…
"Hey… you want me to deal with a kid?"
Inside a large Hero agency, a towering Hero engulfed in flames let out a dismissive laugh as he flipped through the documents handed to him by the authorities.
Endeavor barely hid his disdain.
"Endeavor, Shina Etsuha's strength is extraordinary. Don't underestimate him just because he's young," the official standing before him cautioned, noticing his reaction.
"No matter what, a kid is still just a kid," Endeavor replied indifferently. "Since it's an official commission, I'll accept it. Just make sure you don't send me useless backup. I'm busy."
The official didn't take offense. Instead, he simply smiled. "Then I wish you good luck."
After leaving the office, the official let out a quiet sneer.
"'Useless backup'? Only someone like All Might could create destruction on that level…"
All relevant data about Shina Etsuha—including his danger rating—had already been compiled into the file. Endeavor only needed to read it himself. Still, the official couldn't help but feel irritated by his attitude. Compared to All Might, who was beloved by the public, Endeavor's personality created a stark contrast.
"Multiple Quirks…?"
Endeavor scanned through the report, his brow gradually furrowing.
"U.A.'s so-called genius… that kid?"
He recalled seeing Shina Etsuha during the entrance exams—a boy who used an ice-based Quirk. Because it overlapped with his son, Shoto Todoroki, the two had been evaluated together. Endeavor had personally observed that match.
At the time, Etsuha's power had already stood out.
But now, according to this report, his abilities went far beyond simple ice manipulation. There was also mention of a massive skeletal construct—something far more abnormal.
"…This could be troublesome," Endeavor muttered.
He continued reading.
Then his expression abruptly changed.
"…In addition to me… the No. 4 Hero, Best Jeanist… and the No. 3 'Winged Hero,' Hawks…?"
His voice sharpened.
"Are you kidding me? Do you think I'm incompetent?!"
For a single first-year U.A. student, the authorities had simultaneously commissioned three of the top five Pro Heroes in Japan.
To Endeavor, this was nothing short of an insult.
Since when did he need to cooperate with others just to capture a mere teenager?
Without hesitation, he dialed a number.
As soon as the call connected, his voice turned cold.
"Why are you assigning multiple top-ranked Heroes to the same target?"
"This is only a precaution, Mr. Endeavor," came the calm reply. "This mission must not fail. If he cannot be captured swiftly, the entire operation becomes meaningless. In fact… we also reached out to All Might, but he declined due to serious injury."
"…What?!"
Endeavor's voice rose sharply.
"You even contacted All Might? For a U.A. student? You assigned the top four Heroes in one operation—what exactly are you implying?!"
The mere mention of All Might stirred something deep within him. Even now, Endeavor couldn't suppress the competitive fire that burned in his chest.
"This is only a precaution," the voice repeated evenly. "You've seen the report. The boy's Quirk is highly versatile. Sending just one or two Heroes carries significant risk. Of course, you may decline the commission if you wish, but—"
"Enough."
Endeavor cut him off.
"I'll take the mission. But I want to see for myself whether he's truly as dangerous as you claim."
His eyes narrowed.
"And I'll do it alone."
There was a brief silence on the other end.
"…We don't recommend acting alone. But I respect your confidence."
The call ended.
Endeavor stood still for a moment, his gaze growing sharper.
A mere teenager… and yet the authorities had considered involving All Might.
Fine.
If All Might wouldn't act—then he would.
The same commission had reached others as well.
In another agency, Hawks leaned back in his chair, frowning as he read through the documents.
He was just as prideful. The idea of teaming up with others irritated him—and being assigned to capture a student didn't sit well either.
Still, this mission was different.
After a brief moment of thought, Hawks made his decision.
"…I'll handle it alone."
Meanwhile, in another office—
Best Jeanist rose slowly from his seat after reading the report.
"…I'll go see the situation for myself."
He had spent time with Shina Etsuha before. He knew the kind of person the boy was.
More than capturing him, Best Jeanist wanted to uncover the truth behind what had happened.
Thus, at different times and from different locations, the three top Heroes began moving.
All of them… heading toward the same target.
Shina Etsuha.
..
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