Sakura felt the morning sun hit her back as it filtered through the curtains. She adjusted Eri's hair, neatening her bangs and tucking in her vest before slipping her into her overalls. It would've been a peaceful start to the day but there was a quiet apprehension in this ambiance.
Breakfast was also another hesitant affair, especially for Eri, the young girl's appetite diminished by the knowledge that the only person she trusted and felt secure around was going to be absent for the day.
"Eri, come on you love pancakes," Sakura said noticing her pushing around the blueberries in the syrup but Eri didn't respond straight away.
Although Sakura assured her she would be well looked after by someone and that she would come back as soon as she had taken care of some business, she failed to admit what that was and Eri didn't comprehend enough courage to ask because somehow it just felt like she shouldn't.
"Eri," Sakura's voice finally reached her, and she met her eyes. Taking her small hand in hers. "I'll be back by dinner time tonight, alright?"
Eri's reply was a nod, with clear hesitance.
Sakura leaned closer, "Eri, I'm going to come back soon, okay? I need you to be brave and wait for me."
"Okay." Her voice was now like a whisper. And it was the first time in a long time that Eri felt like raising her voice and pleas but she felt like they weren't going to be heeded. Even though this wasn't the same situation, it made Eri fell physically sick. Sakura had become the only person she trusted herself with, she was her security and now that was being taken away.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. The door swung open, revealing Shouta.
"We're ready Haruno,"
..
..
..
Izuku felt immense unease as he stood around the heroes, who would usually make his heart pound with an overwhelming fanboy excitement, but this time his heart beat was playing a tune of dread and anxiety. He had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity. Every day had been a struggle for him, his mind always in other places, while his body was stationed in classes and undergoing training. None which brought him a remote sense of comfort or distraction. And he wasn't the only one who shared the sentiment. His classmates and friend's who also had work studies were hyper-focused on the upcoming confrontation that it didn't go unnoticed. Katsuki even confronted them, demanding to know what they were learning, but no one could tell him that what they were learning had been the horrific reality of what it took to work the job of a hero in this world.
Finally that vice grip that had been tightening on his thoughts would finally be pulled loose. If he could just remember to hold it together long enough to get through this meeting.
News of Shie Hassaikai's sinister plot and Eri's 'kidnapping' had been the catalyst for his descent into this abyss of worry. He had been haunted by the fact that he had lost his chance of saving that girl. The guilt was like a weight gnawing at his conscience.
Nights had been the cruelest. Sleep eluded him, stolen away by the relentless turmoil playing with his thoughts. But then, Nighteye's message had arrived late and unexpected.
Tomorrow. That singular word, appearing on his screen, had transformed his despair into determination. And he was finally able to retrieve a bit of sleep to prepare for the next day.
Right now Izuku was looking at a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar faces brought together by a common purpose. Nighteye had been the one to orchestrate this alliance, and enlisted several heroes agencies to work with. That also had a few of his classmates interning with.
Among them were Ochaco and Tsuyu, who were part of Ryukyu's agency. Eijiro, who was interning with Fat Gum. And then there was the Big Three, the paragons of strength among U.A. High School.
Mirio Togata, his senpai who usually held a permanent smile and radiated a sense of optimism. He was also the one who held the door open to Izuku's internship into Nighteye's agency, despite the heroes cold refusal to accept him as the new user of One for All. Then there was Tamaki Amajiki, who was essentially cornered by Eijiro to join his upperclassman at Fat Gum's agency, exuded a quiet demeanor and nervous energy that could combat Izuku's. And there was the only female of the three, Nejire Hado, she came of as a bit light hearted, however she stood on the same platform as the one of the best students in UA.
Now they were all assembled by Nighteye, to bring down one of the remaining yakuza groups. Shie Hassaikai. They confirmed the group had been making quirk-canceling bullets, weapons that could turn any hero or villain into an ordinary individual with a single shot. The most chilling revelation was the composition of these bullets, blood. From none other than Eri.
When Izuku realized this, he had been wrapped in a shadow. The revelation that this young girl who clung to him, crying softly for help, had suffered something like that, haunted his thoughts and seemed into his school life like poison, fracturing his focus and causing his academic performance to falter.
Shouta had contemplated withdrawing all first-year students from their internships, deeming their involvement in this dangerous affair a risk too great. Class A was already holding itself together in tearing stitches, relationships and trust were strained since their encounter with All for One. Their clash over the rescue of Katsuki, the subsequent breaches of hero regulations, the introduction of the new dormitory system, and the loss of their classmate Sakura had left wounds that had yet to heal.
Shouta had cautioned them before they even set foot into the dorms, that regaining his trust would be an arduous journey, one that required their unwavering commitment to the rules. And he doubted whether that would be possible in these current conditions, however, he also acknowledged his student's feelings about this situation and chose to level with them. They would be allowed to participate to a minimal degree within the lines of certain regulations. As long as no one stepped out of them, they could continue with their internships.
Everyone gathered at Nighteye's agency that morning and changed into their hero costumes before they assembled. A union of heroes and police, all armed and resolute.
As they filed into the meeting room, the air was thick with anticipation. Nighteye took center stage.
"Alright everyone let's get started,"
Nighteye's announcement hung in the air, casting a momentary hush over the assembled heroes. It was Rock Lock who broke the silence, a touch of impatience in his voice. "So give us the layout Nighteye,"
"We'll be engaging Shie Hassaikai today,"
"That's obvious, but what about the girl? Thought we were also looking into her whereabouts?"
Nighteye, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, leaned forward slightly.
"As you know," he began, "we've discovered that Overhaul's daughter has been taken by an underground fighter, Nemesis." Izuku swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure. This news didn't make his chest feel any lighter, but Nighteye continued. "And I'm here to inform you that the girl, Eri, has been successfully retrieved."
As if they were shocked out of the seats, Izuku and Mirio leaped in unison, their faces twisted with confusion and concern, but also a hint of hope.
"Is she safe?" asked Mirio.
"Yes, she's under guard at this moment, and Nemesis... is right here."
From the shadows of the room, soft steps clicked deliberately on the floor, and breaths drew in as they made their way to the front next to Nigtheye. Standing there was a figure of slight stature, a mask obscuring their identity. The reactions of Izuku and his classmates mirrored his own; shock painted their faces in unison, the air charged with disbelief.
Heroes, ever vigilant, shifted into high alert.
Rock Lock's voice carried the skepticism that hung in the room, questioning the unexpected presence. "What is he doing here?!"
Nighteye's response was unwavering. "Nemesis will be joining us on this operation."
Of course that caused a roar of questions and skepticism.
Rock Lock, however, was quick to voice his objections. He pointed out the undeniable fact that Nemesis, by virtue of his participation in underground fight clubs, was technically a villain. "How can you say this guy joining? Didn't he kidnap the girl? We should have him arrested!"
"Because I did your job better?" Sakura asked roughing her tone so that it would be less feminine.
"Nemesis has handed Eri over to the authorities and she is safe in custody. There was no harm done to the girl after,"
"So….this guy actually saved her?" Asked Fat Gum.
"That's right," Sakura answered.
Nighteye's response, though brief, held the weight of authority. "He is the only one as far as we know that has confronted Chisaki and overpowered him. And the decision has already been made. Nemesis will be joining the raid."
Rock Lock muttered in protest, frustration is evident in his tone. "You've got to be kidding me. How can we even trust this guy?"
Nighteye, it seemed, had foreseen such concerns. With a calm demeanor, he explained the precautions in place. "Nemesis is currently wearing a tracking bracelet. Eraser Head and I will have eyes on him at all times even out of sight."
Sakura was well aware of the reasoning behind these measures set. Which is why she remained tight-lipped, as she gently ran her thumb over the bracelet. For now, she chose not to challenge it, though the future held unknown trials for both her and her allies.
There was another snag that she agreed to hold. Only Nighteye, his sidekicks, Shouta, and Tsukauchi were aware that Nemesis was Sakura in disguise. As part of the agreement, she had to ensure they remained oblivious to her identity until after the matter was settled. They were bending the rules to allow her participation, and she would likely be a cause of havoc and argument amongst allies if they learned that a minor without a provisional license was being put at risk partaking in the raid. It could also mess up her classmate's psych if they knew the truth.
Amidst the gathered heroes, Sakura sensed curious glances aimed in her direction. Her classmates freely exposing their scrutiny wasn't even acknowledged.
..
..
They were nervous. The energy of the heroes in training was palpable. Sakura felt it throughout their entire journey, from Nighteye's agency to the hideout of Shie Hassaikai's leader. Ochako, Tsuyu, Izuku, Eijiro, and the others displayed telltale signs of novices. Despite their previous experience with villains, this was still a new ordeal.
For Sakura, this apprehension felt like a distant memory, a rite of passage etched in her past, but she understood how they were feeling at this moment. It wasn't something you forget but it was how you acknowledged your progression.
In contrast, the experienced heroes appeared more composed, their collective demeanor showcasing a better grasp of their emotions. However, Sakura's worry centered on the strategic aspect of their mission.
They were a crowd of heroes huddled together, a sea of capes and masks. Police officers, perhaps less accustomed to such high-stakes heroics, didn't seem to prioritize discretion. They gathered outside the police station for the final briefing, their armed presence conspicuous. The number of individuals involved and the utilization of official police vehicles risked drawing the attention of unintended onlookers.
They were useful in terms of providing more information on members and their quirks at least. Offering up a list on certain members, which Sakura was able to thoroughly examine. Memorizing names, faces, and quirks.
"Heroes!" The leading police officer stepped forward addressing everyone. "Things might get a little violent. If you see even a hint of suspicious behavior or resistance please deal with it immediately! We're up against gangsters who have survived until now. Don't let your guard down." He and the entire police force behind him then gave a synchronized salute. "All hands move out!"
..
..
..
They were really attempting to play by the book. It was still early morning and the streets were clear of traffic and pedestrians. The morning sun was bathing the assembled police officers and heroes. The moment they've been waiting for arrived at last.
All of them stood, a formidable congregation, in front of a seemingly ordinary house, one that had been under Sakura's careful surveillance. It felt too quiet.
The police officer moved forward to the entrance on the front line, "Once we present the warrant, move in."
With a poised hand raised to ring the doorbell and set the gears of justice in motion, everyone held their breath. But before his finger could make contact, the gates guarding the entrance to the property trembled and were exploding off their hinges and flying in the air.
A hulking figure, clad in an ominous plague mask, emerged like lightning. The ground quivered beneath the impact of his colossal form as he landed with a resounding thud, sending several officers into the air who were on the front line. Shouta and other heroes including Fat Gum were able to prevent them from taking any major falls.
Sakura caught two officers, and Izuku also stepped in activating his quirk to move before the officers could hit the ground.
It took them by surprise due to the fact there hadn't been any resounding noise from behind those gates until now. Which meant he produced that much force from a close distance, likely with a single hit.
"What are you doing here? Bringing all these people so early?" he bellowed, his voice laced with disdain and menace.
This was Rikiya, one of the eight bullets of Shie Hassaikai. A brute with a power that defied ordinary human limits and evidently the first line of defense for Overhaul.
His arm shot forward, a punch that cleaved through the air, generating a furious gust of wind in its wake. Yet, the strike was met with a swift and formidable response. Ryukyu, the hero underwent a stunning transformation. Her body contorted and elongated, scales glistening as she metamorphosed into her dragon form.
"The Ryukyu agency will take care of this one! Everyone else, go!" she commanded, her powerful wings unfurling.
In the wake of her directive, Ochaco, Tsuyu, and Nejire lingered, ready to assist their mentor in this clash of titans. The remaining heroes and police officers wasted no time. They surged forward, charging into the front yard towards the house. Behind them, the police officer attempted to enforce the legal warrant, engaging those who dared to block their path.
"This is ridiculous," Sakura muttered, her frustration simmering beneath a composed exterior.
"Remember our agreement, Nemesis," Shouta said, running alongside her. Unveiling her true identity was a risk they couldn't afford to take at this juncture. The mission was paramount, and maintaining their cover was crucial. With a deep breath, she refocused, ready to play her part in this high-stakes operation.
The battle unfolded with a chaotic intensity that seemed to escalate by the second. As the group pushed through the front yard, a throng of adversaries, positioned strategically to halt their advance. The subordinates of Shie Hassaikai ignoring any semblance of reason, lunged forward with menacing intent, forcing the heroes and officers to engage them in combat.
It was a pitched skirmish of quirk-driven clashes, bullets and hand-to-hand confrontations as they neared the entrance of the house. But it wasn't much of a stall, as the front group consisted of Fatgum, Nighteye, Shouta, Eijiro, Izuku, Rock Lock, Sakura, Bubble Girl, and Centipeder. Along with the leader of the police force.
"I wonder if someone leaked information," mused Tamaki Amajiki.
"If someone did, I'd think they would move smarter than this," replied the police chief, casting a dubious glance back at the retreating line of aggressors blocking their path.
Sakura, at the forefront with Nighteye, came to a sudden halt. A sense of urgency gripped her.
"They must be trying to buy Overhaul time," she whispered to herself.
She went over heads as the entrance of the house was poured over in a wave of people coming out to prevent them from entering. Everyone else eventually managing to slip past while the other heroes took over the skirmish at the front of the house.
"What's he doing?" Eijiro queried, his eyes flicking from Sakura to the bare walls of the corridor.
Sakura's hands slid across the smooth surface, her chakra humming as they reached out for any irregularities. She was not disappointed; her fingertips discerned an imperceptible seam that hinted at an entrance to the underground passages. The structure was known to her, and through her chakra, she perceived its contours.
"Down here," She led the charge. The team followed in swift pursuit.
They reached a point where she came to an abrupt stop. To any onlooker, it might have seemed baffling. She approached a near empty wall shelf with a potted plant, as if it was intended to ensure no one would bother looking too close by admiring the none existent collection of novels. Her grip found the end of the shelf and wrenched it aside.
"This is the entrance," Sakura declared. Beyond the wall, a concealed passage that seem to extend into the depths of the earth. But their progress was met with immediate resistance.
More Yakuza members burst out of the entrance, determined to thwart their intrusion. Nighteye's sidekicks sprang into action, intercepting the oncoming threats with deftness swiftly.
"Please go ahead!" Insisted Bubble Girl.
"I'll join you again soon!" said Nighteye, following the path down.
In unity, they descended into the yawning entrance.
..
..
"DO NOT RUSH AHEAD NEMESIS,"
Sakura paused, her progress impeded by Shouta's admonition. A wave of deja vu washed over her as she found herself in a familiar hallway, yet the path forward was obstructed by a wall.
Rock Lock frowned, "What the heck! It's a dead end!?"
"I'll take a look," Mirio said, stepping forward, he kept on going until half his body had gone through the wall, as if he was a ghost that could defy the laws of physics when really it was his quirk that allowed him to become intangible, hence the name.
Sakura watched with rapt curiosity as he extended his head through the solid surface. It was an incredible ability, and seemed similar to Obito Uchiha's, but Sakura could guess that the physics might be different. Where Obito was merely sending parts of himself into another dimensional space, Mirio's body actually became intangible on a molecular structure. This allowed him to phase through solid objects.
"The path continues," he confirmed upon resurfacing.
Without hesitation, Izuku and Eijiro mobilized their quirks. They demolished the wall, opening a way forward acting before their mentors could, earning a brief praise.
Sakura watched them run ahead, 'They've gotten sharper,'
They resumed their frenzied dash through the underground maze, the race against time intensifying. But their progress was suddenly disrupted. The hallway, as if possessed by some malevolent spirit, began to warp and twist, like spaghetti in boiling water.
"This must be Irinaka!"
Irinaka, another one of Overhaul's loyal followers, possessed a terrifying quirk. It allowed him to merge with objects and manipulate them, but the extent of his power was staggering and unnatural at least according to the heroes.
Sakura remembered reading that he could only control objects up to the size of a refrigerator. Now, the underground labyrinth they navigated was morphing into a living, ever-shifting nightmare under his dominion. Like they had entered the belly of a beast.
"Eraser, can't you cancel his quirk!?" Fatgum asked.
Shouta's response was grim. "I have to see his original body for that."
Their dire situation became all too apparent. Irinaka was working to stall them, to buy Overhaul the time he needed to escape.
"Time of of the essence and these guys know that! That's why they're trying to stall! I'm going ahead!" stated Mirio, phasing through yet another wall and disappearing from view.