Quirkless Mastermind

𝗖𝟯𝟭:𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁

Nighteye tried to use his quirk on me and failed, that day he saw a peek at me, a side of myself that I would rather have kept hidden. However what was interesting is that his quirk couldn't register anything. Was my future just blank? Not quite, I had a theory. But I would wait for the right moment. 

The moment I stepped into Sir Nighteye's office, I knew something was different. For the past few days, he had been intensely focused on information, assigning me tasks that required precision and insight, pressing me for deductions and analyses of our targets. Day by day, I'd seen his reactions shift from mild intrigue to a curiosity I could only describe as sharp, dissecting. He'd throw villain profiles at me, dossiers on every criminal in sight, and sit back, observing as I processed each one like a game of chess.

This time, however, as I entered, he was waiting for me. His back was to the morning light streaming through the window, casting a cold glow over his desk. He glanced at his watch—a habitual gesture—and then slid his gold-rimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose. Every movement, refined yet intentional, like a clockwork mechanism. His eyes, piercing as always, settled on me with a look that held a strange excitement, the same kind that had slowly been rising over our last few encounters.

"Ayanokouji," he greeted, a smirk creeping onto his face, "right on time. As usual."

There was something distinctly calculated about that smile. It was as though he were holding a puzzle piece just out of my reach, waiting for me to catch on. He leaned forward slightly, folding his hands and resting his chin on them, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

"Today, I'm changing things up," he said, voice calm yet laced with anticipation. "Since we've covered every villain profile and city map inside and out, I think you're due for something more practical."

The corners of his mouth twitched, that usual sternness briefly eclipsed by something close to amusement. I could see the thrill in his eyes as he continued. "I've decided we're doing ground work today. And since I'm feeling generous, I'm offering you the opportunity to join me. Care to accept?"

I measured him in silence, keeping my expression neutral. Nighteye was meticulous; he rarely handed out field assignments to newer team members without testing every aspect of their resolve and loyalty. This was a controlled invitation—one he wouldn't have made if he hadn't already determined my capability. His phrasing was a challenge cloaked in formality, a test to gauge my reaction.

"Ground work?" I asked, keeping my tone impassive. I wanted to hear more before accepting or declining.

He leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yes. Reconnaissance, observation, and perhaps a direct confrontation, should the opportunity arise." His smirk deepened. "All the elements you seem to... enjoy."

There was a pause, as though he were watching me too closely, waiting for any flicker of emotion. But I didn't give him one. Instead, I nodded slowly, as though considering it. I knew what he was doing. He wanted to see if this opportunity would ignite a spark, if my supposedly "cold detachment" would falter under the promise of a true challenge.

I inclined my head slightly, meeting his stare with my own. "I'll take it," I said simply.

"Good," he replied, sounding more than satisfied. "Your first mission starts now."

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