MC POV
I sat on the roof of U.A. Academy, staring at the skyline of Musutafu. The usual city noise echoed below, but my mind was elsewhere, buried in the shadows of the underground world. Ever since rumors of quirk-suppressing bullets started circulating, I knew something bigger was happening. At the center of it was Overhaul—a man who not only despised quirks but also possessed the power to disassemble and reassemble anything at will. Worse, there was a little girl involved.
Eri.
The thought of her being used as a tool for those bullets made my blood boil. I clenched my fist. It was time to act.
I pulled out my phone and shot a message to Kuro, an underground information broker. Kuro wasn't a villain, but he wasn't a hero either. He operated in a gray area, providing intel for a price. Right now, I needed that information. Badly.
Shiro: Kuro, I need intel on the Shie Hassaikai's movements. Overhaul's involved with some dangerous stuff.
It didn't take long for a reply.
Kuro: They're moving a shipment in the next few days. No one's saying what, but it's tied to Overhaul's special project. You know what that means.
A smuggling route. Perfect.
I sent him his payment and leaned back, my mind racing with possibilities. If Overhaul was transporting materials for those bullets, then Eri could be nearby, or at least connected to this operation. It was a lead I couldn't ignore.
Next, I shot a message to Hawks. He was one of the few Pro Heroes I trusted to gather intel without raising too many questions. He had connections in the underground too, albeit from a different angle than Kuro. His response came faster than I expected.
Hawks: Gotcha. There's been chatter about a hideout near the old industrial district. I'll dig deeper, but watch your back. Overhaul's no joke.
A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. Overhaul's reputation didn't intimidate me. But I knew underestimating him would be a mistake. He was smart. I had to assume he was ready for anyone.
---
Later that night...
Cold air brushed against my face as I stood atop a building overlooking the industrial district. From this vantage point, I spotted several shady trucks pulling into a supposedly abandoned warehouse. Hawks' intel was solid—this was where Overhaul's people were operating. I crouched down, feeling in tune with the machinery and structures around me thanks to my Herrscher of Reason abilities. I could sense the faint vibrations of the warehouse's power grid, the hum of engines, and the weight of the trucks as they moved.
The Star of Eden floated beside me, silently radiating energy. Charging in recklessly wasn't the move. I needed information, not a brawl. Eri's life was too important for me to mess this up.
Summoning a small drone using my powers, I sent it toward the warehouse. As it zipped through the shadows, I switched on my phone to see through its camera feed. Inside, I saw men loading crates, discussing something I couldn't hear yet. I zoomed in and spotted the faint glow of containment cases. Not ordinary weapons. My suspicions grew.
I moved to a different vantage point using the Star of Eden's gravitational manipulation, settling near an old service entrance in the back. It wasn't rigged with as much security as the front—my way in.
Stay calm, Shiro. No need to rush. Patience.
After silently disabling a few minor alarms, I slipped inside. My steps were quiet, my movements calculated. Faint voices echoed ahead—talk of shipments, deadlines... and Eri.
Time to get some answers.
Kyōka Suigetsu materialized in my hand, its blade gleaming under the dim moonlight. This sword wasn't just for combat—it was a tool of deception. Once someone laid eyes on it, they'd fall under its illusion.
I crept toward a group of thugs unloading crates. They were too absorbed in their work to notice me. I let the tip of Kyōka Suigetsu catch the light. As soon as one of them turned and saw it, his eyes glazed over.
"Hey… you see that?" one of the others asked, confused.
I stepped forward, letting the rest of them fall under the sword's illusion. Their minds were no longer their own, bending to my will.
"Now," I said softly, "you're going to tell me everything I want to know."
The closest thug, a man with a shaved head and a neck tattoo, nodded blankly. "We've been moving shipments for Overhaul," he stammered. "The bullets. They're almost ready."
"Where's Eri?" I asked, my voice sharper.
He hesitated. "She's not here. Overhaul's got her in an underground facility. Only the higher-ups know where."
I frowned. That complicated things. But it was a lead.
"What else do you know?" I pressed.
"There's a big operation coming up. Expanding production. More bullets. They're planning to test them on targets soon."
I nodded. That was enough for now. I couldn't risk blowing my cover, and the last thing I needed was a fight here.
With a flick of my wrist, I dispelled the illusion. As far as they were concerned, nothing strange had happened. They'd simply think they got too drunk on the job and passed out. I watched them collapse, unconscious, before quietly slipping away.
---
Early morning...
Back on the roof of U.A., I mulled over my next steps. The Star of Eden floated beside me, its soft glow piercing through the dawn's early light. Overhaul's operations were deeper than I had anticipated. He wasn't just producing a few bullets—he was gearing up for mass production. This wasn't just about saving Eri anymore. It was about taking down a growing threat to society.
But first, I had to get her out.
I texted Aizawa. If anyone could neutralize Overhaul's quirk, it was him.
Shiro: I'm about to raid Overhaul's hideout. He's got a girl. I'll need your help.
His response was brief and reassuring.
Aizawa: I'll be there.
I pocketed my phone, staring at the horizon as the sun began to rise. This wasn't just another mission—it was a statement. Heroes were supposed to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
And I wasn't going to let anyone use Eri for their twisted schemes.