HELLO THERE EVERYONE!
I hope this month's been treating you well. I have come with another chapter for you. I hope this story brings a little more enjoyment to your day!
The morning sun filtered through the gossamer curtains, into the room where Sakura stood preparing herself and Eri for the day. The ambiance was one of quiet apprehension.
Sakura's fingers moved carefully as she readied Eri, sorting her out to be on her own for the rest of the day. Breakfast had been a hesitant affair for the young girl, her appetite diminished by the knowledge that Sakura would be absent for the day. Although Sakura assured her she would be well looked after by someone and that she would come back as soon as she had taken care of some business, she failed to admit what that was and Eri didn't comprehend enough courage to ask because somehow it just felt like she shouldn't.
Yet, beneath the surface, an undercurrent of purpose surged through Sakura's actions. Her emerald eyes, both firm and tender, met Eri's, seeking to reassure her fragile heart. With each stroke of the hairbrush, with each whispered promise, she crafted a fortress of love and trust around the young girl.
"Eri," Sakura's voice was a gentle breeze, a whisper of reassurance. "I'll be back by dinner tonight, alright?"
Eri's reply was a nod.
Sakura leaned closer, looking at the girl's reflection in the mirror, hoping to chase away any fears before she left. "Eri, I'm going to come back soon, okay? I need you to be brave and wait for me."
Eri's assent was a fragile yet unwavering "Okay."
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. The door swung open, revealing Shouta.
"We're ready Haruno,"
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Izuku's heart pounded like a relentless drum, an unending rhythm of anxiety that reverberated through his very core. Each day leading up to this mission had felt like an eternity, a ceaseless stream of classes and interactions with friends, all overshadowed by a looming sense of dread. The anticipation had been a vice, tightening its grip on his thoughts, making it near impossible to focus on anything else.
News of Shie Hassaikai's sinister plot and Eri's 'kidnapping' had been the catalyst for his descent into this abyss of worry. He had been haunted by the fact that he had lost his chance of saving that girl. The guilt was like a weight gnawing at his conscience.
Nights had been the cruelest. Sleep had eluded him, stolen away by the relentless turmoil in his mind. But then, Nighteye's message had arrived late and unexpected.
Tomorrow. That singular word, appearing on his screen, had transformed his despair into determination. And he was finally able to retrieve a bit of sleep to prepare for the next day.
Izuku found himself immersed in a sea of both familiar and unfamiliar faces, all brought together by a common, urgent purpose. Nighteye, the orchestrator of this alliance, had enlisted several hero agencies. That also roped a few of his classmates who were interning into this as well.
Among them were Ochako and Tsuyu, who were part of Ryukyu's agency. Eijiro, stood tall as he partnered with the hero Fat Gum. And then there was the Big Three, the paragons of strength among U.A. High School.
Mirio Togata, his senpai, wore a smile that radiated boundless optimism, a stark contrast to Izuku's own nervousness. Tamaki Amajiki, who was essentially cornered by Eijiro to join his upperclassman at Fat Gum's agency, exuded a quiet demeanor. Nejire Hado, their third companion from the Big Three, brought an air of exuberance that seemed to lighten the weight of everyone around her.
Their assembly had been the result of a meeting called by Nighteye, a gathering of heroes coming together to bring down Shie Hassaikai. they had been made privy to a chilling revelation: the quirk-canceling bullets, the weapons that could reduce heroes to mere mortals, were crafted from a macabre source—Eri's own blood.
This revelation had cast a long, somber shadow over Izuku. The thought that Eri, a young girl whose life had already been marred by cruelty, was the source of such malevolent weaponry gnawed at him. It haunted his thoughts, seeping into his school life like a poison, fracturing his focus and causing his academic performance to falter.
Shouta had contemplated withdrawing all first-year students from their internships, deeming their involvement in this dangerous affair a risk too great.
The bonds within Class 1A, had been strained since their tumultuous encounter with All For One. Their clash over the rescue of Katsuki, the subsequent breaches of hero regulations, the introduction of the new dormitory system, and the painful loss of their classmate Sakura had left wounds that had yet to heal.
Shouta had cautioned them that regaining his trust would be an arduous journey, one that required their unwavering commitment. And he doubted whether that would be possible in these current conditions, however, he also acknowledged his student's feelings about this situation and chose to level with them. They would be allowed to participate to a minimal degree within the lines of certain regulations. As long as no one stepped out of them, they could continue with their internships.
Everyone gathered at Nighteye's agency that morning and changed into their hero costumes before they assembled. A union of heroes and police, all armed and resolute.
As they filed into the meeting room, the air was thick with anticipation. Nighteye took center stage.
"Alright everyone let's get started,"
Nighteye's announcement hung in the air, casting a momentary hush over the assembled heroes. It was Rock Lock who broke the silence, a touch of impatience in his voice. "So give us the layout Nighteye,"
"We'll be engaging Shie Hassaikai today,"
"That's obvious, but what about the girl? Thought we were also looking into her whereabouts?"
Nighteye, his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, leaned forward slightly, an air of solemnity surrounding him.
"As you know," he began, "we've discovered that Overhaul's daughter has been taken by an underground fighter, Nemesis." His voice was measured, every word carrying weight. "And I'm here to inform you that the girl, Eri, has been successfully retrieved."
Izuku and Mirio, struck by the electrifying news, leaped from their seats in unison, their expressions a blend of hope and concern. Mirio's voice cut through the tension, his heart laid bare as he inquired, "Is she safe?"
Nighteye's response, accompanied by a measured nod, held a glimmer of relief. "Yes, she's under guard at this moment, and Nemesis... is right here."
From the shadows of the room, soft steps clicked deliberately on the floor, and breaths drew in as they made their way to the front next to Nigtheye. Standing there was a figure of slight stature, a mask obscuring their identity. The reactions of Izuku and his classmates mirrored his own; shock painted their faces in unison, the air charged with disbelief.
Heroes, ever vigilant, shifted into high alert.
Rock Lock's voice carried the skepticism that hung in the room, questioning the unexpected presence. "What is he doing here?"
Nighteye's response was unwavering. "Nemesis will be joining us on this operation."
Of course that caused a roar of questions and skepticism. Rock Lock, however, was quick to voice his objections. He pointed out the undeniable fact that Nemesis, by virtue of his participation in underground fight clubs, was technically a villain. "How can you say this guy joining? Didn't he kidnap the girl? We should have him arrested!"
"Because I did your job better?" Sakura asked roughing her tone so that it would be less feminine.
"Nemesis has handed Eri over to the authorities and she is safe in custody. There was no harm done to the girl after,"
"So….this guy actually saved her?" Asked Fat Gum.
"That's right," Sakura answered.
Nighteye's response, though brief, held the weight of authority. "He is the only one as far as we know that has confronted Chisaki and overpowered him. We've already discussed it. This decision has already been made."
Rock Lock muttered in protest, frustration is evident in his tone. "You've got to be kidding me. How can we even trust this guy?"
Nighteye, it seemed, had foreseen such concerns. With a calm demeanor, he explained the precautions in place. "Nemesis is currently wearing a tracking bracelet. Eraser Head and I will have eyes on him at all times."
Sakura was well aware of the reasoning behind these measures set. Which is why she remained tight-lipped, as she gently ran her thumb over the bracelet. For now, she chose not to challenge it, though the future held unknown trials for both her and her allies.
There was another snag that she agreed to hold. Only Nighteye, his sidekicks, Shouta, and Tsukauchi were aware that Nemesis was Sakura in disguise. As part of the agreement, she had to ensure they remained oblivious to her identity until after the matter was settled. They were bending the rules to allow her participation, and she would likely be a cause of havoc and argument amongst allies if they learned that a minor without a provisional license was being put at risk partaking in the raid. It could also mess up her classmate's psych if they knew the truth.
Amidst the gathered heroes, Sakura sensed curious glances aimed in her direction. Her classmates freely exposing their scrutiny wasn't even acknowledged.
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They were nervous. The energy of the heroes in training was palpable. Sakura felt it throughout their entire journey, from Nighteye's agency to the hideout of Shie Hassaikai's leader. Ochako, Tsuyu, Izuku, Eijiro, and the others displayed telltale signs of novices. Despite their previous experience with villains, this was still a new ordeal.
For Sakura, this apprehension felt like a distant memory, a rite of passage etched in her past, but she understood how they were feeling at this moment. It wasn't something you forget but it was how you acknowledged your progression.
In contrast, the experienced heroes appeared more composed, their collective demeanor showcasing a better grasp of their emotions. However, Sakura's worry centered on the strategic aspect of their mission.
They were a crowd of heroes huddled together, a sea of capes and masks. Police officers, perhaps less accustomed to such high-stakes heroics, didn't seem to prioritize discretion. They gathered outside the police station for the final briefing, their armed presence conspicuous. The number of individuals involved and the utilization of official police vehicles risked drawing the attention of unintended onlookers.
They were useful in terms of providing more information on members and their quirks at least. Offering up a list of information on certain members, which Sakura was able to thoroughly examine. Memorizing names, faces, and quirks.
"Heroes!" The leading police officer stepped forward addressing everyone. "Things might get a little violent. If you see even a hint of suspicious behavior or resistance please deal with it immediately! We're up against gangsters who have survived until now. Don't let your guard down." He and the entire police force behind him then gave a synchronized salute. "All hands move out!"
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They were really attempting to play by the book. It was still early morning and the streets were clear of traffic and pedestrians. The morning sun was bathing the assembled police officers and heroes in its warm embrace. The moment they've been waiting for arrived at last.
All of them stood, a formidable congregation, in front of a seemingly ordinary house, one that had been under Sakura's careful surveillance. It felt too quiet.
The police officer moved forward to the entrance on the front line, "Once we present the warrant, move in."
With a poised hand raised to ring the doorbell and set the gears of justice in motion, everyone held their breath. But before his finger could make contact, the gates guarding the entrance to the property trembled and were sent careening off their hinges.
A hulking figure, clad in an ominous plague mask, emerged like lightning. The ground quivered beneath the impact of his colossal form as he landed with a resounding thud, sending several officers into the air who were on the frontline. Shouta and other heroes including Fat were able to prevent them from taking any major falls.
Sakura caught two officers, and Izuku also stepped in activating his quirk to move before the officers could hit the ground.
It took them by surprise due to the fact there hadn't been any resounding noise from behind those gates until now.
"What are you doing here? Bringing all these people so early?" he bellowed, his voice laced with disdain and menace.
This was Rikiya, one of the eight bullets of Shie Hassaikai. A brute with a power that defied ordinary human limits and evidently the first line of defense for Overhaul.
His arm shot forward, a punch that cleaved through the air, generating a furious gust of wind in its wake. Yet, the strike was met with a swift and formidable response. Ryukyu, the hero underwent a stunning transformation. Her body contorted and elongated, scales glistening as she metamorphosed into her dragon form.
"The Ryukyu agency will take care of this one! Everyone else, go!" she commanded, her powerful wings unfurling.
In the wake of her directive, Ochako, Tsuyu, and Neijiro lingered, ready to assist their mentor in this clash of titans. The remaining heroes and police officers wasted no time. They surged forward, charging into the front yard towards the house with determination etched across their faces.
Behind them, the police officer attempted to enforce the legal warrant, engaging those who dared to block their path. The tension was so high the very air seemed to crackle with it.
"This is ridiculous," Sakura muttered, her frustration simmering beneath a composed exterior.
"Remember our agreement, Nemesis," Shouta said, running alongside her. Unveiling her true identity was a risk they couldn't afford to take at this juncture. The mission was paramount, and maintaining their cover was crucial. With a deep breath, she refocused, ready to play her part in this high-stakes operation.
The battle unfolded with a chaotic intensity that seemed to escalate by the second. As the group pushed through the front yard, a throng of adversaries, positioned strategically to halt their advance. The men Ignoring any semblance of reason, they lunged forward with menacing intent, forcing the heroes and officers to engage them in combat.
It was a pitched skirmish, a maelstrom of quirk-driven clashes and hand-to-hand confrontations as they neared the entrance of the house. But it wasn't much of a stall, as the front group consisted of Fatgum, Nighteye, Shouta, Eijiro, Izuku, Rock Lock, Sakura, Bubble Girl, and Centipeder. Along with the leader of the police force.
"I wonder if someone leaked information," mused Tamaki Amajiki.
"If someone did, I'd think they would move smarter than this," replied the police chief, casting a dubious glance back at the retreating line of aggressors blocking their path.
Sakura, at the forefront with Nighteye, came to a sudden halt. A sense of urgency gripped her; her instincts screamed that they were racing against the clock.
"They must be trying to buy Overhaul time," she whispered to herself, her thoughts racing like a well-oiled machine. She went over the heads as the entrance of the house was poured over in a wave of people coming out to prevent them from entering. Everyone else eventually managing to slip past while the other heroes took over the skirmish at the front of the house.
"What's he doing?" Eijiro queried, his eyes flicking from Sakura to the bare walls of the corridor.
Sakura's hands slid across the smooth surface, her chakra senses humming as they reached out for any irregularities. She was not disappointed; her fingertips discerned an imperceptible seam that hinted at an entrance to the underground passages. The structure was known to her, and through her chakra, she perceived its contours.
"Down here," She led the charge, her strides purposeful. The team followed in swift pursuit.
They reached a point where she halted abruptly. To any onlooker, it might have seemed baffling. She approached a humble wall shelf with a potted plant. Her grip found the end of the shelf, and with a display of raw strength, she wrenched it aside.
"This is the entrance," Sakura declared. Beyond the wall, a concealed passage extended into the depths of the earth. But their progress was met with immediate resistance.
More Yakuza members burst forth like a tide, determined to thwart their intrusion. Nighteye's sidekicks sprang into action, intercepting the oncoming threats with deftness and precision, ensuring that no enemy forces would impede their path.
"Please go ahead!" Insisted Bubble Girl.
"I'll join you again soon!" said Nighteye, following the path down.
In unity, they descended into the yawning entrance.
"DO NOT RUSH AHEAD NEMESIS,"
Sakura paused, her progress impeded by Shouta's admonition. A wave of deja vu washed over her as she found herself in a familiar hallway, yet the path forward was obstructed by an unyielding wall.
Rock Lock frowned, "What the heck! It's a dead end!?"
"I'll take a look," It was Mirio who, with his intangible quirk, stepped to the forefront, and with his usual exuberance. The intern approached the enigmatic wall. Sakura watched with rapt curiosity as he extended his head through the solid surface. It was an incredible ability, one she knew all too well from her past. Mirio's quirk allowed him to phase through solid objects, making him almost ghost-like in his movements.
"The path continues," he confirmed upon resurfacing.
Without hesitation, Izuku and Eijiro mobilized their quirks. They demolished the obstinate wall, opening a way forward acting before their mentors could, earning a brief praise.
Sakura watched them run ahead, 'They've gotten sharper,'
They resumed their frenzied dash through the underground maze, the race against time intensifying. But their progress was suddenly disrupted. The hallway, as if possessed by some malevolent spirit, began to warp and twist, like spaghetti in boiling water.
"This must be Irinaka!"
Irinaka, another one of Overhaul's loyal followers, possessed a terrifying quirk. It allowed him to merge with objects and manipulate them, but the extent of his power was staggering and unnatural. Sakura remembered reading that he could only control objects up to the size of a refrigerator. Now, the underground labyrinth they navigated was morphing into a living, ever-shifting nightmare under his dominion.
"Eraser, can't you cancel his quirk!?" Fatgum asked.
Shouta's response was grim. "I have to see his original body for that."
Their dire situation became all too apparent. Irinaka was working to stall them, to buy Overhaul the precious moments he needed to escape.
"Time of of the essence and these guys know that! That's why they're trying to stall! I'm going ahead!" stated Mirio. phasing through yet another wall and disappearing from view, he was gone.
That's all for now but we've got more surprises to come! You can check out the full month's schedule on my Tumblr. And EARLY CHAPTERS are available for members.
Now it's time for…..SNEAK PEAK!!!!!!
"OVERHAUL!"
"Nemesis. It's good to see you,"
"I could say the same, to you Overhaul,"
"Oh? And why's that?"
"Now I can finish what I started," Sakura hissed, punching a fist into her palm.
"That's my line, now I can get some answers," Kai straightened himself. "What have you done with my daughter?"
That mere mention of the word, 'daughter' set Sakura off in a bad way. "Cut the crap, I know the truth! Eri told me. She's not your daughter and you won't be laying a hand on her ever again!"
"It was for a greater cause,"
"I think you're forgetting something Overhaul," Sakura cracked the ground with her step. "You're not talking to a hero,"
If you want to get a hold of these latest chapters check out my Tumblr where you can join as a member.
MEMBERS NOW:
-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter 55, 56, 57
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
-Crossroads of Fate chapter 15
-Through the Looking Glass chapter 17, 18. 19, 20
-(SEQUEL) Through the Spyglass chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Public post 30 December
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes Movie Part 3
-Crossroads of Fate chapter 14
SEE YOU SOON!
Well that's it from me, I hope you look forward to the next chapter! See you lovelies!