Rising Tides (Izuku Midoriya x F!Reader)

Chapter 035 (Two Heroes)

CHAPTER 35: The Raid on I-Island

In the dim light of I-Island's central tower, a group of masked villains moved with quiet precision. Boxes of equipment arrived under the radar, smuggled in through secretive channels, and now these "goods" were in the hands of the intruders. Each villain donned a mask, securing weapons and restraints in preparation. Their leader, a man with a cold, calculating stare, placed a final mask over his face and issued commands.

"Let's move."

The criminals filed out, heading toward the tower's upper floors. It was time to execute their plan.

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Elsewhere in the Tower...

"Midoriya, where are you? You're late!" Tenya Iida's exasperated voice crackled over the phone, a frown evident even through the audio. The call jolted Midoriya from his thoughts, and he quickly apologized, dashing through the halls toward the central tower to meet up with Iida, Todoroki, Kaminari, and Mineta.

Just as Midoriya arrived, you, along with the other girls, entered from another hallway. Each of you had taken extra care with your appearances, dressed in elegant attire for the reception. It wasn't often you saw everyone like this-Momo in a shimmering gown, Kyoka in something stylish yet understated, Ochaco with a soft pink dress that suited her perfectly, and then... there was you.

Midoriya's gaze fell on you, and his words froze in his throat. His cheeks turned a deep shade of red as he took in your outfit. You'd looked beautiful before, but tonight, you looked... stunning. Gorgeous, even. He blinked, quickly trying to shake himself out of it before he could get too lost in his own thoughts.

Before he could fully process what he was feeling, Kaminari nudged him with a smirk, muttering something about how everyone cleaned up nicely. Mineta, as expected, seemed particularly pleased, ogling everyone's outfits until Iida sharply reprimanded him to act more respectfully.

The party was being held in the grand reception hall on the second floor of the central tower. Inside, a lavish crowd had gathered. Industry leaders, pro-heroes from around the world, scientists, and students mingled, filling the room with excited chatter and laughter. The representatives of the expo eventually took the stage, introducing the No. 1 Hero to address the crowd.

All Might stood beside your mother, Aiko, who looked poised and proud as she scanned the room. Her gaze fell briefly on the entrance, and anyone could almost sense her silent curiosity, wondering when you might arrive.

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In another part of the tower, Bakugo and Kirishima found themselves lost in a maze of hallways, oblivious to the reception happening just floors above them. Having left their phones behind, they wandered, trying to remember the directions they'd been given, growing more frustrated with each wrong turn.

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Back at the party, All Might began his speech, offering words of encouragement and unity to the audience. But just as his voice resonated through the hall, an alarm blared, cutting him off mid-sentence. The I-Island Security System activated, red lights flashing across the building, casting a foreboding glow.

Out in the streets, Sero and Sato noticed the lights from the business district, while Mina, Tsuyu, and Toru watched the scene from the windows of their hotel room, worry etching across their faces. Elsewhere, Tokoyami and Shoji quickly sought shelter as a message broadcast across the island, announcing a strict curfew.

Inside the central tower, heavy metal shutters began sealing the exits, trapping everyone within.

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