Chapter Text
Hero Public Safety Commission
Classified Report
Internal Coordination Department
Meeting of the Commission Council
Date: Confidential
Status: Top Secret
Meeting Chair: Commission President Sumire Tachibana
Attendees: Heads of Recruitment, Training, and Strategic Analysis Departments
In a spacious yet minimalist meeting hall, hidden deep within the Commission's headquarters, complete silence reigned. At the center of a long, dark wooden table sat Sumire Tachibana, her calm, impeccably measured gaze slowly shifting from one face to another. Only those with the highest clearance were present—each a specialist in their field, responsible for key aspects of the Commission's operations.
Naoki Fushimoto, head of the Strategic Analysis Department, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. His face remained impassive, but his eyes betrayed intense focus. Beside him sat Yurika Matsuo, head of the Training Department, a middle-aged woman with sharp features, known for her methodical rigidity in training new agents. Finally, to her right sat Keijiro Suda, head of the Recruitment Department—a man with impeccable posture and a predatory squint, seemingly always in a state of analytical calculation.
Tachibana interlaced her fingers and, after a few seconds of deliberate silence, spoke:
—The Keigo Takami program has demonstrated its effectiveness. His training was successful, and he has become an asset we can rely on. This confirms the need to expand a similar model.
She unfolded a thin folder in front of her and tapped her nail on the top page.
—The Recruitment Department is hereby given a new priority order. We need candidates. Age range: six to nine years old. The criteria remain unchanged: high Quirk potential, adaptability, minimal social attachments.
Fushimoto, who had been silently observing her, slightly raised his head.
—President Tachibana, will there be any adjustments to the criteria? Early recruitment is effective, but eight to nine years old is already a conscious age, unlike six. This could cause resistance.
Suda smirked.
—That’s exactly why we exist. We’ll find candidates, even if they’re not as convenient as we’d like.
Yurika Matsuo frowned and placed her hands on the table.
—Our main task is training. It’s not just about taking a child but guiding them correctly. Keigo’s success isn’t just his talent—it’s also proper management. Without proper control, all efforts could be wasted.
Suda merely shrugged.
—Training issues are your responsibility. Our department will handle the search.
Tachibana raised her hand, stopping the potential argument. Her voice remained even, but there was a hint of sternness:
—You’re both right. That’s why this process requires utmost caution. I don’t want underdeveloped agents or losses during the adaptation phase. The selection will be thorough.
Fushimoto nodded in agreement.
Keijiro Suda placed a small tablet in front of him and began speaking, moving to practical discussion:
—Given the conditions, the most promising targets are from families with heroic legacies or unregistered children with unusual abilities. We’ll act with precision.
—What if the parents object? — Yurika unexpectedly interjected.
A brief pause followed. Everyone knew this question was critical, especially when dealing with families of influence.
Tachibana slowly turned her gaze to Suda. He smiled slightly and leaned back in his chair.
—We’ll negotiate, of course. If necessary… we’ll turn to you, Madam President.
Silence fell over the room. Everyone understood this was non-negotiable.
Tachibana closed the folder and said firmly:
—You have seven days. I need a list of names.
The meeting was adjourned.
Document Title: Operation "Candidate Recruitment 017"
Responsible Agents:
—Keijiro Suda – Head of Recruitment, methodical, rational, and patient, skilled at finding common ground even with the most difficult candidates.
—Ryusei Todo – A friendly, energetic agent with a natural talent for winning people over.
The thick foliage of trees swayed in the gentle breeze as a car slowly made its way down a long, perfectly paved road. The tall gates bearing the Yoirozu family crest silently opened as the vehicle stopped in front of a majestic mansion. Two men stepped out: a tall man with glasses holding a folder and a young man with a soft smile and confident stride.
At the entrance, they were greeted by a butler—an elderly, silver-haired man with impeccable posture. His hands were neatly folded behind his back, and his expression betrayed no emotion.
—Mr. Suda, Mr. Todo, — he said calmly. — Mr. and Mrs. Yoirozu are expecting you in the living room. Allow me to escort you.
The mansion’s interior reflected its owners—luxurious yet understated, every detail meticulously chosen. Cool air, the scent of expensive wood, and the soft glow of a chandelier filled the space. They walked down a long corridor until they reached a spacious living room, where the hosts awaited them.
Masaru Yoirozu sat in an armchair by the fireplace, holding a glass of wine. His posture was relaxed, but his gaze was cold. Ayaka Yoirozu sat nearby, maintaining perfect posture, her hands resting calmly on her lap, her expression unreadable.
—Mr. Suda and Mr. Todo, — Masaru said evenly. — To what do we owe this visit?
Keijiro sat down first, carefully opened the folder, and laid out several photos: modern training halls, spacious classrooms, well-equipped facilities.
—A new phase of the program is underway. We’re interested in promising candidates, — he said, pointing to the images. — Of course, we understand the importance of family and social adaptation, so a flexible schedule is provided. Five days at the facility, two days at home, if desired.
Ayaka glanced at the images.
—Education?
—A full curriculum. Upon completing high school, a state-recognized diploma. The academic program is designed to meet the highest standards, — Keijiro replied.
Masaru, arms crossed, thoughtfully watched the agents.
—What’s the daily routine?
—Five meals a day, a strict but flexible schedule. Training includes both physical development and intellectual challenges. Individualized approach, work with specialized professionals. The program is designed to unlock the candidates’ potential, — Suda explained.
—Security, — Ayaka dryly clarified. — What’s the provision?
Ryusei leaned forward slightly, his smile softening the atmosphere.
—A controlled environment. Medical support, protection. Each candidate receives a personal mentor. We’re invested in their development, not their exhaustion.
The door creaked open, and Touma peeked in. He silently looked at the adults, then at the photos.
—What’s this?
Ryusei grinned and waved him over.
—We’re discussing your future, buddy.
Touma frowned.
—You want me to go there?
Masaru silently raised his glass, not responding. Ayaka tilted her head slightly, studying her son’s reaction.
—We see potential in you, — Keijiro said softly but firmly. — This is an opportunity, not an obligation. The choice is yours.
Touma crossed his arms and squinted.
—What if I don’t like it?
Ryusei chuckled, pulled a sealed cup of ice cream from his pocket, and handed it to the boy.
—Here, take this. I think it’ll make decision-making easier. In any case, you can try it and decide for yourself.
Touma cautiously took the ice cream, eyeing the agent suspiciously.
—Trying to bribe me?
Ryusei laughed.
—Call it motivation.
The boy took a deep breath. For the first time, someone was giving him a choice. He looked at his parents, who clearly weren’t going to intervene, then back at the agents.
—I’ll think about it, — he finally said.
The adults continued their polite conversation, ranging from heroic topics to economic events.
Later, in the common room, Touma sat holding the ice cream. He absentmindedly ate it, watching a melted drop drip down his fingers. His thoughts were turbulent, anxious. He loved his sister, but… she was always the best. Bright, talented. And him? He was the shadow.
Squeezing the ice cream a little tighter, he thought: what if he accepted the offer? What if he could prove he wasn’t inferior? That he deserved attention too?
He took a deep breath.
—I agree, — he said quietly.
Keijiro nodded.
—A reasonable approach.
Later, as they left the estate, Suda took out his phone and dialed a number. Todo walked beside him, hands in his pockets.
—Madam Tachibana, — Suda said calmly. — The candidate and his parents agreed. Your intervention wasn’t needed. Good, I’ll ensure he arrives at the facility.
—Heh, — Todo smirked as the call ended. — The kid didn’t even realize the decision was already made for him.
Suda shot him a brief glance but said nothing.
Todo snorted, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets.
—Let’s see how he performs. Then we’ll decide what to do with him.
The negotiations were complete.
Meanwhile, in the study, Masaru and Ayaka Yoirozu discussed their son’s decision.
Ayaka, sipping her tea, calmly said:
—This is an opportunity for him. He’ll unlock his potential. Reach a new level.
Masaru, however, kept his eyes on his cup, holding it in his hands. He couldn’t put it into words, but unease gnawed at him.
—I hope you’re right, — he replied quietly, his gaze tense.
A week passed. Only one day remained before Touma’s departure to the facility. Night enveloped the Yoirozu mansion, the air filled with pleasant silence, broken only by occasional gusts of wind brushing against the tree branches outside.
Touma sat in the spacious living room, sprawled on the couch. His legs dangled in the air, and he twirled a wooden ice cream stick in his hands. He felt strange—both excited and anxious. Tomorrow, a new life would begin. He wondered what the facility would be like.
The door creaked, and Momo appeared in the doorway. She paused for a second, seeing her brother, then calmly walked over and sat beside him.
—Why aren’t you sleeping? — she asked softly.
—I’m leaving tomorrow, — Touma replied, examining the stick. — Wanted to spend some time here. The couch is comfy, you know. Doubt they’ll have these at the facility.
Momo smiled.
—They’ll at least give you a bed.
Touma squinted.
—Hope so. But if they’re as strict as that Suda guy, maybe there aren’t even beds. We’ll sleep on the floor in cold barracks, eating only rice and water… — he made a dramatic face. — It’s the end!
Momo shook her head.
—You’re overthinking it. They showed you the photos. The conditions seem decent.
—Photos can be faked! — he exclaimed, raising the stick like a sword. — It could all be a lie!
Momo rolled her eyes, but her expression turned serious.
—Do you really want this?
Touma fell silent. His usually cheerful face grew thoughtful.
—They say I have talent, — he muttered. — That I can become strong. You know how many times I’ve heard that from Mom and Dad?
Momo pressed her lips together. She understood perfectly what he meant. Their parents had placed immense expectations on her, while Touma… He was always there, but in the shadows.
—That doesn’t mean they don’t love you, — she said carefully.
Touma smirked.
—Maybe. But have they ever been as proud of me as they are of you? — he clenched the stick in his hand. — Maybe now I’ll have a chance.
Momo looked at him, then gently placed her hand over his.
—You’ve always been special, Touma. You just didn’t notice it.
Touma froze. He looked at her hand, then back at his sister. Slowly, he smiled.
—Thanks, Momo. But you know… If I become a super-strong hero, I’ll make sure you admit I’m cooler!
Momo laughed.
—We’ll see.
They sat in the living room for a long time, talking about trivial things until the clock struck midnight. Tomorrow, Touma would leave. But for now, he was just a younger brother sitting with his sister, and that was enough.
Morning of Departure
Dawn bathed the Yoirozu mansion in soft light. In the spacious hall, Touma stood before his parents, hands in his pockets. He tried to appear confident, but his heart raced.
—Are you sure? — his mother finally asked. Her voice was even, but her eyes held something more. Perhaps expectation.
—Yes, — Touma nodded.
His father remained silent, watching his son. He wanted to say something important but held back.
—Be careful, — he simply said.
Touma smirked.
—Of course, Dad. It’s not like I’m heading into the jungle.
At that moment, the doorbell rang. When the door opened, Ryusei Todo stood there, as carefree as ever.
—Ready, young sir? — he smiled.
—Ready, — Touma clenched his fist, showing determination.
They got into the car, and the city began to pass by outside the windows. After a while, Touma suddenly slapped his knees.
—Hey, let’s get ice cream! — he suddenly suggested, his eyes sparkling.
Todo looked at him through the rearview mirror, surprised.
—Ice cream? At this hour?
—Yeah! It’s my last day of freedom, Todo! Gotta celebrate somehow!
Todo laughed and pulled over at a small shop. The car stopped, and they got out. Touma eagerly ran to the counter and spent a long time choosing a flavor before settling on classic chocolate.
—Great choice, — Todo nodded, paying.
Back in the car, Touma eagerly took a bite of the ice cream and suddenly grabbed Todo’s hand.
—Alright, now it’s really time, — the agent said.
When they arrived at the facility, the building loomed before them, cold and imposing. Touma paused for a second, staring at it.
—Well, young hero, shall we?
Touma took a deep breath.
—Let’s go.
Together, they crossed the threshold.