Kamino Ward, Yokohama — Bar TwilightKurogiri POV
Appearing in the bar, the quiet ambience is immediately disrupted by Shigaraki's scream.
"HE CHEATED!"
Followed by incoherent mumblings full of video game terminology.
Ignoring the overgrown man-child, I turn my attention to the TV screen on the counter. It displays only the words "Sound Only". The Master is already listening.
Seemingly allowing Shigaraki to vent, the Master addresses me first.
"From what I'm hearing, was the Nomu not enough for All Might, Kurogiri?"
"We didn't have the chance to test the Nomu against All Might, Master. It was defeated before he even appeared."
There is a brief pause.
"...Explain."
Recalling the events from just minutes ago, I summarize the sword-wielding man who interfered with our plans.
"Interesting..."
"Do you know his name or quirk?"
"I'm not sure, Master. It seems to involve physical enhancement... but the strange part is, he pulled his sword from his shadow."
The silence this time is longer.
"Find out who he is. The doctor will assist you."
"Understood."
1 Week Before the Sports Festival — Kensou POV
Once again, I find myself lazing on the couch.
The TV plays one of those dramas Yukei is obsessed with.
'Couldn't care less...' Even my thoughts sound tired.
Still, as long as she likes it... I smile helplessly, petting Yukei beside me.
Then, there's a knock at the door.
Eyebrow raised.
"Is this the first time someone's knocked since I got here?"
Thinking on it, yeah...
"Guess it is."
I walk to the door, sensing the presence on the other side.
Small. Weak. Less than a meter tall.
I open it and look down.
Ah. Of course.
The mouse-bear-dog principal of U.A.
"You came alone?"
He smiles politely. "It's only polite."
Not like I would've minded if he brought backup, but whatever. I step aside and let him in.
Back on the couch, I settle beside Yukei, who is too absorbed in her show to care.
"I don't have tea," I mutter.
"That's fine," Nezu replies, glancing briefly at Yukei before focusing entirely on me.
"I must admit, I didn't expect you to be so relaxed."
U.A. has been pretty disappointing so far.
I snort. "Should I be scared?"
"Not at all."
Nezu asks me directly. "Let's get to the point. What are your intentions?"
I almost laugh. "Should've brought the lie detector cop."
He just smiles again.
'I guess he's trying to build trust. Fine.'
"I'm not your ally, but I'm not on All For One's side either."
That gives him pause. He thinks for a while, the TV the only sound between us.
Finally:
"Very well. Can I have your contact information?"
"Sure, why not."
After exchanging contact info, I walk him to the door.
I smirk inwardly. 'Must suck being so short.'
He leaves.
I close the door.
'Well, that was interesting…'
The Next Day
Back on the couch. Same drama. Same bored me.
Then my phone vibrates.
I expect Mirko.
"It's a bit early for her."
But no—it's Rat-bear-dog himself.
"He couldn't even wait a day…?"
Still, I answer.
"Yo, what's up?"
What he says next freezes my brain.
"I want you to be the referee for the first-year students in the upcoming Sports Festival."
...
Static.
White noise.
Eventually: "You still there?"
I snap back to life. "Why?"
"Am I wrong to want someone strong overseeing our most promising class in years?"
That's not the real reason, but I can't be bothered to figure it out.
Still…
Being a referee isn't much different from spectating. If anything, it's more fun.
I imagine the confusion on people's faces.
'Who is that? A hero?'
'He looks like a gangster…'
That one earns a frown, but the mischief wins out.
"Fine. I'll do it."
"Excellent! I'll send the schedule shortly."
Click.
I lower the phone.
"Wasn't planning on being the center of attention, but here we are."
Yukei snarls at me—apparently, I'm interrupting a crucial scene.
"Sorry…" I whisper, scratching her ears in apology.
'She's scary when it comes to desserts and dramas.'
Thinking to bribe her with sakura mochi, I grab my phone again.
I text Mirko.
'You going to the Sports Festival?'
She replies after a while.
'You sick or something, punk? Why would I watch a bunch of kids play-fight?'
'So on-brand.'
'I'm the referee for the first-years. Thought I'd invite you.'
'You accepted? You must really be sick.'
Then:
'Fine. I'll come.'
Smirking, I fire back: 'Tsundere.'
I mute my phone just in time before the barrage of messages begin.
"She can let out her frustrations during our spar later."
Chomp.
Yukei bites my hand.
Too loud again.
Day of the Sports Festival
I set off early. Mirko is already waiting.
"You're early. Excited to spend time with me?"
She glares. "Say another word and I'll kick your teeth in, punk."
I laugh as we head to the arena.
"You here as a guard or a spectator?"
"Referee."
I raise an eyebrow. "Second or third years?"
"First years."
I stop walking for a moment.
"That allowed?"
"Called Nezu. He said it's fine."
'That rat is being suspiciously generous.'
"So… who's doing the announcements?" I inquire, already knowing her response.
She grins.
We say it at the same time:
"Of course it's you, punk."
She glares. I smirk.
We arrive and take our places on the podium. The arena for the duels isn't built yet.
Tired of standing, I pull out two loungers from my shadow. One for me. One for her.
We sit, earning confused glances from the incoming crowd.
I spot Eraser Head and Present Mic. Their shocked expressions amuse me.
Mirko notices. "You know them?"
"We're… acquainted."
She snorts.
My eyes drift to the VIP lounge.
The rat and the skeleton are watching.
Nezu waves. I nod.
All Might looks… tense.
'He really didn't tell anyone I'd be here, huh?'
Later
The stadium buzzes with murmurs of excitement.
I hear footsteps approaching from the tunnel.
Making the loungers sink back into their shadow, I rise without warning.
Mirko falls to the ground.
I grin.
Before she can retaliate, I pick up the mic.
"Everyone! Let's welcome the students with some noise!"
The crowd erupts in cheers.
As I turn toward the students to gauge their reactions, I miss Mirko charging up a kick at me.
CRACK.
A spinning kick slams into the back of my head.
I go face-first into the podium, leaving a Kensou-shaped dent.
Silence.
Then laughter—from Mirko.
Lifting my head slightly, I glance toward the students.
'Well, they're definitely shocked… just not for the reason I wanted.'
I smirk.