Chapter 30 : After the tempest, the calm.
When Compress came back home, he was quickly tackled by both Izuku and Inko. As Izuku knew his secret identity, he wasn't surprised on his side, but Inko? Technically, she should still think he is some kind of coach unless…
"YOU STUPID IDIOT! WHY DID YOU TRY TO FIGHT MUSCULAR!?"
Atsuhiro was a man who faced countless dangers as the bearer of the Peerless Thief's mantle. None of them were as hard as having an Inko crying against his chest, badly bruised by the battle and everything else.
"… People were in danger."
That was honestly the only answer he could give her, before Izuku grabbed his step-dad with all of his strength. He didn't want to lose him too, as he cried as a Midoriya.
Quickly, it turned into a family hug in their living room, all of them seeking comfort from the warmth of their family.
——————
"It feels… Kind of empty."
La Brava didn't like that, and Gentle clearly didn't. Their former roommate had been sometimes annoying and nagging them about being too much lovey dovey… But at the same time, she would often manage to get them reservations in high quality restaurants, "so they would do it in an appropriate place".
In the end, all they had left from her was her room. They didn't dare to enter yet, as Compress said he would take care of it, as per her will.
However, he did something in the room, before telling them he would clean it up later in the weekend.
They had heard so much about her, dodging death… So, knowing she willingly gave her life, as she had promised to do when they began to work together…
It was a shock to both vigilantes. Two vigilantes who might have found comfort in each other's warmth too, but clearly differently than the Midoriya.
——————
""Todoroki Shouto, Fuyumi and Natsuo? Your parents are ready to receive you."
All three of them rose up instantly, before following the doctor in the hospital.
Natsuo and Shouto had some legitimate hate for their father, but knowing he was in the hospital… It had been something shocking.
They never saw him there, or more injured than with a few scraps. He was an asshole, but the strongest asshole there is.
Seeing him in a hospital bed was something new, even for Rei, sitting next to him.
"The operation went well. His spinal cord isn't in danger anymore, though he will need at the very least one week of rest."
"I can work, doctor… I just need to contact Recovery Girl and…"
"She told me to tell you to rest. If you don't, she is calling Nedzu."
Endeavor groaned, while his family let out a small chuckle at seeing the scene… And knowing the situation could have been significantly worse for both of them.
Endeavor shielded Rei from their blast with his body, and as a result, took a lot of damage. The operation to stabilize and save him took most of the day and thankfully, the Todoroki had enough money to buy the best doctors on the market.
"… We have also received words from the Wild Wild Pussy Cats. They thank you for what you did. Especially their young ward, Kouta, as his parents were…"
"The Water Hoses. I knew them. Nice heroes. Tell the kid it is okay to cry, even now. No matter if his parents were heroes, they are still dead, and he should be able to grieve quietly."
Those words of comfort felt strange to his kids, but not to Rei… Who saw the melancholy in Enji's eyes. The Water Hoses actually came for their marriage, as they often worked with Endeavor after his battle.
Their quirk made them incredibly suited for that, and they stopped seeing each other when… Enji went wrong.
The news of their death had been hard for both Enji and Rei. Using their new ultimate attack had been to make sure Muscular in his new awakened form didn't leave the compound, but also clearly to avenge some fallen friends. Being a Hero didn't stop one from being human.
Meanwhile, at the door, Burnin was munching a lollipop with some anger in her eyes, looking at Rei who did little, except sitting by Endeavor. She sighed, before leaving the corridor. She would have a discussion with that woman soon enough. Both her and Endeavor needed to deal with their shit.
Enji had made mistakes, but he deserved better than perpetual punishment.
——————
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"… Miss Kawauso? What is happening to Miruko?"
Both Yui and Katsuki learned to respect the otter lady, as she seemed unfazed by Miruko's destructive rage on the ring, beating villains automatons.
"She learned she missed a huge fight yesterday, involving the League of Villains, the Levellers and Muscular, because of her date. She is, understandably, highly pissed off. Oh well, she will calm soon enough. Now, did she tell you about her "sidekicks"?"
As Miruko was clearly not available for her interns, Kawauso was taking care of them. Both of them looked at each other.
"She mentioned them, but I thought she didn't have one."
The otter nodded her head and sighed.
"As you probably know, Miruko likes to hop around to solve cases, beat up people and smash things. However, this is technically her home turf, her fortress. Everyone needs a place where you can be contacted safely, and it diminishes a lot of the paperwork involved for everyone and her paychecks."
Once again, both interns nodded, wondering what her point was.
"As a result, some villains like to come here to pick a bone with her. Sadly, we have two lines of defense for them. The first one are the local vigilantes."
Both interns were surprised, as the otter softly facepalmed. Herself found the idea ludicrous, but it worked extremely well.
"Believe it or not, Miruko doesn't know the difference between unpaid sidekick or vigilante. Either that or she doesn't care because the result is the same. Also, it allows me to actually speak with them, organize them at a semi-official level and protect our ward well. I then pay them for the protection they bring, and of course the local donations."
"So… Basically benevolent semi legal Yakuzas?"
"… I prefer to avoid using that term for some reasons but you aren't that far off."
That made way too much sense for both Katsuki and Yui, but they liked the idea. It kicked a lot of ass and it helped people.
Anyway, they saw the lady took off her sweatshirt, revealing a crop top. She was clearly going for a stretch.
"Now, until Miruko is calmed enough, I will train you for a bit."
Yui and Katsuki actually had a chill in their bones as she said that and they spotted a tattoo on her arms, a grenade pin with seven flames? They wondered what it meant.
"I beat that I can beat Yui!"
"Bitch, bring it."
As always, she said it with her cold face, and everyone mistook her as arrogant while she was playing along with the competition. Once again, everyone else wasn't Katsuki, who smiled at her like a shark, happy to have one more rival.
"I will!"
Meanwhile, Kawauso was looking at them, and remembered fondly how she met with her fiance. Yep, they were definitely a couple in the making.
"How about the loser treat the other for a movie?"
Both students froze like statues as she said that, but… None of them said no. Oh, god. Rumi accepting interns was the best idea she had in a long time~~.
"Also, ma'am. You said two lines of defense. What is the second?"
The otter's eye shone, as she had a dark smile.
"Me."
———————
"You are sure you don't need help for your next target, Stain?"
"It is very nice of you, Boss, but I am doing this for an old friend of mine, actually. She prefers that it stays between us."
The League had a rule that forbade them to intrude too much on each other's private matters… Unless it was funny and allowed to tease to no end Tomura.
Notably, with his visible crush on Nejire.
Stain had his crusade, and Loony, her family. It didn't stop the various bunnies from hopping around in the backyard now that they freed them.
"However, I do find it funny that the Levellers targeted Gust Duster's sponsor too. Had I known about them, I would have asked to go help them first."
"Hmm? You know them?"
"I worked with Compress and once upon a time, we were friends. However, he disapproved of my willingness to kill, and I thought he was too nice for his own good. We still have a common friend, but honestly, we avoid each other if we can."
Stain didn't mention that they still held a lot of respect for each other. Sophie was recommended by him, after all. He hoped she was fine.
The thought made him chuckle.
Of course, she was fine. She was, or the only other possibility was that she was pissed to no end.
"And Loony? Is she out of the training room?"
"Apparently, seeing how the rank 10 hero really fights made her realize her inadequacy."
Since they came back, Loony had been training even more than Stain. In fact, Stain was the one who had to tell her to stop and rest to not destroy her body.
"And what about you and the blue-haired girl?"
"She told me in no uncertain terms that I was to train her in close combat. Apparently, believe it or not, Gust Duster praised my hand-to-hand skill and despite being now branded as a villain, his opinion is still respected. So… Nejire wants to be able to stop Boss. Any advice about that?"
Stain thought for a second and then nodded.
"Remember that cuffs are kinky but you should avoid getting caught. Except if it…"
Stain dodged the controller before running away.
——————
All For One, in his throne room, was quietly sipping some wine from a glass that Kurogiri gave him.
"So… Tomura's growth?"
"Very satisfying, sir. We confirmed that external exposure enhanced his strategic mind. His planning is nothing else but properly impressive for his age."
All For One looked at his pawn's file, noticing the Noumu was right. The USJ attack, the number of deductions Tomura did, and how he took care of Gust Duster was properly impressive.
"And the fact that he is simply a borderline vigilante instead of a villain?"
"Considering that All For One needs a heroic mind, sir, I would argue that it is actually for the best. He accepts villainy and heroism in his core. Once you control him, you will have it all."
The faceless villain got lost in his thoughts for a second. He felt another storm brewing, but he had a hard time guessing what exactly.
"Very well. Let's continue on that road. What about his teammates? What can you tell me about them?"
"Loony Tunes. Her weak points are her family and her perceived weaknesses. I think you could easily bring her to your side by pressing on her button."
All For one smiled as he sipped his glass. A powerful and easily manipulable pawn. Was it already his birthday? Wait, no, it was next week. He was also really waiting for Seijin's gift, as she promised it was an awesome one.
"And Stain?"
"I propose elimination, sir."
This commentary actually managed to make All For One raise an inexistent eyebrow.
"He is on Native's trail. If by any means he learns what the man knows…"
"Hmm… Indeed. We know that he is a former associate of Compress and the latter is on friendly terms with Nedzu. It would be… Problematic."
"I have already taken steps, sir."
Making the Noumu intelligent was one of the best ideas Garaki had, All for One had to admit. The black cloud, despite being sometimes sassy, was an excellent second in command.
"I have asked young lady Seijin to prepare a pawn to locate and attack Stain with murderous intent. While it won't be enough, by far, to kill him, it will be good enough to restrain him in a location. All we need then is to use some Noumus. That way, you can also re-establish to all criminals that forgot about you that… You are here."
That comment made the Emperor of crime chuckle.
"Excellent, Kurogiri. Excellent. And as for our last issue?"
"… Do you still want to bring the young prince into your fold, sir? He seems… like his…"
"Kurogiri, I like you. If you say his uncle, I will smash you against the ceiling."
The tone was suddenly dark and cold before the noumu continued without a missing beat…
"Step-dad."
"Close enough. Anyway, yes. I actually have an idea about how…"
——————
"Agent K, Foxtail, Amaterasu and Tanuki… Congratulations. After the success of destroying the warehouse, we have decided to promote your unit. Agent K, you are now officially Officer K, in charge of the Youkai unit."
On the slide behind the president of the HPSC appeared All For One in his prime, drinking some wine in Dublin.
"We received intel telling us that the new League of Villains have, most likely, a link with All For One, the only living SSS criminal still alive. Do not engage under any circumstance. Even if he was weakened by All Might, he is still someone All Might managed to beat only by sheer luck and because he let his guard down for a second. He is cautious enough to not do that a second time.
Anyway. You will infiltrate the group, under the pretense of following the Hero Killer Stain. Which, as far as I know, isn't a lie."
Seijin, behind the team, nodded. Stain would have made an amazing tool for the HPSC, too bad he was a threat.
"You will evaluate the situation: Is the Boss under All For One's direct orders to destroy his competition? Do they have more noumus? Do they know where Dr Garaki is? While under the mission, you may kill civilians if necessary. Only kill heroes if there is no other choice or if they are on list Delta. You will report, one at a time, to Agent K through his quirk. Any other question?"
It was purely rhetoric, and the meeting ended that way.
The President looked at All For One's smiling face, before breaking her cup of coffee in sheer rage. Some might find her purely ruthless. She preferred to think she was the most appropriate tool to bring down that man, even if it cost her soul and morals.
All for a safe Japan.
——————
"OH FU… Wait. I AM ALIVE? I AM ALIVE!"
Muscular couldn't believe his luck. He was sure he was dead for a second… Until he noticed he was in a dark void.
"Oh IS SOMEONE THERE? HEL…"
Then, Muscular's consciousness disappeared, as Garaki looked upon his finest creation yet, helped by Emilia. Good lord, having some competent co-worker really helped!
"Very nice experiment, Emilia!"
"Thanks, Professor!"
"No, really. I knew thanks to All for One that vestiges of the owner existed through a quirk… But it was the first time I managed to recreate it artificially!"
The European scientist smiled at her mentor, while she typed with her left arm what was needed.
"I found it by accident, after trying to insert a quirk from a rat to a cat, as per your instructions. However, one of my interns messed up the protocols and well… The result was messy. However, we did notice the subject's craving for cheese."
"Just out of curiosity. What was the rat quirk?"
"Manipulation of others by grabbing their hair."
"… Quirks are bullshit."
"Totally."
Both of them laughed, as Garaki was actually overjoyed. Soon… Soon enough his plan was coming to fruition. All he needed was the last piece.
The last wood to make the ember rise again, as it should have always done.
———————
BomberMan entered the chat.
BomberMan: IZUKU. I NEED HELP.
AllSmile: … Sure, what do you need, Kacchan?
BomberMan: I need a cinema who still projects tokusatsu. Preferably one of the old ones… And not far from Miruko's agency.
AllSmile: There will be a price for my help, you know that?
Bomberman: I will get you her autograph and her special easter egg edition card.
AllSmile: There is an old cinema not on the internet at 15min from your position. Here is the address. They project some of the old Ultraman flicks, and I know from my source they are Yui's favorite.
Bomberman: Thanks man!
Bomberman: Wait, how do you know it is for Yui and I?
AllSmile: I didn't. It was a lucky guess and I had that address stored in case. BTW, dont worry I will explain to aunty if you come back late~~
Bomberman: DONT YOU FUCKIN DARE WARN MY MOM, IZUKU !
———————
Katsuki groaned, as he put down the phone…
"Fuck. I should have known that asking for his help was asking for trouble…"
Meanwhile, Yui was drinking her tomato juice happily, having beaten Katsuki in their exercise against Otsu Kawauso. Namely, staying alive against her hunting you in the compound.
"I am hoping for a good movie, loser."
"IT IS GOING TO BE A GOOD ONE."
He was always hyper, and it included dates. Even if it was the first one, because of a losing bet and with a girl that he appreciated for her fighting spirit.
Somehow, he couldn't help but make a parallel with how Tooru and Izuku got together. Naaaah.
Mina, Izuku, Tooru, Kaminari and Jirou were also too far away to take pictures of the situation. He was safe.
Little did they know that above the two teens, Miruko and Kawauso were smiling looking at them.
"They are cute."
"Mood. Betting that Katsuki is asking you for a place for a date before the end of the internship?"
"Deal!"
Kawauso then drank a bit from her bottle and asked Miruko.
"By the way, you took the Katsuki kid knowing he was Sleek Punch's son or it is a coincidence?"
Miruko froze and looked at her friend, her face void of color.
"… What?"
"His mom. Sleek Punch. I got confirmation from my man, when I showed him her picture. He even commented on one of your old suits, saying it looked like one of his mom's designs."
Miruko stared at Katsuki and suddenly understood a lot. His physical training, and the lack of things she had to bring to it. The shark smiled. His battle instinct. Fuuuuuuck.
"… It is funny how everything circles around at the end, right?"
——————
Bomberman: … Izuku, I am asking you that as a friend. IF. If the cinema goes well… Can you help me prepare a date plan?
AllSmile: I owe you for Tooru. Of course.
——————
MasterOfCards: IZUKU. I NEED HELP!
AllSmile: There is a dojo that can be rented there. An arcade with the old Street Fighter is located 800m from it, there. Here is some reduction code to buy more jetons.
MasterOfCards: …That is fucking scary. but thanks.
AllSmile: :D
——————
"Ma'am? I would like to talk to you. In private."
Rei expected many things when she returned to Enji's agency after the hospital. Burnin' asking for a meeting was one of them indeed, as the young woman didn't hide at all her affection for Endeavor.
Shouto looked at the two women, without really understanding the situation, before both women told him to go look again at the files. Kido quickly took him under his arm, before getting the hell out of the way.
"Listen, kid. There are many scary things in this world. Two women wanting to talk in private? That is one of them and you don't want to be there."
Shouto was wondering why this was only taught now to him.
When the two women were alone in the office, Burnin' opened the hostility instantly.
"So. When will you be done with playing with the boss, ma'am?"
Rei smiled coldly at the flaming woman, who clearly wore her emotion on her sleeve.
"I don't know what you are talking about, dear, but I am certain this is not about your business to immisce yourself between me and him."
Burnin's hair almost went blue at her comment, and she slammed her fist on the table.
"IT IS MY GODDAMN BUSINESS WHEN IT TORMENT THE MAN I RESPECT THE MOST IN THE WORLD."
"And once again, it is a family business, so unless you pretend to have something to do with my husband, I doubt you…"
"I QUALIFY, BITCH."
That actually shut up Rei for an instant, looking horrified at Burnin for a second.
Enji was many things, but she didn't expect him to be a womanizer or seduce someone in his office. Then again, he was also a man of power and the lady was… with a hot body.
"…I am going to kill Enji."
Burnin's brain took a few seconds to process, before she reddened for a second.
"WAIT NO, NO. I don't mean it like that!"
Rei was already freezing the room with her quirk, with her sheer fury.
"… Then you better explain…"
"Do you know about Enji's father?"
The snow lady actually stopped in her tracks, again, for a second, giving a clear answer of the subject to Burnin, who continued her story.
"I learned about him when Nedzu gave him his reality check. He was drunk. I had my suspicions, so I passed a DNA test and I now know why Boss had taken the time to save me himself when I was younger. I don't call him uncle because it would feel really weird on the field. Also, I think he would prefer to think I don't know about my grandfather."
Rei opened her mouth for a second… Before sitting, and massaging her eyes.
"… So you know about what happened between him and me?"
"Yes. I do. I also know you keep sending him mixed signals."
Rei was going to protest when she saw Burnin's eyes.
"I won't excuse him for what he did. If you want a divorce, do that. We both know he won't refuse it. You want to get back with him? Do that. But stop giving him a smile and maybe a caress, before coldly freezing him where he is and telling him he has no hope… Still signing no papers."
Oh. That was her point, then.
"I do what I can. I want to believe that Enji has changed and truly regret what he did. I have also seen too many women coming back to a husband who pretended to have changed and…"
"And when they came back to the hospital, it was in a fucking bag. I know. I often work on such cases, when the police don't."
"So you see my issue?"
"I do. I fucking do. Honestly, whatever you decide, I doubt he will stop punishing himself. However, I can't bear to see him hope for a second despite himself before you kill it instantly. I don't think you do that intentionally. But get your fucking act together. Quickly."
Burnin sighed, before looking at Rei.
"And before you ask, no, I am not interested in dating my uncle or anything. I have normal preferences, preferably girls of my age."
"Oh. Oooooh."
"And it was my boss who helped me understand that about me. He is literally the closest thing I have to a father. So don't hurt him because he hurt you."
When Burnin left the room, Rei was still sitting… And more importantly, thinking.