—This is the situation, ladies and gentlemen— Detective Tsukauchi concluded, staring at the officers and Heroes present.
It was decided to hold an informal meeting between the department and the Heroes summoned to deal with the League of Villains as soon as their location was found, to discuss the issue that had reignited the media.
The Wild Wild PussyCats team was also present, with Ragdoll enduring the uncomfortable looks directed at her as best she could.
Now everyone was aware of the Villains' demands and what was at stake, all based on the PussyCat's own decision.
To say it was overwhelming was an understatement. Legally, no one could force the woman to surrender in that way, but morally and socially speaking, people would eat her alive.
And on top of that, there was the issue that negotiating with the Villains in this manner was a sign of weakness that the Heroes could not afford.
Silence fell in the room. No one had anything useful to argue, nor any idea to help them out of this predicament. Almost no one, except for the single meeting attendee who shouldn't have been there.
—We can use this 'exchange' as an opportunity. Provided that Miss Ragdoll agrees— Tetsumaru said suddenly, breaking the silence and earning a flood of confused and bewildered looks.
Although not bewildered by the impact of his words, but because they wondered what the hell a brat was doing there.
—What the hell is this brat doing here?— Endeavor asked in a low voice, looking over his shoulder at the shinobi.
—Terumi Tetsumaru has lent his unique abilities in the search for the Villains' lair— Tsukauchi explained calmly, clearing up the misunderstanding among the other Professional Heroes who had not worked with Tetsumaru.
—What do you mean, Tetsumaru-kun?— Ragdoll asked curiously, finding some comfort in the fact that the shinobi seemed to be one of the few who wasn't looking at her with a complicated expression.
—I mean that with you, we might have a chance to locate the Villains and, perhaps, Pixie-Bob and Sero. But that would require the support of Hawks-sama— Tetsumaru explained, capturing the attention of those present.
—It seems you have an idea. Please share it, Tetsumaru-kun— Tsukauchi encouraged, to the surprise of Endeavor and other Heroes.
—Hey, you can't be serious!? This brat shouldn't even be here!— Endeavor growled. He already felt animosity towards the Terumi sister, and because of the brother's actions during the UA sports festival, he hadn't even taken Shoto seriously, or any of the other participants for that matter.
—Do you have an idea you'd like to share, Endeavor?— the shinobi asked, walking up to the Flame Hero without even looking at him. —It seems you don't— he commented softly, continuing calmly until he positioned himself next to Tsukauchi.
Endeavor officially decided he did not like the Terumi siblings.
—Let's hear the plan then, kid— Edgeshot said, moving closer to the table with curiosity, alongside the Wild Wild PussyCats team.
Mt. Lady, Best Jeanist, and Kamui Woods also joined, the latter having accompanied Tetsumaru in the initial search for the Villains' lair, so he had an idea of what the shinobi was about to propose.
Only Endeavor remained to the side, arms crossed and frowning. He couldn't believe that a group of Professional Heroes and police officers were going to listen to a child.
—Detective, does the police or UA have any device capable of stealthily emitting signals over long distances? Preferably, one that Miss Ragdoll can carry inside her body— Tetsumaru began, slightly nervous under the evaluating gazes directed at him by these people.
He felt like he was facing a jury, although it's not like he ever had in either of his two lives.
And it was very difficult to ignore the bright look and radiant smile Ragdoll gave him during his explanation.
********************************
A brief but sharp pang of pain woke Sero from unconsciousness.
The boy flinched, stirring slightly where he was and finding his body locked down, which led to him feeling more suffocated.
He couldn't see; his eyes were covered. He couldn't hear anything but his own breathing, which was ragged, irregular, and raspy. And there was pain.
His wrists hurt, a burning that only worsened with every struggle. His cheeks hurt, swollen and sensitive. His stomach felt bruised, as if he'd been some psychopathic bastard's punching bag.
As the seconds passed, his mind returned to reality, and he recalled his situation: He had been kidnapped by the bad guys, humiliated and beaten, poorly fed, and barely hydrated.
He didn't know how much time had passed, or what had become of his friends. The damned Villains tortured him occasionally, claiming they killed them all.
Suddenly, a familiar and sweet sound reached Sero's ears. A casual, cheerful humming, but one that sent a jolt of panic down the young man's spine.
Light footsteps bounced toward his position, metal clinking against metal to the rhythm of the melody and a breath that slowly became heavier, like someone barely containing their excitement.
—Hmm~ Hanta-kun, are you awake?— a feminine voice asked affectionately, as thin, delicate fingers softly stroked his chin.
—Kuh... Get away from me!— the boy barked with a mix of anger and fear in his tone. He had already been a victim of this crazy bitch's touch, and she was responsible for most of his injuries over the past few days.
—Hehe, what are you saying, silly?— Toga Himiko purred with a slight blush on her cheeks as she caressed her hostage's battered face.
—Aaaw, look at you! Does it hurt, doesn't it? Do you suffer when I do this?— the girl asked, digging her fingernails into Sero's purple cheekbones until she drew blood, which she then licked with delight, ignoring the moan of pain that escaped her victim.
Sero writhed in his place, trying to bite the hand that was causing him pain. He already knew that pleas only motivated the bitch more to torture him in strange ways.
Fortunately, she was forbidden from killing him. Unfortunately, that only meant more pain for Sero.
Negative and malicious thoughts occasionally crept into the student's mind, a growing feeling of vengeance in his chest with every twisted hiss from Himiko, with every pang of pain she inflicted on him.
Since her appearance, Sero's life had gone from slow recovery, dirty water, and little food to all that along with daily torture to satisfy the girl's repulsive needs.
Slowly but surely, the kind and simple nature of the aspiring Hero deteriorated, and the desire to return to his family ceased to be his main motivation to stay sane and alive.
What he wanted most now was to break free from his restraints and give the girl who was making him feel pain the beating of her life. No, not a beating.
Sero wanted retribution. Sero wanted to make her suffer, to inflict pain on her. And he promised himself that as soon as he found an opportunity, he would collect from Himiko for all the torture he had suffered at her hands.