Ryuji: you guys should swing by the hideout when u can

Yusuke: Of course, do what you must first. Futaba mentioned something about a "surprise infiltration"?

Haru: Has something happened?

Ann: kinda…

Makoto: It's nothing urgent. Ann and Ryuji got into a fight and we should make sure everyone stays on the same page.

Yusuke: Futaba has filled me in on some details. This infiltration shall be known as 'Operation Meeting the Father!'

Ren glanced up at his partner with worry almost cracking his stoic look, something that elicited a concerned shrug in return. As worrying as the texts were there wasn't much for the two to do, and they certainly couldn't let themselves be distracted from their current job. Into her pocket went Haru's phone as she sighed in preparation for the upcoming meeting, while the tips of Ren's fingers fiddled with the mask buried in his bag. Endeavor; the number 2 hero in the polls, but the number 1 hero in defeated villains. This fearsome and dangerous man would be here soon and his straightforward stance on vigilantism had long since been made abundantly clear. No amount of past heroics or morally gray actions would cool any flames thrown should he be caught - Ren, and likely Haru, would be both done. Despite not being the target the Pro Hero was a very present danger. Successfully stopping his rumination from evolving into reconsideration, Haru tapped at his attention and motioned towards the door in a silent "Are you ready?" Regardless of his true hesitation Ren found himself confidently nodding. A soft knock on the door later and Ren stood face to face with Haru's father and the Phantom Thieves' next target, Kunikazu Okumura; he stood an inch shorter than Ren but held a presence that added several to his height and with simple but well-made glasses, a beautiful black suit, and an orange and brown checkerboard ascot, he exuded confidence and an aura of higher class. Disdainful, disapproving, and disinterested black eyes swept over Ren and the inspected Phantom Thief became suddenly very aware of his simple and affordable clothing.

"Haru." The name was spoken like a scathing indictment and the young woman found herself stuttering out an apology. A light touch of Ren's hand against her back proved invisible to her father but the world to her, letting spiky nerves somewhat still and learned apologies be bitten back. She swallowed her obedience like bile; thick, viscous, and choking, but swallowed nonetheless.

"Father," the steadiness of her words surprised herself and helped garner additional confidence. "This is Ren, he's a friend from school."

"A friend."

"Yes. He's known as a prodigy business student and works in support gadgets." This seemed to pique his interest and his grip on the door loosened. The 'prodigy business student' had to suppress a sly glance - Haru may seem sweet and incorrigible (in a good way), but damn could she lie.

"Oh?" An inner conflict broiled beneath Okumura's cold expression as though he were trying to weigh his fading curiosity against other, objectively more important duties he had. When one finally won out he extended his hand in a simple gesture. Palm up, fingers extended, hand relaxed. He was requesting a presentation.

"A-ah! Um, unfortunately, he didn't bring anything…" Okumura's eyes hardened and a mixture of disgust and disappointment sneered at Ren.

"Really? You're a business student? You didn't even bring a demonstrable -" A gadget lightly weighed down his palm. A small pistol-looking thing with a large spool of strong wire and a clear grapple point at the end of it. The entire thing was immaculately taken care of and brushed with a beautiful finish. "Well, I apologize. It seems as though my daughter again spoke of matters not fully understood." Surprisingly rough hands took the grapple gun to begin picking at the metal and examining it closely and without peering up from his focus he stepped backward into the office and strode to his desk while the two awkwardly entered through the now unguarded door.

Ren glanced at his partner and received a terrified and blushing mess glaring back at him. 'Sorry,' he mouthed. 'I needed a way in.' Claimed his apologetic shrug.

'And this was the best way to do it?' Was what her furious expression shot back as a tiny stomp accented their silent argument.

Across the room, Okumura hummed in a somewhat appreciative manner and nodded sagely to himself causing Haru's furious embarrassment and fear to melt in the face of blazing yet timid hope. "This is fine work," he glanced up. "What did you say your name was?"

"Ren." The young man had to stop himself from grinning like an idiot at the sparkling girl next to him.

"Battery-powered electromagnetic force combined with pressurized gas and… what is this?" He thumbed at one of the bulkier components.

"It's a, uh," Subtly glancing at Haru's phone he could see it was now open to a note document. "Electric winch to reel in the line. It's still in early production, though." He nudged Haru and nodded at the bottom of the wall behind Okumura's desk where both could see a small ventilation duct maybe just barely large enough for a person to squeeze into - which, ideally, wouldn't matter. After a quick squint, she reached into her quirk 'Tote Bag' and produced a couple of tools - a screwdriver and a small, pale brick of some sticky material which were then passed to Ren from behind. Ideally, only the screwdriver would be needed but the Phantom Thieves had long since learned that it was better to be prepared.

"Yes, I can see that. Regardless, it's fine work." Okumura sat back in his chair and nodded approvingly at Ren. "Your friend is likely going places, Haru. It wouldn't hurt to keep in touch with him - though, of course, you'd have done best with your time in getting to know your actual potential fiance." He waved his hand dismissively at the girl and her vibrant energy deflated like a sad balloon.

"O-of course, father. I simply thought…"

"Yes, you did, didn't you?" Sighing as he stood, he quietly tut-tutted to himself as though his endless patience wore thin. "Here. Continue like this and one day you may even see a high position here at Okumura Gadgets." Turning to his daughter he gave her a strange expression neither of the Phantom Thieves could place. "Haru, I understand. Truly, I do. I ask a lot of you. I can assure you that it will be all worth it and that one day you'll thank me for what I've done to ensure your future." A single hand fell upon her shoulder and he looked down at his daughter with something. Ren doubted even Okumura himself knew what that emotion or mixture of emotions might be. "Now it was fine meeting you Ren but Haru and I have a meeting to attend to." He nodded towards the door but was quickly interrupted by his daughter.

"A-actually, father, before the meeting I wanted to talk to you about something." This next part was vital. While meeting his strict gaze and refusing to crumble, she motioned towards the adjoining door leading further into his office and out of the main room. "It's about the structure in your windows, and the potential dangers of any villain attacks from the outside." Okumura glanced back at Ren as Haru began to physically herd her father into the other room. His eyes bounced between the teen who had managed to impress him and the still blinking camera in the corner of the room and seemingly decided that the lad surely couldn't do much harm if left alone for a moment.

"See yourself out." Ren was dismissed as Haru ushered the older gentleman out of the main office. The fluffy heiress shot him an encouraging smile before the door closed and he was left alone.

He had no time to lose. With his earpiece in, his gloves on, and his mask fitted, he radioed Oracle. "Joker here. We good?"

"We good indeed! Hurry though, I can't see into the other room and we don't have audio with these cameras. It would've made listening in on these meetings a hell of a lot easier if I did." If the watching eye in the corner of the room could give a thumbs up Joker knew Oracle would make it.

The vent proved more difficult and time-consuming than he liked and several precious minutes were burnt off the opportunity Haru was giving him. With a bit of strength and some awkward screwdriver-ing later he pulled the vent's cover off and away from the wall and placed his communication's earpiece just past the entrance. Making sure that it was in a good and stable spot, he moved to put the vent back but froze in fear at the sound of sharp, racking knocks against the front door. Endeavor was here and his announcement was followed immediately by Okumura's approaching footsteps from behind the other room. The situation processed in only an instant and Ren realized he was sandwiched and pinched between the #2 Pro Hero and the CEO of one of the biggest support gadget companies in the world, both of which wouldn't look favorably upon him if he were discovered lollygagging in the office, much less planting a listening device. He didn't have time to screw the vent back in so instead he uncomfortably stuffed himself feet-first into the air duct and quickly recognized with great regret that his only escape from this claustrophobic nightmare was going to be from the same grate he had entered, a fact made so thanks to the large spinning fan blades only a few feet away. Said grate was impossible to re-screw onto the wall from the inside, but that's where the other infiltration tool came into handy. A small pale brick chewed with great difficulty before being spat out into his gloved hands and pressed into metal would do well to hold up his only cover from prying eyes in its new sticky and mushy form. He pulled the grate up against the wall as evenly and as tightly as he could, all while praying to no one and hoping the gum-like substance would hold for as long as it needed to. With a slow and hesitant motion he let go and waited for the gum to fail and for the vent to fall - but it didn't, and just in time for the office door to swing open.

"Haru, please. You're being ridiculous." Two sets of footsteps entered the room - one light and careful, the other heavy and confident. A long and heavy pause drug its feet as they stepped into the room and a small but harsh noise that bubbled up from the back of Okumura's throat made his displeasure known.

. "…I apologize, father." Joker watched in dull, throbbing discomfort as a pair of shiny shoes tapped past his limited view and danced around the wheels of the chair. "I hope Endeavor will look favorably on your deal, I know that you've been working to secure this meeting for some time." As Haru moved to open the door the seat lightly puffed in indignation from Okumura's weight falling upon it. Joker noticed his partner's side eye pointedly trying to see if Joker had been forced to hide instead of escape, and if so, making sure his hiding spot was adequate before cordially greeting the guests. "Good morning! I hope your trip here was pleasant, and we're infinitely grateful for your visit."

An eavesdropper wouldn't be faulted for thinking there was a single pair of now-entering footsteps with how heavily and purposefully the larger pair overpowered and smothered the methodical and almost dainty accompaniment, nor would the eavesdropper be faulted for being filled with fear at the sound of subdued yet crackling fire. Haru's greeting wrapped up in a tiny and yelpish noise that forced itself back down her throat and into obedient silence as the large hero pushed past her while glowering at her father. "Okumura." The name was rumbled with the force of a raging bonfire and the intensity of a man on the lookout for scams and trickery.

"Ah, , it is an absolute pleasure finally getting to meet you." Despite the words, no effort was made to stand or shake hands. The larger man audibly suppressed a growl in response.

"When I'm in costume, it's Endeavor." The fact that not a single person in the room besides Endeavor himself had ever seen the Pro Hero out of costume was not likely an oversight on his part. "Let's get to business, I have better things to do."

"Of course, Endeavor." There was a pause before Okumura seemingly saw it intelligent enough to continue pushing his luck. "I, er, thought that you would be bringing one of your sons along - Shoto, perhaps? How is the young man doing?" The name was spoken as if it was randomly plucked from thin air but the intense disappointment betrayed its intention. "His and Haru's last meeting went so smoothly I was wondering if the two might become… friends," The unspoken suggestion was done as tactfully as one could, which is to say it was terribly obvious.

"Hmph!" A note of callous amusement burst from the Pro Hero's belly. "I was under the impression that your daughter was to be betrothed? Surely she doesn't need any distractions." Joker wasn't especially skilled in subtle battles of words and wit where neither side was allowed to speak their mind, nor had he been able to dance around quietly loud political battlefields and the deadly mines left by each side in the past. Luckily, this conversation lacked much subtlety. The word 'distractions' was spoken of in a bitter and accusatory tone - more likely intended to label Haru as a distraction for his son than the other way around.

"Well, it's a possibility. Nothing has been officiated nor outright stated."

"Enough of this." Reaching the limit of his strength Endeavor roughly ended the topic and made to move forward.

"Hm. Indeed. Now, I wanted to speak to you about your agency using Okumura gadgets in exclusivity, though I'm not unreasonable. Our contract, here," a finger tapped against shuffled papers brought out. "Would allow about a 10% variance and flexibility in your usage of other brands. I recognize that companies such as Deternat and HUHU have certain appeals to a wider audience despite their lower quality in combat items."

Joker's earpiece quietly crackled to life now again in his ear. "Jeez, poor Haru. Hearing it happen is totally different." The hidden thief had to agree. Being here for it was almost painful and he didn't want to imagine how the poor girl was feeling. "This might go on for a while. I'll listen in - you just try and get comfy now that you're stuck in Plan B." Having to stop himself from sighing aloud he quietly contemplated his dangerous position. The Phantom Thieves had dealt with lots before and had learned having a backup plan was essential, and while it was true that he'd prefer being stuffed into this tube than being caught out in the open with Endeavor, he'd really have preferred that Plan A - 'planting an earpiece and leaving' had gone a little smoother. As it was too late for regrets and 'coulda shoulda woulda' he tried to mentally get comfortable. It was fortunate that he'd been learning to meditate lately - it was about all he could do as the two adults groaned about politics and business for over an hour.

A lanky teen with raven-blue hair and piercing gray eyes peered intently at his friends with an unreadable expression full of deep and endless thought with occasional explosions of intense deliberation, all framed with parted bangs and translated by handsome and angular features. He hummed discordantly to himself as

he watched the exhausted Ryuji slump into Ren's bed; a languid yellow-green from a mixture of defeat and regret. Sat next to him on the bed wilted beautiful Ann whose normally vibrant form emitted now a deep and sorrowful purple swirl of confusion and hesitation. A few feet away sat ever-mature Makoto; the beacon of strength and confidence for the group now oozing naught but a dull gray substance. Bright and zippy Futaba who now and frequently before withheld undertones of sadness was huddled in the corner, her fingers tip-tapping at her keyboard with frightening skill and speed. Of course; her skill set was far too vital to be wasted with tragedy and mourning. Morgana, the final and strangest of the Phantom Thieves sat quietly in Ann's lap and exuded a strange pallid curl that seemed to sap the energy out of the small cat and lull him to sleep. When faced with this rather dreary and muddy portrait of failure the blue-haired teen, Yusuke, made up his mind. He stood rather suddenly and startled many of his companions.

"It is decided. We're going to the beach." The proclamation was like fire - burning, exciting, and vibrant, but without fuel or material, it quickly fizzled out under the confused gazes of his friends.

"What? Yusuke, while the beach is nice, it hardly seems…" Makoto stuttered in confusion as her unusual friend took the initiative.

"Our brooding provides naught but loneliness and regret, while loneliness and regret provide naught but sorrow. To see beauty and hope one must do more than look within." Ryuji groaned as the dramatic lad struck a fanciful and extravagant pose.

"Dude, just spit it out."

"Very well." With Yusuke's nod, he seemed to settle a bit, at least physically. "Come with me to a beach in Musutafu, one 'Takoba Municipal Beach Park.'"

"Musutafu? In Shizuoka? I guess it's not too far, but why that beach in particular?" Ann tapped a dainty index finger against her chin in deep thought, looking as though in intent to read the artist's complex mind. In actuality, she was struggling to remember where she'd heard that name before and if it was in a good context, while in her lap Morgana stretched into a questioning meow.

"What's going on? We're going to the beach?" His rough tongue lapped at his lips. "Mmm, only if we can go to a fresh seafood place too…"

With an amused scoff, Ryuji rolled up into a sitting position. "I don't know if you have any say since you aren't paying for the train fare OR the food." He ignored the ensuing insults to speak to Yusuke. "Wazzup though? Any particular reason besides normal Yusuke weirdness?"

"Wha- weirdness?" A scoff in indignation and a shake of the head spoke enough of his thoughts on that remark. "No, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine there."

The entire room went deadly silent as 6 pairs of eyes swiveled fully in surprise. "What?! You have a friend inari?!" Futaba's shocked shout came from her previously isolated corner as she stared up at the artist. True disbelief and amazement filled her expression and those around her. "Like, someone that's not one of us?!" She cringed as she realized she had shouted directly into her microphone. "Sorry, Joker."

"Futaba!" Scolded the ever-studious Makoto, yet a moment later she murmured to herself, "Honestly though, I'm kind of surprised myself."

"Oh, uh, haha, they're obviously joking Yusuke," Nervous laughter drifted from Ann as she desperately tried (and failed) to look him in the eyes. "Well, we knew you had to at least have a few friends in your art school."

"No, that's not true. Most people tend to avoid me." A tone bordering on bemusement gave the sad words as much tragedy and gravitas as a grocery list. "This person is but loosely defined as a friend anyway, I've spoken to him only a few times but his energy and passion would make him a fine Phantom Thief."

"Oh, well, haha, okay…"

"Dude." Ryuji shook his head in surprise. "Wanna go get ramen together sometime this week? I know a good place down the road." Sharp eyes spun to him in such powerful excitement and vigor that the sometimes thuggish blond nearly fell backward into Ren's bed.

"You'll pay?!"

"I-I guess, yeah." The struggling artist nodded as if to say that was that.

"Well, honestly we're not doing anything else." Morgana shook sleep from his fur as he hopped from Ann's lap onto the table. "Besides, getting out of here would probably do us some good."

From the corner, Futaba nodded in agreement. "I'll bring my laptop to help Joker but things should go pretty smoothly from here on out." She grinned and gave the group a big thumbs up. "Let's go have some fun in the sun!"

"Why the hell did I bring my bathing suit?!" Bemoaned Ann who stood now with the rest of the Phantom Thieves looking out upon Takoba Beach Park before grumpily throwing her bag of supplies to the ground. "Yusuke! What is this?! How is this going to help us feel better?!" With a gesture out at the disgusting landscape, the rest of the Thieves couldn't help but agree. The landscape before them far more resembled a landfill than it ever did a beach, with trash piled astonishingly high and interestingly varied; just from where they stood at the sand's edge the thieves could spot broken down appliances, vehicles stripped of all parts, rotten piles of what used to be food, abandoned consoles, and much more.

"I didn't bring you all here to play around in the sand." Yusuke's matter-of-fact tone only seemed to infuriate Ann further.

"Then why didn't you stop us from bringing stuff to do exactly that?!" Next to her Ryuji sighed and lowered his large body-board in disappointment.

"Okay, I'm going home."

"Wait…" Peering out at the landfill Makoto held out her hand to stop the departing teen. "Who is that?" A sly smile of anticipation graced Yusuke's features.

"Uhh, hold on." Futaba pulled out a pair of large and somewhat bulky goggles that fit neatly and comfortably around her head. After a moment of examination, she mewled in curiosity and surprise. "It's a guy - no, wait, he's probably around the same age I am. He's dragging around a fridge right now with… holy crap, is that who I think it is?!" The others had barely a moment to process what she said before she was scampering off and down the trash heap.

"W-what? Futaba, who is it?" Morgana pawed at Ryuji's face from the shoulder he perched on, urging him to follow. "Futaba! Wait up!"

Down went the others after each other, all exclaiming in varying degrees of concern and curiosity. Even Yusuke seemed confused due to excitement that hadn't been expected or planned. As the group caught up to their navigator their collective breath left in an awestruck gasp at the young teen and the imposing figure of All Might. The greatest hero in Japan - no, he was almost conclusively the greatest hero in the world. His form and muscles were like carved marble and his ever-present and engulfing smile shined as powerfully as ever. Even here, crouched on top of a slowly moving refrigerator he looked more akin to a shining star and a beacon of strength than simply a man. A hearty laugh escaped him as he watched the thieves scamper down the path, although the more empathetically astute of the group noted a hint of strain in its tone.

"Young Midoriya! I believe it's time for us to abscond! Others seem to want to enjoy the beach as well!" He hopped down to supportingly pat the back of his exhausted ward. The teen, visibly around only 14 or 15, gasped for air as he peered up at the sudden intruders. Shaggy and dark green hair framed a rather middling appearance while big eyes squinted in vague recognition.

"It's… alright… it's him…" he pointed at Yusuke in between pants of air. "Remember?" Straightening up with a deep and refreshing gasp he nervously chittered at the group. "H-hi! Um, my name is Midoriya. Izuku! Izuku Midoriya." Quickly correcting himself in panic he quickly began to deeper into an impressive shade of red. "T-there are a lot of you, huh…" At this point, his gaze was strictly on the sand beneath his feet in a clear refusal to meet any of their eyes.

"It's nice to meet you, Izuku." Makoto was the first to speak before glancing over at Yusuke. "Yusuke mentioned there was someone here he wanted us to meet, but we didn't think it would be…" she trailed off. Neither the scrawny teen nor the unbelievable All Might had been who she was expecting and it was clear to both that it was the same for all of the thieves.

"I had brought everyone here to meet Midoriya. I hardly expected…" Yusuke motioned toward the imposing figure. "Where is Mr. Yagi, Midoriya? I thought he was your personal trainer?" Midoriya's eyes nearly swallowed up his entire face and he began stuttering and reaching out to the artist as if to catch him.

"Mr. Yagi is a personal friend of mine, but he's awfully scrawny! I owe him a couple of favors, so I'm helping to build up this young boy's constitution!" The famous hero struck a brilliant pose as he spoke and almost all of Phantom Thieves found themselves nodding in understanding. Yusuke was the one exception, and with an unreadable expression, he stared down the symbol of peace. Brow furrowed, eyes glinting, fingers lightly rubbing at his chin, he seemed as though he were about to undertake the creation of a grand art piece.

A moment later all of this strange expression had disappeared and been replaced with placated curiosity and a soothing calm. "Ah, understood Mr. All Might. It does one good to hear that you have such close companions."

"Uh, not that you having friends is something we didn't think you'd have," Ann interjected to stop the hero from getting the wrong idea.

"I gotta say, this is pretty crazy… you're like, one of my all-time favorite heroes!" Ryuji had to stop himself from getting too excited. "But uh, I guess you probably get that a lot? I can see it's definitely true for Futaba here." Indeed, the ginger teen seemed completely and totally starstruck. Makoto quickly snapped a few times in front of her face to reboot her and prevent her from drooling.

"Wowowowowowwow wow! You're All Might!" No one would be surprised if she started hopping up and down. "You're the guy who lifted the Colossal Golfball and stopped it from crushing the diet building! You're the one who punches so hard you can change the weather!" She punched at the air with enviable energy as if to emulate the power. "I mean, you're not my favorite hero, but you're something else!"

"Haha! Well, you certainly tell it how you see it!" All Might uproariously laughed while Midoriya quietly and incredulously questioned how All Might wasn't her favorite hero. "Now, it was fine meeting you all, but I have other duties to attend to. Young Midoriya, I expect you to follow the plan and continue here." The young man nodded to his hero and his hero nodded back before pushing off from earth in a powerful leap. The group watched in awe as his form quickly disappeared into the morning sky.

"Oh, crap! Sorry Jo- uh, Ren." She stepped away from the group and Midoriya to tap on her earpiece. "Since you've gotta be so quiet I kiiinda keep forgetting you're there. It sounds like the meeting's almost wrapped up, huh?" She glanced at the curious teen. "Hey! Mind your own business!" Midoriya's perpetual blush deepened once again into unprecedented territories and the others wondered for a moment if he would be alright.

"A-ah s-s-so-sorr-s-" With face now hidden behind arms, Ann took pity on him.

"Hey, it's okay. Izuku, right? What're you doing here with All Might?" Her comforting and soft voice calmed the boy - at least until he looked at her. To prevent himself from paralyzing in fear he ducked away from the group and back towards the discarded fridge. Pulling the straps back over his body and tightening them in one fluid motion, he sucked in a deep and preparatory breath.

"I'm cleaning the beach." The simple statement bewildered the majority of the group and he found himself continuing before they could ask more. "Um, well, cleaning the beach is kind of a side effect. I'm training," his eyes focused now on his hand clenching and flexing. "I was - am, weak. I'm going to be applying to UA soon and I got crazy lucky to have Mr. Yagi and All Might help me."

"Yeah, no kidding!" The blond teen slapped him roughly on the back and gazed up in awe at the sky, perhaps hoping to see the powerful figure dashing through it. "You uh, you think he'd be willing to train me too?"

"Ryuji!" Makoto scolded the teen but received a dumbfounded 'what?' instead of any kind of repentance. "Sorry about him, you can understand how he gets a little excited."

"N-no, it's okay, I understand. All Might, uh, is already sacrificing a lot by helping me, and he only shows up pretty rarely. He kinda wanted to keep this whole thing just between me and him too…" The unspoken was like a silent plea hanging in the air.

"Hey, even I get what you're asking. No problem," Ryuji grinned at the teen before stepping back to marvel at the towering trash heaps again. "Even then, this is a lot. Do you need any help?" Midoryia resolutely shook his head and the blond teen smiled in understanding. "Nah, this is a goal of yours, right? It was a dumb question, I get it." Genuine respect filled him and he couldn't help but see why Yusuke thought they should meet him.

"You must've been doing this for months…" The student council president lifted a nearby forgotten car engine with one hand and tested its heft before dropping it onto an old car hood with a loud crash in seeming satisfaction. Midoriya watched with amazement while mouthing a 'woah' at her strength.

"Oh yeah! I finally remembered! The outburst came from Ann who stood with a hand on her forehead. "I knew I'd heard about this place before. Mika -"She glanced around and realized that none of the group knew who that was. "Uh, she's kinda like my rival? I guess? It's complicated, Ren knows her too. Anyways, Mika was complaining about her dad one day. Apparently, her dad was complaining about his dad who was endlessly complaining about this beach!" Halfway through her ramble she realized she was rambling and hurried to wrap it up. "He was complaining about how it was covered in trash and was completely…" The sentence quickly trailed off and fell into silence.

"Uh, yeah, we're pretty aware Ann, We're here right now."

"Shut up Ryuji! I was just gonna say that this isn't nearly as bad as I heard it was."

With a nervous nod, Midoriya admitted that he'd been at this for a while. "Yeah… it's been about 7 months now. Give or take."

"Truly impressive Midoriya. Your spirit shines as brightly and as resolutely as it did 3 months ago." Yusuke's sentiment was shared by the others. "I came here originally for inspiration, so I - rather paradoxically - was both delighted and saddened by the beach's cleaning." At the questioning glances, he elaborated. "I had hoped to find inspiration befitting the despair and utter callousness of humanity in the preservation of beauty. Instead, I found humanity working to rejuvenate it." He nodded to the teen.

"Huh. It's not like we're slackers, but maybe we could stand to learn something too." Morgana meowed from atop a small pile of debris.

"O-oh, is that your cat?"

"Ugghhhh, someone please tell him I'm more than just a cat!" Morgan paused. "Well, actually you probably shouldn't do that."

"Yeah, but just ignore him. He's really noisy."

"Lady Ann!"

Tae: hey my guinea pig, I've got some news.

Tae: …

Tae: guess you're busy. text whenever.

Goro Akechi stiffened perceptibly in his seat. "Did you hear something?" Okumura shot him a strange look as the Detective Prince interrupted himself to ask the question. "It was almost like…" Akechi's eyes flicked around the room while wondering if he had imagined it, an almost imperceptible buzzing like a soft vibration against metal.

"Akechi, if you're here to waste my time, kindly don't. I've only allowed this because of -"

"Apologies." His reddish eyes relaxed, now at ease with whatever concerned him. "I came to speak to you about a certain group.

"The Phantom Thieves."

"Indeed. I have good reason to suspect that you are their next target, and I'd like to speak to you about what might be done. A man in your position having a 'Change of Heart' would cause great disruptions to much of Japan if you were to abandon your company." The two stared each other down in a silent test of wills. "I don't need to remind you of the other cases this year, I presume?"

"Hah, hardly. A group of 'vigilantes'," Okumura spat the word as if it were poison on his tongue. "Going around and, what, brainwashing people? Blackmailing them? Well, whatever it is, it's not going to happen to me." Confidence surged inside him, ignited by only his own words and self-image.

"Oh really? I'm sure Kamoshida felt the same. As did Madarame, and even Kaneshiro. Up and up the Thieves went, and now they're after you - and do you want to know the strangest part?" Akechi gave the older man a warm smile with undertones of something cold. "Each of them - even now - beg for forgiveness and repentance. Why, I visited Kamoshida just the other day and he had requested for his sentence to be extended."

Okumura's confidence wilted into an uncomfortable surprise. "S-still? It's been months since the apparent Kamoshida case. I didn't think any quirk could last that long…"

"Indeed. So what makes you feel so safe here?" Akechi gestured at the lone camera in the corner. "Your technology? You, and all of Japan, saw what happened with Medjed. A globally-renowned hacking group wiped off the map? Clearly, these thieves have incredible ability with technology. Your cameras could be hacked right now and we'd have no idea."

"W-well, I've thought of that. We're hiring a new hero, Livefeed, to watch over and purge our systems daily. She'll be directly linked into the network, not a single person on this planet could get through her firewalls - and even if they did, she'd be immediately aware." Confidence, once again mounting, crumbled again at Akechi's next words.

"Well, then you'll be preventing them from… what, exactly? We don't know how they do what they do. There's no evidence left besides their calling card and the evidence they leave behind for the police to find which points to their perpetrator's crimes instead of their own." Akechi calmly placed his briefcase atop the desk. "And I believe they might be compiling a case against you, Okumura." The silver briefcase clicked open and the detective began hanging the CEO several documents. "Criminal organizations that some claim Okumura Gadgets have been selling to - well, does the name Gangrene sound familiar?" A twitch of the lip and a bead of sweat traveling through wrinkles told Akechi that the name did. "Reports of unsafe working conditions and subsequent hospitalizations, records showing abysmal pay, and dozens on the 'Phantom Aficionado Website' agreeing to testify." The hero gave a sharp and unsympathetic laugh. "Why, if they gathered just a little more they could hold a legitimate trial against you without even changing your heart! Wouldn't that be funny? Of course, we both know that's not what they'll do, don't we?"

Okumura slammed his fist against the desk and reared in anger. "What the hell are you trying to say?! Are you arresting me now boy, or are you just here to mock me?! The Phantom Thieves CANNOT and WILL NOT change my heart!" Sweat dripped freely from his red brow and eyes flicked around the room wildly. Newfound paranoia violated every one of his senses and his limbs irrationally screamed at him to physically run, as if that would free him of his crimes.

Akechi's cool demeanor never faltered and he instead continued as if he hadn't been interrupted. "I must say, this evidence is almost damning and their track record is rather impressive. Okumura; if the Phantom Thieves are targeting you, it's likely for a reason, hm?" Akechi calmly rose to his feet while pulling his glove off. "Now; stay still, and stay calm. You know who I am, so you know that what I'm doing is for the best - I am, after all, a Pro Hero." Ignoring Okumura's tight expression struggling to conceal fear beneath a veneer of authority, he reached forward and lightly touched Okumura's exposed hand.

"I - uh… whuh…?" The CEO's body slumped in his seat now devoid of all energy and rebellion. Anyone could tell that any instinct or drive to fight back or to flee had been sapped and drained away. The Detective Prince gave only a small amused smile as he took back his hand since physical contact was no longer needed. "Where…?"

"It's all right, Kunikazu. Now, I need you to tell me - is the Phantom Thieves' plot against you founded for good purpose?" The use of his first name seemed to intrigue and comfort the swaying man.

"Y-yes, I suppose it must be…"

"Oh really? And why exactly is that?" The detective comfortably sat back down with no clear effort or concern in his expression.

"'I'm… really not supposed to say…" Okumura's slack brow furrowed just enough to display something akin to rebellion.

No, it wasn't rebellion, Akechi decided. Simple confusion. He had to stop himself from chuckling at the drool dribbling out of the side of the CEO's slack lips. "You can say, Mr. Okumura. I respect and fear you, don't I?"

"I… I regularly abuse my workers and my position… I use everything and everyone around me for profit, including my daughter, Haru… poor, beautiful Haru… she deserves so much…"

"Of course, but please, let's stay on topic." Akechi's expression fell from its traditionally kind and soft energy into something hard and cold. "Is there anything else you'd like to confess to me? The very same stuff you might confess to the world, in the event the Phantom Thieves truly steal your heart."

"Y-yes…"

"Tell me. Now."

A creeping uncertain fear wiggled its way up from Okumura's stupor. "I know the true perpetrator behind the mental shutdo-" Before he could finish his sentence Akechi suddenly shot up from his seated position and shushed Okimura, straining to hear what he thought he heard.

Ryuji: oh man! your never gonna believe this man! We just met ALL MIGHT

Ryuji: yea! THE ALL MIGHT! the number 1 hero?! he was so crazy cool

Ryuji: oh shit, futaba's telling me to stop texting cause you arent able to turn of your phone rn cause your arms cant move in your vent oh crap im so sorry good luck

"What the hell is that?!" The detective hissed and began stalking around the room, peering into the corners and inspecting the furniture. "You! What is that buzzing sound? Is your phone on? Are you wearing something? Have you bugged this room?"

"…no…" the murmur was hardly audible and the man now seemed in need of sleep. Heavy, older eyelids dropped and sagged in sudden mental exhaustion as the quirk's effects seemingly compiled with Okumura's already overworked and underslept mind. After a few moments, the CEO began snoring at his desk and Akechi narrowed his eyes in suspicion as sudden and crashing uncertainty plowed into him. Was the old man just pretending to sleep? Had he resisted his quirk somehow? It wasn't likely, but…

The young hero glanced around the room as he activated his secondary ability, 'Detective Vision.'

Quirk: Truth Serum

Goro Akechi's quirk 'Truth Serum' allows him to place another person's mind into a state of confusion, distortion, and impression. He uses this along with his expert abilities in criminal manipulation to coerce information out of delirious subjects or to confuse and disorient enemies on the battlefield. He requires physical contact with his target to activate his quirk.

Akechi's abilities also seem to grant him some form of 6th sense. He describes his mysterious ability 'Detective Vision' as a "second quirk,' though the validity of this claim is difficult to make certain. Detective Sense allows Akechi to notice certain places, people, or things. These tend to be items that some may ignore or see as regular but are cognitively viewed with great or frequent importance by others.

If you'd like to read more, check out the 5th chapter of 'Quirkipedia' on my profile.

Nothing of interest. A few items here and there of vague significance, but nothing that Okumura or any other had put any true value or thought into. Perhaps there was something in the walls, or something outside his vision? If he couldn't see an object at all his quirk couldn't pick up on it and bring it to his attention, so he began striding around the room with great intensity and purpose. He wasn't sure why that mysterious buzzing had impacted him so, but there was something familiar and endlessly worrying about it. Intense displeasure was interrupted by his own phone going off and requiring his attention. "What is it?!" He paused. "I'm busy, I keep hearing something and -" the voice on the other end cut him off rather rudely, but it spoke true. Akechi sighed and glanced around, wondering if he had been overreacting. "Alright. You were right about Okumura. He has a lot to confess if you know what I mean. We'll have to take care of him later - can't let criminal scum like him continue walking the streets, right?" Akechi pulled his black glove back on and decided he had gotten all he needed from the unconscious man. "That's right, the rest is up to the Phantom Thieves."

"Father…?" Haru quietly peeked into the office space where her father snores peacefully. She had watched and made sure that Akechi fully left the office building before coming back up to the top office. Now, as she peeked into the quiet room, she had to suppress a giggle. Knowing that her father was fast asleep and snoring in the same room as her vigilante leader was strangely amusing. She quickly trotted over to the slumbering man and carefully rolled his chair out of the way, ensuring that his deep sleep never faltered. "Okay!" A whispered exclamation accented her quick movements as she pulled the grate and the boy out of the wall. Joker slowly emerged by virtue of both their quiet efforts, pleased to be out of the horrible space but displeased at the amount of dust and body aches that littered across him. The two quickly reattached the vent's cover as Oracle crackled to life in their ears.

"Good job you guys! 'Operation Meeting the Dad is mostly a success!" There was a pause as Oracle spoke to someone on the other side. "Ryuji says sorry, but really Joker should've had his phone off!"

"I was in a rush, and this building feels horrible to be in…" The leader of the Phantom Thieves grumbled. "Besides, there wasn't much to learn."

"Oh, I don't know about that." Makoto - also known as Queen - interjected in their earpieces. "I think Akechi actually did us a huge favor."

"What do you mean, Queen?" Haru quietly questioned as she helped Joker to his feet, glancing all the while at her still-unconscious father.

"As in, I'm pretty sure Akechi's interrogation-slash-accusation was enough to break down Okumura's sense of security against the Phantom Thieves. We can likely enter his palace now."

"Ohh yeah!" Oracle cackled in sudden glee. "You're totally right! He practically did our job for us, without even knowing it! Awesome! Although…" Oracle trailed off.

"What is it Oracle?" Panther, now online, questioned the navigator as Joker and Noir stepped out of the office to speak a little louder.

"Well, a mental state like this doesn't last long. We have to take advantage of it as soon as possible. Not just that, but Okumura mentioned the Pro Hero Livefeed - remember her, Joker? He said she was gonna be beefing up Okumura Gadgets' system. If that happens there's definitely no way I can get back in."

"So what you're saying is…" Panther trailed off before Queen took over and finished the thought.

"This is our one and only chance. What Akechi did was hopefully enough for Okumura's mental stability to be rocked even without concrete evidence of his dealing with Gangrene, but if it's not we might be out of luck."

Noir shook her head with confidence she didn't know she had. "No, it had to be enough! I know it. How long do we have?"

There was a crackling silence before Oracle responded. "Probably less than a week. Really, the sooner the better."

"Well, this just means that our plans are way accelerated! That's a good thing, right?" Panther seemed excited to not have to face off against more actual criminals.

There was a hum in agreement from the Student Council President. "Not just that, we also got a firsthand viewing of the famous Detective Prince's quirk, something not many can say. He's pretty protective about it, after all."

Oracle was quick to respond. "Yeah, and it seems suuuper useful. Kinda wish you had THAT instead of Subcognition, Mona." Joker could almost preemptively hear the lengthy and indignant complaint Morgana prepared to fire back.

"That's not to say we don't appreciate what you can do, Morgana. It's pretty much the sole reason we can operate as the Phantom Thieves and steal hearts." Queen seemed to recognize the danger and quickly placated the cat, not that what she was saying wasn't true. Noir giggled as she and Joker finally exited the building.

"When Mona first showed me my father's palace, it was…" her laugh faded into a still amazed but somewhat defeated tone. "It was incredible and fantastical, but also it was sad. I can't believe Akechi himself is giving us the opportunity to tear it all down!" The somber tone rose into something determined and inspirational, and Joker found himself nodding alongside her infectious mood.

"Come on, let's go back to the hideout. We'll give you a proper run down of how everything works when we're there and making a calling card."

Across the city, Morgana mewed in satisfaction and pride. "Yeah, my quirk is pretty amazing. Some people have said that it's one of the most amazing quirks they've ever seen! The most powerful, too!"

"Huh? Who the hell said that? You can only talk to us, you dumb cat." Ryuji's genuine confusion had morphed into something more annoyed by the end of his statement. "Besides, isn't Akechi's quirk just a way easier and more convenient version of yours?"

"Excuse me?!" Morgana hissed at the unruly teen before Makoto stepped in. "My quirk is WAY better for Phantom Thievery!"

"It's true, Ryuji. Akechi isn't allowed to use his quirk to get legal confessions from people." The studious girl had done her research. "It legally counts as outside influence and coercion, and because of the nature of it, people under the effects of it can say stuff they don't really mean or think. It's kinda like laughing gas or 'truth serums' - someone who can barely even walk can't be a valid witness or make a reasonable confession."

"Yeah, but I heard that some courts have made exceptions for it…" Ann murmured through the cake filling her cheeks and Makoto grimaced in reluctant acknowledgment. "Besides, can't what we do be considered 'coercion?'"

"That is true, and a lot of lawyers and people have been making that argument against us. The public outcry against our targets and the evidence we discretely supply the police helps but…" she trailed off before seemingly changing topic. "My sister worked on a case somewhat recently that used Akechi's quirk and subsequent drugged confession as a 'piece of corroborating evidence.' Technically it wasn't used as an actual confession, but it might as well have been with how damming it was." Her displeasure was clear. "Morgana's method is way less fallible, and the people whose hearts we steal try to be better people. Surely the justice system should be used for rehabilitation, not just punishment."

Yusuke nodded gravely. "If I were to live in a prison the disgusting slop would be punishment enough." Suddenly perking up he continued to his next thought. "Although, I've heard that the art programs in Tartarus are quite extensive, and the slop would be free. Hmmm…" he rubbed at his chin quizzically and Ryuji put a hand on his shoulder in support.

"Yusuke, come on. Don't be tempted."

Quirk: Subcognition

Morgana is able to use Subcognition to bring the Phantom Thieves into a metaphysical reality which acts a representation of a person's subconscious. This process proves dangerous for both the intruders and the subconscious' owner but it allows the Phantom Thieves to impact and even manipulate aspects of a person's personality and views on the world, typically with the end goal of reforming their morals and forcing them to admit and atone for their crimes. There are several preconditions needed to enter a person's subconscious, including the dissolution and breakdown of their subconscious security.

Subcognition also grants Morgana average human intelligence and can synchronize with Joker's quirk, Metacognition, to allow people to understand him.

If you want to know more about this complicated quirk, check out the 6th chapter of the 'Quirkipedia' story on my profile. Or, y'know, just wait until the Phantom Thieves actually explore a palace, cause I WILL go over the mechanics in-story as I will eventually with every quirk.