Ember Sunblaze: Happy October Everyone! I hope everyone is having fun getting ready for Halloween and enjoying the Autumn weather, after such a blistering summer -_- Very excited to have this chapter out! I once again had family visiting, this time from Taiwan, so writing was pushed back a bit for family time ^_^ Hopefully will get the next chapter in before more family come to visit next month!

Chapter 32: The Free Day, Part 4

Naha Airport:

As the young heroes-to-be more or less enjoyed their free day activities, the daily routines of the common adult folk carried on as usual. No one was aware of that fact more than Detective Loid. While others in his department had celebrated the closing of a grueling case, he still had several meticulous tasks to perform. None of which he was really looking forward to.

The detective sighed, once again glancing down to check the time on his phone. An unread notification glared back at him. "Delayed flight…figures." Loid muttered, massaging his temple wearily.

He could already feel them. The fluctuation of emotions piling upon one another. Anxieties over a missed flight…. the excitements of a long-awaited trip just one plane ride away…the deep retching terror of stepping onto a giant, metal flying machine and knowing you have no control at all once you are up into the air. Loid felt it all and more. Thus, was the nature of his mood-reader quirk.

"Airports truly are the worst." The Loid mulled, taking a sip of his bottle water in a futile attempt to drown out some of the distractions. "But it's always been this way with any areas that attract crowds." Over the years, Loid had learned to avoid such areas.

"Can't really avoid work, though can I?" Loid murmured, right as he received another phone notification. He didn't need to see it to know it was concerning the flight. For his sharp gaze had already pinpointed his target within the herd of new arrivals. The unease and fears radiating from her was like a spotlight.

"There's no mistake." The detective thought darkly, bracing himself. He approached her, all weariness expertly erased from his features as he smiled charmingly at the person he had been dutifully waiting to meet. "Welcome to Okinawa Ms. Sasaki. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to meet with me under such short notice." He extended his hand, kindly adding. "Though I'm sure you're already aware of who I am, I would like to once again introduce myself as Detective Loid Fujikawa." He briefly paused, to meet the young mother's saddened gaze. "...And I'm the one who will be escorting you to meet your son, Kai Sasaki."

Central Naha

"Sooooo…what do you want to do?"

Bakugo grumbled something inaudible, moodily stuffing his hands into the pockets of his cargo shorts. Both him and Hagakure stood under the shade of one of the many tourist shops lining the boardwalk. The blonde had grudgingly accepted that the invisible girl was not going to let him be, despite his many protests.

"But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it." Bakugo thought, grabbing a water bottle from his bag.

Next to him, Hagakure amused herself by trying on different shades of sunglasses. "Ohh! Bakugo! Check these out!"

With disinterest he lazily cast a glance her way, bottled water raised to his mouth. He immediately choked, his drink spewing from his mouth as he took in Hagakure wearing outrageously large shades that were filled in with large, bubbly eyes and lavished plastic lashes.

"Adorable, right?" She asked, striking a pose.

"MORE LIKE RIDICULOUS!" He shouted, snatching them off and ramming them back on the rack.

Hagakure pouted. "Coome on! Can't you at least TRY and have fun with me! Instead of just moping and fidgeting with your bag." She slithered closer, giving the worn bag slung over his shoulder a poke. "What's in that thing anyway? More explosives?"

Like a whip, Bakugo grabbed her hand, his blazing red eyes glowering down at her menacingly. "DON'T. TOUCH. THE. BAG." He ordered, demonic tone ceasing any ideas of meddling.

"Oooookay…..definitely explosives." Hagakure muttered, shying away as he adjusted the bag back over his shoulder. "But for reals! It's our one and only high school trip! IN OKINAWA! We should totes make the most of our time!"

"By doing what?" Bakugo asked, dripping with sarcasm. Hagakure beamed.

"I'm glad you asked!" She grabbed a pair of standout blue shades, adorned with over-the-top sparkling rhinestones. Taking out her handy dandy phone, she instantly pulled up instagram pics of the first destination. "While the famed beaches and sparkling waters of this lush paradise are always a must see for the average tourist, Okinawa has a lot more to offer, especially in its bustling capital of Naha."

"What are you?! A sponsored tour guide for Okinawa?!"

"Nope! I just spent waaaay too much time reading traveler blogs on social media!" Hagakure explained. "MOVING ON! First on our list is a secluded place rich in history and all things breakable. Yes, I'm talking about Yachimun-dori! Meaning "Pottery" in the ancient Okinawan dialect, this street is THE place to go to learn the craft and shop for all your pottery needs!"

She swiped her phone screen, securing images of the next choice. "Looking for something with a little more POP! Look no further than the GRAND, the HUMONGOUS, aaand the very, very, RED Shuriji Castle!" She exclaimed, zooming on a picture of the large, elegant wooden structure. "Built in the early 15th century, this attraction is a treasure trove of rich Okinawan history!"

Growing giddy, she quickly swiped her finger to move onto the next screen. "But if you're not in the mood for history, how about taking a swing right down to Kokusai Dori!? Also called International Street for its robust flair, this is the absolute #1 spot for all your shopping needs!"

Bakugo snatched her phone, glaring at the screen. "Aren't you in this picture?!"

Hagakure nodded, her sunglasses coming askew. "Yep! There's me, Kyoka, Tsuyu, and Sirius! Great shot right?"

"But this means you ALREADY went to Kokusai. So what's the point of even adding that option in?!" Bakugo demanded.

Hagakure sighed, placing a caring hand on Bakugo's shoulder. "Oh, Bakugo….shopping is ALWAYS an option! Plus, you can never have too many souvenirs!" She brightly added, clapping her hands together. "Soooo! Which place do you want to try? The shopping one, right? RIGHT?!"

Bakugo tsked. "All of those sound pretty lame…"

"WHAAAAT!?" Hagakure exclaimed with an irritated foot stomp. "I DEMAND to know what's so LAME about my choices!"

Bakugo crossed his arms, briskly explaining. "First, what's the point of going to the pottery district when most kids our age can't even afford those useless, waste of space items and even if we could, it would probably break traveling back to the mainland."

"Hmmm…I guess." Hagakure reluctantly agreed.

"Second, if you use those eyes of yours while reading those stupid travel blogs, I'm sure you'll see their dated a few years back, right?"

Hagakure took out her phone, taking a closer look at the dates. "Yeah, so?"

Bakugo glowered. "Then you would know that Shuriji Castle isn't even open right now. The damn joint caught fire last year so now it's under construction."

Hagakure gaped, waving her hand dismissively. "That can't be true! I specifically remember reading…" She trailed off, typing in Shuriji Castle, along with the current year. A small article appeared that highlighted the start of reconstruction on the castle. (See Author's Note) "Oh….well there's still Kokusai—"

"We're not going there." Bakugo flat out refused. Hagkaure fumed.

"WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE FOR THAT?!"

"CAUSE I HATE WINDOW SHOPPING! Shopping is reserved for you when you actually NEED SOMETHING! Looking at crap just for the fun of it IS A WASTE OF TIME AND ENERGY!"

"ARRGHH! Come on! It's Okinawa!" Hagakure yelled, losing her patience. "There has to be something here that you want to do!"

Bakugo blinked, an idea coming to him.

10 minutes later….

"This….." Hagakure uttered, staring forlornly at a plain dojo studio that stood before her. "...is the place you wanted to see!" She snapped, arms waving at the welcome sign. "A FIGHTING DOJO!?"

"It's not just a fighting dojo." Bakugo corrected her, taking a picture with his phone. "It's the famous Asato Dojo. Okinawa is the supposed birthplace of modern karate and a training ground for other different fighting styles. Rumor has it even All Might himself took lessons here." An excited, almost gleeful grin had appeared upon the hero, his gaze transfixed on the building.

Hagakure couldn't help but be amused at his child-like reaction. "I guess this place is pretty legit, huh?" She held up her phone, kindly offering. "Do you want me to take a photo of you in front of it?"

"Why the hell would I want that?!" Bakugo snapped, turning to her as if she was nuts. "I'm going inside!"

"Oh, are you going to ask for a lesson?" Hagakure inquired, following him as he stepped towards the entrance.

"Nope." Bakugo answered, cracking his knuckles with a malicious glint. "I'm going to demand a fight with the toughest person in this joint. And then I'm going to clomper them!"

"YOU'RE WHA–?" Hagakure froze in the entrance, the door shutting in face.

Moments later Bakugo barged into the training dojo, his loud voice reverberating in the spacious room. "LISTEN UP! MY NAME IS KASUKI BAGUGO! FUTURE TOP PRO-HERO! AND I DEMAND A MATCH AGAINST THE TOUGHEST PERSON HER—" his voice trailed off, a multitude of elderly women glancing, wide-eyed, up at him from their yoga mats. "Uh…."

A breathless Hagakure rushed in, whacking violently Bakugo upon the head. She dragged him from view, only stopping to bow several times in the elder's direction as she hastily apologized. "Please ignore my LOUD and ANGRY friend! He's…..American."

"What did you call me?!"

"Just MOVE!" Hagakure growled, pushing him out. It was only once they were outside the building that she turned, slamming a sheet of paper into his flabbergasted face. "How DARE you rag on me about not reading the fine print, when YOU manage to miss this!"

Bakugo scowled, scanning the flyer that brightly advertised the dojo's Thursday morning yoga classes. "Yoga?! In a fighting dojo?! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!" He demanded, crumpling it into a paper ball and letting it burn away in his palm.

"Guess even the karate kid has to work on his core, heh?" Hagakure remarked, giving an exasperated sigh. (See Author's Note) "Seriously though! What were you thinking, trying to pick a fight when YOU LITERALLY JUST GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!" She exclaimed, pointing to his bandaged shoulder.

Bakugo rolled his eyes. "What? This measly thing? It doesn't bother–—GOD FRICKIN' DAMN IT!" He loudly cursed, glaring at the culprit who had just whacked him from behind. "WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR, AIRHEAD?!"

Hagakure shrugged innocently. "Sorry… mosquito!"

Her act didn't fool Bakugo. He turned away moodily, his fist clenching and unclenching at his side. "What does it matter, anyway? You asked what I wanted to do. Fighting, proving my strength, those are the things that I enjoy. "

Hagakure stared at his broad back, a bit pleased that Bakugo was revealing a part of himself to her. "I totally get what you're saying, buuuut…" She moved up, placing her palm gently on his back. "Your shoulder needs time to relax…and so do you! After all, that's the whole point of today, right?!"

She moved in front of Bakugo, waving her own heavily bandaged arms in front of him. "Don't worry, I'm in the same boat as you! Otherwise, I would totally let you do a small round with me!"

Bakugo's eyes widened, looking appalled at her suggestion. "LIKE I WOULD DO THAT! IDIOT!"

"Reeeeelax! It was a joke!" Hagakure stated, giving his shoulder a friendly pat. Bakugo swatted it away half-heartedly, his expression conflicted.

With a sense of fighting every fiber of his being, he slowly asked. "Since we can't do my suggestion…" He took a deep breath, willing himself to continue. "What's something….you want to do?" A sudden jolt hit him as he felt Hagakure's small hands tightly grab his own.

"I'm so glad you asked!" Hagakure exclaimed, her voice overflowing with excitement as she pulled him forward. "I know just the place where that will totally make you feel better!"

Naha City Interstate:

"This….is unpleasant."

Detective Loid inwardly grumbled, his fingers twitching at the wheel. He cast a quick sidelong glance towards the passenger seat, where Ms. Kaguya Sasaki sat. The woman greatly resembled her son, her small spectacles covering eyes of a similar gray hue. She was younger than he had expected, though it was clear fatigue and stress had aged her features. She sat primly, hands worn from use, clasped nervously in her lap.

Since leaving the airport, she had remained silent, most likely mulling over everything that had happened in the last few hours. Receiving a call from Okinawa, of all places, from authorities claiming they had her son who had been missing for the last six months under their custody. Then came a brief explanation of the charges against him, the acts of felony he had committed, and his willingness to work with a top-tier villainess.

Loid didn't have to imagine how she felt about all this. He was well aware of the emotions flowing through her. The anxiety and guilt brewing like a storm around her, along with the overflowing relief that her son was still alive.

"It makes sense. Any parent would start believing the worst after having a child be missing for over six months." Loid thought, thinking back on Kai's profile. Digging deeper, he had suspicions that based on the time period that he was reported missing, along with a series of small crimes set in the prefecture during that time there was reason to believe Mr. Sasaki could have been involved in quite a number of criminal activities before Siren and he made their way to Okinawa.

The detective suppressed a sigh, knowing he would have to discuss these possibilities with Ms. Sasaki once they got back to that station. "Just more bad news piled on top of another."

He once again cast a worried look her way, knowing there was really nothing he could say to ease the burdens that awaited her. He shifted his gaze, casually commenting aloud, "I imagine you must be tired from your flight. Once we get to the station, I'd be happy to offer you some freshly brewed tea or coffee."

"Thank you, Detective Fujikawa." Ms. Sasaki quietly replied. "That's very kind of you." Fresh waves of guilt and misery burst from her, making the mood reader want to shudder.

Ignoring the urge, he plastered on a smile, lightly replying. "Please, just Loid would be fine. We like to keep it casual here on the islands. And it's the least I can do for you." He paused, carefully constructing his words. "Just so you know, you're not the only parent going through this process. Your cooperation goes a long way to helping us piece together a full picture of what we're dealing with. For that, we truly are thankful."

Ms. Sasaki didn't say a word, merely studying the ocean view through the window. Then, with a questionable tone, she repeated, "Thankful, eh? Even though my son has caused you so much trouble."

Loid bristled, sensing a change in the atmosphere. Similar to observing water slowly beginning to boil. "If I may be frank Ms. Sasaki. Trouble doesn't even come close to describing the excessive amounts of difficulties your son has put us through. He's caused both physical and emotional pains to be both victims and their families. Not to mention he's been uncooperative and overall a complete headache for my team and I to deal with. However…" His tone was honest as he stressed, "None of that means we wish for your son to suffer."

He noticed her knuckles whitening, her calloused, overworked hands gripping her skirt tightly. "Detective…Can you tell me what sort of future awaits my son?"

Tapping his finger against the wheel. "I'll do my best. But you must understand that this case is far from being completely closed. There's a lot of mystery regarding your son's whereabouts and his activities during the period when he was reported missing. I need you to be aware that there may be different allegations that may be brought up in the future."

"I understand." She answered quietly, waiting for him to continue.

"Very well." He sighed softly, turning off the highway. "As of right now, your son's age and the criminal he's been associating with are all factors that have to be considered when deciding to move forward in a case such as this one."

"You're speaking of this…Siren?" She spoke the villainous name like an unknown organism, something she couldn't quite comprehend truly existed.

Loid nodded grimly. "We spoke of her briefly on the phone. What we didn't tell you was the details involving her quirk." In a low tone he gave her a brief description of the quirk's mechanicals, sensing the surprise radiating from the mother. Along with a small flicker of hope.

"So there's a chance my son was an unwilling participate in these crimes?" She questioned, her tone unrevealing of the hope that was flaring within.

"I wish that was so." The detective thought, grinding his teeth in silent frustration. To her, he answered, "It's a possibility we are looking into…but to be honest. I don't believe that is the case for your son."

She didn't say anything, her disappointment coming off in waves. Loid continued. "On a positive note, your son does have his age working to his benefit. As a minor, chances of incarceration are slim. The most likely outcome would be him being transported to one of the juvenile correctional facilities. There's several around the country, their locations under strict confidentiality. With the rise of dangerous quirks in the last few generations, these facilities have become valuable resources for deterring young who have abused their powers from straying further down the path of destructiveness. There he will continue his education and have his mental stability evaluated."

"And when he graduates?" She asked, facing the window. "What then?"

"That depends on him and how well he cooperates." Loid answered, being frank. "Some are released and monitored for a period of time. Others may have to stay for a longer period."

"And what of his crimes? Are they erased? Or are they to follow him like a shadow for the rest of his life?"

The frown on Loid deepened. "I'm afraid things are never that simple. Colleges…future employers…businesses… it's within their rights to know just who they are allowing near the civilians that are under their care. Luckily, the government has several branches of operation that are willing to hire from our facilities. Along with several hero agencies who are willing to take workers wanting to turn over a new leaf in life."

"But others will not be so willing, will they?" Ms. Sasaki whispered, the first hints of emotion breaking through her walls. "In the end…because of his mistakes…his options will always be limited." Tears formed, her voice quivering. "All because I failed him as a parent!"

Loid drove quietly, letting the mother grieve. "After all, some emotions just shouldn't stay bottled up." After several minutes of heavy silence, he passed her a clean handkerchief. "For record…" Loid commented, watching her dab at her eyes from behind her glasses. "Despite what you may feel, you're still here. And that's a big step."

Ms. Sasaki gazed miserably down at her lap, looking as if she had not heard him. "I knew he was miserable, you know." She confessed. "I still remember walking in, finding the room covered in blood. With Kai sitting in the middle of it. There was so much that I thought for sure that something terrible had happened. That…." She paused briefly, then continued. "But when he saw me…I'll never forget that look…" Her hand rose to her face, as if to block out the memory. "...or the words that he said." (See Chapter 14, for flashback)

"Don't worry…it's all from me." She repeated the words solemnly, with Loid listening. "The way he said it. So hollow and dead-like. Like it was simply okay that he tried to mutilate himself." She sighed, the memory weighing heavily upon the mother. "After that I wasn't sure what to do…how to speak with him ...so I just didn't. I knew at his age, things can be difficult. We've all been there as teenagers. So I hoped maybe, by me treating him normally, whatever this was would simply pass."

"You must think me naive." She said, her tone bitter. "For thinking this way."

"No, not really. " Loid answered. "It's human nature to detour away from unpleasant situations. Whether it is an effective method or not is an entirely different matter. However…" He paused, reflecting on his younger self, and the difficulties that came along with his quirk. "I do believe that dismissing someone's troubles due to the notion of one's age. I think that this action is a little bit more detrimental."

His thoughts roamed to a memory of himself as a young child, attending a theme park with his mother. He couldn't have been more than four or five years of age, his small hand clasped in his mother's gentle hand as they walked together.

"With the generational shift of quirks, with their increasingly perpetual effect on our everyday lives...for the adults of our times to continue to push away troubles of the youth with the excuse of…. We've all been there. We've gone through the same emotions, the same issues."

It was like being pelted by a hundred bullets. The intensity of the moment when his quirk awakened was one he would never forget. Waves of excitement, piercing stabs of fear and anxieties, booming bombardments of happiness. Who, at such a young age, couldn't even understand just what these abstract atrocities were that threatened to consume him.

"I think this train of thought…just doesn't apply anymore."

He doesn't remember letting go of his mother's hand. But he did. How else would he have ended up alone, on the ground, covering both up his ears as he tried to hide from the invisible emotions that pounded through his small body. He vividly recalled watching in panic as the fair goers continued on their way, smiles blossoming their expressions as they enjoyed their night out. Why wasn't anyone else in pain? Why was he the only one suffering. He wanted to cry out, to beg someone to please explain what was wrong with him.

"I'm not chiding you Ms. Sasaki. I, too, was raised in a single parent household so I understand the struggles. I also have the benefit of having a quirk that makes it accessibly convenient to understand the feelings of others. But for everyone else, even it is impossible to truly comprehend the struggles someone you care about is going through..."

"Loid! Loid!"

His mother's voice. Amid the storm of emotions, it felt so faint, so far away. Fat tears fell from his eyes, sobs escaping as he wished it all to end.

"I think the first step is just showing them that you're there."

A new emotion enveloped the young Loid. Like a thick blanket, it blocked out the sounds of the others, protecting him, filling him with warmth. He blinked open his eyes, discovering his mother's arms embraced around him and clinging to him so tightly it hurt. He remembered her words, sounding just as scared and frightened as he was as they whispered, "I'm sorry. I don't know what's going on, or why you're in pain. But I'm here now. I'm here." Through the strands of her long, blonde hair that fell upon him, he couldn't see her expression. But could hear her heart beating fast against her chest, her worry, her fear, her confusion circling around him like vultures. But they were so small compared to this new feeling, of his mother's love.

Loid was pulled away from the memory, parking the car next to the Naha Police Station. He turned to Ms. Sasaki, his keen blue eyes studying the mother next to him. Mirror images of anxieties and troubles he had seen many other parents, including his own. He held out his hand to her."It may not seem like it right now. But just you being here right now is the first step forward." He kindly helped her out of the car. "The first of many to show you're there for him."

She nodded, eyeing the building before them with growing apprehension. He took her arm, gently guiding her forward. "Come, let's go meet your son."

Central Naha

It was now Bakugo's turn to bawk as he gazed upon the large line of people waiting patiently to enter a small shop ahead of them. He narrowed his eyes, reading the sign. "Jahana Kippan? Where the hell did you drag us to?!" He demanded, angrily waving at the sea of tourists. "And why are all these EXTRAS here too?"

"Isn't it obvious?!" Hagakure replied, sighing dreamily as she swiftly took selfies in front of the building and the crowd blocking the entrance. "All these people are here for one thing only! And that's to get a taste of true Okinawan delicacies!"

Bakugo blinked, unmoved. "So it's just a dessert shop?"

"It's not JUST A DESSERT SHOP!" Hagakure exclaimed, clasping her hands together wistfully as she went into full detail on the delights the small shop held. "This particular shop specializes in the delightfully citrusy Kippan and harmonious melon-flavored Tougatsuke! Desserts that were traditionally only set forth for Okinawan royalty! Can you just imagine how delicious such treats must taste to only be reserved for royal tongues!"

"Sounds like a marketing scam to me." Bakugo commented, not impressed. "Besides why should anyone give a crap about a dessert that some stuck-up royals chowed on anyway?"

"I bet if All Might ate it you would." Hagakure mumbled in defense.

"What was that?!" Bakugo growled.

"Nothing. Nothing." Hagakure answered, smirking secretly to herself.

Bakugo scowled, eying the horde of other customers with contempt. "I don't see why we have to wait in this damn line just for some sweets. Can't we just come back when there's less extras around?"

Hagakure gasped. "And increase the chances of them running out!? ARE YOU MAD!?"

"But this line is too damn long! Besides, we literally JUST ATE BREAKFAST! HOW CAN YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?!"

"Oh Bakugo, sweets don't go to the stomach." Hagakure explained, placing a hand on her chest. "They go…to the heart."

Bakugo's red gaze narrowed doubtfully. "Yeah…tell that to your hips—OUCH!" He growled as an invisible hand forcefully whacked his shoulder.

"Better watch it." Hagakure advised, feigning innocence. "The mosquitoes here are really bad. Besides, waiting in a long line can be a good thing! Gives us plenty of time to get to know more about each other!"

"That's a good thing?" Bakugo murmured, itching to dash away from the torment that awaited him.

Hagakure tsked, wagging a disapproving finger. "Don't be like that. We're already second years and I bet you still don't know anything about the rest of your classmates! Like how Sato's favorite dessert to make is macarons! Or that Sero's dream vacation is to travel across the Himalayas! Or that Aoyama is SUPER afraid of wall plugs because the one time his finger got stuck as a kid and it totally fried his hair! Or…."

"Please explain to me how ANY OF THAT INFORMATION IS WORTH KNOWING?!"

"It's not WHAT the information is!" Hagakure stressed. "It's that you care enough to listen to what they have to say. After all, we're not only classmates, we're friends!"

Bakugo rolled his eyes, crossing his arms stubbornly. "I'm here at UA to become the #1 top pro-hero. NOT to make friends."

"That's such a typical loner boy response." Hagakure teased, much to Bakugo's annoyance. They moved up in the line, with Hagakure continuing brightly. "But you know, isn't making allies supposed to be a super important part of going pro?"

"Only to heroes who need the support." Bakugo scornfully replied. "You don't see heroes like All Might ever needing backup."

"Yeah, well that's All Might." Hagakure pointed out. "No one comes anywhere close to his power."

"I will. Someday." Bakugo told her, his glowering gaze daring her to rebuke his claim. She didn't, merely cocking her head at him curiously.

"Ohhh? Hey! That gives me an idea!" She exclaimed, hands clapping together with anticipation. "While we're waiting in line, let's take turns asking each other questions! I'll go first!" She declared, not giving Bakugo time to decline. "Why do YOU want to become a hero?!"

Bakugo gave an impatient snort. "Easy. So I can surpass All Might and become the top hero! "

"Why?"

"Because it'll show I'm the strongest, toughest person around!"

"Why?"

"Because it'll prove that I'm the best!"

"Why?"

"WHAT IS WITH YOU AND YOUR WHY QUESTIONS!" Bakugo demanded, his patience snapping.

"My bad! My bad!" An amused Hagakure apologized. "I was thinking that your reasoning sounds a lot like something a villain would say!"

Bakugo reddened, irked at the comparison. "Like I give a damn about what you think! If you're so nosy, then how about you spill why YOU want to become a hero!?"

His annoyance only grew as Hagakure teasingly replied. "Woah, such a deep question. And on a first date too! You must be pretty interested in me, hehehe!"

Her amusement came to an abrupt end as Bakugo angrily stretched her cheeks to their limit, muttering. "You little…."

"Okay! Okay! Sheesh!" Hagakure waving him off. She crossed her arms thoughtfully, considering the question. "Hmmm let's see….why do I want to become a hero? I guess if I had to give a reason…it would be family related."

"Ehh, family related?" Bakugo grumbled, already disinterested. "What? Is your family full of pro-heroes or something?"

Hagakure giggled. "No, no, not at all! They're just a bit famous." She shifted, her head nodding towards a nearby shop. "That's actually my mother over there."

Startled, Bakugo whipped around, gaze darting around as if a villain was on the loose. Hagakure doubled over, taken over with giggles at his uncharacteristic show of nerves. "Relax! Relax! She's not really here! Just her poster." She pointed a bandaged hand towards the windows that were plastered with different local advertisements. One of the larger posters displayed an ad for an upcoming American spy movie, which featured the handsome male lead along with an equally gorgeous female actress of Japanese descent.

Bakugo stared, mouth agape. "THAT'S your mother!? Even I know her! She's the actress that plays the White Widow heroine in all the Revenger movies!"

He was surprised to hear a humorless laugh escape the invisible girl. "Yep. Mother's a world famous actress. While my older sister is climbing her way up the social ladders as an up-and-coming fashion model." As she spoke, voice lacked any of its usual carefree vibe, taking on a bitter note. Something that Bakugo noticed. "Careers that rely solely on your beauty and ability to stand out amongst the crowd." She sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I bet you you can just imagine their surprise when my quirk came about." She paused, turning to look at her mother's poster once more. "For someone who idolizes beauty, having a daughter that you can't even gaze upon…that must have been pretty disappointing."

She turned away, moving forward with the flowing line. In a falsely bright tone, she explained, "So I figured if I can't follow them in their footsteps, I can stand out in my own way. By becoming a super, awesome pro-hero!" She gave Bakugo a small pat on the back, teasingly adding. "Sorry for poking fun at you earlier! After all, compared to you, my reasoning for becoming a hero. Just to stand out…" Her voice trailed off, becoming melancholy. "...is way more selfish."

Bakugo listened quietly, not sure of how to respond. Because of her bubbly, borderline extremely annoying personality, he had always assumed Hagakure had a pretty carefree home life. For whatever reason, he could easily imagine a young, sad Hagakure watching silently in the shadows as her mother and sister shone brightly in the spotlight of their individual passions. The image didn't sit well for him.

But before he could muster the correct words to say to her, a familiar voice suddenly called out to them.

"Invisible Girl?"

Both Hagakure and Bakugo glanced up, surprised to see Daisuke Miyagi and his fellow captive friend, Yamato Higa, emerging from the crowd. Though still looking pale and rather worn from their weeks of captivity, there was a brightness in their expressions that had been absent before. Hagakure beamed, instantly rushing over to greet them.

Bakugo held back, frowning as he watched her from afar.

"Daisuke! Yamato! It's so good to see you two!" Hagakure exclaimed, truly happy to see the people she had helped rescue. "I'm surprised you got out of the hospital so quickly!"

Daisuke grinned, looking just as happy to see her. "Just for now. Once we're back home, we still have some tests to go through. Our parents were a bit pushy with the hospitals here."

"Back home?" Hagakure asked.

"Back to our home islands." Daisuke explained. "I'm from Miyako."

"And I'm from Ishigaki." Yamato added, giving Daisuke a suggestive nudge in the side. The brunette scowled at the action, a hint of red arising along his face. "We're just doing a bit of sightseeing before we get on the ferry tomorrow."

"That's so awesome!" Hagakure commented, clapping her hands in delight. "You must be so excited to see your families again!"

"Yeah…it'll be nice." Daisuke replied, sounding more distracted than pleased. Next to him, Yamato gave a deep sigh, clutching his head in an exaggerated manner.

"Oh, ow. My head." He bowed politely to Hagakure as he unexpectedly excused himself. "My apologies, but I'm going to find a place to rest in the shade. I'm still feeling a bit of that quirk's aftereffects. Thanks again for everything, Invisible Girl." He then quickly walked away, but not without shooting Daisuke an encouraging nod.

"Oh poor Yamato! I hope he feels better soon." Hagakure commented, completely missing the secretive exchange. She moved closer to Daisuke, giving him a teasing nudge with her elbow. "Lucky you! Seems like you've fully recovered from Siren's aftereffects, ehhhh?"

Daisuke reddened, the memory of her discovering his little 'aftereffect' scorching his brain. He gripped the top of her head, brow twitching tensely as he replied. "Oi! What did I tell you about looking down there!?"

"Hahahah! My bad! My bad!" Hagakure laughed. "I just couldn't help myself."

Her laugh was contagious and soon Daisuke was chuckling along with her. "Hahaha! Isn't it against the rules for heroes' for tease the people they rescue?"

"No worries!" Hagakure exclaimed, giving a victory sign. "I'm not a pro yet! So those rules don't apply to me!" Out of the blue, Daisuke's hand came down to tenderly rest atop of her head.

"You could have fooled me." He replied, his amber gaze falling warmly upon her.

Hagakure stood still, touched by the compliment. She opened her mouth, wanting to thank him. But before she could, a familiar, foul-tempered voice broke through the tender exchange.

"Whaaaaaat?!" Bakugo growled, swatting Daisuke's hand away from Hagakure like it was a pesky housefly. "Are you sane?! This girl ain't anywhere close to being a pro! Just look at her! She's supposed to be invisible, yet her loud-mouth makes her known from a mile away!"

"Hey!" Hagakure exclaimed, but he ignored her. His fiery red gaze directly glaring at Daisuke, who looked just as furious at the interruption.

"The only one here with a big mouth is you!" Daisuke snarled, pointing an accusing finger at Bakugo. "And what the hell are YOU doing here?!"

"WHAT'S IT TO YOU!?" Bakugo snapped. "Shouldn't you be on a boat somewhere?!"

"Shouldn't you be stuck in some hospital bed?" Daisuke sneered. "Last time I saw you, you weren't looking too hot. Almost like you got beat up by someone twice your size…"

"HA! You must be blind and stupid to think anything is wrong with me." Bakugo replied, agitated sparks popping from his palm as he smirked sadistically. "But if you're worried I'd be happy to show you just how fine I really am!"

The two boys stood nose to nose, guttural growls reverberating between that as they eyed each other like junkyard dogs fighting for dominance. A mystified Hagakure stood between them, question marks blossoming around her as she observed the hostility between the two. "Umm….did I miss something?"

"NO!" Both boys snarled, neither wanting her to be involved. She gave an exasperated sigh.

"Bakugo, can you mind your manners for just one minute?!" Hagakure complained. "Don't you remember Daisuke and the other students were the ones who looked after you while you were injured!"

Bakugo scoffed, haughtily replying. "How can I forget? It's because of this nimrod and his pals we were sent to this blasted island in the first place!"

"Why you…" Daisuke growled, taking a step forward.

"MOSQUITO!" Hagakure exclaimed, expertly giving Bakugo's injured shoulder a firm whack.

"GOD FRICKING DAMN IT!" Bakugo roared, glaring bullets at her. "WILL YOU CUT THAT CRAP OUT!?"

Hagakure ignored the accusation, sternly lecturing him. "Bakugo, don't be rude! If I recall, Daisuke and the others weren't the ONLY ones that got hijacked now were they? Hmmm?"

Bakugo bit his lip, shaking with fury but unable to argue. Satisfied, she turned to Daisuke, brightly explaining. "I sincerely apologize for my ill-mannered classmate. He's only like this…well… all the time." She waved a hand towards the line leading to the sweets shop. "To make up for all the trouble, how about you join us for some….OH NO!"

Hagakure gasped, horror struck, at the line that had doubled in size since they had begun their conversation. In a flash, she whipped towards Bakugo, her tone accusing as she snapped "Bakugo! Now look at what you've done!"

"WHAT THE HELL DID I DO?!"

"Because you left, our spot in line got taken!" Hagakure heatedly explained, as if she was speaking with a simpleton. "Now we have to go aaaaaalllll the way to the back of the line!" She shook her head mournfully."Talk about a bummer…."

"How is that MY PROBLEM!? I don't even want the damn treats. Besides! YOU were the one who ran off in the first place!"

"Well, yeah! Can't really ignore someone who calls out to me! Talk about rude!"

"THEN DON'T GET ON MY ASS ABOUT LEAVING THE LINE!"

"Come on! It's basic line etiquette to hold a space for a friend!"

"HOLD YOUR OWN DAMN SPACE!"

The two continued their pointless bickering, completely forgetting about Daisuke as he observed the two. He frowned, realization dawning upon him. Giving a defeated sigh, he crossed his arms, casually commenting. "Looks like you two are pretty close."

Bakugo and Hagakure froze in mid-tussle, Bakugo's hands pinching and stressing Hagakure's cheeks out as Hagakure's fist batted at his chest. They blinked, Daisuke's comment taking them by surprise. In unison, they loudly exclaimed, "NO WAY!"

Daisuke shook his head, annoyed at their obliviousness. "I'm actually pretty pressed for time today, so I can't stay and hang out." He moved towards Hagakure, pointedly ignoring Bakugo's death glare. "But I did want to thank you again, Invisible Girl. I know me nor any of the other guys will ever forget the risk you took for us back in those tunnels. You gave us hope, back when we really needed it."

He scratched the back of his head, growing bashful as he continued. "Look…I know you're still in training. I just wanted to let you know that whenever you do become a pro hero, just remember that you have fans here on the islands rooting for you." He quickly pulled out a scrunched up piece of paper, shoving it into her palm. Blushing brightly, he quietly added. "A-And that includes me too."

Hagakure glanced down, finding Daisuke contact number scrawled across the piece of paper.

"Just so if you're ever back in Okinawa." Daisuke muttered, turning away bashfully. "You'll have someone to show you around."

She clutched the paper close to her chest, touched at his sincere gesture. "Thank you Daisuke." She replied, her voice brimming with joy. "I definitely will!"

Daisuke nodded, smiling sadly as he bid them both farewell. It was right as Hagakure and Bakugo began their trek to the back of the sweets line, that Bakugo secretly glanced over his shoulder at the retreating teen. From there he observed Daisuke's smile fade into an expression of deep disappointment as he approached Yamato, who gave his friend a comforting pat on the back.

The simple gesture spoke of words left unsaid towards the young heroine. Bakugo turned away, annoyance prickling at him for reasons he couldn't understand. Digging his hands into his pocket, he once again joined Hagakure in line for the sweet shop. The invisible girl paid him no mind, continuing to hum merrily to herself as she gazed upon the note containing Daisuke's contact information. The sight made Bakugo want to barf.

"What the hell are you so happy about?" Bakugo grumbled. "Seems pretty lame to get this googly-eyed over a lousy number."

"It's not JUST a number!" Hagakure argued with an indignant huff. "It may not seem like much to someone like you, but to someone like me…who may never really stand out much as a hero…" She hugged it to her chest, lovingly noting. "...it's proof that I actually made a difference to someone."

Bakugo watched as she carefully folded the paper, tugging it away into her purse for safe keeping. He scratched at his bandaged cheek, grudgingly pointing out, "You know…there's a hell of a lot of people crowding this place. To have that weak-ass punk be able to spot you in all of this is proof that you stand out plenty enough already."

Hagakure paused, secretly blushing at the unexpected compliment. Noticing her falling back, he barked impatiently, "Get up here Airhead, you're holding the damn line back!"

"Sorry!" She apologized, gently brushing against his shoulder as she took her place beside him in line. "I guess I was just shocked that you could actually give out compliments!"

"Who the hell said that was a compliment!? If I recall you're supposed to be invisible! Standing out should be the least of your concern!"

Hagakure giggled. "Right, right…thanks Bakugo."

Bakugo scowled, turning away from her as blush crept into his features. A small buzzing sound invaded their moment of intimacy. With a startled gasp, Hagakure's hand instinctively shot out, giving Bakugo's shoulder another painful WHACK.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WAS THAT FAR!?"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! This time there REALLY WAS A MOSQUITO!"

Naha Police Station:

Detective Loid led Ms. Sasaki passed the crowded offices and paper-stacked desks of the other police officers, moving down a quieter hallway where only a few heavily armed guards were stationed. While walking, he briskly outlined to her the procedures and what to expect as they neared the room where the teen delinquent, Kai Sasaki, was being kept.

"Remember, he's in a delicate situation here, so don't be surprised by any verbal backlash that may occur. If he becomes violent in any way, it is crucial that you quickly make your way to the exit and let the officers take over. Please do not try to interfere."

"I understand." Ms. Sasaki replied, who had steadily become more withdrawn and quiet the closer they had gotten where her son was held.

Loid frowned, sensing her unease. "Ms. Sasaki, I also would like to mention. That if this all seems too difficult for you, we will not force you to speak with your son today. In a lot of cases, especially those at which there is a lot of ill-feelings or anger felt, parents often choose to postpone meeting their child. Sometimes it is better to wait, than to say words both will regret later on."

"I appreciate your kindness. I really do. " Ms. Sasaki replied, steeling herself. "But it's been too long already. I need to show him I'm his mother. That I still care."

Loid nodded, acknowledging her courage. However, his smile slowly faded as he moved farther and farther down the hallway until he suddenly found himself in front of the door leading to Kai's cell, alarm bells ringing through his head. Ms. Sasaki caught up with him, breathing heavily. "Detective! Is something wrong?"

"Something's happened." Loid murmured grimly. Before he had been able to sense Kai's anger almost immediately, like an invading gas leaking from every crack. But now there was nothing. No emotions at all. There were only two reasons this could occur. Neither of them being pleasant.

"Ms. Sasaki, I'm going need you to please stand back."

The mother, growing fearful, obediently obliged. Tensing, Detective Loid used a card key to unlock the metal door, moving forward alone. He found himself in another hallway, this one more secure and with several different locked rooms used for detaining law breakers. All were empty, except for one, which he instinctively rushed to. There he froze, horrified to find two guard sentries sprawled across the ground, completely unconscious.

The detective quickly crouched down, expertly placing a finger across their necks. "A pulse. But a weak one, very weak." Loid observed, grinding his teeth. "They'll need immediate medical attention!" He took out his radio, quickly calling for back-up and a medical team STAT. He heard a horrified gasp behind him, and realized Ms. Sasaki had followed him in.

"What…has he done?" Ms. Sasaki cried, falling to her knees.

"I'm afraid…." Loid declared, ominously gazing upon the now empty cell. "Your son has found a way to escape."

Author's Notes:

- This part was inspired by true events. As I was doing research for the this story, one of the original places I had planned for Mina and Kirishima to visit on their date was the Shuriji Castle. I had watched videos of other people visiting the castle and read blogs about how you HAD TO VISIT the castle while in Okinawa. Then, almost by accident, I stumbled upon an article talking about the reconstruction. Confused, I went on wikipedia and, sure enough, found out that the castle had burned down in 2019! So I added that bit in for fun ^_^

- Hagakure's line is a small throwback to the original "Karate Kid" movies, which the second film is actually set in Okinawa.

-As stated in previous chapters, all the places listed are real tourist attractions!