—Is this wise?— Aizawa questioned Nezu after Tetsumaru had been dismissed from the office.
The Principal sipped his tea before answering.
—I believe it is an opportunity, both for them and for us. There isn't really much we can teach them, in terms of combat, so the best approach will be to keep them on the right path. Don't you agree?
—I'd prefer to keep them on the right path without having to give them free rein for when the villains show up— Aizawa retorted.
—If they even show up— the Principal returned with an amused look. —Or do you already firmly believe his word?
The Hero thought about it for a few seconds before nodding slowly. He showed no hesitation in his expression, or in his tone.
—I believe he has good intuition. Since the USJ attack, I've noticed that he always keeps that strange sand of his moving under his clothes. That's probably why he wasn't caught by surprise when that maniac spat fire in his face.
—Also, his reasoning is sound. He and his sister have been present since the League's first appearance, and in one way or another, they have made them look ridiculous. Considering the childish attitude of their apparent leader, I don't doubt he'll launch some kind of assault during the camp.
At the very least, it's worth preparing for the worst- Aizawa explained.
—And if he's sure about this supposed attack, despite not knowing the location where you'll take him... Would you still trust him? - Nezu asked seriously.
This was the most problematic point of the whole conversation.
—I don't doubt my students, Nezu— the Hero replied. Satisfied, the mouse nodded and his expression softened, sipping his cup once more.
—That's the attitude. However, we can never rule anything out until we catch them all. And it's very difficult not to point fingers when those two are so mysterious.
—Sometimes I feel like they do it on purpose. I can't help but feel they are still hiding some things from us— Aizawa agreed. He truly didn't doubt Tetsumaru or Mei, but Nezu had a point.
—Many things didn't add up. Their Quirks, their competent combat skills, their exceptional control, their maturity, which was even reported when they were children in the orphanage.
—Hmm, perhaps some forbidden relationship?— Nezu tilted his head, remembering Aizawa's strange observations about these siblings. His mind also correlated it with the incident between Thirteen and Midnight.
Aizawa shuddered, shaking his head and moving on to other matters. He didn't plan to interfere in those matters, even though his job was to guide and forge Heroes.
Heroes didn't need that kind of scandal attached to them.
*********************************
Back in the present, Ragdoll, Tiger, Aizawa, Vlad King, Tetsumaru, Mei, and Mandalay were discussing in a room, with Pixie Bob being informed through Mandalay, since she was supervising the students.
—Are you telling me there could be a League of Villains attack, that we only have our current numbers to defend ourselves, and that these brats, despite being likely targets, will have absolute freedom to act if that happens?— Mandalay repeated, rubbing her temples and directing an incredulous look at both UA teachers.
—Yes. They have a good track record of defending themselves, so there's no need to waste resources on them. They are more useful if we leave the other students in their care— Aizawa nodded lazily.
—Hmph, I won't approve until I confirm it myself!— Vlad King snorted and Tiger nodded, his intense gaze scrutinizing both young people.
—Do what you want, but don't come crying to me when you get your asses kicked— Aizawa warned with a playful glint in his eyes.
—All right, but first I'm going to take a bath— Mei stood up, letting the two teachers continue their discussion.
For his part, Tetsumaru was tasked with accompanying Pixie Bob. Since Aizawa said they wouldn't be treated like the other students, but more like security, Mandalay decided to use them as she saw fit.
After they both left, Vlad and Aizawa stopped arguing, turning to the Pussy Cats with serious faces.
Mandalay shook her head, indicating that she didn't sense any mental bridge between them. Ragdoll didn't either, though she detected something else.
—Hmm, their Quirks are identical— she said, confusing everyone.
—What do you mean?— Aizawa questioned after a few seconds.
The girl tilted her head, organizing her thoughts before answering.
—Well... They both have the same energy running through their bodies. They use it to power up, achieving high movement speeds and somewhat superior strength, although it doesn't improve their defense in the same way.
But beyond that, I don't see anything. I have no idea how Tetsumaru produces the sand, or how Mei can expel water and steam. I can only assume that they manifest this energy in different ways.
And if it were to run out, and I mean run out completely, they would die. Part of that energy comes from their cells, but the other part is something I can't identify.
—...
After her words, the room fell into a deep silence. Mandalay and Tiger had nothing to argue, and clearly Aizawa and Vlad were not going to share anything more about the matter.
Both heroes thanked Ragdoll and left as well.
****************************************
Pixie Bob's eyelid twitched occasionally. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her weight leaning on one leg, and her lips rigid after an hour of keeping an uncomfortable smile in place.
A few meters away from her stood a silent young man, his face indifferent and his strangely charming black eyes with yellow pupils never resting on her figure even once.
It wasn't that she was seeking the attention of a student several years her junior, but this indifference to her attractive presence was a harsh blow.
After the initial greeting and a brief introduction, the boy hadn't approached closer than three meters to her, and only answered her questions with brief, two-word responses.
Was he blind? Was he stupid or something? She was a Wild Wild Pussy Cat! A young and attractive woman right beside him, completely alone with him, wearing a charming cat costume.
Fortunately for her, Mandalay and Eraser Head also came out, so she could distract herself for a while, although she didn't hesitate to question the sensei of the disrespectful Tetsumaru.
—Hey, Eraser. Is that boy gay?
—I can hear you— the black-haired boy commented with a flat tone without even turning towards the Heroine.
—Ha, haha, uh, s-sorry— Pixie Bob said, scratching her head awkwardly, but still kept her eyes glued to Aizawa, waiting for an immediate answer.
—No, but he's still a minor and my student— the man said lazily.
—Hmph! As if I care about a little shit like him!— the blonde exclaimed with puffed cheeks.
—Oh-ho? My Tetsumaru isn't good enough for you, old lady?— the giggling voice of Mei arrived, who was approaching with her hands clasped behind her back and a smile that definitely didn't reach her eyes.
—...
Pixie Bob blinked a couple of times before leaping at the kunoichi, letting out a feline growl as she flew.
By the time the students arrived at the location, bruised and exhausted, they found a soaked Pixie Bob, an annoyed Mandalay, and a happy Mei, clinging to an indifferent Tetsumaru.
—Why the hell didn't you guys do the course!?— Bakugo yelled, gritting his teeth.
Even the perpetually happy Toru looked at the siblings with suspicion, though no one noticed that fact.
Aizawa, who was observing the event, decided to leave the matter to his star students. He didn't care to placate Bakugo, and it was better to see how they handled this awkward situation among themselves.
—Because you're trash and we're not— the black-haired boy said.
Aizawa regretted his choices.