"Hey! Are you looking for a fight?!"
Kirishima slammed his palm on the table and stood up angrily, his voice echoing through the café and instantly drawing everyone's attention.
"Calm down and sit first. Listen to what Masata has to say."
Iida remained relatively composed. He quickly pulled Kirishima back and pressed him down onto his seat.
Unlike Midoriya and Kirishima, Iida had always been more cautious and rational. As a model student, he was never optimistic about reckless actions. From his perspective, their current impulse reminded him of his own mistakes in Hosu City.
Back then, he had acted alone out of emotion—and paid the price.
Now, seeing his friends about to repeat the same mistake, he felt deeply uneasy.
Bakugo also stared at Masata without blinking. From his expression, it was clear that if Masata didn't give them a convincing explanation, he wouldn't leave peacefully tonight.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Even the other customers in the café sensed the pressure and quietly watched from a distance, confused and nervous.
Under the intense gazes of Bakugo and Kirishima, and worried about Chacha's feelings, Masata fell silent for a moment.
After a long pause, he finally put down his cup.
"To be honest," Masata said calmly, "the police have already agreed to let me participate in the operation this afternoon. But I can't take you with me."
The words stunned everyone.
Kirishima immediately jumped up again.
"What?! Why can't we go?! We're worried about Bakugo too! Aren't we friends?!"
"Can you beat me if we fight right now?"
Masata replied coldly, locking eyes with him.
The café fell silent.
No one answered.
To be honest, neither Bakugo nor Kirishima had confidence in that question—especially Bakugo. He had personally witnessed Masata's terrifying combat power during the training camp and felt a deep sense of helplessness.
Masata continued calmly.
"Letting me join the rescue has already put enormous pressure on the police and pro heroes."
"If you get involved too and the media finds out, can you imagine the backlash?"
"All Might and Officer Tsukauchi, who approved this plan, would become public targets."
These words weren't exaggerated.
Everyone understood that after the training camp attack, the media had already turned against U.A. If something happened to students during this rescue, the situation would spiral out of control.
Midoriya and Kirishima's faces paled.
They lowered their heads, clenching their fists in frustration.
Bakugo also looked troubled. He had tried everything, only to realize Masata had already secured permission. It made him feel powerless.
"But…"
Just as they were about to give up, Masata spoke again.
"But what?" Kirishima asked impatiently. "Say it already!"
"I suggest you talk to Bakugo's father."
Masata leaned back slightly.
"There will be a lot of logistics staff in this operation. If you get in through that channel, you might have a chance to reach the front lines."
His words opened a new door for them.
That's right.
Instead of sneaking out, why not participate openly?
Even if it was logistics work, it was still part of the operation. With Endeavor's influence, getting approval wouldn't be difficult.
What happened afterward would depend on their courage.
As long as they weren't afraid of punishment, rescuing Bakugo was still possible.
"When will the operation start?" Midoriya asked eagerly.
"I don't know," Masata shrugged. "The police didn't tell me. Ask Endeavor—he's more reliable than me."
After finishing his drink, Masata stood up and prepared to leave with Chacha.
Although he didn't know the exact timing, he was certain the operation would happen soon—probably tomorrow.
He never underestimated the police.
The League of Villains had been completely exposed. If the authorities didn't act now, it would be incompetence.
After returning home, Masata collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Will you show yourself this time, All For One…?"
"I'm really looking forward to settling things with you."
Unlike most people, Masata knew the true relationship between the League of Villains and All For One. With All Might personally involved, his greatest enemy had no reason to stay hidden.
Early the next morning, after receiving All Might's call, Masata boarded the Shinkansen with him and headed for the Kano District police station.
Since the League's base was located nearby, the police had temporarily turned this area into a special operations headquarters.
"Yo, you're here."
Detective Tsukauchi waved as soon as they entered.
He looked exhausted—bloodshot eyes, dark circles, and a pale face. It was obvious he hadn't slept all night.
The entire station buzzed with activity. Phones rang constantly, officers rushed back and forth, and orders echoed through the corridors.
Everyone was preparing for the operation.
"Huh? You guys are really here?"
Passing the logistics department, Masata spotted several familiar figures.
Bakugo.
Midoriya.
Kirishima.
Iida.
All of them were wearing logistics uniforms.
"Yes," Bakugo replied. "We rushed here overnight."
He turned back and explained.
He had talked to his father last night. For some reason, Endeavor had approved his request without hesitation.