---
**Izuku's Apartment, Late Night**
The team was huddled around the table, the mood tense but focused. Monoma had just returned with an assortment of small items: paper clips, rubber bands, a ball of tinfoil, and three small blocks. He placed the rubber band on the table.
"Okay, listen," Monoma began, his voice steady. "Say this rubber band is UA and this red paper clip is Mei. We know Mei was trapped in a locker overnight in UA, which turns into Tartarus at midnight."
He started building a small tower using the blocks, positioning the regular paper clip at the base. "We are the regular paper clip. What if, at 11:59, we sneak into UA after hours and wait in the support course room as it turns to the Dark Hour? The floors are the same; they just rearrange themselves every night."
Kyoka frowned, her worry evident. "It's risky, Monoma. And what about our internships tomorrow? We can't just ignore them."
Monoma turned to her, a serious look on his face. "I think you should stay out of this mission, Kyoka. Don't you have internships tomorrow?"
Kyoka crossed her arms, her frustration clear. "Don't you and Reiko have internships too?"
Reiko nodded. "We do, but I'm needed for navigation, and Monoma is the only other one with healing abilities."
Izuku placed a hand on Kyoka's shoulder, speaking softly. "Kyoka, maybe it's best if you sit this one out. We need you at full strength, and your internship is important."
Kyoka looked down, her resistance wavering. "But I don't want to leave you guys..."
Izuku gave her a reassuring smile. "We need you to be safe. We'll handle this, and you'll be there when we need you the most."
Kyoka sighed but nodded reluctantly. "Okay, I'll stay out of this one. But be careful, all of you."
---
**Hangman Arcana Rank Up**
As Kyoka agreed to stay behind, Izuku felt a connection strengthen between them. The bond of trust and mutual support grew deeper.
**THE HANGED MAN - Kyoka Jiro: Rank 4**
**Rank 4 Ability Unlocked: Follow Up **
- **Description:** Chance to perform a follow-up attack if Izuku's attack does not down the enemy.
---
**Current Arcana and Ranks:**
- **THE FOOL - SEES:** Rank 2
- **THE HANGED MAN - Kyoka Jiro:** Rank 4
- **DEATH - Pharos:** Rank 2
- **THE CHARIOT - Neito Monoma:** Rank 2
- **THE MOON - Reiko Yanagi:** Rank 2
- **THE HERMIT - Hitoshi Shinso:** Rank 3
- **THE TOWER - Uni Nigiri:** Rank 1
- **THE MAGICIAN - Mei Hatsume:** Rank 1
YOU ARE READING
Shadows of Hope
FanfictionIzuku Midoriya's world was shattered by relentless bullying and a tragic villain attack that took his mother and sister. Now, living in the shadows of his former self, Izuku has become a ghost in a world that no longer recognizes him. During the mys...
