Hey hey! And another (and last) side-chapter for Chapter 10! I haven't found another character to make a side-chapter for, so yeah, here's the last! Hope you enjoy!

I would love to know your impressions about those small chapters, if things have to be corrected, or if it's a good idea for you!

And now onward!

Chapter 10-3: Negociations

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CC-4142 'Lock' strode in the school's corridors, wearing the standard school uniform, tho the jacket was open to allow his arm in a cast to poke out. He had managed to convince Recovery Girl after some hours of rest to allow him to see Nezu for some… Important things, however, he was only cleared by the old nurse when Lockdown said it was fine for him to move as long as he didn't put pressure on his arm.

The mind of the captain was entirely focused on his current mission, his anger against Todoroki had to be put aside for a moment. The leader of the Horn Company had faced so many challenges on the battlefield, commanding and strategizing, but negotiating with one of the most intelligent beings in this world was a different kind of battle, one he wasn't entirely ready for. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"Come in.", Nezu's cheerful and squeaking voice called from inside.

Lock entered, taking in the small but well-organized office. Nezu, the principal of UA High School, sat behind his desk, a warm smile on his face.

"Yaoyorozu Lock, welcome." the chimera greeted, "How is your arm doing?"

Lock responded with a calm and posed tone, that was what politician did, no?

"It's fine, nothing really bad luckily, with Recovery Girl's treatment I should be cleared by the end of the day."

The white chimera nodded with a smile, before saying.

"Judging by your attitude and your tone, you're here to talk. A proposal? A suggestion? I would assume it's a proposal."

The captain was honestly surprised but didn't show it. After all, it was normal, Nezu wasn't the most intelligent being here for nothing.

"Yes, sir."

Lock replied, standing at attention out of habit, if Nezu noticed it, then he said nothing.

"I have plenty of time. Please, take a seat." Nezu gestured to a chair, "I'm very interested to hear what you have to say."

Lock sat down, carefully positioning his injured arm.

"I came to see you for a question. Firstly… The logistics of moving my 62 brothers each morning to attend classes here at UA High have proven... challenging."

Nezu nodded, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"I can imagine. What is it that you propose?"

"I'm requesting a more permanent arrangement for my brothers.", Lock said. "If possible, I'd like for them to have a place to stay on campus, with access to essential facilities like the support course workshop, the infirmary, and the training grounds."

Nezu leaned back in his chair, considering Lock's request as he seemed to manifest once again a cup of tea out of nowhere, the rat took a sip, before responding.

"That's quite a significant request. Honestly, it's the first time in my career that I hear that kind of proposal. But I understand your reasons and condition. And thus, I'm ready to hear what exactly you need."

Lock appreciated Nezu's open-mindedness, having someone important waiting for you to expose your reasons, not just an 'Yes' or 'No' from a higher up was something new.

"Firstly, we would need living quarters that can accommodate all of us. It doesn't need to be luxurious, just practical and secure. Me and the rest of the command can set up a rotational schedule to manage shared spaces effectively between my brothers. They can adapt, they're created to be soldiers after all. Secondly, access to the support course workshop is crucial. Our company equipment needs maintenance, and with the way the weapons and tools I create work, there's no way support course students touch to that, too dangerous. And some of my brothers are engineers. They can contribute by assisting with projects and offering they're expertise in various technical fields. My brother's presence there would be mutually beneficial."

Lock paused to let Nezu absorb the information before continuing.

"Thirdly, the infirmary is essential for obvious reasons. We have injuries from time to time, and having direct access to medical facilities would ensure my brothers stay in peak condition, in addition, the help of my brothers specialized in the medical field could land a hand to Recovery Girl if she needs it. And finally, the training grounds. Our combat skills are our greatest asset, and we need to maintain and improve them constantly. Regular training sessions in a controlled environment would help them stay sharp."

Nezu's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he processed Lock's proposal. "Your request is comprehensive and well thought out. But I must ask, how will you ensure the safety and well-being of the other students? Sixty-two clones on campus is no small matter, knowing the fact that your clones are armed and seem competent enough, how can we be sure that they won't cause problems with their presence or create a risk of unfortunate accident?"

Lock nodded, understanding the principal's point.

"Discipline and order are second nature to my brothers. With the passion I have for the army, they operate under a strict code of conduct and follow orders precisely. Additionally, my Lieutenants, Torda, Dengloy and Xyomm will be remaining here with them to keep an eye on them.

Nezu smiled, nodding slowly.

"It seems you've considered all angles, or that your quirk did."

Lock felt a sense of relief and gratitude as the principal responded, he had expected a refusal to be honest...

"Thank you, Principal Nezu. My brothers and myself are committed to contributing positively to UA High."

Nezu nodded. "Very well. I'll need to discuss this with the school board and other faculty members, but I believe we can make this work. In the meantime, I'll arrange for temporary accommodations and access to the necessary facilities. We'll work out the details as we go."

Lock stood and saluted. "Thank you, sir."

Nezu waved off the salute with a smile. "No need for formalities young Yaoyorozu. It's only natural."

The captain nodded.

"Have a good day sir."

The chimera nodded with a small smile, and with that, Lock left the office. He closed the door behind him and leaned against the wall, a hand on his heart that was beating a mile per hour…

Then…

He pumped his fist into the air with a grin.

"Kriff yeah!"

He silently exclaimed for himself. A good thing taken care of. He stood up, before walking in the corridors, savoring his victory… Before a hand was put on his shoulder, and a voice spoke up, making him jump on a defensive position because of his training.

Momo backed up, not surprised by his reaction, helmet tucked under her arm.

"I forgot you guys react like that…"

Lock sighed, valid arm falling back close to his body as he relaxed…

"You surprised me… Sorry…"

The captain said as he rubbed the back of his head… Momo sighed and gave a smile…

"It's fine…"

But then her expression became serious once again.

"Where were you? I was so worried! I went in the infirmary, but you weren't there! I searched you through the entire kriffin' building! Especially with you wounded arm!"

Lock took everything in silence, and once Momo was done rambling about safety rules and codes, he responded.

"My arm's fine, should be good in the end of the day, tho I feel a little tired after Recovery Girl's 'magic kiss'. I went to see the principal after I got cleared by Lockdown, to speak about you know what."

Momo's expression immediately changed to one of interest.

"And how did it went? Did he accept?"

Lock shrugged.

"Half yes half no."

Momo cocked an eyebrow.

"And what does it mean?"

"It means that we will get temporary accommodations until the school board gives the green light for definitive constructions on the campus."

Momo nodded slowly.

"Did he speak about what kind of accommodations you would have?"

Lock shook his head.

"No, he didn't."

Momo sighed and looked down, closing her eyes… When she spoke up again, her tone was soft, affective, and full of worry.

"Just… Once you know what they are… Just tell me… Okay?"

The clone felt a pang in his chest, and he responded with a soft tone…

"Don't worry… Our vods will be fine…"

He took a step forward and placed a hand on the ravenette's shoulder.

"We lived in worst conditions back in the day… We're used to uncomfortable places…"

Suddenly, a small tear fell on the ground with a small sound, and Momo lifted a hand to her face to wipe away the tears, but it did nothing as they continued to flow down her face…

Lock's heart tightened to see her like that, and he brought an arm around his vod's shoulder. He suddenly felt some regret suggesting that idea in the first place. He had felt reluctance from his adoptive parents when they responded 'yes', but he hadn't expected Momo to cry… He should have, because after all, they lived with her for 3 years under the same roof.

"Shh… Don't cry… It will be fine…"

Said Lock with his softest voice as he brought her closer to him, hugging her in a brotherly way.

"You will see them all each day remember? They're not gone, they will just be stationed here, alright?"

Between some sniffs and sobs, Momo responded with a shaky voice.

"But I'm worried! What if something happens here? What if there is an accident and one of them is hurt and I can't intervene? I won't forgive myself…"

Lock smiled softly…

"C'mon, let's get you some water…"

He said as he guided his vod through the corridors toward the cafeteria. Once there, he went to grab a glass of water and brought it to Momo, who in the meantime had calmed herself, tho her body was still tense.

"Drink."

Said Lock softly, the ravenette obeyed and drank slowly as the captain sat near her.

"I understand your worry, I had seen plenty of brothers like that, when we had to send troopers reinforce other regiments, or just a different squad assignation. It's fine, don't worry, the rest will be fine. Plus, you'll see them every day."

The ravenette stayed silent…

"But what if something happens? Like an intrusion or something like that?"

"Then they'll retaliate. The intruders or whoever wants to do whatever they planned will know why they knocked on the wrong door. And it's UA! The most prestigious hero school in Japan, there's no way their security systems get bypassed."

That seemed to make Momo relax a little more…

"You're right… I don't know why I cried out of the sudden."

The captain sighed.

"We both perfectly know why you cried… Come on, let's go, do you know where the rest are?"

The ravenette wiped the last small tears from her face, before responding.

"Yeah, they're in the class, listening to the debrief of the day and the exercise."

Lock hummed and nodded.

"Alright, let's go."

Momo looked at him.

"Are you sure you shouldn't head back to the infirmary with your arm?"

"Meh, it's fine. If I had to go back Lockdown will probably come find me."

Responded the captain with a shrug, as they both stood up and walked away.

Next time, Chapter 11! And...The USJ...