he tension in the air was palpable as Senshi approached Michi. An initial flinch from Michi quickly turned into a cautious observation as Senshi turned to his side, whispering into Michi's ear.

"What do you think... Do you think they've got the numbers?"

Michi, still on edge, looked awkwardly at his cousin. His gaze shifted back to the screen, where the connection with Kazuki had just been established.

"Um... That's a good question. When I was there, I remember there being lots of guards and consumers. But I'm not sure about this... This is entirely different from... two years ago."

Senshi nodded in understanding as he unlocked his phone. A call from his father interrupted the conversation. Stepping aside for privacy, Senshi answered the call.

"Yeah... I saw the news... I asked him..."

As Senshi spoke to his father, Michi marveled at the moment. Despite the tension and differences, they were able to communicate, even if briefly, without the usual animosity that defined their relationship.

The short-lived success was abruptly halted as multiple pro heroes entered the Dormitory, led by none other than Dynamight himself. The atmosphere grew tense as Dynamight calmly addressed the class.

"Everyone. We have all seen the news... We ask that you all stay under control and inside the UA parameters as we work out and find these villains. Await further instructions from the principal."

As Dynamight left the Dormitory, two heroes remained inside, positioned at the front doors. Fugu and Hana, sitting on the couch, exchanged worried glances.

"What exactly was broadcasting before this?" Fugu asked, leaning in closer.

Hana nervously looked around the Dormitory living room before responding, "Um, something about multiple videos sent into the news station. This is one of many. The victims have already been found unharmed. But it's still terrifying, right?"

Fugu gazed at the television, now turned off due to UA's restrictions, as she stood up. "Yeah. Terrifying."

Fugu rushed up the stairs, scanning the dormitories until she reached Mari Nagamine's room. She entered without hesitation, checking the hallway and then the room. Mari, sitting at her desk, looked unfazed as Fugu barged in.

"If you're looking for the 'Wildfires,' they aren't here, Fugu," Mari stated with authority.

Ignoring Mari's response, Fugu pointed at her, demanding answers. "What exactly is One for All?"

Mari stood up, stumbling on the chair, then composed herself. Her face hinted at stress as she responded, "Hell if I know. What do you want, Fugu?"

Undeterred, Fugu approached Mari, emphasizing her concern. "Not that it's my interest... Shinomori and my own damn brother's curiosity got the better of them. I heard everything. Not everything, but... I heard Deku. 'We are connected through One for All now.' What the hell did he mean by that... MARI!"

Mari's expression soured, and anguish filled her face. She took a deep breath and pleaded with Fugu. "Things are too complicated to casually speak of them like this, Fugu. Please, give me time... I will set up a meeting with Mister Deku; he will clear everything up. But please, you can't tell anyone about this."

Unimpressed, Fugu scowled. "I understand that, at the very least. But I don't get it, out of everyone, why is this between you and the number one hero?!"

A faint knocking echoed through the room, and both Mari and Fugu fell silent, turning their attention to the door. A muffled voice broke through the silence.

"Uhhh, Baga, Mari, you guys okay in there? It kinda sounds like arguing."

Fugu kicked the door, startling Michi as she angrily yelled through it.

"YOU CREEP, DID YOU REALLY FOLLOW ME?!"

Michi opened the door, pointing at Fugu. "Fuck no! Shizu was wondering where you were, then we heard arguing!"

Mari intervened, attempting to defuse the situation. "It was just a discussion that has concluded for the time being. Right, Fugu?"

Fugu looked at Mari with narrowed eyes, unsure of whom to trust. "Yeah... I guess so."

Fugu walked out of the room, intentionally bumping her shoulder into Michi's, and he rolled his eyes. Whatever was happening between those two, it seemed to be straining their friendship. For a moment, Shizu and Michi shared a concerned glance as they both left.

A week later, Principal Hitoshi Shinso lifted the house arrest, allowing the students to resume their outdoor lives alongside their in-school academic studies. During the press conference, Shinso's judgment faced numerous questions and scrutiny.

"In truth, we are aware of this threat, and will not undermine these extremists like in the past. Instead, we have given our students rules, and regulations to follow if they are to exit the campus. This is our message to these Extremists that call themselves, "Wildfire"... We understand your conflictions with the current standings of our quirk society, but attack our students, Alumni's or other Professional Heroes associated with our school, we will take progressive action, and end the Wildfires faster than we are already investigating it."

Michi sat in the living room of the Dormitory, clad in his old Mongrel Hoodie. The once-tattered garment now looked slightly better, adorned with crudely stitched patches—a mix and match of blue and red hues.

Mari Nagamine entered the room, her curiosity piqued. "What are you working on?"

Michi turned around, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Oh, this is an old hoodie of mine."

He touched the fabric with a hint of embarrassment but was open to sharing. "I got it from my mom. I think... I think she got it for my 12th birthday, but she never really had the chance to gift it."

Mari touched the old hoodie, her fingers tracing over the burnt sleeves and worn fabric.

"This hoodie has definitely seen better days. I haven't seen you wear it in a while. I think since Middle school."

Michi lifted the hoodie, swinging it over his shoulder. "I was letting the heat die down for a while before I wore it out in public again."

Mari looked perplexed. "Heat?"

"What heat?! Anyway! Did you need something, Mari?" Michi asked.

Mari rolled her eyes, pointing towards the door as she ushered Michi.

"I wanted to go outside. I've got a few chores that need to be done, and I was hoping you would accompany me. Since the school is requiring us to go out in pairs now."

Michi looked outside with a slightly exhausted expression.

"I mean, I don't really have anything to do out there. Ask Fugu; I think I remember her complaining about needing to go do some errands as well."

Mari grabbed onto her wrist, chuckling a little bit and clearing her throat.

"Michi, I know. I would've asked her, but I want to go with you."

Michi stared at Mari, realizing what she was implying, and his mind raced for a second.

"Oh! Oh, got it. Um, let me go grab my wallet... um, yeah, one second!"

Michi stumbled up the stairs as Mari rolled her eyes, picking at her wool sweater, waiting for Michi to return. After a little bit of waiting, the two exited the school, signing out, and holding a student pass—a sort of tracker to ensure the kids were okay and nowhere near any criminal activity. Michi examined the oval-shaped device, flipping it to reveal a blue switch and a button.

"I don't see the point of all this safety."

Mari plucked the item from Michi's hand, examining it herself and rolling her eyes.

"It's not really for us, more peace of mind for our parents."

Michi rolled his eyes as he stood up in the bullet train, sitting closer to Mari.

"Knowing my old man, he's freaking out because of the smallest things."

"Now, who does that remind me of?" Mari giggled in a flirtatious way as Michi softly grabbed onto the tracker. The pair's hands met, and they locked eyes for a moment before Mari pulled away.

"It's a better idea if you carry it since you were the one they gave it to."

Michi nodded, tucking the tracker into his jacket. After some travel, the two stopped at Osaka. As they stepped off the bullet train, Michi began to nervously look around, realizing it was the worst place he could ever want to be. He caught up to Mari.

"Why the hell are we in Osaka? This is the worst place for UA students to be, Mari!"

Mari nodded, speaking in a calm, softer voice.

"I am aware of that, but this is really important. I need to update my quirk."

Michi walked side by side with Mari, and it clicked in his head.

"Ohhh yeah.. That's true. Your quirk did kind of spontaneously evolve a few days ago during training. But why Osaka?"

Mari crossed the street, and Michi followed behind her.

"Because this is where I was born."

As the pair approached the capital of Osaka, they saw a large mob of protestors standing outside the capital, with the Governor giving a speech about the "Wildfires."

"Ignore that, Michi; we just need to make a quick in-and-out."

The duo swiftly entered Osaka's capital, and Mari took her place in line. Michi observed from the waiting room, watching as Mari confidently presented her ID and Birth Certificate to the registry. With a triumphant smile, Mari returned to Michi.

"Great! All sorted. We'll be back in an hour."

Confused, Michi inquired, "Why an hour?"

"They need time to process my ID and Certificate and issue the updated version, dummy! Now, let's go grab lunch!"

Taking Michi's hand, Mari guided him through the bustling streets of Osaka. Lost in their own world, they explored various stores, enjoying the atmosphere surrounding Osaka. They sat down outside a store as Mari gathered her things, a smile on her face, Michi couldn't help but feel a sense of normalcy despite the recent events. As the two strolled through Osaka's Park, cherry blossoms bloomed, casting soft pink petals across the landscape. Mari took out her phone with a smile.

"Come on Michi! This is too cute to not take a selfie!"

Michi moved in to the frame of Mari's phone, as she adjusted it,

"Squat down a little! Move closer! You're too far!"

As Mari grabbed Michi, moving him closer, after a few pictures, Mari took one last cheeky one, of her kissing Michi on the cheek, as Michi backed away with a blushing smile on his face.

"Not fair, you caught me off guard!"

Mari smiled and chuckled as she started walking again, "It wouldn't be so fun if it wasn't a surprise!"

Mari looked through the photos, "I'll send them to you!"

Michi rolled his eyes as he put his phone back in his pocket. "I'll have to check them back at UA, my phones dead!"

The two kept walking, until they started to make a beeline for the Capital once more.

"Thank you for coming with me, Michi. It made my day more enjoyable."

Michi grinned, feeling grateful for the unexpected adventure.

"No problem.. Thank you for inviting me. Just let me know anytime you need a 'Partner in crime'."

Mari chuckled as she poked at Michi.

"Emphasis on crime, huh?"

Michi rolled his eyes, playfully shoving Mari.

"Ha, ha. Very funny Mari."

Michi and Mari continued on as they unknowingly passed by the same protestor group they had seen earlier. The atmosphere was tense, and the fervent speeches and protests continued. As Mari and Michi pushed through the larger crowd, Mari flinched, holding her head, hearing ringing in her ears.

"Mari? Mari! Are you okay?!"

Mari clenched her head as she tried to calm herself.

"Mister Deku said that when it manifested it would be like my mind is tearing apart.. But this is.. Intense..." She thought to herself as she caught up to her breath.

However, as they paused in the crowd, a man stood at the center of the crowd, as various others stood at the outskirts of the crowd, Mari felt her head ring as Danger Sense screamed at her to escape.. As the cloaked thugs lifted their cloaks, exposing explosive devices hidden, with a deafening blast erupting from the crowd. The world seemed to slow down for a moment as the chaos erupted around them. Smoke billowed through the air.

Fugu Baga

Fugu emerged from her dorm, dressed for the day, and strolled through the dormitory, searching for Mari.

"Ugh, I thought we were tackling errands today..."

Consulting the sign-out sheet, Fugu discovered that Mari had left with Michi about half an hour ago. Frustrated, Fugu rolled her eyes, muttering, "Of course," under her breath. Senshi approached, offering a greeting.

"Morning, Fugu! How's your day shaping up?"

Fugu glared at her list, clearly exasperated.

"Busy. But I need a partner to get outside. Want to catch some fresh air?"

Senshi grinned, nodding in agreement.

"I'm always up for a bit of exercise."

After a while, Fugu and Senshi found themselves in Osaka, engaging in various tasks. Fugu busied herself collecting items her mother required, unable to leave the house, while Senshi explored the city. As Fugu left another store, Senshi looked around, curiously as he stated.

"This place is a bit of a shit hole."

Fugu slapped Senshi on the chest as she pointed him in the next direction. "Don't be an ass. Many people call Osaka home, Senshi."

Senshi shrugged, "I'm just stating the truth. It looks like a lot of people stay here because crime rates are higher."

"Or because they have no other place to go."

The two continued to pass through the streets. The streets were alive with a diverse array of people, as Fugu was checking off items off her list, Senshi continued to look around the city, noticing its architecture, and energy. Seeing a group of kids playing in one of the small parks of Osaka.

"Okay.. Maybe there's more to Osaka than I thought. It's got a lot of life."

Fugu nodded, "Mhm, instead of being a big bustling city of working men and women, it's a city that's as lively as it's reputation."

Fugu slowly went through her list as she smiled.

"Alright, I've only got one last-"

Fugu, and Senshi felt the ground shake from under their feet, as the impact of an explosion not only hit their bodies, by their ear drums. Screams echoed through the city of Osaka, as police sirens began to ring. Fugu and Senshi looked each other in the eyes in denial, as Senshi began to run towards the explosion.

"SENSHI WAIT! THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T SPLIT UP!"

Senshi kept running as he screamed

"THEN KEEP UP!"

Fugu and Senshi ran towards the fires inside of Osaka, as they saw the destruction within the vicinity of the initial explosion.

"Fugu!"

Fugu quickly lost herself in the screams, and the intensity of the situation, her quirk going haywire as she heard the echoes of screams, until she heard a familiar voice...

"MARI! MARI SPEAK TO ME!"

Fugu threw herself around in a panic before slapping herself back to reality, seeing Senshi trying to pry a large piece of debris off of an office, Fugu ran over, assisting Senshi, as Fugu pulled the officer to safety.

"It's Michi and Mari!"

Senshi looked confused before realizing Fugu's quirk.

"What?!"

Fugu had a serious look on her face as she began to run.

"I heard Michi's screams! I heard him yelling! We have to help them!"

"I'll follow your lead! Go GO!"

Michi Shinomori

As the cloaked thugs lifted their cloaks, exposing explosive devices hidden, with a deafening blast erupting from the crowd. The world seemed to slow down for a moment as the chaos erupted around them. Smoke billowed through the air. Mari manifested not only Danger Sense, but Black Whip, as she used the quirk to grapple onto the Suicide Bomber.

"Ru-"

The detonation echoed through the air, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake. Michi's senses returned abruptly, the acrid scent of smoke assaulting him as he struggled to breathe. Gasping for air, he realized the aftermath of the explosion had taken a toll on both him and the innocent civilians around. In the disorienting moments following the blast, Michi tried to breathe, after the air in his lungs had been knocked out of him. As he took in air, he felt his broken ribs almost piercing his lungs, only shallow breathes... That's all he could do. Michi sat up as he saw the chaotic scene unfolding before his eyes, with people frantically fleeing, and the agonizing cries of those injured echoing in the air. As Michi tried to stand up, a distressing yelp caught his attention. Turning his daze towards the source, he saw Mari clutching her stomach, as her clothes were stained with blood, her hands, and the concrete soaking up the blood. The shock of urgency gripped Michi, as he crawled onto the ground, reaching out to Mari, in the midst of the unfolding tragedy.

"NOOO! NOO! Hey.. Hey Mari-"

Michi cradled Mari in his arms, a sense of urgency etched on his face as he applied pressure to her wound, desperately trying to stem the bleeding. Her pained yelps echoed in the chaotic aftermath of the explosion, her hand reaching out to Michi's face in a silent plea for relief from the agony.

"Hey... I know, I know it hurts," Michi reassured her, his voice a comforting anchor amid the chaos. "It hurts, but I need to get you to a doc-"

Attempting to lift Mari, she let out a piercing scream of pain before suddenly falling silent. Michi's heart sank as her body became motionless, her eyes dilating, a haunting stillness.. Only replaced by Michi's panic.

"M-Mari.. Hey... HEY MARI! MARI! MARI SPEAK TO ME!"

Michi's head collapsed onto Mari's lifeless form as he sobbed, still kneeling on the ground. Desperation and grief echoed in his voice as he attempted to lift her, pleading for any sign of life.

"M-Mari Please! Give me a sign! ANYTHING!"

His hands shook as he desperately clung to hope, but Mari's body remained limp. The surrounding chaos intensified, with distant screams piercing through the thick smoke. Suddenly, hands gripped Michi, pulling him away as he resisted.

"Michi! Michi it's me!"

Turning, Michi saw his cousin, Senshi, as he continued to plead for Mari's help.

"MARI HELP MARI!"

Fugu rushed towards Mari, noticing her critical condition, with heavy heart, Fugu lifted Mari onto her back, and started running, her arms stained with the blood escaping Mari, as Senshi helped Michi onto his feet, and helping him retreat from the Osaka Capital explosion. It wasn't until long, Fugu, and Senshi found an ambulance. Fugu yelled, in a withered, yet determined voice pleaded for help.

"PLEASE! PLEASE HELP HER! HELP HER!"

The students surrounded the ambulance, and the EMTs began attending to Michi. A larger group gathered around Mari, their faces filled with anxiety.

"She's lost too much blood, no pulse, no brain activity."

Some EMT's began to move on, as two were left to work with Mari.

"Clear."

Mari's body jumped as the EMT's checked for a sign.

"Clear."

One of the EMTs activated his registered quirk, attempting to heal some of Mari's injuries, but his efforts proved futile. Horror-stricken, Michi, Fugu, and Senshi watched as the EMTs reluctantly got up.

"We're sorry, but she's not coming back! There are others that need our help!"

Michi, still clinging to the hope of saving Mari, attempted to pull away from the EMTs helping him as he reached desperately for her.

"THEN STOP HELPING ME! HELP HER INSTEAD! PLEASE DON'T JUST LEAVE... her... t-there..."

Overwhelmed by his own injuries and emotional distress, Michi succumbed to unconsciousness. Both Michi and Mari's lifeless bodies were loaded into the ambulance, driven urgently to the hospital, leaving behind the aftermath of the devastating explosion in Osaka.

Hours later

In the hospital waiting room, Fugu sat trembling, her hands still stained with Mari's dried blood. Senshi occupied a chair in Michi's room, visibly shaken and restless, while Shizu, accompanied by several others, entered the waiting area. Fugu's emotional dam burst the moment she saw her twin brother. Her tears streamed down from behind her cracked glasses, and her words tumbled out incoherently.

"Fugu... Fugu... Take a deep breath.. Please... Please..."

Hiccupping on her own breath, Fugu struggled to speak through her tears.

"I.. I carried... Mari.. I thought she was but she's..."

Her sobs intensified, and she wiped her tears with her blood-stained hands, unintentionally smearing more blood on herself. Shizu, realizing the shock and distress on his sister's face, gently grabbed her hands.

"Come with me.. W-we need to get you cleaned up.. Sis."

Guiding his sister to the restroom, Shizu helped Fugu clean off the dried blood, attempting to provide some semblance of comfort in the midst of the overwhelming tragedy.

Michi Shinomori

Michi's eyes slowly opened, and the rhythmic beeping of a heart rate monitor filled his ears. As he inhaled, he felt the air fill his lungs, and his left hand instinctively pressed down on his chest. A surge of pain shot through his hand, revealing the scarring and the missing ring finger. Michi examined his hand and the hospital gown, piecing together fragments of what had happened.

"Michi! Michi.. Hey... Bud.."

Senshi sat up from his chair, grabbing Michi's hand.

"You.. you're fine. You're in the hospital after... um... after an accident."

Michi withdrew his hand, lifting the oxygen mask.

"M-Mari...?"

Senshi hesitated, and then delivered the devastating news.

"S-she's gone, bud. The doctors said she died because of her injuries."

Michi momentarily dissociated, trying to gather his thoughts. In a hushed, almost inaudible voice, he spoke, and his heart rate monitor began to spike.

"Leave."

Senshi, taken aback, asked, "W-what was that?"

"I SAID cough cough cough GET THE cough FUCK OUT!"

Michi erupted, and Senshi retreated, heading toward the exit to find a doctor or nurse to assist his cousin.

Days Later

Song: Passing Afternoon: By Iron and Wine

Since the attack, security measures around official capitals, schools, and hero agencies had intensified. The aftermath revealed a grim toll – over 24 lives lost, 152 injuries, and 13 people missing. After Michi recovered in the hospital, he received his belongings and was escorted back to UA. Upon arrival, Michi walked past friends and classmates, heading toward the Dormitory. Silently, he entered his room and shut the door.

In the solitude of his room, Michi plugged in his cracked cell phone, closing his eyes. The haunting echoes of the recent tragedy transported him back to that day – the screams, the blood. He began to shake, immersed in the traumatic memories. The buzzing of his phone jolted him back to the present. Michi slowly lifted his phone,

"Mari Nagamine: 8 Attachments 1 Text Message"

Michi unlocked his phone, opening the texts one by one. Photos of himself and Mari in Osaka's park appeared, delayed due to his phone being dead. The final message read,

"Thank you for such a nice afternoon. 3"

Michi slowly lowered his hand, feeling the sinking weight of despair surrounding him. He collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down onto his phone screen.