Well this is a day late. Some stuff was happening in my life, but the real reason is-LOOK A DISTRACTION!
Izuku and Zeni watched as the Villains surrounded them. Some had their quirks activated. Most just watched the two, believing themselves invincible. In Izuku's jacket, he felt the two guns he'd brought. He might need them soon.
This was a tough spot, but nothing worse than Godzilla. Zeni glanced at him. Izuku gave him the smallest of signals. After three years of fighting Godzilla, it was all Zeni needed. In a moment, he'd slammed his fist into the Villain's face.
Earlier that day
Izuku tensed. "Turn right now! No faster!" Izuku sighed as the simulation ended.
Damage level 10. Your tank has been destroyed. There are no survivors.
"S-sorry sir," Hinae said, adjusting her prescription goggles.
"It's fine. Everyone makes mistakes. Besides, this was a high level simulation." Izuku had deliberately set this simulation on par with the Battle of Tokyo to see how Hinae did. Objectively? Quite well. Compared to Ochako and Zeni? Well, they were the best.
"You did better than anyone else with your level of experience," Izuku said. He wasn't lying. She was a borderline prodigy given her experience level. "You'll do better next time!" Izuku smiled, burying any lingering regret at not having his original two drivers.
Her proud smile made him know it worked. "Yes sir! I'll practice some more!"
"Alright. One more time."
They did it five more times. Each time she made it a little further before their horrible nuclear end. At the last one, she sighed and removed her goggles. "Dead again."
"Better here than out there."
"Yeah." She turned around. "What was it like on your first go against him?" She then stiffened. "As long as you're comfortable asking! Sir!"
She sometimes made even him look casual and relaxed. "It was nothing special. Me and Ochako were part of the back lines covering the main attack on Godzilla. We and several others managed to draw his attention. One of the other tanks was destroyed, but we managed to get to cover and even drew his attention again before the others took care of the rest."
"Impressive," she said. She looked down and said, "How would I do there?"
"I don't know," Izuku said "I'm sure you'd have done fine." He undid his straps and got up. "Let's go."
They climbed out of the maser. As Izuku climbed down he overheard Hinae reciting maneuvers and kaiju tidbits he'd taught her in training. Her fingers were twitching like she was controlling the tank. Izuku remembered doing that himself when he was new.
Back when he'd joined this as a fallback career, an unknown soldier going up against mighty yet unknown titans to protect the small islands they terrorized. When did things change so much? Right. Tokyo.
"Hinae, go back to the barracks and rest. You've earned it."
"Thank you sir!'
Izuku went on a casual stroll, opening up his phone to look at an old photo of himself, Ochako, and their team just before she left. Zeni was also there, with his gunner at the time. He'd just joined G-Force. He quickly became Izuku's driver after Ochako left.
Izuku wondered how he was doing? It was then that Izuku's phone beeped. Zeni was in the same town as him.
And he wanted to speak?
Even Earlier
Zenichiro chewed a jawbreaker while sifting through the various sources for their newest report. He jotted down his findings on the smuggling ring accusations, based on the witnesses they'd spoken to, the evidence they'd gathered, and other things.
"You still think those disintegrating Support tech are part of some conspiracy boss?"
"Most likely," Tokuda said. "In all these years, not one scientist or rogue Support expert has been caught installing them. That would suggest that either one person does it-"
"Unlikely due to the sheer number of them."
"Or one organization does it and has been doing a very good job covering their tracks."
"Like who? The Meta Liberation Army?" Zenichiro asked with a grin
The two men chuckled. "I have no idea," said Tokuda. "But it would be one heck of a case to crack. In the meantime we have something more mundane to investigate."
He showed Zenichiro some photos. "Taken by a PI who was possibly in the process of committing corporate espionage. I forwarded it to the cops, but they did nothing. See those two in the photo?"
Two thuggish looking guys, tough, grizzled, and with tattoos snaking down their arms. "Look like rough guys," Zenichiro said.
"According to my sources, five years ago these two pled guilty to smuggling Support tech. Just got out of prison. Now, what are they doing working in these warehouses?"
"Maybe they got a new job?"
"Maybe if not for one thing: According to the official documents, nobody is supposed to be there."
"So, what are you saying?"
"The PI overheard something about a deal happening in one week. Which would be tonight. What say you, we go down there and get a bit of a wide shot? It would explain some of the higher tech Support gear around here lately."
Zeni looked down. He looked back up and said, "Can I call a friend first?"
Tokuda grinned. "Go ahead. She might be just what we need."
Ochako was busy with her Hero work in another town. She wouldn't be there. But it just so happened G-Force was passing through tonight.
Time for a reunion.
Izuku walked down to the nearby bar. "Zeni!" he said.
"Izuku!" the two hugged. "It's been ages. How's the AMF business going? Killed any kaiju since I left?"
"Of course! Four Gargantuas. Other than that I've mostly been sent after the big ones. The ones we can't kill."
"Well, as they say in G-Force, what's worth more? Squishing ten ants or wrestling one bear? I'm just glad you're still alive. How's my replacement?"
"She's good. Quite skilled for a rookie. She'll probably be even better than you given the time!"
"If she doesn't complain as much she's already halfway there!"
Izuku laughed at that. "It's good to see you again. I've read some of the things Tokuda worked on. Interesting stuff."
"You read them? I figured most of it is either outside your wheelhouse or has no information you'd find useful."
"I want to keep in touch with my friends. Was there any Uravity fact I didn't know when we were partners?"
"I figured that was different since it was Ochako. Still, glad to hear you're keeping track of us."
"What did you want help with?"
"There's some sort of criminal deal going down tonight. I wanted you there as extra muscle if things go badly. You're a good fighter, and you're authorized to-" He raised a finger gun.
Izuku nodded. "Alright. I will."
"Good! Just don't bring any of your Midoriya luck with you!" He clapped Izuku on the shoulder.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"When we didn't go after the monsters, they always seemed to come to us!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
After finishing his meal, Izuku got leave for the night. On his way out of camp saw Hinae reading on AMF battle forms. He gave her a nod of approval and went to meet with Zeni. He brought two pistols.
He finally arrived at a street corner near where he and Zeni had eaten. Outside, Zeni was standing next to a small sedan. Next to him was another man with messy black hair, a bit of a receding hairline under his bangs, and glasses. Hadn't he interviewed Izuku at least twice before?
"Izuku," Zeni said. He gestured to the other man."Meet Taneo Tokuda."
"I think we've met?" said Izuku.
"I interviewed you twice," the man said with a lazy smile. "Both times with your girlfriend," he added with a slight probing look.
"Girlfriend?" Izuku said, confused.
There was a small flash of disappointment, hidden by the same easygoing smile. "Just a joke." He turned to Zeni. "You sure about bringing him?"
"Few I'd rather have. The other one is busy, but might show up later tonight."
Ochako gave Eri the evening off. Eri immediately took the chance to study, claiming she'd fallen behind due to her business with the wounded. She was joined by her friends, a curly haired brunette boy, and a boy with black spiky hair and a hat with horns on it, and Tsu's baby sister.
Ochako texted Mina, but she was busy. Some important personal business with a close friend of hers, which she promised to tell Ochako about later. Ochako sighed. She wondered how Midori was. There were no kaiju attacks tonight, so he should be completely safe.
"You sure we'll find anything?" said Izuku.
"Yes, now quiet," said Tokuda.
As they waited, they saw a small group come out. They all spoke in hushed voices, far too quiet for them to hear. Nevertheless, Zeni's boss took several photos, using magnifying lenses.
"Are you allowed to do that?" Izuku said.
"I am technically a Hero," Tokuda said.
Both Izuku and Zeni threw him a look.
"Don't do it as a job or anything. I just got myself a license so I could take photographs without issue."
"Sly dog," Zeni said with a grin. "Though it sounds a bit excessive.
The group examined several crates. One individual took a piece of technology out. Illegal Support Gear. As the money changed hands, a newcomer ran up and said something. The groups got in their cars and scattered. But not before two of them looked in trio's direction.
Izuku and Zeni only briefly exchanged a look before grabbing Tokuda and hurrying off the roof. They hurried back to their car, only to see four people standing around it.
"Well, well, well, the Hero of Tokyo. You'd think you could afford a better car," One of them said.
"It's not mine," Izuku said, noting the other three coming out of the shadows. One of them nearly tripped on the side of the road, cursing slightly. Izuku's eyes narrowed. The group cockily smiled at them as he walked up, all while completely ignoring Zeni and Tokuda. The other villains all chuckled amongst themselves.
Izuku narrowed his eyes. These guys were low rent thugs. Probably weak, hopefully sloppy.
"What were you doing out here, hero?"
"I'm not a Hero," Izuku said.
"Oh right. Soldierboy. Seems a bit far from your fancy schmancy tanks! And who are these guys?"
"Just some buddies looking for a good bar!" Zeni said. "You guys know any around here?"
The thug lashed out with a backhand that was so poorly aimed that it barely hit Zeni. Zeni looked more surprised than hurt.
"We'll speak to you in a minute!" The Villain instantly changed his mind, "Actually, why are you here. Were you watching our leaders?"
"Whose leaders?" said Zeni.
"The Red Bamboo!"
Wow, these people were dumb.
"Never heard of you," Zeni said. "I thought those were just some guys meeting up before having drinks. Me and my friends used to do the same. He pointed toward one whose hair was on fire. "You friends of them?"
"Yeah! You can say that!" he said, puffing out his chest in the manner of someone trying to look much better than they were. "And I'm afraid you guys are in-"
Izuku and Zeni exchanged an unspoken signal. Instantly, Zeni punched the leader in the face, while Izuku turned around, and kicked another, sending into his friends.
Zeni grabbed Tokuda and shoved him behind a nearby car. Izuku opened his jacket. "Zeni!" Zeni reached out and took the pistol while Izuku drew the other.
A Villain lunged at Izuku. Izuku pistol-whipped him in the side of the head, sending him falling back. Izuku then blocked another one's punch and kicked him in the shins before ducking a punch from a third. Izuku slowly backed away blocking attacks and trying to get in a few of his own. He knocked one back, but another Villain punched Izuku in the chest, sending him staggering into the Villain's friend. Izuku tripped said friend's leg and threw him to the ground.
The Villain with the flaming hair summoned flames into his hand. He raised them to his mouth as if to blow. Izuku kneed him in the stomach, then slammed the handle of his pistol into the Villain's jaw. As the Villain fell, another Villain opened his mouth, emitting a piercing screech.
Izuku clutched his ears. Fortunately, the other Villains were also incapacitated. The screeching Villain walked toward Izuku. Izuku ran forward and bodyslammed him into the car. Izuku turned around. He grabbed the Screeching Villain and leaped sideways to avoid several porcupine quills that buried themselves in the car.
The villain who'd fired them growled, then flicked his wrists to bring out more porcupine quills. He raised his hands to fire. Next to him, the Fire Villain readied his flames. Izuku charged. He punched one, blocked a kick from another, then went back and forth between them. Slowly, he pushed them back, redirecting any blows with their quirks until he finally landed a solid kick to one followed by another to his friend. Izuku knocked them both out with the handle of his gun.
Izuku then turned to Zeni. Oh. It seemed he didn't need help.
The first Villain, a big burly man made of rock, ran at Zenichiro. Zenichiro braced himself, taking the hit head on, then swinging the Villain into a wall. The next ran at him, pulling out a pink energy ball. Zenichiro grabbed the front of his he shirt and lifted him off the ground. The Villain dropped his attack in surprise before Zenichiro slammed him into the ground, then stomped his ribs.
Zenichiro looked up just in time for another Villain to punch him in the face. Zenichira retaliated by swinging his forearm into the villain, knocking him back. Zenichiro then blocked a punch from another and pointed his gun at him. The Villain hastily backed away with his hands up.
Zenichiro then saw the Rock Villain's arm swinging toward his head. Zenichiro barely avoided the attack. He did not avoid the next kick to the abdomen, sending him backing into a concrete wall.
Zenichiro barely rolled sideways as the Rock Villain's fist buried itself in the concrete next to his head. Zenichiro grabbed the Rock Villain's arm and bit down. The rock cracked, while the Rock Villain screeched in pain. Zenichiro threw his whole weight into the Villain's midsection, sending him to the ground. Then the other two came at him.
One tried a punch. However, he was a scrawny wimp. Zenichiro easily blocked it, before slamming his arm into the side of the Villain's head. The other one activated a piece of Support Tech on his wrist, activating a glowing sword. Zenichiro threw the other Villain into the Sword Villain. The Sword Villain shoved him aside, only to see Zenichiro barreling into him.
Zenichiro slammed him into the car behind him. The car alarm went off. Before the Villain could swing his sword, Zenichiro grabbed his arm. The Villain twisted it to cut Zenichiro's throat, but Zenichiro just opened his mouth and bit the Support Tech, tearing a large chunk out.
The sword deactivated, while Zenichiro spat out a mouthful of metal and electric parts. He slammed the Villain into the car, knocking him out.
The Rock Villain had gotten to his feet. "Impudent little-"
Zenichiro pulled his pistol and shot his head.
The Villain staggered back from the gunfire, raising his hand over his face to protect himself. He tried to crawl at Zenichiro, but Izuku also shot him. Zenichiro took the opportunity to approach the Villain, grab his jaw, and slammed his head against the wall.
The Rock Villain slumped to the ground.
Zenichiro smirked at the group of Villains. "That's why they call me "the Bulldog!" he said.
Izuku looked at the group Zenichiro had taken. "Clearly."
Zenichiro said. "Yeah. Hey boss! It's safe now!"
Tokuda got up, dusted himself off and said, "You Sekizawa are worth every penny."
"Well then, maybe you wouldn't mind-"
"I'm not giving you a raise. Yet."
"Dammit."
Soon the police arrived. As they tied up the Villains, Izuku heard one of them say, "What the-!"
Zenichiro looked down. All Support Gear the Villains had worn had turned to dust. "How…? Right. That stuff." Whoever it was that made that tech got away again, he thought, with all evidence-
Zenichiro's eyes fell on the one piece of support tech still there. It was attached to the Sword Villlain's wrist, with a large bite mark in the center.
-destroyed?
Mifune and X were led down a large hall. Finally, at the end they found their masterpiece, the psionic transmitter. The two stood in front of it, glancing at the armed guards around them. X moved his head, gesturing to the special button at the top.
Mifune nodded. Yes. That would absolutely do. But not now of course. Tonight, they and the Red Bamboo would unleash Hell.
Zenichiro Sekizawa. Quirk: Snapping Turtle. His powerful bite can go straight through metal without harming his teeth in the slightest.
This was an important enough plot point that I wanted to put before the battle. Plus, I wanted to give Zeni his canon achievement of beating up four guys on his own! He may be comic relief, but he's still AMF!
Also fun fact: Hinae is an OC because she was not meant to have any character whatsoever. She was going to be Izuku's unnamed driver. Then I gave her a name and some minimal characterization and more came from there. T Now I think I have it figured out: Her relationship with Izuku will echo Ochako and Eri's.
Hope you enjoyed! Reviews make me smile!