"At Red Riot's debut fight, I saw something new." The red bullet was fired towards Izuka, who gritted her teeth while about to fire. Just before it hit her, Tamaki lunged forward, getting hit himself as he reached out his arms to the shocked girl. "Tamaki was shot while he was saving Mido from it, and the bullet contained some kinda drug I've never heard of before. One that destroys Quirks." Fat Gum released his hand, the candies disappearing. "And when we analyzed the substance from the bullet, we discovered it contained human blood and cells."
Izuku felt like his heart was gonna stop hearing that. Izuka covered her mouth in disgust, keeping in her bile.
"In other words, that effect came from a person," Ryukyu crossed her arms. "From someone's power. A Quirk that can destroy Quirks."
"Their young head, Chisaki: Quirk, Overhaul. A Quirk that allows him to completely break down matter. And a bullet that can break down Quirks. Chisaki has a daughter named Eri. There are no records or details about her birth, but when Mirio and Midoriya encountered her, they noticed there were bandages wrapped around her arms and legs. And..." Sir Nighteye pushed up his glasses. "Eri said something that does change things. She asked...why the Hassaikai were talking about...Izuka Midoriya." He looked at the girl in the eyes.
"UH!" Izuka gasped, her eyes going wide as she was frozen.
"We're wondering if this Chisaki bastard is turning his daughter's body into bullets...and selling them on the black market. And if he's talking about Izuka Midoriya...that means he's most likely gotten information about her from the League of Villains themselves...about her Quirk and what she can do."
Locklock glared towards the three students next to him. "Woulda saved us a lot of trouble if these two amateurs had just gotten the girl away from him. Or if we had gotten Izuka out of the city instead of just-" The man faltered as he saw water flying down from her face.
The short green-haired girl was shaking, clutching at her skirt as she was openly crying. "That's...that's so horrible..." Izuka's tears fell onto her skirt as her body was shaking. "That poor little girl..."
"I assure you, nobody in this room is more frustrated than they are," Sir Nighteye spoke up for them, but it didn't make things better.
Both of their chairs fell as the boys stood up. "We'll get Eri away from him next time..." Izuku started off to his mentor.
"And we'll protect her!" He and Mirio exclaimed in unison.
"Indeed," Sir Nighteye looked up in determination. "That's precisely what we've come here to discuss."
A few days had passed since we'd learned the truth...
Katsuki had eased up a little on forcing me to tell him what happened. But with the way my face was every time I thought of Eri, it was hard for him to ignore...
Izuku was climbing while training at the TDL with the rest of his class. The others watched from down below.
The pro heroes that had teamed up with Sir Nighteye were doing their best to pinpoint the location of Chisaki, Shie Hassaikai's young head, and his daughter, Eri.
Izuku was climbing faster than anyone, because he wanted to train as hard as he could when it was time. Izuka looked up at him with a small sigh. As instructed, she went back to special classes...but it was hard to do so.
Until they could, we were on standby.
After the meeting, I was cut off from learning any new information. At the very least, UA's security meant that I would be safe if I just stuck to my routine. Besides, with Katsuki and Shoto walking with me, it wasn't like I should be worried.
Izuku made it to the top. And we were under orders not to say anything about our work studies to anyone. So as much as I wanted to tell Izuka about any progress they had...I couldn't. And I know how much she wanted to be involved.
Izuku glanced down at the classmates who weren't climbing and then looked over to his sister. "You can really tell who's started their work studies, huh?" Kyoka wondered as Katsuki saw the looks Izuku was giving Izuka, and he didn't like it. Because it meant that he knew what was going on with her, and yet no one was telling him anything.
"They picked up some tricks while they were away from here," He snarled and then pointed up to Eijiro specifically. "Hey! What've you guys been learning? And why did Izuka get pulled out a few days ago?! Tell me!"
Izuka glanced down at him in disbelief once she reached the top, groaning and pinching her nose. Some of the others looked at him in confusion as they didn't know what he was talking about.
"Sorry, we can't!" Eijiro called out to him.
"Kacchan's asking about that? What did you say?" Izuku turned towards his sister in surprise.
"What do you think I said? That I couldn't tell him a damn thing and I still can't. I wish Mr. Aizawa didn't pull me out in front of him if he was gonna be this demanding about it..." She sighed heavily, closing her eyes.
Kirishima, Uraraka, Asui. Everyone who was there for the conference would be part of the operation to save Eri. All except Izuka...I wish the circumstances were different for her.
Ochaco looked up at the twins as Izuku was still determined to save her...Izuka's eyes saddened as she desperately wanted to be there. But she also needed to earn back her teacher's trust...
I felt so isolated even though it's my own fault for getting myself into the situation that I did. All I can do is root for them...
"Don't get too worked up about this," Mr. Aizawa warned them once he returned from taking Izuka home, and Izuku faltered while staring at him. "The Big Three are one thing. They're strong enough to hold their own out there with the pros. But the rest of you will be minimally involved. Asui, Uraraka, Kirishima. You didn't volunteer for this, and you're not obligated to participate. It's your call."
"Mr-I mean, Eraser Head!" Ochaco got onto her feet. "After everything that we just heard, I can't imagine not helping out, sir!"
"Yeah, if you're gonna let us be part of this, I'd like to pitch in however I can," Tsuyu spoke up as she couldn't turn away either.
"The heroes asked you to be in that meeting. I don't think they would've wanted you guys to be there if they didn't recognize your abilities," Tamaki stated from the back, looking at his hands. "I mean, I've seen for myself that a first year can shine much brighter than me."
"You're gonna have to let that go at some point, ya know," Nejire pointed out while leaning forward in her seat.
Eijiro hit his hands together. "If I can use my power to help that girl even a little bit, then count me in, Eraser Head!"
He gave a small nod towards them. "As long as you all understand. Our scope here is limited. For now, our only goal is to rescue Eri. We won't step in further than that. Given the recent altercation, neither the police nor Nighteye believe that the League of Villains and the Shie Hassaikai have formed a partnership. So the chances are relatively low that the League will be involved in this raid. But if it turns out they're mistaken about that, and the League does end up putting in an appearance, you guys are out."
His four students all nodded. "Understood, sir!"
"Um, Eraser Head?" Ochaco bit her lip a little, and he looked towards her in silence. "Is it possible...to change your mind about letting Mido take part?" He blinked at her in alarm as Izuku nodded slowly. "Please? I know that she's disappointed you, but if you give her a chance, she can prove it to you!"
"Yeah! I feel terrible leaving her behind, she was there for Amajiki when he saved her. And we all saw her when she heard about Eri. Maybe we could figure something out," Eijiro clenched his fists, looking towards the others.
"Mido's circumstances for being here was to only learn, not to be involved in something that involves a work study she's not contracted for," Mr. Aizawa closed his eyes, hands in his pockets. "That fight with All for One is evident of how not ready she is to take on something like this."
"But she's been working really hard lately!" Izuku frowned deeply at his teacher. "I'm sure that deep down, you really are proud to have her in class and that she survived." Mr. Aizawa's eyes widened at him, remembering his talk with Izuka not too long ago. "She's gotten a lot stronger...I know that it's a weird situation, but she can provide a lot of support!"
Tsuyu nodded in agreement. "And you've always been the hardest on her, haven't you, Eraser? Whatever she misses...we'll be there to help catch her up. None of us feel right doing this to her."
The others all nodded sharply and he stared at them in silence. He knew that they weren't going to let up on this even though Izuka couldn't participate.
"We'll support Mido, and I'll take on a punishment too if that's what it takes," Ochaco narrowed her eyes, Izuku looking towards her in shock. "I don't care what it is as long as we can work something out to have her with us."
"I'll take on some of her special classes," Tsuyu raised a hand.
"I'll do her homework!" Eijiro clenched a fist, knowing that his grades were not very good.
"I'll go back on house arrest if that'll help," Izuku gestured to himself.
"That's enough," Mr. Aizawa let out a heavy sigh towards his students, looking back up towards them. "...I can't promise anything. I'll think about it and get back to you."
Izuku stormed off in front of Tenya and Shoto.
Everyone was pumped up and ready to rescue Eri. But something was still weighing on me.
Izuka was walking with Momo, Ochaco, and Tsuyu in silence. Momo and Tsuyu were talking while Ochaco stared at the girl in a bit of worry. She knew that a similar thing was on her mind just like her brother...
I know there's nothing that can be done for me. I'd be overstepping if I even asked Mr. Aizawa anything further.
"Continue your special classes as instructed, and you'll have a chance of being able to help that girl one day."
I just hope that ran true someday...
The seven of them sat together at lunch time. Izuku broke apart his chopsticks.
"Please! Stop!" Sir Nighteye cried out after All Might. "If you continue like this, I swear, you'll face off against a villain and die an unspeakably gruesome death."
Izuku gave a deep frown to himself.
It didn't seem like a good time to ask Nighteye. Since we were now forbidden to talk about our work studies, I couldn't bring it up with All Might, either. And it's not something I can talk to the other students about. Izuka's the only one who knows, but it's not like she would have any information about it.
He gripped his chopsticks as he wasn't eating. Izuka wasn't either as she wasn't even touching her food.
Eri's situation...the threat to All Might...my sister now being rumored among the Shie Hassaikai...it was almost too much for me.
Eri gripped his sleeves tight, tears in her eyes. "Please...please don't go..."
He looked towards his food in silence while Izuka looked desolate and frustrated with herself.
The short green-haired girl was shaking, clutching at her skirt as she was openly crying. "That's...that's so horrible..." Izuka's tears fell onto her skirt as her body was shaking. "That poor little girl..."
I wish I could stop thinking about that girl and what she was going through, but I couldn't. And the fact that I can't even be involved was eating away at me. Not just because she asked about me, but because I don't want to continue imagine what she's being subjected to. How could I be expected to just forget about it and act like nothing's going on?
I knew I needed to focus and put everything I had into rescuing Eri, but...my mind felt so scattered. I was barely holding it together.
His eyes were blurred as he couldn't focus on eating...not that he had an appetite for it.
"You're not gonna eat?" Shoto's voice snapped him out of it and he flinched. Tenya was sipping his juice while Shoto had food in his mouth, both of them staring at the boy.
"Mido, you're not eating either," Momo frowned in concern towards her, causing the girl to flinch.
"Uh-of course I am! Here, see?" Izuku grabbed his chopsticks to start doing so.
"Everything's fine, we're eating!" Izuka picked up her own chopsticks to break them.
"Deku..." Ochaco's eyes softened at him knowingly.
"Mido..." Tsuyu frowned a little.
Tenya stopped drinking and stared at his classmates. "Are you two alright?" He asked while they ate, but slowly.
"You've been acting edgy and depressed ever since you started your work study. And Mido's not too far off ever since Mr. Aizawa pulled her out of special classes that day," Shoto pointed out and Momo blinked, glancing towards the girl.
"He did? But why?"
"It's something we can't talk about right now..." Ochaco spoke up a bit anxiously.
"Oh, have we? Really?" Izuku glanced towards his sister across from him. He hadn't told her about asking Mr. Aizawa to allow her to be in the operation. And he hadn't heard back about it either...but he did know that he didn't want to see his sister like this, so he hoped that they got through to him. He picked up some meat in silence and Izuka picked up some rice, her hand shaking over the bowl. The twins didn't take another bite, getting the attention of their friends...
Tenya held out a hand, confusing them both. "If you ever wanna talk or anything, just let me know, the both of you. We're friends, right?"
Izuku's eyes widened at him, as it was something that was familiar to him...
"Hey, if you wanna talk or anything, just let us know," Izuku offered while Ochaco and Izuka were saying goodbye to Tenya before internships. "We're friends, right?"
Tenya gave him a small smile. "That's what you said to me, remember? Back when we were heading off to our internships, and I was acting like a fool."
Shoto slurped up his noodles as Momo and Ochaco turned to Izuka. "Ida's right, Mido. We're really good friends, right? And that's something you want to hold onto."
Izuka gasped as she looked up at her, seeing Ochaco and Tsuyu smiling towards her.
"You and Uraraka-Chan, I...I start to feel like we're becoming really good friends. And that type of friendship...is something I've never had in life," Izuka confessed to Momo after she apologized at the Sports Festival for the Cavalry Battle.
"Even if things are bad...we're best friends, Mido," Ochaco hummed a little. "So you can talk to us whenever you're ready too."
"And you really love being around us too, ribbit," Tsuyu placed a finger on her chin.
Izuka's eyes shook as her brother let out a sniffle, tears hitting the table. Izuka had big tears welling up in her eyes, freaking out Tenya as he screamed. "Oh. Oh, dear!" He waved his hands rapidly from the twins crying.
"Mido, are you alright?!" Momo yelped in a bit of alarm.
"Oh, it's okay..." Ochaco rubbed the girl's back.
"Ribbit..." Tsuyu murmured sadly for her.
"Midoriya...Mido..." Shoto glanced between the two.
"Sorry!" Izuku wiped at his eyes with the back of his wrist. "It's okay. It's nothing..."
"I'm fine..." Izuka sniffled, trying to keep it in from how much they cared. "Really, I'm sorry too..." Both of them picked up their chopsticks, moving around their food.
We can't tell you what's going on. Not yet. Izuku ate the rest of his bowl quickly. But...thank you, Ida. They all watched him eat and he put down his bowl. Izuka picked up her bowl and then tilted it into her mouth to eat, to the shock of everyone else but Izuku. As she did so, her big tears flew down her face as she couldn't hold it in anymore.
Regret, sorrow, fear, all the feelings I'd been trying to bury...began to overflow a little.
Sorrow, despair, desperation...not the exact same feelings, but it was overwhelming me clearly.
Izuku looked up, rice on his face and tears in his eyes. "Heroes aren't supposed to cry!" He exclaimed with snot in his nose.
Izuka slammed down her bowl a little, her tears flying into her bowl as she let out a huge sniff. "Right! We're supposed to be strong, damn it...!"
"I dunno. I figure that heroes cry when they need to, don't they?" Shoto asked the two gently. He then slid his food closer. "Here, uh, you two want half of my soba?"
"And I've got extra beef stew!" Tenya offered next, Momo digging into her pocket and taking out a big chocolate chip cookie.
"Mido, I know you like those big cookies so much. Take mine if it'll help, please," She offered her friend.
"And I've got some more rice, you can take it," Ochaco said gently while offering her bowl.
"You can have my pork, ribbit," Tsuyu stated as she held it up for her.
"Thanks, you guys," Izuku glanced over to the boys.
Izuka sniffed as she took the cookie from Momo with a weak smile. "Yeah, thank you so much..." She wiped at her eyes as Ochaco and Tsuyu gave her their food too.
"Green onions?" Shoto offered the twins.
"Yeah, sure."
"Mmhm," Izuka gave a small nod, trying to recollect herself.
"Wasabi?" He asked them again.
"Heh...yeah," Izuku murmured, grateful to have friends like them. Izuka turned to the girls, feeling much better as she gave a happier smile.
"I'm so glad I changed my mind to come to UA..." She whispered, earning smiles from everyone else. Unknown to them, Katsuki was watching from another table as he had seen the whole thing. He stared at Izuka in particular, noting how upset she looked. The boy then narrowed his eyes and left the table, as well as the cafeteria.
"We're happy to have you, Mido," Ochaco wrapped an arm around her for a side hug. Izuka then blinked towards her food as she suddenly got an idea.
The same day...near a Shie Hassaikai facility
Locklock was running on a rooftop and then he threw something. The object spun around and then came to a stop. He jumped onto the wooden platform so that he could land on another building. He held out his hand to bring it back, looking around cautiously.
"We've made a thorough list of groups with connections to Hassaikai, as well as properties owned by the organization. This is our starting point. I would like you all to investigate each coordinate on this map. It is the most logical way to narrow down our targets."
Locklock put a hand on his hip, looking up at a building. "Alright...this looks promising."
Fat Gum was hiding in an alleyway with another hero, on stakeout. He had a snack while looking behind him.
"As you investigate possible locations, considering the following criteria. One: Is this a place where Quirk-destroying bullets could be manufactured?"
Another hero was looking through an abandoned building using a flashlight.
"Two: Do people and goods go in and out frequently?"
Ryukyu was pretending to be a customer in a cafe. A car drove off and she spoke into a headset.
"Three: Has the area seen a recent influx in illegal drugs?"
A man holding a briefcase entered the Hassaikai hideout, Bubble Girl peeking around the corner. Centipeder was behind her. Hassaikai has a plan in place. They're working quickly and quietly to carry it out. Sir Nighteye looked at a computer of the map. We must proceed with utmost care moving forward.
Gran Torino sat on a water tower on the phone. "Tsukauchi, how are things on your end?" He paused while listening to the answer. "Alright, keep looking and let us know what you find." He then hung up, looking up ahead. "The first half of the list turned up nothing. They've gotta be hiding the girl somewhere..." He turned around and then jumped off the water tower.
Mirio was sitting underneath a tree, looking at his phone in anticipation. For days, he had been waiting for the call...on when they'd be able to rescue Eri. Tamaki and Nejire came up from a pathway, staring at him in concern. She looked up at Tamaki, knowing that he was the most concerned since he had known Mirio for longer...
Hurry. Please hurry. Tsuyu, Eijiro, Ochaco, and the twins couldn't focus in math class with Midnight. All they could think about was the upcoming mission—well, four of them did. All Izuka could think about was how she hated having to wait until after the mission to know anything. Find her. And let my sister help...
Eri's caretaker stepped into a store.
Find out where Eri is!
Sir Nighteye watched from around a corner, pushing up his glasses.
Izuka put down the lid for a bento box, looking towards it as her eyes softened a little. After everything that was going on lately...would he even want this from me? I know that his Quirk is based on food, so I know it'll help...but all I can do is try, right? I'm not that same mouse I've been for all my life anymore!
She closed the box, nodding sharply as she ran off. Once she got out into the common room, she ran past everyone. "I'll be right back, don't wait up for me!"
"Huh?" Ochaco blinked after her in confusion. "But what about dinner?!"
"I'll be back soon!" She called out and the others just stared as she closed the door without another word.
"That was weird. Wonder what she needs to do right now," Denki blinked while Katsuki didn't like this feeling. It was already bad enough she couldn't tell him what was going on, but now she was doing secret stuff...
God damn it, I hate this shit.
Tamaki heard a knock from his door, looking up in confusion. Mirio would just announce himself before coming in regardless, and Nejire would ask if he was in there first. He got onto his feet and walked over, opening the door to see Izuka panting heavily. The boy looked at her with wide eyes, wondering why she was here.
"Mido! You-you're here...? Did you run all the way over here?" He blushed a bit to see her and she took a deep breath, standing up straight.
"Well, I wanted to properly thank you for saving me, and also...I felt bad that you lost your Quirk for a while back there. After all, if I wasn't there, you wouldn't have felt the need to protect me," She frowned, rubbing the back of her neck. He let out a shaky breath at the fact that she ran all the way over...just to thank him for something anyone would've done.
"Don't. I'm glad I did it..." He confessed nervously while looking away. "Because then that could've happened to you. So there's no need to-"
"I know, but...will you let me, please?" Izuka interrupted and held out the bento box. "I made you this."
He blinked as he took the box and opened it, his eyes widening. There were dumplings, some sushi rolls, steamed clams, fried chicken, rice, crab tempura, broccoli, and takoyaki. "You...made this for me...?"
"Yeah. I know that some of this stuff isn't in your usual diet, but I made sure to keep the ones of what you had that day," She gave a small smile. "So if you end up not liking something, you can just throw it away, I won't be upset."
"No!" He exclaimed and she gave him a wide-eyed look. "I-I mean...thank you. I'll treasure every bite of it...how are you feeling?"
"Honestly, I'm really anxious and waiting for everything to be over. I know everyone else is really impatient too. Thank you for asking..." She sighed a little, frowning a bit. The girl wanted to be part of it so bad, but she would rather not risk Mr. Aizawa's trust at the same time.
"I'm sure Eraser will change his mind. You'd be really helpful."
Izuka blinked, gave him a small smile, and then waved. "Yeah...Well, goodnight, then. I ran out before dinner, so I'm starving myself."
"Bye..." He stared after her in shock as she left. He then smiled down at the bento box in his hands. I wish I could be like you...you may be positive, but it's also...really cute. I don't even care that she's a first-year, because Mido...isn't like anyone else.
As she was walking back to Heights Alliance, she looked up and came to a stop as Katsuki was there, leaning against the doorway. He stared right into her eyes as she felt some tension, though she could take a guess why. She ran out all of a sudden, or because she still wouldn't tell him about Eri or the Shie Hassaikai.
She then heaved a sigh as she walked up the steps. "Katsuki, I'm hungry and I just ran all the way over to another building. Can we do this another-"
"No," He grabbed her arm and she looked up at him in shock as he glared, looking pissed. "Tell me where you were. And don't make things difficult like last time."
"Hey, let go," She protested with a frown, looking up at him. "Seriously, I'm not in the mood."
"I'm not holding you that tight, you could get out of it if you're really that opposed to talking to me," He grunted and Izuka faltered upon hearing this. He had a point, he wasn't gripping her arm to the point where she couldn't break free. If she couldn't tell him what she had heard from Sir Nighteye...she could at least be honest about this. The girl sighed in defeat, closing her eyes.
"Just to be clear, this only refers to where I was. I still can't tell you about...you know," She murmured and he pressed his lips together thinly.
"Oh, so you know exactly what I'm talking about, huh?" He narrowed his eyes down at her.
"Can we get to the point?" Izuka sighed, pinching her nose.
"Do I have to spell it out? What were you doing?"
"I was giving Amajiki a bento box to thank him for what he did while I was out. I know he'd be busy, so I figured tonight was the best night," She explained, a hand on her hip as she looked up. "Satisfied?"
"Oh yeah? From the Big Three, right? The one who saved you? So what if he did?" He looked away with a small growl.
"Don't tell me that bothers you and you don't trust him just like with Shindo-San," The short girl sighed heavily, dragging a hand down her face. "You know, you never act like this with Kirishima or Kaminari-San, why is that?"
"Because they won't do anything weird, and you won't with them either," He answered simply; he just didn't want to see guys flirting with her because he wasn't okay with it. He could just imagine her laughing and having a fun time with someone else, and he'd get mad. With Denki, he did sometimes push it, but Katsuki could relatively trust him.
"Amajiki is just a friend, and I don't know what weird means," She replied as she looked away.
"Friend my ass. You cook for your friends?" He growled and the girl looked exasperated.
"The one time I do, I'm suddenly the bad person here? I'm allowed to talk to other boys, especially those from our class. That's not gonna change," She then whipped her arm away from his hold.
"That's not what I'm fucking saying and you know it!" He yelled as she opened the door, looking over her shoulder.
"So then stop acting like this. I'll talk to you when you've calmed down," And with that, she closed it, earning an angry growl at him. He clenched a fist as she wasn't wrong, and he hated it.
Damn it...that guy is totally crushing on her. I don't even have to see it to know. If it was Kirishima, would she have made him a bento box? It's obvious that guy likes her and she doesn't even notice it somehow. I wish she'd stay away from guys like that. He's not the one who made sure she isn't dead multiple times, I am!
He growled again while looking towards the door, a fist shaking. It wasn't that he was trying to control her life, but it just bothered him to no end when she talked to guys that clearly liked her. Plus, he wanted to ask her why he saw her crying, but his jealousy got in the way.
"I just had to fall for that idiot..." He placed a hand on his forehead.
2 days later, late at night
At Heights Alliance, almost everyone was asleep. Izuku looked up at the ceiling, wide awake. He knew he should be getting rest, but he couldn't. Not when Eri was still out there and the less time spent finding her, the better. The guilt was too much for him at times for him to sleep, he would only get a couple of hours in...same for Izuka, but she at least slept for half her normal hours since she had classes still.
Izuku's phone suddenly vibrated and he gasped, whipping around to his phone. He got out of bed and once he heard the call, he ran out into the common room. Eijiro, Ochaco, and Tsuyu arrived as well, holding their phones. Izuku went over to join them.
"Alright. You too?" He looked over to the girls as Ochaco nodded sharply.
"We got it."
Izuku frowned deeply, looking at his phone in determination. "It's happening...I guess Mr. Aizawa couldn't get Izuka to come..." They all frowned at Mr. Aizawa having denied her being allowed to be in the mission. But they would have to let it go unfortunately...
"I'm in."
They looked towards Izuka wide-eyed as she stepped out of the shadows. She held up her phone with a small smile, confirming that she was actually joining them. Izuku gasped happily as the others smiled towards her.
Mr. Aizawa pulled away from his computer. "With that many people out looking, it went pretty quickly."
Mirio was outside his own dorm building, looking at his phone as he was notified too. "Mirio." He looked up to see Tamaki. Nejire walked up wrapped up in her own hair, letting out a yawn. She was still pretty tired, but looked up with a smile.
"Let's do our best..."
Eri. We'll protect you this time. Mirio kept his determined look towards his phone.
Izuku was the same way. We'll save you, Eri!
Eri was currently sleeping in her bed, unaware of what was to come. I promise!
I can't wait to meet you, Eri...I promise that we won't leave you behind. Izuka gripped her phone tightly.
"Well, it looks like we're in for sunshine today," A weather reporter stated from the TV. "So get out there and enjoy the nice weather. In the eve-" Denki turned off the TV just as Hanta approached him and Mashirao.
"I know Tokoyami's still off in Kyushu...but I wonder where the rest of the work study students are," He confessed to the two.
"Yeah, it's strange," Mashirao admitted to them. "Midoriya and Mido have been acting weird lately too."
"I know! Did you see them this morning?" Denki pointed out as something had happened during breakfast.
"Uh-huh. They were staring at their food with these super-intense looks on their faces," Mashirao recalled as the two didn't even eat. "Plus, I heard that she got pulled out of her special classes again with excused absences? Just like that one time, I wonder why."
"And it wasn't only Deku and Mido, either. The other three looked really serious too," Hanta frowned a little. "Like something big was about to happen. But whatever it is, it's kind of weird that Mido's suddenly involved when she didn't get her license."
"You guys think what they've been doing out there's dangerous?" Denki gave a worried look.
"Even if it is, they'll be with pros, right?" Mashirao had a small smile on his face. "Maybe Mido's somehow involved with it and that's why they need her all of a sudden."
"That's true," Hanta looked a bit more optimistic. "There's probably nothing to worry about."
"So unfair Mido is there if she's still taking special classes, though..." Denki gave a small pout.
"Huh?!" Locklock yelped in alarm as he heard the news. "They're keeping this Eri girl in their stronghold?"
"And by stronghold, you mean..." Fat Gum started off and Ryukyu looked up knowingly.
"The headquarters of the Hassaikai," She finished for the hero. "It's their leader's residence."
Locklock let out an annoyed sigh. "So you're telling me all that time we spent investigating was for nothing then?"
"Not at all, we gained plenty of new information as well," Sir Nighteye informed him.
"How'd you confirm she was there?" Fat Gum asked him seriously, wanting to find her as soon as possible.
Sir Nighteye then held up...a toy box for Gung-Ho! Glitter Squad 10. "A member of the Hassaikai visited a nearby department store the other day. He purchased a toy favored by young girls." Most of the heroes were put off by the box.
"What?" Fat Gum questioned in utter bewilderment.
"That's pretty sparkly," Locklock commented as he felt like just the box alone was blinding him.
Fat Gum then flinched as he wasn't buying it. "Listen, maybe the guy just likes cutesy stuff! Different strokes for different folks, Nighteye. You wanna tell us what you're doin' with one, though?"
"Yes," He looked up at the hero. "I was there when he made the purchase and overheard his conversation with the store clerk."
"Hey, uh," Eri's caretaker spoke up in the store. Sir Nighteye looked over his shoulder, his back facing them. "What's that show little girls are into these days? Glitter somethin' or other?"
"Oh sure, I wonder if you could be thinking about Glitter Squad, maybe?"
"Yeah, that's the one!" He pretended like he knew when in reality, he didn't. "I remember now. It's Squad Action! Glitter Squad! So you, uh, got any of those?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir, the Squad Action! Glitter Squad! Series was from a number of years ago." Sir Nighteye silently approached them. "The current series is Gung Ho! Glitter Squad Ten!"
"Really?" He asked in disinterest. "Okay, where are those, then?"
Sir Nighteye placed a hand on his shoulder from behind. "They're right over here," He was holding a box himself.
"Whoa, where'd you come from?" The man asked in alarm.
"You were asking about Glitter Squad. I'm a fan too," He then used his Foresight on the man, and foresaw him bringing the box over to the headquarters of the Hassaikai. He also saw the man touching a certain trap spot to open a pathway to the underground lair...presenting it to Eri herself. And the last thing he saw was of Eri's terrified face.
"You ended up using Foresight anyway?!" Locklock yelled at him in anger, remembering what Sir Nighteye told them about it from the conference.
"If you recall, I said I'd use it when our path was more certain," Sir Nighteye reminded the hero.
"Whatever, this means we've got the data we need, right?" Fat Gum brought them back on subject, since they had more important things to focus on.
"Yes," Centipeder spoke up nearby. "And we know for sure when they'll be there thanks to our stakeouts."
"Mmhm!" Bubble Girl hummed, giving a peace sign. "We also worked with the police and already got a warrant to search the place! Next step..."
"Is to barge in there!" Fat Gum gave a glare, hoping to encounter Overhaul himself. He then gave a smile.
"Aw, man!" Bubble Girl cried out with her eyes wide. "That's my line!"
In the back, Izuku and the other students who were called in were listening. "Hey, Deku," Ochaco whispered, getting his attention. He looked over to see his three classmates smiling optimistically. Ochaco clenched her fists with a sharp nod, and he nodded too with a smile. He then looked over to his sister.
"By the way...did they explain how you were allowed to be here?" He blinked rapidly at his sister.
"According to Mr. Aizawa, one of the heroes has a fake contract to sign me up towards an internship, but he didn't say which one," She whispered to him. "Which doesn't require a license, so that's what they'll say if anyone questions it."
He blinked as he eyed the room. Sir Nighteye didn't come up with the contract? I wonder who did. As long as she gets to come, I guess it doesn't matter.
"Come on, Midoriya," Mirio spoke up and the twins turned towards him. He then took a deep breath, waving his arms rapidly. "We're all over this! Let's rescue that girl! Take down some bad guys! Yeah!"
"What's with those moves?!" Izuku yelped and some people turned towards the trio.
"I get you're determined, but maybe save your energy a little?" Izuka rubbed her neck in a bit of embarrassment at the amount of people looking. Nevertheless, she and Izuku both smiled towards the boy.
Good, seems like he's back to normal.
It's nice to see him so energetic even though I know that he and Izuku are carrying a lot on their shoulders Izuka hummed a little.
"Hey, hey," Nejire patted Tamaki's back as they looked towards Mirio. "Look!" She giggled at his behavior while Tamaki smiled happily to see his friend being much happier.
"YEAH!" Mirio pumped a fist into the air. "Aw, yeah!"
Everyone stared at him in silence, Sir Nighteye looking a bit upset. Mirio...you've been regretting what happened in that alley this whole time, haven't you? But I hope you know it's only because you held your ground that we were able to go into this mission fully prepared. All the UA students were gathered together talking. Regret and failure are an inevitable part of life. What's actually important, though...is what you learn from them. He closed his eyes as he thought of seeing All Might in the hospital...from that big fight. And when he was unconscious, that was when Sir Nighteye saw his fated death. I don't know if it's possible to change the future. But...you can change the effect the past has on you. By interpreting your history. It's possible to modify how you view the present.
The students all went to go change into their hero costumes. Mirio. Shine. I know you're someone who can do that! Mirio put on his cape and walked off as Izuku put on his gloves.
This time, for sure.
Mirio looked up at him in determination. For sure!
The two then stood in front of the doors as they opened, revealing everyone else who would be involved. Their classmates and Izuka had also changed into their costumes. Sir Nighteye looked up at the two boys.
"Now then. Let's begin."
At the same time, Shie Hassaikai, residence of the head—underground
Chrono was listening to his phone. "Keep watch," A member informed the second-in-command. "A bunch have been gathering since early this morning. The police are backing them up."
He then looked up towards Overhaul. "Boss. It sounds like they've figured out where we are."
"So they're coming," Overhaul spoke calmly as he didn't seem fazed at all. He then let out a small sigh, sitting up. "Proceed according to plan."
"You got it, sir," Chrono then turned back to his phone to relay the message. Overhaul got onto his feet.
"Prepare yourself."
"Right," Mimic nodded at his boss, who then proceeded to leave the room.
"Where are you going?" Chrono looked up curiously and Overhaul opened the door, at first not answering. He then turned back around to the two.
"To take care of something," And that was all he told them before he left.
8:00 AM, in front of the police station
A bunch of police and SWAT team members were outside of the police station, as they were about to charge in towards the Shie Hassaikai. "As you know, Nighteye was able to use his Quirk on a Hassaikai member," A detective informed the group, and everyone involved in the operation were there as well. "Through it, he saw underground facilities, and we believe them to be this yakuza group's headquarters. We were also able to confirm that the girl we're trying to rescue is currently being held in one of the rooms there. Although we were unable to map out the entire layout of the underground hallways, we believe the man Sir Nighteye saw took the shortest route to our target. This is the best intel we have at the moment, concerning the Hassaikai's stronghold. It's the basis of this mission. Stay smart. These guys are dangerous, and we can expect them to bring their Quirks against us, full force." He then nodded to his team before looking back towards the heroes and students. "We're passing around a list of current Hassaikai members and their Quirks, according to our registration databases."
A man passed around papers to them. "Commit this to memory."
"It's solid information to have on hand," One of the heroes commented as he read it. "Thank you for this."
"We don't wanna give them time to hide." Eijiro gave a determined look towards Fat Gum. "Our aim is to identify and apprehend all members as quickly as possible while securing our target."
Tamaki adjusted his gear, putting on his hood. Eijiro turned around to him, Ochaco, and Tsuyu. "Things are moving fast now, huh?"
"You're energetic, considering how early it is," Tamaki commented as Izuka walked up.
"That's Kirishima for you," She giggled and he yelped, noticing her hero costume.
"Uh, t-that's your costume? It looks...really nice on you."
"Thanks, Amajiki—oh, I should be calling you Suneater right now, huh?" She tapped her chin in thought.
"You can call me whatever you want...what's your hero name?" He looked down at her curiously, twiddling his thumbs together.
"Callista!" Izuka revealed with a small smile and he gasped.
Just like Mirio, who's like the sun, she's like the moon...
Ochaco then clammed up a little bit. "I'm getting nervous," She confessed to Tsuyu, shaking a little.
"No joke, first detective work, and now we're cooperating with the police," Tsuyu stated in thought. "There's so much I don't know."
"Right?" Nejire smiled from behind the two. "So official!"
"I'm sure we'll be able to pull this off," Izuka smiled gently towards them, placing a hand on Ochaco's shoulder. "Right, Ochaco?"
"Hm. Yeah!" She nodded at the girl with a smile.
Ryukyu approached her work-study students, holding her list as she smiled. "That's true. Schools don't always prepare you for investigations like this. It takes some time to adjust."
"She's right," Kesagiri Man agreed with a nod.
"All the pros seem like they're pretty chill, huh?" Eijiro pointed out as he and Izuku looked around. "So brave!"
"Hey. I haven't seen Gran Torino around here this morning. Do you know where he is?" He wondered to his classmate.
"Apparently, he won't be joining us today," Sir Nighteye answered for the boy, standing a few feet away.
"Uh-" Izuku whipped around to him. "Sir?"
"Tsukauchi's been keeping an eye on the League," The detective spoke up nearby. "According to him, it looks like they're on the move. Fortunately, we have plenty of heroes here, so we can afford to send Gran Torino."
"I see..."
Eijiro smiled towards his friend. "Maybe we can take down the Hassaikai and the League of Villains at the same time!"
"Oh yeah!" Izuku smiled back at him, clenching his fist tightly. "Let's go!"
"Not yet," Mr. Aizawa made his presence known.
"Ah-Mr. Eraser Head, sir!" Izuku yelped while looking up at him.
"I'm teaming up with Nighteye Agency for this," He told his student. "Do you understand me?"
Mr. Aizawa hit his fist against Izuku's chest. "So, I'll watch you. If you're going to see this through, you gotta do it the right way. Use your head."
Izuku nodded in understanding as Izuka walked over to them. "Yes, sir!"
"Mido," She braced herself for what he was going to say. "Your classmates gave you that chance I was talking about." The girl gasped, Izuku glancing over his shoulder proudly at the others that they convinced him.
"You'll have a chance of being able to help that girl one day."
"So on behalf of them, and Locklock who made that fake contract...don't screw this up," He warned the girl, both of them blinking at him in alarm to hear it was Locklock. Izuku glanced over to the hero, who was glowering towards Izuka. Given her reaction to hearing about Eri, it made sense, even if the choice was unconventional. He didn't even take internship or work-study students, so it was surprising that he was the one who volunteered for it. "Out of everyone here, you're the one who needs to go Plus Ultra the most."
"I promise I won't let anyone down or get in the way, Mr. Eraser Head," Izuka narrowed her eyes, clenching her fists. Mr. Aizawa simply gave her a small nod.
"Now! Heroes!" The detective announced, getting their attention. "Things could get violent quickly out there. If you encounter even a hint of suspicious behavior or resistance, call for help immediately!"
Fat Gum dug into his pocket and pulled out something, offering it to Tamaki. "Here, take this swordfish. Eat up."
"You think I'll need it? Okay, sure, thanks," Tamaki held out his hand to take it.
"We're up against gangsters who've avoided capture until now. It is imperative that each of you carry out your respective assignments. And stay sharp in there!" He then saluted, the police and SWAT team doing the same. "We will commence the operation at 0830 hours. Heroes, move out!"
Everyone then took off towards the headquarters. Izuka wasn't going to fly because she didn't want to alert anyone from outside.
The door opened and someone stepped inside. There was a machine to regulate someone's heartbeat...from someone who was unconscious. It was Overhaul visiting as he came to a stop next to the man.
"...Sorry, Pops," He murmured while listening to the steady beeps, but the man showed no signs of waking up. "Things are about to get noisy."
8:30 AM
Everyone surrounded the entrance to the Hassaikai headquarters.
Commence!
The detective looked over his shoulder. "Once they've read the warrant, then you're free to move!" He warned every single person. "I'm counting on everyone to act swiftly."
"What's with this guy?" Locklock muttered in annoyance. "Over here actin' like we don't know our jobs."
"You know that's not what he means, Locklock. Give it a rest," Fat Gum told him in irritation, earning a scoff in return.
Two detectives nodded to each other. "The real problem...is that these Yakuza bastards are good at livin' in the shadows," Locklock said bitterly as he watched someone approach the building. "They see all these heroes and the police, they might just disappear."
Just before someone could ring the doorbell, a huge hand came in out of nowhere to break down the door. This sent the policeman flying and everyone was now on guard. Fat Gum held another policeman away to shield him.
Mr. Aizawa gritted his teeth while throwing his scarf. Green energy sparked and Izuku caught the policeman that was blown away. He slid to a stop as Mr. Aizawa captured two of them himself, moving down his goggles.
"Are you alright?" Izuku asked the one he caught.
"I think so. Thank you..." One of his comrades went over to check on him.
Mr. Aizawa then stood up, glaring towards the one who broke down the door. "Whaddaya want? It's too early for visitors," He growled towards the group, and he was taller than Fat Gum, wearing gear and gloves.
"Aw, man! You kiddin' me?" Locklock screeched, gritting his teeth. "How do they already know we're here?"
"No time for questions," A hero reached out to his hair, and he pulled out a strand to turn it into a sword. "Let's go!"
"That's good," The villain, Katsukame, swayed around a little. "I'm waking up a little." He then readied his fist, which grew larger in size along with his arm.
Ryukyu stood in front of the police officers. "Brace yourselves!"
"Why are you people here?!" He shouted as he sent out a huge gust of wind. Ryukyu herself sent out a lot of smoke. Izuka gasped, holding up a big star shield to embrace the impact. Nejire gasped as she looked towards her mentor, who had turned herself into an actual dragon.
"Listen to me!" She shouted as Izuka dropped the shield, looking up at her in awe. "We shouldn't split up too many of our forces yet," She was holding the man's arm with her dragon claws. "The Ryukyu Agency will take care of this villain!" She then knocked the man into the ground. "The rest of you. Go!"
The others ran off while Nejire looked towards Ochaco and Tsuyu. "Let's support Ryukyu!"
"Right!" Ochaco agreed as she and Tsuyu stood her ground.
"You heard her!" Fat Gum was gesturing for the others to run inside. "Everyone, move! Come on!"
Izuka looked back at her classmates in slight concern before she followed. She had to trust that they would be okay, as they would do the same with her.
"This is the heroes and the police!" The head detective held up the warrant, as three people were blocking the way to the home. "We have a warrant to search your premises on suspicion of manufacture and sale of illegal drugs!"
"They've got a search warrant?" One of them panicked.
"Who cares?!" The second moved his hand to make the leaves of a nearby bush fly towards their enemies like arrows. Several Swat team members used their shields to block the blows. Kesagiri Man swooped in to knock the man onto his back. He then pinned him while several people stayed behind to deal with the heroes.
"Stop resisting!"
"They sure led with a brawler," Locklock gritted his teeth as he continued on with the others. "These guys ain't scared."
"Quickest route. Let's go!" Fat Gum declared while running next to Sir Nighteye. "Get to the girl."
"We've got this!" Mirio exclaimed between the twins. "Don't we?"
"Yes!" Izuku answered with resolve, looking up towards the building.
"We won't hold back!" Izuka nodded sharply at the two.
Eri, we're coming! Izuku kept his eyes on the doorway.
This time will be different! Mirio thought while gritting his teeth.
I know deep down, you want to know about me, and you will! Izuka narrowed her eyes angrily.
This time, we'll save you! All three thought in unison to succeed this time around. And all of them vowed to not fail Eri again.
"I can hear 'em," Chrono reported to Overhaul as the young head walked. "Just barely. A lot of 'em out there. Sounds like they're running in the same direction. Which means they already know where they wanna go. They probably already know where we are." He then went to go catch up with his boss.
"It happened sooner than I thought it would," He remarked as they went deeper into the hideout. "We can't afford to be found right now. They attacked on their own. Make that the story. That is what our pawns were groomed for."
"The Eight Bullets of the Hassaikai Group," Chrono commented knowingly of what the man wanted to do.
Katsukame stood up, cackling while Ryukyu kept her eyes on him. She narrowed her eyes towards him. This power...
The lights flickered as three other members were awaiting their turn to strike...Two more were hiding in another room, and two were in another hallway.
"While they're buying us time, we'll collect Eri and any evidence of our plans, and disappear," Overhaul revealed as he opened the door to her room. She looked up in fear, her eyes and lips quivering. She knew that she would never be able to escape...