"I received a commission last night. Today, the two of you will act as my assistants and complete it together."
Early the next morning, Igarashi Masata and Todoroki Shouto were summoned to Endeavor's office, where he explained the arrangements for the day.
Hearing his father's words, Todoroki stood there with a cold, unreadable expression, as if none of it concerned him. Masata, on the other hand, was visibly interested.
"What's this commission about?" Masata asked.
"Catching a criminal? Or rescuing a missing girl?"
After glancing at Todoroki, Endeavor replied, "This commission was issued directly by the government. A few years ago, a scientist escaped from a research institute and vanished without a trace. Recently, we finally caught a lead—and this time, our goal is to capture him."
"Just for a scientist?" Masata frowned slightly.
"Is it really necessary to mobilize this many people? Even the No. 2 Hero has to handle it personally?"
This scientist clearly wasn't ordinary.
Perhaps noticing that even his son was showing interest, Endeavor explained with unusual patience.
"He was one of the most renowned biologists of his time. His research focused on the origins of quirks. However, his thinking became extreme—he wanted to use living humans as experimental subjects."
"That proposal was rejected immediately, and he was placed on a blacklist. But by then, his sanity had already collapsed."
"He used his quirk to escape from the laboratory. A few days ago, there were reports of 'quirk-bearing beasts' spotted on the outskirts of Ueno. The government suspects these creatures are his work, which is why they entrusted us with the investigation."
Endeavor paused briefly before continuing.
"As for why I'm going personally—this mission's difficulty is suitable for both of you. Unless absolutely necessary, I won't intervene."
After speaking, Endeavor looked at Masata and Todoroki, clearly indicating that this operation was meant to test them.
Todoroki spoke up at that moment.
"What exactly is his quirk? If he escaped from a heavily guarded research institute, that information should be on record. We can plan better once we know."
Endeavor nodded approvingly.
"His quirk isn't particularly powerful. It's called Physical Reorganization—it accelerates cell division to heal injuries, but it only works on himself."
"Combined with his frail body, he's not much of a combat threat."
"His escape was likely premeditated. Using his position, he bribed guards long in advance and escaped with their assistance. Those guards disappeared with him."
"Alright," Endeavor concluded. "Let's move out. He's hiding in the mountains, so we'll be proceeding on foot."
Ueno wasn't far from the agency. Before long, Endeavor drove the two of them to the outskirts where the clues had been discovered.
"According to our intelligence, the scientist is hiding somewhere within this mountain range."
Looking at the map on his phone, Endeavor added, "I'll follow behind you. How you proceed from here is up to you."
After saying that, he crossed his arms and fell silent.
"So… do you have any good ideas?" Masata asked.
Staring at the dense forest ahead made his head ache slightly.
If I set the mountain on fire for hero work, would I get arrested?
A drop of cold sweat slid down Todoroki's temple. Searching aimlessly in such a forest was no easy task.
"Forget it," Masata said decisively.
"Let's head in and take it step by step. We'll deal with things as they come."
With that, he walked forward without hesitation.
The moment they entered the forest, the light dimmed noticeably. The air was filled with the scent of greenery, and occasional birds flitted past above them. The cool, fresh atmosphere instantly cleared the mind.
"This feels completely different from the city," Masata said, taking a deep breath.
"The charm of nature really is endless."
After wandering for quite some time, they still hadn't found any signs of the scientist—or even suspicious structures.
Masata seemed to have completely forgotten the original purpose of the mission, looking more like a city dweller enjoying a mountain hike.
However, his eyes continued to scan the surroundings carefully. Despite his relaxed appearance, he was anything but careless.
Todoroki remained alert as well. A faint chill had already begun radiating from his right hand.
"Found something!"
With a sudden shout, Todoroki fired a cone of ice upward, directly at the treetops above them.
Crack—!
A muffled sound followed, and a dark figure tumbled down from the tall tree, crashing to the ground.
"Alright," Masata said as he clenched his fist, the sound of knuckles cracking sharply.
"Let's hear it. Are you one of those so-called 'intelligent beasts'? What's your goal, following us around for so long?"
He stepped forward with an aggressive air, looking more like a street thug than a hero.
"D-Don't come any closer!"
The figure turned out to be a monkey.
At that moment, it stared at Masata in pure terror, as if it were the victim.
"I—I don't know anything! Just let me go!"
As if realizing something, the monkey's expression suddenly changed. It shut its eyes tightly, striking a strangely heroic pose.
"You're really hurting my feelings with that look," Masata muttered.
A large, throbbing vein appeared on his forehead as heat surged through his arms.
The surrounding temperature spiked sharply.
The monkey's fur began to singe, and the smell of burning hair filled the air. Startled, it opened its eyes.
"I don't want to die!!!"
A scarlet fist appeared inches from its forehead. Molten lava dripped from Masata's knuckles, sizzling as it ate small holes into the ground.
"Now then," Masata said coldly,
"can you talk?"
Perfectly embodying the role of a villain, Masata pressed the threat all the way through.
"T-Talk! I'll talk!" the monkey cried desperately.
"Please move your fist away first!"
Between loyalty and survival, the monkey made its choice instantly, nodding so fast it was almost dizzying.
"Alright," Masata said generously, withdrawing the magma and stepping back.
"Todoroki, your turn."
Seeing Masata retreat so easily, the monkey's eyes flickered. For a brief moment, it wondered if escape was possible.
That thought vanished instantly.
A biting cold surged up from beneath its body, freezing its lower half solid in an instant. Only its head remained free.
"At the temperature I'm maintaining," Todoroki said calmly,
"you have about ten minutes. If that time passes, the frozen areas will begin to necrotize."
He placed his right hand against the icy ground.
The monkey's heart completely collapsed.