Hi guys! I know, fast one! This just came to me! You know the drill, disclaimer's in the first chap, read, review, moo, yodelaidleheehoo.

I'd like to thank Old Man of the Mountain (discord), Swift-sama (SB) and Santo (SB) for betaing! You guys are an amazing help!

'Huh, I wonder how they're gonna melt all that ice. Wait, Endeavour's in the crowd so it shouldn't be too much of an issue.'

'And to see the arena being repaired at such speed…a caliph would pay half their treasuries for someone with such an ability. To be honest, this makes me realize that I still have trouble comprehending these new abilities humanity gained.'

Yeah, coming from that perspective, I understand what he means. Watching a kid around my age turn half a stadium into a skating rink - and that's just one of the batshit insane things I've seen these guys do - would seem rattling even to half the people of this time, much less Mawla's.

I would happily continue this lovely inquiry about Mawla's opinions regarding the next generation of Pro Heroes, but an ear-grating screech sharply knocks me out of that path and makes me nearly claw the plastic from my seat.

"Kyaa! Todoroki is so cool!"

"Kirishimaaaa! Tetsutestuuuu! Muscles all the way!"

"Yaoyorozu for the win!"

Oh great, the fangirls are at it again. And the fanboys. Despite the gender, make no mistake; they are both horrid, revolting creatures that should have never crawled out of their parents' homes.

I shrivel at the sheer volume of their howling as my hands clamp over my sensitive ears. For fuck's sake, of all the times to have a super-hearing Quirk…okay, who's brilliant idea was it to broadcast the Sports Festival in the gym hall where the screams of the entire student body are magnified times a hundred!?

Holding back the string of curses ready to rocket themselves out of my mouth, I take a deep breath. That's it, I can't do this. Any more and I'll go deaf or worse…become one of them! No, best to spare myself these gruesome fates.

'As the meme goes, fuck this shit, I'm out!'

I grab my bag and slink between the bouncing bodies of the students, gritting my teeth at the cacophony all around me. I push my way through one sweaty body after another, trying not to get distracted by - ooh, is that ice cream? And what the hell is that on her - no Ritsu, focus! Your salvation is just beyond that door!

Thank goodness the teachers are just as invested in this as the students. Aww, even Makoto-sensei has a little flag! Good, she can't see me.

I press myself to a nearby wall and Conceal myself. Then, with a happy grin, I rush to the door, past the guarding teachers and push it open! FREEDOM!

Making a few turns, I stop and take a moment to savor the fresh air and roll my shoulders. Thank goodness school gets let out when this ends, so no one will check on me.

'Well, that's one nightmare avoided today.'

'Yes, the noise was becoming unpleasant. One of the reasons I chose Alamut as my fortress; 'twas far away from any such disturbances.'

'I can imagine. Up high on a mountain like that no one could bother you.'

'Speaking of which, I propose we take this moment to retreat to our own Alamut. I would like to have a proper training session in light of yesterday's…encounter.'

'Heh heh…still thinking on that, huh?' I ask as I lightly scratch my neck.

'It happened just yesterday. But even if it occurred a hundred years ago, thou will find that my memory is far from dull.'

…uh, maybe I should - oh, who am I kidding? I sigh and look down, a somewhat morose smile on my face. 'Let's go then.'

I head out of the school grounds and into the busy street, not even pausing as I un-Conceal myself. Normally I would find some corner, but something in my gut tells me that no one is paying me any particular attention right now. Or it could be the fact that everyone I see is glued to a screen. Be it a phone or a jumbotron, the Sports Festival is being broadcast everywhere.

I know that this replaced the Olympics here in Japan, but I doubt that even they were as popular as this.

Yet I pay none of it any attention as I head to the train station. No need to delay and annoy Mawla even more. Eh, I'll just watch the rest online when I get home.

Too bad for Jiro though, she didn't even make it past the first phase of her year's bout.

'She was severely outmatched by her peers. She showed skill, but in the end it was not enough for her to triumph. T'is not only a matter of their abilities either.'

Mm-hm…I should give her a call later.

One train ride later and I'm in Hosu Ward. The first I notice is that there are fewer people on the street than I expected. I guess they're all home or something watching the Festival. Oh well, if anything this is better.

'I am heartened thou share my thoughts. Now, Conceal thyself.'

I sigh. 'Let the fun commence.'

And sure enough, the moment my mask is on and I'm Concealed -

"ACK!"

I lurch forward in pain, but somehow I manage not to fall. Yup, I really should've seen that one coming.

'I presume thou knows what to do. No running.' (Un)fortunately, I do.

Picking up my pace, I walk to the hideout, Concealed and suffering lapses of that ungodly pain in my head. I try very hard not to curse Mawla from here to the Valley of Death as my hands land on the walls of the familiar dark alleyways.

"ACK!"

'No hands.'

I take a few more deep breaths and move forward. Curse later, walk now.

And finally, I arrive at the familiar rusty door. With all the pain-fuelled adrenaline I can muster, I kick open the door and head into the darkness (but not before making sure the door is closed tight behind me).

Thanks to the mask's night vision, I find the old chair easily and collapse into it, panting. Isn't this sort of thing supposed to get more tolerable the more you do it!?

'It is. Thou arrived here faster than the previous time, and not by a marginal amount.'

"Oh yeah?" I reply. "Glad to hear it." Glad and weeping internally, that is. Fortunately, Mawla doesn't comment.

'Regain thy breath and don thy armor and weapons. We shall be reviewing thy bout with the girl.'

I lightly massage my temple as I feel the pain in my head slowly ebb away. Huh, that did feel faster…eh, I'm just gonna get more pain all over me now, no use in waiting completely. I open the gym bag and slowly put on my outfit. Hmm, come to mention, there is a tear or two on it. Guess the fabric is really doing its job. Once I clasp on my gauntlets and sheathe the last knife, Mawla appears before me in a wisp of blue and black mist, a dagger just like mine in his hand.

He raises it in challenge. I crick my neck and answer it.

To this day, I still don't exactly know how Mawla is able to…manifest like that and feel solid. I'd ask about it more, but I'm afraid he'll just provide me with 'additional demonstrations'. And the last time he said that he kneed my chest so hard during a spar I could've sworn my ribs broke. Yet they didn't. The pain was still there (for two whole days), but I didn't actually feel like any bones were broken. So maybe he's not actually here .

Hmm…the room does look a little off, but I have no idea if it's just the night vision messing with the perception.

I thrust and advance. He parries and responds in kind. I twist around the blade scant centimeters before it touches the cloth of my outfit, but with a mighty swing Mawla's armored hand swats me to the side. I fly backwards and hear the grinding of my boots against the floor. Before I go any further, I press against the floor and dash forward, grabbing a knife from my belt and throwing it. Mawla bats it aside and swings his arm down at me. I go lower, but get - and wouldn't you know it! - kneed in the ribs. I barely had time to wheeze before I'm grabbed by the scruff of my neck and a blade is pointed at my throat.

I stare up into his flaming blue eyes. He looks at me with what I swear is a hint of amusement.

"Ana ueti". I yield.

He drops me down. I summon back the thrown knife, sheathe it and move to turn around for the next bout, but then he lightly grips my right arm. Which is still a strong grip considering his size.

"Thy grip becomes flimsy when a blade is not in thy hands. Drop it."

Wordlessly, the antique clatters to the ground. "Thy opponent possessed a level of flexibility that thou have not yet reached. It is the product of many years of diligent practice and she has reaped great benefits. While exercises to develop thine own flexibility will be emphasized upon, thy body is ill-suited for that level."

I frown. Mawla keeps talking, his booming voice strong and sharp, yet with a hint of softness. "Do not feel too distressed by this. Being flexible to the stage where thou can move with such fluidity is not a fit for every fighter. So we shall work on thy defense." He nudges my splayed fingers to where I look like I'm holding a ball. "When countering an opponent with a blade, keep thy knees bent to ensure thou do not get pushed back. Once thou art in striking range, do not attempt to maneuver around the weapon, but instead grasp or push the arm with enough force to momentarily stun and disarm thy target. Do not waste force or time unnecessarily by trying to find a weak point on the arm." He pulls the arm closer to my body. "Do not flail thine arms like whips. Keep them close to thy sides and strike as the scorpion does." He shifts my right leg a bit forward. "If close quarters is unavoidable, give no room for thine adversary to attack. Thine fights must be quick and decisive. Remember, we are not showmen; Assassins strike swift and retreat to the shadows."

As he continues to speak, I feel a smile growing under my mask. Out of everything I've gone through in Mawla's lessons, these are the best parts. He doesn't just say that I'm wrong; he shows me what is wrong and how to do it better. Not perfectly, but better.

"Hmm..perhaps thy suggestion of using the girl as a sparring partner bears more sense than I had previously assumed. My stature, even in this time, is rare amongst men. Having an opponent with a more common build would serve thee far better than fighting only me."

Huh, I convinced Mawla yet again about something. This day is shaping up to be going better than I thought.

"And also grant thee a chance at victory, however slight."

Aaand there it is.

He lets go of my arm and steps back. "Return to the base stance and picture an opponent coming at thee with a blade. Block as I have shown thee."

Nodding, I lower my arms and take a deep breath. Okay Ritsu, remember that spar. She readies her knife, she's coming at you and…there!

My right arm snaps up and forward and my other arm guards my chest.

"Thine grip is slack. Again."

And so it was. I repeat that stance at least three dozen times. Deep breath, the knife is coming, and snap. At first, Mawla constantly corrects me, but by the last ten, he falls silent.

"Acceptable for now. Regain thy breath."

Then I move on to other exercises. Push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, shadow punches like in boxing. All the while Mawla stares at me, unmoving. Nothing but the sound of my movements in the dark. It…soothes me. Despite the aches throbbing in my body, I feel utterly calm.

I finish a set of shadow slashes when the old wraith speaks up again. "Enough. Conceal thyself and perform five laps on our usual route outside."

I nod again and after a drink of bottled water, I dust off my outfit and head back outside.

'This time, do not show thyself to the light for more than five seconds. Treat thyself as though thou hast no Concealment at all. Stick to the shadows and the hidden spots around thee. I shall watch and keep time.'

…I get the point of what he wants, but why drop the bombshell now? Regardless, I huff and head out.

At first, it goes well; these alleyways are dark enough that I don't need to make too much of an effort to hide. But it's when I have to leave the alleys that it really begins to get tricky. There aren't that many shadows out in the open, especially for this time of day. I stay close to the walls and sprint whenever I can, which is a lot. Whenever a street corner pops up, I take it and hide.

I pant heavily as I finish another sprint. God, this is tricky as hell. Mawla's so gonna chew me out when this is over. But as I'm about to make another run for it, my Quirk picks up something unusual from the other side of the street.

The familiar sound of clanging steel. And someone is talking.

Paying only the slightest amount of attention to the road, I dash across the street and into another alleyway. With every step I take, the sounds become clearer. There's more than one voice, and something heavy's getting knocked over.

A yell of pain rings through the alley as I make one more turn. There on the ground lies the armored figure of a man, his white helmet fully obscuring his head. I had a vague feeling of familiarity, I've likely seen him on the news. Standing over him is one of the most unnerving-looking men I've ever seen. His hair is dark and messy, pushed up by a headband. A dirty-white tattered mask covers his eyes. There are bandages wrapped around his arms and attached to his waist and baggy pants are four knives, two on each side.

The man looks down and snorts. "Pathetic. You're just like the rest of them. A total fake, undeserving of the title Hero." From his back, he draws a jagged katana and raises it high. "Repent your sins as you descend into Hell."

The knife leaps from my fingers without conscious thought. Immediately, he shifts his grip and sidesteps, the knife tearing through a corner of his blood-red scarf. Fortunately, I'm already moving. Pulling out the old dagger, I dash and ram it into his sides. He lets out a strangled cry and tries to move, but then I pull out the blade and kick him forward.

He looks down at the wound and lets out a raspy hiss. He looks in my direction, his round eyes covered by a tattered mask searching for any clue as to what could've injured him. I wrinkle my nose at the sight of his face; without a nose, it looks like a squashed-up fruit. While making sure to keep my guard up, I take a look out of the corner of my eye at his would-be victim, who groans and lifts his head up. The moment I see the helmet fully however, I freeze.

This is a fucking Pro Hero.

"Well, well, well, isn't this a surprise." The man's voice snaps me out of my stupor. "I should've anticipated that we would meet, especially in such a manner." A slight grin forms on his face, filled with yellow teeth. "Come on out, Shinigami."

My breath hitches. This psycho is observant. But maybe I can still fool him. Not wanting to draw attention to my location, I carefully pull out another knife.

The man tilts his head. "It seems as though you need an incentive. Very well." He then slightly crouches and dashes forward in a burst of speed, his sword pointing straight at me.

I almost dodge, but then I remember the injured Hero behind me. In what feels like a millisecond, I snap into the stance I had practiced with Mawla. As he closed the distance, I take a step to the side, grab his sword arm by the wrist, pull on it to bring it to full extension and drive my forearm into his elbow in an attempt to break it, but fail to hear a crunch or snap. The katana drops from his grip and he makes to grab with his other arm but I go low and deliver a punch to his ribs. I would've liked another stab, but I wasn't able to shift the dagger in time.

Just as I'm about to do so though, he wrenches his arm free of my grip and kicks my ribs. It doesn't hurt but it does cause me to stumble. For a moment I think he's about to try and rush me again, but instead, he quickly picks up his sword and stares in my direction, then back down at the hero.

"Tch." He grits his teeth. "Fine. Stay hidden if you wish. But why save this fake?"

I blink as I take a glance down at the Hero again. A fake? "Why do you call him a fake?"

If he's put off by a disembodied voice, he doesn't show it. "Because he is just like the rest of them. Calling themselves Heroes when all they care about is fame or money. Did you not end one yourself?"

Fake Heroes? Is this what the guy behind me is? I take another look at him. He's clutching his lower leg armor, which I now see is broken and there's a bloodstain. He's panting, but not heavily.

"Is he a trafficker?"

The psycho blinks at the question then shakes his head with a frown. "No…but the one you ended is merely the worst side of this disease. The whole system is based on fakes like the one behind you. A Hero should serve people because they want to, not taking up promotions and sponsors !"

Okay…this guy's sounding more and more off his rocker. "And you think there's someone like you're describing out there?"

"Yes! The only one who truly embodies the word, the only one who deserves the title of Hero is All Might! Not the rest of these fakes!" He gives the sword a swing. "So they will all die by my hand, until society understands what it truly means to be a hero!"

…

…

…

"... I see. Your delusions do run deep"

He momentarily freezes. "Delusions?" he whispers.

"Domino was a Cancer, a tumor to be excised, one that poisoned the whole by spitting on the very ideals he claimed to uphold. I did not kill him for his merchandising." I look at Ingenium, trying to think of a way to make the madman see reason, yeah yeah oxymoron. "Heroes are human, wouldn't you agree?"

His left eye twitches. "Yes."

"Humans need to eat and drink, they need shelter and comfort. You, and I, and Ingenium and All Might need to eat, unless you have a Quirk that spares you of these necessities."

"I don't."

"Well, in a society, where one exchanges currency for goods and services, a Hero would need money to purchase food, water, and shelter. He would need money to have the time to train to be an effective Hero. Police officers are paid to keep the peace. Firefighters are paid to learn to combat fires and save those in need." I took a deep breath and hammered my point home. "Why should heroes be forced to be mendicants in order to protect people?"

He says nothing, his eyes wide as saucers and his jaw hanging loose. I blink. Wait, is this what they call a BSoD? Or is it Talk no Jutsu?

Then it happens. Just for a moment. A pulse. A shadow from behind his back. Something flashes in his gaze. And just like that, it's gone. He lowers his head, a shadow obscuring his eyes.

"You don't understand…" he whispers. He looks up and shifts his stance again. "You don't see the full picture." He then chuckles, baring his teeth in a rictus snarl. "Looks like words won't be enough." His body tenses, like a coiled snake. "I prefer to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, and it would be a shame to put down one who does good work, even while toiling under a flawed premise. Step aside. Or I will cut you down, invisible or not."

"Shame. In this one manner, we are alike."

An honorable warrior would turn off his invisibility, to make this a fair fight. Unfortunately for him, I am an Assassin. Fighting dirty is kind of the whole shtick.

This time, I charge. He obviously doesn't see me, but he must've seen something else because he raises his arms to block my attack. I whip out the dagger and go low, stabbing at his side again. He hisses but then manages to grab my arm and pull out his own knife. He sends it downwards at my arm and I wrench it free before it lands. I swing at him again but he blocks my blade with his sword. This guy's reflexes are insane!

He swings upwards and the jagged blade slices at the fabric of my outfit. He steps forward and thrusts with his knife and I move to grasp his arm, but then he wildly swings the blade which cuts my glove.

He's too close. With a twitch of my finger, the knife I had thrown earlier comes flying straight towards me and by extension, him. His eyes widen for a fraction of a second and suddenly rolls backwards. I catch the knife and sheathe it while he glances at his sword and knife before frowning again. Not to waste an opportunity, I charge once more. He then widely slashes his katana in my direction, fortunately I manage to stop right as the blade nicks the top part of my hood.

The Hero's panting is growing louder. Shit, I have to end this soon. But this guy's no pushover. This is like fighting Shiki, only he's a total whackjob and she's…I don't know. She didn't seem crazy.

Then my Quirk catches something else. Police sirens. Oh crap.

Evidently, the psycho hears it too, because he snarls and withdraws his weapons and glares at the Hero. "Seems like fate has smiled upon you, Ingenium. Enjoy your poisonous life while you can, because I'll come back for you." Ingenium? Now that's really familiar. "And as for you Shinigami, you have yet to fully see the truth of this wretched society. I hope for your sake our paths don't cross before then." With those words and blinding speed, he leaps into the darkness behind him. I don't even have time to draw a knife before he's gone.

I let out a breath. That was…intense, to put it lightly. But I'm hearing people running, so I've gotta get out of here. I turn around to rush away, but then I look down at the Hero. His mask is still on, but he is looking in my direction.

…what the hell. It's not like no one knows what I look like.

I un-Conceal myself.

The Hero - Ingenium - hitches a breath at the sight of me. His whole body is shaking, but it doesn't look like it's from fear. "It really is you…"

"Take care of that wound. It would be a shame if you were to die at the hand of that psychopath."

Not taking any note of a possible reaction, I re-Conceal and run past him straight back to the hideout. I might've pushed someone or two, but all I was thinking of was getting back somewhere safe. When I finally reach the rusty door, I shut it behind me and collapse against it.

I let out several deep breaths as the adrenaline recedes from my body. I subtly notice that I'm shaking. What is it with me meeting weird knife-wielders lately?

A mist forms around me and the Old Man of the Mountain's visage appears. He stares at me for a minute silently.

"A dangerous foe, that one. Thou handled thyself well."

I feel a small smile growing. "Heh, thanks."

"Do not take this as a mere compliment, contractor mine. That man possessed skill equivalent to a Hassan, with the fanaticism to match; a truly dangerous combination in any age. It is fortunate that he chose to hold back despite the shadow of the Valley cloaking thee."

A pit slowly forms in my stomach. "He was holding back? How?"

"He may not have been able to see thee, but the moment thou stabbed him he was able to divine thy precise location. But instead of going for the head or heart, he went for thy arms."

The pit grows bigger. He wasn't looking to kill me? And I had that much trouble against him when he was holding back ?

"He did state he avoided needless bloodshed. Perhaps he did not paint thee in the same light as the Heroes." He sighs. "It seems that I must fully concur with thy decision to have that girl as a sparring partner. With enemies such as this one, to not take advantage of such an opportunity is a fool's choice."

I numbly nod. He then crouches down and looks me in the eye. "Be proud. Thy training has borne fruit. Savor their taste yet avoid the temptation of their sweetness, lest it turns bitter. Breathe deep, drink ab and return home. Thy mother is due early, is she not?"

It takes me a few seconds, but I manage to nod again. Yeah, sounds good. Breathe, water, then home.

I remove my outfit, idly noting that despite the slashes, there weren't any holes. After placing it in the gym bag and changing into my regular clothes, I drink the last of my water. Making sure everything's in place, I pick up my school bag and leave.

The train ride home is silent on both mine and Mawla's part. When I finally arrive at my doorstep, I pick up sounds from inside. One knock later and Mom opens the door.

"Heya kid. Have fun watching the Sports Festival?"

"Uh-huh," I reply faintly as I enter, idly dropping the bag on the floor. "Really loud though."

"Right, you never liked it when they showed it at school. But it was crazy at the firm too, with women my age going ga-ga over some teenagers. Honestly, you wouldn't think they weren't lawyers. At least the bosses didn't chew out anyone."

I must have a weird look on my face, because her look shifts to one of concern. "You okay Ritsu?"

Wordlessly, I turn around, step forward and envelop her in a hug. She's taken by surprise for a second, then quickly wraps her arms around me as well.

"Just tired," I mumble, burrowing my head in her shoulder. "Long day."

She idly rubs my back and buries her nose in my hair. We stay like this for a minute, maybe more, before she gently grasps my shoulders. "Why don't you take a bath and I'll whip up some early dinner? We can watch something fun."

I smile again. That…sounds terrific.

So here I am after a hot shower, sitting on the couch with a plate of beef, now watching the newswoman gush about the rookie heroes while listening to Mom make snarky remarks. The fight is still in the forefront of my mind, but I push it back, just for tonight.

The newswoman suddenly places a hand on her Bluetooth earpiece. "We've just received word of a fight resulting in the injury of the Pro Hero Ingenium. We're taking you to our Pro Hero correspondent on the scene for further details."

The scene changes to outside an office building I recognize in shock. That's the one right next to my hideout! No wonder the guy's name sounded familiar! And when the news report finally concludes, only one thought flashes in my mind.

…

…

…

'I JUST FOUGHT THE FUCKING HERO KILLER!?'

Ritsu Ogawa (Assassin - Hassan-i Sabbah)

Stats:

Strength: D++

Agility: C

Endurance: C-

Mana: C++ (Only when using Power of the Valley. Otherwise, nonexistent.)

Luck: C+

Skills:

Presence Concealment C-: The ability to hide from others. A semi-decent level for any Assassin. Against ordinary criminals and some intelligent ones it works well.

Throwing (Dagger) B and Throwing (Retrieval) B: The expertise for throwing projectile weapons; in this case, daggers. His daggers have the same destructive power as firearms when thrown, typically spelling certain death for human targets. He can retrieve them to his hand with but a mere gesture

Information Erasure C++: Erases all traces of the user's identity, physical or digital, after leaving a scene of assassination. It does not hide the user's identity in any other situation, and clues can be pieced together to deduce identity. If the user's identity is discovered, then the effects of the skill weaken. Rank increased thanks to multiple exposures outside of Presence Concealment.

Power of the Valley of Death C++: A unique connection forged as a result of finding a relic of Alamut. Assassin can draw power from the Valley to perform certain skills he would otherwise be incapable of doing.

Quirk - Super-Hearing C+: A power gained as a result of evolution. Allows the user to hear precise details within a certain range. Can extend the range in exchange for loss of detail. Also alerts the user of incoming danger provided they can react to it.

Muraqubah D+: A meditative state that enhances Ritsu's connection to the Valley. If used enough times/for long enough, combat specs have a chance of increasing. In addition, it also enables ?

Noble Phantasm:

Zabaniya - Delusional Judgment Rank C+

An 'ultimate assassination technique' bearing the same name as the angels of hell, a title which all previous 'Old Men of the Mountain' used for their own techniques. Unlike them however, who were forged by extensive modification of the Hassans' bodies, this technique is a reflection of the Assassin's desire to inflict what he deems true judgment. Calling upon his unique connection to the Valley in the Shadow of Death, Assassin drags his target's soul to the Valley, where the First Hassan awaits them. Their soul is laid bare before the Great Founder and should they be found guilty of whatever sin Assassin finds them to have committed, the flames of Gehenna will burn away their soul and body until naught but ash remains.

Hi guys! So here we have it, Stain and Ritsu finally meet! Wait and see what ripples come of this encounter...

I'd like to say a big thank you to my betas, especially Santo of SB for helping me with this chapter and the dialogue between these two. You're all amazing!

Let's hope my muse is as cooperative as it has been these past two weeks. I hate writer's block.

If you're feeling helpful, go to my page at pat . reon/ user?u=47732921 and help!

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