About a week had passed.
Everyone in classes 1-A and 1-B were gathered at the starting block at U.A's sports arena, readying themselves for the obstacle course which was due to start.
"Efficiency Mode." Skin reddening, muscles bulging. As Mori jogged on the spot. "Getting my heartrate up would be easier with drugs. Do you happen to have any on you?" Silence. "Thought so." Nagant nudged him. "I'd rather not enable a habit. Anyways, I'll take care of the bots, you carry me." Nagant sat on Mori's shoulders like a mounted turret. "Get comfortable up there." Mori looked at his heartrate monitor. "10bpm. 60's the sweet spot. I feel like I could breeze this course myself." Nagant's hands were around his neck. "H-How are you even alive right now? …Whatever, giddy up Mori." Mori ran with a near perfect stride. "Yeah, yeah. Just focus on blasting those things." Breezing past most of the others save for Tenya, Bakugo, and Shoto. "I really think we should be alternating. I carry you; you carry me." Chortle. Nagant's. "Nice try." Beep. "60bpm." Hiss. Steam being expelled from Mori's skin. "All warmed up." Even from the mouth.
Efficiency Mode. Removal of friction from one's circulatory and respiratory system. Muscle fibres, tendons, ligaments, bones and marrow, joints included. The more Mori exerts himself, the stronger he gets. Exertion being measured via heartrate. Duration is dependent on energy reserves, bone and muscle integrity, whether the heart gives out, or a grave wound is sustained. Relatedly, Efficiency Mode acts as an active recovery boost, accelerating healing mid-battle, keeping the user in prime condition for as long as they have the energy. Wounds close, at the highest bpms, near instantly. Cognitive function, enhanced. Reflexes, enhanced. Strength, enhanced. Stamina, enhanced. Speed, enhanced. Peak human performance.
In combat, skin everywhere is rendered frictionless unless the area is a point of impact for an attack. Bones and muscle are likely to be worn down from immense strain, but will recover multiple times faster, making it a useful tool for training multiple times a day without fatigue.
Note that Mori's reported heart rate will be equal to one which is many times higher. E.g., 10bpm in Mori is equal to 50-60bpm (5-6x multiplier) in a regular person. For an example of duration at low exertion, 60bpm(300-360bpm) can likely be sustained indefinitely due to such low energy usage.
For reference, Mori's low exertion is equivalent to someone running a full sprint which Mori is able to maintain for around 5-7 hours at 60bpm. Due to efficiency it's increasingly difficult to increase the heartrate and tap into more power. So, it seems to be the case that one is perpetually stuck in a state of low exertion, so the user must constantly be in motion. The theoretical safe and most worthwhile limit is 1000bpm as that is when stress will set in even on a frictionless heart and diminishing returns will have already peaked long ago. Simply. The higher the heart rate, the more benefit all around until a certain point.
"He must be crazy, sprinting from the beginning like that. That guy's stamina must be insane." Shoto watched Mori who was in his rearview, speaking to Bakugo. "Shoto, it ain't happening. We're not pals." A glimpse of their usual exchanges. "Ignore my idle commentary then." After some time running, Robots appeared 'Villain Bots', anthropomorphic machines equipped with a range of explosive weaponry whose mode of locomotion were tank treads attached to their base. "Overclocked Rifle." Boom. First one dropped, by Nagant who aimed from above Mori's head. "Keep steady Mori, I'm doing delicate work here." Mori, with gritted teeth. "I've got to carry your fat ass and handle the recoil, doing my best here." Nagant, patting his head. "Be honoured to have the privilege. Now keep it moving." Nearby explosions cut into their conversation; brown plumes of smoke blanketed everyone. Thud. More Villain Bots of varying sizes impacting the ground. Cough. Mori and Nagant's. Amidst the smoke, student's hazy silhouettes frantically moving about either dispatching the bots or attempting to avoid them. "So warm…" Nagant sleeping on Mori's back, a portable sauna. Chuckle. Mori's. "Lulled to sleep by the screams of the damned. Incredible." Mori went onward, leaping over the odd body or robot on the ground. Sometime after passing through the first stage. Present Mic's voice blared. "It's 'The Fall'!" Before them, an arrangement of sporadically placed cylindrical stone columns between which there were large gaps, not to mention 'The Fall' which was certain to be deadly if one couldn't clear the gap. Flimsy looking stretches of white rope linked the columns together. "Alright Nagant, ride's over. I really might die here." Clack. Nagant dismounted, extending her rifle at the same time. Yawn. Covering her mouth. "That was a nice rest." Then she leapt down, hooking the rope with her rifle as she shimmied across. "Glad to hear one of us is in good condition." Mori removed his shoes, moving back for a run-up start. Shh. Feet sliding across the rope. "W-Who does this kid think he is!? Gracefully gliding across like that!" Present Mic's voice seemed to deform the speakers as Mori slid across, hands in pocket, shoes hung on his neck by their laces. "Way to go Mori." From Nagant who was still shimmying across on a rope parallel to his. "Move in style during whatever you do Nagant." In Nagant's vision, sparkles seemed to appear around Mori. "I'll be sure to wear a shoe necklace the next time I shuffle across a ravine." She spoke through the side of her mouth.
Present Mic. "It's a minefield!" Cutting in again when they reached the other side. This time, a field of dirt dotted with light circular patches. Those being mines embedded in the dirt. Boom. The sound of a martyr being flung into oblivion due to a misstep. Whistle. Mori watched them disappear, shading his eyes with a hand. "They're in a better place now." In the corner of his vision, purple flashes. "Carry me, Mori. I… I suddenly cannot walk. I'm tired." Nagant reached out with both arms. "Hey, I thought I was the pathetic one. It's just a field packed with life ending explosives." Afterwards, patting Mori's shoulder. "Not pathetic. Just trying to use the least amount of energy possible." Mori crouched down. "Fine, get on. Shoot the mines in my way." Nagant rested her chin on Mori's head after climbing onto his back. "Mhm, rent is due and I'm paying in full." Firing off a volley followed by a series of echoing explosions. "I'd say there's still some outstanding. But this'll do for now Nagant." Mori dashed through the smoke, ending up neck and neck with Bakugo and Shoto who stared at them. "Get the fuck out of the way lovebirds!" Boom. Bakugo let off a blast at them which narrowly missed. "Bakugo, you should be more interested in how the hell he's keeping up with us with her on his back." From Shoto who was surfing to the finish, lazily swaying from side to side. "I'm in disbelief to-" Boom. Mori cut off by Nagant's shot at Bakugo. "Be careful who you're aiming at Bakugo. I might've killed you just then if you hit him." Bakugo was more concerned with the silhouette above them than Nagant's death threat. "I-Is that Deku?" Izuku's voice was in then out. "My name's Izuku…" As he soared past, lying prone against a sheet of metal. "Guys… He's seriously getting ahead. How'd he get so much air on that damn thing?" Shoto's jaw was loose as he pointed. "What do you mean 'guys'? This is every man for themselves. Don't go clumping us together and getting sweet on me Shoto." While they were talking, Mori overtook them. Only briefly. "Not so fast lube skin." Bakugo reclaimed his place, Shoto too. "…What Bakugo said." Chuckle. "You should be more worried about Izuku. Kaina, if you'd be a dear?" Mori pointed at Izuku. "My pleasure." Nagant fired. Bang. Izuku tripped over, rag dolling. "Kaina has some deadly aim." Shoto eyed the pieces of Izuku's dismantled shoe whilst passing by with the others. "Tunnel's just ahead. Alright, enough socialising." Crackle. Shoto shot ahead with a burst of ice from his foot, Bakugo behind with an actual burst. Mori and Nagant entering afterwards. Exiting the narrow tunnel, they entered a packed stadium with cheering spectators. "The top three! Shoto Todoroki, first place. Katsuki Bakugo, second place. Hideaki Mori, third place." Present Mic, once more. "O-Oi! Is she aiming at me!? Fine! K-Kaina Tsutsumi… fourth place." Quivering in the same manner as his voice. "We'll be taking a short break to allow our competitors to rest."
Crunch. Mori hoovering up food in the busy cafeteria. "You're eating like an animal." From Nagant, delicately portioning her food with cutlery. "I earned my share unlike someone who slept through it all." Taking Nagant's hand, guiding her fork into his mouth, Mori. "Go ahead, eat up. Burn my fork after. Your spit's on it." Nagant cringed, Mori undeterred. "By that same logic you should've burnt your face off." Gesturing to the light cut on her cheek. "Very funny." Lightening up her face somewhat. "I know I am."
The hour-long break came to an end, it was time for the one-on-one battle tournament. "For the first match we have Shoto Todoroki and Hideaki Mori." Mori and Shoto exited onto the square concrete stage in the centre of the stadium, standing at opposite ends. "Ah, I've never really gone all out before. Or close to it." Hop. Mori bounced, throwing combinations at the air as his heartrate monitor chirped. "70bpm, 80bpm, 90bpm, 100bpm." Shrill beeps repeated in staccato. Click. Disabling the warning feature. Hiss. Steam poured from Mori's pores, causing his hair to flutter. "Efficiency Mode: Adrenaline Boost." Putting both hands to his chest. "How about you use those flames of yours Shoto?" At that moment, he seemed to flicker. Woosh. Vanished. Reappearing for brief instants on his way to Shoto. "You've been hiding your true strength this entire time Mori. To what end?" Shoto waved his arm, conjuring a jagged ice wall. Crackle. "Begone. Heaven-Piercing Ice Wall." Freezing over the entire battle stage. "No use in showing your cards unless it's necessary." Mori leapt up, cross-eyed staring at a spike between his eyes. "No use in holding them back when they are, because that in itself is self-harm." Pointing at Shoto who squinted at him. "I only need half of my power to defeat you your words are irrelevant. That's all I have to say to you." Shoto glided around, constructing ramps from which he'd let off attacks. "You have good instincts, not getting close to me Shoto." Puffing frosty breath. "You're seriously giving me the cold shoulder." Mori punched through incoming ice, roughing his fists' skin. "Efficiency Mode: Positive Loop." Unloading strikes whilst stationary with rough footwork. "100bpm, 110bpm, 120bpm." Cracking the ground beneath himself. Can't stop moving. Fists becoming blurs. "H-Hey! This guy's quirk is looking like something else entirely!" Present Mic's voice was drowned out by the cheering crowd. "I'm getting bored over here Shoto." Smash. Shattering Shoto's ice, flicking shards at his wincing face. "Chance." Mori closed in. His attacks have a cone-shaped blast radius, closer is better. Blindsiding Shoto with a phantom kick. "Don't flatter yourself, Shoto. I can put you down in two seconds. Why two seconds? I don't really know myself." Then peppering his face with unseen jabs as spurts of blood trailed infront of it. "No, I don't think I'll let you hit me with that." Mori grabbed Shoto's wrist, redirecting the output of ice. "But I will let you know helplessness again." Shoto's face creased as Mori crouched, twisted, then tugged his arm. "Don't bother, you're done." Slam. Shoto being driven into a now shattered concrete tile. Cough. Shoto's. Saliva tinged red. "Done? …We're just getting started you cocky snake. Consider that a lucky hit." Shoto tried to grab Mori, hands slipping off before freezing could set in. "You're still not getting it Shoto. Well, snakes are cold blooded. I guess you're getting there." Muted, the crowd as they became witness to a brutal display. Thud… Crack… Thud… Those sounds in repetition. Mori punching Shoto's face further into the ground. Crackle. Waves of ice going by Mori's head. "As long as I'm holding your wrist I cannot be hit. As long as you cannot grab me I cannot be frozen. What do you do? Talk to me, Shoto." Present Mic, through the speakers again. "T-This kid is brutal! S-Someone stop the match!" Mori leaned into his ear. "Having to restrain your other side only lends it more power. What do you think that means if you have to restrain it Shoto? You're smart. I know you can figure it out." Shoto lashed out with more ice constructs, crooked lines of layered spears scarred the land. "You don't know anything! Nothing at all! I'm in control, always have been. Not using it is my choice, just quietly accept your defeat." Mori watched Shoto's foot come up, it stopped opposite his face. "Woah, so flexible. But to be expected." Nudging it aside before ice was released. "Stop fucking with me Mori and take this seriously!" Crackle. Flames? "You look cold, Mori." Mori had leapt back, observing Shoto whose body was partially sheathed in ice. "You're the one who's freezing over there. That's why you're using your flames." Shoto clenched his fists. Woosh. Flames became equally abundant as air. "Take control of your life. Restraint isn't the same." Shoto's shaking pupils shrivelled into fine points. "Don't blame me for what happens next, Mori." Like an afterburner spewing streams of flame condensed to the utmost, Shoto's body. Roar. Propelling a sweeping palm imbued with the heart. "I'll be showing you hell." Mori smiled, running towards him. "Show me what was in you this whole time." Evading the surge of ice pursuing him, Mori faced it. Flash. Being obscured by the brilliance of Shoto's flames. Singe. They grazed his face, he'd barely dipped out of the way. Screech. Feet braking. "Your passion burns hot, Shoto. Seriously hot. I almost died." Voice drowned out under the flames. "You win." Mori's fluttering hair fell down as his shroud of steam faded. "Out of steam, must've been the cold… I forfeit. I was about to get smoked either way. Lucky you even let your guard down." Mori staggered off the shattered stage, leaving Shoto to expel the blast into the sky. "What bullshit. All that talk just for you to resign in the end. Did you even want to win this fight?" Hands in pocket, Mori turned. "I won." Eyes sleek. "In my head anyways." Eyes soft.
Nagant, who watched from the sidelines, clicked her tongue. Even if he doesn't admit it he's always been a battle junkie. Her thoughts interrupted by Bakugo. "Oi, Kaina. Did you know he was that strong?" Nagant shrugged. "I didn't think he'd take the technique that far." Bakugo kissed his teeth. "Guess I should've known from the apprehension test. Those moves he pulled off on me, it's not normal to be able to send someone flying with a kick. What a shady bastard." Nagant leant back. "You could call him that." Mori waved, coming nearer to Nagant. "It's my turn to sleep now." Burying his face into Nagant's lap as the nicks and scrapes on him faded, sealed by steam. "Seriously, what a ridiculous technique. " Mori side-eyed her. "Sorry that my arm isn't an intricate weapons system. Also known as a literal hand cannon… Arm cannon." Squishing his face like putty, trying to pry him off. "Ridiculous as in good. Looks like it dumbed you down a little."
On one of the stadium's stands. "So, what do you think of Mori?" Aizawa raised the back of his hand to All Might, restraining the urge. "You saw what we saw, there's nothing to think about. He's exceptional, yes. However, he's ruthless and impulsive. He could've won from the get-go but squandered the victory." A rabbit-eared silhouette stepped in. "That's exactly why I like him, he does what he wants. And he's the definition of Plus Ultra nobody would've thought he could take a quirk like that and make it so formidable. Besides, I think I even saw him smiling near the end. He's got a knack for battle." Aizawa turned to them. "That's what I thought you'd say, Mirko. You totally glossed over the fact he brutalised a fellow classmate out of impulse." Mirko bellowed, laughter and bellowing were one and the same when coming from her. "I can change him. Becoming a hero changed me right?" All Might's smile tensed. "I think it just became an outlet for your violent tendencies Mirko…" Aizawa nodded in agreement. "Well, that's a good thing isn't it!? I'm taking him regardless of whether you guys like it or not." Mirko shook her fist at them. "Ruthlessness is an asset every hero needs. Not everyone can be saved, All Might." Aizawa glanced at All-Might. "If you care so much, sponsor him. Hell, you're the one who brought him here on recommendation, even reserving him a spot." All Might waved. "No, I'd rather Mirko took him. He has his guard up against me." Mirko's veins bulged. "You want to use me as a mouthpiece?" All Might nodded. "Yes, I've given him space to see how the environment affects him. But that boy tells no tales. Train him in whatever way you wish. Just let me have an input here and there." Mirko scowled. "I'll do it. Just make sure the lines you feed me aren't bullshit." The sounds of cheers died down, calling a close to that discussion.
Days at U.A consisted of the usual quirk training alongside the standard curriculum. Tedious to say the least. Things were due to become exciting. Two months later, the end of Mori's probation period came around.
White walls and floors lined with square tiles. Rip. "Damn, Nagant. Can't you be a little gentler?" In Mori's dorm's bathroom, Nagant trimmed his hair. "If you took care of your hair this'd be no issue." Snip. Scissors. "You know, I've never seen your face uncovered by hair." In the mirror, something unseen. Mori's bare face. "Cut it short. Girls like that right?" Looking to Nagant in the mirror who held handfuls of hair. "I'd say looking like you've just come back from war is unideal for attraction." Fingers ran across Mori's face. Gliding across harsh slopes, sinking into shadowed cheeks. "Eat more. You're not too bad though, an intimidating look isn't a negative. I'll give you an upgrade." Nagant's hands hastened into blurs. Snip. Snatching locks with one. Snip. Snipping with the other. "…I look like one of those idols, are you being serious? Is there something you want to tell me?" Nagant, twisting his head into position. "I tell no tales. And don't flatter yourself, you look a little less friendly than an idol." In the style of a comma ',' Mori's hair. "You've got the look to pull it off. Wait. Wh-What're you doing!?" Too late, he tousled his hair. "It's too neat, I don't like it." One of his catlike eyes peered through, stopping her. "You look like you can kill me just by looking at me. I outdid myself." Mwah. Nagant, a chef tasting their work. "One would look like that when irritated. What woman wants to be in the presence of someone who looks like a murderer? …Tell me Nagant." Mori's lips twitched at the corners, between amusement and neutrality. "Me." Raising her hand. "Women except you." Lowering it. "Motion carried." Bang. Slammed, Mori's hand on the countertop. "You've designed your ideal man, not Camie's. Anyways, this appearance should serve me well." Leaning over the sink, inspecting himself. "I can't have any waste on my body, anything but muscle serves to slow me down." While Nagant's body was dense, Mori's was severely lean. "I guess it's good my hair's out of the way now. Thank you." Nagant grunted. "Be careful what you say, the commission would love someone like you. And you're welcome." Mori exited. "Your hair's getting longer again." Moving locks of Nagant's hair as he walked by. "It looks nice." Smelling it's fragrance. "Save the sweet talk for Camie." Causing her to turn away, reddened.
At school, during lunch hour. Mori walked through the corridors, being given a wide berth by other students stood along it. Nagant did a better job than I thought. Entering class 1-H. "The hell do you think you're doing with that hairstyle?" Laughter. By Mei. "Enough of that Mei, I had to sacrifice it for this costume among other things. It's ready isn't it?" Mei's eyes glistened. "It's all souped up just for you." Folded black clothes were in her hands, shoes too. "…Auto defibrillators in case you kick the bucket, adrenaline injections too. Internal storage tanks for sweat secretions, and discrete wrist mounted dispensers. Taking your Efficiency Mode into consideration I included a mouthpiece for consumption of calorie dense smoothies so you can go for as long as you want and bulk up at the same time." Mei took a breath. "There are small intake and exhaust fans integrated into the collar and elsewhere for cooling." Mori held out a hand, pausing her. "You're too good to me Mei. Thank you." Mei, hands behind head, flared elbows. "You're welcome but I'm not done. I decided to bond your hairs with heat instead to not compromise your frictionlessness. Now I'm done." The 'costume' was more so just regular clothing. Baggy trousers. The turtlenecked sweater the same. Both black in the same manner as the blocky shoes which came with them. "I figured you wouldn't want to draw too much attention to yourself. They look like regular clothes right?" Mori eyed the clothes. "Interesting aesthetic Mei. Don't know what I expected from you." Mei hugged them. "I don't like my babies to be plain. It's a nice flair, now put it on." Mori unbuttoned then removed his shirt, Mei's eyes ran over his body. "We're just friends right Mei? It doesn't matter." Mei crossed her legs, leaning on a hand. "You're more so my test subject, and you're about to wear my invention. What am I gonna look away for? Continue." Rustle. Mori changing into the baggy costume. "Feels good." Mei beckoned him forward. "Now the matter of payment. Your secretions." Pulling him closer. "You're my baby Mori." Mori cupped her cheek. "You're pulling a stunt like this so that I keep on coming back. I'm not free… So devious Mei." Mwah. Mei's lips, Mori's lips. "I'll get the rest to you after I use the suit a little. I consider this partial payment." Saliva between them. "The rest? What're you talking about Mori?" Mei had raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You're implying there's an end in sight. We're done when I say we're done." Mori's face, flat. "You know better than to threaten me. If anything happens to me you don't get anything." Mei shrugged. "Whatever you say. Your tongue was saying different things to me though, I don't know what to believe. Thanks for the sample." Gulp. Swallowing him. "I'll be back when I need more gear." Mori's exit was denied. "I know you're not going to use that gear for heroics. Are you intending on becoming a vigilante? A villain even?" Mei wouldn't let go of his face. "What I become isn't for me to decide. I can influence. But ultimately I'll be seen in different colours, hopefully the ones most beneficial." Grabbing her wrists. "Don't concern yourself with what I do. It won't end well." Kissing again, accosting Mori's lips. "I wouldn't be a businesswoman if I just let you go. I'm not even getting any publicity for my invention." Sigh. Mori's. "You're dangerous Mei. That doesn't bode well for me, I should find someone else." Meeting her gaze, meeting his. "Go ahead, you'll be looking forever. I'll be waiting here when you come crawling back." Mori left, lips tugged to one side in a smile, eyes narrowed. "Reserving yourself for me? You'd really do that for me? …Love you too Mei." Waving with the back of his hand. Chuckle. Mei's. "I want to see you soon. I have more inventions in mind. I also forgot to mention, I put something else special in the collar. And shoes." Upon leaving, Mori licked his lips. Grease and lipstick on them. A good warmup before Camie I suppose. Walking through the corridors with a bowed head, hands in pocket.
Mori entered an empty classroom. "Neito, it's time for my initiation. We're going to Shiketsu." Neito sat hunched over on a table, feet rested on chairs. "I said you had a silver tongue, but you don't seem like a pick-up artist to me Mori." Mori pounded his chest. "Hey, hey… I've been practicing don't you know?" Neito held his stomach. "I don't just know, I can see! That haircut's quite the fashion statement. Totally against the status quo. Like a certain someone." Mori scratched his head. "A certain someone?" Eyes transfixed on Neito. "Mori. Don't you know? Of course you don't, I'm intelligence after all. It hasn't reached the news but there's word going around related to some Hero Killer. I'd watch my back if I were you. Wouldn't want you to end up a cripple now." Mori smiled. "It would be nice to have them on my side. But I suppose that was your hidden challenge to me." Laughter. Neito bursted out into it. "Can you? Can you? Totally weird that someone like you wouldn't be able to." Mori turned to the door. "You're a jester, Neito. Gather your delinquents, I want to go out for a bit. Sekai no Hakai." Neito reciprocated. "Yeah, yeah. Sekai no Hakai and all that jazz." Saluting with two fingers. "I'll be bringing Kaina too, just so she can keep an eye out for any curious third parties from a distance."
Clear and sunny, humid. Blue skies. The pleasant weather. Stood outside the gates of a high-school, Mori waited as students filtered out, keeping an eye out for one in particular. Well, he wasn't alone but with a group of U.A's delinquents who seemed to take pleasure in antagonizing Shiketsu's students until their delinquents came out in force like an immune response. "Give me ten minutes, Neito." Neito gave an amused look. "Bold, real bold. I'll hold you to that. If you lose I'm the boss." Folding his arms. "I'm touched by your faith in me. But I don't need to bet Neito. Ah, speak of the devil." Mori broke away from Neito, approaching a certain girl. "Like seriously? U.A. is all the way East and you came here to hit on me?" Camie side-eyed Mori, eyes fliting over his body, stopping at the face. "I can't say anything other than you caught my eye." Then she continued walking. "Soz. I'd hit you up but we're like not allowed to date. It's super strict here. Shame… You're kinda hot though." Before she could move off, Mori gestured to a nearby building with a finger pistol. "Move and you'll be shot, they don't miss. I've got a sniper watching us." Camie tipped her cap at him, raising an eyebrow. "You're totes weird. What sort of pickup line was that?" In the nearby building, Nagant aiming down sights. Click. Loading a round. "Cupid's my sniper, I guess that sounded weird huh?" Camie fanned herself with the hat. Chuckle. "That was uber cringe it's actually funny, no cap. Cupid? Come on." Mori blinked twice, shrugging. No cap? "You have an interesting way of speaking. It's kind of attractive, keep on talking to me." Camie hid her face with the cap, Mori flicked it with a finger. Clack. "I'm still here you know. What're you hiding from?" Camie's face poked out, slightly reddened. "Just not used to guys complimenting the way I speak. Off top." Snatch. Mori took her hat, flipping it onto his head. "You're yourself don't change that. So, how do I look now? I'm dead sure that I'm more than 'kinda' hot." Camie clasped her hands behind her back. "Okay… I think you're hot. What're you gonna do about it?" Swaying from side to side, rolling her eyes. "We just met; I can't exactly mention what I'd do to you." Blatantly eyeing her body. "And sheesh, I almost thought I got this shitty haircut for no reason." She looked to him with widened eyes, subtly smirking. "Straightforward aren't ya? I mean, I like it. Makes you look all totally intense and brooding." Camie, lowering the brim of the cap, shadowing his eyes. "And aren't you the one who told me to not change myself?" Chuckle. Mori's. "Change for the better is an exception. Seems like it was worth it." Camie ran a finger across her lips. "So, you came all the way out here for me? Even prettied yourself up too." The cap found its way back onto her head. "Yeah, they call it attraction. And I'd say we're opposites, it all works out really." Camie's blush deepened. "Don't act like you can't be bothered. Anyways, what's your name mystery man?" Mori gave an open smile. "Hideaki Mori. We'll be seeing more of each other." Afterwards, walking off. "Don't be so sure about that… Mori, you sure know how to leave an impression." Lustrous lips, lilting tones. "I'm psyched." Camie Utsushimi. "Keep my cap. I'll be coming to pick it up." Tossing it at Mori who caught it with a finger around which it swivelled. "Show off." A figure walked up to Camie. "Disgusting. I don't trust that guy. What sort of hero prospect goes around chatting up girls from other schools?" They stood with arms behind their back. "I hope you're not seriously considering him and where's your cap?" Camie turned to them. "Must've lost it, Seiji."
Mori looked up to a building, waving Nagant off. "How long was that Neito?" Chuckle. "Whoops, I wasn't keeping track. If you could start again?" There were multiple watches on Neito. "Only naturally. Let's get out of here, call off the dogs." Whistle. Neito's. The delinquents were immediately corralled. "All in a day's work, Mori. See you later. I have things to do at the Underground Masquerade." Mori twirled Camie's cap around. "See you." Setting it back onto his head. These hats are kind of stylish. Or it's just that it looked good on her. Heartbeat rising. I didn't know I cared for such petty things… Sighing. I kind of like the haircut too. "So difficult." Inaudible. Sekai no Hakai.
Night arrived; Mori's eyes opened after Nagant had left for another of her nightly outings. Time for a test drive. Mori slipped on the costume. Where do you go at night, Nagant? As the campus was located by a mountain road there was a winding downhill stretch, overlooking a nearby forest. Whirr. Fans on Mori's collar. "Efficiency Mode." Reaching top speed in a few seconds. Mei should've put indicators on me. Dry laughter ensued. Huff. "160, 180, 200bpm." Updates from his earpiece. Flash. Red taillights came into view. No need to run anymore. With a burst, he leapt forward. Click. Mori's retractable shoe soles, allowing him to surf barefoot. "Mori, we're following each other now? It's like you have a crush on me." Nagant leant out the window while the driver did double takes. "Your nighttime adventures concern me. And we don't exactly communicate." Whizz. Cars raced by. "We're communicating now. I'm telling you to mind your own business." Slight blush coloured her cheeks. "This has to be the first time a sniper's happy they were tailed." Nagant reclined further into her seat. "Whatever." Mori skated closer to the car. "You're all dressed up too. For who?" No answer. "How about I ask the driver?" Shatter. Punching through the glass, grabbing the driver's collar. "Mori! Are you insane?!" The car swerved, narrowly avoiding oncoming traffic. Hiss. Vapour coming from his mouth. "Not insane. Just taking the path of least resistance, inspired by you." To the driver, a demon was before him. "Tell me where she's going. I'm not above taking us all off this mountain." Stammering followed. "S-She's going into the city, a nightclub. The 'Kuroi Hanabi'." Mori released the driver, being left behind, only visible in the rearview mirror. "Efficiency Mode: Cool Down." In the car, Nagant knelt on the backseat watching him through the rear window. I didn't think he could be so crazy. Don't know whether I love it or hate it. "...Jesus Christ lady, get yourself a new boyfriend. He's a fuckin' lunatic." Laughter. "He's not my boyfriend. Not really, I don't know." Meanwhile, Mori stood in the blackness on the road. Kuroi Hanabi. Limbering up for the rest of the run before continuing.
Eventually, the city revealed itself. Murmur. Indistinct voices competing for dominance. Chatter. In the same manner as overlapping footsteps. Mori stood by an expansive scramble crossing enclosed by towering buildings plastered with advertisements. Flash. Neon lights on storefronts, passing headlights. "Directions to Kuroi Hanabi." Speaking into his collar which spat out instructions via his earpiece. Heading into an unknown environment. I may be disadvantaged. I'll take the front door. "What the hell do you think you're doing? The line starts over there." With hands over chest. "My fault, my fault. Didn't see." Mori patted their shoulder, drawing their attention. "Oh? What's this suit made of? Feels expensive." Slipping a frictionless hand in and out of their pocket in no time. "Get your hand off me before I break your face." Mori put his hands up, moving away. "Yeah, got it boss." Between his fingers, a license. Looks similar enough to me. Mori stopped by a different nightclub for the ID, now going to the Kuroi Hanabi. "Alright, you can go in." Being let in by the bouncer after showing the license with an image of an individual with questionable resemblance to himself.
Running himself through the sieve of clubbers, he arrived at a door located at the club's rear. I could be ambushed here. Mori entered an empty corridor lined with doors on either side. "Come out. I know you're there." Looking above himself, seeing a girl in a school uniform. "You found me! It's Toga!" Thud. She fell, creaking the floorboards. "Are you one of Nagant's friends?" There was a blade infront of his neck. "So nice to finally meet you… Mori." Mori's voice was stable as he looked everywhere other than at Toga. "All of these doors felt like a distraction, I couldn't be bothered to check them all... Ah, nice to meet you." Prick. Toga's knife against skin. "Lame. You're so rude. I wanted to see the mystery man before everyone else… So, I could taste your blood." Slurp. She'd collected a droplet on its tip, licking it off. "Tasty. Really tasty." Sigh. Mori's. "I shouldn't have let you do that. But you're just so cute." Giggle. Toga's. "You're makin' me all giddy over here. You'd be a little cuter if you bled some more." Mori walked by her. "Anyways, where is she? Hmm, I can probably guess. There's nothing behind these doors, you don't want anyone walking in." Stomping on the ground, probing. "You need to be taught some manners, Mori." Rapid footsteps behind him, Toga's. Creak. Mori's foot on a loose floorboard. "So, it's here. You'll be my shield, Toga." Mori grabbed Toga's wrist. Crash. Flipping her onto the ground which fell through into the concrete basement below. "Making me do all of this Nagant, seriously so difficult." The smoke cleared, revealing Mori and Toga who he held by the throat. Clap… Clap… "Wow, Nagant. Didn't think the kid had it in him." Dabi's voice quaked with his body. "Well, he's here now. Have your fill Dabi." Nagant rolled her eyes. "This is the League of Villains, Mori. You should get the gist just from the name." Mori tightened his grip on Toga's throat. "Yeah, not surprised. I expected a unit A prisoner to have some sort of ties. I'd rather not be allied with them." Dabi walked closer. "Barging in here, rejecting us and expecting to leave alive. What's your angle Mori?" Mori smiled. "Nagant's with me that's all I came to say. That being said, our goals align anyhow. No need for the animosity." Dabi turned to Nagant. "What do you say to that Nagant?" Nagant, holding her hips. "I've got no choice now, do I? My mission will be done regardless of which side I'm on." Walked over to Mori's side. "Touching. What do you two plan on doing alone?" Mori, whilst cradling Toga's face. "You'll be finding out on the news tonight; we're making our presence known and setting the stage. Sekai no Hakai." Mori growled the last few words as someone moved into view. "So, this is the young upstart. Sekai no Hakai? Interesting. I think we'd work well together, but that isn't necessary I just wanted to see your resolve. Though, I am interested in seeing how you disrupt the world." Covered in hands, the speaking silhouette emerging from the shadows. "Why do you seek change, young upstart?" Spit. Mori's. "Why? The world isn't wrong. It's not the way I see it. I despise that." Staring them down. "Hey. I'm starting to like this kid, Tomura. Maybe you weren't full of shit after all Nagant." From Dabi, hugging his torso, holding his chin. "Enough Dabi. We'll be meeting again in future. Try to be a little less reckless, don't just storm into an enemies base. We won't be so merciful next time." Mori nodded at Tomura; the one covered in hands. "Grateful for the advice. I'll be taking her with me as insurance, just until we're safe." Mori tossed Toga onto his shoulder, leaping out of the basement then heading through the backdoor with Nagant. "Mori, don't be so rough with me… I'm your precious cargo aren't I?" Toga. "Precious is a bit much. But you being my hostage saved me, you're slightly important. That Dabi guy looked like he would've killed me if he had the chance." Mori. "If he wanted to, he could. Don't even consider going against Tomura either. Even without me and her, they're insanely powerful. It's less so a League, more so a unit of elites." Nagant then leant into Mori's ear. "By the way, Toga can shapeshift if she's ingested your blood." Mori felt slight pressure on his leg. "Ah, they almost got me. So, there were more." Muscular had tried to grab him. "All this had 'ta happen when I was takin' a piss." Nagant grabbed Mori, aiming her rifle at Muscular. "Hold onto me. I'll deal with this." Then fired. "Overclocked Rifle." Bang. Its recoil propelling them all through the sky. "Just be glad that meathead wasn't there when you barged in like an idiot." Nagant's final reproach.
Back at Mori's dorm. "You took her back to our dorm? Really?" Mori shrugged as he entered the bathroom, Toga's holding cell. "Our? They already know where I am anyways. I'm sure they've known this entire time thanks to you. I'm not angry by the way." Toga, who was tied up on the ground, flailed about. "They'll come for me soon and you'll be sorry… But I have to admit, I'm a little happy to be in your bathroom. It smells like you." Closing the door. Slam. Mori looked down at her. "You're dissatisfied with the world. We are too. Why is it so difficult for you understand when it's so simple? I'm not just your friend, but everyone's." Picking up Toga's face. "Sekai no Hakai. That is what we are. You too." Whispering it into her ear. "Say it back to me." Toga's mouth opened; a croak came… But then. "S-Sekai no Hakai." Cut. The ropes fell from her. "And to solidify our relationship." Slice. Opening a small wound on his palm. "Drink my blood." Mori leaned in. "I want you to be addicted to me, and me only." Grasping handfuls of Toga's hair. "It's s-so smooth. It's like you're melting on my tongue Mori." Slurring whilst intaking more blood than oxygen. "Suck, Suck, Suck." Toga's mantra. "I really might die if you keep on going. And if I do, there won't be any more left." Mori pushed her away, Toga's features crinkled as she turned away. "Don't look… it's embarrassing." With splayed fingers, barely covering a blood smeared mouth. "Don't be, I understand." Planting teeth on her neck, Mori's eyes narrowed. Slice. "It's a rather unique display of affection. Perhaps closer than conventional methods because we are bonded by blood rather than words." Biting into Toga's neck. "One could say it's the truest form of connection." Toga seemed become catatonic. "Happy… I'm so happy right now." Eyes, tears came from them. Yet the widest smile was beneath them. "You're the cutest and happiest girl in the world." Wrapped around Toga, Mori's arms. "Yeah, that's right. I'm the cutest." Warmth buffeted his face, Toga's ragged breathing which made her shoulders heave. "I want more of you Mori. No, I have to have more, and you can't say no." Now resting his chin on her shoulder. "I won't deny you as the world has." Taking a breath. "Don't seek the world's approval, my Toga. Even with it, you'll forever be the same person." Touching her supple chest, feeling heartbeats. "That's where your power is." Toga moaned. Pupils dilated, trembling. "I think… I think I might be falling in love with you." Mori leant her against the wall. "Show me your heart." They clasped hands. "Yes Mori. I'll show you my dedication." Mwah. "Forget the others. Come with me and wear no more faces." Muffled sounds came from the bathroom whose door occasionally trembled.
After a while, Mori came out. "You stink." Nagant needn't sniff, it was already in her nose. "I did what was necessary to make her obedient." Mori's white neck was no such thing, red dyed it. "Maybe it wasn't necessary, and it was just the case you needed it." There was something in Nagant's gaze. "I'm glad that you always fight me." They didn't hold hands. "I think you have a bad habit, Mori. And I don't like it." Mori looked at her. "What are you saying Nagant?" Muttering her response. "That I don't like it." Clasping her hand. "There's no one else." Nagant, keeping her fingers straight. "Sure. Let's just get this over with." Then she stopped. "I think you're insane, Mori." Mori stopped; mouth open. "We both are." Frostbitten, Mori's tongue during that delivery. "If you don't like it, let Kaina come out to play. I'll always take care of you. Know that." Nagant's eyes took on darkness. "I also think you're a bastard." Mori grunted. "Nothing has ever been achieved without violence. I've become a casualty of my own war." Nagant's face bent. "Is that your way of saying you care?" Pointing her quaking rifle at him. "Answer wisely, or I'll shoot you." Slapping it aside. "No, you won't. You never will." Bang. "Don't test me." Blood spilled from his torn shoulder. Drip. "You're mine. I own you. It's not the other way around, Mori. Don't treat me like a sidepiece." Nagant stepped on him. "I can't do as you say if you kill me." Twisting her foot on him. "I thought being around you for so long would make me immune, guess I was wrong. " Click. Adrenaline injections. "Efficiency Mode: Recovery Phase." Flashes of steam appeared, closing his wounds. Beep. "300bpm." Seconds later. Beep. "10bpm." Crackle. Auto-defibrillation unnecessarily kicked in. Gasp. "I should recalibrate this thing, I didn't kick the bucket just yet… You needed a kick up the ass Nagant. Kaina seemed to be influencing you a lot more than usual." She walked off. "Don't talk about Kaina to me. She's just a weak thing who always needs to be protected." Mori's eyes narrowed. "Let's hope that didn't wake anybody up." Smiling. "Now I'm dependent on you Nagant. Well, until I'm healed up anyways." It didn't hit bone, not by luck. She doesn't miss. A few recovery sessions will do. Mori sucked on his mouthpiece as Nagant's low tone came in. "What're you waiting for Mori? The night isn't over. We have business." Then staggered onto his feet, one arm limp. "Yeah, yeah... I'm coming." Bumping into the walls of the corridor leading to the door. "Ah, Toga. Watch TV or something. Be gone before we're back." Mori turned to Toga who waved whilst pouting. "Next time we're alone we'll do it for real, Nagant just needed a wakeup call." Sucking air through his teeth. "Ouch, ouch, ouch." Shoulder throbbing.
On a moonlit rooftop overlooking a busy intersection. Pitter. Rain. Patter. "Kamui Woods. Quite the mark, Mori." Eyes set against the scope. "Overclocked Rifle." Whirr. Mori's fans turning on. "It's not too hard to find a hero, crimes happen every day. Now, you know what to do Nagant. Let's shoot him." Mori's finger overlapped with Nagant's. Click. Pulling it together. Boom. "It's done." Mori's lips fidgeted as if he'd consumed something sour. Spit. "These smoothies taste terrible." Nagant's face sagged. "Get used to it, Mori. We'll be doing much more of this." Setting her eye against the scope. "Yeah. He's probably not getting up from that, but he won't die before an ambulance arrives. Let's get out of here." Mori scooped up Nagant with a single arm, she held onto him. "Right. The first of many." Thump. Hearts in such sync. Thump. They were one and the same. Thump. Resonance. "I'm tired Mori. Let's go to sleep." They mixed with the air, thus fading away. In bed. Snore. Unclothed. Mori and Nagant. "Now we're the same. Sekai no Hakai, our special bond." By Nagant. Escorting word to ear with warm tone which frosted over. Snore. Formerly in the deepest slumber, Mori. "Do you think I don't know about Mei? Or about how you're attracted to Camie? Even Toga, you can't help yourself can you?" Whose hands covered his ears. "Flaw's in all things, I'm no exception. I find it nice to be close to others in my own way. It makes me happy. That's a bit much, maybe it just gives me a good feeling." Gaze downcast. "I'm part of this world too. We are. But one has to carve their space in it. That is Sekai no Hakai." Nagant rolled over. "What an apology, even added a lecture too. Your own way is twisted… I guess I don't have the high ground. As you said, we're both insane." Holding her hand. "In control. That's the sole method of living one's life. You think the same. You always want to be in control too, so nothing can ever be taken from you again." Laughter. Mirthless, shared between them. "What we really want is revenge against the powers that be. Changing the world's a side effect, Nagant." Nagant held her face. "Say something without trying to manipulate me." Quiet. "You're my favoured one." Followed by Mori's whisper of that line. "You love to phrase things weirdly. It's I love you. Not 'you're my favoured one.' " Settling back into his sleep. "You got the message. I got yours, my shoulder's shattered." Mori dozed off.
Back at the scene. Nagant had aimed for centre mass. Not much left for the imagination, one can already picture the scene. "I-I've been shot? Who? …Why?" Kamui Woods, on the ground before processing the fact of a bullet having pierced him. Trickle. Bleeding out from the flank. "Let the others know who we are and hear them say Sekai no Hakai (World Destroyer)." Garbled audio came from the bullet which began to fizzle and smoke. Bang. Self-destructing. "I thought the League of Villains were the only nuisances in this place…" Scrape. Footsteps on gravel, closing in on Kamui. "You're undeserving of being a hero. Self-indulgent thing. I'd call this development a blessing, but it'd be remiss of me to hinder this 'Sekai no Hakai'." Tactical knives pressed against Kamui's neck. "Stain…" Silenced. "Perhaps this would be the most heroic thing you've done in your career, spreading the conviction of others." Moving the knives away. "Feel blessed. I'll let you report back to your hero friends." Whining ambulance sirens entered, flashing red. Woosh. Stain, gone. In time with the rolling wind.
During the days after. Whilst injured, most days consisted of Mori running the track for hours whilst in Efficiency Mode. "I guess we're the only ones who use this place, Tenya." Tenya slowed down, allowing Mori to catch up. "I have to say, I didn't think much of you. That uncouth display on the first day was… something. I'd advise you to not repeat that behaviour." Huff. Mori's fatigue. "Always so strict. But I admire your dedication to your heart." Woosh. Sounds of the wind tunnel they found themselves running in. "Quite the phrasing. But right back at you, I didn't expect you to be someone who trained so hard." Snicker. "I don't need to be redeemed; I just change my way. Let's stop being so serious." Mori sprinted, leaving Tenya behind for a second. "Engine: Second Gear." Tenya raced past. "Not very sportsmanlike Mori." Smiling as he did. "Don't know what I expected, trying to pull a fast one on a fast one." Mori slowed to a standstill. "You go ahead Tenya; I've got a visitor." There was a woman sitting in an empty seat on the stands. "Hideaki Mori. You know you'll end up killing yourself with that technique right?" Leaning on her hands which barely concealed a smile. "You're gutsy, totally gutsy. If it's you I think I'll entertain the idea of taking a student under my wing." Holding himself at an angle from her, Mori's lips parted. "My body can handle it. Besides, are you even a pro hero? You look a little rough around the edges. Who are you?" Thud. "It's pro hero Mirko. Beggars can't be choosers kid." Mirko warped Mori's body with a kick. "First lesson. Show no mercy to your enemies. A hero's duty is to preserve life, there's no room for hesitation." Mori knelt down; stomach clutched. "I was wrong I guess. That was music to my ears, it was like you were singing Mirko." Smack. "You call me teacher. Not Mirko." Rubbing his cheek. "I accept you as my teacher." Mirko picked Mori up by the collar. "You accept me? What a gutsy fuckin' kid." Then walked off. "You can let me go now…" Dragging him. "No can do. We start today, I want to start now I don't want to wait an entire year before I get to do anything. What's your code name?" Mori, whilst trying to pry himself free. "I'm Mori." Mirko shook him. "I expected something edgy from you. Guess I won't have to beat that out of you." Then gestured to his arm. "Your arm's stiff, what happened?" Snicker. "Would you believe it? My girlfriend shot me." Mirko's eyes twitched unevenly. "Yeah, I can believe it. I can almost understand why."
Rumi Usagiyama. 'Rabbit Hero: Mirko', 20. Quirk: Rabbit. Type:Mutant.