Here it is, the 119th full chapter of Miraculous Quirks released on time as always. We are now into the time skip arc with the second chapter of it and this one is one that has been teased a little as part of a side plotline so it is finally time for it to come out and right around the right time of year for the event though as this story is set over 200 years in the future we can't know for certain what day it would actually be but being in the rough ballpark is still nice and it was helped by the breakup of the hot pot party chapter, which also applies to the next chapter as well but more on that at the end. That is all the administrative stuff that I have for now and there are no guest reviews to respond to or questions to answer so I will end this note here. Do keep the reviews coming as I enjoy hearing from y'all. That is all I have for this pre chapter note so that means that it is time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the 119th full chapter of Miraculous Quirks.

Disclaimer: I do not own either of these great works of fiction.

Chapter 119: Opening the Bakery

"You said to come here after I was done with training." Marinette said as she walked into Mage's office on campus. "What's up?"

Said training had been their first session of Quirkless combat training as a class that had kicked of their third semester's hero basic training though Marinette had had started it already as part of her second work study, so she was a little sore after the training. While Marinette was an expert with her yo-yo and knew how to fight with it she still lacked finesse when it came to unarmed hand to hand combat. She'd been working hard to improve those skills so that she wasn't reliant on her enhanced constitution for those situations, but she still had a ways to go and today had really shown that.

That was because Marinette, as one of the ones in the class chosen to focus on general hand to hand based on the strange, and likely overly complex, system Mage had decided upon for the class, had been sent to train with Fei for the class. Adrien had been with her along with Midoriya, Ida, Bakugo, Ojiro, Uraraka, Sato, Kirishima, and Hagakure for various reasons pertaining to preexisting skills and their Quirks so they all were feeling it as well.

It was hard not to seeing as Fei's personal metric for evaluating their Quirkless combat skills was in line with Togata's assessment method and that was to test them herself. She'd proceeded to beat all 10 of them down one after another using a variety of martial arts, almost all styles common in eastern martial arts. That said she'd incorporated some Krav Maga into her sparring sessions with Adrien and Kirishima to show what would be best for them to learn while focusing more on styles like Muay Thai and taekwondo for Ida and Midoriya to show what their focus would be on, in addition to beating them.

For Marinette she'd gone with a more traditional style and bested her with Kung Fu and a few other traditionally Chinese styles thrown in for good measure. Marinette hadn't even managed to land a hit before she was laid out in the match but as she was beaten Fei had whispered in French for her to come to Mage's office after training when she was helping Marinette up from the mat, so she'd done just that.

That had meant that while the rest of the class showered and then headed back to the dorm for a nice soak in the baths there as many were sore, well the ones who'd trained with Fei were, all Marinette had had time for was a shower before changing back into her school uniform and coming here. As such she was still sore from the beating she'd taken, Fei had made sure she felt it to show what she could do and as Fei had said to them all the easiest way to learn not to do something was through pain. Still, it had sucked but Marinette was here and wondering why she'd been summoned to Mage's office this time.

"Thank you for making it, please sit Marinette." Mage said as he got up from his desk where he'd been finishing up some paperwork on his own evaluations of the 12 in the class he'd trained with that day. "Fei should be here in a moment she's just handing in a report to the Principal."

Marinette nodded at that and took a seat on the sofa as she contemplated why she was here and really there was only one logical reason for it which excited her as it was something she'd known would be coming around now. As soon as she did a cup of herbal tea appeared before her which confused her as she'd not expected it. Along with that three more cups appeared, one at the head of the table where Nezu usually sat and smelt like another hybrid that Mage had made for the diminutive principal, a typical British one appeared for him and something that had to be of Chinese origin appeared where Fei would sit.

"It's made with a recovery herb used in this part of the world for post workouts and other soreness that one's body might experience." Mage said as he took his seat and the door opened and Fei and Nezu walked in. "It should help a bit after what Fei put you through."

"Thank you." Marinette said as she picked it up, it was just about the right temperature to drink, and took a sip of the strange but not unpleasant drink. "I do need this."

"Yeah I really put you lot through your paces, but it was worth it to get a bearing on what you could do so I know how to tailor your respective lessons to improve your skills." Fei said with a grin as she sat down and Nezu made his way to his usual seat. "Gotta say, that invisible girl can pack quite the punch and being invisible helps."

"I'll admit I wasn't expecting Toru to actually strip, or reveal her, um, lack of undergarments, but it was a valid strategy for her to employ." Marinette said. "She's been training with Ojiro to improve so it makes sense, but I hadn't realized how strong she'd gotten or how delicate she could be when in full stealth mode."

It had been a real surprise to all of them when Toru had started her sparring session with Fei by retreating and stripping, which had Marinette questioning the whole upper body support as Toru had a decent cup size there, rather than attacking Fei like the others had. She'd then showed her soft footwork to get behind Fei and land a strong jab to her kidney before moving around to the front to land a second jab to Fei's ribs. Alas for her that was all she managed to land before Fei adapted to facing an invisible opponent and returned the favors in kind, but she was the only one to land a hit on Fei.

"Miss Hagakure has really taken her stealth skills and added to them since getting here just as I'd expect from those who pass the entrance exam." Nezu said as he enjoyed the latest tea that Mage had come up with for him. "I was just reviewing Miss Wu's reports on the class today, along with others, and it looks like Class A's doing well."

"They've got a lot of potential and I look forward to checking out Class B's skills tomorrow." Fei said. "I believe I have Tetsutetsu, Kendo, Shoda, Awase, Kaibara, Shishida, and Rin in my group. From what I understand Miss Kendo is the only one with extensive training similar to Ojiro's so she'll be my first partner though I did notice that Kaibara can hold his own in hand to hand as well."

"That is the plan." Mage said with a nod. "And probably Tsuburaba as well. That's for tomorrow though."

"Right, I know you're busy Marinette, so I'll make this quick." Fei said. "It's about the bakery."

"Right, I had a feeling that was what this would be about, so what is the status there?" Marinette asked as Fei confirmed her suspicions regarding why she was here. "I've been way too busy to focus on it."

"As have I but everything is on track for it to open on Chinese New Year in a few weeks, which is early February this year." Fei said. "The others will arrive tomorrow to help out and begin the last part of their training while the final installments have been put in. I will be moving into the apartment set up for the manager tomorrow while they stay in Musutafu to get the lay of the land for a few days before they move in as well and we make the final preparations."

"Oh, that is great to hear." Marinette said pleased that everything was on schedule. "Does this mean that, so long as everyone is here and it lines up around our work studies, that I can have an opening party."

"That is what this meeting is about, to see if it can be coordinated." Fei said with a nod. "If it works I want to have it in the café part the night before. We would have it at dinner time with a buffet showing off both the café food and the baked goods that will double as the dessert option. During it, the 4 employees will circulate as maids and butlers for additional training in that aspect of the business while you and your friends mingle and have a good time."

"That's sounds good to me." Marinette said with a smile as she thought on how she'd like the party to go and who she wanted there. "I'd like all the Hero Course, both classes, along with our teachers, the Big 3 and Eri at least there if that is possible. Any teachers who can make it are welcome as well though I understand that not all can and if those transfer students have been approved they can come as well."

"A wise idea on that front." Nezu said with a nod. "Shinso was quickly approved, his Quirk and tactical application of it helped his application, Mizosa took a little longer, but we decided that he could transfer as well as he's got the potential, there's space, and we need all the heroes possible these days. Both will be undergoing extensive training this semester around their General Studies curriculum to prepare them for it, but this is a good way to integrate them into their new class that they will be joining next academic year. Both will be in Class B baring anything coming up that would open a space up in Class A for consideration so this will help foster more bonds. I'll have their homeroom teachers tell them."

"Unfortunately, only Togata and Eri will be able to make it from the Big 3." Mage said. "Hado and Amajiki are too busy with work studies as third years and both are going to be sidekicks for Ryukyu and Fat Gum respectively when they graduate so they are really focused during their final semester here. The rest, though, we will try to make sure that all can make it but no promises."

"Thankfully this is mid-week so it should work as you're all supposed to be on campus Tuesday through Thursday." Fei said. "This year Chinese New Year falls on a Thursday, so it works really well as we will have the event on the Wednesday night. I'll have the final arrangements sorted out in the next week to ensure that this can happen and then you and Adrien can come early to meet the staff. Best just you two though, I know that Yaoyorozu is both fully aware of your situation and was here for the whole decision but to avoid suspicion this is for the best."

"I understand, Adrien and I can play it off as a date to officially open the bakery and café beforehand, which it will be so it's not a lie." Marinette said with a nod. "We'll come meet the staff and then the others can join us. A shame about the Hado and Amajiki but I understand that they're busy."

"That is a good idea." Fei said. "So just let the class know and I'll make sure that Vlad can inform his class as well. This is going to be a good bit of fun that you lot need in all this stress."

"I agree." Marinette said before something hit her. "Wait, won't they know who you are now that they've met you as Mage's TA and get confused?"

"I've had about a century and a half of undercover work; I can subtly change my appearance and thicken my accent so that they don't realize." Fei said with a smile as she let her native Chinese accent thicken into her Japanese. "Don't worry about that and I'll not be giving a name just the title of manager who is there to oversee the party."

"Oh, ok that works." Marinette said as she finished her drink and started to feel a little better after her training though she'd still need a hot bath to really loosen up. "I'm looking forward to it."

"As are we." Fei said. "But that is all I had for you so unless these fine gentlemen have anything for you I think we're done here."

"No, I'm good." Nezu said. "Though if you could stay Miss Wu, I'd like to go over patrol plans for your staff as we've not had a moment to discuss that. I've got an idea of how best to use them but even with High Specs there is only so much I can do without meeting them in person."

"Of course." Fei said.

"Head back and enjoy the night Marinette." Mage said. "Focus on training and having fun when you can, times like this may be hard to find."

Marinette nodded at that as she rose and left while the others began to discuss Fei's other reason for running the bakery. Marinette trusted them on that front and was more looking forward to sharing the bakery with her class. It was going to be a good time and she couldn't wait for the day to come, first though she had to get back to the dorm to tell her friends about it.


Adrien and Marinette made their way down to where the bakery was holding hands as the day for it to open had finally come though they were going to be there a few hours before the set opening of it. Training was done for the day, so they were going to meet the staff and have a quiet meal there to sample the best of the menu before the others arrived and they fully enjoyed the party that Marinette was throwing to officially open the bakery and café the day before it actually opened to the public.

Everyone, well everyone but Bakugo who'd just grunted but knew that he couldn't get out of it without looking extremely impolite, had been thrilled when Marinette had returned from the meeting to finally announce that her family was opening a bakery and maid and butler café, which Mineta was very happy about, here in Musutafu as their first one in Japan and that they were all invited to an opening party. It had instantly gotten the attention of the whole class and they turned to her when she made the announcement.

Naturally, that had led to a lot of questions, but Marinette played it off as that it had been in the works for a while with legal stuff and she wanted to surprise the class when the time came to confirm it. Thankfully, they bought that excuse, well those who didn't already know about it and that was Adrien and Momo so not an issue, and were now really interested in learning more thus leading to several more questions.

Marinette had done her best to answer them as best she could as she explained that the party was planned for the night before Chinese new year, an homage to her maternal heritage, and that they and Class B, along with Eri, Togata, the teachers and pending transfer students were invited. Ida, on behalf of the class had accepted it and instantly the girls closed in on Marinette to ask many questions as they all looked forward to the party to come.

The next day Class B had been told by Vlad and Kendo had come up to Marinette at lunch to formally accept the invite for the class and thank her for it. They too were looking forward to it and the bonding, as well as the first chance to welcome their new students for next year, so it was all looking good.

That had been a few weeks ago and since then life had been hectic but normal for them. The Hero Course students had fallen into a normal routine of 4 days from Friday to Monday where they were at their work studies and then classes and training in the middle of the week to supplement that and, you know, still get an education.

As such they were all growing and getting better but it was tiring so now that the party was almost on them they were eager for it to start to enjoy it. There were of course other things coming up this semester and Marinette was looking forward to them as well but right now it was time for the bakery's opening and she and Adrien would be the first there.

It took them a moment to reach the bakery and when they did they stopped to stare at it. The bakery was located at an intersection with one side facing the woods that led up the hill to U.A. thus ensuring that it was near enough to the campus to be within the allowed off campus visitation range and the other a street that led deeper into Musutafu that was just about a T-junction. They'd passed a hardware store and a tea shop which they'd partnered with to help promote the aged proprietor's business and were now staring at the front of the bakery in awe.

The front was identical to the one they knew back in Paris down to the sign and the somewhat curved nature of it to fit on the corner of the intersection, so it was a taste of home and brought back plenty of bittersweet memories but both teens had long come to terms with their situation and knew that moving on was the way forward. It was what their friends and families would have wanted so they could do it and make the most of this new life that they were living in. Still it was a lot to take in seeing the bakery again but thankfully it was only the first floor that was the same, the rest wasn't.

That was because above it was a wrap around balcony for smoking and outdoor dining and a sign on the railing proclaiming it to be the first Tom and Sabine Maid and Butler café with an entrance to the side that would lead up and into the café that was clearly situated on the second floor. Above that were three more floors that were the residential part which Marinette knew was for Fei and the staff though she didn't know the breakdown of it at the moment. She'd learn that soon enough however as they began to approach the bakery after taking it in and reached the front door in time to see it opening.

"Adrien, Marinette, welcome to Tom and Sabine's Boulanger Patisserie and Café." Fei said as they finished taking in the bakery and she exited the front door. "Please, come on in for the tour."

It took the couple a moment to recognize Fei as she was right, she'd subtly changed her appearance such that unless you knew her well enough and were aware that she was the one who held this position you'd not know it was her. That was because she had changed her wardrobe from her usual leather jacket and jeans into a crisp, black, businesswoman's suit that was perfectly tailored to her body and had an air of expense to it. She wore a white dress shirt under it with no rings or necklaces, which meant she wasn't wearing the Prodigious it seemed, but the real change had been her hair and face.

Fei had completely changed her hairstyle and now she had it in a tight, professional, bun at the back of her head that pulled it back from her forehead and was styled such that her red streak was hidden so it just looked pure black. She'd then added a pair of simple stud earrings, a light but different style of makeup with noticeable eyeliner and a pair of glasses that slightly changed her face and added to the professional look she had going on.

Overall, it was a very good look for her, and it ensured that people wouldn't be able to tell that she was also their TA for the Quirkless combat teacher. Add in that both Adrien and Marinette heard her Chinese accent more distinctly in her words and they were sure that only Momo would recognize her and only because Momo was also in the know about her.

"Thank you Fei." Marinette said as they reached her. "We'd love a tour."

"Excellent then come on it." Fei said and she led them into the bakery and held the door open for them. "As you can see we've kept it the same as it was back in Paris. All the bakeries actually follow this distinctive floor model as it is part of the trademark."

Marinette and Adrien looked around with nostalgia as the interior was just as it had been back in Paris with the brick wall in the back with a full oven set into it to make fresh bread in the bakery itself behind a wooden counter painted white with gold accents on the edges, a display case to the left as you entered and a waiting area to the right. Currently there was nothing in it but that would change as the pastries would be on display when it opened tomorrow along with the prices. All in all, it was just as Marinette remembered and she smiled at the sight.

"The same is for the kitchen behind the bakery where the finer work is done, and they've been working hard there so we'll leave it for the moment as they prepare the selection for later though right now nothing is going on as they are waiting to meet you." Fei said as she led them behind the counter and to one of the two doors that led into the residential part back in Paris and here was the same only with a longer corridor that had the stairs at the far end. "What was your living room area, parent's bedroom and then some is the café part and all the stuff for that is stored in the basement. We have a service elevator just for that."

"Makes sense." Marinette said as Fei lead them down the corridor and then up the stairs to a landing with more stairs going up and a door to the side that looked very service-like. "What's above this level?"

"Upstairs is the residential part with the third floor being the common area where the staff can relax with the various comforts they like." Fei explained. "They're rooms are on the 4th floor, all identical that are their private spaces, and each is en suite so that they can enjoy peace though the 3rd floor does have two communal baths split for the genders of course. Finally the top floor is split into two with half of it my own private apartments, manager's perks, and the other half our ops center so coms, conference, and what not. As this is technically yours the Guardian Agency is paying you to rent that space. There is a rooftop with a special elevator access for private parties though it is too cold for that right now."

"Huh I didn't think of that." Marinette said as Fei led them to the door to the café. "That's actually a very good idea."

"It's a useful feature and will earn more money in time and of course the whole building is fortified to the nines, so you don't have to worry about incidental damage." Fei said with a grin as she led them into a kitchen area that was clearly where the food for the café was prepared and there was a service elevator in a corner for what needed to be brought up from the basement or bakery. "Only U.A. is safer but that is to be expected. Anyway, this is the kitchen, DJ and Melody are on this bit later but for now all the staff are waiting in the café to meet you and remember they don't know their ties to your past or that at all."

"Of course." Marinette said as Adrien just nodded, and they were led into the café part.

They paused as they got there and stared at it. The room itself was baren right now but for a candlelit table for two in the center of it that would be for their private meal and a long table to the side that was clearly going to be used for the party, but it could easily fit 75 people standing and a good dozen or so tables. There was a set of double doors at the far end in the curve of the room that led out to the balcony and to one side was the hostess stand that was just inside the room before a set of doors that had the landing outside with a padded bench to sit and wait for a table after climbing the stairs up.

However, what got their attention was the 4 people standing just in front of the table. Two, a tanned boy with shaggy curly hair tied back in a pony tail and held in a hairnet and a girl that was clearly his twin but with close cropped hair were both wearing standard chef outfits. The other two, a tall, pale skinned girl with long blonde hair streaked black in places with purple tips and matching nail polish and a stocky man with a muscular build, light skin and black dreadlocks were in baker outfits.

"Marinette, Adrien, I present to you the staff for this bakery." Fei said in French as she gestured to them to introduce them. "The twins are DJ and Melody; they are my lieutenants here and will be cooking the normal food for tonight."

"Miss Dupain-Cheng, Mr. Agreste." The pair said in flawless French showing that it was their native tongue as they bowed in what was clearly a practiced Japanese gesture and likely done as part of their training for working in Japan.

"It is an honor to be here." DJ said from the bow.

"And don't worry we are aware you know of our precise positions within the Guardian structure and are aware of their true nature." Melody said as they rose. "But we won't reveal any of that from now on."

"It's important that they are aware that you two, along with Miss Yaoyorozu, know the truth about the Guardians." Fei said. "And that all three of you are in the loop regarding our other mission here."

"Yes, thank for helping out with both the bakery and the security here." Marinette said with a small bow of her own. "It will be a great service to not just us but this whole community."

"It puts us at ease to know that there is another level of security." Adrien said with his own bow. "So, thank you."

"We strive to serve." The twins said in unison.

"That we do." Fei said before moving onto the other two and gesturing at each when she named them. "And our bakers for tonight are Cornaline and Sourus."

"Miss Dupain-Cheng, it is an honor to be here." Cornaline said in a soft voice that was very similar to Juleka's as she and Sourus bowed to them. "I've never been on a mission out in Japan before, or east of Istanbul for that matter, so I relish this opportunity."

"Yes, we look forward to all that this job has to offer." Sourus said his own voice a deep baritone.

"Thank you." Marinette said as they rose from their bows. "Both of you for taking this job and helping out with all this."

"Alright that's it for introductions, we have a lot of work to do so you lot had better get to your stations." Fei barked taking command of them in an instant. "We got to start working for the people coming later and remember the only people who know the precise truth of this are the diminutive bear or mouse thing that is the Principal and smartest person coming, the skeletal blond man, and the tall girl with a strange swirl pony tail and large tits. The rest don't know and to add to it at least one of their class is half French and born there so speaks the language fluently so from this point on consider yourselves on duty. There is a pervert coming but I'll be the one to keep an eye on him."

"Yes boss." The four said in unison as they all bowed before they turned and filed out in single file to get to work.

"Efficient." Adrien said amazed as they left.

"They're some of the best that I've worked with over the years, that's why they were chosen for this mission." Fei said as she led them to the table where Adrien pulled out the chair for Marinette before sitting himself opposite her. "They'll do well and prepare a full meal of our best, minus the Celestial Soup as Marinette won't share that recipe, for your sampling."

"We appreciate it and sorry but that is a family secret that I'm not willing to part with." Marinette said.

"I know." Fei said with a smile. "Now the last thing is that this room fits a baker's dozen of tables, a little bit of fun on my part to play to the whole core of this being the bakery, and will seat up to 55 but can house 80 standing and the balcony works as well. For now, though this is what the room will be. Please, enjoy your meal and if you need me just call but for now I need to fully get into this role to sell it."

"We understand." Adrien said. "Thank you Fei, for all of this."

"It's ok Adrien, you two deserve it." Fei said. "I'll see you later, I'll leave you to your romantic dinner and Melody can play the violin if you are interested in a little serenading. Oh, and if there's time I'm sure there's some private space somewhere."

The pair chuckled and blushed a little at that as Fei turned and left to make sure things were going well. Only once she was gone did Adrien turn to Marinette and take her hand across the table.

"Well, this is what you wanted, and I've got to say, it's amazing." Adrien said sticking with their native French as it just seemed right to do so. "They've outdone themselves to bring us a taste of home in this new life of ours."

"That it is." Marinette agreed. "I love it and I can't wait to share it with our friends, our family now I guess, and introduce them to what we knew back in Paris."

"Same but for now let us enjoy this rare moment, my love." Adrien said.

"Yes kitty." Marinette said with a smile. "A moment just for us mi amor."

Adrien smiled back as he leaned across the table, Marinette doing the same so that they could share a quick, chaste kiss, as Melody came out with a jug of water and the menu for the evening. It was going to be fun for sure and they were eager to share it with their friends but in time because right now was their moment and they were going to make the most of it while they had it.


"Welcome to Tom and Sabine's Boulangerie Patisserie." Marinette said having switched back to Japanese now that it was time for the party as the two hero classes, the upcoming transfer students, several teachers, Togata and a confused looking Eri entered the café part following their meal, the table having already put away, and Marinette and Adrien awaiting them. "And Café."

"Yes welcome masters." Melody and Cornaline who were now dressed as French maids said with proper curtsies their French accents thick and clear in their voices as Mineta and Kaminari fell for the hospitality of what seemed to be genuine French maids.

"And mistresses, allow us to be of service." DJ and Sourus said with a bow in their crisp butler uniforms their own French accents just as clear in their Japanese.

"Damn looks good." Tokage said with a grin. "Not to many butler cafés these days, good touch there Marinette."

"Maids Kaminari." Mineta said.

"I know." Kaminari replied. "They're…"

"Cram it you two." Jiro said jabbing both with her earphone jacks. "This is Marinette's family's first foray into the Japanese market, and she's gracefully invited us to this pre-opening party so don't ruin it for her by being a pair of perverts. She's actually playing into this trope despite it being a bit of a mockery so be grateful."

"Thank you Kyoka." Marinette said with a smile as the boys groaned in pain.

"What's a maid?" Eri asked looking at Togata.

"Someone who helps out." Togata said as delicately as he could. "I'll explain in a moment, let Ladybug welcome us."

"Ok." Eri said.

"Thank you Togata and don't worry there are apples and apple dishes ready for those who like them." Marinette said before looking around at her classmates, teachers, and soon to be classmates. "And thank you all for coming. As I said this is a welcome party for my family's first expansion into Japan and second in all of Asia as we have a store in Shanghai. We are hoping for a larger expansion in the coming years with more locations planned in major cities in this region but all in good time. For tonight the staff here have prepared a selection of the items we will be selling starting tomorrow. A mix of traditional French pastries, Japanese and Chinese ones, some fusion mixes, and standard maid café food."

"Miss Dupain-Cheng is correct." Fei said as she walked out of a side room that the maids and butlers began to head to so as to get the food for the party, both the stuff for the table and the finger food that they'd be circulating. "Hello, I am the manager here so any actual questions can be addressed to me as it is my job to make sure that this location runs smoothly while Miss Dupain-Cheng focuses on her hero studies at U.A. I am well versed in this business as I was the assistant manager at the Shanghai store before taking this role and as you can tell I speak fluent Japanese as well as French and English for that matter, so I was perfect for this promotion."

"Thank you." Marinette said as they students looked at the newcomer though only Momo knew that it was Fei, and she only knew that because of advance notice otherwise she'd not have recognized the older woman at all as the staff came out with trays of food and began setting up the serving table. "And with that I declare this party open."

That was the cue for the guest to break up and to wander around the room with some going for the food, Bakugo smelled something spicy and instantly was going for it with Kirishima and Tetsutetsu joining him in getting some of the food that the butlers were still setting up. Meanwhile Mineta went straight for the maids who were now carrying trays of hors d'oeuvres and pastries for people to enjoy as they chatted.

"This is certainly very nice." Momo said as the girls all came up to Marinette while Adrien went to help Midoriya, Todoroki and Ida out as they looked a bit perplexed at some of the French dishes that were being laid out. "More so than that lunch at your place but that was a nice gathering for just us."

"Yeah it all looks amazing." Ochaco said with a smile as she and the other girls accepted some macaroons from one of the butlers who had now taken up this duty as well seeing as all the food was laid out on the table for the guests to serve themselves and enjoyed it. "And tasty."

"It's a good balance, ribbit." Tsu said with a nod as she enjoyed her macaroon though Marinette's personal ones were better but that wasn't really a surprise to anyone. "And something new for the town though we are mostly stuck at school."

"True but the bakery is on the list of approved stores to visit now that it is open." Marinette said. "I made sure when I worked with Nezu on it, his help was invaluable, that it was on the list. We still need a permission slip to leave campus and come here but once we get that it will be good."

"So, we can come here more then." Jiro said as she took a non-pastry, a light part of the café menu that was clearly a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine, and sampled it. "That would be cool around the work studies though I am sure the perverts will be here more."

"Yes well the fetishization of the French maid outfit isn't something I agree with." Marinette admitted as she glance around to see that Fei was having some sharp words with Mineta which no doubt meant that he had been caught trying to do something bad. "But if he helps our profit margins then I can live with it. I did make sure to approve of this as a maid and butler café rather than just a maid one so that we had a balance of the genders and tastes."

"Makes sense." Mina said with a nod. "And the butlers are a nice touch, adds to it and makes it not just a destination for men."

"Yes, they are not at the level of my family's butlers but those are professionals." Momo said as she once again forgot how different her family life was to the others. "So that is understandable."

"What is your life?" Ochaco asked as she blinked at Momo.

"All that makes this more than just a normal café, but we opted to play into a tradition of Japan as both a way to honor our presence here and play up that we're an authentic French maid and butler café." Marinette said. "All the staff but the manager are from France actually, specially trained when hired for this job."

"I noticed the accents." Toru said. "A lot thicker than yours is."

"Age plays a role there I think." Marinette said. "And I was really focused on not messing up the words when I was learning Japanese to come here."

"The authenticity will really add to it." Momo said as Aoyama exchanged some words with one of the butlers in French while taking what was clearly a snail from the tray in the man's hands. "A good sell in my opinion."

"That is the goal." Marinette said. "This is just the start, we're already in talks to open a branch in Tokyo where the big profits would be made but we had to go with where I was to start as it made more sense, and this gives us a good gage of how well our store will be received in Japan. However, if you would excuse me ladies I should make the rounds a bit as this is technically my family's place, so I need to play hostess for a bit."

"Of course, we should mingle with the others as well." Momo said and the girls agreed before branching off. "This is good practice for this aspect of hero work."

Marinette smiled at that as she noted that Momo went over to talk with Tokage and Kendo about something, Ochaco went over to hang with Midoriya and Ida as expected while Adrien was still explaining some of the dishes to Todoroki, Mina and Toru decided to go to the sweets to sample more, and Jiro went to make sure Kaminari was behaving himself as he was still salvageable at the moment. It was all looking good.

"I must say, I wasn't expecting the Chinese fusion involved in this." A new voice said, and Marinette turned to find Rin and Shishida approaching her with the former being the one who spoke as he ate one of said fusion appetizers while Shishida carried a plate with a selection of options on it. "It is a nice touch and with the new year tomorrow the timing is almost too good to be coincidental."

"That's because it's not." Marinette said with a smile as she moved into the general cover story for the bakery. "When I asked my parents for permission to set up a chain here and they agreed we worked with the manager and the school to make sure that it was opened on the new year as a way to honor that side of my heritage and the store in Shanghai hence why this little event is the day before. It's been in the works for a while actually as there was a fair bit of red tape to get through."

"Yes the Shanghai store is very popular from what my parents have told me." Shishida said. "While we prefer to order directly from the main branch in Paris they do stop off there whenever they have business in Shanghai."

"Well, my mother is from Shanghai, so it made sense for our first foray into the Asian market to be there." Marinette said. "So, a lot of this is timed to work with that and play into that aspect of my identity."

"Of course, I'd heard, and you've got Cheng in your name, but you've always come off so French and your Japanese is excellent, so I often forget that you're actually half Chinese." Rin said cursing himself for failing to properly acknowledge the other countryman, well countrywoman, to him and switching to Mandarin with a slight bow. "I apologize for my oversight Dupain-Cheng."

"Oh, um, it's ok." Marinette said as she switched to her improving but still not great Mandarin that caused her French accent to really come out. "I was born in Paris, grew up there, and didn't live or see Shanghai even before coming Tokyo to, to Tokyo so I've not been good with that side of family or my mother's tongue."

"I can tell, you're Mandarin isn't the best but passable if you can get past the grammar and thick French accent to it." Rin said still speaking it. "And you seem to be able to understand it well."

"Adrien and Momo are fluent so have been helping me." Marinette said as she also did her best to continue speaking Mandarin. "I understand better than speak though and can't read well it, er, it well."

"It is certainly interesting watching the Hero Course's powerhouse and top combat student struggle even if it is a language barrier." Shishida said in Japanese though he spoke near perfect Mandarin thanks to his own upper class upbringing. "Soothes the ego a bit after the beating you gave me without even needing your Quirk. I'm learning a lot in Quirkless combat to overcome my reliance on beast mode in combat."

"You were a tough opponent." Marinette said switching back to Japanese. "But I am always growing and until I can face Bakugo and see who wins I won't claim to be the best as he still eludes me. Also, I need a rematch with Todoroki, he did beat me in the Sports Festival, so I need to avenge that loss."

"Makes sense." Rin said. "But we all saw how well you did on a team together, that was unreal how fast and efficient the fourth team your class had was. We all expected you two to be at odds what with both of you as clear leaders in your class."

"Yes we expected you to be similar to our team's issues." Shishida said. "We didn't assess who should lead because Shiozaki and I have different ideas of how to win and it caused issues that helped lead to our defeat."

"Well, what failed to factor in that I'm not a natural leader, or at least wasn't at first." Marinette said surprising them. "So, I understand how to be a team player when need be."

"What do you mean?" Rin asked still confused. "We saw you in the first match, you ran your team well and adapted after our initial attack to make sure that it was an even exchange before pressing the advantage you had. I know you're Quirk helped a lot but the tactics you employed were what really won it in the end."

"I made my fair share of mistakes in that match that I'm still learning from." Marinette said. "But to answer your question, back in France it took me time to accept that I wanted to be a hero and even after that to shoulder the burden of leadership that got thrust upon me when it became apparent that I was naturally gifted at hero work and had a powerful Quirk to back it up. It was only after I did that that I began to come out of my shell."

"And that's how you knew to be a team player." Rin said thinking on her words.

"Pretty much." Marinette said with a nod. "I know when to lead and when to follow. On a team with Bakugo, I knew that he had to take point and lead from the front and that to beat you so totally we could only manage that by working as a team and exploiting Tokage's assumption that we couldn't do that. I lack the ego to take that from Bakugo, so I deferred to him in the match. It helps that he actually uses my name, so I know that he actually acknowledges my power as a true challenge to his."

"We certainly did not factor that in." Shishida said as he rubbed his chin with his free hand. "We thought you'd, butt heads and the others would exploit that and the slight gap between you two and the others defer to your team. We were totally wrong there."

"I made it clear at the start who led the team and played off Bakugo, I was simply there to support as best I could." Marinette said. "He understood how to win it and so long as we had trust that he'd save us, and we'd save him when he needed it, we knew that we could win."

"It was a stunning defeat, greater than I expected for sure." A new voice said and they turned to see the aqua haired Class 1-D student set to transfer to Class B next semester approaching them. "I thought the first match I was in was bad, though I learned afterwards just how outmatched I was against Agreste from the very start, but the fourth match really showed me how much I have to learn. That and how much pain I'll have to go through as you broke my ribs at the end."

"You're the other transfer student." Marinette said though she wasn't surprised she'd done that as she had heard a crack when she'd kicked him. "Mizosa, right? Sorry I know Shinso from the Sports Festival but not you other than our little interaction the fourth match of the joint training exercise."

"Correct, Bunshi Mizosa and I thank you for this invite." The boy said with a small bow that Marinette just nodded at. "I was honored when the teachers approved my transfer, even if I just barely passed and have a lot of extra training to do to really master my Quirk at the level needed to be a pro hero, but I will strive to do so to catch up. Shinso is ahead of me, so I also have him to work with and as a point to catch up to. I am looking forward to working with all of you next year."

"Right, you're our new classmate." Shishida said looking at the boy. "Come, let's get to know each other so we can work together, same with Shinso. You must explain, how does that Quirk of yours work? I hear it's quite complex as it only affect water molecules themselves. It must take a lot of work to use such a specialized Quirk."

"Yes, thank you Dupain-Cheng for this." Rin said with a bow as Shishida led Mizosa away to introduce him to some of the class he'd not been on a team with. "But I should get going, we need to make sure the new students don't get too corrupted by Monoma."

"That may be hard." Marinette said pointing to where Shinso was currently enduring a rant from Monoma about the superiority of Class B over Class A.

"Already? Damn it Monoma." Rin said as he headed off.

"Ladybug." A voice said from behind Marinette, and she almost jumped as she turned to find Togata now behind her carrying Eri who looked very tired. "Eri has something to say to you."

"Thank your Ladybug." Eri said with a smile one of the apple based snacks in her little hand. "This was very nice."

"You're welcome Eri, I am glad that you could make it." Marinette said with a smile back at the girl.

Since the semester started Marinette and the other girls had been trying to make the time to see Eri as much as they could and help her out when possible. Togata was still the main guy for it however as they were all super busy and couldn't help out as much as they'd like but they tried, and they all knew that in time Eri would need some older sisters to help her through her young womanhood so all of them were more than willing to help her out with that.

"Everyone is having a good time." Eri said looking around a little confused. "What is this place?"

"It's a café, a place people go for a light snack or small meal and to relax." Marinette explained keeping it as simple as she could manage. "It's themed with a mix of my own culture, your culture here and the culture of my mother's side of the family. Below us is a bakery. My family are bakers by trade, have been for generations, so we own a chain of them. Most are in Europe or North America, but we are hoping to add more to this region of the world."

"Bakers?" Eri asked confused.

"We make break and other things like that." Marinette said.

"Eri, the sweet things here are from the bakery." Togata explained. "In fact, I'll take you to it soon so that you can experience it properly."

"That's a great idea." Marinette said with a smile. "It will be better to show her what it is when it is in full swing than to explain it right now."

"Oh ok." Eri said with a small smile of her own.

"Anyway, we should get going." Togata said confusing Marinette.

"Why?" Marinette asked.

"It may not be late for us, but it is for Eri." Togata said and Marinette had noticed that Eri was tired. "She's a growing girl and needs her rest. Plus, Hado and Tamaki should be back soon, and I promised to bring them something so they could enjoy it with Eri before putting her to bed."

"Right, I had hoped they could make it, but I understand why they couldn't." Marinette said. "Thank you Eri for coming."

"It was nice." Eri said with a cute yawn. "Thank you for having me Ladybug."

Marinette smiled at that before Togata led Eri away and with that she was actually alone for a moment. Marinette just kept smiling as she looked around at the students and teachers present chatting and having fun. This was what she wanted out of the bakery and hopefully in time, when things calmed down, it could be more like this going forward for all of them.

That would come though, for now it was time to just enjoy the moment and Marinette did just that as she headed over to chat with some of her classmates. This was a nice night off for them as they continued their training for what was to come at the end of the semester.


"Alright, here's how this part of our mission here will work." Fei said as her four subordinates walked into the conference room on the 5th floor of the building where she'd asked them to meet her once they had finished cleaning up and closing the bakery and café after the party which she'd helped with of course but had left early to sort this out.

What Fei had done was get the special cloaks that she'd asked Silk to provide for this operation. It was a clandestine one and while her subordinates had the necessary paperwork just in case it came to it they hadn't been properly approved like her, so they were mainly going to do things from the shadows hence why Silk, with Umbra's assistance to increase the power woven into the material, had provided them with these cloaks. Mage had had to call in some favors for them but it would be worth it in the end as they would help out.

Right now all 4 where back in their civilian clothes, as was Fei, and stood in a line facing the table where Fei had put the cloaks as she stood behind them. They were well trained professionals who she'd worked with countless times in the past, though not for about a decade, so she was glad to have them.

"First take a cloak, Silk and Umbra made them with their powers so they're not going to fail you when it comes to nocturnal concealment." Fei said and each took one and held it not putting it on just yet though they'd morph to fit them such was the work of the Guardian of Fashion. "They will work as camouflage as Silk can make it and with Umbra's powers you can now blend into the shadows with them. Consider them an improvement on the usual cloaks we've used in the past."

"Ah that explains why the Guardian of Darkness has helped out." DJ said. "A useful touch indeed."

"We will be doing our patrol work at night so that does make sense." Melody added. "We've been training for that using one of Technus's holographic rooms to mimic Musutafu, but this will really help out."

"I know, I asked for it and Mage helped, he's got a lot of favors to give out and all four of you now own three Guardian's favors once this is done." Fei said which she was pleased to see that they all nodded in understanding at. "And yes nightly patrols are the norm though of course keep your ears open while working here during the day as well. Two of you, the two on café duty for the month as you will be split into teams for each aspect of the store on a monthly switch, will be on night patrol as we don't open the café until just before lunch while the bakery opens in the morning but that part closes at 5 while the café is open though dinner so your shifts balance out."

"We expected as much." Cornaline said.

"So, what are the teams?" Sourus asked.

"To balance your powers and avoid the twins on the same team while also making sure that it is a maid and a butler on duty at all times we will have DJ and Cornaline on a team and you two will be on café duty for the next month." Fei said looking at them. "So, after this go out on your patrol, you are to look for suspicious activity and note it but only act if it is a direct threat to the school or a civilian, otherwise just prepare reports that I will look over each morning."

"Understood." DJ said with a nod.

"Simple enough." Cornaline added. "We've done plenty of those before so nothing we can't handle."

"That means that Melody and Sourus are on baking duty." Fei said looking at the other two. "Sourus, you'll be in the kitchen tomorrow baking while Melody works the counter and the oven there. To balance Cornaline will be the cook for the café while we do a butler day at lunch, but we will flip that for dinner so that it can be a maid café then. Naturally, that means that DJ is on cooking duty then."

"We can do that." Melody said.

"I prefer the baking part to serving or selling so works for me." Sourus said.

"Lunch will be more female based if I had to guess so makes sense that it's butler themed then." DJ said. "While dinner is more male based on the figures we've seen so maid is easier then."

"Plus, the men will be tired from a long day of work so a soothing maid will help." Cornaline said. "And they'll spend more if they get that."

"Exactly, play into their wants and desires that's part of the cover." Fei said. "So that is how it will be for the first month before the switch. DJ, Cornaline, head out now and begin your patrol. Melody, Sourus, get some rest as you're going to be up early to prepare and open up for our grand opening."

"Yes ma'am." The four said in unison before they turned and left the room to head to their tasks.

Fei smiled at that as she watched them leave before she exited another door and entered her office on this floor. This one was for her work with the Guardian Agency, so it was her official office, she had her own personal one in her apartment here and another one off the bakery for that business as she'd have to around most of the time to play her manager role. True she'd be a TA as well and when the time came she was an active hero so she'd serve in the field but that would come. For now, things were progressing well onto to next stage of the mission here.

That meant that it was time for her own work and as she turned to the open window in her office Fei leapt up and turned into her eagle form as she did to perch on the windowsill and look out over the city. She knew what was coming and was going to do her best to protect who she could from the impending battle.

Part of that was aerial patrols and she took to the skies to do just that around U.A. to fly around and make sure things remained safe and sound because the kids needed that for the moment just as they'd needed this party to relax. It wouldn't last but for the moment the lull before the coming storm continued.

Well, there it is, the bakery is officially open and while it won't be seen much as there is a lot going on it will still be there and show up from time to time when needed as our heroes do need a break if they can get it, not that they will for a while what with what's on the horizon. Next up though is a very special chapter that thanks to breaking up the hot pot party the way I did works out almost perfectly but for the day of the week so it will be released two days earlier than normal but all other chapters will remain on the usual schedule so that just means that there will be a 9 day gap between chapters 120 and 121 rather than the usual 7 unless I am able to get ahead of schedule with this and my other active stories. That's because unlike most chapter, the next one is a specific day one and unlike the Christmas and New Year chapters this one actually works out perfectly for that day which was a complete accident but should be fun regardless. That is all I really have to say though as this was a simple, nice, chapter so I will leave it off here. As always, if you like it or have any questions please let me know in reviews or PMs, I will try to answer them as best I could and post any questions asked between uploads at the start of the next chapter and do follow and favorite this, so you are alerted to future uploads. Do keep the reviews coming as I like hearing from y'all as you enjoy my work, it motivates me to keep producing the best work I can for y'all to enjoy. Until next time.

Stringdog