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Chapter 48 - Hostage Training

Her hand trailed over and slowly her fingers grasped his head, feeling the warmth radiating from him. She quickly pulled herself back, eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and conflict.

"No, this isn't right, I'm sorry. I should leave," she said hurriedly, her voice trembling slightly as she turned on her heel and left the room.

Izuku remained standing there for a moment, a small, confident smile curling at the corners of his lips.

' Yep, that's how it should be. I'll give her two days and she'll crack, ' he thought to himself, his gaze steady and calculating. With a final breath, he turned and dressed quickly, then flopped onto his bed, exhaustion taking over as he sank into sleep.

Morning light filtered through the window, stirring Izuku awake. He moved swiftly, pulling on his clothes with practiced ease. He'd sent a message to Tsuyu earlier, arranging to meet before school started—today was Friday, a half-day for some reason, perfect for his plans.

Skipping breakfast, he silently flew out of his open balcony door, soaring toward school, deliberately avoiding any chance of running into Inko. It was part of his strategy—to use subtle manipulation to sway her feelings further. He didn't like having to do this, but saw no other way.

Back at home, Inko approached his door hesitantly. She knocked softly. "Son, are you already awake?" No answer.

"I'm opening the door, okay? I'm worried," she said quietly, turning the knob gently. Her eyes caught the open balcony door.

Oh, he left, she thought with a sigh, closing the door slowly.

Biting her nails nervously, Inko paced downstairs. ' Is it because of yesterday? He must be upset… What should I do?'

Seeking distraction, she settled in front of the TV, putting on a series to clear her mind.

By fate's ironic hand, the show she chose was a drama about a stepmother and her stepson, stirring a strange mix of emotions inside her as she watched.

...

Izuku arrived at school just as the morning sun cast long shadows across the courtyard. Near the main gate, Tsuyu stood waiting patiently, her usual calm demeanor radiating quietly in the fresh air.

"You're really early," Izuku remarked, a small smile tugging at his lips as he approached.

"Yeah," Tsuyu replied with a gentle smile, "I kinda like being on time."

Izuku glanced at the empty stomach pangs he felt and nodded. "Hey, let's go to a café nearby. I kinda didn't eat this morning."

Tsuyu tilted her head slightly, considering, then smiled. "Sure, I think we have some minutes to spare before class."

The two began walking side by side toward the quaint café just a block from the school, their footsteps soft on the pavement. The early morning bustle of students and teachers faded behind them, replaced by the quiet hum of the waking city.

Once inside the cozy café, they found a corner table bathed in warm light. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air as they settled in.

"So," Izuku started, stirring his drink thoughtfully, "how have things been with you lately? Training, class… everything."

Tsuyu leaned back, her eyes meeting his with sincerity. "It's been tough but rewarding. You know how it is—always trying to improve. And you? How are you holding up, balancing everything?"

Izuku gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "Same, I guess. So, who's your favorite Hero?"

Tsuyu smiled softly, thinking for a moment. "I've always admired Recovery Girl. She's calm, strong, and always there when we need her."

Izuku nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, being that steady presence matters a lot. Sometimes, being a Hero isn't just about flashy moves but about being dependable."

She looked at him with a bit of surprise. "You sound like you really get it."

He gave a quiet laugh. "Maybe more than I let on."

Tsuyu smiled and took a sip of her drink. "Yeah, she's definitely reliable. What about you? Who do you look up to?"

Izuku thought for a second. "Honestly? I respect All Might, but I also think the little things make a big difference. Like how some Heroes just show up when no one expects them."

Tsuyu nodded. "The unsung ones, right?"

"Exactly," Izuku said with a small grin. "Sometimes it's not about the spotlight, just doing what needs to be done."

She smiled warmly. "You sound like you've been through a lot."

Izuku shrugged. "Maybe. But everyone's got their story."

They brought the breakfast meal for Izuku, while Tsuyu kept it simple with a single powdered donut and an iced tea.

Izuku ate steadily, the clinking of his fork against the plate mixing with the low hum of the cafe. They spoke about school, the study group, and random bits of gossip — the kind of scattered conversation that didn't really follow a rhythm but still felt comfortable.

Even when they weren't perfectly in sync, there was an ease between them.

'I kinda see what Momo and the others see. He's just… a good guy. Doesn't look like he's trying to make me like him either.' Tsuyu thought, watching him briefly before taking another small bite of her donut.

Once they were done, the two walked back to school. Morning light filtered through the trees, and the chatter of other students returning from breakfast filled the air.

Izuku slipped into his seat and pulled out his phone, idly scrolling until a notification popped up.

Mitsuki: When are you coming?

He smirked faintly.

'Aha, now that wouldn't be fun would it?'

Izuku: You'll see.

He typed, before adding another line.

Izuku: Give me some fuel for the day 😉

There was a delay, long enough that he assumed she'd ignore it, but then his phone buzzed again. A new image.

He glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention, then tapped it open. The sight made him grin — Mitsuki lounging in a bath, steam rising, her nipples visible just above the waterline.

'Man… milfs are the best.' He thought, leaning back and locking his phone before sliding it into his pocket.

Class started, the usual pace dragging on until the afternoon when Hero Training came around. This time, things looked more interesting.

Midnight strolled in, the click of her heels echoing across the floor, her whip coiled at her hip.

"Alright, listen up!," she purred, her eyes scanning the class.

[A/N : not Canon but who cares ]

"Today," Midnight began, her voice carrying that mix of playfulness and authority that made half the class nervous, "we'll be doing Hostage Rescuing. It's preparation for next week's larger event. You will be split into teams of two — completely random."

She tapped a small tablet in her hands, the screen glowing as she read out the assignment. "Here are the rules…"

She paced slowly as she spoke, letting the details sink in.

■ The trainee must locate and rescue all civilians without triggering alarms or being caught by hostiles.

■ Rescued civilians must be escorted safely to an extraction zone within a set time limit.

■ Trainees can only use non-lethal skills and gadgets — no permanent damage allowed.

■ Bonus points for teamwork and creative problem-solving.

"There will be multiple hostage scenarios set up in different parts of the training facility. You'll have to adapt to whatever situation you're dropped into. Could be one hostage, could be a group. Could be an empty warehouse, could be an active street. And remember…" she leaned forward slightly, her eyes glinting, "…if you're caught, your mission is over. Hostage gone, points gone."

A ripple of murmurs spread across the room. Some students looked nervous, others were already strategizing in their heads.

Midnight clapped her hands once. "We'll explain the map layouts and enemy patterns while we're on the way there. Let's move!"

Izuku stood, slipping his hands into his pockets as he followed the group toward the training area. 'This is gonna be fun. Next week is supposed to be the natural disaster training… which, of course, is when the League of Villains makes their move.'

The thought didn't make him anxious. If anything, there was a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

'I can't wait to see how one of those Nemu things holds up against me.'

TO BE CONTINUED

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