When reaching Nezu's office I could already feel him in there, combing his fur like usual. I think he spends more time on that than on school issues. With his brain, most paperwork gets done instantly anyway.
Knocking on the door, I put on the best smile I could, it was practised in my last life as a corporate rat. I wasn't always a freelancer, after all, I once tried to climb the corporate ladder and live the capitalist dream.
Finally, my skills will be put to good use.
After hearing him tell me to come in opened the door and said.
"Good day, sir! Isn't today just beautiful!"
He just stared at me, with an amused look on his face. I hope he doesn't find my situation amusing, his sense of humour can be a bit sadistic.
"Oh, Young Allan. Take a seat, I believe we have a few things to discuss..." He said with a shit-eating grin on his face while pointing to a nearby couch.
The discussion was quite annoying. It thankfully didn't take that long, it basically resulted in him reminding me that my situation is still a special case and that I should pay a bit of attention to my actions.
He also seemed pleased by my display of strength. It would make the government a lot more reluctant to punish me if the public considered me one of their most powerful protectors.
Then we got to the part that actually interests me. What will happen to Eri?
"About the little girl you've brought here. We don't know much about her situation, it would be great if you could clear a few things for me."
"Basically, she has a very powerful quirk that she can't really control and she was being exploited because of it. She doesn't have anywhere to go." I said, with a bit of a frown on my face.
"I think the best thing we could do is to keep her here. Where she can learn to control her power and get a proper education." I turned that frown into a confident smile instantly.
"I understand where you are coming from, Allan. But, a child as young as she still needs parental love. Wouldn't the best option be to find a family willing to adopt her?"
Nezu's concern was well-founded, he was speaking to an orphan right now. One that had turned to a very dangerous profession from a young age.
"I want to take care of her... I think she also wouldn't mind. But legally-" Nezu interrupted me, with an amused smile on his face.
"You don't really need to worry about legality. There are many loopholes we can take advantage of in that field." I guess he always does this type of stuff...
He continued with the same amount of energy.
"I believe the best course of action is to ask her about her opinion. Although she is young she should still have a say in all of this."
"We were obviously going to ask her. But regardless of whether she ends up with me or with a loving family, it's still for the best if she studies here."
At the end of the day, I think it's better to give her some control. After being locked away against her will having control over her own fate might be a bit therapeutic.
"Now, when it comes to your options for adoption. You can't really adopt her in your name. I think you are well aware of that already..." Nezu really didn't like to sugar-coat things.
I was going to say something, but he interrupted my thoughts.
"However, If you could get someone you trust to adopt her you could still raise her." Great, human connections, my weakness.
"I will think of someone, Principal." I think Rumi could help me in this case, since she has a clean record and all. I just hope it won't be too much to ask of her.
After that, I said my goodbye and took my leave, leaving Nezu to make some phone calls.
The only thing left to do was to talk to Eri.
But not before using my fastest speed to rush all the clothing stores in the area. I was not going to let her wear that rag for more than necessary.
Surprisingly, a lot of people recognized me and some shops even gave me discounts. I was speed buying an entire wardrobe for my little Eri.
Now, I wasn't planning on spending all of my savings here, but I can't really help it. I now have more bags in my hands than it should be humanly possible, I even used my light to create a cart to haul all the shoeboxes and bags filled with clothes.
Most people took pictures of me. I think my shopping spree in the children's clothing aisle made people look at me weirdly.
But their looks don't bother me, for my mission is sacred.
Returning to UA with all that baggage wasn't that quick. I could speed up and cover more distance and all, but I needed some time to think.
What if Rumi didn't want to help me? Who would I go to then? Would Toshinori accept?
Worries of this kind were really annoying. But I don't care what happens, Eri must stay by my side. I already swore to protect her, nothing was going to stop me from doing so.
Now I could just hope I didn't take too long on her clothes. Making my way to the infirmary and leaving the clothes at the door. I could hear her laughing.
As soon as I entered the room I saw The Big 3 there, they were playing with Eri. They really were good at calming the people around them. Well, everyone besides Recovery Girl who was looking at them with unadulterated hatred.
I think I can piece together what happened here. They went overboard with their training and got injured, came here and interrupted Recovery Girl's time with Eri and gave her more work.
If they weren't injured already they would've gotten injured by coming here.
Eri was the first to notice my presence. Gaining a big smile and rushing and hugging me.
"Allan!" She jumped and I also grabbed her. Bringing her to my chest once more.
Mirio just looked on with a smile and said.
"Allan! That raid was impressive!"
Nejire also looked excited when seeing me.
"We should totally train together more!"
Recovery Girl quickly reacted by saying.
"If you do, don't you dare come to me to get fixed up." Glaring at us and making Tamaki almost whimper.
"I'm glad you guys are getting along with Eri."
We continued talking for a bit, unfortunately, they didn't stay long. Eager to return to their training, much to the distaste of our resident 'youthful' nurse.
Now it was the time for my conversation with Eri.