A phone sat in the center of the common room table. Still and unremarkable.
The Heights Alliance of Class 1-A dorm occupied six teenagers at the moment. All eyes were glued to the device on the small table with varying levels of patience.
All, excluding Nezuko, who was asleep, sat on available couches and chairs, occasionally making eye contact with each other, then gazing back at the phone on the table.
The air vibrated with tense, knowing silence with occasional complaints from Inosuke or Tanjiro attempting to ease his friend's impatience. All dressed in their Demon Slayer uniform.
The Hashiras had been long gone since the sun departed, making way for darkness to emerge. From what Himejima disclosed, they were cooperating with pro-heroes in patrolling regions of the city in pairs. The meeting had concluded briefly with the slayers urging the younger ones to look after Nezuko for now.
No sooner had they gone than Tanjirou received a phone call from the former number one hero himself. He made out the other voice being Detective Tsukauchi as he left it on speaker.
・・・・・・
"He left?!"
Zenitsu shot up from his seat, rushing to Tajirou's side. The marked slayer clutched the phone a little tighter at that moment. Inosuke stopped hammering his sword, Kanao looked up from her book, and Genya clicked his tongue, scrutinizing his revolver while listening to the conversation.
All Might continued grimly, currently in his mobile car in the driver's seat. Equipped with call settings, one of the many benefits of All Might's status. Tsukauchi sat on the passenger's seat with a contemplative expression, arms folded with dark circles under his eyes.
"He took off unnoticed during late hours at the hospital after his interrogation. From what I've learned, it didn't go through to Lucas."
Genya frowned, standing up. "What does he look like?"
Tsukauchi interrupted All Might before he could talk. "Shinazugawa. I trust you will be patient and leave the search to us—"
"And where did that get us?" Genya snapped, his voice low and harsh, prompting Tanjirou to place a hand on his shoulder. Meanwhile, All Might recoiled slightly on the other end. Just once, he was getting used to the boy's more reserved side. "We finally had our chance, but it's gone because all we did was sit our asses here, following your rules. If we don't take action now—"
"I understand your frustration. But right now, the situation has escalated." Tsukauchi interjected.
"Which is why we shouldn't be here like sitting ducks!"
Tanjirou came to the conclusion that now was the best time to end the call. "All Might, please get back to us soon."
All Might reciprocated the same sentiment, his finger wavering above the end call button, "I will. Young Kamado. And I apologize again for the unforeseen turn of events." With that, the call came to an end.
・・・・・・
Back in the present timeline, the five members of the Kamaboko squad sat in tense silence, accompanied by feet shuffling and fingers twitching. Nezuko lay perfectly on the couch next to Tanjirou, her head on his lap. Occasionally, he looked down, making sure she was comfortable.
Reflecting on the call, Tanjirou found himself reluctantly agreeing with Genya. They've been residing in this world for some time. If he could think back, it was an early period of winter before the snow, but now the white blanket lay thickly on the earth.
He tilted his head in thought. How are Mr. Goto and the other Kakushi doing? What about the rest of the corps? He hopes Mr. Saburo isn't too worried about Nezuko's absence.
Everyone back home...
The rest of Class 1-A departed during the day for their respective work studies. If Tanjirou and the others didn't know better, they'd assume something must have happened, seeing how late it's gotten outside.
White bits of snowflakes descended leisurely outside the dorm, giving a chill, serene outlook of the world beyond. And then Zenitsu's ear twitched.
"Tanjirou. Do you think we can defeat the demons like this?"
Tanjirou turned to Zenitsu, who sat cross-legged on a red beanbag. Not once has he or anyone else here seen that expression on Zenitsu's face. The same tone he conversed with during Himejima's Hashira training once he came to deliver his meal.
This scent... It's just like last time.
Tanjirou replied, seeing a note he held tightly. "Zenitsu..."
"Monitsu has a point," Inosuke grunted on his chair, folding his arms and tapping his foot impatiently against the floor. "All we've done is stay put when we could be eliminating demons and their king. Damn their rules and regulations!"
Inosuke abruptly stood up, grabbing his swords to let out some steam as he pulled out his trusty stone, hammering into the blade.
Knowing where this was going, Tanjirou started, "Inosuke... Zenitsu, hold on. We just have to wait. The Hashiras are already patrolling the city for demons, remember? They're also working with pro heroes to gather information on their locations."
"I'm sure they find Mr. Lucas too." He added, "We have to trust them."
"You mean after they lose him again? Yeah, right. Are you saying we just sit here and wait for the 'adults—" Tanjirou noted Zenitsu's air' quote as he continued, "—to do something? That's what we've been doing all this time, and once again they blew it!"
"Besides, things only got moving once the Hashiras arrived," Genya added, going back to maintain his gun before setting it down. "They still treat us like we are victims of the entire deal."
Tanjirou had to agree with Genya on that point. Unlike their world, where ages or status don't do much there, it sure had a lot of turn-ups here. Taking in students under their care and being treated as any other person studying at U.A. Almost like they forgot they were demon slayers.
Even so, if they disregard any action or measures, it could cause a spontaneous crack in their relationship and settled agreement. They won't just be acting on their own carelessly but also warranted as criminals. Not people trying to handle their own problems, not vigilantes eliminating demons, but actual criminals.
"What's the difference between the authorities here and in our world? Except for their quirks and technicalities," Inosuke grumbled, rhythmic clinking following after once more.
"It's technology, you boarhead."
"Whatever it is! We can handle it. We'll pummel them out of our way!"
Tanjirou's face visibly whitened at the thought of Inosuke bashing cops and law enforcement officers. Zenitsu let out a long sigh while Genya and Kanao exchanged unimpressed glances.
"Inosuke, that idea would cause strain in our relationship." Tanjirou sweatdropped.
Kanao finally spoke, "And you're underplaying the law enforcement here. Even so, with or without quirks, they'd have various methods of retrieving us and identifying us with their tech and how they reason in this era where anything goes."
"But we have to take risks, right?!" Inosuke snapped, throwing his sword down, obviously frustrated at getting nowhere. "That's what we do anytime we go up against demons, and look, we are still standing!"
"Either he missed the entire point of what they just said or doesn't care about the consequences." Genya sighed.
"I'm going with both," Zenitsu agreed, sporting the same exasperated look as Genya.
"We've had a conversation similar to this before. No idea why it's being dragged on again." The yellow-haired boy continued, running a hand down his hair. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, opening them once more. "Alright, fine. There's no gain in going behind our helpers."
A relieved sigh escaped Tanjirou's mouth. One he didn't know he'd been holding. Settled for now at least. He's glad his friends were understanding, even if Inosuke, still being defiant, managed to keep his head and reason with them...for now.
That aside, if things had played out differently, would we still be sitting here, waiting?
His mind drifted farther at the thought, oblivious to Nezuko stirring awake from their conversation. Her pale pink eyes located her brother's distant expression, and without much effort, she sat up, moving to Kanao's side.
"Eh? Nezuko?" Tanjirou broke out from his reverie, glancing at his sister, now sprawled on Kanao's lap. Kanao looked away from her book, her eyes now pinned on his sister, making herself comfortable. A small smile made its way to her calm features, a bit reminiscent of the butterfly girls back in the butterfly mansion asking Kanao to play with them or carrying their smaller frames from exhaustion after playing so much.
Seeing Nezuko at ease with Kanao, Tanjirou felt a warmth rise in his chest, a small smile forming.
The moment of peace was interrupted by the phone ringing on the table. Inosuke and Zenitsu leapt simultaneously from their seats to meet with a collision, causing the other three to wince. The two boys eyed each other for a moment and then tore their gazes away, clearly not in the mood to retort.
Meanwhile, Tanjirou proceeds to grab the phone.
"I'm going outside!" Inosuke declared, grabbing his swords and storming out into the cold half-naked.
"Wait! Aren't you going to put something on—" Tanjirou didn't get to finish as Inosuke slammed the door shut. With a sigh, he answered the call.
・・・・・・
Inosuke didn't mind the cold, harsh wind against his skin. He'd grown up in the mountains by himself for most of his life, practically immune to terrible winter conditions. The frigid surroundings had little to no effect on him. Compared to this, Inosuke would call this child's play.
He stomped on the soft, white, icy sheets, laying crisp steps on his wake and placing some distance from the dorm, hoping to ice down the burning feeling in his chest from earlier.
I'm not the kind of guy that'd sit by and wait for something to happen!
He reached for the hilt of his jagged swords, drawing them out swiftly, and performed a double slash with his jagged swords, giving off blue accents.
Inosuke watched his classmates a lot. Especially Bakugo, who tends to train when they wish to release some steam. From what he'd gathered, it's best to channel that anger to something else instead of an innocent bystander.
"Heroes this! Heroes that!" Inosuke felt a twitch in his eye. Does he want to get rid of the demons? Yes. Does he miss home? Who wouldn't?
He might not be the best to explain others and their feelings, but he is aware of them. How Kanao would space out more often and only turned up more after learning about the Hashiras being here. How Genya looked troubled yet barely spoke a word. How Zenitsu looked serious most of the time—it was beginning to creep him out. How Tanjirou became more protective of Nezuko to the extent he barely left her side since he got here.
Waiting was never his style. Back home, when demons threatened demons and village districts, the slayers took action immediately. Even supposed investigations don't last long. Being helpless and unable to do anything made his grip on his sword tighten.
His sword struck the thick snow, standing firm. He exhaled, loosening his grip, then clenched it once more.
Lucas, huh?
"Tch. Got no clue on how he looks. I'll just have to find the old man and detective."
Zenitsu stepped out of the dorm, clothed with a jacket and scarf, his sword in hand. His eyes pinpointed Inosuke a few meters away; he called out, waving, "Hey Inosuke, you should come in."
Inosuke didn't budge. His back is facing his friend.
Zenitsu rubbed his neck, looking away. "Look, Tanjirou was worried and asked me to check on you once you left the dorm." He snapped his neck back in place, gaze locked on Inosuke.
Zenitsu gestured to his own ears, which could decipher, continuing, "I can tell you are still upset about earlier. There's a spike in your heart rate and blood pressure."
He added with a teasing smirk, "You're holding yourself back, aren't you?"
Inosuke bristled at the comment, clicking his tongue. "I'm clearing my mind. Got anything better to do than sit all day?"
Zenitsu observed Inosuke's double serrated blades. They were still, pierced against the snow bed. Not that he'd expect anything less from the proclaiming beast himself.
In a relative aspect, Zenitsu wouldn't grasp the feeling of being weak all the time, though he knew he was. That all changed when Chuntaro delivered that letter. Ever since then...
"Alright," Zenitsu said in an exasperated tone, turning to leave. "Train all you want. Don't blame me if you turn into an ice pop."
He walked back in, closing the door behind him.
The eolian sound of the wind slowly settled to a cold silence.
Now's my chance!
Inosuke grinned, grabbing hold of his sword pinned on the snow and sheathing it with the cloth behind his hakama pants. He took a sharp glance over his shoulder, and then, with vigor, he sprinted off.
Whereas, the dorm's door opened once more as Zenitsu stepped out into the frosty climate. He made a mental note to persuade Inosuke to not stay outside in the cold due to Tanjirou's persistence.
The second call from All Might had both sides agree to wait. All Might got a message from Hawks about demon sightings in his region and distributed the information to other slayers and pro heroes. All the more reason to stay; no one else apart from the six was in the dorm building. Nezuko mustn't be left alone or found.
"Inosuke?" He spoke quietly, blinking in confusion. He came forward to the spot Inosuke formerly stood. Footsteps. He heard footsteps sprinting at a quick pace.
"That pig!" Zenitsu screamed, grabbing the locks of his hair. He half expected Inosuke to run off on his own. He dismissed the thought and underestimated him. That was the one mistake he made.
Never underestimate an idiot.
"Damn it! Now what do I tell Tanjirou?!"
If he'd stayed with Inosuke without going back into the building, would he have stayed? He doubted it.
Deciding not to think too much, he rushed back to the entrance, pushing past the door. He couldn't remember when he stumbled foot into the room.
"Tanjiou! Genya! Kanao! Bad news!"
Leaning against the chair, Genya looked up from his Nichirin sword. "Why are you screaming? Tanjirou and Kanao went to put Nezuko to sleep upstairs—"
"Inosuke is gone!" Zenitsu cut him off, pulling him by the collar. "He ran off to who knows where when we were strictly told not to."
Genya clicked his tongue, sheathing back his sword, and pried himself from Zenitsu's grip. "That idiot ran off. Did you see where he went?"
He began to storm outside, not minding the cold, while Zenitsu followed.
"His footsteps are still visible, plus I can still hear him running. But it's getting faint."
"Shit. Look, we're going after him. If we wait to tell Tanjirou, there's no telling where he's gone." Genya decided, facing the blonde.
"O-Okay, then follow me, and let's hope we make it back."
・・・・・・
A black car drove steadily on the streets of Musutafu, aiming to return to the hero office after the dinner that took place in the Todoroki's household. Endeavor sat in the passenger's seat, seatbelt buckled with his arms folded. His three trainees partaking in the work studies program sat in the back while his chauffeur, Utenmaru Kurmada, on the driver's seat, kept his eyes on the road.
"I'm going to need you lot to strengthen up. From now on, in addition to weekends...I'm going to have you work at least two weekdays per week if your school schedule allows." Endeavor began.
Todoroki tilted his head. "Oh, Uraraka and Kirishima said something similar, didn't they?"
Midoriya nodded and added, "We still have to study for finals too... Todoroki, help me with my English later, okay?"
"WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THIS SMALL ASS CAR? AREN'T YOU THE NO. 1 HERO!?" Bakugo yelled, head outside the window of the vehicle, disregarding the icy breeze.
"DON'T COMPLAIN ABOUT YOUR CHAUFFEUR! YOU DAMN HIGH SCHOOL BRATS!" Kurumaru retorted back, silencing the ash blonde. He continued screeching whilst keeping his eyes on the road, "ENDEAVOR, SINCE WHEN DID YOU START LETTING DROPOUTS RIDE WITH YOU!?"
This is one aggressive driver... Midoriya thought with a sweat drop while Bakugo grumbled, leaning back on his seat.
Endeavor answered calmly, "Ever since they put me on top."
"KEHHH!" Kurumaru clicked his tongue. "Some people really let the power get to their heads!"
Keh...?
What the hell is a keh?
Bakugo and Midoriya exchanged unconscious glances, leaning back on their seats.
"By the way, have the slayers started their patrol operation that includes working hand in hand with the pro heroes?" Endeavor glanced at the rearview mirror showing the three boys. Midoriya shifted his arm, scratching his cheek.
"We don't know much on the details, sir, but we know they are agreed on the patrol part—"
Bakugo said with a wave of his hand, glancing at the boy in the middle. "Of course they would, Deku. That crying monk said so when he was telling Mohawk and the others."
Crying monk?Endeavor and Kurumaru raised a brow but were not bothered enough to question.
Endeavor brushed off the comment, though he narrowed his eyes at the term 'crying monk.'. He pressed on, redirecting the conversation. "So that means the Hashiras are actually doing their part; the younger ones are looking after Nezuko, I presume?" He glanced at their synced nod.
"Hm?"
Just then, the pro-hero noticed an obscured image of a person in the middle of the road. Natsuo was held captive by the individual, who happened to be Ending, using his quirk on the white lines of the road.
"YOU GOT A NICE HOUSE, DON'TCHA!? ENDEAVOR!"
Kurumaru gritted his teeth, swerving the car to the side and avoiding hitting the villain. Following after, Endeavor charged out of the vehicle before it ended up wrapped in Ending's quirk. Flames of his hero outfit burning brightly. His eyes burned with fury and decisiveness to take the villain down.
"Release him!" Endeavor demanded, setting himself down on the tarred road.
"Do you remember me, Endeavor!?" A maniac smile displayed on Ending's face, ignoring the uncomfortable but panicked glances of his captive. His attention is fully on number one himself.
・・・・・・
"Tch. There's so many people around." Inosuke began, ticked off by the amount of beings bustling in the city. He had hoped he would have gotten fully used to this place, but the number of people here compared to the villages he knew was minimal. Even back at the former entertainment district, it was nothing compared to Musutafu as a whole.
He'd been restraining himself from charging at something...or someone if he didn't find any clues where demons or All Might could be.
"Coming through!"
Swiftly, he charged forward, bursting through the crowd blocking his way. Though not enough to cause any harm, protests, shouts, and shrieks were accompanied.
"Hey, watch it!"
"Ack—! My suitcase's contents!"
"Planning to enroll at U.A. next year—huh!?"
"Fuck, I lost my keys."
Concurrently, Genya and Zenitsu arrived near the site. The latter stopped listening for the reason that he took all the sounds in and tuned in. The waves got larger in comparison, so I was unable to withstand it. They had to make use of their other senses.
"See where he went?" Genya panted slightly. After ambling for who knows how long, he could tell that the two were a far distance away from their school. They still heard a few gasps and complaints, and that's when they spotted him.
"Inosuke!" Zenitsu dashed into the crowd along, pulling Genya along.
・・・・・・
"Tanjirou. Do you think we can defeat the demons like this?"
・・・・・・
Why did I let my emotions cloud my judgment then? If I hadn't raised that up, we'd all still be in the dorms by now. Sure, I had to bring that up, but was it really the best timing?
Zenitsu had no way of stopping these thoughts. He too had noticed how Inosuke had been silent despite his rash attitude. While running, he caught the silhouette of something familiar, masked in the crowd in the distance, giving off a brash, arrogant, haughty demeanor. He shook his head, deciding to focus on reaching his friend first.
I've heard the rattling sound in everyone's hearts. Even if it's not believable, Tanjirou made that sound too. Like an empty box filled with beads, you've been holding back that feeling of unease, restraint, worry for the future, and anxiety about us.
You went out of your way to cheer us up just like Tanjirou, except with your idiocy and surprising smarts in our lowest moments.
But Inosuke, You know the truth. You refuse to accept it; instead, you chose to deny it. We aren't fully home. Situations have gotten dire. Acting without full visuals and going behind our helpers would cost much more. So please...
"Inosuke!" Zenitsu called out to his friend once more, hoping he'd stop and hear them out.
"Oi! Inosuke. Stop running, you bastard!" Genya yelled, clearly fed up with running out in the cold.
Finally out of more congested areas and now in the open, Inosuke halted. His body twitched, recognizing the voice's owner. They found him. Now, they were going to bring him back.
"I'm going to find that Lucas guy, damnit!" Inosuke swiveled to face them; they finally reached him.
"You don't even know what he looks like!" Genya retorted, placing the boar head boy in a headlock. "Do you have any idea what you've done? or the consequences leading to your actions? You are lucky we found you."
"Let go, Kenya! I'll find the skinny guy or Mr. questions. And if I can't, I'll find the demons instead! I won't stop till you all quit moping—" Inosuke stumbled back as soon as Genya loosened the headlock, brushing himself off with a grunt.
"You know we are in this together, right?" Genya said in a less gruff tone. His gaze softened; however, his eyes still watched him as if daring him to move.
"Don't just run off like that, you swine." Zenitsu managed to keep himself back together just enough to scold Inosuke.
Inosuke's shoulders fell a bit. He huffed, steam shooting out from the nostrils of his mask. "Well, I'm still mad."
"Ah... I think it's better if we go back to the dorm—Woah! Watch out!" Zenitsu shrieked at what one would say at the top of their lungs, prompting the remaining two to whip their heads at an approaching car from above. And it was heading straight for them.
"I won't let a single one of your wishes come true!"
But then, black tendrils of energy launched forward, holding the cars and redirecting them safely on the road. This phenomenon of a quirk was unleashed by none other than Izuku Midoriya as he landed feet first, succeeding in rescuing the cars and his classmates.
The almost victimized boys took a glance at their present surroundings, which they didn't earlier. Todoroki held a frozen Ending in place, Midoriya rescued cars with their respective passengers. Endeavor held Natsuo and Bakugo in a firm hug, to which the ash blonde kept protesting on releasing him.
The battle between the U.A. students and the villain came to a close as watchers and civilians thanked the kids for their help. Midoriya smiled at one civilian who was grateful for the quick save and thinking.
"You smell like an old man!" Bakugo continued to protest, finally slipping out from the hero's grasp and whipping his head around. "Where'd that line bastard go?"
Todoroki nonchalantly replied while holding on to the frozen criminal. "He's been apprehended."
"Hey dumbass! How are the extras!?"
Midoriya jerked, facing Bakugo, and answered, "I don't know, but the people in the cars are alright!" He paused, glancing at his hands clothed with his support gloves, registering the use of a black whip. With that, he smiled, clenching his fists, "It's our total victory!"
"SHUT THE HELL UP!"
"Eh, why!?" Midoriya nervously sweatdropped and then quickly spared a quick glance around the scene, perked at the sight of his fellow classmates.
"Guys?" He approached them with slightly hurried steps. "Are you alright?"
Bakugo, now free from Endeavor's grasp, heard Midoriya and snapped his neck to the slayers. "Huh? What are youextrasdoing out here?" He stomped up to them, raising a threatening finger. "Aren't you extras supposed to be watching pink eyes in the dorm?"
Zenitsu gulped, "It's a long story..."
"Well, it's going to be a long beating if you don't start talking."
"Kacchan, maybe we should talk about this later?" Midoriya stepped in front of Bakugo, gesturing to the conversation between Endeavor and Natsuo. The ash blonde held his tongue.
"It's alright if you never forgive me. It's not like I want your forgiveness. I just want to make up for everything I've done." Endeavor spoke with acceptance and knelt before his son.
"Stop saying such reasonable things all of a sudden...! You know, Fuyumi just seemed happy then. But...every time I see your face, I just can't help but remember." Natsuo said shakily, his eyes becoming glossy and droplets of tears streaming down his cheeks. "Why do I have to be the one to make an active effort to change!? You say you want to make up... But what do you think you can do now?!"
"There's one thing I've been thinking." Endeavor hoped to continue, if not, or the interruption of the captured villain in the ice pleading for Endeavor to stop talking. Genya, Inosuke, and Zenitsu huddled a bit more closely, a reassuring movement in the midst of the tension and emotion.
"What's going on with you!? Just stop it! STOP IT!" Ending writhed against the ice, crying shamelessly. "My blazing crimson flame! My brilliant light! My guiding hope! Kill me!"
And then, Zenitsu's ears twitch instantly.
"Gladly."
Blood splattered in quick fashion across Todoroki's face. The coppery smell rushed to his nose and gave him a churning feeling inside. Eyes wide, he slowly turned to the headless body of the criminal he kept holding a few moments ago, instinctively letting go, letting the body fall forward with blood gushing out. Almost everyone present mimicked his expression, facing the sounds of two distinct blades clashing.
That sound. That figure from earlier.Zenitsu recalled in thought. His eyes bored gravely at the demon he currently clashed with.
"Kaigaku, I knew it was you."
Kaigaku grinned, "That's no way to speak to your senior. You look a little bit better than when I last saw you, but...as usual, you're still shabby. It's been a while, Zenitsu."
・・・・・・
Taisho secrets
*Bakugo had called Gyomei "Blind Hulk" once. He learned not to do so after getting his head slammed to the ground, much like Inosuke in the past. Fortunately, he recovered soon enough thanks to Recovery Girl and, unfortunately, Shinobu.
*Zenitsu and Jirou had been meeting up with Uzui from time to time on his hearing score technique. Both are glad about their progress so far.
*All Might and Tsukauchi might have to place Lucas on a wanted search list.
#Preview
"Strange. Inosuke hasn't come back in, neither has Zenitsu, and Genya is not in the dorm either." Tanjirou felt the edge of his lips tug down slightly. "Don't tell me they left."
Kanao peered through the window, her eyes locked on the footprints left behind on the snow. "Take a look."
"Oh, they did leave." Tanjirou's shoulders fell. "Next, Chapter 35: Zenitsu's Resolve. Locating an upper moon."