-3rd Person POV-

The streets bustled with life as Togata, Izuku, and Tatsuya strode down the sidewalk, their hero costumes drawing more than a few lingering gazes. The morning sun cast long shadows along the pavement, the air crisp with the familiar scents of the city—grilled street food, car exhaust, and the ever-present undertone of something distinctly human.

Tatsuya kept his posture relaxed but alert, eyes flicking across their surroundings. This wasn't just a stroll. They were on patrol, and that meant staying sharp. Togata, as usual, carried himself with unwavering confidence, his easygoing grin making it look like this was just another casual outing.

Izuku, on the other hand, wasn't as composed. "This is sorta nerve-wracking," he muttered, his shoulders tensing as two women with animal features openly gushed over them.

Tatsuya exhaled through his nose, casting a sidelong glance at Togata, who didn't seem fazed, unsurprisingly. If anything, he walked with the same effortless confidence as always—his broad grin as unshakable as ever.

"What gives? You went out on patrol during your internship, didn't you? Though, I guess I don't blame you two for being shaken after what went down." Togata tilted his head, the easy smile not entirely hiding the curiosity.

"Oh, no. It's not like that for me, either. I just kinda missed out on learning some of the basics, so..." Izuku trailed off, his eyes avoiding their gazes as a sheepish smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Unfazed by the comment, Tatsuya met Togata's gaze with a calm expression. "I'm not shaken. Mirko took me on patrols during my internship," he said, the words coming out smoothly though a brief flicker of something else danced in his eyes. He rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish look. "Though, it was more of a race to see if I could catch up to her before she took the villains down."

"Yeah? Huh, that must be strange. Ah, don't you worry, guys. Sir and Bubble are the ones who are actually watching the target today, so I can teach you all about patrol duty. We'll get you up to snuff," Togata assured, flashing them a thumbs-up. "Just watch and learn, my friends!"

While Togata's enthusiasm was evident as he pumped his arms in excitement, Izuku and Tatsuya were momentarily distracted, their minds drifting to their thoughts.

I still don't get it. Why didn't All Might say anything to me about Nighteye? Something big must've gone down if they're not even on speaking terms anymore, Izuku thought, brow furrowing as he stole a glance at Tatsuya.

Tatsuya's gaze remained fixed ahead, though his thoughts were anything but calm. I've got to get stronger so that the others don't have to worry. Especially... His mind shifted to Hagakure's words on the rooftop, the tension still hanging between them. He clenched his fist tightly at the thought.

Suddenly, Togata jumped in front of them, his voice bright and full of energy. "Hey, we forgot something! Our hero names! We should all know each other's, right?"

"Oh, yeah, yeah, totally. I'm Deku!" Izuku said with a bright smile, his previous worry momentarily forgotten.

"Deku? Like 'deck?' That's weird," Togata replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, you're one to talk about weird," Tatsuya remarked, shooting the third-year a blank look.

Izuku's smile didn't falter, though. "I like it," he said, unfazed by the playful teasing.

Togata shifted his focus, turning to Tatsuya with an expectant grin. "How about you?"

"I'm Beowulf," Tatsuya stated with quiet confidence, his tone leaving little room for questioning.

"Makes sense," Togata grinned, clearly amused, as he pointed his thumb at himself. "Okay, well, I'm Lemillion. For the number of people I'll save. You know. Can't save 'em all. But I can at least shoot for saving a million instead, so that's what I'm doing! When we put on our costumes and start hittin' the streets, that's when we become heroes! So don't let your guard down, Deku, Beowulf!"

"Got it, Lemillion!" Izuku cheered while Tatsuya gave Togata a firm nod.

The trio continued down the sidewalk, the rhythm of their steps steady as the patrol settled into a peaceful routine. The hum of city life surrounded them—distant chatter, the occasional honk of a car, the rustling of leaves carried by the wind. It was the kind of quiet moment where nothing seemed out of place.

Then, he caught it—two distinct scents laced with fear, sharp and unmistakable. His body tensed, instincts kicking in before he could think. One scent was faint but fresh, while the other reeked of distress, almost suffocating in its intensity. Both were close. Too close.

His ears twitched as he turned his head, scanning the area. His gaze locked onto an alleyway just a few meters ahead, the shadows within shifting ever so slightly. His legs moved before he could explain, his pace quickening.

"Tatsuya?" Izuku's voice barely registered.

Before he could answer, two figures burst from the alley in a frantic sprint. The older girl, wide-eyed and desperate, collided with his chest, nearly knocking the breath from his lungs. At the same time, the smaller girl collided with his legs, the impact sending her stumbling backward until she landed hard on her backside with a startled gasp.

Tatsuya steadied the older girl on instinct, his gaze snapping down to the one who had fallen. Her small frame trembled as she stared up at him, red eyes wide with fear. Long, messy, off-white hair spilled around her face, parted in the middle of her forehead, where a small, brown horn protruded. Her dress, once pale tan, was now dirtied and worn, and beneath the short sleeves, bandages wrapped tightly around her thin arms and legs.

The older girl, still catching her breath, had short brown hair and piercing blue eyes that darted around in fear. She clutched at Tatsuya's sleeve, fingers trembling as if she wasn't sure whether to let go or hold on tighter.

Tatsuya's pulse pounded in his ears. Whoever these girls were, whatever they were running from—it was close. And judging by their terror, it was something he wouldn't like.

Izuku quickly knelt beside the small girl, his movements gentle yet urgent. "Whoa, are you okay? You took a tumble," he asked, his voice tinged with concern. His hand reached out instinctively, a comforting gesture meant to reassure her.

But the moment his fingers moved closer, she flinched. It wasn't just a startled reaction—it was the kind of recoil born from fear, from expecting pain rather than kindness.

Tatsuya caught the shift immediately, his sharp gaze flickering between the girl and the older one still gripping his sleeve. Her hold was too tight, fingers curled like she was bracing for him to disappear. He could feel her trembling, her breath shallow and uneven.

"Hey," he said, his voice calm but firm as he turned to her. "Are you hurt?"

The girl jerked away, eyes narrowing as she put distance between them. "Don't touch me," she snapped, her tone defensive, almost desperate. She pulled the smaller girl closer, her arms wrapping around her protectively as if shielding her from something unseen.

Tatsuya froze for a moment. Something about her stance, the way she held herself, made him feel like he was staring at the younger version of himself. Her posture, defensive and on edge, mirrored his past in a way that made his chest tighten. Izuku noticed it, too, his expression faltering as he saw the exact resemblance.

"You should be more careful," a voice called from within the alleyway, its smooth tone threading through the air like silk, yet something was unsettling about it. The girls stiffened, eyes wide with panic as the sound seemed to freeze the air around them. The trio turned toward the alley, instincts kicking in as they prepared themselves for whatever was coming next.

Tatsuya felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere, a heavy pressure settling around him as his senses sharpened. The scent of something almost metallic, like the sterile coldness of a hospital room—clean, but unnervingly so, clung to the air around them as if it was void of warmth or life. There was a faint bitterness to it, like something bitter left to decay, the kind of scent that made you uncomfortable without knowing why as the man stepped out of the shadows.

The figure that emerged from the darkness was unmistakable—Kai Chisaki. His posture was confident, even in the stillness of the moment, as though he owned the space. His mask obscured most of his features, but it couldn't hide the exhuming anger in his scent.

That mask... It's him! Tatsuya thought, the hairs on the back of his neck prickling in an instant.

The man's eyes flicked briefly over them, but his words were directed at the girls. "We don't want to cause trouble for the heroes."

The older girl instinctively pulled the smaller one closer to her side, her body stiff with tension, and Tatsuya could see the fear in her eyes—just as he had suspected. She was familiar with Chisaki's presence and threat.

"I hope you'll forgive my daughters, hero. I don't know what to do with them. Always playing rough, bumping into things," the young head said, his voice dripping with a false sweetness that sent a shiver down Tatsuya's spine.

Chisaki of Shie Hassaikai! The man Nighteye is after, Izuku mentally recalled, his mind raced with the implications.

Togata, however, seemed completely unfazed by the appearance of the infamous villain. With a nonchalant grin, he approached Izuku from behind, casually flipping the green rabbit-like mask over his head. "Whoopsie-daisy, looks like that darn mask came off again," he chirped as if this were nothing more than a friendly encounter. "You might wanna think about getting it resized, my friend."

Of course... Tatsuya's mind sharpened as he took in Togata's conduct. As Nighteye said, we're not supposed to arouse suspicion. His pulse quickened as he glanced toward Chisaki again, then deliberately avoided his gaze. I need to follow his lead and stay calm.

Tatsuya took a slow, silent breath to steady his pulse and thoughts. He kept his body relaxed, pretending nothing unusual was happening, though his instincts screamed at him to be on high alert.

"I'm so sorry about that," Togata said smoothly, addressing Chisaki with an apologetic tone that seemed genuine yet completely out of place. "It was our fault, too."

I'm an idiot, Izuku thought, swallowing hard as he felt his heart pound in his chest. If I let him see how freaked out I am, he'll get suspicious, and that could screw up Nighteye's entire case.

Togata smiled at Chisaki, his voice chipper as ever. "I know that mask! You must be from the Hassaikai, right? You guys are famous around here."

Chisaki's mask shifted slightly as he tilted his head. "Yeah, please don't mind the mask. It keeps out the filth," he said, his words sharp but laced with an eerie politeness. "I don't believe I've seen you three in the area before." His eyes flicked over them again, calculating but not quite piercing.

"Right! Well, we're still pretty new, but you probably already guessed that much," Togata said with his usual enthusiasm, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. His grin never wavered as he glanced at Izuku. "Now, on your feet, partner! Can't do much hero-ing from down there."

Chisaki, who had been observing the exchange with a neutral expression, tilted his head slightly. "So, what agency do you belong to?" His voice was steady, almost too composed, his dark eyes scanning them.

Tatsuya hesitated, a fleeting thought of warning flashing through his mind. With a steady breath, he spoke, keeping his tone calm and unruffled. "Actually, we're still students, currently using our internships to gain experience. Though right now, we're looking for a place to have lunch," he added smoothly, offering a plausible excuse with the slightest of shrugs.

Smart move, Akiba! Togata thought, offering a small, approving smile. If we mention Sir's name, it could blow everything up.

Chisaki's gaze lingered on Tatsuya for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Lunch, huh?" he said, his voice almost casual, though there was a quiet edge. "I'd recommend a place, but I don't get out much. You understand." His words hung in the air with a subtle finality, as though he were dismissing their presence just as quickly as acknowledging it.

"No worries," Togata said with a dismissive wave of his hand, his voice cheerful. "Come on, let's go, guys." He turned on his heel and started walking, clearly unconcerned by the exchange.

"Right!" Izuku agreed, glancing briefly at Tatsuya before following Togata.

Tatsuya stood frozen for a moment, torn. On the one hand, he knew he should follow Togata's orders. As the senior in their group, Togata was in charge of making decisions, and he didn't want to jeopardize Nighteye's mission. But on the other hand, he could feel the tension in the air, the desperation coming from the two girls. He was painfully aware they were in trouble, possibly far deeper than they let on. The instinct to protect them gnawed at his gut. He didn't want to turn his back on their potential danger.

The older girl darted before he could resolve the conflict in his mind. With surprising strength and tenderness, she lifted the smaller one off the ground, cradling her in her arms as she moved quickly behind Tatsuya. Her eyes, full of a quiet protectiveness, flicked to the side, wary of Chisaki and his unsettling presence.

"We can't... let you leave," the older girl murmured under her breath, her voice low and rough. She looked toward Tatsuya, her eyes shadowed with fear and something harder. "Please, you don't know what they'll do to us."

"Please. Please don't go," the smaller girl pleaded in a fragile, almost inaudible whisper, tears brimming in her eyes.

Tatsuya felt a pang of unease. He couldn't ignore how the older girl's words hung in the air, thick with the weight of some unspoken truth. The intensity of the smaller girl's plea sent a chill through his bones. This is bigger than we thought, he realized, his heart hammering in his chest.

"Um, excuse me," Izuku said cautiously, his voice soft but carrying the weight of concern. "I'm sorry, but your daughters seem scared."

"A reaction to being scolded," Chisaki replied, his voice calm yet tinged with something colder underneath as he narrowed his eyes.

You're making him more suspicious, Deku, Togata thought, a frown momentarily flashing across his face before he shifted back to his usual sunny disposition, pushing the worry aside for the sake of the situation. "Sure!"

"Wait, but..." Izuku trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Tatsuya's gaze flickered to the girls behind him. The smaller one was trembling, her small frame shaking in the older girl's arms. The older girl held on to the back of his shirt with an almost frantic grip. This girl... She's grabbed me and won't let go.

"The smaller one's got bandages all over. Are those from 'playing rough'?" the wolf boy asked before he could stop to think. The older girl shifted to be more behind Tatsuya, prompting him to hold an arm out in a protective manner.

"Eri can be exceptionally clumsy," Chisaki explained with an almost dismissive air, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Kotone can only do so much when Eri's in her sight."

"Their whole bodies are shaking, but they're not making a sound. Does that sound normal to you?" Izuku's tone was more serious now, his slight frown deepening into a scowl.

"It's dangerous to make assumptions about what's normal for other people," Chisaki argued, his tone thick with irritation.

"That's technically true," Tatsuya said smoothly, "but wouldn't you agree that in this world, people should follow basic common sense?" His words were calm but carried an edge of challenge, his eyes hardening as he studied Chisaki's every movement.

"Yeah, everybody's different, am I right?" Togata chimed in with his usual easygoing manner, though there was a sense of tension in the way he spoke. This is bad. Chisaki obviously doesn't want us to pry. If we spook him now, he'll even be less likely to show himself. We have to let it go.

Tatsuya felt a wave of frustration at the direction things were going. Togata wants us to leave, but that would make him more suspicious, he thought, a twitch of anticipation stirring in his hand. His eyes never left Chisaki, and his scowl deepened as his instincts screamed at him. What hero would walk away from a frightened child?

Izuku took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. "Tell us..." He began, his voice steady, but his gaze never leaving Chisaki.

"What are you doing to these girls?" Tatsuya and Izuku demanded the question in unison, their voices calm but firm, an unspoken agreement between them that they weren't backing down.

Chisaki was silent for a moment, his gaze shifting between them before he released a troubled sigh. Slowly, he raised his hands in a gesture of concession. "You heroes really do pick up on the subtlest things, don't you?" he said, his tone dripping with something that almost seemed like forced amusement. "Very well. This situation is... embarrassing. So I'd prefer to discuss it where we won't be overheard." He turned then, his movements deliberate as he walked back into the dark alley.

Tatsuya, Mirio, and Izuku exchanged glances, silently agreeing. They followed Chisaki into the alley without a word, the girls trailing hesitantly behind them though they stayed close.

"Hard to admit that you can't control your own children," Chisaki began once they were deeper in the alley, his voice slipping back into the smooth, unsettling tone that had lingered ever since they arrived. He waved his hand dismissively as though the issue at hand was trivial. "But lately, Kotone and Eri defy me no matter what I try."

"What do you try?" Izuku asked, his curiosity getting the better of him, the question slipping from his mouth before he could stop it.

"Parenting, man. Sounds rough. That can't be easy," Togata remarked casually, his tone light as always. But beneath the humor was a sharpness in his eyes, a keen awareness of the dangerous game they were playing.

"Yes, children are tricky." Chisaki sighed deeply, his hand lowering as if the weight of his words exhausted him. "So determined to do whatever they want..."

Tatsuya froze, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. A sudden, almost suffocating pressure filled the air—an unmistakable sense of danger. It was subtle at first, but it hit him all at once, like an animal instinct kicking in. His eyes locked on Chisaki as the man's hand subtly moved toward his glove. Tatsuya's pulse quickened, and every muscle in his body tensed, ready for whatever came next.

The young head's eyes flickered back to the girls, narrowing in a cold glare. "That sometimes they just don't listen."

Tatsuya's nails extended, his body primed to lunge—but a sudden blur rushed past him before he could act. "Kotone—?!"

The older girl ran ahead, slipping between him and Izuku before either could react. She instantly reached Chisaki's side, gently setting Eri down beside her.

"Oh, good. Done with your temper tantrum?" Chisaki's voice was smooth, almost bored, as he glanced down at them. The girls nodded stiffly, their expressions unreadable, and with that, he slid his glove back on.

Tatsuya's heart pounded. His hands twitched, fingers half-curled as his claws hovered in indecision. Why? Kotone had been terrified just moments ago—so why was she acting like this was normal?

"Uh, Eri, Kotone... are you sure?" Izuku asked hesitantly, his brows furrowing in concern.

"They're always like this," Chisaki answered, casting a brief, dismissive glance over his shoulder. "Sorry to involve you in our family drama. I'm sure you have better things to do. Good luck with your internships."

Just like that, it was over. He turned, guiding the girls deeper into the alleyway.

Tatsuya's body locked up, torn between instinct and reason. His ears drooped, betraying the surge of emotion tightening in his chest. His lips parted—he was about to call out, to do something—but an arm shot out in front of him.

"We're not going after them." Togata's voice was low, firm.

Tatsuya's eyes snapped to him. "What?" His nails were still extended, his muscles still coiled. He could feel the tension burning in his limbs and the restless need to act.

Togata's gaze didn't waver. "Didn't you notice?" he murmured.

Tatsuya's jaw clenched as he replayed the scene in his mind. The way Kotone had moved, the way Chisaki had responded so seamlessly—it was planned. He exhaled sharply through his nose as his claws retracted. "Yeah. I sensed it. I was just about ready to fight him until Kotone got past me." His voice was tight with frustration.

"If we push him too hard now, he'll be even harder to catch," Togata reasoned, his eyes following the trio as they disappeared into the shadows. "For now, let's report to Sir."

Silence fell between them. Izuku remained still, his expression twisted in doubt, his fists trembling at his sides. Tatsuya, meanwhile, barely breathed; his teeth gritted so hard that his jaw ached. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms. A low growl rumbled in his throat, quiet but seething.

They had no choice but to walk away.

And it made his blood boil.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The school day buzzed with its usual rhythm: students chattering in the hallways, chairs scraping against floors, the occasional burst of laughter echoing through the corridors. But for Hagakure, the noise barely registered.

Lunchtime had come, yet instead of joining her classmates in the cafeteria, she found herself walking toward the faculty office at Midnight's request. The invitation had been casual—soft-spoken yet firm—but Hagakure knew better than to brush it off.

Her footsteps slowed as she reached the door, hesitating for a moment. A part of her wanted to turn around and pretend she'd never gotten the message, but that wasn't an option. Midnight had noticed. There was no running from that.

Taking a quiet breath, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. The office was quieter than she expected, a stark contrast to the liveliness of the school beyond its walls. The scent of coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the faint traces of ink and paper. Stacks of neatly arranged documents sat atop desks, illuminated by the natural light filtering through the tall windows. Midnight stood near one of them, her posture relaxed but unmistakably attentive.

"I appreciate you coming," she said, offering a small smile before gesturing toward a chair. "Sit down."

Hagakure obeyed, smoothing out the hem of her skirt as she settled in. Midnight leaned against the desk across from her, arms loosely crossed, studying her with perceptive eyes.

"I've noticed your grades slipping recently," Midnight began, her voice even, thoughtful. "Not by much, but enough for someone to take notice. That's not like you."

Hagakure's fingers curled slightly against her lap. She did notice.

"You've been distracted, haven't you?" Midnight continued, tilting her head slightly.

There was no point in denying it, but admitting the truth felt just as difficult. The words stuck in her throat, and instead of answering, she glanced down at her hands. "It's nothing," she muttered, knowing full well how hollow that sounded. "Just... some stuff."

Midnight didn't immediately respond. Instead, she let the silence settle, waiting. She wasn't pushing, just giving Hagakure the space to either retreat or open up.

Hagakure swallowed. The weight pressing against her chest refused to ease, and for days now, she'd been carrying it alone. But here, in this quiet office, with Midnight's steady presence, the words slipped past her lips before she could stop them.

"It's Akiba," she admitted, voice quieter than she meant it to be. "I... I don't know how to fix things between us. I keep thinking about it, but I-I don't know how to make things right. I've been... avoiding him, and I feel like I've messed everything up."

Midnight's expression softened, the warmth in her gaze unwavering. "You care about him," she observed, her tone gentle. "That much is obvious."

Hagakure exhaled sharply, gripping the fabric of her skirt. "I do. But that's the problem, isn't it? If I didn't care, it wouldn't be eating at me like this." She hesitated, then forced out the words she'd been dreading. "I was worried about him at first. But then he... he got hurt again. I got mad at him, and now I... I don't know how to face him anymore."

Midnight nodded as if she understood more than Hagakure was even saying. "It's okay to feel this way," she said. "Relationships—friendships—they're complicated. It's natural to struggle with them, especially when emotions run deep. But avoiding it won't make it go away. The only way forward is to face it, even if it's difficult."

Hagakure chewed on the inside of her cheek, her stomach twisting. "What if he doesn't want to hear it?"

Midnight offered a small smile, reassuring yet knowing. "You won't know unless you try."

Hagakure let out a slow breath, staring at her hands. The weight in her chest wasn't entirely gone, but Midnight's words settled something inside her, just enough to make the thought of facing Tatsuya seem... possible.

"You don't have to figure everything out all at once," Midnight continued, placing a light hand on her shoulder. "Just take it one step at a time. And remember, you have people who care about you—including Tatsuya. Even if it doesn't always feel like it."

Something in Hagakure's chest loosened just enough for her to take a deeper breath. She looked up, meeting Midnight's gaze, and found herself nodding. "Thanks," she murmured, the words small but genuine.

"Anytime," Midnight said with an encouraging nod.

Taking the silent cue, Hagakure stood, her movements hesitant but deliberate, and made her way to the door. The handle was cool beneath her fingers as she turned it, the quiet click of the latch echoing in the stillness.

Stepping into the hallway, she let the door shut behind her, the sound feeling almost final—a nudge to take the first step forward. She lingered for a moment, staring down at her hands. The weight in her chest wasn't entirely gone, but it felt just a little lighter.

And for now, that was enough.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The young people today are sicker than ever," Chisaki muttered, his voice dripping with disdain as he walked down the cold, sterile hallway. The walls gleamed white like a hospital, and the sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air. With each step, the silence seemed to stretch, the weight of the atmosphere thick and suffocating. His heels clicked sharply against the tiles, each step deliberate and forceful.

"Chrono, prepare the bath," he ordered, his tone void of emotion.

"Yes, sir."

Chrono, a man dressed in a long white raincoat and a black plague mask adorned with intricate gold trimmings, walked behind Chisaki, holding Eri in his arms. The child, limp in his grasp, her head resting against his chest, appeared to be unconscious or perhaps too afraid to stir.

"I'm real sorry, Boss," a panicked voice interrupted ahead of them. A yakuza member stepped forward, his eyes wide with terror. "I swear, I barely took my eyes off them. The kids made a break for i—"

The man's words were cut short as Chisaki swept his hand at him. The air shifted violently, and before the yakuza could even react, his body was torn apart. Blood splattered across the wall as his lower half collapsed in a heap.

"And clean that up," Chisaki said flatly as if dismissing the death behind him as nothing more than an inconvenience. Half of his face was now covered in hives, a grotesque, angry rash spreading along his skin.

Chrono glanced over his shoulder, his mask hiding any expression that might have passed across his face. His gaze lingered on the blood splatter, the grotesque mess now staining the wall. "Right," he muttered.

Kotone walked quietly beside him, her footsteps soft but purposeful. She glanced at Eri, trembling in Chrono's arms, her small hands pressed against her ears as her eyes shut tight. The tears that leaked from beneath her closed eyelids betrayed her fear, her body curling in on itself as if trying to block out the nightmare unfolding around her. Kotone's face was unreadable, her eyes cold and distant as she kept pace with Chrono, her hands twitching at her sides.

"This is maddening," Chisaki muttered under his breath, his voice low and filled with a quiet fury. "They're all infected with hero syndrome."

---------------------------------------------------------

-Tatsuya's POV-

The light drizzle that had started falling steadily picked up, turning the streets glossy as Izuku, Togata, and I regrouped with Nighteye and Bubble Girl at a street corner, our footsteps splashing softly on the wet pavement. The chill of the drizzle mixed with the weight of the tense atmosphere and the sound of the droplets hitting the ground seemed to make everything quieter.

"Sorry! It was a total oops. I mean, wow, what are the odds of running into a target on the street like that?" Togata said, his usual cheerful tone a little strained, as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"No, I must accept responsibility," Nighteye calmly interjected, raising a hand as if to stop the conversation. "I should have used Foresight on you all. It's my fault." His voice was level, yet there was an underlying seriousness to it—he wasn't one to easily brush off mistakes.

"I'm just glad you guys are okay. You could've been in danger if he'd suspected something," Bubble Girl said with a deep sigh of relief, her expression softening as she looked at each of them.

I remained silent, my gaze locked on the far side of the street. My hands were buried deep in my pockets, the dampness of the rain barely registering to me as I stayed lost in thought.

"It didn't feel all that scary to me. Is that weird?" Izuku admitted, looking slightly unsure of himself as he glanced at the others.

"Chisaki and his gang were involved in a recent traffic accident caused by a group of hoodlums, which isn't remarkable in and of itself," Nighteye began, his tone steady but laced with something more serious. He adjusted his glasses, the slight gleam in his eyes betraying his deep focus. "Except, there were zero casualties. The thieves experienced intense pain and lost consciousness, but they were uninjured and even reported that pre-existing ailments like rheumatism and cavities were completely gone. The authorities believed Chisaki's Quirk may have been responsible, but with the villains caught and nobody harmed, there was no crime to accuse him of."

"The money that was stolen burned up, so there was nothing left to recover," Bubble Girl said, her voice more serious. Nighteye turned away slightly, his gaze shifting as he let her speak. "The police didn't find any sign of a crime in that regard, either, but the whole thing seemed suspicious, so Nighteye Agency began watching Hassaikai. We haven't figured out what it is yet, but we know they're up to something."

"Oh, I forgot, Sir. We got lucky—at least a little," Togata said, his voice tinged with excitement and frustration as he adjusted his stance, looking like he couldn't quite contain himself. "Our brief encounter some new intel: Chisaki has two daughters."

"Daughters?" Nighteye repeated, his voice quiet yet full of intrigue. He glanced over his shoulder at Togata, his usually calm demeanor now marked with a flicker of curiosity.

"A little girl who he called 'Eri,'" Izuku chimed in, his hand clenching into a tight fist, his voice heavy with concern. "Her limbs were all wrapped in bandages."

"And a slightly older girl named Kotone," I added, meeting Nighteye's calculating gaze. "We don't know anything else about them, but they were asking for help. We have to do something to get them out of there."

Nighteye's gaze hardened, and his expression shifted into something more serious as he turned to face me. "I won't allow your arrogance to interfere with this case," he said sternly, his finger pointing directly at me as his tone held a sharpness that cut through the tension.

My hair and tail bristled, and I could feel the anger building up inside me. "Arrogance?!" I spat, my fists clenched at my sides. How dare he accuse me of that?

"Haste won't help the situation," Nighteye said firmly, his tone dropping into something more controlled but no less stern. "Take your time pursuing a target. If you rush, they are that much more likely to escape. You're not so special that you can save whoever you want whenever you want."

"I never said I was special, Nighteye," I retorted, frustration flaring in my chest. "I'm just saying that we need to save them in addition to putting that bastard away!"

"And we will," Nighteye replied, calm but unyielding. He adjusted his glasses with a measured flick, his gaze never leaving mine. "We've asked other agencies to team up with us. We must first predict our opponent's moves and then make preparations to face him." He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. "Good intentions alone aren't enough to save the world. The wisest villains hide in the shadows. In order to find them, we must watch and wait."

"And while we do that, who knows what Eri and Kotone are going through after they escaped?" My voice rose, full of indignation. "They could be getting tortured right now as we speak!"

Nighteye's expression hardened, and I saw his gaze turn cold. "Enough," he said, cutting off any more argument with a tone that left no room for disagreement. "You three should head back to the office for today. Bubble Girl, let's go." His words were final, and without another glance in my direction, he turned and walked off, signaling that the conversation was over.

I watched as Nighteye and Bubble Girl's figures grew smaller in the distance, their silhouettes disappearing into the rain-soaked streets. The weight of the situation felt heavier with every step they took away from us. I clenched my fist tightly, the sharp sting of frustration gnawing at me. My jaw tightened as I fought to suppress the growl threatening to escape from my throat.

It didn't matter how they justified it, how calm or methodical Nighteye was. Eri and Kotone were still out there, and I couldn't just sit back and wait for the perfect moment to strike. Not when they could be in pain, scared, or worse. My fingers trembled at my side, but I forced myself to turn away, trying to calm the fury bubbling inside me as I followed the others. For now, I'd do things their way, but I knew—sooner or later—I wouldn't be able to hold back.

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A/N: As Tatsuya, Izuku, and Togata step into the dark world of the Shie Hassaikai, they come face-to-face with Chisaki, Eri, and Kotone—a meeting that will leave its mark on all of them. As they navigate this delicate encounter, Tatsuya is forced to keep his emotions in check—especially when the weight of past trauma resurfaces. Can Tatsuya keep his trust in Nighteye despite it already being pushed to the brink?

I know this chapter is shorter than usual, but I felt it was necessary to keep the story properly flowing and build the foundation for what's to come. Stay tuned, dear readers, as the story unfolds in the next chapter. Don't forget to leave your thoughts and predictions in the comments, and if you enjoyed this chapter or the story overall, don't forget to leave a vote—it truly makes a difference.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you in the next chapter!