to suddenly switch up his plan of care when the medicine he's been on hasn't caused any extreme side effects...
So far.
'Why now?' He ponders.
Ochako coils her fingers lightly back around his own, smiling gently mouthing not to jump to conclusions.
Still, he's sure she can feel the rising tempo of his heartbeat, this wedge of uncertainty creeping into his thoughts.
'What does this mean?'
-x-
The Shie Hassaikai is such a long arc I feel, but I'm excited for the changes I plan to make and switch up. Especially once Eri fully interacts more with Izuku and Ochako! Let me know your thoughts as always!
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