The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

16

Shinobu's hands tighten around his steering wheel, "So, what's the outcome here? What am I to make of all this? Is there a traitor or something?"

"No, I don't think that's what we need to focus on here. Granted, we do need to sort out which one is the truth and which one isn't, that's not the point that needs to be derived from these reports, though. The highlight of all of this is that they both provided a name for the so-called hero in this situation."

He sits forward, perking up in an instant. How delightful . "Is that so?" he ventures.

She chuckles, "It is. Both reports stated that he came in under special conditions and was immediately escorted to a private sector in the hospital, one reserved for pro-heroes. One report listed the name Takeuchi Katsu whereas the other listed Bakugou Katsuki. Either way, it's not hard to find out that his actual name is the latter. His hero name is better known as Dynamite. He's new to the scene, which is why he was likely able to avoid detection up to now."

"And, do we have information on his whereabouts as of now?" he asks.

"Not really. It would be easier if the place in which he's been working hadn't been absolutely demolished. But not to worry, sir, we have people trying to track him down as we speak," she ensures. "We'll have eyes on him in no time."

Shinobu's lips twist into a sinister smile, "I do love our talks, Ichika. You're always such a good girl for me. Do me a favor and go treat yourself to something nice? My treat. A reward for always doing for me what no one else can. You know where my card is, don't you?"

"I do," she giggles. "And tell me, should I keep you in mind as I look for something that suits my taste?"

"It would be nice," he smirks. "Go for something red. And, please, keep me updated on this Bakugou when you can."

"It would be my pleasure, sir."

***

Katsuki's fingers tap rhythmically against the table in his dining room as he listens to his friends talk about the events that transpired the weekend before. This week has been rather busy, so a week later, they're finally sitting down to discuss everything. Granted, the weekend and the ramifications have been stressful enough, but that has not been what sits at the forefront of his mind. Izuku has hardly touched base with Ena or Akasuki, let alone him. It's been an entire week since Masashi came home. He knows that he's been in and out of town, at least that's what Ena says, but Izuku hasn't even texted him since the night at Ena's apartment. Just thinking about it is enough to make his stomach churn. He can't help but wonder what happened the next morning. Izuku insisted on going home, despite Katsuki's best efforts to have him stay another day. It was later that day that Ena would call in a mess of tears after facetiming Izuku and seeing the bruises on his face. Needless to say, no one has heard much from Izuku since that day.

His eyes trail down to the report sitting in front of him and he frowns as he reads over it. Eijiro nudges his shoulder softly, "Hey, you still with us?"

"Oh, yeah," he answers. "Sort of, at least. I'm a bit distracted, I guess. Anyway, what's this about giving my alias in your report to Shinobu's people. Are you sure that's the right move?" He noticed that detail as soon as he'd been handed his own copy of the notes. Something about it gnawed at him without relent, but he's sure that there's a good reason for it. He's just not sure what it would be.

Eijiro's hand clasps to the back of his neck. "Yeah. I thought it was a ballsy move myself, but Sho made a pretty good case."

He rubs at his face as if trying to wipe away the exhaustion from his mind. It's felt as if nothing of major importance was happening for the longest time, and right as it decides to become an issue he has other things he'd rather pay attention to. "Well, is someone going to explain or am I going to have to guess?" He sighs.