Chapter Eleven

The atmosphere in the Shie Hassaikai headquarters was thick with tension. The dim, oppressive lighting of the underground room cast long shadows, creating a sinister ambience that mirrored the mood within. The recent downpour had left everything damp, with the faint, musty scent of wet stone permeating the air. A group of Chisaki's subordinates stood in a loose semicircle, their faces pale and drawn, eyes darting nervously between each other and their leader.

Kai Chisaki, also known as Overhaul, stood at the center of the room, exuding an aura of barely contained fury. His tall, imposing figure was cloaked in his signature overcoat, the mask he always wore concealing the emotions on his face but failing to hide the cold fire in his eyes. He had gathered his men here to address a grave failure—Eri, the crucial element of his plans, had escaped under their watch.

The previous night's storm had provided the perfect cover for her disappearance, and now the excuses were pouring out, one after another.

"Boss, it was the rain," started one of the men, a tall, thin individual with a nervous twitch. He rubbed his hands together anxiously, avoiding Chisaki's piercing gaze. "The power went out, and the cameras cut off for a while. We couldn't see a thing—"

Chisaki's eyes narrowed behind his mask, and his voice was icy cold. "So, because of a little rain, you lost track of a child? Is that what you're telling me?"

Another man, shorter with a thick scar across his cheek, stepped forward, attempting to defend himself. "We didn't anticipate she'd try to escape, Boss. The storm was so bad, we thought it would deter her—"

"Deter her?" Chisaki's voice was dangerously quiet, forcing the room into a suffocating silence. "Did you really think a storm would stop her from running away from the hell she's been living in? You underestimate her desperation."

The third man, standing slightly to the side, spoke up hesitantly, "Boss, I was patrolling the perimeter, but the rain was so heavy, I couldn't see—"

Chisaki's patience snapped. "Enough!" he barked, his voice echoing off the walls. The men flinched, their eyes widening in fear. The room seemed to shrink around them as Chisaki's anger filled the space.

He took a deliberate step toward the group, singling out the man who had spoken last. "You," Chisaki hissed, pointing a gloved finger at him. "Your incompetence has cost us dearly."

The man trembled, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Boss, please, I—"

But it was too late. With a swift movement, Chisaki reached out and touched the man's chest. A horrifying sound, a sickening crunch of bones and the tearing of flesh, filled the room. The man didn't even have time to scream as his body was deconstructed in an instant, reduced to a pile of flesh and blood. The remaining men recoiled in horror, their faces ashen, as the gory remnants of their comrade settled on the floor.

Chisaki looked down at the remains with disdain, then turned his gaze to the rest of his subordinates. His voice was calm, but it carried an undercurrent of lethal intent. "Let this serve as a reminder of what happens when you fail me. Eri is invaluable. Her quirk is essential to our goals, and her absence jeopardizes everything we've worked for."

He stepped back, surveying the group with cold, calculating eyes. "I don't care how you do it," he continued, his tone cutting through the room like a blade. "You will find her. Search every corner of the city, question anyone who might have seen her. Bring her back, unharmed. If you fail again..." He paused, letting the unspoken threat hang heavy in the air. The implication was clear—there would be no forgiveness for another mistake.

The men nodded frantically, fear etched into their expressions. They hurriedly left the room, desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere and the chilling presence of their leader. The door closed behind them with a heavy thud, leaving Chisaki alone with his thoughts.

He stood there for a moment, the silence of the room settling around him. The loss of Eri was a significant setback, and the incompetence of his men had only exacerbated his frustration. But he knew that fear was a powerful motivator. His men would scour the city; they would find Eri, and they would bring her back.

As he turned away, Chisaki's eyes glinted with a steely resolve. No matter the cost, he would retrieve the girl. She was too important to his plans, and her quirk was too valuable to lose. The consequences of failure were too great, for him and for anyone who stood in his way.

O—O—O

It was a typical sunny afternoon, and Izuku Gojo found himself strolling down the bustling streets of the local market. His white hair glistened under the sunlight, and his sapphire eyes sparkled with a mischievous light that never seemed to dim. Despite his youthful appearance, Izuku's presence was commanding, drawing glances from passersby who couldn't help but notice the striking figure he cut in casual attire—a simple but expensive purple shirt and comfortable pants. He looked almost out of place in the mundane setting, like a character straight out of a fantastical tale.

Izuku lived alone in a modest apartment not too far from the market. He enjoyed the independence of living by himself, and though it came with its own set of responsibilities—like grocery shopping—it was a lifestyle he had grown accustomed to. Today was no different. He had a mental list of things he needed: vegetables, fruits, some snacks, and maybe a bottle of sake to enjoy later. Although he might need to flirt with the receptionist for that. He sighed. Perhaps he should ask All Might for some sake supplies.

It had been a few days since the attack on the Unforeseen Simulation Joint USJ , and the events of that day still weighed heavily on the minds of everyone involved. The chaotic assault by the villains had shaken the foundation of what the students had believed to be a controlled and safe environment for their hero training. Though no one had sustained life-threatening injuries—except for Aizawa, whose severe condition had been miraculously healed—there was an underlying tension that pervaded the halls of U.A. High School.

Aizawa had been brutally overwhelmed by the monstrous Nomu, a bio-engineered weapon designed specifically to kill the Symbol of Peace, All Might. The fact that the underground hero had survived such an onslaught was remarkable in itself. But more remarkable was that his survival was thanks to Izuku Gojo, a first-year student who, with apparent ease, had not only taken on the Nomu but had also used an extraordinary ability to heal Aizawa's "unhealable" injuries. His actions had raised questions among the teachers and faculty—questions that weren't easily answered.

The students of Class 1-A had been sworn to silence. None of them were to speak of what had truly transpired that day. To the media, to the public, and even to some of their fellow students, it was All Might who had swooped in at the last moment to defeat the villains and save the day. This story had been carefully crafted by Principal Nezu and supported by All Might himself. It wasn't that Izuku didn't deserve recognition, but the kind of attention his abilities would draw could cause far more problems than it solved. The world wasn't ready to know what he was truly capable of.

Teachers like Present Mic, Thirteen, Midnight, and even Snipe had all been subtly curious, trying to piece together exactly how Izuku, a student, had managed to go toe to toe with the Nomu—something designed to withstand All Might's immense power. After the battle, some of them had privately confronted Izuku, questioning him about the nature of his abilities. They had seen how effortlessly he defended himself, how he'd handled the Nomu as if it were a minor inconvenience, and how he'd restored Aizawa's grievous injuries with an energy they didn't fully understand.

"What exactly was that technique you used?" Midnight had asked, a mix of awe and concern in her voice. "That kind of healing ability—it's unheard of."

Present Mic had been less subtle, his curiosity turning into interrogation. "Kid, you fought that monster like it was nothing! What are you, some kind of secret weapon? And what was that... 'barrier' thing you kept talking about? You shouldn't even be able to do that kind of stuff yet!"

Izuku, uncomfortable under their scrutiny, had given vague answers. He wasn't ready to explain his powers in detail. How could he? Explaining Limitless, the Infinity Barrier, and the Reversed Cursed Technique would lead to more questions—questions about how a high school student had mastered such dangerous and complex ancient abilities, and perhaps even questions about the origins of his powers, something he wasn't ready to reveal.

Fortunately, All Might had stepped in, his towering presence casting a shadow over the room. "That's enough," All Might had said in his deep, commanding voice. "Izuku's abilities are exceptional, yes, but his actions saved lives that day. We should be grateful for that, not prying into matters that do not concern us at this moment."

Nezu had been more calculated in his intervention, but no less protective. "Izuku's abilities are certainly fascinating, but they do not change the fact that he is still a student. His training and safety, just like the rest of Class 1-A, are our top priorities. Now is not the time for investigation—it's a time for reflection and preparation."

The staff had been placated, at least for the time being. But the rumors didn't stop circulating. While the official story had been set in stone, there were whispers among the faculty about Izuku. How had a first-year student managed to defeat something that even seasoned heroes would struggle against? And how had he healed injuries that Recovery Girl herself had deemed untreatable?

Behind the scenes, the authorities had been working tirelessly to track down the villains responsible for the attack. The leader, a man who had introduced himself as Tomura Shigaraki, was at the top of their most-wanted list, along with his eerie, fog-like assistant, Kurogiri. They were the masterminds behind the assault, though many of the villains involved were merely mercenaries—hired guns or disillusioned individuals with grudges against heroes, particularly All Might. Most of those lower-level villains had been apprehended, but they were unremarkable in their own right, possessing no real knowledge of the larger plan.

The real threat, everyone knew, was Shigaraki and Kurogiri. And though they had fled the scene before they could be captured, their intentions had been made clear: they were after All Might. Shigaraki had been particularly focused on killing the Symbol of Peace, and his obsession with the hero seemed deeply personal. The authorities were on high alert, fearing that this attack was only the beginning of something far more dangerous.

Izuku couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him since the attack. Despite the calm exterior he maintained, there was one thing that kept nagging at the back of his mind: how had Shigaraki been able to bypass his Infinity Barrier? It was something that no one else had ever done before, save for…one person—not in the way Shigaraki had managed. The touch of decay that had spread across his leg, the sharp pain, the sensation of his body breaking down for just a moment—it had all been too real. If it weren't for his Reversed Cursed Technique, his leg might have been lost entirely.

Sitting alone in his room one night, Izuku stared at the ceiling, replaying the events in his mind. Shigaraki was bad news, he thought to himself. Someone like him... with that kind of power... he'll come back.

Izuku knew it wasn't over. Shigaraki had tasted failure, but it was clear that the villain wouldn't stop until he had accomplished his goal. And now, after having crossed paths with him once, Izuku knew that he had been marked. Shigaraki wasn't just after All Might anymore; there was no doubt in his mind that the villain had taken a dangerous interest in him as well.

The next time we meet, Izuku thought, smirking, I'll be ready.

As he wandered through the market, the lively chatter of vendors and the vibrant colors of fresh produce surrounded him, creating a lively tapestry of sights and sounds.

He paused at a vegetable stall, inspecting a particularly fresh-looking bunch of spinach. As he debated whether to buy it, a familiar voice caught his attention.

"Gojo-san?"

Izuku turned, his eyes brightening as he spotted Ochako Uraraka standing a few feet away. She was dressed casually, a simple white blouse and denim shorts that suited the warm weather. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail, and she had a small basket in her hand filled with a few groceries. Her eyes widened in surprise, and then a shy smile spread across her face.

"Uraraka-san," Izuku greeted, his tone warm and teasing. "Fancy seeing you here. You shopping for a secret recipe or just stocking up?"

Ochako laughed softly, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "Just getting some essentials. Living alone doesn't mean I can't cook a little on my own."

Izuku raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A budding chef, are we? I had no idea." He glanced at her basket, noting the assortment of ingredients. "Looks like you're planning something delicious."

She shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "Just some simple stuff. I like trying out new recipes now and then."

Izuku nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Cooking's a good skill to have. Very... domestically attractive," he added with a wink, making Ochako's blush deepen.

"Do you cook, Gojo-san?" she asked, eager to deflect the attention.

"I dabble," Izuku replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Living alone means you either learn to cook or survive on instant noodles. I prefer not to die of sodium overdose, so here I am." He grinned, his eyes crinkling with humor.

Ochako laughed, the sound like a melody in the noisy market. "I guess that makes sense. It must be nice, having your own place."

"It has its perks," Izuku agreed, leaning casually against the stall. "But it can get lonely. No one to share the amazing meals I make." He sighed dramatically, casting her a sidelong glance. "Unless you'd be interested in a dinner guest sometime?"

Ochako's eyes widened slightly, and she hesitated, clearly caught off guard by the sudden proposition. "I... well, I mean, that could be fun," she stammered, flustered by his boldness.

Izuku chuckled, finding her reaction endearing. "I'm kidding, Uraraka-san. No pressure. But if you ever need a taste-tester for your cooking experiments, I'm more than willing to volunteer." He winked, his tone light and teasing.

She relaxed, smiling back at him. "I'll keep that in mind, Gojo-san."

They continued chatting as they walked through the market, picking up various items along the way. Izuku's charm was effortless, his flirtatious remarks always wrapped in a layer of genuine kindness that made it hard for Ochako not to smile. As they reached a fruit stall, he picked up a particularly juicy-looking apple and held it up to her.

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away," he said, offering it to her with a playful grin. "But if you don't mind the company, I could be your fruit buddy instead."

Ochako laughed, accepting the apple. "You're really smooth, aren't you?"

"I try," he replied, his eyes twinkling. "Besides, it's easy to be charming when you're around." The words were casual, but the sincerity in his voice was unmistakable.

Ochako looked away, trying to hide her blush. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"I've heard worse," Izuku said, chuckling. They continued their shopping, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Izuku found himself genuinely enjoying the company. There was something refreshing about Ochako's straightforwardness and the way she laughed so easily.

As they approached the end of the market, their baskets full, Izuku turned to her. "You know, this was fun. Maybe we should make it a regular thing—grocery shopping partners."

Ochako smiled, her eyes warm. "I'd like that."

"Great," Izuku said, his voice softening. "Maybe next time, we can do something else too. Like... a real dinner, not just groceries."

Ochako's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, but she found herself nodding. "I'd like that too."

Izuku grinned, pleased with her response. They stood there for a moment, the noise of the market fading into the background as they shared a quiet, meaningful look. Then, with a casual wave, Izuku broke the moment.

"See you around, Uraraka-san. And remember, if you ever need a charming sous-chef, you know who to call."

Ochako laughed, waving back. "I'll remember that, Gojo-san."

As Izuku walked away, his groceries in hand, he couldn't help but smile. The market visit had turned out to be far more enjoyable than he had expected. And as he thought about the way Ochako's eyes sparkled when she laughed, he found himself looking forward to their next encounter, hoping it wouldn't be long before they met again.

For now, though, he had groceries to put away and maybe a new recipe to try. After all, he had to be ready to impress, just in case Ochako decided to take him up on that dinner offer.

Then, returning home, Izuku made his way along the familiar path that wound by the river. The recent heavy rains had swollen the river, making the water rush by with unusual force. The sound of the flowing water was a constant background noise, punctuated by the occasional splash of debris carried along by the current.

As Izuku walked, lost in thought about the day's unexpected and pleasant encounter with Ochako, something caught his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed an unusual object being carried downstream by the river's swift flow. Instinctively, his Rikugan, the unique and powerful eyes inherited from his lineage, narrowed, alloweing him to perceive the world with heightened clarity and precision.

His eyes widened in shock as the object's true nature became clear—it was a person. A small, unconscious girl, her form limp and unmoving, was being swept along by the river. Her silver hair fanned out around her like a halo, and even from a distance, he could make out her pale, almost ethereal complexion. She was dressed in a simple white dress that clung to her small frame, and as the water churned around her, he could see a single red horn protruding from the right side of her forehead.

Without a moment's hesitation, Izuku sprang into action. He knew he had to act quickly; the current was strong, and the girl was in immediate danger. He extended his hand, focusing his cursed energy. "Limitless," he muttered, activating his technique. The space between him and the girl seemed to stretch and distort, and with a gentle pull of his fingers, he manipulated the distance, drawing her towards him while keeping her safely suspended above the turbulent waters.

With great care, Izuku guided her to the riverbank, gently laying her on the grass. He knelt beside her, checking for signs of life. Her breathing was shallow, and her skin was cold to the touch, but she was alive. He examined her more closely; she looked to be around six or seven years old, with delicate features that hinted at a life far too harsh for someone so young. Her silver hair was matted with water, and her dress was torn and muddied.

Izuku glanced around, considering his options. The hospital was the most logical place to take her, but the thought of it brought a painful pang to his chest. His mother was there, lying in a coma, and he couldn't bear the idea of confronting that reality today. Besides, there were too many questions—who was this girl? How had she ended up in the river? What was her story? For now, he needed to ensure her safety and warmth.

He carefully scooped the girl into his arms, her small body feeling fragile against him. With swift, deliberate steps, he made his way back to his apartment. The streets were relatively quiet, and he moved quickly, not wanting to draw attention. As he walked, he felt a mix of emotions—concern for the girl's well-being, curiosity about her identity, and a nagging worry about what he might be getting himself into.

Once inside his apartment, Izuku gently laid the girl on his couch, wrapping her in a warm blanket. He quickly fetched some towels and began to dry her off, taking care to be as gentle as possible. Her small form looked even more vulnerable in the soft light of his living room, and he felt a protective instinct stirring within him.

As he worked, he couldn't help but notice the unusual horn on her forehead. It was an odd feature, one that raised more questions than it answered. Who was this girl, and how had she ended up in such a perilous situation?

For now, all he could do was wait for her to wake up. He sat beside her, keeping a watchful eye on her breathing, hoping that she would recover soon. His mind raced with possibilities, but he knew that the most important thing was ensuring her safety. Whatever mysteries this girl held, they would have to wait until she regained consciousness.

As the minutes ticked by, Izuku felt a sense of unease settle over him. This chance encounter had brought a stranger into his life, and he had no idea what consequences it might bring. But he couldn't turn his back on someone in need, especially a child. He would do what he could to help her, and perhaps in the process, uncover the truth of her identity and the circumstances that led her to this point.

For now, he settled into a chair next to the couch, prepared to keep watch over the mysterious girl until she awoke and could tell him her story.

O—O—O

In the quiet of Izuku's apartment, the small girl lying on the couch began to stir. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she blinked in confusion, her wide, crimson eyes adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings. Everything felt strange—the cozy warmth of the room, the soft fabric of the couch beneath her, the quiet hum of electricity in the air. Panic quickly settled in her chest, her breath coming in shallow, frightened gasps as she tried to recall where she was, how she had gotten here, and why she was in an unfamiliar place.

Then her gaze shifted, and she froze. A few feet away, seated casually on the floor with his back against the couch, was a boy with striking white hair and bright sapphire eyes, completely engrossed in a television show playing on the screen before them. His presence was calm, almost serene, as if he had not a care in the world.

Eri's heart raced. She didn't know who this boy was, but she felt a deep-seated fear rise within her. She had learned to be wary, learned to be scared. The nightmares that plagued her memories whispered that strangers were dangerous, that she was never safe. She tried to shrink into herself, to make herself as small as possible, but there was nowhere to go.

But the boy hadn't noticed her panic. His eyes were glued to the TV, where an old cartoon was playing—a classic from a time long before either of them had been born. The characters on the screen were ones Eri vaguely remembered from a time when she was much younger, back when the world wasn't quite so terrifying. It was Tom and Jerry, a cat and mouse locked in their endless chase.

Just as her fear began to overwhelm her, the cartoon caught her attention. On the screen, Tom, the cat, was preparing to kick Jerry, the mischievous little mouse. But as soon as Tom's foot connected, a loud *crack* echoed from the speakers, and his foot shattered into a million tiny pieces. Tom cried out in pain, hopping on one foot as tears welled up in his cartoonishly large eyes. Meanwhile, Jerry, ever the clever mouse, took advantage of the situation, scurrying away to safety with his cheeky grin intact.

Eri couldn't help it—a small giggle escaped her lips, the sound like the tinkling of a tiny bell. The sight of the cat's exaggerated pain and the mouse's quick escape had tickled something deep within her, something pure and innocent that had been buried under layers of fear and sadness.

Izuku's ears perked up at the sound, and he turned his head slightly to glance at her. The little girl's eyes were still wide, but the sheer terror had faded, replaced by a childlike curiosity as she became more engrossed in the cartoon. Her focus on the screen seemed to push away the fear and uncertainty, allowing her to forget, even if just for a moment, where she was and why she had been so scared.

Izuku smirked, his expression softening as he observed the little girl. She was completely lost in the antics of the cartoon now, her eyes following every exaggerated movement of the characters with rapt attention. Without saying a word, he reached over to the nearby table and grabbed a bag of popcorn that he had been snacking on earlier. He gently handed the bag to the girl, who accepted it absentmindedly, still engrossed in the show.

She popped a piece of popcorn into her mouth, her eyes never leaving the screen, as she continued to watch Tom and Jerry go through their usual cycle of chaos and slapstick humor. The sound of her soft chewing was the only indication that she was aware of the world around her at all.

Izuku leaned back slightly, his smirk turning into a contented smile. 'Babysitting,' he thought to himself with an amused inner chuckle. 'Now that's how it's done.'

He knew the girl was still scared, still unsure of her surroundings, but for now, she was safe. He didn't need to press her with questions or overwhelm her with explanations. The cartoon and the simple act of sharing some popcorn were enough to ease her into a sense of normalcy, something that, judging by the haunted look in her eyes, she hadn't experienced in a long time.

O—O—O

As the cartoon came to an end, the television screen faded to black, and the small apartment fell into a sudden, tense silence. The crinkling of the now-empty popcorn bag was the only sound that filled the room. Eri's giggle had long since disappeared, and her tiny hands gripped the couch's fabric tightly as the reality of her situation began to sink back in. She wasn't in her familiar, terrifying environment anymore, but that didn't mean she was safe.

Her eyes darted toward the boy again—the one with white hair and piercing sapphire eyes who had been sitting so casually beside her, watching a cartoon as if everything was perfectly normal. The momentary distraction of the cartoon faded, replaced by a creeping sense of dread. She was with a stranger. A stranger in an unfamiliar place.

Her breathing quickened, and her small frame trembled.

Izuku, who had been watching her out of the corner of his eye, noticed the sudden change. "Hey, you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle but laced with concern. But it was too late.

Panic washed over her like a tidal wave.

Eri scrambled off the couch, her legs tangling in the blanket that had been placed over her. She fell to the floor with a soft thud, her wide eyes darting around the room for an escape. Her breaths came in short, frantic gasps, and before Izuku could react, she began crawling backward across the floor, desperately trying to put distance between herself and him.

"Hey! Wait, wait!" Izuku exclaimed, standing up but making sure to keep his distance. He didn't want to frighten her any more than she already was.

"No! Let me go! Please, let me go!" Eri begged, her voice trembling, her eyes wide with terror. She pressed herself into the corner of the room, her small body shaking as tears welled up in her eyes. "I-I don't know you! I-I don't want to be here!"

Izuku raised his hands, palms facing outward in a gesture of peace, his face softening. "Hey, hey, I'm not gonna hurt you! I promise. I just found you by the river. You were unconscious, and I couldn't just leave you there," he explained calmly, trying to keep his tone soothing. "I'm not a dangerous person, okay? You're safe here."

"Please…just let me go," Eri whimpered, her small voice breaking as she looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "Please…"

Izuku's heart clenched at the sight. This girl—whoever she was—had clearly been through something awful. He could see the fear written all over her face, the way her tiny body trembled with every word.

"I promise, I'm not trying to hurt you," Izuku continued, his voice gentle but firm. "You're safe here, I swear. I just didn't want to take you to a hospital, that's all. I mean, hospitals can be scary, right? And…I wasn't sure if that was the right place for you."

Eri shook her head, her back still pressed against the wall. "Please…I-I don't want to be here…" she sobbed, her voice cracking as she repeated her plea. "Just…just let me go…"

Izuku sighed softly, running a hand through his white hair as he crouched down to her level. He didn't approach, just stayed where he was. "Look, I don't even know where you'd go if I let you go right now," he said honestly. "Where will you go? Do you have somewhere safe to stay?"

Eri froze at that question, her mouth opening slightly, but no words came out. Her mind raced. Where would she go? The thought hadn't crossed her mind. She didn't have anywhere safe—nowhere she could think of. And even if she did, she knew the danger was still out there, searching for her, waiting for her to slip up.

Izuku saw the hesitation in her eyes and seized the moment. "See? You don't know, do you? That's why I can't just let you leave without knowing you'll be safe. I don't know who you are or who's after you, but I can't in good conscience let you wander off alone."

He sighed again, trying to think of how he could convince her. His mind raced for a solution. "Look, I'm training to be a hero," he said, his voice steady. "I'm going to be the number one hero in the world one day, I promise you that. And heroes…they protect people. That's what we do. So you can trust me, okay?"

Eri looked at him with uncertainty, her body still tense. "But…what if they find me?" she whispered, barely audible.

"They? Who's 'they'?" Izuku asked, a hint of curiosity piquing in his voice. But seeing her immediate recoil, he quickly added, "Never mind, you don't have to answer that. But whoever they are, I'm not going to let them hurt you. I swear. If you stay with me, I'll protect you."

Eri shook her head again, tears still spilling down her cheeks. "B-but…they're strong…they'll find me…they always find me…" she stammered.

Izuku's face softened even more. He could feel her fear, her despair. "Hey," he said, his voice dropping to a more comforting tone, "I'm strong, too. You don't have to worry about anyone finding you while you're with me."

Her sobs quieted a bit, though the fear was still clearly visible in her eyes.

He smiled a little, trying to lighten the mood. "And besides," he added with a playful grin, "I'm pretty cool, you know. You'll be safe with me. Aspiring number one hero and all. What could go wrong?"

Eri still looked uncertain, her gaze darting between him and the door, her small hands clutching her knees.

Izuku sighed dramatically, reaching into his pocket. "Alright, how about we try this again?" he said with a playful tone. With a flourish, he pulled out a chocolate bar, holding it up with a goofy grin. "You can call me Satoru-nii-chan! And you are…?"

Eri hesitated, eyeing the chocolate bar with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Her tiny fingers slowly reached out, trembling, and she took the bar from his hand, her grip hesitant and delicate.

"...Eri," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible as she looked down at the bar in her hands.

Izuku's smile grew wider, his heart warming a little at the small progress. "Eri, huh? That's a cute name," he said softly, sitting down across from her but still keeping a respectful distance. "Don't worry, Eri. As long as you're with me, nothing's going to hurt you. You can count on that."

Eri looked up at him, still hesitant, but for the first time, there was a small glimmer of trust in her eyes. She unwrapped the chocolate bar slowly and took a small bite. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

Izuku leaned back, watching her carefully, knowing that earning her trust fully would take time. But for now, this was enough.

Author Note: This chapter had no action at all, but I hope you liked it.

Do drop your thoughts in the review section.

Till next time!

O—O—O