The Force Of Nature

shadows of doubt

The morning after the meeting, Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi sat at his desk, his mind racing. The devastation in Hirushima haunted him, not just for its magnitude but for its utter impossibility. He flipped through the Midoriya file once more, studying every detail. The picture of Inko Midoriya and her daughter, Izuku, stared back at him, unassuming and ordinary. Yet, something about their serene faces unsettled him.

"This doesn't make sense," he muttered to himself. "A quirkless child and a mother with a minor ability... How does that connect to a force capable of wiping out millions?"

His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of All Might. Despite his injuries, the Symbol of Peace entered the room with his characteristic presence, though his face betrayed the weariness of the previous night.

"Naomasa," All Might began, his voice low, "what's the status on the investigation?"

Tsukauchi gestured to the files scattered across his desk. "I've got a lot of leads, but no answers. The Midoriyas are a possible connection, but there's nothing concrete. If they are tied to this, it's in a way we don't understand."

All Might frowned. "And if they aren't?"

Tsukauchi sighed. "Then we're chasing ghosts. Either way, we're in the dark."

Vigilant Eyes

Meanwhile, the Midoriya household remained blissfully unaware of the chaos surrounding them. Inko went about her day as usual, preparing breakfast for Izuku. The little girl sat at the table, her legs swinging idly as she doodled in a notebook. Her innocent smile was a stark contrast to the grim reality outside their home.

"Mommy, can I have more rice?" Izuku asked, her voice cheerful.

Inko smiled warmly. "Of course, sweetie. Finish your veggies first."

As she turned back to the stove, a shadow crossed her face. She couldn't explain the unease that had settled over her since waking up. The dream she had the previous night was already fading from her memory, but fragments of it lingered—flames, screams, and an overwhelming sense of power. She shook her head, dismissing it as nothing more than her imagination.

But across the street, an unmarked police car sat parked, its occupants watching the house intently. Among them was Detective Nakamura, who had barely survived the events of Hirushima. His once calm demeanor had been replaced by paranoia and obsession.

"You really think they're connected?" asked one of the officers beside him.

Nakamura didn't answer immediately. His eyes remained fixed on the house. "I don't know. But something about them doesn't add up."

The Nation's Fear

The news cycle remained fixated on the Hirushima massacre. Experts debated the origins of the destruction, some blaming rogue villain groups, others suggesting a new, uncontrollable quirk user. Theories spiraled into absurdity, with one pundit even suggesting the involvement of aliens.

For the heroes, the incident marked a turning point. Public confidence in their ability to protect the nation was at an all-time low. Protests erupted in major cities, with citizens demanding accountability and answers.

At U.A. High School, Nezu addressed the staff, including Aizawa, Present Mic, and Midnight.

"We must prepare for the possibility that this was not an isolated incident," Nezu said. "Our students need to be equipped to face threats beyond anything we've ever trained for."

Tsukauchi's Visit

Unable to shake the feeling that the Midoriya family was connected, Tsukauchi decided to pay them a visit. Arriving at their modest home, he took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Inko answered, her smile polite but guarded.

"Detective Tsukauchi," she greeted. "How can I help you?"

Tsukauchi held up his badge. "Mrs. Midoriya, I'm here to ask a few questions about an ongoing investigation. May I come in?"

Inko hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. "Of course. Please, have a seat."

As he entered, Tsukauchi's eyes scanned the room, noting the simple decor and the faint scent of miso soup lingering in the air. Izuku peeked out from behind a corner, her large, curious eyes watching him.

"This is about the incident in Hirushima, isn't it?" Inko asked, her voice calm but tinged with concern.

Tsukauchi nodded. "Yes. We're looking into any possible connections, no matter how small. Have you or your daughter noticed anything unusual in the past few days?"

Inko's brow furrowed. "Unusual? No, not at all. We live a quiet life. Izuku's only four—she barely leaves the house except for preschool."

Izuku, sensing she was being talked about, stepped into the room. "Mommy, who's this man?"

Inko smiled gently. "Just someone asking questions, sweetie. Go play in your room, okay?"

Izuku nodded, giving Tsukauchi a curious glance before disappearing down the hallway.

A Nagging Doubt

As Tsukauchi questioned Inko, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was being left unsaid. Her answers were too precise, too rehearsed. But there was no evidence to suggest she was lying.

"One last question, Mrs. Midoriya," he said, standing. "Have you ever heard of any quirk in your family that could... alter reality?"

Inko's face remained composed, but her hands tightened slightly on her lap. "No. My quirk is minor, and my husband's quirk allows him to breathe fire. Neither of us has anything like that, and Izuku was declared quirkless."

Tsukauchi nodded, his suspicions unresolved. "Thank you for your time. If you think of anything, please don't hesitate to contact me."

As he left, Inko closed the door behind him and leaned against it, her heart racing. She couldn't explain why, but she felt as though a storm was approaching—one that would soon engulf her family.