~BNHA~ Everything That I Am

Chapter 39

Izuku's heart was heavy as they returned to the protective confines of U.A., each step echoing with the weight of recent events. Beside him, Kacchan's presence was a silent reminder of the support they now openly shared. The air was thick with the dust of their confrontation, settling into a tense silence that stretched uncomfortably among them until Shoto finally spoke.

"I know I messed up," Shoto began, his voice laced with frustration. "Chasing after Dabi was stupid—I let my emotions take over."

Aizawa, who had been quietly observing the group, responded with a stern yet understanding tone. "It was a risky move, Shoto. But it's done. What matters now is focusing on what comes next and not letting those emotions cloud your judgment again."

Izuku glanced at Shoto, seeing the mix of regret and resolve in his eyes. He knew all too well how it felt to be overwhelmed by personal feelings in moments of crisis. As the group dispersed, the sudden blare of the alarm jolted everyone into high alert. Izuku's heart leaped to his throat, the sound igniting a primal alertness in him. Over the loudspeakers, Midnight's voice rang out, urgent and commanding. "Aizawa, to the entrance, now!"

They hurried through the echoing hallways, each step amplifying the seriousness of the call. As they rounded the last corner, the sight that greeted them made Izuku's stomach churn—a group of menacing figures stood just beyond the school's fortified security wall. At the forefront was Chisaki, his infamous beaked mask giving nothing away from his emotions, yet the mere sight of it sent a wave of unease through Izuku.

Aizawa cursed under his breath as they approached. "Chisaki," he said tersely, "what do you want this time?"

Chisaki's voice was unsettlingly calm, almost pleasant, as if they were merely discussing trivial matters instead of the tense standoff. "Aizawa, I've allowed this... institution to stand because you've been like roaches, scurrying and hiding. But even roaches come out, eventually."

Kacchan tensed beside Izuku, his muscles tightening like a coil ready to snap. Izuku placed a hand on his arm, a silent plea for restraint. The insult from Chisaki had hit deep, but now was not the time for outbursts.

Chisaki's voice carried across the divide, calm and unsettlingly pleasant, as if they were mere acquaintances discussing mundane affairs. "Your efforts to stay under the radar have been... quaint. And I even let it go the last time your kids got in the way of my men," he said, his tone laced with faux amiability.

Aizawa's response was measured, his face betraying none of the strain Izuku knew he must feel. "They're inexperienced, but we've kept out of your way otherwise. There is no reason for this."

Chisaki chuckled, a sound that made Izuku's skin crawl. "It's come to my attention that Eri was last seen in this vicinity. You've always been one to pick up strays, haven't you, Aizawa? Compassion is such a predictable weakness."

Aizawa's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We don't have what you're looking for."

Izuku felt a twinge of guilt pierce through him at Aizawa's words. He knew the truth that lay heavily within him, hidden from even Aizawa. The mention of Eri stirred a deep unease, fear threading through his veins as he contemplated the consequences of their actions.

Chisaki's smile never reached his eyes, hidden behind the beaked mask. "Oh, but I think you do. She belongs to me, Aizawa. It's time you returned her to where she belongs."

Izuku's grip on Kacchan tightened, his heart pounding. The casual cruelty in Chisaki's voice, the way he spoke of Eri as though she were nothing more than property—it was all too much. He felt Kacchan's arm tense under his hand, ready to react at any provocation.