The Bad Batch (Star Wars X My Hero Academia)

Chapter Thirty - Cracks In The Unit

As the Bad Batch continued to do their job as Pro Heroes, the increase in Villain attacks became more and more prevalent. While the Bad Batch did everything they could to combat the rise of Villains, the Bad Batch were still only human. At the same time, tensions were mounting between Crosshair and the rest of the team as he began to question their methods. Despite the mounting tensions, the Bad Batch were still able to work together as a cohesive team. One day, Jiro had arrived at the Bad Batch's base after school. Omega was the first to greet her.

Omega: Hello, Kyoka!

Jiro: Hey, Omega. How are you?

Omega: I'm well. 

Omega then leads Jiro into the main room where the Bad Batch were. In the room, there seemed to be a heated argument between Hunter and Crosshair with Tech and Wrecker on the sidelines. 

Jiro: What's going on?

Omega: We were watching the Hero Pro Rankings on TV. Then Hunter and Crosshair got into an argument. 

Jiro said nothing as Tech stepped in between Hunter and Crosshair.

Tech: I didn't think the Hero Rankings bothered you so much, Crosshair. 

Wrecker: Yeah! We're our own Heroes! 

Crosshair: Why are we debating this? All those Regs being paraded around the TV won't change the fact that Villains are still on the rise! You think the Villains are going to care if Endeavor is the Number One Hero? Or Hawks? Or Best Jeanist? 

Hunter: The Number One Hero is the Symbol of Peace. 

Crosshair: And you think Endeavor can fill that role? Like All Might? Don't make me laugh, Hunter. He's a joke just like all the Regs. Look at what's happened since All Might was forced into retirement! Villains are running around tearing the city apart. The masses are losing faith in Heroes! For once, I can't say I blame them. The Hero Public Safety Commission has turned them into a joke.

At this point, it became clear that Crosshair's words were not only directed at the Pro Heroes, but at the Hero Public Safety Commission. Jiro was shocked to hear Crosshair badmouth Pro Heroes like that. She had never seen Crosshair so resentful at the Pro Heroes. 

Crosshair: Every choice you've made since All Might's retirement has been wrong. When we formed this team, you said that we would be Pro Heroes that wouldn't be bogged down by the Hero Public Safety Commission's bureaucracy. Now look at us.

Hunter: Is that what you think? If that were true, we wouldn't be as ostracized as we are now. 

Crosshair: We stay in line so they don't bring the hammer down on us. They've become complacent. They've put us in a position where we can't do what's necessary to get the job done. 

Hunter: We're not executioners, Crosshair! That's not for us to decide!

Crosshair: Well maybe it's high time we should be. We do enough of their dirty work. I saw we've earned the right to put down these animals like the dogs they are. 

As Crosshair said this, the entire room fell silent as Hunter and Crosshair stared each other down. For a moment, it seemed as if a fight was about to break out between Hunter and Crosshair. Despite this however,  both men maintained their composure. 

Crosshair: You're becoming a liability, Hunter. 

Hunter: We can debate my choices later, Crosshair. For now, I am still the leader of this squad. We're not executioners! We're still Pro Heroes! 

Crosshair said nothing as he simply scoffed at Hunter's words. He turned around and began walking out the door. 

Hunter: Where are you going?

Crosshair: Out.

Just as Crosshair was about to walk out the door, Omega grabs Crosshair by the hand. Crosshair stops and turns to Omega.

Crosshair: What?

Omega: You're angry.

Crosshair: How perceptive. 

Omega: I...I know what you want to do, but please don't.

Crosshair: And what would you know?

Omega: I know it's not your fault. Just....please think of your comrades. They can help you. 

Crosshair was dismissive of Omega's words as he pulls his arm away and walks out the door. As he slams the door, he walks away from the base. Meanwhile inside the base, Jiro was stunned by the scene that had unfolded before her eyes. Hunter sighs. 

Hunter: Sorry you had to see that. Crosshair's been....different lately. 

Jiro: Is....is he okay?

Hunter: He seems to be on edge. With all that's going on, I can't blame him.

Tech: Crosshair has always seen things differently than the rest of us.  

Hunter: I still can't help but worry about him. 

Jiro: I know you're doing the best you can, Hunter. We're all with you. Even Crosshair.

Omega: Kyoka's right. Hunter, I know that no matter what happens, I know you'll do the right thing. 

The comforting words of both Jiro and Omega brought a smile on Hunter's face. Despite not knowing what would happen next, Hunter would lead his team to the best of his abilities. Meanwhile, Crosshair was walking the streets to the city. Alone with his thoughts, Crosshair thought about what he said to Hunter. But before he could further think on what was said, he got a call on his cellphone. Without hesitation, Crosshair picks up his phone and answers it. A voice soon speaks on the other line. 

???(Phone): Crosshair, everything has been prepared. The meeting place will be at these coordinates. You have your orders. 

Crosshair: Understood, sir.

As Crosshair ends the call, he makes his way to the coordinates given to him by the caller. In that moment, Crosshair embark on a new path that would test his very resolve.