Finally back people! Thanks to everyone who reviewed and all those who keep favoriting and following and whatnot! Your support really means a lot to me! Also, little note concerning the pairing: I've finalyl decided which one, but I'm not telling! You'll find out as the story goes on ;-)
Warning: Kira's language,
Enjoy!
"This whole 'Villain revival'… We took it too lightly."
"Too lightly?" scoffed Ren, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles had turned white. "That's a fucking understatement."
"Suttoki-san, I understand that you are upset, but-"
"Upset?" echoed the white-haired man. He rose to his feet, his chair loudly scrapping on the floor. "Oh, I'm more than upset, Midnight. I'm downright pissed. The location of this training camp was supposed to be secret, so how the hell did the League of Villains, of all people, managed to find us!?"
"We have a mole, obviously," replied Present Mic, crossing his arms over his chest. "Someone spilled the beans, sold the information or something. Only us, the teachers, along with the Archivist and the Pussycats knew of their location. Of course, we have to consider that maybe one of the students is a suspect. If one of them used the GPS on their phones, then…"
"Cut it out, Mic," sighed Midnight.
"But he's right!" protested Ren. "Right now, the League of Villains has… has two of the students. We know that Kira was badly injured, and Bakugo… he's not exactly mentally stable. If they manage to sway him to their side… Ugh!"
Unable to hold it in any longer, Ren stormed out of the room. Slamming the door behind him, an heavy silence fell upon the teachers. They all looked down, frustrated.
They had failed, even though failure wasn't an option. How were they going to catch the fall now?
"She hasn't woken up yet?"
"Nope! Though maybe she has?"
"Who's keeping an eye on her?" sighed Hagane, pinching the bridge of his nose. Twice was one annoying guy alright. "Not Toga, right? I'd rather not have her around the little spitfire right now."
"Nan, I think it's Magne's turn right now… Sure hope she won't cause us any trouble, she's sleeping like a log!"
"Just… don't do anything stupid."
"Don't order me around! Though I won't, no worries!"
Hagane hung up, putting away his phone. With an heavy sigh, he massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming. The members of the League of Villains sure were a pain to handle, sometimes.
Ren's phone started ringing. At first surprised, he then realized who it was, and quickly answered.
"Nao-san," he greeted.
"Hey Ren. You hanging in there?"
"I guess. Any news on Kira's or the Villains' whereabouts?"
"About that… actually, I think we found the Villains' hideout, and I'm pretty sure that's where Kira and the other kid are held too. We're going to launch the mission. You want in?"
Ren's eyes sharpened a little. "Give me all the details."
One day later
.
.
"Hey, Midoriya! Looks like you're awake!"
Somewhat paralyzed because of his numerous injuries, Izuku could only tilt his head to see all of his classmates entering his room. His mind still a little fuzzy, he couldn't really recognize everyone from afar.
"Have you seen what's on TV?" wondered Kaminari. "The media's all over the school."
"Even worse than back in spring!" confirmed Sato.
"Here's a melon for you, we all pitched in!" Mineta piped in, showing the fruit. "It's a big one at that!"
Tokoyami lowered his head, somewhat ashamed. "I caused so much trouble for you, Midoriya… I'm really sorry."
"Nan… I'm the one who should be sorry…" replied the hospitalized boy, trapped in a medicine-induced daze. "Is everyone from Class A here...?"
"No," Iida answered, shaking his head. "Yaoyorozu-san received a terrible head wound. She's here at the hospital. Apparently, she only just regained consciousness yesterday. As for Jiro-san… she is at her home, refusing to see anyone. I'm afraid she might be blaming herself for what has happened to… to Kira-san."
The students all lowered their gazes at that. Shoto clenched his fist, feeling most of all the failure clawing at his guts.
Kira had been just before him. She was barely two meters away, just in his reach… but he couldn't save her. All that training to become a Hero… for what? For failing to save his friends when the time came?
"Kira… and Bakugo too…" Ashido mumbled. "They really were taken, uh?"
The door suddenly slammed open, startling all of them. However, it was simply Jiro, who walked inside with a determined look upon her face, Deku in her arms. Her eyes were still a little red, an obvious sign she had been crying, but there was an unwavering determination in them.
"Then let's go save them," she proposed, muscles stiff.
"… UH!?"
She sighed, closing the door behind her, and went to Izuku. She placed Deku on his bed, and the cat instantly started licking the boy's wounds.
"He's been restless since we came back," she informed. "I caught him trying to escape more than once. And remember how he kept following Kira around? Well, I'm pretty sure he can do it again, and that's what he's been trying to do for the last two days."
"This might be an important lead," agreed Iida. "However-"
"Wait!" Kirishima stepped in. "Talking about rescuing, we're of the same thoughts, Todoroki and I, but we've got a better idea."
"We actually came by the hospital yesterday," nodded the dual-haired boy. "We ran into All Might and the police, who were talking to Yaoyorozu."
"She gave them a tracking device," pursued the red-haired boy. "She managed to have Awase from Class B put a tracker on one of the Villains, and she gave the Heroes the device to track it."
"So you're saying… that Yaoyorozu-san could make another tracking device for us?" understood the class president. He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists. "No! It's just as All Might said. We ought to leave this matter to the Pros. It's not our place to interfere, you fools!"
"You think I don't know that!?" snapped Kirishima. "But still… I couldn't do anything! When I heard that they were after my buddy… that Kira was out there, fighting for her life… I couldn't do anything! I didn't do anything! If I don't act now… forget being a Hero, I'm not even a man!"
"Calm down, Kirishima," cringed Kaminari. "We get that you're hotheaded, but in this case…"
"Iida is right," agreed Tsuyu.
"That may be so… but it doesn't make things better," replied Jiro, her jaw clenched tightly. "I was there, damn it! I was with Kira! I was there when Hagane showed up, I could have stayed and help, I should have stayed with her, but she told me to run and get some help and I was stupid enough to listen! And now? Now, she's gone. You told us… you told us that she was so injured it made her cry, and then- then Villains took her too!"
Frustrated tears were now gathering in her eyes.
"Jiro-chan-"
"I won't stand back any longer," she assured, wiping the tears away with a firm scowl. "Kira and Bakugo… they're not out of our reach just yet! And damn it all, I'll go alone if I have to, but I'm saving them."
Her breathing was ragged, she would obviously go through with it. Kirishima placed an hand on her shoulder in a supportive gesture, drawing her attention.
"The Villains did say we were on their hit list, but then they took Bakugo alive," pointed out Shoto, next to them. "Still, we can't be sure they won't kill him. As for Kira… she tried to warn us of something, but Hagane stopped her. My guess would be that she found out some information he'd rather keep hidden, though I doubt she's in any actual danger at the moment. Still, Kirishima, Jiro-san and myself will go, if no one else."
"You… HAVE GOT TO BE JOCKING!" raged Iida, out of himself.
"Hang on. Calm down," intervened Shoji. "I get it. Kirishima's pain over not being able to do anything… Jiro's regrets over having run… Todoroki's regrets over having Kira snatched away before his eyes… I regret it all too. Still, this is no time to let our emotions get the better of us."
"Let's just leave it to All Might," proposed Aoyama. "Besides, we're not allowed to fight anymore."
"Aoyama's right," agreed Tokoyami. "Though I'm hardly one to talk, after having just been saved myself…"
"We're all still in shock over Bakugo and Kira's kidnapping," remarked softly Tsuyu, as unperturbed as ever. "So we have to think about this calmly. It doesn't matter how righteous our feelings are. If we start another fight… if we break the law… then we're no better than the Villains."
That brought down their determined spirits somewhat. Jiro gritted her teeth, unable to protest. Because, even though it was hard to hear, it was only the truth.
The ugly, ugly truth.
Every passing second is one more they pass in danger…
There suddenly was a knock on the door, and a doctor showed up. "Sorry to interrupt, but it's time for Midoriya's examination, so…"
"L-let's get going, then," proposed Sero, sweating nervously. "See you later, Midoriya!"
As the rest of the students left the room, though, Kirishima, Shoto and Jiro stayed behind, staring at Deku as he snuggled against the injured boy.
"Had Kira been here, she would have been the first to go after Bakugo and anyone else who might have been taken," remarked the purple-haired girl, her voice shaking a little. "I can't- I can't leave her like that. Not now. Not again."
"We feel the same way," assured the red-haired boy, before turning to Izuku. "I talked to Yaoyorozu yesterday. If we're going, it has to be soon… tonight. Look, I'm not sure if you can even move in your condition, but you're still welcome to join us, because I'm ready to bet this is hurting you more than the rest of us."
"We'll be waiting outside the hospital, tonight."
On that, the two boys left. Jiro lingered a little longer, still staring at Deku.
"Jiro-san… That's Kira's jacket that you're wearing, isn't it?" remarked softly Izuku.
The girl's grip upon the cloth tightened. "She passed it to me during the test of courage… She saw I was cold so she lent it for the night… She said she was going to protect me, you know? That I didn't have anything to fear…" She gasped, slapping an hand over her mouth to stifle her sobs. "I should have stayed with her…"
Izuku frowned. "Jiro-san, you're not to blame. Kicchan… she made her choice. And, in a way, she was right to do so. She knew the both of you wouldn't be able to escape from Hagane, and so she sent you seek backup. She knew he wouldn't go after you, because she's his real target. She didn't want you to get caught in the crossfire or, worst, used as an hostage or something like that."
"But I'm training to become a Hero too, damn it!" protested the girl. "I'm supposed… I'm supposed to protect people too… not run away like a coward! If I… If I had been stronger… better… then maybe she would still be with us now. Hell, maybe she would have been able to save Bakugo too! I... I…"
"We're going to find her," assured the green-haired boy, undeterred. "We'll go tonight. We'll find her and Kacchan. And when we're all back, then you can tell her everything you just told me, and do you know what she'll answer?"
Jiro breathed in deeply, chuckling a little. "That I'm an idiot for thinking that way."
"Exactly."
Nodding, the girl took a few deep breaths more, before picking up Deku, and offering an hesitant smile to the injured teen.
"Thanks, Midoriya. I'll see you tonight?"
"Of course."
Feeling a little better, Jiro then left the room, determination swelling in her heart.
I'll find you, Kira. And when I do…
Damn, when I do, you're getting a beating for being so fucking reckless.
.
.
Ugh… Everything hurts…
Kira felt sore. So, so damn sore. Her body was aching, and she could feel an unused supply of energy, sign she hadn't move in a while. Frowning a little, it took some efforts to focus on anything outside of her body. In the background, she could hear voices, though they were unfamiliar, and she couldn't really make out what they were saying…
The ginger managed to crack an eye open, then the other. After a moment, her blurred vision adapted to her surroundings, and she took in the sight of a wooden roof. Frowning a little, she tilted her head to the side. She was in a very small room, though she didn't recognize it.
What happened?
Chasing the fog filling her mind, it took her a minute or so to recall what had happened. She remembered the training camp, her fight with Hagane, her escape, her stumbling upon the evacuation point… her kidnapping.
Shoto… She felt a little sick. She remembered perfectly well how he tried to take her back, and how terrified he had looked as the warp gate swallowed her. Knowing him, he's blaming himself… God, I'm so sorry for making you go through this…
But now was not the time. She needed to focus. Considering the last thing she remembered was the forest, then that must meant she had passed out from the pain during her little trip through the warp gate.
So I'm at the Villains' hideout, uh? Just great, really.
She sat up on the bed, taking a better look around. The room she was in was rather dark, and only contained the bed she was in along with a small nightstand, on which she found numerous painkillers and a syringe. She cringed a little at the sight of the dirty bandages lying on the floor, before realizing something.
Bandages? She looked down at her hands. She remembered them being covered in burns and melted iron but, now, they were all covered in pristine bandages. Well, doesn't this feel familiar… Ugh, I've got to take better care of my hands, seriously.
They were hurting, but it was more of a discomfort than anything else. So, shaking it off, she then tried to stop up. Her legs felt like jelly but, after a moment, the blood was flowing normally through them and she could move more freely.
"You can shove your offer up your ass and go to hell!"
Kira blinked. That was Katsuki's voice, on the other side of the door.
They took him too? Wait, Mandalay warned us he was one of their targets…
She sighed. Escaping would only be harder, but it's not like she could leave without him. Or maybe she could make a run for it and come back with Heroes? But she didn't know where she was, or how far was the nearest Agency. It'd be a shot in the dark and, if she wasn't careful, then it'd fall back on Katsuki.
Not making a noise, she grabbed the syringe, and made her way to the door. Breathing deeply, she then peeked through one of the numerous holes, and held back a gasp: Katsuki was chained down to a chair, quite literally, and the set up made her think back to the Sports Festival, where he had to be forcefully held in place so that he could receive his medal. The Villains surely got inspired by it.
There sure are a lot of them…
She could count six Villains, including the warp gate guy, Kurogiri. She wouldn't be able to free Bakugo, even less when himself couldn't use his Quirk.
She sighed yet again. What could she do?
"O-oi! When did you get up!?"
Startled, the teen spun around, only to find some sort of lizard-man sitting in the corner. She hadn't spotted him earlier, since he was hidden by the shadows, but it was an amateur mistake and she cursed herself for it.
Well, no point in being discreet anymore.
"You can shove your offer up your ass and go to hell!"
The Villains stared at the chained boy, unsure whether to be impressed or annoyed at his brash attitude. He obviously wasn't open to discussion, but they wouldn't be so easily deterred. After going through all that trouble to get him, it's not like they could back down so easily.
Shigaraki wasn't about to give up, that was for sure. "You see-"
There suddenly was an exclamation from the other side of the backroom door, and they all recognized Spinner's voice. Another shout echoed -Spinner's again-, followed by loud tumbling and curses. Before any of them could react, though, something suddenly crashed through the door.
Or rather someone.
"S-Spinner!?" gaped Twice, startled, as their comrade flew across the room before landing on the fuming remains of the door.
The lizard-man groaned, lying amongst the wooden shards and the debris of the broken door. Tensing, the Villains reported their attention to the other figure that appeared in the doorway.
Hair aflame, eyes blazing, Kira was ready to bring the heat.
"Oh. She's awake," remarked flatly Shigaraki, relaxing. "Kurogiri, call Hagane to let him know."
"Right away."
Flames flared up to the ceiling as the teen narrowed her eyes. "If you turn on your phone, I'm burning the whole fucking place to the ground."
She stared at Kurogiri, who stared back, none of them making a move.
Then, Dabi scoffed. "She's bluffing. Just do it already."
"Am I?" she scowled. The smell of burning wood was slowly filling the air as smoke emanated from the doorframe against which she was leaning. "One Villain hideout less can only profit me."
"That may be so, kid, but you wouldn't risk putting your little friend in danger," shrugged the stitched man, jabbing his thump at the still-chained Katsuki. "That, and you don't know what's surrounding us. Your fire's going to spread and maybe hurt many more people in the process, while we all escape without another look back." He chuckled hollowly. "I know your kind, wannabe Hero. You won't risk any lives other than yours."
She kept her stand a few more seconds, before sighing in defeat and pulling her hand away. She wasn't enough of the trigger-happy kind to set the building aflame so recklessly.
I can still surprise them… No, Katsuki's too close. If I try a smoke screen, he'll suffocate, and if I try to blast them away, he'll be hit too.
Kira let her gaze sweep over the Villains. Kurogiri was now calling Hagane, Shigaraki wasn't paying her much attention, Toga was smiling creepily her way, Dabi had his hands shoved in his pockets, Twice was giggling and cursing at the same time around the dizzy lizard-man, Mister Compress was playing with a pack of cards and the last guy-girl whom she had never seen before was leaning casually against the wall.
They don't even see me as a threat, she realized, clenching her fists. She ignored the pain that shot through her arms. Those bastards…
"Oi, Carrot! The fuck are you doing here?" then called Katsuki. "Stop wasting your time and deal with them already!"
He was in her range, he knew that, yet he prompted her to act.
He's right. What was I thinking!? I can't allow myself to hesitate, not in this situation!
"Well, don't come complaining when you're burnt to a crisp, Spikey!"
Her whole body covering itself in flames, she then released a literal wave of fire. It did make most of the Villains step back, so that was already something, but her wave was met with a wall of blue flames.
That Dabi guy, uh? Well, let's see who's stronger!
She reinforced her fire, focusing it on the stitched man. She could feel her bandages burning away, felt the pain in her palms as if dozens of needles were piercing through it, felt…
Felt an hand around her neck.
"Stop messing around. You're annoying."
Shigaraki's right hand was around her neck.
When did he get behind me? The teen instantly stopped using her Quirk, her flames vanishing as quickly as they came. His Quirk… If he puts his last finger, I'm as good as dead.
"Oh, so you remember my power, uh?" mused Shigaraki, tightening his grip. "Wise move, background player."
He's still treating all of this as if it was a game, she understood, disgusted. Well, let's see if you still like playing around!
"Wait, Tomura, she's-"
She stabbed the guy's hand with the syringe she had taken earlier, the one that was holding her neck. He instantly released her, and she managed to free herself from his grasp. Stumbling away, her eyes met Katsuki's.
His darted at the door.
He's telling me to run.
She had no other choice.
Blasting some more of her fire to cover her tracks, she dashed by the bomber's seat without another look back and headed straight for the exit. As she reached the door, though, realization hit her.
Why isn't Kurogiri stopping me?
The door flew open before she could stop, and she literally ran into Hagane. The collision was rather painful, considering that damned armor of his, and it made her stumble back inside.
"Ooh? Trying to run?" He laughed, coming in. He closed the door behind him, and dread twisted her guts as she heard him lock it. "Just as I was arriving too… You know, it really sounds like you're trying to avoid me."
"Gee, wonder why," scoffed the ginger, rubbing her nose.
But it was too late. She didn't stand a chance in an all-out fight with all of them, even less with Hagane around. The only reason she got so far was because Kurogiri knew she wouldn't be able to escape anyway, and because the others didn't really consider her a threat.
"Keep your pet on a leash, Hagane," grunted Shigaraki, sitting back on his stool and holding his bleeding hand.
"Yeah, she's not perfectly tamed yet," half-joked the purple-eyed man. He then pulled out a pair of handcuffs, reporting his attention on the fiery teen. "Now, be a good girl and stay still~"
"Like hell I will!" she snarled.
He tsked, before walking passed her and stopping next to Katsuki, who instantly glared up at him.
"Look at it this way, little spitfire," said the black-haired Villain. "You're under my protection…" His fist suddenly connected with the blond's jaw, which loudly cracked under the blow. "He's not."
"Katsuki!"
She was forced to stop as Hagane suddenly transmuted some of his metal into a shining knife, placing it at the boy's throat.
"Now, now, don't get hasty, sweetheart. Look at the bright side of it! If you do as you're told, then no one's going to get hurt. Easy, right?"
Kira wanted to throw up, fight back, curse, do something, anything… but she couldn't. Not with Katsuki's life on the line. He might be an asshole, but he was still her classmate, a kind-of friend.
"Coward," she spat, lowering her head in defeat.
He chuckled, coming back to her and twirling the handcuffs merrily. "See? I knew we'd come to an understanding."
The girl let him cuff her, holding back her frustrated snarl. It was humiliating, and so fucking unfair… But now, her hands were tied, in both senses of the term.
"Oh, you hurt your hands again…" sighed Hagane, noticing the missing bandages. "Do you know how much of a pain it was to treat them? You really should look out more for yourself."
That's coming from a Villain? How fucking rich.
Another chair was brought, and she was forced to sit. Still hoping to show some defiance, she sat in an applesauce position. It was rude as hell, so she never really did it before, but there was a beginning for everything, right?
"That was pathetic, Carrot," scoffed Katsuki, just to her right.
"Coming from the one who didn't do anything?" she snapped back.
"Shut up! You could've run as soon as you woke up, without any of them noticing, but you just had to show off!"
"I was found out by lizard-face! And I tried to rescue you, damn it!"
"Some fucking rescue it was!"
"I-"
"We will now air a segment of U.A. High School's apology press conference, which took place earlier tonight."
They instantly fell silent, snapping their attention to the TV that had just been turned on. On the screen could be seen Vlad King, Eraser Head, and the Headmaster of U.A. High, Nezu.
"I regret to announce that our unpreparedness was responsible for the harm that came to twenty-seven of our first-year students," stated Aizawa-sensei in his usual flat voice. Kira could see the spark of anger in his eyes, though. "Though ours is an institution for Heroes in training, we were nonetheless negligent in our defenses against Villains, and we understand that this has made many of you uneasy."
"Aizawa-sensei…" murmured Kira, at loss.
"We apologies for this deeply and sincerely. There is absolutely no excuse for what has occurred."
"Question from NHA. This makes the fifth time this year that U.A. students have been confronted by Villains. Given that some were actually injured this time, what explanation have you given to their understandably concerned families? Furthermore, please tell us in concrete terms what measures you've taken to prevent these sorts of incidents in the future."
Katsuki gritted his teeth. "They're questioning them… as if they were the Villains…"
"We've increased surveillance of the surrounding areas and revamped our school's security system," answered Nezu. "Also, we've explained to parents that our strong stance against villainy will guarantee the students' safety-"
The volume of the TV was then tuned down a little. Kira lowered her eyes to the floor. Because of the League of Villains, U.A.'s position as a Hero school was in grave danger. Hell, they could very well be forced to close because of this incident.
And we just had to get kidnapped with that… Wait, what's she doing here!?"
"Hey there, Usagi-chan!" beamed Toga, now behind her. "Let's have some girl time together! Ne, Hagane, I can do that, right? I can play with little Usagi-chan some more, right?"
"As long as you don't stab her," shrugged the man. "And see? I told you you'd like her!"
"Right, right?" Giggling, the girl then started to… play with Kira's hair.
Don't fight it. It's better than being under that psycho's knife.
"Pretty weird if you ask me, you know?" suddenly said Shigaraki, drawing their attention. "Why're they criticizing the Heroes, uh? Their only crime was doing too little, too late. It's their job to protect people, but anyone can screw up now and then, right!? Why're people expecting them to be perfect? Heroes today sure have it rough, I'd say. Am I right, Bakugo?"
They're trying to recruit him, realized the ginger, keeping her mouth shut. They're actually trying to recruit Bakugo Katsuki.
"The minute that protecting people started coming with a paycheck, Heroes stopped being Heroes," remarked lizard-face, whom Twice had helped back to his feet. He glared Kira's way, and she simply pulled her tongue in her. "This is what Stain has taught us."
"Save someone, and you get money. You get fame. Sounds weird to me," pursued the hands-man. "And in this society, where the precious rules are everything… the people aren't cheering for the losers, telling them to fight another day. They're blaming them. Our war is based on a few simple questions: what is a Hero? What is justice? Is this what society's really supposed to be like? Once we get people thinking about this stuff, that's when we've won. And I know how you love to win."
At that, Kira bit the inside of her cheek to hold back her smile. No matter their ideals, the Villains would never be able to sway Katsuki to their side. He was a jerk, a bully, and he was the last person you'd expect to be a Hero… but his ambition was true.
He wanted to become the greatest Hero, to surpass All Might, and no Villain would be able to change his mind.
"Dabi. Untie him," then ordered Shigaraki.
"Uh?"
Kira glanced to her classmate, ignoring how Toga hummed happily under her breath while she messed with her orange mane, but he just seemed as confused as she was.
"He'll go wild, for sure," protested Dabi. "I mean, just look at the mess this one did…"
"It's okay. We gotta treat him as an equal. We're scouting him, after all," shrugged the leader of the League. "Besides, before he throws a tantrum, our little U.A. student here should be smart enough to know he can't win."
"Hagane, do it," sighed the stitched man.
"Sure thing~"
As Hagane took care of unlocking the numerous chains and locks, Mister Compress stepped forward.
"We apologize for the rather forceful measures taken to get you here… However, we need you to understand that we're more than thugs working in the name of aimless evil. Not in the least! It wasn't by accident that we spirited you away." He gestured to all Villains present. "You see, everyone here has a story to tell, but we've all suffered thanks to other people. Thanks to rules."
Hagane finished freeing Katsuki, and Kira did her best to hold in her laugh. Despite the situation, she simply couldn't help herself. Katsuki was extremely calm at the moment, an obvious sign to any who knew him well enough that he was planning something.
Shigaraki approached him.
"Thanks to Heroes, we've felt suffocated. You, more than anyone, should-"
Without hesitation, the blond exploded his face. The blast forced Shigaraki to back away, as the hand covering his face fell on the floor, farther away.
"Tche. Thought I was gonna croak of old age while you idiots yapped, yapped, yapped away… I can't stand morons like you who can't get to the damned point!" Kira snorted at that. "Basically, you're saying 'we wanna cause trouble, be our pal!', right?" He scoffed. "What a joke. I've always admired All Might's triumphs! So, no matter what any of you jerks say… nothing's ever gonna change that!"
Silence followed his bold declaration, though it was broken by the press conference still ongoing on the TV.
"We believe that the worst has been avoided as long as the students still have their futures," claimed Nezu.
"Can you say the same about young Bakugo, who was abducted?" replied one of the journalists. "He won your Sports Festival. He struggled valiantly against a powerful Villain during the sludge incident. His impressive record implies the making of a tough Hero, yet… He showed a rather violent side of himself after his Festival victory; an attitude that persisted up through the award ceremony. We've already caught glimpses here and there of his mental instability. What if it was those very qualities that made him a target? What if a skilled manipulator gets to him… and sends him down a path of evil? Can you provide proof that, as you say, this boy still has a future?"
Oh, that fucking jerk… Get him, Aizawa-sensei! Cheered internally the ginger.
After a few more seconds, Eraser Head suddenly bowed, deeply.
"Any lapse in his behavior is my failing. But still, he behaved that way at the Sports Festival because he has such strong convictions and ideals. More than anyone, he pursues the title of Top Hero with everything he's got. If the Villains have mistaken that for a weakness… then their thought process is indeed superficial."
"Wow." Kira blinked. "Go Aizawa-sensei."
"Ah! Good ol' U.A., thanks for sticking up for me!" laughed Katsuki, palms fuming. "Get it now, League of scumbags!?"
"… Then what of Suttoki Kira? It has been revealed that she has been a target ever since the first attack on U.A. by one of the Villains. You knew she was in danger, that she was tracked by the League. Do you think she might be the reason behind how they found the location of the training camp?"
At that, the ginger tensed a little. Because, in a way, it was her fault. She should have warned someone. Anyone. Tell Aizawa-sensei of her suspicions, call the Headmaster, hell, maybe just talk to one of her friends! But once again, she took it all on herself, thinking she'd be able to get through it on her own.
But that's not what he's saying. He's basically suggesting that I gave up the location willingly.
That I am the traitor.
"Suttoki's case is different. Precautions were already taken when it came to her safety, ever since the first attack. However, if you are suggesting that she is actually helping the League of Villains, then I can assure you… that you are wrong," retorted her teacher, more firmly. "She may be reckless, but she's loyal to a fault. If you're looking for a traitor, then look elsewhere."
Reassured despite all by her teacher's words, the girl took a moment to refocus on the situation at hand. Toga was still playing through her hair, Shigaraki was still on the floor, Kurogiri was wiping the counter, unknown-guy was still against the wall, Hagane was checking on the Spinner guy while Twice bugged Dabi, and Mister Compress was watching everything unfold without a word.
"And just so you know… well, technically, we've still got permission to fight back!"
The bomber wasn't stupid. He wouldn't attack so recklessly if he didn't think he had a chance to get out of it. He knew they wouldn't do anything to him… Earlier, Hagane had threatened Katsuki… but it had been a bluff, that much she understood, now. By pulling off such an attack just to get him showed how valuable he was to them.
They wouldn't kill him, and that meant she didn't have to hold back anymore.
"This boy… really seems to understand his position!" realized the still-unknown guy-girl leaning on the wall. "Clever little thing."
"Oh, can I stab him?" pleaded Toga. Kira tensed as she suddenly felt a sharp blade stroking her neck. "You know, since I can't stab her… Though it's a shame, really, since her blood would suit her eyes so well~"
"No, you idiot," sighed Dabi.
"If that's your attitude, then why not just pretend that we'd won you over?" then wondered Mister Compress. "I don't understand."
At that, unable to keep it in any longer, Kira barked out a laugh.
"Spikey? Doing something he doesn't want to do?" She rolled her eyes. "Please, he might be a jerk, but no one can force him to do something."
"Ain't that the truth," snorted the bomber. "And frankly? I'm not in the mood to hang around this boring dump for much longer."
"I'm done~!"
Toga finally let her go, and Kira let out a small sigh of relief. Having a psychopath play with your hair was not a fun experience.
The blonde freak suddenly grabbed her shoulders. "Ne, Hagane! We've got the same hairstyle now, see? See?"
"I see, I see. You're right, she's cute like that," nodded the man while handing some ice to Spinner.
"I know, right?"
There was a flash of killing intent that knocked Kira's breath out of her lungs.
"You mustn't, Shigaraki Tomura!" suddenly exclaimed Kurogiri. "Calm yourself!"
The killing intent was gone as quickly as it came, though, but she could still feel its pressure lingering around Katsuki and her.
"Just stay back… all of you…" he ordered, slowly picking up the hand that had fallen on the floor. He put it back on his face. "This kid… is an important pawn… I wish… you would've listened… I thought we might understand each other…"
"Nope!" replied cheekily the boy.
"And what about you… Suttoki Kira…?"
The girl stiffened at being singled out. She had believed that Katsuki was their target, and that she only was due to circumstances, but had forgotten that Hagane was actually trying to have her join too.
"Yeah, right, not happening," she scoffed. One way or another, I'm not backing down.
"Don't bother, Shigaraki," then warned Hagane, coming to stand next to her. She flinched as his hand fell on her shoulder. "She's not ready yet."
"Then why… did you bring her here…?"
"She found out some information I didn't want her sharing with the Heroes just yet," he shrugged, his grip tightening a little. "She'll be free to go as soon as I'm done with everything else."
"Information…?"
He doesn't want them to know, she realized, eyes widening a little. He never told them about his informants? About… about Ren?
The grip on her shoulder tightened a little more, and she then understood that it was a warning not to talk.
Her eyes narrowed. But… I'm done being told what to do. Even more so by that murderer!
She snapped her eyes to Katsuki. "Ren's the traitor." At that, the blond's eyes widened. "He's a mole in our ranks, he's been giving the information to Hagane all along, he's- ow! Let go!" Hagane's fingers had turned into metal claws, which were now digging in her shoulder. Some blood was already piercing through her shirt, but she didn't let it deter her. "That's how they managed to get into U.A. so easily, how they got their hands on All Might's schedule, how they found the training camp." She glared up at him at that. "He's been threatening Ren, using me as a hostage, he did- holy fuck that hurts-!"
"Hagane. Enough."
At Shigaraki's warning, the man scoffed, but let her go nonetheless. It was too late anyway, she had already spilled the beans. She glared at him, her fear only a bad memory by then. She wouldn't be killed, and she could handle the pain. Katsuki could defend himself too, and they wouldn't kill him either.
They had a serious advantage. They just needed to put it to good use.
"So you found out the mole's name… uh…? But Hagane's careful with that kind of information, it mustn't have been easy…" mused the man-child, scratching his neck. "You sure you don't wanna join already…?"
She scrunched up her nose. "Yeah, pretty sure."
"What a shame… We all just heard about the Heroes' investigation too… so I can't waste much time trying to convince you… Master…" The ginger stiffened as the man-child turned to the TV. Had someone actually been watching them all along? Might it be the one pulling the strings from the shadows. "Lend me your power…"
She exchanged a look with Katsuki. They needed to act, and fast. The Heroes were surely already on the move, but they wouldn't get here in time, that much was obvious. So, without hesitation, Kira rose to her feet and hit the bomber over the head, though careful not to get him with the handcuffs.
"The hell was that for, Carrot!?" he snapped angrily.
"You just had to get captured like a fucking amateur, didn't you!?"
Understanding flashed in his eyes, though it was quickly replaced by anger.
"UH!? You're the one who was caught so easily! Hell, you're not even a real fucking target right now, why are you still fucking here!?"
"'Cause you'll get your damn ass handed to you if I don't help out! You sure like to get in trouble, don't you?"
"You won't stand ten seconds against them, what with those stupid injuries of yours!" sneered the boy, pushing her roughly aside. She stumbled back. "You're just a fucking liability right now! Get outta my way!"
"Ya wanna go, Spikey!?"
"Bring it on, Carrot!"
"Going somewhere, kids?"
They both stiffened a little as Dabi loomed over them, effectively blocking the door. They had subtly been making their way to the exit, hoping their little spat would take the attention elsewhere and so they'd be able to break out… but it would seem the stitched man had read into it.
"Aww, was Usagi-chan trying to escape?" wondered Toga, giggling.
"Kurogiri. Compress. Let's put them to sleep again," then ordered the hands-man. "Don't want them trying to run again… You know, I'm actually impressed by how unwilling they are to listen to reason."
"Want me to listen? Stuff it and go to hell!" snapped Katsuki, a few explosions following his statement. "I-"
Suddenly, one of the few windows broke. Kira could only blink as a cat suddenly flew through and gracefully fell on its paws. The animal then ran to her, and jumped into her arms.
"… Deku?"
"I can't believe he followed you here," huffed Katsuki.
"Yeah, me neither," sweatdropped the ginger.
"… is that a cat?" wondered the lizard-man, not sure of what had just happened.
"Oh! Can I kill it?" beamed Toga.
"No!" protested Kira. The cat hissed the blonde's way. "And he agrees too."
"Just stop messing around and put them to sleep already," grunted Shigaraki, unamused.
Fuck, fuck, fuck! Okay, we gotta coordinate an attack or something. If I create a wall of fire while he tries blasting the door down… It seems too heavy for that, but that's all we've got, and-
Someone suddenly knocked on the door. "Hello. Kamino Pizza Delivery."
Wait, what?
Suddenly, the whole fricking wall on the other side of the room was blasted to pieces, as a tall figure burst through.
"All Might…" gasped Kira in disbelief.
"What the-"
"Kurogiri! Warp us out of here!"
"Preemptive binding… Lacquered Chain Prison!" None other than Kamui Wood suddenly appeared, using his Quirk to trap the Villains.
"Wood, uh?" scoffed Dabi, already using his Quirk to burn through. "Like this would hold- ugh!"
Gran Torino landed a solid hit on his head, before falling back on his feet. "Not so fast! You're gonna wanna take it easy, for your own sake."
"There's no escape for you, League of Villains!" claimed All Might. "Why, you ask? Because we are here!"
"So fricking cool…" whispered Kira, in awe.
"It's All Might!" Mister Compress took a step back. "Right after the press conference, though…? They timed this…!"
"One must never neglect defense. Especially when attacking…"
Kira jumped at the voice that echoed behind her. "Holy shit!"
A Pro Hero, one she recognized as Edgeshot, had just passed in the crack between the door and the wall, forcing it open. Behind him, numerous members of the police force were present, guns in hands.
There also was…
"Ky- Kyo-chan?"
"Kira!"
The purple-haired girl ran at her, relief written all over her face. She brought the ginger in a tight embrace, shaking a little.
"Thank God, we found you…"
"Kamino pizza is more than just those of us here," mused Edgeshot as the police quickly came in. "Endeavor's out there, along with some other skilled Heroes and the police. You're surrounded."
"It must have been scary…" remarked the Top Hero, turning to the two dumbstruck students. "Good job holding out! I'm sorry for coming so late, but you'll be fine now, kids!"
"Scary!? As if! I almost had them!" snapped the bomber.
"Yeah, right," scoffed the ginger, still in Jiro's embrace. "Hence why you were chained down to the chair when I woke up earlier."
"Fuck off, Carrot!"
"After all our scheming and plotting… the final boss goes and shows up on our doorstep," remarked Shigaraki. "No use, then… You know, Heroes, we're not the only ones you've got to worry about. Kurogiri… bring them all over to play!"
…
…
…
"Dude, I think you should tone down the dramatics," sweatdropped Kira.
"I'm sorry, Shigaraki Tomura," apologized Kurogiri. "But the Nomu set aside for us… they're gone!"
Jiro tightened her embrace, making Kira wince. Instantly, the other girl pulled away, worried. "You're hurt! And- and you're bleeding!"
"Don't worry about it, Kyo-chan," chuckled the taller girl, patting her head in comfort. "I've had worst."
A warm hand suddenly fell on her uninjured shoulder. She looked up at All Might, wondering for a moment how much strain was actually put on his body at the moment.
"Looks like you've still got a lot to learn, Shigaraki," mused the Top Hero, placing his other hand on Katsuki's shoulder. "Your little League has gone and taken some things too lightly, like this boy's indomitable spirit, or this girl's strength of will, or even the relentless police investigation." His eyes darkened a little. "As well… as our rage. Your mischief has gone on for long enough! It ends here, Shigaraki Tomura!"
"Ends here, uh?" echoed the leader of the League of Villains. "Don't be stupid. It's only just starting. Justice this and peace that…" He rose to his feet. "All these vague things have kept the lid on our society's filthy underbelly… We're smashing through, though, and to do that, we're removing you from the picture, All Might. I've already started finding allies, so make no mistake: this is where it all begins. Kurogi-"
"Argh!"
There was a flash, a movement. It all happened so fast, Kira wasn't sure of what had happened exactly. What she knew, though, was that Kurogiri was no longer in state of helping them escape.
"Eek, scary!" gasped Toga, backing away as much as she could. "I couldn't even see whatever that was. Is he dead!?"
"No, merely unconscious. I fiddled around with his insides." It was Edgeshot. He had used his Quirk to knock out the bartender. "This guy was the biggest threat, so he's gonna take a little nap now. You know, I was able to make use of the weakness that you once exposed," he added Katsuki's way.
"Like I just said, you'll be better off if you take it easy," grunted Gran Torino. "Hikiishi Kenji. Sako Atsuhiro. Iguchi Shuichi. Toga Himiko. Bubaigawara Jin. Seishin no Hagane. Working with little intel and even less time, the police burned the midnight oil to figure out your identities. Get it? There's nowhere left to run. So, Shigaraki, lemme ask you… Where's your boss?"
"You… gotta be kidding… this can't… this can't…" the man-child was shaking. "Defeated… just like that…? No freaking way… get outta here… and go to hell…"
"Where is he!?" thundered All Might. "Shigaraki!"
"I HATE YOU!"
Suddenly, some sort of liquid warp gates opened, and numerous Nomu burst out with animalistic snarls, scaring the shit out of the ginger.
"Where did they come from!?" She took as step back, eyes wide. All Might could barely beat one of those monsters… and now there are so many!?
"Nomu!? From where? And what's that black liquid?" exclaimed Kamui Wood.
"Edgeshot! Did Kurogiri-"
"It wasn't him, he's out cold!"
"They just keep coming!"
"Don't you dare let them go, Kamui Wood!" warned All Might.
"Ugh!"
Kira gasped as the liquid suddenly entered Katsuki's mouth.
"What- what the heck is this stinky stuff!?" he shouted.
"Katsuki!"
Before either she or All Might could react, though, the boy had vanished. Instantly, All Might grabbed her and Jiro and pushed them behind him, towards the hole in the wall he had made when first entering.
"Run, now!" he ordered.
"Endeavor!" called Kamui Wood. "We need backup…" He trailed off, only now realizing that outside was even worst.
"Kira, we gotta go now!" panicked Jiro, extending her hand to her. "Come on, quick!"
"R-right!" She couldn't fight, not now. She would only be a liability, no matter how much she wished she could help. "Let's go- whoa!"
The strange liquid was suddenly on her. She tried to shake it off, but it was quickly covering her arm and, soon, her whole body.
"Fuck!"
"Kira!"
The ginger tried to grab Jiro's hand but, as their fingers brushed, she too was swallowed into the strange warp gate.
"No!" It took Jiro a few seconds, before she snapped her eyes to the Top Hero. "All Might, they got Kira too!"
"Damn it!"
She had slipped through her fingers. Again.
Kira… Jiro clenched her fist. I'm so sorry!
There were many exclamations as the rest of the Villains suddenly got swallowed by the gates, and were too taken away.
I can't stay here, understood the purple-haired girl, gritting her teeth. I'll only get in the way… but I can still find them! Momo gave me another tracking device, but the guys aren't here, so that must mean they went to wherever Kira and Bakugo and the Villains disappeared.
Determined, Jiro started running.
Kira landed on the ground with a groan, coughing.
"That thing… tastes nasty…" The black liquid left a taste of copper and sulfur in her mouth, which was honestly disgusting. "The hell was that?"
"I… don't know…" Katsuki was just next to her, coughing too. "It stinks…"
"Apologies… Bakugo, Suttoki…"
The ginger stiffened at the voice. It sent chills down her spine.
He's… he's the boss, isn't he? She barely dared to look.
There were suddenly loud noises, and all of the Villains from the bar suddenly came through similar gates. The bad boss had apparently taken the liberty of saving them.
Damn, we won't be able to get away… Kira's shoulder was hurting, though it wasn't too bad, but her hands were another story. The painkillers were wearing off, and it was only getting worst. She wouldn't be able to use her Quirk with her hands. There are too many of them…
"Meow?" Deku popped out of her shirt, startling her a little.
"Of course you'd come too," she chuckled despite the situation. She could count on her partner anytime, it would seem.
"You've failed again, Tomura," remarked flatly the faceless man. "But you mustn't loose heart. There will be more chances to set things right. That's why I've brought along your little band, and the two kids… because you determined they were important pawns… So try again. That's what I'm here to help you to do. It's all for you."
I'm terrified, realized the ginger, a little late. Why? I can barely move…
"How did you know…?" wondered Shigaraki, rising up.
"Ah, that would be on me," suddenly announced Hagane. "Called the big bad boss to tell him about the Heroes' doings and all that. You know, just to make sure we'd make it out alive!"
"You should have warned us."
"Meh, it was only a worst-case scenario."
"So Ren spilled again, uh?" scoffed the ginger, unable to help it. "Is that what you meant when you said you had to 'wrap things up'? That you wanted the intel on the Heroes?"
"More or less. Now, won't you be polite and introduce yourself to your future boss, sweetheart?" he taunted, forcing her to face the faceless man.
"Go die, Hagane," she spat, unable to look at the true boss.
"A fiery spirit to fit such a wonderful Quirk…" mused the enemy-boss. "A truly wonderful Quirk…"
He trailed off, tilting his head up in wondering silence. The ginger frowned a little, unsure of what to make of it.
"I knew you'd come…" There was a flash of light in the sky and, next thing they knew, the Top Hero was falling towards them. "All Might…"
They clashed. All Might's strength was rivaled with that man's.
"You're gonna give it all back, All For One!"
"Here to kill me again, All Might? But… you're too slow."
There was a violent gust of wind, followed by a tumultuous clash. Kira, holding on tightly to Deku and her hands still handcuffed, was blasted away. Her scream was lost in the utter chaos that ensued, but she was caught midair by Katsuki, who firmly pinned her on the ground with one arm while he held on with his other.
"Now's not the time for being pathetic, Carrot!"
"Shut up, Spikey!"
"I won't make the same mistake I made five years ago," warned All Might, still standing. "All For One. And I'm going to take you back, young Bakugo, young Suttoki! And after that, I'm going to make sure to throw you into the slammer, One For All, alongside the League of Villain you control!"
"Is that so…? Then it'd seem you have a dreadful number of things to do," remarked calmly his opponent. "As do I." And he snapped his fingers.
Kira closed her eyes as another gust of wind threatened to blast them into obliviousness. She could hear the buildings crashing down, feel the earth shake under her, and her heart was beating so, so fast…
"He took it head on…" She pale, snapping her eyes opened. All Might was nowhere to be seen. "It was a direct hit…"
"All Might!" exclaimed Katsuki, worried despite all.
"Don't worry, he won't die from a love tap like that," chuckled All For One. "And as such… Escape from this place, Tomura. Along with your comrades… and the kids… Kurogiri, usher everyone back."
His fingers suddenly elongated, and pierced through the smoky body of the warp gate user, who was still unconscious.
"Katsuki…" mumbled Kira, gulping. "Katsuki, we gotta go. Now."
He nodded, imperceptibly, and rose to his feet, pulling her up with him. She stumbled a little, still a little dazed from the two attacks, but kept her balance, and held Deku a little more tightly.
"Umm, hello? The guy's clearly knocked out!" exclaimed the one Villain Kira still didn't know the name of. "Like, I dunno what's going on, but if you can use warp gates or whatever, would ya please warp us back yourself?"
Forgetting about the rest of the ongoing conversation, the two teens started slowly backing away. Dust was still swirling above the ground, it'd make the perfect cover for them to run. They just needed to make sure that no one was paying them any attention, and then they would be able to run-
"You kids never learn, uh?"
"Ha-Hagane!" They stopped in their tracks as the metal-manipulator suddenly floated before them. He was standing on some sort of surfboard, all apparently made of metal. "Wait, you can fly? That's so not fair."
"What can I say?" he shrugged, the surfboard retracted itself, until it fully disappeared under the man's boots. "I like exploiting my Quirk to its fullest. I guess that's one thing we've got in common, uh?"
"We're nothing alike, murderer."
"Why, that hurts." He mimicked wiping a tear away. "I'm so much more than that! I'm a thief, an info-breaker, the boss of an info-breaking ring, a kidnapper, a stalker and a murderer. See?"
"So not helping your case," sweatdropped the ginger.
"Well, no one's perfect, right?"
"Okay, you done with the chitchat, Carrot?" growled Katsuki, pulling her away a little. "We're kind of a in a hurry, if you forgot."
"I was actually trying to buy us time, smoke-for-brains," she retorted, annoyed. "The other guys are still trying to figure things out, so…" She trailed off as a black, foggy gate suddenly opened a little farther away. "Nope, nevermind."
All Might suddenly landed in the middle of the wreckage, and instantly pounced at One For all. The two of them engaged in battle, and Kira shook her head to pull her eyes away. It was an impressive battle, but their own was about to start.
"Oi, Hagane!" suddenly called Shigaraki. "Grab the pawns. We're going."
"Hai, hai~"
"Goddamn… pain in the ass…" huffed the bomber, tensed.
"Split!" called the ginger.
In a single move, the two of them started running opposite ways. The Villains were in emergency mode, they wouldn't go at it with basic attacks. They'd try to take them by force, and they couldn't let any of them lend a hit, else it'd be over. All Might wouldn't be able to save them, so they'd have to save themselves, but he also couldn't unleash his full power, because they were in the way.
Get away, Kira kept on running. We have to get away, clear the place- shit!
She was suddenly stopped in her tracks, rather harshly at that, as a strange force suddenly pulled at her handcuffs.
Crap, they're metal!
Gritting her teeth, she tried her best to fight it back. In the end, if she stood her ground with as much strength as she could manage, she could stand up to Hagane and his annoying Quirk.
"Oh, trying to fight back?" taunted Hagane, pulling a little harder. His eyes were narrowed a little, though, and she realized it was actually working. "How… annoying. Look, I told you I'd let you go as soon as I was done with my stuff, right? Why bother fighting back?"
"As if I'd let a Villain boss me around!" she snapped, firmly planting her feet into the ground. "I'm not some toy you can play with, Hagane! I'm going to stop you, even if it's the last thing I do!"
Deku suddenly jumped from her shoulder, and started running at Hagane. In barely a few seconds, the cat had reached its target, and he propelled himself at the Villain. He landed on his head, and instantly planted his little claws into it.
"Argh! You little devil!" cursed the black-haired man.
Now! Using his inattention, Kira stopped holding on. She was instantly pulled back towards Hagane, and she increased the speed by adding flames to the mix.
"Eat that!" And she hit him right in the face.
The strength of the blow sent him flying a few meters away, and the pull on the handcuffs vanished. Kira landed back on her feet, panting a little, and watched in satisfaction as the man crashed into the ground, a cloud of dust rising.
Serves him right!
It took her a few seconds to realize that her punch had been so strong… it had taken Hagane's mask off. Or rather, the mask broke at the impact.
I'm going to see his face, she realized. My parents' murderer…
"Meow!"
"Deku?" She looked down at the cat, surprised. He was dragging something with him, a black mess of… hair. A wig…? He must have pulled it off with his claws…
"Ah, shit…" The ginger stiffened a little at the man's drawl. It had echoed all around, and she suddenly took noticed of how silent the place had suddenly grown. "Can't believe this just happened…"
The fiery teen glanced back to where Katsuki was. He was still facing the rest of the Villains, but none were attacking, their eyes fixated on Hagane's form.
They never saw his face either, she realized. She tilted her head to All Might and All For One's fight, but the two of them were also taking a short break. All For One seems awfully calm… he knows something…
"Got caught by that damned… damned… achoo! Damned cat…"
Dread twisted her guts.
No.
Hagane sneezed yet again.
No.
Almost fearfully, Kira slowly reported her attention to him. As the dust slowly settled down, she could make out his shape, slowly rising back up.
There was a flash of white.
No.
She could see him more clearly. Now that his black wig was gone, his natural, white hair, could be seen by all.
This can't be…
Red clashed with purple. A lazy smirk stretched his lips as Kira choked down a disbelieving gasp. She'd recognize that scar anywhere. Slowly, the man brought his hand to his eyes and, without hesitation, took out his blue contacts, revealing familiar ruby eyes.
One of which should have been covered by an eyepatch.
This can't be happening…
"Well, guess the cat's out of the bag, uh?" he then joked.
"Ren…?"
Her brother offered her a peace sign, now grinning from ear to ear. "Yo."
Damn, I seriously couldn't wait to finally get to that part. I've been waiting for so long! Who saw it coming?
Anyway, for those who have questions concerning how Ren managed to hide his true identity as Hagane, don't hesitate to ask. I don't think I'll really be going into the details, so... Also, for those who are confused about Jiro's presence when the Heroes showed up, don't worry! Everything will be made clearer in the next chapter.
Again, if there's anything you're unsure about, don't hesitate to ask! See you guys next chapter!
Plus Ultra!