The room that Izuku Midoriya currently occupies is as plain as his appearance, consisting only of spartan furniture and a recorder the same way Midoriya's green hair may mildly stand out. Each chair is chained on either side of a table that's bolted to the floor, but Midoriya hasn't so much as squirmed in his seat to be quite as shackled down. The absence of a two way mirror or a video camera in any of the room's four corners doesn't make the ensuing interaction any less of an interrogation though.
A steel door pushes open, Commissioner Naomasa Tsukauchi coming into the small space. He doesn't enter the room alone. Behind him is Sansa Tamakawa, recently appointed Lieutenant at the precinct. Tamakawa carries a small old school television box set and Tsukauchi holds a handful of manilla folders, until each policeman places their stuff on the table. Midoriya raises an eyebrow, but doesn't say anything. There's handcuffs still bound to his wrists and nobody has yet to explain the reason for his arrest, but he still remains cooperatively quiet.
The Lieutenant with the head of a ginger tabby cat glances in Midoriya's direction before leaving the room and closing the steel door behind himself. Now just Tsukauchi and Midoriya, the commissioner sits down across from the detained. He takes a moment to flip open one of the folders on the table, looking inside for himself, and then presses a button on the recorder.
"Mister Midoriya. Do you know why you're here?", Tsukauchi closes the folder and looks up to address the man across from him. His rectangular eyes are set in a hard stare behind the frame of his glasses.
Despite having wracked his brain about it for the past few hours, Midoriya genuinely doesn't. Or, at least, he hopes he doesn't know. The thought had crossed his mind that a connection was made between him and his acts of vigilantism as Batman, but even so, he and the commissioner are on relatively good relations that he wouldn't expect to be arrested if that were the case. So he shakes his head and answers honestly, "No. Could you please explain what's going on, commissioner?"
Tsukauchi's lie detecting quirk lets him know that Midoriya is telling the truth, so he obliges. The television that Tamakawa carried in gets turned on so that it can play a tape. In considerably good quality and clear colored picture, the screen shows what looks like Izuku Midoriya shaking hands with Kagero Okuta at the Iceberg Lounge. Formerly Giran and now known as Penguin, it seems as though he is in the company of a criminal. Already, Midoriya is putting together the puzzle pieces to what he's seeing and why he was taken into custody instead of Intelli.
The person he's seeing on the television must be Himiko Toga posing as him. It's quite possible that with the aid of Trigger and her quirk evolution, she no longer needs a person's DNA to match their appearance. Toga had good relations with Penguin during the time of The League Of Villains when he was Giran, so it must have been easy to set up a meeting and frame him as Izuku Midoriya.
"We haven't been able to get ahold of your flightless feathered friend, but that sure does look like you speaking with him.", Tsukauchi pauses the video but keeps the television on as he applies more pressure to his accusation, "Your reputation as it is doesn't make it all that surprising you'd be hanging out in a nightclub, but you certainly chose the wrong one."
The accused waves a cuffed hand in denial, "I've never shared company with that man." Not as Izuku Midoriya anyways, he thinks. "As a businessman, or anything else for that matter, I will never associate myself with or make dealings with people of that stature.", the fabricated footage says otherwise but Midoriya knows he has a chance of getting his name cleared so long as Tsukauchi's quirk registers his words as truth.
The commissioner does hesitate, but only momentarily. Tsukauchi opens the folder in front of him and slides a set of papers across the table for Midoriya to read. "That's not what your company's records say.", the documents date back to when his father was alive. Midoriya takes them in his hand, peering closer at the details. "Hisashi Midoriya had worked with some shady people in the past. Not to mention one of the few he hired is still under your employ.", Tsukauchi studies Midoriya as intently as Midoriya studies the pages that he's holding, "Could the apple have not fallen far from the tree?"
"What are– Who.. ?", Midoriya falters as he reads the name of his caretaker. Kurogiri had been associated with some less than legal characters, and so had his father apparently. The paper trail and the reason for his wealth suddenly starts to make sense. The reason why his father had left for America was to flee the country of Japan and stay out of their legal jurisdiction, not just because of a 'business opportunity'.
Witnessing the distraught range of emotions in Midoriya's facial expressions, Tsukauchi starts to reconsider his initial judgment. "You didn't know.. Did you?", he comes to his own realization as he watches Midoriya slouch in his seat.
"No.. I didn't..", Midoriya mumbles a weak whisper. Internally, he's falling apart. He starts to question what his life mission is all about. He had dedicated himself to being Batman for the sake of his family and now he's finding out that they were involved in the very same crime he swore to fight. The paper in his hand crumples as his grip tightens on it.
"I'm sorry.", Tsukauchi leans back in his chair as he gauges Midoriya's sincerity. Becoming just as despondent, he replies with his own share of sympathy, "I didn't realize that this would all come as a shock to you."
Midoriya stares at the papers that he's holding, still not quite believing what he's read over and over. Eventually, he raises his head to shift his gaze from them to Tsukauchi and asks, "How did you find all of this out?"
"When you enrolled Eri at U.A, Intelli uncovered some rather.. 'Unsavory' details, pertaining to both Eri and yourself.", Tsukauchi adjusts his glasses as he recomposes himself. He's reminded of the case at hand and puts aside any condolences for the time being.
Reminded of the pro hero and principal, he realizes that she truly was only doing her job. He clears her of suspicion, also realizing how suspicious he must have seemed to her as well. "She was only looking out for Eri.", it starts to make sense to him now that he knows she was the one to gather research on the Yakuza investigation coupled with Eri's adoption.
Tsukauchi can practically see the gears and cogs spinning in Midoriya's mind over the revelation. After discovering it was actually his own family and guardian who were the bad guys, the commissioner deems it necessary to remind Midoriya that, "Not everyone is corrupted by the system, Mister Midoriya."
Midoriya's eyes focus on Tsukauchi as he takes those words in. Swallowing and then smiling the faintest of smiles, he nods. "No.. Not everyone.", Midoriya agrees.
Realizing that Midoriya is staring at him, Tsukauchi clears his throat and breaks the eye contact. "Even though I'd like to say this has all been resolved, there's still a few concerns that I'd like to go over with you.", he pauses before regaining his composure a second time, "As a matter of fact, you may have presented me with more questions than answers now."
"Somebody's posing as me.", Midoriya starts with the most prominent one. He gestures with his head towards the television monitor where his doppleganger and Penguin are on screen. He can't exactly come out and accuse Toga since he as Izuku wouldn't know of her, but he can at least put Tsukauchi on the right warpath.
Registering the explanation as truth, Tsukauchi hums. Whether Midoriya merely believes that wholeheartedly or actually knows for certain he's been set up, he doesn't know. So he asks, "Any reason as to why?"
Midoriya sits up straight and shrugs as he considers the possibilities of motive, "Aside from my family's fortune or my reputation? I think I'll need to take extra precautionary measures so that nobody can walk into my company building wearing my face and then back out with any of the equipment we're developing."
Tsukauchi nods as he mulls over the countless possibilities. "Yes, I guess though a concern, we can consider that pure coincidence with our other revelations.", he puts the matter aside since it doesn't correlate or connect with the other issues. And moves on to the next, "And what about Kurogiri?"
At that one, Midoriya falters. Reminded of the betrayal and secrets, his posture hunches. "He.. He practically raised me.", Midoriya reflects on what very little of a childhood that he had and how he owes it to his surrogate father. Kurogiri had taught him how to shave, how to cook and clean, even how to defend himself and fight. "There was never any indication that he would be.. What did he do?", Midoriya can't keep the subjectivity out of his voice.
Tsukauchi watches Midoriya closely from behind the frames of his glasses, "Nothing without enough evidence for us to have brought him in with you." He can see how much of an internal battle the man is having over the matter, "You're taking this rather hard, I imagine."
"Can you leave him to me? Maybe I can get a confession or..", Midoriya jumps at the chance that Kurogiri could be innocent, "Or maybe it's all a big misunderstanding! That has to be it!" But there's also a side to him that waits in the shadows, a side that knows the truth and has already accepted it. A side that seems familiar to the commissioner, but can't be placed.
"I don't think this is something we can easily allow to fall under the radar.", Tsukauchi suddenly wishes he had a hot mug of coffee for this conversation to go down a little easier. "But I can be tolerant of the fact that you're willing to help detrimentally.", he's not sure how to broach the situation otherwise so he gives Midoriya an olive branch.
"Thank you.", Midoriya takes what he can get and nods gratefully. He then gestures to the documents spilled out across the table in front of him, "I'd also like a copy of these forms. I think it's only right that I return some of these funds to their rightful owners."
Tsukauchi blinks in surprise before nodding with mock appreciation, "Your lawyers and whatnot should be able to handle the legal jargon for you, but that sounds like a good move."
But Midoriya shakes his head, emphasizing, "It's not for PR. I'd give up every last dime if it meant setting things straight."
Surprised again, Tsukauchi is at a loss for words. After a moment, he smiles and gives a small bow as a sign of respect, "You're a better person than I took you for, Mister Midoriya."
Midoriya's eyes widen when he realizes his reputation doesn't mesh well with his current lack of performance. The playboy philanthropist act may be falling apart. He scratches behind his ear while feigning a laugh. "Well, having a daughter now makes it a little easier to move on from being a womanizer.", it's a lame excuse but it's one he can only hope the commissioner buys.
Reminded of the young girl that Midoriya adopted, Tsukauchi's smile falls away. "Yes, that brings us to Eri. I have several questions about her.", he's returned to his serious demeanor and leans forward to hear what the girl's guardian has to say.
"I meant what I said. I didn't have shading dealings with the Yakuza or any other criminal organization, ever.", Midoriya matches the energy with his own serious state.
Which reassures the commissioner, "I was just making sure.", he lets out a sigh of relief that his quirk told him Midoriya was telling the truth with that statement. But that sigh quickly turns into one of exasperation, "Well, it looks like I'm back to square one when it comes to who wiped them out."
Midoriya raises a single brow at that. He can't help but want to laugh at the prospect of him taking out the entire Shie Hassaikai, with his training and gadgets or not. "I appreciate your confidence in the quirkless.", he can't keep the amusement out of his tone.
Coming to the same humorous conclusion, Tsukauchi hides his embarrassment, "Good point." Only worsening it when he does a doubletake and realizes what he said, "I didn't mean to sound discriminatory."
"No offense taken.", but Midoriya graciously waves it off.
Getting back on topic, Tsukauchi shifts in his seat to get comfortable. "So, mind telling me how you came under the care of Eri then?", he levels his gaze with Midoriya's.
Immediately, Midoriya averts his eyes. "Uuhh.. I'm not sure how much I'm able to disclose.", he carefully considers what he wants to share since he's limited to lying due to the commissioner's quirk. And eventually settles on, "It's actually a shared custody sortof thing. A former licensed hero performed a rescue op and then asked me to take her in. I guess she thought I'd make a good candidate because of my past."
Registering all of that as the truth, Tsukauchi nods along. He tilts his head and asks, "I take it you're unable to share a name?"
Midoriya hesitates. He doesn't want to get Shiretoko into any trouble. "Do I have to?", he keeps avoiding eye contact and hopes that the commissioner won't push the issue.
Turns out, he doesn't really have to. "You said 'former' licensed hero. Does that mean this person is operating as a vigilante now?", Tsukauchi begins drawing his own conclusions instead.
"I don't really know what the legal situation is, but maybe?", Midoriya shrugs as he tries to keep his answer as vague as possible. Considering her past and quirklessness, the response isn't exactly a lie. Not to mention her relative retirement.
"Fair enough. I won't pry.", Tsukauchi sighs in surrender before relaxing in his chair, "Well Mister Midoriya, it seems Eri is in good care and your story checks out despite a few hangups. You're clear of any charges and free to go."
Standing up to take his leave, Midoriya thanks the commissioner and wishes him a good night. Tamakawa opens the door and the exonerated goes home. Though, free to walk the world doesn't equate to being free of his own mind. He has a lot to think about after learning the truth of his father's fortune and Kurogiri's employment. If Kurogiri had known the whole time, he wonders about his mother. It sends him into a spiral.
When he does return to the manor, he goes straight beyond it and to the cave. There, he's able to conduct more research on himself and his family using the supercomputer built into the depths. He looks back through all the records Intelli found and relays them with what Tsukauchi copied for him. Then he cross references the documents with what only he is capable of accessing from his own company. It's laundered money. Blood money. Dirty cash. He considers following what must also be a paper trail but ultimately decides it can wait for later.
There are much more pressing matters. Such as the ever elusive enigma riddler who's identity is still unknown. The only clue he's got now is what must have been Himiko Toga massacarding as him in the Iceberg Lounge. It's a lead he'll have to follow and uncover more information on. The horned cowl and cape beckons him to go in like a bat out of hell. But he again decides to unravel the mystery a little more first.
The face of Izuku Midoriya is needed for once. He throws on a black coat, pulling the hood over his head. Just as he's about to ride out on a motorcycle, Kurogiri enters the vehicle bay. He stops. Seeing the accused caretaker freezes him like a deer in headlights.
Kurogiri is just short of being frantic as he asks, "Sir! Where have you been? Your secretary called, and Eri has been asking for you." Midoriya can only hear the concern in his butler's voice. He can't hear the supposed criminal that Tsukauchi claimed Kurogiri to be.
Realizing that his caretaker is still waiting on an answer, he fixes his head forward on the runway to leave. "Am I not allowed to have my secrets, Kurogiri?", it's a subtle jab at the lie he's been told his entire life that he eventually responds with.
"I.. beg your pardon?", Kurogiri doesn't understand in the slightest. The purple wisp of smoke that makes up his body tilts in a shape that inquiries an explanation.
Unsure of what Eri told him or if Kurogiri is even aware of his being detained, Midoriya brushes it all off by saying, "Tell the board they'll be able to save whatever money they'll have left by removing my chair. The rest can go to funding a dorm at U.A for Eri."
Even more baffled, Kurogiri's yellow slants broaden in shock. "Sir? Izuku? I don't understand. Why are- ?", he's cut off by the sharp intake of a fuel injected engine. The growl of the motorcycle overtakes his words.
"Because there is no Izuku Midoriya.", but not the bike's rider's.
"What are you saying?", Kurogiri starts to reach out to stop Midoriya from riding off but stops short when he sees the man's expression.
"Izuku Midoriya is a mask I wear. That I've been wearing since I was a child.. But it's become a liability, so it's over now.", his face and tone is a lot like the night he made a vow to become Batman. He's devoted to a cause. To his mission.
Afraid of losing the boy he barely managed to keep alive after the shooting that night long ago, who may as well have also been shot, Kurogiri takes a step forward. "You.. You can't possibly mean that..", but what he sees in front of him is shadowed by the hood being worn.
The hooded figure of who that boy became looks away, "I do. Izuku Midoriya and his troubles aren't my concern anymore.", his gaze fixed forward on the cave's mouth where bats fly out to roam the night.
"Where does that leave us?", Kurogiri silently pleads for him not to go.
"You have your job. Do it.", but the man that the boy has become is cold and distant.
Reminded of the boy's father and his other employer before then, Kurogiri begins to panic. He wanted to keep the boy from growing into something awful such as them. A side that Kurogiri had almost forgotten of himself, perhaps a past life, had intended to help the boy become a hero and not a villain. "No. Us. You and me. If there is no Izuku Midoriya then who did I care for? Who did I raise? Can you answer me that!?", he keeps stepping closer and extends his arms for a hug.
Before he can wrap his arms around the one he cared for, he's again stopped. "I'm leaving now. Whatever is left of Izuku Midoriya stays up in that manor.", by the roar of the engine that leaves the cave.