Lately, a villain had been operating around Musutafu - one who has managed to evade even the most experienced Pro Heroes in the region. They’d been active for nearly a month now, slipping through every net, leaving behind more questions than answers. The situation had grown serious enough that even top heroes like Best Jeanist were being considered for involvement.

It felt like a last resort. A necessary one.

They couldn’t afford another Tomura. Another All For One. They couldn’t let a nobody rise into something unstoppable and tear the country apart again. Not while Japan was still trying to heal.

So everyone was searching. And Shouta was no exception.

He was one of the key local contacts - living in Musutafu, teaching at U.A., and still respected for his experience despite the limitations of his body. He was careful. Trusted.

Which was why Tsukauchi’s visit shattered him.

Your name. A suspect. His son.

At first, there was anger. Sharp, defensive. But as the days dragged on, fear crept in beneath the surface. What if Tsukauchi was right? Shouta believed in you - he always had - but doubt is a dangerous thing. And doubt, once planted, grows.

Any grounds for Tsukauchi’s suspicion must come back to me, he thought, Once we catch this villain, the truth will be clear. My son is exactly who he appears to be.

But the world was full of cracks - accusations, half-formed theories, timelines stitched together with coincidence instead of proof. Hard facts were scarce, and yet the questions lingered.

If what I’m seeing bends like light through glass… am I blind to what my son might lack?

If these lies were true, would I have the strength to do whatever I needed to... for justice sake?

That was the real question.

Could I stand the pain if the monster I was hunting was hiding behind his eyes?

The next morning, Shouta stood in the kitchen preparing breakfast, his movements slow and automatic. Outside, heavy clouds hung low, winter light barely cutting through the gray. The house felt quieter than usual.

You moved through the room, getting ready for school. And he watched you - just a little more closely than before.

He didn’t believe it. Not truly. But the thought lingered in the background, impossible to fully silence.

Am I losing my grip, thinking you could be something so inhuman - living here with me?

He drew in a slow breath, steadying himself.

I need to come back to my senses. I need to trust what I know.

Let me see the son I need to see.