...
Kenzo and Shin settled into the comfort of their shared living space, the events of the evening's meeting at UA still fresh in their minds.
"So, what did you think of the meeting?" Kenzo asked, his tone serious as he poured himself a glass of water.
Shin leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he considered his response. "It was pretty intense," he admitted, his expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "With the war and all that, it's understandable that they're prioritising the safety of the students."
Kenzo nodded in agreement, taking a sip of his water before continuing. "Yeah. I cant believe im already facing a war in my first year as a hero," he conceded, his thoughts drifting to the potential dangers that lay ahead.
Shin's brow furrowed in concern as he regarded his friend. "Are you sure you're ready for this, dude? I mean, you're only 19 and this is a big responsibility." he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Kenzo's gaze hardened with determination as he met Shin's eyes. "I have to be," he replied firmly. "The safety of my students is my top priority, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect them."
Shin nodded in understanding, a sense of admiration for his friend shining in his eyes. "I know you will, Kenzo," he said quietly, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.
As they sat in the dimly lit living room, the weight of their responsibilities hung heavy in the air.
"Hey, Kenzo," Shin began, his voice unusually serious, "have you ever thought about... dying?"
Kenzo blinked in surprise, his brow furrowing in surprise as he processed the unexpected question. "Uh... well, not really," he admitted cautiously, unsure of how to respond to such a weighty question.
Shin nodded, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the walls of their penthouse. "It's just been on my mind lately," he explained quietly.
Kenzo's heart clenched at the vulnerability in Shin's voice, a pang of concern washing over him. "Is everything okay, Shin?" he asked gently, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder.
Shin offered him a small, albeit somewhat forced, smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking, I guess," he replied, his tone somewhat distant.
Kenzo's expression softened with understanding as he regarded his friend. "Well, whatever it is, you can always talk to me about it," he reassured him, his voice filled with sincerity.
Shin nodded in gratitude, his gaze meeting Kenzo's with a sense of unspoken appreciation. "Thanks, Kenzo. I appreciate that."
Kenzo's resolve strengthened at Shin's words, a silent promise forming in his heart. "And hey, I promise you, Shin," he said earnestly, his voice filled with conviction, "I won't die in this war. We'll get through it together."
A flicker of relief crossed Shin's features, his eyes shining with gratitude as he met Kenzo's unwavering gaze. "Thanks, Kenzo," he whispered softly, a weight lifting from his shoulders at the reassurance of his friend's promise.
...
The next morning, Kenzo was jolted awake by the persistent sound of loud knocking echoing throughout the penthouse. His alarm clock hadn't sounded yet, signalling it was still too early for any urgent matters. Irritated, Kenzo buried his head under the pillow, attempting to block out the noise. Grumbling in annoyance, still groggy from sleep, he resisted the urge to check the time. Whoever it was could wait.
But as the knocking persisted without mercy, Kenzo reluctantly dragged himself out of bed, his movements sluggish with drowsiness. With a resigned sigh, he threw on a loose dressing gown over his boxers and slipped into some slippers, neglecting any notion of proper attire.
Casting a glance into Shin's room to ensure his friend remained undisturbed, Kenzo felt a small wave of relief wash over him as he saw Shin still peacefully asleep. With a furrowed brow, Kenzo quietly slipped out of the room, his steps light as he made his way to the front door.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Kenzo swung open the door, fully prepared to give the intruder a piece of his mind. However, as he squinted against the sudden brightness flooding the hallway, he was met with an unexpected sight.
"The heck? Mineta, why are you at my doorstep at," he glanced at his smartwatch, "six forty in the morning?"
"Midorya's gone! He's left UA!"
Mineta's frantic explanation hit Kenzo like a bucket of cold water, instantly snapping him to full wakefulness. His initial annoyance evaporated, replaced by a sense of urgency and concern.
"What do you mean, Midorya's gone?" Kenzo's voice was sharp with alarm as he grasped Mineta's shoulders, his blue eyes wide with disbelief.
Mineta nodded rapidly, his expression a mixture of panic and distress. "He's left, Sensei! Quit UA and left notes for everyone! We've got to find him!"
Before Kenzo could respond, Kaminari came bounding up the stairs, his own face etched with worry. However, as he caught sight of Kenzo's dishevelled appearance, a mischievous smirk tugged at his lips, threatening to betray the gravity of the situation.
But Kenzo didn't have time for Kaminari's antics. "Kaminari, this is serious!" he snapped, rubbing his tired eyes.
Kaminari's smirk faltered as he took in the urgency in Kenzo's tone. "Right, sorry, Sensei," he muttered sheepishly, his expression sobering.
Kenzo shook his head, pushing aside any irritation. "Where was the last place anyone saw him?"
Mineta gulped, his eyes wide with fear. "In his room, Sensei. He left notes for everyone, saying he had to go."
"Alright, stay calm. Mr. Nakamura and I are the only adults here, so let me get dressed. I'll meet you downstairs in the common area, okay?"
As Kenzo hurriedly dressed, his mind swirled with worry and concern for Midoriya. The idea of one of his students leaving amid a war sent a shiver down his spine. He couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility, as if he had somehow failed as a teacher to prevent this from happening.
"Shin," Kenzo called out urgently as he stepped into the hallway, his voice cutting through the morning haze. "Wake up, we have a situation. One of the students has disappeared."
Shin stirred from his sleep, his eyes bleary with sleep as he processed Kenzo's words. "What do you mean, disappeared?" he asked, his voice thick with drowsiness.
"He's left UA," Kenzo replied solemnly. "Left notes for everyone."
Shin's eyes widened with alarm as he sat up, the weight of the news sinking in. "But that's not safe! We're in the middle of a war!" he exclaimed, throwing off the covers and quickly getting out of bed.
Kenzo glanced back into Shin's room as he tied his blonde hair into a messy ponytail, finding his friend already pulling on a pair of sweatpants. Once they were both dressed, they slipped on their shoes and headed towards the lift. However, before stepping inside, Kenzo's keen eye caught something on the back of their apartment door—a letter.
"He left a letter for me," Kenzo noted, pulling the letter off the door with a sense of foreboding. It was clear that Midoriya had done this in the early hours of the morning, catching them off guard.
"He must have left early," Shin observed as he peered over Kenzo's shoulder, his brow furrowed in concern as they began to read the contents of the letter.
***
Dear Sensei,
I hope this letter finds you well. I regret to inform you that I have made the difficult decision to leave UA. There are matters that I must attend to, and I can no longer put my classmates and teachers in harm's way.
I have inherited a quirk known as One for All, a power that both Shigaraki and All for One are after. In order to keep everyone safe, I must remove myself from UA and face this threat alone.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for your guidance and mentorship. Your combat training has been invaluable to me, and you have always been one of my favourite teachers. I will miss you and everyone at UA dearly.
Please do not come looking for me. I must handle this situation on my own. I hope you can understand and respect my decision.
Take care, Sensei, and thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Izuku Midoriya
***
Kenzo's heart sank as he finished reading Midoriya's letter, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon him. Shin stood silently beside him, offering a supportive presence as they both processed the news.
"Man, that's a tough call," Shin murmured, his voice filled with empathy. "I can't imagine what that poor kid's going through right now."
Kenzo nodded in agreement, folding the letter with care before tucking it away. "Yeah, he must have had a pretty good reason to leave," he responded, his voice reflecting the concern he felt for his student as they made their way to the elevator.
"Alright, I'll stay here with the students," Shin said quietly as the elevator doors opened, his eyes reflecting his concern. "You go ahead and call Aizawa. We need to figure out our next steps."
Kenzo nodded gratefully, appreciating Shin's support in this challenging moment. "Thanks, man," he replied, offering a small smile before stepping out of the elevator and heading outside to make the call.
As he stepped out of the dorm building, the early morning sunlight cast a warm glow over the campus. He made his way down the path, the familiar surroundings offering a sense of comfort amidst the turmoil of Midoriya's departure.
Finding a bench a little further down the path, Kenzo took a seat, the cool breeze ruffling his hair as he gazed out at the tranquil scenery. The dewy grass sparkled in the early sunlight, and the chirping of birds filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere that belied the chaos of the world beyond.
Taking in a deep breath, Kenzo closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself a brief moment of respite amidst the chaos. After a while, he pulled out his phone, dialling Aizawa's number, the familiar sequence of tones echoing through the quiet morning air. As the call connected, he held the phone to his ear, his heart pounding with anticipation.
After a few rings, Aizawa's tired voice came through the line. "Kenzo? Is everything okay?"
Kenzo took a deep breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over him at the sound of Aizawa's voice. "Hey, Aizawa," he greeted, his voice tinged with warmth. "Sorry to bother you, I know you're still in the hospital."
Aizawa let out a tired sigh. "It's fine, Kenzo. What's going on?"
Kenzo hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to begin. "It's Midoriya," he started, his voice faltering slightly. "He's... he's gone. Left UA."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, and Kenzo could almost picture Aizawa's tired expression as he processed the news. "I see," Aizawa replied quietly, his voice heavy with understanding. "Did he say why?"
Kenzo nodded, even though Aizawa couldn't see him. "He left a letter. Said something about his quirk, One for All, and how Shigaraki and All for One are after him. He thinks he's putting everyone in danger by staying at UA."
Aizawa let out another sigh, the weight of the situation evident in his tone. "I understand. Midoriya's always been fiercely protective of others," he murmured. "But he shouldn't have to face this alone."
Kenzo nodded in agreement, even though Aizawa couldn't see him. "I know. But he's made up his mind. He told me not to come looking for him."
There was a moment of silence between them, the weight of Midoriya's decision hanging heavily in the air. Then, Aizawa spoke again, his voice firm. "We'll keep an eye out for him. But for now, focus on keeping the students safe. That's your priority."
Kenzo nodded, a sense of determination welling up within him. "I will. Thanks, Aizawa-sensei," he replied gratefully.
The two of them talked for a while longer, discussing the ongoing war and their concerns for the safety of their students. As the conversation drew to a close, Kenzo felt a sense of reassurance knowing that Aizawa was there, even from his hospital bed.
After they said their goodbyes, Kenzo ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket. Taking in another deep breath, he rose from the bench, his mind already turning to the tasks ahead. There was much to be done, but for now, he would focus on keeping his students safe in the midst of uncertainty.
As Kenzo stepped into the common room, the buzz of conversation enveloped him, each snippet of dialogue carrying a weight of its own.
"...cant believe Midoriya's gone," Kirishima murmured to his neighbour, his voice tinged with concern.
Jirou's response was a mix of disbelief and worry. "Yeah, I wonder where he went..."
Bakugo's gruff voice cut through the air, filled with frustration. "Damn Deku... always causing trouble."
Hagakure's voice, softer in comparison, chided him gently. "Hey, don't be like that. He's probably scared."
As Kenzo closed the door behind him, the students' gazes turned towards him, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and concern. Uraraka, in particular, voiced their collective worry.
"Sensei, is everything okay with Midoriya?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Kenzo offered her a reassuring smile as he made his way towards the coat rack, grabbing Shin's coat before heading out. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just need to speak with Nezu. I'll be back soon. In the meantime, Mr. Nakamura here will be in charge."
Shin, standing beside him, seized the opportunity for a joke. "Nice coat, dude. Where'd you get it from?"
Kenzo rolled his eyes at Shin's joke. "Wrestled it off a homeless man," he deadpanned.
Shin chuckled at the response, shaking his head in amusement. With a nod to his friend, Kenzo made his exit, his thoughts already turning towards his meeting with Nezu.
As Kenzo strode across the campus, the morning sunlight cast long shadows across his path. The air was crisp, the silence of the early hour enveloping him as he made his way towards the main building.
With each step, his mind whirled with thoughts of his student's sudden departure. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders, driving him forward with a sense of urgency.
Reaching the main building, Kenzo pulled out his teacher's lanyard, swiping it across the security scanner to gain access. The familiar beep signalled his entry, but as he stepped inside, the emptiness of the building struck him.
It was still early, too early for the usual hustle and bustle of students and staff. The corridors stretched out before him, eerily quiet in the dim morning light. Kenzo pressed on, the echo of his footsteps the only sound accompanying him as he made his way to Nezu's office.
As Kenzo arrived at Nezu's office, he found it empty, the door slightly ajar. Peering inside, he confirmed that the room was indeed deserted, devoid of any signs of recent activity. Nezu wasn't there.
Frustration gnawed at Kenzo's insides as he realised he had no way of contacting Nezu directly. He didn't know which dorm the principal lived in, as each teacher was assigned to a specific class and dormitory. Moreover, he only had Nezu's office phone number, which wouldn't be of much use if the principal wasn't there to pick up.
Sighing heavily, Kenzo continued through the building, making his way to his own office.
As Kenzo entered his office, his frustration seemed to deepen with every step. He carelessly tossed Shin's coat onto a nearby chair, but his irritation only grew when he heard a soft thud emanate from the pocket. Curiosity piqued, Kenzo bent down to retrieve the fallen item, only to freeze in shock at what he found.
In his hand lay a small baggie containing what appeared to be marijuana—a substance he hadn't encountered in years, yet its presence and smell was unmistakable. Kenzo's mind raced with a flurry of emotions—shock, disbelief, and a twinge of nostalgia.
"What the..." His voice trailed off into a mutter as he stared at the baggie, his brow furrowing in confusion. The realisation that Shin might be involved in drug use left him reeling.
Kenzo's thoughts spun as he tried to rationalise the situation. Could this be a misunderstanding? Was Shin holding it for someone else? Or was there a deeper, more troubling explanation that Kenzo hadn't considered?
Kenzo's mind buzzed with questions and concerns as he pocketed the baggie and made his way out of his office. He couldn't let this discovery distract him from his responsibilities as a teacher, especially not now with Midoriya gone.
Exiting the main building, Kenzo walked briskly across the campus, his thoughts consumed by the unexpected turn of events. When he arrived at the 1-A dorms, he found the common area bustling with activity. Several students looked up as he entered.
"Hey, Mr. Ikari, you're back early," Kirishima remarked, flashing a grin in Kenzo's direction.
"Yeah, we missed you at breakfast," Uraraka added, her eyes narrowing with concern as she noticed the seriousness in Kenzo's expression.
Kenzo forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Sorry about that. Nezu isn't here yet," he replied vaguely.
But as he glanced around the room, his eyes fell on Shin, who was engrossed in a conversation with Sero and Kaminari. Kenzo's stomach churned with unease, the weight of the baggie in his pocket a constant reminder of the situation at hand.
Ignoring the knot of tension in his gut, Kenzo cleared his throat, addressing the group of students gathered around him. "Listen up, everyone. I need to speak with you all for a moment."
"Look, I know things seem chaotic right now with Midoriya leaving and all, but we can't lose hope," Kenzo began, his voice steady as he addressed the students. "We've faced tough challenges before, and we've always come out stronger on the other side."
Kirishima nodded in agreement, his expression determined. "Yeah, he's right! We've got each other's backs, no matter what."
"Plus, we've got the best teachers around," Mina chimed in, flashing Kenzo a reassuring smile.
Kenzo couldn't help but smile back at Mina's optimism, though his mind still wrestled with worries of his own. "Thanks, guys. Just remember, no matter what happens, we're in this together."
"And don't forget," Shin added, his voice infused, "I'm here too, so you're basically unstoppable."
The students chuckled at Shin's remark, the tension in the room easing slightly.
Kenzo stood still for a moment, weighing his options before deciding on the best course of action. "Alright, I think it's best if you all stay inside the dorms. Mr. Nakamura and I are going to go upstairs and discuss what to do."
The students nodded in agreement, though Kenzo couldn't shake the feeling that Kaminari muttered something to Mina under his breath. However, Kaminari's innocent look was so swift that Kenzo decided not to dwell on it.
Leading Shin towards the exit, Kenzo gestured for him to follow as they headed up to their penthouse. With a final nod to the students, he guided Shin out of the common area and towards the lift.
"Come on, let's go figure this out," Kenzo said softly as they stepped into the elevator.
"Man, that student must be so selfless. I hope we can-" Shin began.
"Shin, that's not what I'm talking about," Kenzo cut in as the elevator doors opened on the fourth floor. He swiped his lanyard on the door to their penthouse before striding in, Shin trailing close behind.
In the spacious penthouse kitchen, Kenzo moved with purpose, fetching two mugs and a box of tea bags. "Tea?" he offered casually, starting to fill the kettle with water.
Shin accepted with a nod, though there was a tense air between them as he took a seat at the island counter. "Sure, thanks," he replied, his tone guarded.
As they waited for the kettle to boil, the silence grew heavy, each moment stretching uncomfortably. Kenzo could feel Shin's eyes on him, a silent question hanging in the air.
Finally breaking the silence, Shin cleared his throat. "So, uh, what are you talking about?"
Kenzo hesitated, then spoke carefully as he passed Shin his tea. "I found something in your coat," he began, his gaze steady. "Care to explain?"
Shin's eyes widened in surprise, his unease evident. "Uh... What do you mean?" he murmured, avoiding Kenzo's gaze.
"Don't play dumb, Shin," Kenzo pressed, his tone firm. "I found a baggie of marijuana in your coat pocket."
Shin paled, his discomfort evident. "Oh... That," he muttered, looking away.
Kenzo's patience wore thin. "Yeah, that," he replied bluntly. "Care to explain why you have it?"
Kenzo's expression tightened as he waited for Shin's response, his own memories of his struggles with addiction stirring beneath the surface.
Shin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes flicking to Kenzo briefly before dropping to his tea. "I, uh... I didn't think you'd find it," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kenzo's jaw clenched as he fought to keep his emotions in check. "You know my history with this stuff, Shin," he said, his tone tinged with disappointment.
Shin's shoulders sagged, guilt evident in his expression. "I know, I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice laced with remorse.
Kenzo took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "It's not just about getting caught, Shin," he said, his voice softening slightly. "It's about the risks, the consequences... for you, and for everyone else. This shit can cause spiralling. I don't want you to spiral"
Shin nodded, his gaze fixed on the tabletop. "I know, and I'll make it right," he promised, determination creeping into his voice.
Kenzo regarded him for a moment, the weight of their conversation hanging heavy in the air. "I hope you do, Shin," he said finally, his tone sombre. "Because we both know how easy it is to get caught up in all of this."
Shin met Kenzo's gaze, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I won't let it happen again," he vowed, his resolve firm.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Kenzo pushed himself away from the counter. "Good," he said, his voice steady. "Now let's focus on what we need to do next."
As they sat down to discuss their plan of action, the tension between them began to ease, replaced by a shared determination to set things right. It wouldn't be easy, but they both knew they had to face the challenges ahead together.
...
The common room of Class 1-A was abuzz with tension that evening as the students and their teachers gathered around the television, perched on sofas and chairs, their eyes glued to the screen as news of the latest developments unfolded before them.
"The situation is getting worse," Yayorozu murmured. She sat on the floor in front of the sofa, her voice filled with concern as images of civilians taking to the streets flashed across the screen.
"Yeah, it's like everyone's lost faith in heroes," Uraraka added, her brows furrowed in worry as she continued braiding Yayurozu's long black hair.
"Can't blame them. After all the scandals, they don't know who to trust," Kirishima chimed in from his armchair, his discomfort evident.
Kenzo nodded thoughtfully, standing behind the sofa with a mug of coffee in hand, his hair styled in two slightly imperfect french braids (courtesy of Mina Ashido). "That's what you guys are training for," he remarked, taking a sip. "To show them that not all heroes are corrupt."
Shoto's gaze flickered with uncertainty as he looked at Kenzo. "But how do we do that?" he asked, seeking guidance.
Kenzo met Shin's eyes, his expression resolute. "You start by being the best heroes you can be," he declared. "And you can't afford to slack off, even during the holidays. My training club is still on every other evening if you want to stop by."
Shin grinned from his spot on the floor, where he had been pressured into getting his nails painted by Aoyama and Jirou. "And that's why they call him the symbol of hope, guys," he quipped.
Kenzo chuckled, shaking his head at his friend's remark, while across the room, Kaminari leaned in to Mina who was playing subway surfers on her phone, her glittery phone case glinting brightly. "There's definitely something going on there," he whispered, gesturing towards Kenzo and Shin, his eyes narrowing.
Mina nodded in agreement, her gaze flicking between the two adults engaged in banter. "That's what I've been saying," she replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
As Mina and Kaminari exchanged glances filled with mischief, they both leaned in closer, their voices dropping to a whisper.
"There's definitely something going on between them," Kaminari insisted, his eyes darting between Kenzo and Shin.
Mina nodded enthusiastically, her grin widening. "Oh, absolutely. The way they look at each other, the inside jokes... it's obvious," she replied, her tone filled with certainty.
"And they even live together. Im telling you, It's not just friendship," Kaminari added, his eyebrows raising suggestively.
Mina giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I knew there was a reason they're always together," she whispered, barely able to contain her excitement.
Just then, Kenzo glanced over at the pair, a bemused expression on his face as he caught them staring. Shin, too, seemed to sense their scrutiny, his cheeks flushing slightly as he met their gaze.
Caught off guard, Mina and Kaminari quickly averted their eyes, their cheeks tinted pink with embarrassment. But as soon as Kenzo and Shin returned their attention to the television, the mischievous glint returned to their eyes, and they exchanged knowing looks.
"Yep, definitely something going on there," Mina murmured with a grin, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaminari chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "Absolutely."
...
The next day, Kenzo geared up for patrol, feeling a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. As he made his way through the bustling streets of the city, he couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in the atmosphere around him.
Usually, when he patrolled these streets, he was greeted with smiles and cheers from the civilians, their faces lighting up at the sight of their favourite hero. But today, the response was different. There were still nods of recognition and whispers of admiration, but there was an undercurrent of tension in the air—a palpable sense of uncertainty and distrust.
Kenzo furrowed his brow, his gaze scanning the faces of the people he passed. Some looked up to him with reverence, their eyes shining with admiration. But others cast wary glances in his direction, their expressions tinged with scepticism and mistrust.
It was clear that the recent scandals involving other heroes had shaken the public's faith in the hero community as a whole. While they still looked up to Kenzo, there was a sense of disappointment and disillusionment simmering beneath the surface.
Kenzo couldn't blame them. The actions of a few had tainted the reputation of all heroes, casting a shadow over their noble intentions. It was a sobering reminder of the weight of responsibility that came with being a hero—to uphold the trust and faith of the people they swore to protect.
As he continued his patrol, Kenzo resolved to do everything in his power to restore that trust—to prove to the people of the city that heroes were still worthy of their admiration and respect. It wouldn't be easy, but it was a challenge he was willing to take on, no matter the cost.
After a while of patrolling, Kenzo's sharp instincts led him to a group of suspicious individuals lurking in an alleyway. With a swift and practised move, he leaped into action, apprehending the would-be villains before they could carry out their nefarious plans.
With the villains securely in custody, Kenzo took a moment to catch his breath, his heart still racing from the adrenaline of the chase. He radioed for backup to take the villains away, ensuring that they would face justice for their crimes.
Feeling a sense of satisfaction at a job well done, Kenzo decided to take a break and grab some lunch at a nearby cafe. As he entered the cosy establishment, the chatter of patrons filled the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.
Despite his attempts to keep a low profile, Kenzo couldn't escape the attention of the other cafe-goers. As he waited in line to place his order, several people approached him, asking for his autograph and posing for selfies with him.
Kenzo obliged with a smile, graciously signing pieces of paper and posing for photos with his adoring fans. He was grateful for their support and encouragement, knowing that their unwavering admiration was a testament to the importance of his work as a hero.
After ordering his lunch—a simple sandwich and a cup of coffee—Kenzo found a quiet corner to sit and enjoy his meal. As he savoured each bite, he couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfilment wash over him.
A while passed and Kenzo's began to buzz insistently in his pocket, interrupting the quiet hum of the cafe. With a furrowed brow, he retrieved his device, unlocking it to reveal a text message from Hawks.
"Look at the news," the message urged, accompanied by a link. Kenzo's curiosity piqued, and he tapped on the link, his eyes scanning the headlines that flashed before him.
"Tartarus broken into: All deadly criminals escape."
A cold chill ran down Kenzo's spine. The implications of this news were dire. Tartarus housed some of the most dangerous villains in the country, including individuals like Stain and Mortis. Now that they were free, chaos was sure to follow.
His thoughts whirled with concern for the safety of civilians and fellow heroes alike. But amidst the chaos, one thought stood out like a beacon in the darkness—Hana, who he had hoped to steer away from villainy, was now lost to him.
"Sir? Is everything alright?" The voice of the waitress broke through Kenzo's reverie, drawing his attention back to the present.
"Yeah, sorry. Just lost in thought," Kenzo replied, his voice distant as he hastily settled his bill and left the cafe.
Once outside, Kenzo wasted no time in pulling out his phone again, his fingers moving with urgency as he scrolled through his contacts. Aizawa was still recovering in the hospital, and Hawks was unavailable. That left only one option.
"Endeavor," Kenzo muttered under his breath, dialling the number of the country's top hero as he hurried down the bustling street, the weight of the news heavy on his shoulders.
Kenzo's heart raced as he listened to the phone ring, each tone echoing loudly in his ear. With every passing second, the urgency of the situation weighed heavier on his mind. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the call connected.
"Endeavor here. What do you need?" came the gruff voice on the other end of the line.
"Endeavor, it's Aero," Kenzo said quickly, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Have you seen the news? Tartarus has been breached. All the villains, including Mortis, have escaped."
There was a moment of silence on the other end as Endeavor processed the information. "I'm aware," he replied curtly. "We can't directly do anything though. I'm going to increase patrol in my area though."
"Well, I'm on my way to your agency now," Kenzo responded, quickening his pace as he navigated through the crowded streets. "I'll be there soon."
"Ok good. We'll discuss our next steps when you arrive," Endeavor said before ending the call abruptly.
Kenzo pocketed his phone and quickened his pace, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. As he approached Endeavor's agency, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him. The escape of such dangerous criminals meant that the city was now a powder keg waiting to explode.
(5174 words)
war is near yall