Izuku took to police work almost seamlessly - indeed, it was so easy that the police officers, Tsukauchi in particular, couldn't help but feel suspicious. Things never went this smoothly, especially if Izuku was involved. No one had been injured in the process of his firearm training, or his sword training with Valiant aside from a few bruises. In fact, the boy showed an innate talent for both.

This should have comforted Naomasa, but somehow it made things worse. He couldn't forget his conversation with Sir Nighteye, it haunted him more often than he would like to admit. Sir had petitioned Tsuragamae for the aid of Izuku, and they would be hearing back on the decision by week's end. A storm was brewing, and Naomasa prayed Midoriya wouldn't fall victim to it.

But the boy deserved to know what was going on, and that was why he ended up calling Midoriya into his office that fateful morning. He smiled at the detective, but Midoriya was clearly apprehensive. "You called for me, Detective?"

"Sit down, Midoriya. You're not in trouble, I promise. We just have some serious matters to discuss."

The boy sagged in relief. "Oh, thank goodness. Mori told me… but of course it isn't true, you would have-"

"Are you with me, Midoriya?"

"Y-yes sir."

"Good," Naomasa said, making a mental note to interrogate Mori later. "Midoriya, how do you feel about becoming an undercover cop?"

The boy cocked his head. "It intrigues me, and I am curious about potentially having an underground persona. I think it will help a lot of our investigations once I've had enough training."

"Midoriya, you deserve to know this: as of right now, you are the top candidate to go undercover for a mission dealing with the Yakuza. Nothing has been officially decided, but there's a high possibility you'll be asked to do this. Talk it over with your mother. By no means do you have to say yes, you have a few weeks, if not a month before you'll have to make a decision. I just want you to have time to think it over."

Izuku was stunned. "Why would they choose me? I'm just a rookie!"

"You've impressed the hero leading the whole operation. Besides, you would be perfect for this particular job for a variety of reasons. Legally I can't go into those details until you're formally being informed of the job, though," Tsukauchi said.

"I understand."

Naomasa took a deep breath, leaning back in his chair. "So tell me, Midoriya, how are things going? We haven't had the chance to-"

Before Tsukauchi could finish his statement, Nakamura burst into the room, breathless. The officer cut off the detective's protest with, "I'm sorry sir, but we have a code 303."

"A 303? Who would bring a-"

"No sir, not that 303. You know," Nakamura said, staring at Tsukauchi intently, "a 303."

The detective paled visibly over a manner of seconds. "Nakamura, hold her off as long as possible. Midoriya, hide under my desk and no matter what happens, don't come out until I give you the all clear."

"What? Why?" Izuku protested while Nakamura scurried away.

"There's no time, I promise I'll explain later," Tsukauchi said, dragging Izuku behind his desk.

"But-"

"Get down and stay quiet. You'll understand later," Tsukauchi said frantically. "Just stay quiet."

Confused, Izuku did sink down to the ground, hugging his knees to his chest as he burrowed underneath the desk. He waited with bated breath, and before too long the door opened.

"Naomasa!" a syrupy voice gushed. Even without seeing the speaker, Izuku could sense the layers of calculation in her voice. "How's my favorite big brother?"

"I'm at work, Makoto. Today especially I don't have time to answer your questions. If you want to talk to me then you'll have to see me after work," Tsukauchi said in the flattest voice Izuku had ever heard from the man.

"And then you'll tell me what it's like having your good friend All Might in the same city as you?" she said, her voice even sweeter than before - it was almost sweet enough to make Izuku nauseous.

"You know what my answer will be," Tsukauchi said a bit coldly. "Now go, I have important work to do."

"Fine, I can always interview your little officers, I'm sure they've had some interesting cases lately," the girl said airily. "Besides, Saito always has something fun to tell me about you and what's going on at the station."

"They also have work. Why are you even in Musutafu? Weren't you just telling me how much they need you at work in Tokyo?"

"My boss thought I was the right person to interview All Might and some of his students! Isn't that such a great career opportunity?"

"Then why are you here instead of interviewing them?" Tsukauchi asked.

"Well, we didn't exactly secure an interview with him, that's part of the job. But since my big brother knows All Might so-"

"No."

"Naomasa, I don't think you heard me. I said-"

"No, Makoto. You know that I cannot and will not disclose anything about this. And trying to throw my name around won't help a thing, so don't even try. If you get an interview with All Might, it will be through your efforts," the detective said firmly.

Izuku's legs were getting cramped under the desk. He couldn't help but be curious about this Makoto - apparently the detective's sister? But based on Tsukauchi's reaction, he couldn't help but feel a healthy fear for her as well, she seemed truly formidable. He hadn't even met the woman, but the thought of her combining forces with Saito and Sasaki was enough to make him feel nauseous. Or maybe he was nauseous from all the talk of All Might.

Was the detective friends with the hero? It would make sense, Tsukauchi did get put on a lot of high profile cases, he was bound to have worked with the hero a time or two. Besides, he had listened to All Might, he had gone into law enforcement. That knowledge didn't dispel the slight bitterness he felt towards the hero, or the fear that this dream would also be crushed.

"But Naomasaaaa-"

"We both have work, Makoto. If you start asking now, you might be able to get an interview with him by the end of summer."

The woman huffed. "Fine, be a stick in the mud as per usual, Naomasa. By the way, I'm crashing at your place this week."

As soon as the door closed behind his sister, the detective sprang into action. He pulled Izuku to his feet wincing sympathetically when the boy hissed from the feeling returning to his legs that had been asleep.

"I'm sorry, Midoriya. I swear I will explain everything later, but for now I need you to-"

The door burst open, cutting off Tsukauchi. "I knew it! You were talking to All Might, or your secret lover, or-" Makoto broke off, her eyes zeroing in on Izuku. "Who is this? Naomasa? Your secret love child? You're going to break Mom's heart."

"I'm not-"

"No, Makoto. No."

"Well someone better start explaining why we have a junior officer in here that's just as plain-looking as my dear brother," Makoto said, crossing her arms. "How old are you, kid? Twelve? You may look cute playing dress up, but you're not going to get many girls like that."

"I'm almost sixteen!" Izuku squawked indignantly.

"Midoriya is our newest police officer via the new Provisional Police Program. And no, you can't interview him."

Izuku found himself being scrutinized intensely by the girl's green eyes. "A police officer at twelve years old, interesting." She stared at him a bit longer before blurting, "I need him."

"What?"

"No."

Makoto batted her eyelashes. "This would have made the news if you had wanted it to be public knowledge. I can always make it public knowledge."

"I can always arrest you."

"You know you wouldn't, Naomasa. Hear me out, you let Midoriya come with me to request an interview with All Might and a few of his students. I stay out of your hair, Midoriya makes sure I don't do anything illegal, and I get to know my secret nephew," Makoto wheedled. "Come on, it's a win for everyone."

"Makoto-"

She placed her hands on his desk, eyes boring into his. "Just think of all the things I could get into and investigate without supervision."

Silence hung in the air, taut between the siblings. A few tense moments passed before Detective Tsukauchi sighed, a long, weary sigh. "Midoriya, you'll be accompanying my sister from today until she leaves the city. I would suggest going plainclothes - take the fanny pack. Don't let her do anything illegal, and don't let her corrupt you."

"Awe, I knew you cared!" Makoto gushed.

"If you corrupt that child I'm going to tell Mom about the incident," Tsukauchi threatened. Opening one of the desk drawers, he offered Izuku a pair of handcuffs. "Midoriya, if she doesn't listen to you, feel free to arrest her."

"I love you too, Naomasa," Makoto said, blowing a kiss. "I'll wait in the lobby for you, nephew."

"I'm not- and she's gone. Detective? What just happened?" Izuku asked.

"She played me to get what she wants, just like she always does. I just hope she doesn't introduce you to her college friends - there's something about them I just don't trust. Be careful, Midoriya, and vigilant. But also enjoy yourself. You might even get to meet All Might."

Izuku paled at the thought, but managed to keep the smile on his face. "We'll just have to see what happens, I guess."

His mind raced as he walked to the locker room, mechanically changing into the spare set of clothes he kept at the station. He shrugged on the t-shirt that read "Polo Shirt" and a pair of cargo shorts. He hoped that Makoto was more tolerant of his his fashion than the female officers were - Saito often threatened to overhaul his entire wardrobe.

But any thoughts like this were mainly to drown out the sheer panic at the thought of meeting All Might again. It would be fine. Once Makoto secured her interview with the man he could escape. Maybe Ojiro or Shinsou would have free time, he hadn't gotten to see much of either boy since U.A. decided to implement the dorm system. He would just have to take care to avoid Kacchan, but at this point Izuku was almost a master at that.

But All Might. The thought of the hero did make Izuku a bit nauseous, and he felt the absurd need to hide from the man. It was ridiculous, really. Even his bitterness towards the man was fading as his life was consumed with police work. He had found the place that he belonged. But Izuku felt the absurd need to stay away from the hero until he had proven himself and become the youngest detective in history.

Avoiding All Might would just have to be the plan for now. If the students were busy, Izuku was sure Nezu would let him camp out in his office without asking too many questions. Maybe he could even catch a nap in Aizawa's sleeping ba— scratch that, Izuku valued his life. If all else failed, U.A. was bound to have a broom closet to sequester himself in.

Whatever happens, happens, Izuku told himself as he buckled the fanny pack. The familiar weight was comforting, and he found that he was able to breathe normally again. Everything would work out one way or another.

"No fair, Little Midoriya gets to accompany you? I have to do paperwork!" Saito complained.

"If you don't do your paperwork you'll be as bad as the station that let Midoriya get kidnapped," Sansa said, warning in his voice. "Besides, Kimura will be back any day now, do you really want to explain to her why you haven't finished your paperwork?"

"That's low," Saito said, but it clearly worked, based on the way she attacked the stack of papers with vigour.

"We're off to interview heroes!" Makoto said, saluting the room full of officers. "I'll bring the kid back before curfew."

"Don't let him get hurt, please," Nakamura said in passing, carrying a crate full of files. "Your brother will kill you."

"I'll be fine, Nakamura. I promise. But we should probably leave soon," Izuku said, subtly nudging her toward the door.

"Good point, I want to interview everyone I can! I'll see you all later!"

Upon exiting the station, they walked the first few blocks in silence. Izuku found himself fiddling with the zippers of the fanny pack, unsure of what to do or say. He hadn't felt this awkward for a while, and he wasn't quite sure what to do about it.

He was caught off guard by the woman seizing his forearm. "Be real with me, kid. Are you my nephew?"

"You actually thought that?" Izuku squeaked. He blushed, and clearing his throat, he continued in a deeper voice, "No, Detective Tsukauchi is just someone I admire a lot."

She withdrew her hands, looking disappointed. "I figured Naomasa was too straightlaced to have a secret love child, but I kind of hoped… Nevermind, it's not your problem, kid."

They walked on in a heavy silence until Izuku said, "The first time I met him, the detective seemed a bit lonely. I was worried about him."

"Naomasa wasn't built to be alone," Makoto said sadly. "He takes everything so seriously, and… he needs someone to take care of him."

"I wouldn't say that," Izuku countered. "I see where you're coming from, but since I've gotten to know him, I've seen firsthand that the station is just as much the detective's family as it is mine. One day he'll find someone to share his life with, but in the meantime you don't need to worry, we'll take care of your brother. We all care about him, even Mori, believe it or not."

Makoto stared at him for a few moments before smiling. "I don't need my quirk to know that you actually mean that. I'm going to hold you to that, kid. I can see why Naomasa likes you so much. Maybe we'll work on a story together one day."

Izuku glanced at her from the side. "You're a journalist, aren't you? What kind of journalism do you usually do?"

"Investigative journalist is my title, but my work usually centers on heroes."

"So you're good at uncovering information about heroes, right?"

Makoto gave him a sly look. "I have a feeling I'm going to like you. From the way you're talking, it sounds like we're going to be doing something my brother is going to hate."

Izuku bit his lip, seriously debating with himself. "You can keep a secret, right?"

"Little Midoriya, while I enjoy getting published, I live for finding answers."

A fierce debate was raging through Izuku's mind. Could he trust Makoto? He didn't get any suspicious vibes from her, just ambitious ones. Besides, he didn't know if an opportunity like this would ever present itself again. Closing his eyes, he asked, "How much do you know about Endeavor?"

Excerpts from Izuku's Analysis

Name: Kimura Yuki

Age: 28

Height: 182 cm (6'11.5") (2cm taller than Mori)

Occupation: Police Detective

Physical Description: Kimura has long, straight blue-black hair, and ice blue eyes. She is tall and slim, and I definitely did not write that because she almost killed Mori for commenting about the baby weight she hasn't lost yet.

Personality:Detective Kimura has a wicked sense of humor. She will start a prank war at the tip of a hat, especially if Saito is involved in any way. Tsukauchi and her husband are the only known means of keeping her in check. However, Kimura is one of the most gifted homicide detectives in the entire country. She takes her job seriously, and loves her family dearly.

Quirk: Medusa Stare - While looking at a person, Kimura can induce partial or full-body paralysis, although, much like Eraserhead, the effect stops when Kimura blinks. Kimura, however, does not suffer from Dry Eye, nor do her eyes change color while her quirk is being used. She seems to have a limit of using it for roughly ten minutes a day.

Notes: Kimura is getting back from maternity leave next week, and from the stories I've heard, she's someone to watch out for. I just need to find a way to get on her good side. I kind of know her at this point from the few times she's stopped into the station, but it usually ended abruptly via her husband dragging her away, telling her she was on leave. I hesitantly look forward to getting to know Kimura better, I just have to avoid coming between her and Saito for any reason.

A/N: Sorry for the radio silence! It's been almost a month since I last posted, but I swear I'm not abandoning this! A lot of my writing energy was just focused on finishing Arson and planning the new story I've been working on. It took a lot of time to get Arson to an ending I was satisfied with. Besides that, I started my second job, dealt with a lot of family drama, and been in a car accident. I'm fine, and the other guy is fine, but I've been fighting with insurance and the autobody shop because I'm a poor college student who shouldn't have to pay for someone else's mistake. My car (Kris) will hopefully be fine too. I guess schoolwork also factors into the delay? It's been a crazy semester.

Kit says hello, by the way! If you follow me on tumblr, you'll see her birthday has come and gone. I gave her her very own Save My Fanny Pack! She opened it and immediately said, "I hate you, this is the worst," which means she loved it. We've got a little ways to go before the Overhaul arc, just a few loose ends to tie up. However, those of you who don't like manga spoilers, beware. The plot isn't going to be anything like the manga, but there will be more characters you haven't met in the anime yet that make an appearance. (Speaking of anime, IT'S OCTOBER! SEASON FOUR IS COMING!)

See you next chapter!

Rogue