Case file #19: Hatsume Mei

"Dear Diary, I genuinely thought she would be the one who finally breaks his defenses. I was wrong. Now, Power Loader may retire and I might follow.

P/S: Remind all staff personnel to never let those two interact without supervision."

"No other side effects? No vomiting, coughing, sneezing, bleeding…?" Chiyo tapped the pen on her checklist.

"I'm fine. 100% operation. A little hungry, actually." Izuku yawned. "That was probably just [One for All]'s defense mechanism."

"Defense mechanism or not, I'm not comfortable with the idea of looking past my student vomiting blood while bleeding from every place one could imagine." Chiyo scolded him before reaching into her pocket and pulled out some money. "Here. Go buy some food before going to class."

"Is this my allowance?" Izuku gasped as he accepted the money. "Am I finally recognized as your grandson?"

"That would just make it more complicated for Setsuna, so no." Chiyo straightforwardly answered. "But I will say you're…. my most tolerable student till date."

"That's probably the best compliment I'll ever fish out of you, so I'll take it." Izuku giggled mischievously. "Also, what did you mean when you said it'll make it more complicated for Tokage-san?"

"Because she likes you, Midoriya." Chiyo told him.

"Isn't it obvious?" Izuku scoffed. "I don't think she would hang out or even talk with someone she dislikes. Tokage-san strikes me as someone who is very clear about who she likes and hates."

"No, I mean it as- you know what, I am not having this conversation again." Chiyo raised her hands in defeat. "All you [One for All]'s users are the same. Thick headed idiots."

"I am not yet a [One for All]'s user nor am I thick headed." Izuku pouted. "But were Yagi-san and his mentor oblivious?"

"Yagi, I understand. His status as the number One Hero comes with many…. advancements from women. It makes it hard for him to recognize who was being genuine and who wasn't." Chiyo sighed. "As for Nana…. that woman is hopeless. No human expression would be able to describe how dense she was."

"Sounds like youhad a hard time." Izuku raised an eyebrow.

"I always do." Chiyo scoffed as she pushed Izuku outside of the office with her cane. "But that is a story for another time. Now get going, you young gremlin!"

After Izuku was pushed out and the door had been closed, Chiyo sat back down on her chair, yet her mind lingered on the conversation.

It lingered on how broken she became after the only person she ever loved died.

It lingered on Nana's aloof, yet caring nature. She was prone to anger, yet always found it in her to forgive. A cheery, energetic person underneath that ice cold glare she gave.

How different, yet similar she was to Izuku.

It kept lingering on how much she wished things were different, despite it being a long gone dream.

Chiyo let out a sigh as she tiredly rubbed her eyes with her fingers, before putting her full attention towards the computer screen.

"Man, not again!" Setsuna groaned before she threw the paper away, letting it float aimlessly before landing on the ground.

From her seat, Ibara commanded one of her vines to pick up the paper and bring it back to her. She took a quick second of skimming through the paper before turning to Setsuna.

"How many times has it been?" Ibara asked.

"3…." Setsuna dejectedly replied. "Principal Nezu is surprisingly strict when it comes to this!"

"Having a pet, especially a reptile, is a long-term and serious commitment, Tokage-san." Ibara set the paper on the table. "Principal Nezu has to do all he needs to ensure you are not getting this…. ackie monitor on a whim."

"I'm not!" Setsuna pouted. "I've been researching and buying enclosure, accessories, supplements…. every single thing needed! Now, I have an entire terrarium in my room without the animal!"

"Why are you even considering a pet here?" Togaru questioned. "Just have the damn lizard at your house!"

"You think I haven't tried that?!" Setsuna glared at him. "My parents don't allow pets at home! It's either now, or after graduation when I've found my own place!"

"I believe it would be easier if someone with a pet vouches for you." Neito suggested. "Like Kan-sensei?"

"He wouldn't agree."

"Mm?" Yui offered.

"I barely know Kouda. He's probably too shy to do it, anyway." Setsuna planted her face into the pillow. "Urgh, is there really no way?!"

Ibara watched Setsuna with a conflicted expression, before letting out a tired sigh.

"Izuku might be able to help." Ibara clasped her hands together. "He has a pet, and I believe Principal Nezu favors him above the rest of us."

"Mm?!" Yui looked at Ibara in shock.

"Midoriya has a pet?!" Setsuna gasped. "He's never mentioned it before! Or is it a recent thing?"

"He has had Axel- that's its name- before we started middle school." Ibara hummed. "It was kind of an impulse purchase, but Izuku is responsible enough to keep it happy and healthy ever since."

"Wait, ever since before you started middle school?" Pony sat up in excitement. "That's quite a long time! What is it?"

"An axolotl." Ibara smiled. "A pink GFP axolotl, to be precise.I shan't bore you with the details, but he decided to bring it home with him after seeing the condition it was in and took care of it ever since."

"An axolotl, huh?" Neito chuckled. "That fits him. Extreme healing capability, kind and reserved nature, cute, dorky face that makes you want to hug him all day-"

Ibara swiftly whacked Neito's head with one of her vines before turning to Setsuna.

"I can ask him to vouch for you, if you wish to. But you might have to convince him yourself. He is very strict about responsibility for a pet."

"Thank you, Shiozaki!" Setsuna smiled brightly at Ibara, who returned with an appreciative smile. "Convincing Midoriya, huh? Maybe I should wear my hoodie-"

A resounding 'NO!' was yelled among everyone, and Yui who raised a comically large board with a red 'X'.

" He Who Snitched."

"Damn it…!"

Izuku clicked his tongue as he whispered a curse under his breath. He turned behind to find a group of robots approaching him.

"... Am I finally getting jumped?" Izuku tilted his head. "Also, why are you guys in such terrible shape?"

" Remember that time you snitched on us? " The seemingly leader of the group spoke up.

"Vividly." Izuku nodded.

" We might be able to forgive you for that sin." The robot offered. " If you agree to help us, that is."

"Okay…." Izuku hesitantly nodded. "I do owe you guys for that. What do you need?"

" Are you aware of an individual called Hatsume Mei?"

"I don't remember anyone with that name coming to the nurse's office…. Oh, I remember some people from the Support Course who visited mentioned that name. Is that them?"

" Most likely." The robot confirmed. " And recently, she has noticed our…. existence."

Izuku swore he saw the robots shudder.

" She has been…. kidnapping some of our members for her own…. experiments."

"The teacher doesn't stop her?"

" We consulted with Power Loader on the matter. " The robot hung its head from disappointment. " All he said was, 'Better you guys than my workshop' before popping another bottle of vodka."

Izuku only stifled a laugh before asking. "So, what do you want me to do? Tell her to stop?"

" If you are able to." The robot confirmed before he reached his hand behind. " If not, we have this very poisonous syringe that you could- "

"I'll talk to her." Izuku cut it off. "Put it away. Or better, give it to me so I could throw it away."

"Is Midoriya here?!" Higari bursted into the staff room, looking around frantically. "I need to talk to hi-"

Quickly reacting to the loud shouting from her co-worker, Nemuri grabbed a plastic water bottle and threw it at his face.

"Barge in quieter, Majima?!" Nemuri hissed quietly. "He's sleeping!"

Higari squinted his eyes open as he rubbed the spot that the water bottle landed on his face and found a softly snoring Izuku sleeping on a couch, with Nemuri sitting on another chair next to him with a pile of papers on her thighs.

"Oh, sorry." Higari apologized. "Why is he sleeping here, though?"

"He's been helping Inui with some student's counsellings." Nemuri explained. "Some students find it easier if the one they talk to isn't growling all the time."

"I see." Higari nodded. "How long until he wakes up?"

"It's been…. 15 minutes," Nemuri looked at her phone. "So I'd say 15 more."

"I don't think I can wait that long." Higari sighed. "Rather, I don't think she can wait that long…."

"Are we talking about your prodigy?" Nemuri raised an eyebrow.

"We're talking about my absolute worst nightmare ever since I accepted this job." Higari clarified. "But yes, Hatsume is cooking again."

"It's Friday, Majima!" Nemuri groaned. "Why'd you let her cook? What convention is she trying to violate this time?"

"I don't know, all of them?!" Higari cried out. "Point is, I need Midoriya to stop her. Can you wake him up-"

Higari stopped and gulped as Nemuri shot him the deadliest, most threatening glare he's ever seen. With a tired sigh, he left the staff room leaving a message.

"Please tell him to head straight for the Support Course after he wakes up. I'll try to…. slow her down."

"Izuku-kun!" Ochako ran towards him.

"Midoriya-kun!" Although appearingly calmer, Tenya walked towards Izuku with a fluttering heart and a cheerful expression.

Behind them, Tsuyu and Shouto followed with a smile.

"Good afternoon, Uraraka-san, Iida-san, Todoroki-san and Asui-san." Izuku greeted them. "Are you guys here for support items upgrade?"

"Yep!" Ochako nodded. "The exam is coming soon, and we're doing some quick final upgrades to make sure there won't be any issue!"

"I told you to call me 'Tsu', Midoriya-chan." Tsuyu put a finger on her lips. "It's a little unexpected, seeing you here. Do you need something from the Support Course?"

"It's more like someone." Izuku chuckled. "Oh, I almost forgot. Todoroki-san, Rei-san told me to tell you about family dinner this Friday. Your sister and brother are coming, too."

"I see." Shouto nodded. "I'll see you Friday, Midoriya. What flower do you like? Red Rose? Peony?"

"I don't know much about flowers…." Izuku hummed in thought, not paying attention to Tsuyu elbowing Shouto. "I do like some Daisies, but I guess I like whichever one is given to me."

"If you don't mind me asking, Midoriya-kun!" Tenya cut in. "But who exactly are you look-"

Tenya's question was never finished as the door next to the group blasted open. Before Izuku's brain could register what was going on, he felt a heavy weight crash into him, knocking them both down to the ground.

"Hatsume!" A gruff, annoyed voice was heard shouting. "Stop blowing up the workshop! We went through more fire extinguishers than we've had in 3 years!"

"Now, now, Power Loader-sensei." A cheeky feminine voice chuckled. "Failure is the mother of all successes! If this many explosions set us back- Oh, hey! Are you perhaps a customer?"

As the smoke settled, Izuku's eyes met with a beautiful pair of yellow, crosshair shaped eyes studying him. Her pink dreadlocks entwined with his green, curly hair as she leaned in closer to Izuku.

"That depends." Izuku smiled, comfortable just laying on the floor. "Are you Hatsume Mei?"

"One and only!" Mei's smile turned wider. "Hatsume Mei, genius inventor, CEO of the future Hatsume Industries, at your service!"

"Nice to meet you." Izuku chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Midoriya Izuku, apprentice nurse, unknown of the future, at your beck and call."

"Now this is a sight to behold." Chiyo whistled.

Izuku looked up from his book and smiled at the sight of his mentor.

"You don't look as pissed as you were when you left. Is it safe to assume that nothing terrible happened?"

"Yeah, those dumb kids were just fooling around and ended up triggering the alarm." Chiyo retold as she sat down on her chair. "I'm more invested in what I'm looking at right now."

"Oh, this?" Izuku showed her his book cover. "Jirou-san gave me a ticket to her parents' concert later this evening, so I'm using this free time to read up some information about them. It's really interesting."

"Not what I'm referring to, but she invited you, as in go together with her? Like a date?"

"She said it was an extra ticket." Izuku shrugged. "I shouldn't read between the lines."

"She dug her own grave, then." Chiyo shrugged. "But I'm actually talking about Hatsume sleeping on you right now."

At the mention of her own name, Mei groaned uncomfortably and snuggled closer into Izuku's stomach. With a gentle smile, Izuku patted her head softly.

"Majima-sensei sent her here on a 'timeout'." Izuku explained. "She looked like she hadn't slept for a few days so I told her to, and she said she would only do it if I let her sleep on me, so I let her."

"She really took my advice to heart, huh?" Chiyo mumbled in impressed.

"What advice?"

"Not important. Anyway, how does this make you feel?"

"Flattered, I guess." Izuku hummed. "She feels safe enough around me to let herself fall asleep. There's no better compliment than that."

"Good God…." Chiyo exasperatedly sighed. "This genetic is driving me fucking insane…."

"So, you here for a baby?" Mei grinned. "Based on your look, I'd say a sleeping assist baby, but I don't have those on hands or prototype so that might take awhile…. Better get back to work, then!"

She immediately turned to her workbench, ignoring Izuku and Higari. While Higari just let out yet again, a defeated sigh, Izuku just chuckled in amusement as he watched Mei work.

"Sorry about her." Higari finally spoke up. "She's been…. pretty excited over this new project we're having for the Hero Course's exam."

"Nothing to apologize for, Majima-sensei." Izuku waved it off. "It's always nice to see someone being enthusiastic over something they like. But I do need to talk to her about something."

"I can pass on the message for you, if you want?" Higari offered.

"The robots are having complaints about Hatsume-san…. dissecting them for educational purposes." Izuku relayed the information. "I was sent to stop her before the situation developed into a more…. confrontational manner."

"... Yeah, I'm aware." Higari sighed. "I'm afraid there's nothing I can say that'll make her stop, Midoriya."

"I see." Izuku nodded in understanding. "Do you mind if I try?"

"Have at it." Higari gestured a hand at a maniacally laughing Mei. "If you can do it, I'll throw in a free support item. Anything you want. In the meantime, I'll try and get ahead of this…. damages she caused."

Higari then left, with a bottle of Whisky in hand. Izuku only gave a sheepish chuckle before turning to Mei.

"Hatsume-san?" Izuku called out to no result as Mei didn't even twitch at the mentioned of her name.

"Mei-san?" Izuku tried again, only to be met with a similar outcome. He then pulled a chair and sat at a safe distance away from Mei's work, but still close enough to observe what she was doing.

To describe Mei's work with a simple 'amazing' is comparable to calling All Might's legacy as 'cool'. The way she quickly yet precisely assembled her inventions made Izuku glued his eyes to her. He watched in admiration as Mei held her newly assembled bracelet up and studied it, before letting out a sigh and a proud smile before setting it to the side.

"What's that?"

Mei turned towards Izuku.

"You're still here, Nurse?" Mei tilted her head.

"Yep." Izuku smiled. "That bracelet you just made. May I ask what it's for?"

"This baby?" Mei showed him a wide, genuine smile as her eyes glinted with excitement. "This is a prototype baby for my exam! I call her 'Suppressant Bracelet'!"

"What does it do?" Izuku came closer to study it.

"Power Loader-sensei asked everyone to make something that will limit the Heroes to a certain degree! I'm making this baby to weigh them down, making it more difficult for them to perform!"

"So this is basically Rock Lee's limit weight?" Izuku held the bracelet and raised his hands up and down to measure its weight.

"I don't know what or who's that!" Mei cackled. "But she is a limit-weight! A prototype, that is! Power Loader needs to approve the prototype before I can start making a more complete baby!"

"This is an amazing idea, Hatsume-san." Izuku complimented, making Mei cackled louder. "But will it work on everyone?"

"What do you mean, Nurse?" Mei raised an eyebrow.

"This will certainly work on All Might or anyone who engages in close combat." Izuku explained as he tried to throw a punch with the bracelet in hand to demonstrate. "But what about Emitter Quirk's users like Cementoss-sensei and Midnight-sensei? This only slows their movement, not their Quirk output. It won't make much of a difference."

"So, what do you suggest?" Mei pulled a chair and sat down.

"Have you heard of the Quirk Suppressant Cuff?" Izuku asked, which Mei nodded attentively. "Instead of taking away one's Quirk, you can tune it down to make it harder for them to use their Quirk. For example, using their Quirk will make them tired, or just simply limiting their output."

"I've considered the limit output." Mei hummed in thought. "But if the teachers are using it for whatever they're doing, we have to manuallyadjust preciselyhow low the output is. The stamina thing sounds like a great idea, but I need to know how it feels and works for it to work."

"I think I can help with that." Izuku looked at Mei's eyebag. "When was the last time you slept?"

"Last Friday night?" Mei rubbed her chin in thought.

"Today is Monday. Though, I'm the last person who can lecture you on that." Izuku chuckled as he showed his hands. "Your hands, please?"

Mei showed her hands as Izuku gently held it and used his Quirk. Mei could feel the tiredness in her slowly fade away, replacing by energy that she could only achieved after 5 cups of coffee, 4 cans of energy drink and a bottle of water.

"How do you feel?" Izuku asked with hasting breath.

"Amazing!" Mei grinned as she tried to move her shoulders. "The shoulders and back pain are gone! That's your Quirk?!"

Izuku nodded. "I can heal others at the cost of my own stamina. I can give you a sample of my blood to see how my cells changed after using my Quirk. You can use it to see how you can apply that to your project."

"That's an amazing Quirk!" Mei smiled, making Izuku chuckled with slight embarrassment. "How are you feeling now?"

"Well enough to answer any questions you may have." Izuku nodded in understanding.

"Good!" Mei grinned. "You're helping me make a new baby! Ourbaby!"

"Shinsou!" Hitoshi turned to the table at the corner to find a familiar blonde hair called out to him. "Over here!"

"Monoma." Hitoshi greeted as he set his tray on the table and sat down.

"Eyebags!" Mei greeted him. "You sure you don't want the eyemask baby?"

"Absolutely not." Hitoshi immediately replied. "Give it to the sleepy man over there instead."

He pointed at Izuku, who jolted at his name being called. Tiredly rubbing his eyes, Izuku asked. "Sorry. How long was I-"

"Half an hour." Neito answered. "We didn't want to wake you."

"No one from the Hero Course went to the nurse's office today." Hitoshi put a spoon in his mouth. "Why are you more tired than usual?"

"Eri had nightmares last night." Izuku yawned. "We ended up playing games till morning last night."

Mei pinched his elbow. "Don't turn the little pipsqueak into a second you, Nurse!"

"Why not?" Izuku pouted. "I turned out great, didn't I?"

"How long do we have before class starts?" Hitoshi turned to Neito.

"Around another half an hour." Neito replied.

"Good." Hitoshi activated his Quirk, making Izuku go blank. "Sleep and wake up when Hatsume wakes you up."

Izuku fell asleep at the command. Mei gently set his head on her shoulder before returning to typing on her tablet.

"Shuzenji-san!" Nezu greeted her. "Welcome!"

"Nezu." Chiyo greeted back. "Kurose said you called for me about an old friend?"

"Indeed! Please, have a seat." Nezu smiled before reaching inside his table. Chiyo set her cane to the side and settled herself on a chair across Nezu. The chimera pulled out a file with a red 'CONFIDENTIAL' mark on the front and slid it towards Chiyo. The doctor opened the file, pulled out the paper and read through them.

Nezu watched as Chiyo's expression turned from one of uninterested and annoyed into one of surprised, shock.

And then a gasp escaped her mouth.

"Nezu-"

"It's true, Shuzenji-san." Nezu grimly nodded. "Koutaro and his family have all been confirmed dead. Only dust and ashes were found at the crime scene."

Nezu waited for Chiyo to calm her breathing before she finally spoke up. "And Inko?"

"... Let us wait for Toshinori-kun and Torino-san first."

(*)

A/N: Finally, some plots 0_0!

(*): Continuation of a section that has been mentioned in Case #3

Mei: Why did you come here in the first place

Izuku: I can't remember

Mei: If you can't remember, maybe it's not important?

Izuku: I guess.

Robot: He will be the first one I skin when we take over!