This time I will protect them I won't be a coward

190

Meanwhile, at Sir Nighteye's agency.

On the second floor, in the meeting room, Izuku sat among his fellow classmates, the Big Three, and several pro heroes. The discussion centered around Eri—her quirk, the dangerous implications of Overhaul's experiments, and the terrifying probability of a quirk disappearing entirely upon being struck by a bullet infused with blood.

Izuku's Point of View

I vowed to become the greatest Pro Hero. And yet, when it mattered most, I did nothing.

Eri had been within my reach—so close that I could have taken her hand, pulled her away, and saved her. Even my instincts screamed at me to move, to act, to grab her. But I held back. I couldn’t risk compromising Sir Nighteye’s investigation, nor could I endanger Mirio-senpai.

And now, all I can do is blame myself. A rookie mistake. A failure.

Rock Lock is right to call me out. Why did Sir Nighteye send an intern—an amateur first-year—against someone as powerful as Overhaul? What if my recklessness causes Overhaul to relocate Eri? Everything—their planning, their efforts—would amount to nothing.

I exhale sharply, fingers curled against the chair. My posture is rigid, my pulse is erratic. Beside me, Togata Mirio senpai bears the same haunted expression—guilt weighing down on both of us.

One For All crackles beneath my fingertips, the energy restless, volatile—reacting to the storm inside me. I force it under control, steadying my breath.

Then, from just outside the meeting room door—

"You are all wrong."

The voice is soft, angelic—laced with quiet amusement. Familiar.

I know who it is. But what I don’t expect is their presence. They weren’t supposed to be here, not in their current state. After all, I left them behind this morning, believing they were far too fragile to even stand.