"The test subject was neutralized, Master."
Kai Chisaki was sitting in the center of the tatami, completely still while listening to Nemoto's report. His bird-beak mask covered the lower half of his face and his white gloves rested perfectly snug on his hands.
"He lasted less than projected," Chisaki commented as he accepted the document Nemoto handed him. "I suppose a hero appeared."
"That's right. The subject managed to destroy an entire storefront before being incapacitated, but a pro was patrolling the area."
Chisaki reviewed the report, turning each page without haste. There was no failure to report and they both knew it.
"The Commission already classified the incident as a possible Trigger outbreak," Nemoto added.
"Perfect," Chisaki set the report aside. "Fear is worth more than destruction. A single mediocre villain confirming that Trigger is back fulfills our goal better than a massacre. The media's going to saturate the news with speculation."
"By tomorrow afternoon, all of Musutafu will be talking about this."
Chisaki took off one of his gloves and examined his bare fingers under the light, moving them slowly as if evaluating every joint.
"The subject still shows mental degradation and self-destructive tendencies, but those flaws are temporary. The next generation's going to eliminate the side effects completely."
"The techs are reporting progress," Nemoto confirmed. "Two weeks if we speed up production."
"I need you to personally supervise the lab during this period. The techs are competent, but they don't understand the full vision."
Chisaki carefully put his glove back on and stood up. He walked toward a low cabinet and pulled out a polished wooden box, opening it to reveal a small vial filled with blue liquid.
"The perfected Trigger is just the bait." He held the vial up to the light and watched how the liquid caught the reflections of the lamps. "When we eliminate the side effects and start mass distribution on the black market, criminal organizations are going to bite. Mediocre villains thinking they're invincible, terrorist cells escalating their operations, small groups challenging pro heroes... Chaos is going to spread globally because everyone's going to want a piece of the business."
Nemoto watched in silence while his master spoke. This was the reason he held the closest spot to Overhaul among all the Eight Bullets: Chisaki trusted him enough to reveal the full scope of his plans.
"The distribution networks are going to grow exponentially," Chisaki continued while putting the vial back in the box. "Yakuza from Osaka, triads from Hong Kong, South American cartels. They're all going to depend completely on the product to maintain their power. And when that dependency is completely rooted in every level of global organized crime, we're going to make the switch."
He closed the box with a soft click and turned toward Nemoto.
"The Quirk-destroying drug is going to replace Trigger in every network we've established. Criminals are going to distribute it without knowing what it really is until it's too late."
"Currently it only lasts twenty four hours," Nemoto said.
"We're close to the breakthrough to make it permanent. The researchers in the underground lab believe it's a matter of months before we achieve irreversible destruction. When that happens, we'll be able to eradicate the disease plaguing this society."
Chisaki returned to his position on the tatami and sat with his back perfectly straight.
"A world without Quirks. Humanity's going to return to its original pure state, without the supernatural powers that only generate inequality and conflict. Society's going to be able to rebuild itself from scratch."
Nemoto nodded. He'd heard this vision before, but every time his master articulated it, he felt the same absolute conviction. Chisaki truly believed every word.
"We're moving production to Yokohama next week," Chisaki changed the subject abruptly. "The Commission's going to focus its resources on Musutafu. This base has to remain completely clean of chemical evidence."
"I've already prepared the security protocols."
"Good. Update me when you have the profile for the next test subject ready. I want someone with a story that resonates emotionally. A desperate father, a young man rejected from hero academies, someone with a weak Quirk who was always looked down upon. The public has to understand why someone would resort to Trigger. If it can happen to relatable people, the fear becomes visceral."
"Understood, Master."
"You may leave."
Nemoto bowed and left the room, closing the sliding door without making a sound. Chisaki remained sitting alone, looking out at the garden while his thoughts revolved around a single idea:
A world without Quirks. A pure world.
It was worth any sacrifice.
*******
"—en? Ren? Are you okay?"
Ren blinked several times as his consciousness slowly returned. He'd been so absorbed in his thoughts about last night's incident that he hadn't noticed someone was talking to him.
"Ren?"
This time the voice sounded much closer. Ren looked up and found a pair of brown eyes just inches from his face. Ochako was staring at him with a worried expression, leaning over his desk to the point where their noses almost touched.
"Oh," Ren said with a completely calm voice despite the proximity, "Ochako, what's up?"
Ochako's face turned red instantly when she realized the compromising position they were in. She straightened up so fast she almost hit her head on the desk.
"I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, waving her hands in front of her. "It's just that I was talking to you but you weren't responding and I leaned in to move you and well, you know, I ended up like that and..."
"Relax," Ren gave her a reassuring smile. "I was just very deep in thought. I had a super complicated day yesterday."
"Oh, really?" Ochako relaxed a bit, although her cheeks were still tinged pink. "Did something bad happen?"
"Let's just say I ran into an unexpected situation during the night," Ren decided not to go into detail about drug-enhanced villains. "Nothing to worry about now. What did you want to ask me?"
"Oh, right!" Ochako seemed to remember her original purpose. "I wanted to know if you have plans for Saturday."
Ren felt a smile spread across his face. Finally, a girl's asking me out.
"I accept," he responded without a second's hesitation.
Ochako blinked, confused. "Huh?"
"I accept going out with you on Saturday," Ren repeated naturally.
"No, no, no!" Ochako moved her hands frantically in front of her, her face reaching a new shade of red. "It's not what you think! Well, I mean, it is an invitation but not in that way, or rather, it's not that I don't want to, I mean, wait!"
Ren couldn't help but laugh at the reaction. "Relax, I'm teasing you. What's happening on Saturday?"
Ochako took a deep breath to calm down, placing a hand over her chest.
"Tomorrow Tsuyu-chan and I are going to an amusement park," she explained once she regained some composure. "There's a special discount package where if four people go, you get fifty percent off the admission."
"Ah, I see," Ren nodded. "So you need me to complete the group."
"Exactly," Ochako smiled, relieved that he'd understood. "Though we still need to find the fourth person. Do you know anyone who'd want to come?"
Before Ren could respond, he felt a familiar, soft pressure on his head. Two warm masses settled over him with the perfect weight he'd already learned to recognize.
I definitely know who these belong to. I already recognize how soft they are.
"I want to go!" Toru's excited voice rang out from right above him. "It sounds super fun and I definitely need to relax before the Sports Festival!"
Ren didn't bother moving. In fact, if anyone had asked him at that moment, he would've admitted the sensation was quite pleasant.
It's like a breast massage... Wait a second... I wonder if I asked Toru, could she give me a titjob?
"Perfect," he said in a completely calm voice. "We've already got the fourth member of the group."
"Hagakure-chan!" Ochako smiled widely. "It's great that you want to come!"
"How could I resist?" Hagakure pressed her chest a bit more against Ren's head, something he noticed but didn't comment on. "Besides, it's been a long time since I've been to an amusement park. It's going to be great."
"Ren-kun! There you are!"
The energetic voice made everyone turn toward the classroom door. Nejire floated in, her feet several inches off the ground as she approached the group with a radiant smile.
"Nejire-senpai," Ren greeted her naturally. "What brings you here?"
"I came to look for you," Nejire landed softly next to Ren's desk, completely oblivious to the confused looks Ochako and the other freshmen were throwing her way. "I wanted to ask you about last night. Are you recovered yet? Midnight-sensei said you'd probably be tired today."
Oh no, Ren thought as he saw Ochako's expressions and felt Hagakure tense up slightly over his head. This is going to generate questions.
"I'm fine," Ren responded, trying to keep a casual tone. "It was just a long night."
"Last night?" Ochako tilted her head curiously. "What happened last night?"
"Ren-kun and I had a little adventure," Nejire explained cheerfully, not noticing the ambiguity of her words. "There was a villain causing trouble and Midnight-sensei was there too, it was very exciting."
"A villain?" Ochako looked worried now. "Are you hurt?"
"Not a scratch," Ren reassured her. "Everything turned out fine in the end."
From the other side of the room, a scream of frustration was heard that made several students jump.
"HOW THE HELL DID REN MEET A THIRD-YEAR GIRL?!" Mineta was practically tearing his hair out while looking at the scene with eyes full of tears. "It's unfair! Totally unfair!"
"Calm down, Mineta," Kirishima slapped him on the back. "You're going to burst a vein."
"But it doesn't make sense!" Mineta pointed accusingly toward Ren. "He has Hagakure literally on his head right now, Yaoyorozu's constantly looking for him, and now it turns out he also knows a super cute senpai! What does he have that I don't?"
"Do you want the full list or just the main points?" Jirou commented sarcastically from her seat.
Ren decided to ignore the background drama and focus on the current situation. Nejire had captured everyone's attention in the room simply by being a third-year student visiting a group of freshmen, and the curious glances kept multiplying.
"Nejire-senpai," Ren spoke in a low voice, "maybe we should talk outside if it's about last night."
"Oh, you're right," Nejire nodded understandingly. "It's sensitive information."
"Wait," Hagakure spoke from her position over Ren's head. "How well do you two know each other exactly?"
It was the first time Ren detected something like jealousy in Hagakure's voice. Usually she was completely carefree and playful, but now there was a barely perceptible edge to her words.
"We met recently," Ren explained honestly. "Nejire-senpai promised to help me fly."
"I see." Hagakure didn't move her chest from Ren's head. In fact, if anything, she pressed it with a bit more firmness, as if marking her territory.
Nejire, who was incredibly perceptive despite her cheerful attitude, caught the tension immediately. A mischievous smile appeared on her face.
"Were we talking about going somewhere?" she asked with feigned innocence. "I heard something about an amusement park."
"Yes," Ochako responded before anyone else could. "Tsuyu-chan, Hagakure-chan, Ren-kun and I are going tomorrow. There's a special discount."
"Sounds fun!" Nejire was practically glowing with excitement. "Can I come too? I love amusement parks!"
"But the discount is only for four people," Ochako pointed out, though she didn't sound like she was rejecting the idea.
"Doesn't matter," Nejire dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand. "I can pay my full admission. I just want to spend time with you guys. Especially with Ren-kun; we have to get to know each other better after being battle partners."
Hagakure didn't say anything, but Ren could feel the tension growing in the way her fingers tightened slightly on his shoulder. It was fascinating to witness this side of her, considering it was usually impossible to read her body language unless he used his X-rays.
"Then we'll be five," Ren said, trying to keep the peace. "What time are we meeting?"
"Ten in the morning at the station?" Ochako proposed. "That way we have the whole day."
"Perfect," Nejire pulled out her phone. "Ren-kun, give me your number to coordinate the details."
"I need your number too," Hagakure added quickly. "For the group chat."
"But Toru, you already have my number..." Ren wasn't sure whether to laugh or worry about the dynamic that was developing.
Ochako watched the scene. She wasn't completely sure what was happening exactly, but something told her tomorrow was going to be a very awkward day.
"Hey, Ren," Kaminari approached with a sly smile, "you're going to an amusement park with three girls? You're my official hero."
"Technically it's four," Ren corrected. "Tsuyu is going too."
"That doesn't make it sound any less impressive!" Kaminari turned toward Mineta. "Did you hear that? Four girls!"
"I heard it perfectly," Mineta responded with a dead voice, as if his soul had left his body. "My life has no meaning."
"Dramatic," Jirou commented, rolling her eyes.
Aizawa chose that moment to enter the room, his sleeping bag dragging behind him as always. His tired gaze swept the classroom and stopped briefly on Nejire.
"Hado," he said in a monotone voice, "shouldn't you be in your own class?"
"I just came to visit Ren-kun!" Nejire responded cheerfully. "I was just leaving."
"Mmm," Aizawa didn't look convinced but he didn't have the energy to dig deeper either. "Make sure you get to your class on time."
"Yes, sensei!" Nejire floated toward the door but stopped to look back. "See you tomorrow, Ren-kun! And girls!"
She disappeared down the hallway, leaving a curious silence in the room. All eyes were now on Ren, who kept a perfectly neutral expression despite still having Hagakure's bust resting on his head.
"Hayashi," Aizawa looked directly at him, "is there something I should know?"
"No, sensei," Ren responded honestly. "We're just going to an amusement park."
"With four girls," Kaminari added helpfully.
"Nobody asked you, Kaminari," Aizawa sighed. "Everyone to your seats. We have class."
Hagakure finally released Ren from her soft grip and headed to her own desk, though Ren noticed she walked with steps a bit heavier than usual. Ochako gave him a knowing smile before returning to her spot next to Tsuyu.
"By the way," Aizawa spoke from the front of the room while getting into his sleeping bag, "rumors have been circulating about an incident related to Quirk-enhancing drugs in Musutafu. If any of you hear anything or see anything suspicious, report it immediately. Don't try to play hero on your own."
Ren felt several students look at him out of the corner of their eyes, probably making the connection with what Nejire had mentioned about last night. He kept his expression neutral and nodded along with the rest of the class.
"Understood, sensei."
"Good," Aizawa settled into his bag. "Now, open your books. We're going to review the laws on Quirk use in public spaces."
As the class began, Ren couldn't help his thoughts returning to last night's incident.
Something big is brewing, he reflected while pretending to pay attention to the lesson. And somehow I ended up right in the middle of it.
His phone vibrated silently in his pocket. He pulled it out discreetly under the desk and saw a message in a new group chat called "Amusement Park Adventure ⭐".
Nejire-senpai: I'm so excited for tomorrow! (ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧
Ochako: Me too! It's going to be so much fun (◕‿◕)
Hagakure: Yeah, super fun... (・_・;)
Ren noticed the use of a less enthusiastic emoticon from Hagakure and couldn't help but smile slightly.
Ren: What time exactly are we meeting?
Ochako: 10 AM at Musutafu Central Station.
Nejire-senpai: Perfect! What rides do you want to try first?
Hagakure: The biggest roller coaster they have.
Ochako: Oh no, me and heights don't get along well...
Nejire-senpai: That's why it's fun! ヾ(≧▽≦*)o
Ren tucked his phone away when he noticed Aizawa watching him with one eye open from his sleeping bag. The message was clear: pay attention or there'll be consequences.
The rest of the class went by without incident, although Ren could feel the occasional glance from Hagakure from her seat. It was like he'd flipped a switch that didn't exist before.
Jealousy, he thought. I never thought I'd see that side of Hagakure.
When the bell finally rang, marking the end of class, Ren packed up his things to get ready for the next one.
*****
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