06/04/2024
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The Emperor's Dragon
Dragon 8 - Gambit
Shunin rolled his eyes as he listened to the other lawyer. He'd gotten his client off, and now the other kid's lawyer somehow expected him to do something too! Geez. The man knew how things worked. He hadn't been paid to deal with the other kid, just the spider-quirked teen.
"Look," he said sharply, cutting through the drivel he wasn't listening to. "Your client, what's his name?" Shunin asked.
"Nobasu Yubikoto," came the reply.
"Yeah him. Just play on the fact he was bullied by that Bakugou-kid and settle for a restraining order and some community service. It's not like he did any permanent damage, did he?" Shunin advised.
"He wants to get off entirely," the other lawyer complained.
"That's not going to happen," Shunin huffed. "I got that Gatarui kid off 'cos he didn't do anything. Nobasu did. Just tell him that's the best he can hope for and if he's too dumb to accept that, then walk away," he said.
Shunin shook his head. He was beginning to regret taking that case, but, while the Alliance didn't exactly have terms, when their biggest client asked for something to be done, they did it. Other law firms couldn't buy out the Alliance but- He sighed softly. He shouldn't be this annoyed. That particular client always paid well and got him cases against the HPSC… so he shouldn't be picky.
"Not all of us can walk away from a client," the other lawyer told him.
"Of course we can," Shunin objected. "It's all in how you phrase it," he advised. "Anyway, I'm not saying more on your case. You know what to do," he added before he hung up. If this had been a regular case, then it was open and shut. It wasn't and that was probably what his compatriot was struggling with.
But, it wasn't his case and it wasn't like he cared about them. He'd done his job and he hadn't heard if his client was happy but he assumed they were. They'd paid, which really, along with cases against the HPSC was all he cared about.
-ted-
Kenshin Naruhado, Principal of Shiketsu High School looked at the invitation. It was on paper and hand written. The archaic style was…
Sometimes Nezu was just too obvious with his warnings. "What do you think of it?" Kenshin asked Koi. The teacher wasn't the Vice-Principal but was someone Kenshin relied on. Koi Sasume had seen a lot in her history. She wasn't a hero and had never been one. Instead she'd been a manager and over the course of her active management career, she'd seen humanity and heroes at their best, and worst. She'd managed heroes through Lethal Force Authorisations and she'd managed them when those went wrong resulting in the deaths of civilians or, less frequently but often enough to be known of, the death of the hero.
She'd seen a lot and knew how to read the situation.
"They are taking Izuku Midoriya seriously," she said softly.
He gave her a look. That wasn't what he was looking for.
"There's a lot of messages there," she told him, slightly defensively.
He sighed and gestured for her to continue.
"They are taking Izuku Midoriya seriously. Nezu is concerned about the Commission. UA is concerned about their reputation and the public perception of heroes, especially after All Might's battle with that villain. Pick one?" She instructed.
Kenshin chuckled. "Is this a good idea?" He asked.
"Depends what we want out of it," Koi countered.
That was the question. Shiketsu, as a school, had a vested interest in ensuring that their students were prepared for the future, and that was their focus. They were not, or not meant to be, directly involved in actually fighting villains, so the request was interesting in that way. He had no objections to preparing his students to fight the next generation of villains but there seemed to be a good chance that his students would now be exposed to fighting villains and he wasn't sure what he thought of that.
On the other hand, UA didn't appear to have a choice in the matter. The villains seemed to come to them. He couldn't help but wonder if that was a consequence of having All Might there, or if the villains would have attacked anyway.
"If we go in with this, it will expose us," he murmured.
"Yes, but that might not be a bad thing," Koi countered.
He didn't need to tell her to explain.
Koi didn't look happy but Kenshin got the impression her disapproval wasn't with him. "These new villains," she began carefully. "They aren't like the ones most of our students will encounter," she explained. "You know as well as I do that most villains are in need of assistance. They can get that assistance after being arrested. There are some bad eggs," she continued. "Those who are truly villainous, who just want to hurt people but those aren't the regular type."
"And these new ones? This Tomura Shigaraki and Izuku Midoriya?" Kenshin asked. Tomura had been making his name attacking UA, supposedly going after All Might. His name had been cemented in the underworld by the fact that a villain, they were calling All For One, had come to defend him. Even through television screens, there had been something malevolent about All For One and the population knew it. As for Izuku Midoriya, his reputation had been cemented by the Yaoyozoru's very public plea for him to return their daughter's quirk.
Some people were more afraid of Izuku than Tomura. They pointed out that Tomura simply went after All Might, who, while obviously grievously injured, was a hero. Izuku had gone after quirks… And no one was quite sure what to think about that.
"They're different," she agreed. "They are not after something they immediately need. They are more dangerous than that, because they are after social change." Koi seemed to think about that for a few moments. "Social change by itself is not a bad thing. It's necessary," she pointed out. "But the type of violent upheaval they want isn't good… at least in Tomura's case. Izuku hasn't said anything."
"He killed that woman in Niigata!" Kenshin objected.
"A woman he had a history with," Koi reminded him. "And there is no doubt that is a bad thing and he will be punished for it, but I do not believe that is a representation of his desires," she explained. "And yes, I know he's behind the kidnapping of the gang that attacked his friend and he's probably killed them too," she continued before he could object, "but again, that was a personal attack. We've yet to see Izuku perform any acts that relate to his overall goal."
"So he's just a villain, driven by his passions," Kenshin stated.
"For the moment," Koi agreed but he could read the doubt in her voice.
"You don't think he's going to remain that?"
She shook her head. "UA wouldn't be worried about him, even with his ability to take quirks, if he was just a teenager acting on his desires," she pointed out.
That was true.
"So why should Shiketsu participate in this?" he asked, poking at the invitation.
Koi sighed and picked up the invitation. She flicked her eyes over it. "I don't think we have a choice," she indicated. "It represents a great opportunity for our students," Koi said.
"Oh, I can see that," Kenshin said. While UA was asking for them to send only three students, for those three it would be a great opportunity to train with All Might and to network with other up and coming heroes. Nezu's specific wording made it clear he wanted the best of their students.
As educators, we develop a sense for those who are going to go far, who have the drive, and the will to be the very best. UA seeks those students, of any year level, to participate in a long term training exercise, led by All Might, to mould the heroes of the future.
Yeah, he'd been clear, though the rat hadn't said anything about which school the students would represent once they were through with this training exercise. Even if Nezu didn't mention combat, he could see that was the intent.
"Think of the social implications if we don't participate," Koi instructed.
Kenshin didn't grimace but it was a close thing. Those would be- Those would be large. He could probably come up with a reason to hold back Shiketsu's students if it was just training on the grounds that it was likely to be attacked by villains and his students weren't ready. But…
It was a hold over from the unrest that accompanied the rise of quirks but those institutions which trained heroes, those who the community would rely on to protect them, were also shelters for those communities. In case of civil unrest, such as the unrest it appeared Tomura Shigaraki was fermenting, they were obligated to protect civilians. Shiketsu's grounds, like UA's and other Hero Schools, had shelters for that reason.
Nezu's proposal was meant to show the Hero Schools working together to prepare the next generation of Heroes. That's what the sale's pitch to the public would say and if Shiketsu was not involved then- Kenshin sighed. If they weren't involved, then there'd be questions about what else they wouldn't do.
"I hate that rat," he grumbled.
Koi didn't look sympathetic. He knew the feeling at least partially mutual for her but she was far better at controlling it. "So, which students?" she asked pragmatically.
Shiketsu did not have a 'Big Three' as UA liked to boast. Instead, Shiketsu liked to say they had a rounded student body that didn't overly rely on individuals.
But… they did know that some of their students would do better than others. They were all going to be good heroes, but some…. Darn that rat. Some would be great.
"Given that they are likely to go straight into combat, the third years," Kenshin said as he thought. He could think of two immediately but he wasn't sure of the others.
Koi nodded but said nothing. He got the impression she was prepared to wait for his answer. He hated when she got like this. "How about Keiko and Sakai?" Kenshin asked. Those weren't the two he was thinking of and he wondered if she'd pick that up.
The glare she gave him spoke volumes. "All right," Kenshin sighed. "Taiki and Aimi," he said the two names. Taiki was a muscular male student who's quirk was a stock standard strength quirk. It was rather boring, but also rather useful. Aimi had a limited water manipulation quirk, combined with the ability to breathe underwater. It made her quite flexible with missions, especially since she'd trained and was no wilting flower. They were both at the top of the third years.
"Not Miyako?" Koi asked.
Kenshin acknowledged her question with a nod. "I think she's going to be a better underground hero," he explained, "and I get the impression that Nezu's after fighters," he added.
He saw her glance at the letter. It didn't say anything specifically but she sighed and he knew she agreed. "The third-" Koi said, tapping one finger on the table.
"That's the problem," Kenshin agreed.
They sat in silence for a few moments.
"What abo-" Koi fell silent without finishing.
"About?" Naruhado prompted.
"One of the first years," Koi said slowly, as if she was still thinking.
"The first years?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Nezu will be sending his," Koi countered but Kenshin could tell she agreed with him.
"Not all of them," he argued.
"The quirkless," she agreed. "They'll need protecting, but the fact remains, Nezu is sending them."
Kenshin sighed. He couldn't argue that. "Which first year?" he asked instead. They did still need a third.
"Inasa," Koi told him.
"Inasa… The kid who was meant to go to UA?" he murmured. He'd considered not accepting the application but the teen had proved he was dedicated, at least for now.
"Shadowcrawler and Magenetee were more than a little annoyed at that," Koi told him.
"Yeah so?"
"It takes a lot of guts to go against your mentors that way," Koi pointed out.
Kenshin huffed. "That's just teenage drama," he dismissed it. Magnetee and Shadowcrawler might have used some favours to get Inasa a chance at UA Recommendation but they'd live.
"Perhaps, but he's got-" Koi paused and then huffed. "Nezu's right, you know. You get a sense for who is going to go far. He's going to make it. He might even be Number One at some point," she said seriously.
"You've told others this?"
"Of course not!" She snapped. "But I was going to recommend we allow him to take the Provisional Licence Exam."
From her, that was a serious recommendation.
"Bring me everyone's files. If I can't find someone else, we'll recommend those three but-"
"I don't like it either," Koi told him, "but, if we send anything but the best…"
She didn't have to say anything more. If Shiketsu sent anything less than their best then, UA would count that as a win. And he wasn't going to let them win.
-ted-
Tsugimoto Kabuto looked at the invitation. It had come as a surprise in his mail. Izamu Hero High did not get too many letters. Well, not on paper. Especially not from UA. The arrangements for the visitation program were taken care of electronically. He'd already read the letter and it was… It was troubling and hopeful in many ways and while what it asked for was simple, he wasn't sure.
"What do you think?" he asked Suminoe as he held out the letter. She was one of the hero teachers and if they went ahead with it, she would most likely accompany their students. She took the paper with iridescent nails and spent several moments reading it. It was a bit disconcerting watching her read because she had no pupils or irises. As part of her quirk, she took in light from all of her eyes. Still, he knew what she was reading.
Dear Tsugimoto,
In light of recent events, UA feels that training of tomorrow's heroes would be served by bringing them together. While the rankings of the Hero Billboard, will put our students into competition with each other, in true hero work, there is no ranking. As such, it is felt, to meet the new wave of villains, already emerging in Japan, it would be best to train the heroes of tomorrow to work together so that they can effectively and efficiently meet the challenge they represent.
UA is extending an invitation to all Hero Schools around the country to participate. The UA campus will be designated for the training, which is anticipated to run for several months and will provide all meals and accommodation to the chosen students, and their accompanying teacher. While the UA campus is extensive, I ask that Isamu Hero High limit their selection to three students and offer the following advice for their selection.
As educators, we develop a sense for those who are going to go far, who have the drive, and the will to be the very best. UA seeks those students, of any year level, to participate in a long term training exercise, led by All Might, to mould the heroes of the future.
Responses are expected by XX Month XXXX, and questions can be directed to my office. You have the number.
Nezu
Principal, UA Hero High
"It's interesting," Suminoe replied at length.
"I was hoping for something a little more in depth than that," Tsugimoto said.
She shifted slightly to make it clear she was looking at him. "No, you were wanting me to verify your belief," Suminoe said blandly.
"Maybe I was hoping you'd disagree?"
"No," she said certainly.
He sighed. "I want us to participate," Tsugimoto said softly.
Suminoe did not look convinced.
"I do want us to participate," he objected to her look.
"But?" Suminoe prompted.
He reached out and took the letter again. "'As educators, we develop a sense for those who are going to go far, who have the drive, and the will to be the very best.'" he quoted.
"What about it?" Suminoe questioned.
"When was the last time that Isamu Hero High produced a graduate who got to the top?" he asked seriously, though couldn't help the sad note in his tone.
"To be fair, with All Might taking the top spot, no one has," Suminoe told him but he could tell she understood his question. "It's been a while," she admitted.
"It's been more than a while," Tsugimoto corrected.
Isamu Hero High turned out good heroes. No one denied that. But they were not great heroes. None of their graduates had gotten close to the top in the rankings. Their graduates were necessary heroes. They kept the small fry villains under control and had solid, good careers and saved a lot of people but- Isamu Hero High was not one of the top ranked schools.
"If we still had Raide Kikiru I'd consider it," Suminoe said, nodding to the letter which was now sitting between them on his desk.
Raide had graduated two years back. "We don't," Tsugimoto indicated with a nod to show he agreed anyway.
"So you write back to Nezu, and tell him we regret that we don't have any suitable students but that we will support the initiative?"
"I think so. I want to participate but," he shook his head. "We just don't have anyone who could compete and I feel if we sent our students then…"
"They'd be crushed," Suminoe agreed softly.
Tsugimoto snorted slightly. "We always knew we were second tier to UA, it's just that-"
"Usually Nezu doesn't point it out," she finished for him.
"He's not even doing that here," Tsugimoto said. "It's just that-"
"How about we just say no and move on?" Suminoe asked.
For a moment, he wanted to explain, to argue but there was no point. They both knew the truth, they couldn't compete on this and if they tried… they'd be putting their students in danger they weren't prepared or equipped to cope with.
"If only I was a few years younger," Tsugimoto joked instead.
While Suminoe couldn't physically roll her eyes, she gave the impression that she had. "If only-" she replied with mock sadness.
"If only," he repeated, and then reached out to pick up the letter, folding it and putting it back in the envelope before he put it in his desk drawer.
There was no point in looking further. They already had enough 'if onlys.'
-ted-
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-ted-
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