A few days had passed since the big meeting about Shie Hassaikai. The work study students were forbidden from talking about this to anyone. That drove Bakugo crazy as he wanted to know so that he could catch up.
Izuku was still worrying about Nighteye's warning to All Might. Danny told him to not worry about it for now, but Izuku couldn't. He was starting to come undone.
He was sitting at lunch staring at his meal. Shoto noticed, "You're not gonna eat?"
Izuku stuttered, "Of course I am! Here, see?" He started to stuff his face full of food."
"Dude," Danny said. "Slow down. You're going to choke."
Tenya asked, "Are you all right?"
Shoto added, "You've been acting edgy and depressed ever since you started your work study."
Izuku replied, "Oh, have I? Really?"
Danny said, "Give him a break, guys."
Tenya then said, "If you ever wanna talk or anything, just let me know. We're friends, right? That's what you said to me, remember. Back when we were heading off to our internships, and I was acting like a fool."
Izuku started to cry. Tenya freaked out, but Danny said, "Dude, it's OK. He's just stressed. We all are."
Izuku added, "Sorry! It's OK. It's nothing. Heroes aren't supposed to cry."
Shoto replied, "I don't know. I figure that heroes cry when they need to, don't they? Here, you want half of my soba?"
Tenya added, "And I've got extra beef stew."
Izuku smiled, "Thanks, guys."
Danny smiled. He was feeling stressed, too, but he was glad that people had their backs.
Meanwhile, Danny's tracker had located Eri, but Nighteye wanted the other locations taken care of first, to rule out where Chisaki was. And to see if Chisaki was at the same location as Eri.
Late one night, Danny was fast asleep. Suddenly his ghost sense went off. He woke up quickly and looked around. Suddenly he heard, "My apologies, Your Highness, for waking you. But I come with great distress."
Danny groaned, "It's OK, Fright Knight. So, what's the problem?"
Fright Knight answered, "I sensed a great power coming from here. May I see the ring?"
Danny pulled the ring from under his shirt. Fright Knight said, "I see. It seems like it is close to accepting you."
Danny was shocked, "Really? I'm surprised I didn't notice. I guess my mind's been distracted lately."
Fright Knight replied, "That girl. Clockwork told me. Your ghostly nature of wanting to save people is keeping your gaze away from other things. I understand."
Danny sighed, "Yeah, I'm worried about Eri. Now that we have her location, part of me wants to storm in and rescue her. But I understand why Sir Nighteye wants to wait. And I'm worried about Chisaki. His Quirk is something else."
Fright Knight replied, "I understand your worry. But I have great faith that you will come out on top."
Danny held out the ring, "And you said that ring is closer to accepting me. But when will that be?"
"When the time is right," Fright Knight answered. "You'll know."
Danny sighed, "You're just as cryptic as Clockwork."
Suddenly, Danny's phone went off. Fright Knight said, "This is where I leave you. Good luck, Your Highness." Fright Knight opened a ghost portal, then disappeared.
What Danny didn't know was that Izuku was wide awake before his phone went off, as he and Danny got the same message. So he heard the conversation as his room was right next to Danny's. His suspicions of Danny were growing. But his worry about Eri was his top priority right now. He jumped out of bed and ran downstairs. Danny did the same.
Kirishima, Ochaco, and Tsuyu were downstairs as well. Kirishima said, "All right. You, too?"
Everyone nodded, with Tsuyu replying, "We got it."
Izuku had a determined look on his face, "It's happening."
Danny added, "Let's go save Eri."
Aizawa also got the same message, "Looks like they took care of all the places on the list with that many people out there."
The Big 3 got the message as well.
The next morning, the rest of Class 1-A were relaxing in the common area before school started. Sero said, "I know Tokoyami's still off in Kyushu, but I wonder where the rest of the work study students are."
Oijiro added, "Yeah, it's strange. Midoriya's been acting weird lately, too."
Kaminari said, "I know! Did you see him this morning?"
Oijiro nodded, "Yep. He was staring at his food with this super intense look on his face."
Sero added, "And it wasn't only Deku, either. The other four looked really serious, too. Like something big was about to happen. Danny's eyes were green the entire time. It was kinda scary."
Kaminari asked, "You guys think what they've been doing out there's dangerous?"
Oijiro chuckled, "Even if it is, they'll be with pros, right? Plus, Danny will have no problem out there. He's already on the same level as a pro."
Sero said, "That's true. There's probably nothing to worry about."
Over at Nighteye Agency, the pros helping with the investigation were gathered around Sir Nighteye.
Rock Lock shouted, "They're keeping Eri at their stronghold? And you knew this the entire time?"
Fat Gum said, "And by stronghold, you mean…."
"The headquarters of Shie Hassaikai," Ryukyu finished. "It's their leader's residence."
Rock Lock shouted, "So you're telling me all that time we spent taking down the other sites was for nothing? You had that tracker from that ghost kid with you the entire time?"
Nighteye answered, "Not at all, we gained plenty of new information as well. We needed to be sure that Chisaki was at the same location as Eri."
Centipedar added, "And we know for sure when everyone will be there thanks to our stakeouts."
Bubble Girl shouted with excitement, "We also worked with the police and already got a warrant to search the place!"
Fat Gum said, "Then the next step is to barge in there!"
The UA students were there as well. Class 1-A was determined to start this mission. Mirio said, "Midoriya, Fenton. We're all over this! Let's rescue that girl! Take down those bad guys, yeah!"
Danny muttered, "It seems Mirio is back to normal."
Nighteye noticed Mirio's change in attitude as well. He hoped Mirio learned a lesson about having pain and regret in your life and learning from it. It made him think back to the last time he saw All Might. He only hoped Mirio learned an important lesson.
All the UA students got changed into their costumes, Danny just transformed into Phantom. They all went back into the meeting room.
Nighteye said, "Now, then. Let's begin."
Over at the Hassaikai headquarters, Kurono told Chisaki, "Boss. It sounds like they've figured out where we are. Several pro heroes and the police are outside."
Chisaki sighed, "So, they're coming. Proceeded according to plan."
Kurono nodded, "You got it, Sir."
Chisaki turned to Mimic, "Prepare yourself."
Mimic nodded, "Right."
Chisaki started to walk away. Kurono asked, "Where are you going?"
Chisaki answered, "To take care of something."
Nearby, a detective said to everyone gathered, "As you know, Nighteye was able to use his Quirk on a Hassaikai member. 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. We're passing around a list of current Hassaikai members and their Quirks according to our registration database. Commit this to memory. We don't wanna give them time to hide. Our aim is to identify and apprehend all members as quickly as possible while securing our target."
Kirishima said, "Things are moving fast now, huh?"
Amajiki sighed, "You're energetic, considering how early it is."
Ochaco muttered, "I'm getting nervous."
Tsuyu agreed, "No joke, first detective work, and now we're cooperating with the police. There's so much I don't know."
Nejire interrupted, "Right? So official!"
Ryukyu walked over to them, "That's true. Schools don't always prepare you for investigations like this. It takes some time to adjust."
Kirishima said, "All the pros seem like they're pretty chill, huh? So brave! Not to mention you, Danny. This is probably a cakewalk compared to stuff you've done before."
Phantom shrugged, "I don't know exactly what we're walking into, so who knows. But I'm mentally prepared for anything."
Izuku said, "Hey. I haven't seen Gran Torino around here this morning."
Phantom agreed, "That's true. I wonder where the old man is."
Nighteye overheard, "Apparently, he won't be joining us today."
The detective next to him added, "Tsukauchi's been keeping an eye on the League. 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," Izuku said.
"Figures," Phantom added. "With the League possibly involved, then we all need to watch our backs."
Kirishima said, "Maybe we can take down the Hassaikai and the League of Villains at the same time!"
Phantom shook his head, "I doubt that if the League truly is involved, then they won't all be here."
Izuku clenched his fists, "Nevertheless, we are doing this."
Aizawa walked over, "Not yet. I'm teaming up with Nighteye Agency for this. Do you understand me, Midoriya?"
Izuku nodded, "Yes, Sir!"
Aizawa turned to Phantom, "As for you, I'm keeping an eye on you as well. You're still on thin ice with the government. Don't go overboard unless absolutely necessary."
Phantom nodded, "Understand."
The detective spoke up again, "Now, heroes! Things could get violent quickly out there. If you encounter even a hint of suspicious behavior or resistance, call for help immediately!"
Fat Gum handed Amajiki a bag, "Here, take this swordfish. Eat up."
"You'll think I'll need it?" Amajiki asked. "OK, sure, thanks."
The detective continued, "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! We will commence the operation at 0830 hours. Heroes, move out!"
Back at the Hassaikai headquarters, Chisaki entered a dark room where an old man laid in a bed hooked up to medical devices. Chisaki stood at the side of the bed, "Sorry, Pops. Things are about to get noisy."
Outside, the pro heroes and police stood ready. The detective said, "Once they've read the warrant, then you're free to move! I'm counting on everyone to act swiftly."
Rock Lock huffed, "What's with this guy? Over here acting like we don't know our jobs."
Fat Gum retorted, "You know that's not what he means, Rock Lock. Give it a rest."
Rock Lock sighed, "The real problem is that these Yakuza bastards are good at living in the shadows. They see all these heroes and police, they might just disappear."
Just as the detective was about to ring the doorbell, one of the Hassaikai henchmen burst through, knocking several policemen away. Phantom and Izuku immediately sprang into action and caught several policemen. Aizawa also used his scarf to pull police out of the way.
The henchman, named Katsukame, said, "What do you want? It's too early for visitors." He was a giant man, very muscular.
Rock Lock moaned, "Are you kidding me? How do they already know we're here?"
Mr. Brave was next to Rock Lock and said, "No time for questions. Let's go!"
Katsukam chuckled, "That's good. I'm waking up a little. Why are you people here?" His arm got bigger and threw a punch at some policemen.
Ryukyu stepped in front and activated her Quirk, turning her into a giant dragon, stopping the punch in its tracks. She grunted, "Listen to me. We shouldn't split up too many of our forces yet. The Ryukyu Agency will take care of this villain. The rest of you. Go!"
Nejire turned to Ochaco and Tsuyu, "Let's support Ryukyu!" Ochaco and Tsuyu nodded as all three girls ran in to help Ryukyu.
Fat Gum shouted, "You heard her! Everyone, move! Come on!"
Everyone else charged in. Some henchmen were outside and tried to stop them, but several heroes took them down.
Rock Lock said, "They sure led with a brawler. These guys aren't scared."
Fat Gum shouted, "Quickest route. Let's go. Get to the girl."
Mirio was running next to Izuku while Phantom was flying next to them. He said, "We've got this. Don't we?"
"Yes," Izuku nodded.
"Absolutely," Phantom agreed. "This time, we'll rescue Eri. I have to keep my promise!"
Inside, the Eight Bullets of the Hassaikai were ready and waiting for the heroes. Chisaki and Kurono decided that they needed to grab Eri and any evidence and leave. Eri saw Chisaki enter her room. She thought, "Please. Green haired boy. Danny Phantom. Save me."
