Another day of training concluded, with the students of both classes completely exhausted, dragging their butts to the baths before collapsing into unconsciousness on their futons.
Aizawa and Kan continued with their duties as teachers, analyzing progress, jotting down ideas, sharing suggestions and observations alongside the PussyCats and the brats with preferential treatment.
After an hour of this, Tetsumaru and Mei got up from their seats, intending to continue their own training. Just like last time, Ragdoll jumped up with an unnecessary flourish to follow them.
However, there was a fourth guest who walked behind the group, briefly disconcerting the siblings.
—Do you need something, Aizawa-Sensei?— Mei asked with a raised eyebrow.
—I'm just going to take a look. Maybe I can contribute something useful to your training— the Hero replied with a shrug.
An awkward silence settled in the hallway for a couple of seconds before the siblings seemed to reach an agreement.
Just like last time, Tetsumaru carried them on a sand platform to a secluded spot. Aizawa and Ragdoll contemplated the night view of the forest, the sea of trees bathed in the silver light of the moon, casting fleeting glances at the silent shinobi.
Although they tried to act normally, Aizawa didn't miss the micro-gestures that crossed their faces, nor the slight changes in their posture. Tremors in their muscles, as if they wanted to gesture with their hands to accompany an argument.
He no longer doubted. It was obvious they could transmit information to each other somehow. The only thing that really interested him was whether that ability was inherent to them or if it could be used with others, like Mandalay's Telepath.
—How high can you rise?— Aizawa asked Tetsumaru.
—I don't know— the shinobi replied. —I've never really tried, as I had few opportunities in the city. You know, regulations on Quirk use and all that.
—Why not take advantage of this environment then? It would be good to have that kind of information— the man suggested in a bored tone.
Tetsumaru nodded in agreement. —I had already planned it anyway.
Upon landing in the same clearing, Aizawa and Ragdoll stepped aside, watching the siblings stand completely still, their eyes closed and a slightly warm, slightly cold air enveloping their bodies.
The Hero couldn't help but tilt his head in confusion, as this was the first time he noticed this effect. There was always something similar every time Tetsumaru moved his sand, especially in large quantities, like with Tokoyami's training, but this felt different.
Purer.
—This must be the energy Ragdoll talked about— he thought.
And so another hour went by. Neither of the heroes interrupted whatever the shinobi were attempting, remaining static for a while before darting to the other side of the clearing, only to reflect for a few seconds and return to their original position.
It was evident they were trying to move faster, but something wasn't working right. Even if Ragdoll could see the problem, without more information they couldn't truly help them.
That fact motivated Aizawa to speak up for once and get rid of the invisible tension and mutual distrust between him and the siblings.
His steps interrupted the concentration of Tetsumaru and Mei, who silently turned to the hero.
They looked at each other for a few seconds until the sensei sighed and went straight to the point, without unnecessary drama or motivational talks. He knew neither of the two before him were of that style.
—This situation cannot continue— the man said, scratching his head. —You don't trust me, and I don't fully trust you.
—Only you, Sensei?— Mei questioned.
—Do you know what Ragdoll's Quirk is?— Aizawa asked, shamelessly deflecting the topic. The siblings didn't seem to mind and played along.
—We know. That's why you send her with us every time, so you can study us— Tetsumaru replied.
—Then it shouldn't surprise you that I am now aware that your Quirks are not what you claim they are— the man expressed in a serious tone. Both shinobi nodded.
—You are not blood siblings, which makes your circumstances even more suspicious. Two unrelated orphans who appear on the steps of an orphanage and awaken the same Quirk? I have never heard of a similar event.
Tetsumaru and Mei remained silent, waiting for Aizawa to continue his talk.
—Now then... Do you know about All For One?— the Hero asked.
—No— Tetsumaru replied, but Aizawa didn't feel relief after those words.
Although he didn't have a Quirk that detected lies, neither of them showed confusion.
—Do you know what his ability was?— he asked again. To his relief, their answer felt much more honest.
—No, Sensei.
They didn't lie this time. Not entirely. They only knew All For One as the evil All Might. Super Strong? Sure, but they had no idea about anything else.
—Then allow me to clear things up once and for all— Aizawa took a deep breath, instinctively preparing for combat. —Are the two of you working for All For One or the League of Villains?
To that question, Mei rolled her eyes. Tetsumaru shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. Their reactions weren't what Aizawa expected.
—Honestly, Sensei... Didn't you see how I kicked the weirdo's balls at the USJ? How could I do that to my boss and get away with it?— the kunoichi scoffed. To his chagrin, Aizawa couldn't debate that point.
—Do you think we are the infiltrators at UA, Aizawa-Sensei?— Tetsumaru asked.
—I can't affirm or deny it. Frankly, you make it unnecessarily difficult. You hide many things from the school, from me, from your classmates. I know I can't demand trust when I myself have my eyes on you, but we must reach an agreement, or this Student-Teacher relationship will fall apart, and worse, it could stunt your growth.
Regardless of what happens in the future, regardless of the truth, right now you are my students. My duty is to help you, to guide you on your path. I can't do that if you hide things from me— Aizawa expressed with complete honesty.
After his words, he fell silent. He waited patiently, noticing the imperceptible movements on his students' faces.
He let them talk. At least, they were no longer hiding this ability from him, which was a step in the right direction.
What Aizawa didn't know was that his students were discussing one of the few memories they had of story, specifically the one alluding to the existence of All For One and who knew about him before his fight with All Might.
After almost a minute, Tetsumaru began to take off his clothes.