Disclaimer: I own neither My Hero Academia or the Persona series
Chapter 30
Yusuke: Madarame's going to confess today. I heard him call for an emergency conference over the phone.
Ryuji: For real?! We gotta meet up then! Maybe we can watch it together!
Makoto: That might be a bit suspicious, but… I'm sure it's easy enough for us to blend in if anyone asks.
Ann: This is a pretty big deal, I want to meet up too!
Izuku: Okay, let's meet up at the hideout. It's a Sunday, so it's easy enough to play off as friends hanging out.
Izuku navigated the sea of people flooding the Shibuya walkway, hoping to reach the others before the news conference would begin. It wasn't that important for them to all be there, but he thought it was something they should see as a team. After all, there would be a few things to discuss when it was finally over.
"This just in, we will be bringing you footage from an emergency press conference hel by world-renowned artist Ichiryusai Madarame just moments ago."
Izuku's neck snapped upward, the crowd ground to a halt as the normally quiet broadcast on Shibuya's largest screen echoed throughout the street. Madarame's image appeared on the screen, the old fraud was sitting in front of a desk covered in microphones. A deep frown rested on his lips, his eyes filled to the brim with tears.
"What's up with that old geezer?"
"Is he crying?"
Chatter like this broke across the crowd, people making their thoughts not so private. Izuku was silent as a statue, though, watching Madarame intently.
"I… I have committed crimes that are unbecoming of an artist…" he began, his voice cracking. "Plainly put… I, um… plagiarized work… "
Cameras flashed constantly until he hunched over the table in front of him. "I-I… tainted this… this country's art world… and… even Sayuri…" Madarame continued to break down with each word, tears streaming down his face as he crumbled onto the table. "How… How could I possibly… apologize to-to everyone I've… for everything I've done?! Ahhh~!"
The cameras flashes came like a storm and only ceased when the broadcast was switched over to the newscaster. "That was the urgent apology press conference that occurred only moments ago. After reporting to the association, Madarame has agreed to the police's request that he turn himself in. On top of charges of abuse to his pupils, Madarame is under suspicion of claiming his work as his own. Some doubt that his maiden work, 'Sayuri', was stolen, and rather was used for fraud."
"That's so crazy, I just watched him talk on a morning show the other day!"
"That old man's done for."
"After the conference, Madarame was taken to a hospital by the police for interrogation due to his age. However, initial psychiatric evaluations have deemed Madarame mentally sound and likely responsible for his actions."
"They don't need to take it easy on that old geezer! He gets what he deserves!"
Izuku felt a weight leave his shoulders as the people around him continued to chatter among themselves.
It's done. We can move forward, again.
"Also, a group calling themselves the 'Phantom Thieves' planted a dubious note at Madarame's exhibit some days ago." Izuku's head snapped back up to the prompter, almost shocked to hear their names being spread across all of Shibuya and by extension, the rest of Japan. "The police will continue to investigate their relation to the case, but no suspects have been identified. Madarame will be further tested for any influence caused by possible mind-altering Quirks."
"'Phantom Thieves'? Do they have something to do with why he confessed?"
"I think I heard about them online, before. I just thought it was a kid with a crazy Quirk, but maybe it's bigger than that…"
"What kind of Quirk makes somebody confess to a crime? Not to mention in a sorry state like that!"
"They supposedly 'steal people's hearts', but obviously that's just a figure of speech."
Izuku felt a smile slowly spread across his face. The Phantom Thieves were no longer something the people could simply brush off as 'small-time'. Their names were spreading like wildfire right before his eyes.
The more that people see us, the more people who need the help can get it.
"The Phantom Thieves, huh? Helping people is great, but… I don't like them."
Izuku pulled his eyes away from the crowd towards the source of the voice. A young woman with striking red hair tied up in a ponytail and matching eyes stood to his left, her eyes glued to the screen like everyone else. She wore a polka-dotted blue blouse with a white skirt and slippers.
"We already have Heroes around. This isn't making anything better. People don't need someone else to rely on top of them." She continued, making him wonder if she was actually speaking to him. Her eyes soon left the screen, trailing to Izuku and seemingly taking notice to him. She gave a kind smile and giggled sheepishly. "Sorry, did I say that out loud? I guess I was just saying what was on my mind without thinking."
Izuku opened his mouth to reply, the words stuck in his throat as he thought about her own. In the end, he could only muster up a short response. "No, it's fine…"
The girl nodded before looking at a phone in her hand. "Uh oh, I lingered longer than I meant to! I'm going to be late to register…" She muttered, stuffing it away before jogging past Izuku. "Nice to meet you!" She said curtly as she left.
"Yeah…" Izuku mumbled, giving a small wave as he watched her run to the station entrance. His lips tightened into a frown, her words echoing in his mind.
Why would she think that? Of course we're making things better… right?
"The nerve of that girl, I swear!"
Izuku yelped as Morgana popped out of his bag.
"There's no way what we're doing isn't making anything better! Look at how many people we've helped so far!" He leaned on Izuku's shoulder. "I can't believe that even after that, we still have doubters."
"Well… it's natural, no matter what it is," Izuku shook his head. "There will always be people who disagree. Even Heroes face that kind of criticism."
"Still! It rubs me the wrong way that people think we're not real heroes just because we're not official!" the cat said, absently pushing a paw against Izuku's cheek. "We'll show her! Her and everyone else still doubting what we're capable of!"
Izuku stared at Morgana for a moment before letting a grin rest on his features. "Yeah. We've still got a ways to go, but we'll change her mind and everyone else's!"
"You took your time, dude! What kept you?" Ryuji asked, he along with the others waiting in the usual spot of the subway path.
"Sorry. I got caught up watching the conference in the streets," Izuku said, jogging up to them and smiling. "But it looks like everything went perfectly."
Ryuji grinned. "No kiddin'! It was just like with Kamoshida!"
"And they mentioned the Phantom Thieves!" Ann said, pumping a fist at her side.
"Alright, guys. Maybe we shouldn't celebrate so loudly?" said Makoto, though an unmistakable smile rested on her lips too. "Still, it is a little exhilarating to see our efforts bearing fruit. Everything went perfectly and we got recognition for our work."
"I know, right?! Man, with this, we'll be able to change way more people's hearts!" Ryuji nodded fervently. " Hell, we could do more than just get back at society at this rate! It'll be a huge deal!"
"... This isn't making anything better."
Izuku tried to brush those words aside. "Yeah. We'll make more people see that there are just some who need us!"
"Definitely! If we keep this up, we'll be able to give courage to everyone who needs it!" Ann nodded in agreement.
"No one else will be forgotten by society. Not while we're around," Yusuke added. Before anyone could add to the conversation though, two men hovered close by, one dressed in a suit while the other was a police officer. "We may want to quiet down."
"Attendance officers. If they come over, act natural and follow my lead," whispered Makoto. "It's Sunday, so they can't give us trouble for anything."
Ryuji ground his teeth. "Tsk. Why they even botherin' on a Sunday?" He soon morphed his expression into a casual frown, watching as the officers approached them.
"Hello, there. May I speak with you all for a moment?" said the man in the suit and sunglasses.
"Ah, yes! How can we help you on this fine day, officer?" Ann's voice carried an obviously forced cheerfulness to it.
Morgana shivered. "That monotonous acting of hers never fails to send a chill down my spine,"
"What are you all doing here? Are you friends?" The officer continued, the other remaining silent as he watched them analytically.
"W-Why yes, officer. We were all just meeting here to-to go out for lunch! It is a Sunday, after all. No reason we can't spend the day out as friends, correct?" The others grimaced as Makoto's attempts at deception.
"Koto-san's having trouble too…" Izuku mumbled under his breath.
"I see. Well, okay then. Just make sure you all disperse before it gets too late, okay? There have been some odd happenings lately, and the news about the artist has caused quite a stir." The officer continued.
"We'll be careful!" Ann nodded quickly. The officers gave a curt nod before leaving them be, causing the group to breathe a unanimous sigh of relief.
"It's still light out. Man, those guys must have way too much time on their hands," Ryuji huffed in annoyance.
Ann beamed at Makoto. "Good job, Makoto. I think we got by thanks to our acting."
"I think we've gotten better since our little debacle with Yusuke-kun," Makoto nodded eagerly.
Izuku felt an eyebrow twitch. "T-That was better..?"
"If it makes you feel better, I'd say… just as bad," Morgana shook his head. "That aside, we'll need to be even more cautious than before. A lot more people know the Phantom Thieves now, so that also means a lot more eyes will be watching us. I mean, look at us! Right after both incidents, both prior victims are meeting up!"
The cheery mood evaporated. "You mean people are watching us?" Ann asked.
"It wouldn't be out of the question. I'm sure that if things were different or ifKobayakawa had chosen someone else, there would be someone watching us as we speak." Makoto agreed, her gaze hardening.
"Eh, we'll be fine. Now that you're on our side, we don't gotta think about it too much, right?" Ryuji shrugged. "We're the only ones worryin' about it right now."
"I guess you're right," Ann said hesitantly.
"No, Koto-san and Morgana-san are right." Izuku's brow furrowed. "We still need to exercise caution. We don't know how serious the police are taking us yet, but ideally they won't take kindly to it."
"It seems reasonable enough for us to be more aware of our surroundings, I suppose." Yusuke nodded in agreement.
"Alright, alright. Guess you guys're right," Ryuji relented before turning to Yusuke. "By the way, were you ever able to get anything outta Madarame? You know, about that guy in the black mask?"
Yusuke shook his head "I pressed him for answers, but there wasn't much he could say. Everything that happened did occur in his subconscious, after all.".
"Yeah, it's hard to imagine he would have anything to tell us about it," said Izuku, holding his chin in thought. "We'll just have to try and keep an eye out the next time we tackle a Palace. I don't know if it's a coincidence, but the man in the black mask is targeting people with Palaces. But since we handled Madarame's, it looks like we don't have anything else to go off of."
"And Madarame is likely to go to jail for his crimes. If that's the case, questioning him further will be difficult," Yusuke added.
Ryuji crossed his arms. "Yeah… so, what are you gonna do now?".
"I'll be leaving that place. It's no longer somewhere that I can draw."
"Do you have somewhere to go?" asked Ann.
"The school dorms. Thanks to the fine-arts scholarship I received, I'm allowed to stay there for free," Yusuke explained.
Ryuji's jaw dropped. "A scholarship?! Just how damn good are you at drawing?!"
"Although…" Yusuke turned to Ann. "Takamaki-san's house do just as well."
"Wait, what?!"
"You know, you could ask her to model for you anytime you want if you did that," Ryuji teased, grinning at the twin-tailed blonde.
"You moron!" Ann huffed, glaring at Ryuji.
"Then again, it'll be easier for us to meet up now that Yusuke's livin' alone." Ryuji said, looking back at the artist.
"For the time being, we should wait and see how this case plays out," Yusuke suggested, rolling his neck out.
"Plus it'll take time to find a target as big as Madarame, anyway," Ryuji sighed.
"I guess that means we're just going to have to act like normal students as usual while we look for our next target," Ann nodded.
"We'll leave finding our next target to you then, Ryuji," Morgana said, looking at the faux blond.
"Alright, guess it's just more prep 'til then." Ryuji nodded in acceptance.
"Just remember, everyone needs to make sure that they don't draw too much attention to themselves in this coming month. We don't need any more prying eyes prying than we already have," Makoto said, crossing her arms over her chest. Everyone nodded in agreement, picking up their bags and departing for the day.
"... The suspect has repeatedly testified that he does not have any further recollection of his actions. A full psychiatric evaluation will be performed to further investigate the crime's detail and motives, as well as any sign of a possible Quirk used in the situation."
"First Kamoshida at Shujin Academy, and now Madarame," Sae Niijima paused the television before turning to the lone man in the room. He was the Special Investigations Unit Director, a balding codger who never seemed to leave his desk
"I've found commonality between the two, including the fact that a 'calling card' was sent to both days prior to their unforeseen 'changes of heart'.."
"I see. But isn't tying their cases to the psychotic breakdowns jumping to conclusions?" He asked, raising a brow skeptically. "Furthermore, the police aren't going to appreciate you stepping in on their case."
"This isn't the time for jurisdiction or honor. We need to dig deeper and find a correlation between these incidents in these past two, three years."
The SIU director breathed out a sigh, leaning the bridge of his brow against his linked hands in front of him. "Very well. I'll leave it to you. But don't let this interfere with your regular duties."
"Thank you, sir." Sae bowed in appreciation, straightening back out before taking her leave. The SIU Director waited a moment until she closed the door behind her.
"Tsk. That damn woman has to stick her nose into this…"
Sae went to her office and picked up her briefcase, slinging it over her shoulder before moving down the steps toward the main lobby of the courthouse.
"Ah, there you are. I thought you would make me wait forever."
Sae's gaze trailed up, seeing a familiar young man waiting at the center of the steps. He was in his late teens wearing a high school uniform of what most would assume to be a preparatory school, wearing a button up white shirt with a pinstripe necktie. He had shaggy chin-length brown hair and reddish-brown eyes.
"Sorry to have called you at the last minute, Akechi. I wanted to get your opinion again," Sae said, walking past him toward the bottom of the stairs.
"Well, I wasn't surprised. Today's broadcast was certainly something to behold," the boy, Akechi, chuckled, trailing just behind her. "Shall we do lunch again?"
"Yes." Sae came to a stop at the center of the bottom steps, sparing a look around.
"What is it?" Akechi asked, tilting his head in question.
"Strange. I figured he would be here by now as well," Sae said, looking back at Akechi. "Have you-"
"Here I am!"
Akechi nearly jumped out of his skin when a young man's face poked through the railing next to him. Right through the railing panel, as if it were a ghost. Sae raised a brow before letting out a sigh.
"You're certainly in a good mood to be pulling off pranks, Togata."
"Hahaha~! Sorry!" said the face before retracting from the railing panel as if it hadn't been there. Walking around to the front of the stairs was a young man with blond hair styled like a cowlick up top while combed down on the sides. He had round, blue eyes, and wore the U.A. school uniform, minus the blazer. In contrast to Akechi, who was slim, Mirio was built like a brickhouse. His short-sleeved dress shirt did little to hide his bulging arms as well as faint scars earned while battling Villains.
"I just thought I would pop in and see if I could surprise the always stoic Akechi-kun!"
"Well… you certainly accomplished that." Akechi sheepishly laughed, his lips forming into a strained smile. "It's good to see you, Mirio-san."
"You as well! Guess Sae-san called us both in, huh?" Mirio said with an exasperated wave of his hand. "Looking forward to brainstorming together! So, we getting food?"
"Yes. Since you're both here, we'll get ramen." said Sae.
The smile Mirio flashed could light up the room. "Yes! Ramen sounds perfect right now!"
"I have to say, I'm somewhat hurt by your show of favoritism, Sae-san," Akechi punctuated the thought with a dour sigh. "We're going to go with Togata-san's favorite instead of mine?"
Sae shrugged before giving them a grin of her own. "Ramen is cheaper than sushi, even on a conveyor belt. If you have a complaint, you could always purchase the sushi yourself."
"Oh, you can be so cruel sometimes, Sae-san," Akechi chuckled, shaking his head.
"Don't worry, Akechi-kun! Today we'll try some new ramen that will fit your palette better!" Mirio said, slapping him on the shoulder kindly before skipping ahead of Sae. "Come on! I know a good place nearby!"
Sae and Akechi watched the excitable Hero-in-training jog through the courthouse lobby, the former releasing a sigh while Akechi scratched his cheek.
"You seem to bring us both in quite a bit lately, hm?" Akechi spared a look at Sae. "Taking a shine to our soon-to-be Hero, are we?"
"As carefree as Togata acts, he brings an interesting perspective into the equation. You both have insight that, while at times conflicting, helps to account for all possible issues."
"I understand. He certainly makes for an interesting chess partner, as well," Akechi chuckled, nodding in agreement as he and Sae moved forward to follow Mirio.
"Did you guys hear about those Phantom Thieves of Hearts?!"
Bakugou couldn't have cared less about what Raccoon Eyes was screeching about. She was slamming her hands on one of the desks at the front. To his irritation, most of the other extras seemed interested in the topic.
"Oh, yeah! I saw part of that press conference about the old man, too! Don't know what the big deal was…" said Dunce Face with a stupid look of contemplation.
"Tsk. Could you idiots be any louder..?" Bakugou muttered as he tried to tune them out.
"You don't know, Kaminari-san? He's… well, he was a world renowned artist. His paintings were worth millions. But now… I can't help but wonder what will become of them," Ponytail's voice trailed off towards the end. "Some of it was really good...I hope the right people get credit for their hard work, now."
"Still, ya gotta admit that those Phantom Thieves sound pretty manly!" This time it was a somewhat less irritating voice, Weird Hair, speaking this time. "They exposed that guy for the fake that he was!"
"But Kirishima-chan, the Phantom Thieves are still acting as vigilantes. Even if what they did is good, it's still a criminal act," Bakugo heard Froggy say with that irritating neutrality of hers.
"I-I know! That's not good and all, but… someone had to stand up for those people, right? You have to respect how they were able to put a stop to it!"
"I agree with Kirishima-kun! Those Phantom Thieves sound pretty cool!" piped Round Face. Her usual energy was enough to make Bakugo click his tongue in annoyance. "Leaving a calling card and making him confess to all his crimes… it's kinda romantic, don't you think?"
"Phantom Thieves… stealing hearts from evil-doers in the dark of night in pursuit of justice… impressive." What was Bird Face blabbering about this time?
"Right?! Maybe they're like those guys from the old cartoons!" Raccoon Eyes squealed before breathing a dreamy sigh. "They're on the wrong side of the law, but really they're just dashing rogues trying to do right in their own way! Maybe when we're all heroes, they'll be like frenemies!"
"Whoa~, I like that idea! I want to have a super handsome thief guy to banter with!" Bakugou could only imagine that it was Invisible chick who would chime in with the rest of the idiots.
"Tsk! Girls are always into those bad boy types! Those bastard Phantom Thieves…" Bakugou had half a mind to turn around and tell the Grape Shit to quit bitching with his whiny voice and die.
"What do you think, Bakugou? Even you had to hear about it by now." Bakugou cracked his eyes opened momentarily to glare at Weird Hair.
"Like I care. They're probably a bunch of idiots getting in over their heads." He crossed his arms over his chest before shutting his eyes again.
"Surprising no one, Bakugou's acting too cool for even the Phantom Thieves."
"Quiet, Dunce Face." That seemed to be enough to make the electric bastard stumble in his seat.
"I wonder why it only surfaced now, though." This time it was Ears pitching in. How many of these idiots are gonna join in?! "If people were getting abused and he was knowingly stealing their art, how come no one spoke up?"
"It's not easy…"
Even as his anger started to boil over, he couldn't help but glance back when the Half-and-Half Bastard of all people spoke up. The rest of the class seemed to share the sentiment, turning to face its strongest member with looks of confusion.
"... for some people to admit when the person raising them is hurting them."
The hell is that supposed to mean? Bakugo narrowed the single open eye at Half and Half.
The classroom door swung open, bringing the explosive teen's attention back to the front. Of course Glasses was stomping his way inside.
"Everyone, please get to your assigned seats! Class is about to start!" Bakugo reluctantly sat up in his seat, not wanting to hear any crap from Aizawa, at least.
"We're all at our seats, dude." said Dunce Face. Bakugo didn't need to see Glasses' face to know that he was cringing in embarrassment before quietly taking his own seat.
"Good job, Iida…" Aizawa's voice grumbled through the door, Bakugou's eyes shifting ever so slightly to it. Seeing his homeroom teacher cocooned in a sleeping bag and hauled to class by Fake Glasses was a familiar sight at this point. "Just put me on the podium."
"Right." Bakugo hated how quiet he was. Unlike Half-and-Half Bastard who always shot ice from range, Fake Glasses was different in a fight. Aggressive and almost bloodthirsty.
That quiet kid act doesn't fool me, bastard.
"Thanks, Amamiya. Class doesn't start for a few minutes, so get whatever chitchat you have out of your systems now." Aizawa advised the class.
After setting their teacher down on the podium, Fake Glasses walked to his chair, which happened to be behind Bakugou. The two exchanged a small glance, which was far too common to not piss the explosive blond off constantly. Of course, nothing ever came of it, as he only would return to his seat without a word.
"Hey, Amamiya! Aizawa-sensei make you work early?" Raccoon Eyes giggled, her voice bubblier than usual. Not that Bakugo cared, but it grated his ears when half the girls in the class would speak to him in some sort of overly cheerful tone.
"A little bit. But it was nothing big."
"Who knew you'd be such a hard worker," Invisible Chick added. Bakugou could only grind his teeth and watch the clock as he waited for the idiots around him to finally shut up.
"S-So, Amamiya-kun. What do you think of the Phantom Thieves?" It was Ears chipping in this time, her voice far more awkward than the rest of Fake Glasses' fangirls. "Everyone was talking about them earlier."
"The Phantom Thieves, huh?" He answered with a thoughtful hum. "... I think they're pretty cool. Even if their methods are questionable."
"Right?! That's what we were saying!" Bakugou's eye twitched at how fast Raccoon Eyes answered him.
*RING~*
"Class has officially started! So everyone, be quiet!"
"Yes sir!"
"You have to admit that those Phantom Thieves did a real service, huh?"
Kazuho Haneyama couldn't be bothered to stifle the sigh that escaped her mouth when she heard Koichi say that. She slid the skintight black leotard over her waist and looped her arms through the top. Once it was secure on her upper body, she stuck her head out from behind the curtain she used to change.
"Will you shut up about them already?! They're nothing special," she huffed before sliding behind the curtain again, picking up her elbow-length gloves and sliding on the left one first.
"Oh, come on. Aren't you a little impressed? I mean, sure, we help people on the streets and stop punks now and again, but those guys took down a huge bad guy! I've been reading into the whole story ever since his confession, and so many people were affected by what he did!" The All Might super fan was still staring at his phone, scrolling through article after article.
"Of course you have," Kazuho rolled her eyes, slipping on her right glove before peeking out again. "Shouldn't you be pissed off, though?! We've been doing this vigilante stuff for a while and no one even bats an eye about it! But they take down one guy and they're the talk of the town!"
"There's nothing wrong with that. Sure, they get credit, but they still have to be pretty secretive about what they're doing. We can go out pretty often without having to worry too much on our own." Koichi shrugged. "What's your problem with them?"
Her eyes trailed to the side, "I don't have a problem."
"She's just upset that the press conference stole attention away from her concert."
Kazuho jumped when she heard Knuckleduster's voice. He sat at the edge of the short table, sipping on a beer before letting out a burp.
"Oh... right. You were performing when that happened yesterday." Kazuho ground her teeth as he continued. "You had your entire crowd pulled away before you could even start, huh?" He laughed.
"Shut up! I don't need you rubbing it in! They just had to air that everywhere! Stupid Phantom Thieves…"
"Kid's right, though. Getting that kind of notoriety would be bad for us." Knuckleduster flipped through another page of the newspaper. "Let them have all the fame."
She tugged her thigh-high boots on. "That's easy for you to say, old man! I'm trying to become an idol! I can't be considered legit if I don't have a crowd!"
"That's not important right now. We need to start looking into that drug."
"You mean that Trigger stuff? We hit a pretty big dead end on that one…" Koichi trailed off thoughtfully.
"No. That one's important, but I'm more worried about that Quirk-stopping bullet that hit you," Knuckleduster explained, the white eye holes of his mask narrowing.
"Oh, right. Koichi's Quirk turned off for a couple hours, right?" Kazuho walked out from behind the curtain, now fully dressed. "That was pretty crazy."
Kazuho wouldn't say it out loud, but her heart had stopped when she thought Koichi had been shot by a legit bullet. She almost burst into tears when she went to check on him.
"Yeah. I've never seen anything like that before. Don't know where the guy got it from either," Knuckleduster rubbed the five-o-clock shadow on his chin. "Hate to say it, but we might have to focus on that instead of Trigger until something comes up."
Koichi shrugged. "Is it really that bad? I mean, it sucked to not be able to use my Quirk for a little, but it came back to me."
"You idiot. Having your Quirk stop working like that is a big deal! There's never been a case of that happening before!" Kazuho pointed her index finger at him. "Don't take something like that so lightly!"
"And we don't know if that's the end of it, either," said Knuckleduster. "What we saw could just be a precursor to something stronger. Something that might take away someone's Quirk permanently."
Koichi and Kazuho widened their eyes, sparing a look at one another in concern.
"Wh-What should we do then?" asked Koichi.
Of course he wants to do something about it. Kazuho both hated and admired that about him.
"For now, lay low. I'm gonna try and reach out and get some info from the local punks and gangs, see what we can dig up."
Koichi and Kazuho both grimaced.
"So basically, you're gonna run around beating up idiots for info again?" she groaned.
"If it works, it works."
"It doesn't work when you just pick random punks! Especially when you knock them out before you can even question them!"
"Well, we've got a lot of punks to work with, so it should be fine."
Koichi could only let out a strained chuckle. "That's Sensei for you…"
"Unbelievable…"
"By the way, that means I'm not gonna be doing security for your concerts for a while."
"Again?! Come on! You good-for-nothing old man! I need new help already!"
"Aw, come on, Pop. Chill…"
A skeleton of a man sat alone in a Big Bang Burger, his eyes distant as he stared out the restaurant window. He wore a loose hanging dress shirt that clung to the edges of his thin frame, a blue tie dangling from his neck with black slacks. He had long unkempt blond hair, with two extremely long bangs along the ridge of his face.
"... Today, after the backlash from Madarame's confession to fraud and abuse at his own press conference, police have contacted a number of his previous pupils." The thin man's head slowly shifted to the television, a pit building in his gut as the newscaster continued, "So far, several confirmed that the former artist had indeed taken their works and claimed them as his own. Police are continuing to investigate just how deep Madarame's crimes go. We now bring you over to…"
So even now, I'm not doing enough. Just like I thought…
"Hey." The skeletal man's eyes fell away from the television, a small smile forcing its way onto his thin face. "Sorry I'm late, Yagi-san."
"Don't mention it, Tsukauchi. Take a seat. I figured you'd be busy after yesterday," The thin man, Toshinori, nodded in understanding as he motioned to the seat across from him. "How are things at the police station?"
"Hectic is one way of putting it. But at this point, it feels like an understatement," his friend answered. He slumped into his seat with a tired sigh and set aside his tan fedora. Tsukauchi was built like the ideal police officer, tall and broad-shouldered with a face anyone could trust. "There has been a lot of running around to deal with the Madarame scandal, as well as another review from the IAB into some of our officers."
"Another one?" Toshinori asked, genuinely surprised.
"Judging from the interviews with Madarame's former pupils, those who had gone to the police were either ignored or even arrested for 'slander'." Tsukauchi rubbed a hand along his face. "This whole thing is… revealing more than we would have liked."
Toshinori felt as though a new hole was tearing into his non-existent stomach. "I… I see. That's unfortunate."
Am I failing to inspire even our very own police officers?
"Yeah… but I suppose it's a good thing, even if it's inconvenient at the time," Tsukauchi leaning back in his chair. "We're at least weeding out the corrupt officers running around. But… it certainly hurts to know that we've had so many right under our noses."
"There's no way you could have known…" Tsukauchi shook his head.
"It's okay, I know. I just thought that… we, as a society, were past those kind of things. That the men and women of the force were striving toward that honest image and upholding it." Tsukauchi crossed his arms over his chest, shaking his head. "But I suppose I was being too naive."
Toshinori's gaze fell to the table, Tsukauchi unknowingly echoing a lingering thought of his own. "Perhaps we both were."
The two stewed in their thoughts until Tsukauchi broke the silence. "Well, that aside, how are you doing? You haven't been slowing down too much lately, have you?"
Toshinori let out a sheepish chuckle. "Well… it's hard when things happen right in front of you. But thankfully my time period hasn't dropped substantially in some time, so it's not a big deal."
"But it is dropping, Yagi-san. However slowly," Tsukauchi frowned. "I know you've been working as often as possible with the time you're allowed, but don't you think it's time to reconsider? I'm sure if you spoke with Nezu-san again, he'd be willing to work you into the school schedule even this late into the year."
Toshinori frowned again as he leveled his gaze back at Tsukauchi.
"The people that made Madarame confess… they're called the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, right?"
"The Phantom Thieves?" Tsukauchi repeated, raising a brow in wonder. "Yes, that's them. Their calling card were collected back at Madarame's exhibit. Why?"
"What do you think of them, Tsukauchi?"
"Well… at first I thought it might have been the work of a disgruntled student … That's still possible, but now their reach is extending far beyond Shujin Academy."
"I was understanding of their position in the first confession, but now I can't help but think of them as nothing more than criminals. They're using their Quirk illegally and recklessly. Sure, we know about Kamoshida and Madarame, but where does this stop? What's their final goal?"
Toshinori nodded in understanding, his eyes drifting back out to the window. He watched the denizens of Musutafu passing by with a somber expression on his face.
"I think that… the Phantom Thieves are a result of my failure."
Tsukauchi's breath caught in his throat. "Wh-What? Your failure? What are you talking about?"
"I'm supposed to be the Symbol of Peace. I'm supposed to inspire people to stand up for themselves without fear." Toshinori's fist tightening on the table in front of him. "But after being injured… I couldn't help but wonder if I was still doing enough. If taking it easy or spending my time teaching would begin to make people think I was neglectful of that. So I kept pushing. I kept fighting. I didn't want to let the influence of All Might slip away from the people's minds."
Toshinori's worn and weary eyes trailed back to Tsukauchi.
"But it was all for nothing. Evil men are still committing heinous crimes. Children are still suffering under the influence of horrible men like that Kamoshida and now this Madarame fellow. Even worse, they had the help of men who swore to protect and serve the people they abused…" Tsukauchi's expression fell at that, looking down in shame. "Despite their methods… the Phantom Thieves are the result of my failure to reach every person. And it… it hurts to know that."
"But Yagi-san… you know that you can't-"
"Save everyone. I'm well aware. It's what I told myself when I saw the news of Kamoshida's abuse. That I couldn't have known. But… my influence is supposed to reach those who need it, rather than myself. Perhaps the influence of the Symbol of Peace has weakened in these past years." Toshinori declared, his brow hardening. "I can't… stop until I've done what I can to fix that."
Tsukauchi's voice fell to a low whisper, his breath trembling. "But if you don't stop soon… you're going to die. "You can't keep pushing yourself until you drop. What about-"
"Don't worry… I'm still considering Nighteye's ward. But not yet. If I give him the power now, it will slowly begin to fade from me. I will pass on the power… but not until I've done all I can as the Symbol of Peace."
Tsukauchi felt conflicting emotions rise, both relieved to hear that he was ready to pass it on, but also worried that Toshinori would push himself beyond his limits before then. Knowing him well, the police officer had little doubt that the latter was highly probable.
"Yagi-san… your work as the Symbol of Peace is simply amazing. But that doesn't mean that villains will just… disappear. There's always going to be evildoers out there. And you shouldn't feel guilty because they're around."
"No… I promised my master I would create a world she could look on with pride. This past month shows that we-" Toshinori was cut off when he hacked for air, blood dripping at the edges of his mouth. Tsukauchi quickly reached for a napkin, but Toshinori held a hand up, waving him off. "I-I'm okay… I'm okay."
"Yagi-san… if you keep pushing like this-"
"I can only keep pushing, Tsukauchi. Only until I've made sure that I've done all I can before passing on my power," Toshinori declared, determination blazing in his icy blue eyes. "I'll go Plus Ultra in this next year. Then I will be ready."
Toshinori didn't mention a specific but important detail. Something that was still a secret between both him and Nighteye. But at the moment, this was the furthest thing from Toshinori's mind.
Their conversation came to an abrupt end when the Big Bang Burger shook. The two raised a brow before looking out the window. A giant balloon man was lumbering through the streets and crushing cars underfoot.
"Don't hire me, huh?! I'll show you all! I can do office work!"
Tsukauchi and Toshinori stared in befuddlement before the lanky man stood from his seat. "I suppose that's my cue."
"Well… you know what I'll say, but it won't stop you." Tsukauchi sighed, giving a nod. "Good luck out there, All Might."
"Right. Leave it to me!" Toshinori grinned widely before running outside and into the alley. Not long afterward, the Number One Hero erupted onto the scene and smashed his fist into the balloon man.
"Disgruntled or not, you won't be allowed to take your frustrations out on everyday citizens!" All Might proclaimed.
"For I am here!"
Tsukauchi stood from his seat soon after, making sure to report the incident occurring outside. He watched as All Might continued to knock the giant off its feet.
Please… take care of yourself, All Might.
A figure draped in a black trench coat quietly walked through the neon-lit streets of Kamino. His face was covered with a white surgical mask, his eyes hidden behind round frame sunglasses and his hair propped up in a fedora.
Some might consider his appearance to be suspicious, but it was a common sight for strangely dressed people to lurk in the in the back alleys of Kamino. The citizens were too busy with their day-to-day problems to notice or simply didn't care. Anyone who might have paid him any mind simply kept walking.
So when the figure walked into a shady hole in the wall bar, it didn't draw anyone's attention.
"Ah, young master. It's been some time since we last saw you here." The figure looked up to the bartender, a man made entirely of black mist, who stared back at him with pupiless yellow eyes.
"Hello, Kurogiri." he greeted, walking up to the bar and taking a seat before drawing the mask from his face, though leaving the glasses and fedora on. "It seems things are quiet here. I thought Tomura-san might be loitering here as usual."
"Shigaraki has been… anxious, lately. More so than usual," Kurogiri sighed, setting a cup down in front of the young man.
"It doesn't surprise me. He's been wanting to hunt down All Might for some time, now. But he hasn't shown any signs of slowing as of late. I'm sure it's driving Tomura-san mad." The disguised boy chuckled, looking down at his cup. "Might I get a whiskey on the rocks?"
"If you really want one. Though I don't believe you would want the smell of alcohol to ruin your image," Kurogiri said, crossing his arms behind his back.
The young man chuckled, "I suppose you have a point… I wasn't really interested anyways. Though it is nice to have the option available."
"Of course. It would hardly make sense to withhold a drink from you because you're underage. I believe we've both broken greater laws," Kurogiri gave a short laugh of his own. "So, what brings you here, young master? Most of your reports have been over the phone. Tokyo is more than an hour away by bullet train."
"I simply wished to pay a visit. Tokyo certainly has its charms, but when you're constantly surrounded by intolerable snobs, it begins to wear on you," He shrugged with an amused smile. "Besides, it can be rather fun to poke Tomura-san's buttons from time to time."
The bell to the bar's front door chimed. Both Kurogiri and the disguised young man turned to face the newcomer standing in the doorway. It was a scruffy white haired man decked out in all black, He glared at the boy sitting at the bar through one of many disembodied hands decorating his upper half..
"Tch. Just the person I didn't want to see today."
"Ah, Tomura-san. Here I was expecting to only be entertained by Kurogiri tonight." The disguised young man smiled, turning in his chair with a shit-eating grin. "Come and join us, would you?"
"Just hurry up and leave," Tomura scoffed. He walked over to the bar and sat two seats away from him. "Something strong, Kurogiri. I want to forget this guy is even here."
"Shigaraki…"
"Shut up and do it, idiot."
"I don't understand why you always mistreat Kurogiri, Tomura-san. He has done well by both of us, after all, Good leaders don't push valuable subordinates away." The tone of his voice was too polite, condescending even. He knew this would grate on Shigaraki's nerves.
"Shut your trap. You're the last person I want advice from." Tomura snatched a cup of hard liquor out of Kurogiri's hands. "Shouldn't you be back in Tokyo playing up that harmless good guy schtick?"
"Well, I had a report to give to our master. I also thought I'd drop by and check on you. Figured you might like some company considering your inability to attack All Might like you wanted."
"You bastard… you just came to laugh at me," Tomura's blood-red eyes practically glowed in the dim-lit room. "You're lucky master won't let me kill you. Though I wonder if that applies to making that jaw of yours disintegrate. I'm sure your fans would love that."
"Come now, Tomura-san. Relying on threats now? You used to be so much better at throwing insults." He rested his cheek in one hand. "I think you're letting your anger get the better of you."
"Like a Quirkless brat like you could understand. What I'm doing takes a lot more than a shit-eating smile for the cameras." The cup in his hand turned to dust in his grip.
"Ah, there it is. It seems all you needed was some prodding. A few more drinks and maybe you'll forget your failure soon enough."
"You little…"
"Alright, you two. That's enough."
(My Hero Academia OST: You Can't Run)
A mirthful laugh echoed around them. The three immediately turned their attention to a television at the end of the bar. A figure shrouded in darkness appeared on the screen.
"Greetings, sir," Kurogiri said with a polite bow.
"Master," Tomura and the disguised young man uttered at the same time.
"You two ever so love to tease one another. While it's all in good humor, we all know where such banter can lead," their 'master' said, his voice low but sweet to their ears. "We should be celebrating your reunion, instead. After all, you've been stuck in Tokyo for some time."
"Sadly, I can't stay for long. After all, I do have an image to maintain." The young man smiled at the television. "Still, it's good to see you a bit more directly this time, master."
"The same to you. I imagine things must be going well for you if you've come all the way to Kamino for your report. Is that man still ignorant to your true intentions?"
"I do believe so. Even if he's aware, I'm far too useful for him to get rid of anytime soon. He'll likely bide his time. While I will do the same." The young man's smile grew into a devilish sneers.
"Tch. You're just dragging this out longer than you should," Tomura scoffed, turning back to the bar and picking up his drink. "You should just hurry up and end him. You're just giving the 'final boss' a chance to level up until he's too strong for you."
"I appreciate the thought, Tomura-san… but I'll be doing this my way. Killing him would be too easy. I want him to have everything before losing everything." His voice dripped with hatred and resentment.
Their 'master' laughed heartily. "There's nothing wrong with proceeding with your plans at your own pace. But remember that my offer is still on the table. We can end him at a moment's notice. You only have to say the word."
"I do appreciate the offer. And if I feel that he's going to make a move earlier than originally guessed, I will take it into consideration." He gave a small a small bow of his head. "But I have to do this my way. Only then will I feel fulfilled. Only then will I be ready to accept a Quirk from you, master."
"I understand. We three all carry that same hatred. We must fulfill it in the ways most satisfying for us." His master chuckled. A machine beeped from his end of the screen. "So, was that all you wished to say?"
The smile on the young man's face fell into a resting frown. "No, not entirely. I'm sure you've all heard of these 'Phantom Thieves of Hearts' by now, correct?"
"Tch, yeah. Another group of do-gooders. What about them?" Tomura huffed, sipping from his drink.
"I believe they're using methods similar to mine to cause these 'changes of heart' in their victims."
This brought Tomura and Kurogiri to pause.
"I see. Someone else with access to that world like you." Their master linked his hands together. "Does this pose a problem to your plans?"
"Not at all, but it's debatable if things will remain that way. If they continue to target bigger criminals, they just may end up with that man in their crosshairs. But I need to learn more about them before such an idea becomes palpable."
"I see. Proceed with caution, then. Though I believe I don't need to tell you that." Their master nodded. "I'm sure you'll be able to deduce their intentions and identities in time. Though, would you like help dealing with them when the time comes?"
"I should be fine alone. Whoever they are, I don't believe they have the same experience I do in that world. Besides, it might be fun to play them up a bit before setting up their ultimate downfall," the young man shrugged, leaning forward on the bar. "They might make for an interesting 'rival' until the time comes. As things are now, I'm truly unopposed. Having someone to challenge might not be so bad."
"If that's what you believe, then go ahead. But temper your expectations… and your pride." The warm voice turned grave. "An upstart can turn into your worst nightmare if left alone too long."
"Of course. I won't drop my guard simply for fun. I'll handle them all in time."
Kaneshiro griinned as one of his men open a silver briefcase packed to the brim with money.
"This is the earnings of the month, boss. Your plan to distribute those drugs around has been really taking off!" his lackey praised.
"Of course it did, moron. I'm a genius." He leaned over his spoils and pulling out a wad of cash. He listened to the yen flip as he dragged his thumb down the end. "What a beautiful sound. Looks like we're going to celebrate tonight."
"Yay~! You're so amazing, honey!" The arm candy next to him giggled, leaning over and allowing him to lock her hips with his.
"We're proud to call you our boss!" His lackeys chanted, each of them grinning.
"Well, don't just stand there. Get us some drinks!" Kaneshiro ordered, causing his men to scramble.
"Yes sir!"
Those idiots in the Eight Precepts thought I couldn't do anything. But who needs a good Quirk when you're so damn smart? Kaneshiro placed the stack back in the case before leaning back on the couch. I'll show those fools. Once I've made enough money, they'll understand who they doubted so much.
"B-Boss!"
Kaneshiro frowned when he heard one of the grunts yelp. The panic in his tone ruined Kaneshiro's good mood. "What is it?"
"I-It's um… it's HQ. They just called…"
Kaneshiro tensed up briefly, but he managed to regain his composure soon enough. "What about them? Out with it already."
"T-They're um… on their way here."
Every hair on Kaneshiro's body stood on end. "R-Right now?! You're shitting me! What did they say?!"
"J-Just that they were coming to pay you a visit! They didn't say why!" The grunt squirmed under his gaze.
"Who exactly?! Who's coming?!"
"T-They said… the boss himself."
Kaneshiro was persperating before, but now he was drenched with sweat. "N-No… Chisaki is..?" He stood up from the couch, tugging his arm away from his girlfriend. "Get everyone out! Clear this club out before he gets here! Make sure it's clean as a fucking whistle!"
"But babe, I thought we were-"
"You! Get the hell out! I don't have time for your shit right now!" He threw her to the floor, not bothering to watch her run off and wail. "And you! Take the money and put it in the back!"
"Y-Yes sir! We-"
"Don't bother. It can stay."
Kaneshiro's purple skin turned a paler shade, his arms falling limp at his sides. To his horror, the man he feared most waltzed in with complete disregard for the thugs standing around.
He was a young man in his twenties as gaunt and pale as the grim reaper himself. Purple fur lined the collar of the forest green bomber jacket he wore over a dark dress shirt and slacks. His piercing gold eyes contrasted sharply with his spiky black hair. The lower half of his face was completely hidden by a gold-tipped plague doctor's mask while his hands were kept in surgical gloves.
"B-B-Boss!" Kaneshiro whimpered. He immediately bowed his head in supplication. His men immediately followed suit. "Welcome! I-It's a pleasure to have you here with us!"
"I wish it was a pleasure to come here," Chisaki coughed as he took a whiff of the air. "This place is still a pigsty."
"I-I'm sorry that it's not up to your standards, sir! We'll try to improve from now on!" Kaneshiro spewed out, raising his head to look at his subordinates. "Hey! Hurry up and bring a chair for the boss! And make sure it's clean!"
"Y-Yes sir!"
"It's alright. The couch seems fine." Chisaki sauntered over to the couch Kaneshiro had been sitting on. His eyes narrowed as he looked back atKaneshiro. "Which part did you sit on?"
"R-Right here…"
"Okay." Chisaki immediately moved to the side that the fat gangster had not been sitting on. Kaneshiro would have normally been pissed or agitated by the action, but the overwhelming fear he felt dispelled that kind of thinking. "Someone come and prep this for me."
"Yes sir!" Two grunts rushed over, brushed the cushion off and laid out plastic wrap for him to sit on. Chisaki let out a small hum before nodding, taking a seat on the couch and crossing his arms.
"Your men are well-disciplined, Kaneshiro. I thought they'd all be slobs mucking the place up."
Kaneshiro tried his best to make his laughter seem natural. "O-Of course, boss! I make sure my men know their place!"
"Is that right?" His eyes bored into Kaneshiro's skull. "Because I get the feeling you don't know yours."
Kaneshiro dropped to his knees and prostrated himself before him. "P-Please forgive me, sir! I-I know exactly where my place is under you!"
"Do you? Funny." Kaneshiro swallowed hard when Chisaki opened the suitcase of yen. "Because this looks like a lot of money. Now, unless this dump is doing twenty times better than I estimated when I gave it to you, I can't help but feel that you're doing something else on the side."
"W-Well, sir-"
"After I specifically told you not to."
Kaneshiro summoned his courage, slowly raising his head and holding his hands up in surrender. "I-I understand, boss. B-But you also said we needed to make more money! I-I simply set out with a plan and have been able to accumulate a vast amount of money in a short amount of time! All for the good of the clan, like you wanted!"
"All for the clan, huh?" Chisaki picked up a stack of cash and flipped through its contents. "Don't get me wrong. I've got no problem with the idea of peddling drugs. I don't care who you use or how. But the moment one of your men slips up, or your little drug runners gets caught by a cop, it falls apart."
"W-We could easily silence any idiot who would cross us, though! We wouldn't-"
"The Heroes would be all over that. Say what you want about All Might, but he's made operations like this look like complete shitshows." Chisaki placed the money back in the case. "And if your drug peddling brought attention to us before we're ready to even begin trying to produce those bullets, we'd be dead in the water. All. Thanks. To you."
Kaneshiro grit his teeth, struggling to keep his disdain hidden.
This little shit! I've been doing this work while you were still in grade school! Don't act like you know better!
But he kept his mouth shut and took it. He couldn't risk talking back to this man.
"As much as we need more money, it won't mean anything if we end up getting busted before we can even use it." Chisaki continued, staring forward at the suitcase. "This is a good amount of money, though. We'll accept this and put an end to your operation now before it gets too big."
"B-But sir! I promise it can get bigger without causing too much noise! If only you would-"
Kaneshiro froze when Chisaki placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Kaneshiro. I'm well aware of the kind of man you are," he said, his voice void of any emotion. "You're ambitious. People can say what they want about you and your Quirk, but I can tell. You don't need one to succeed."
"Huh?" Kaneshiro blinked owlishly, staring wide eyed at Chisaki in awe.
Is he… acknowledging me?
"You're a man who sees an opportunity and tries to make something good out of it. It's rather admirable."
Kaneshiro felt his heart lighten. He never heard such praise from any of his brothers above him. Most had treated him like a joke, calling him a fat waste of space. T-This is…
"In most cases, a man like you would be a valuable asset to me."
Kaneshiro immediately tensed up when the fabric of his suit exploded from his body. His heart pounded in his ears when he realized that the surgical glove on Chisaki's right hand was missing.
"But that kind of ambition… it's just a hindrance."
Kaneshiro wanted to cry out in pain. His skin and blood bubbled just from Chisaki's touch. He trembled viciously as he weakly attempted to wriggle free. "P-Please, b-boss…" He squealed, tears streaming down his face. "I-I can be… valuable…"
"No. Your problem is that you're too ambitious, Kaneshiro. I've got no doubt that you would turn on us eventually. Maybe even sell us out to some Heroes and the police," Chisaki shook his head casually. Kaneshiro swelled up like a balloon ready to burst at the slightest touch. "Maybe even use the drug peddling business to your advantage and point everyone our way. And I can't have that."
"P-Please-boss!"
"I won't let anyone's ambition get in the way of my own. I'll pay back the boss…"
*POP*
"... And cure this world of its sickness."
The blood drained from all of Kaneshiro's lackeys. It happened so quickly. None of them could process exactly what happened to their boss. Some of them vomited while others trembled where they stood, fearing what would come next.
"Shit, this is the worst part of doing this…" Chisaki grumbled, whipping his arm to toss the blood off. " Hey, one of you bring me a towel and alcohol wipes."
"Y-Yes sir!" The men scrambled for the requested items. None of them wanted to be the next target of Chisaki's terrifying Quirk.
He paid the goons no mind, narrowing his eyes as he scrubbed the blood off himself with a moist towelette he had in his pocket. "So dirty… everything is so dirty…" Hives broke out across his face. The yakuza boss growled and scrubbed even harder.
"I'll clean it all… and anyone else who gets in my way."
To be continued…
Thanks as always goes to reppuzan for helping me clean this up!
Well, that was certainly a big chapter. Perhaps not in length, but in scope. A lot is coming out from the big news of the Phantom Thieves, and not just that everyone's starting to notice them. We're seeing everyone it affects… as well as what it changes.
I wanted to make sure my easter eggs were placed well across the chapter, and that they all were relevant in one way or another to the overall arching story. My beta reader wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything there for nothing, so I made sure to only include things that will hold relevance as the story goes on.
And now begins the biggest canon deviation to date. Kaneshiro has been eliminated from the game, and I'm sure you can all guess who will be taking his place as the next Palace target.
Things got a bit gruesome there at the end, but there's nothing very gentle about Chisaki's deconstruction Quirk. And no one more suited to be in possession of something so terrifying.
Though even Chisaki's introduction to the story might not be considered the biggest revelation considering some of the things that went on here. I'm sure that people who have beaten Persona 5 will understand this the most.
One thing I would like to address is that, yes, that was Kasumi from the Royal trailer. It came with much debate between me and my beta and a friend, but ultimately I didn't want to exclude her. She's going to be in the story, though her real relevance to everything will come later, perhaps when I've spaced things enough so that I can know the full scope of her integration into the group. Just know that I won't jump the gun and have her join the team willy nilly. I'm going to make sure I get adequate information before that happens. So, effectively consider her sidelined. Why she hasn't come up in the story yet will be explained in the next chapter.
Anyways, that's all I've got for this chapter. I do hope you all enjoyed this, as I've been planning a lot of these reveals for a while now. Please be sure to leave a review, a follow and a favorite if you'd be so kind. And maybe even add to the TVTropes page when you get the chance. Later!