The Class That Cried Werewolf

53 - A Cry for Help

-3rd Person POV-

The streets bustled with life as Togata, Izuku, and Tatsuya strode down the sidewalk, their hero costumes drawing more than a few lingering gazes. The morning sun cast long shadows along the pavement, the air crisp with the familiar scents of the city—grilled street food, car exhaust, and the ever-present undertone of something distinctly human.

Tatsuya kept his posture relaxed but alert, eyes flicking across their surroundings. This wasn't just a stroll. They were on patrol, and that meant staying sharp. Togata, as usual, carried himself with unwavering confidence, his easygoing grin making it look like this was just another casual outing.

Izuku, on the other hand, wasn't as composed. "This is sorta nerve-wracking," he muttered, his shoulders tensing as two women with animal features openly gushed over them.

Tatsuya exhaled through his nose, casting a sidelong glance at Togata, who didn't seem fazed, unsurprisingly. If anything, he walked with the same effortless confidence as always—his broad grin as unshakable as ever.

"What gives? You went out on patrol during your internship, didn't you? Though, I guess I don't blame you two for being shaken after what went down." Togata tilted his head, the easy smile not entirely hiding the curiosity.

"Oh, no. It's not like that for me, either. I just kinda missed out on learning some of the basics, so..." Izuku trailed off, his eyes avoiding their gazes as a sheepish smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Unfazed by the comment, Tatsuya met Togata's gaze with a calm expression. "I'm not shaken. Mirko took me on patrols during my internship," he said, the words coming out smoothly though a brief flicker of something else danced in his eyes. He rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish look. "Though, it was more of a race to see if I could catch up to her before she took the villains down."

"Yeah? Huh, that must be strange. Ah, don't you worry, guys. Sir and Bubble are the ones who are actually watching the target today, so I can teach you all about patrol duty. We'll get you up to snuff," Togata assured, flashing them a thumbs-up. "Just watch and learn, my friends!"

While Togata's enthusiasm was evident as he pumped his arms in excitement, Izuku and Tatsuya were momentarily distracted, their minds drifting to their thoughts.

I still don't get it. Why didn't All Might say anything to me about Nighteye? Something big must've gone down if they're not even on speaking terms anymore, Izuku thought, brow furrowing as he stole a glance at Tatsuya.

Tatsuya's gaze remained fixed ahead, though his thoughts were anything but calm. I've got to get stronger so that the others don't have to worry. Especially... His mind shifted to Hagakure's words on the rooftop, the tension still hanging between them. He clenched his fist tightly at the thought.

Suddenly, Togata jumped in front of them, his voice bright and full of energy. "Hey, we forgot something! Our hero names! We should all know each other's, right?"

"Oh, yeah, yeah, totally. I'm Deku!" Izuku said with a bright smile, his previous worry momentarily forgotten.

"Deku? Like 'deck?' That's weird," Togata replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, you're one to talk about weird," Tatsuya remarked, shooting the third-year a blank look.

Izuku's smile didn't falter, though. "I like it," he said, unfazed by the playful teasing.

Togata shifted his focus, turning to Tatsuya with an expectant grin. "How about you?"

"I'm Beowulf," Tatsuya stated with quiet confidence, his tone leaving little room for questioning.