Only by possessing greater strength than others could a hero receive more commissions.
With more missions came higher popularity, and with higher popularity came even more opportunities—a virtuous cycle.
Otherwise, why would anyone entrust their safety to you?
At the same price, they would always choose the stronger hero agency.
That was why All Might had become the most famous hero in society.
It was all because of his unmatched power.
The same rule now applied to Masata.
After the tense atmosphere at the police station finally eased, Detective Tsukauchi explained a few more matters. Soon after, Masata took his parents and left first.
He didn't return to U.A. immediately.
It was already late, and classes would be over soon anyway, so he went straight home.
As soon as he arrived, Masata took a long, thorough shower.
That morning, he had only wiped the blood off hurriedly. Dust and grime still clung to his body.
After soaking in hot water and relaxing his muscles, he changed into clean clothes and sat at the dining table to wait for dinner.
Not long later, Chacha returned from school as well, escorted by the quiet, ghost-like homeroom teacher. Yaoyorozu Momo had also been safely taken home by another teacher—her parents were extremely worried.
Masata's parents repeatedly invited the teacher to stay for dinner, but with everything happening at U.A., he declined and left after confirming Masata's safety.
At the dinner table, the atmosphere felt heavy.
Masata's mother was still uneasy and dissatisfied with his reckless behavior. That worry unconsciously turned into irritation toward his father.
Masata's father could only respond with a bitter smile.
Chacha noticed the strange mood but didn't ask. After living together for so long, she knew that if they wanted her to know, they would tell her eventually.
After dinner, Masata volunteered to wash the dishes.
Just as he was about to talk to Chacha about what had happened in the afternoon, his phone rang.
"Do you have time? I want to talk. We're at the café downstairs~"
It was a message from Bakugo's close friend—apparently already waiting.
With someone being so sincere, Masata couldn't ignore it.
After informing his parents, he went downstairs with Chacha. He had a feeling the conversation would involve the League of Villains, so he brought her along.
"Over here!"
The moment they entered the café, a familiar voice called out.
Even though the booth blocked most of the view, the distinctive green hair gave away the speaker's identity.
"Midoriya? Kirishima? Iida?" Masata blinked in surprise. "Why are all of you here?"
He had expected only one person.
Turning to Midoriya, he frowned.
"Midoriya, shouldn't you be resting properly? Aren't you afraid Recovery Girl will scold you?"
Midoriya's arm was still wrapped in thick bandages.
His injuries had been the most severe among their classmates.
Repeated damage in a short time, combined with his fight against the muscular villain, had pushed his body to its limit. According to the doctors, his muscles and ligaments had been badly strained.
If he suffered two or three more injuries like that, he might permanently lose the use of his arm.
Midoriya smiled awkwardly and tried to rub his nose out of habit—then winced in pain.
After sitting down with Chacha, Masata ordered a double-sized drink.
He didn't want caffeine tonight. Tomorrow might be important.
"So," he asked calmly, "what did you want to talk about?"
Bakugo's close friend leaned forward, eyes sharp.
"The police already know where Bakugo is, right?"
"Yeah," Masata replied casually. "They do."
"What?! It's true?!"
All four of them stared at him in shock.
They had only guessed from the fact that Endeavor had been summoned suddenly. This had been half a bluff.
They hadn't expected Masata to admit it so easily.
"Then tell us where he is!" Midoriya said urgently. "We want to save Bakugo too!"
For him, Bakugo wasn't just a classmate—he was his childhood friend.
Masata looked at them quietly.
"So you noticed that All Might and I disappeared this afternoon."
After noon, both of them had vanished from school. Anyone observant would have guessed something.
"Yes," Iida said seriously.
Masata nodded.
"I do know where Bakugo is."
"But I'm sorry. I can't let you participate."
His tone was firm.
"As you guessed, I went to the police station with All Might."
"This rescue operation isn't something you can join."
"The danger posed by the League of Villains is far beyond what you experienced during the training camp."
He took a sip of juice.
Chacha finally understood. She had thought he had gone for medical treatment.
"Why not?!" Kirishima protested. "We're strong too! We can help!"
Masata stirred his drink slowly, watching the ripples spread.
Then he raised his head and looked straight at them.
"Why?"
"It's simple."
"Because your strength is still too weak."
...
Hey everyone! Want to read ahead and unlock up to 100 early-access chapters? Plus, enjoy even more exclusive novels! Join my Patreon now and dive into the adventure!
patreon.com/Rawink00