Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 25: Kirishima's Determination

A few days later, Kirishima notices Midoriya, Ochaco, and Tsuyu heading out at the same time as him. They exchange glances, nodding in silent agreement to head to the station together. A Hero patrols alongside them, escorting the group to their destination. Kirishima can feel the weight of what’s coming. Something big is in the air, and his dragon senses stir with the tension.

As they approach Sir Nighteye’s office, Kirishima’s heart races. This wasn’t just any routine meeting; the atmosphere here is thick with anticipation. When they walk into the room, the number of Pro Heroes already gathered takes his breath away. Fat Gum is there, as are Mirio, Nejire, and Tamaki. Even Gran Torino and Ryukyu are present, signaling that the threat they’re dealing with is far bigger than Kirishima anticipated.

“What’s going on?” Kirishima whispers under his breath, feeling the weight of the mission growing on his shoulders.

When Sir Nighteye begins the meeting, his tone is grim. The Shie Hassaikai—a villain organization—has been operating in the shadows, and their actions are far more sinister than anyone initially believed. Kirishima’s heart sinks when Fat Gum begins explaining the discovery of Quirk-destroying bullets. His dragon instincts growl in agitation as Fat Gum recounts their last encounter, the moment Kirishima shielded Tamaki from the bullet.

Fat Gum turns to him with a smile. “It’s thanks to Red Riot here that we were able to retrieve a bullet.”

Kirishima feels a surge of pride, but it’s quickly overshadowed by the implications of what they’re facing. He saved Tamaki, but the bullet still contained something horrifying—human blood and cells, a revelation that chills Kirishima to the bone.

Human blood. Someone’s using human blood to create these weapons.

As Fat Gum describes the contents of the bullet, Kirishima’s fists clench at his sides. Overhaul—this twisted villain leader—was responsible for it all. And to make matters worse, the bullets weren’t even fully developed yet. They were just prototypes, meaning there’s something far worse on the horizon.

And then Sir Nighteye drops the final bombshell: Eri. The little girl Midoriya and Mirio encountered is being used to create these bullets.

Kirishima’s breath hitches. A child? They're using a child to make these weapons?

It’s too much. His heart aches, the dragon inside him snarling, wanting to do something—anything—to stop this madness. But for now, all he can do is sit and listen as Sir Nighteye continues outlining the mission. His hands tremble slightly at the thought of Eri being trapped in such a place, and for the first time, Kirishima feels the full weight of what it means to be a hero.

Tamaki’s quiet voice snaps him back to reality. “I… I’m fine now, thanks to Kirishima.”

Kirishima turns to Tamaki and manages a small, encouraging smile. “You would’ve done the same for me,” he replies softly, but his thoughts are still on the meeting.

Despite the presence of so many powerful Heroes, despite the information and strategy being discussed, Kirishima can’t shake the feeling of dread that fills his chest. This is real. This is bigger than anything they’ve faced before. And they’re just students. But he knows—he feels—that it’s his duty to protect people, no matter the cost.

When the meeting finally concludes, Sir Nighteye’s words echo in Kirishima’s mind. Their mission is to find and rescue Eri. They cannot afford to fail. As the group begins to disperse, Kirishima remains seated, staring at the floor. His mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, doubts, and fear. He has always wanted to be a hero—someone strong, unbreakable. But now, he feels the weight of what that truly means.

He stands up, his resolve hardening along with his dragon instincts. He’ll be there. He’ll protect them. He won’t fail.

For Eri.