The morning after the training camp attack was eerily silent.
Despite the battle being over, an uneasy feeling hung in the air.
The students of Class 1-A sat in their dormitory common room, whispering among themselves, still shaken from the events of the night before.
The League of Villains had attacked.
Reiji had fought and killed a Nomu.
But the worst part?
Bakugo was missing.
Aizawa stood at the front of the common room, his expression cold and unreadable.
"Listen up," he said, voice firm. "As of last night, Katsuki Bakugo was confirmed as kidnapped by the League of Villains."
The room tensed.
Deku's hands clenched into fists. "I knew it," he muttered under his breath.
Momo's expression darkened. "So they weren't just attacking us. They had a goal."
Aizawa continued. "The Pro Heroes are already investigating. You will all remain at U.A. until further notice."
The students exchanged uneasy glances.
Reiji, leaning back against the couch, exhaled slowly.
[So they actually got Bakugo. Guess they weren't just playing around.]
Aizawa's gaze flickered to him briefly before looking back at the class.
"This is not your fight," he said coldly. "Do not interfere."
But Reiji could already see it in some of their eyes.
Deku.
Todoroki.
Kirishima.
They weren't just going to sit back and do nothing.
[Idiots.]
Later that day, Reiji was called to a private meeting with Aizawa, All Might, and Nezu.
This time, he didn't bother acting cocky.
They were all serious.
All Might studied him carefully before speaking.
"Kurobane," he said, voice firm. "Do you understand the position you're in?"
Reiji sighed. "I take down one monster, and suddenly everyone's on my case."
Aizawa's eyes narrowed. "This isn't about the Nomu."
Nezu folded his hands. "It's about the fact that the League of Villains is still watching you."
Reiji paused.
Then—he grinned.
"Of course they are."
Aizawa sighed in frustration. "This isn't something to be proud of."
Nezu continued, voice calm but sharp. "They see something in you, Kurobane. That's dangerous. It means they will try again. They may even be using Bakugo as a way to lure you out."
Reiji's smirk twitched slightly.
[So they're actually expecting me to play into this?]
All Might's gaze hardened. "So I will ask you this only once, young man—where do you stand?"
The room fell silent.
For a long moment, Reiji simply stared back.
Then—he grinned.
"You're asking like there's a choice."
Aizawa's eyes narrowed. "There is."
Reiji chuckled. "No. There isn't."
He stood, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"The League wants me. They want Bakugo. And you want me to stay out of it?"
He turned toward the door, pausing briefly.
"You know that's not happening."
Then—he walked out.
That night, as Reiji walked through the U.A. dormitory grounds, he felt it.
The familiar sensation of being watched.
He sighed. "You guys really suck at being subtle."
A soft giggle came from behind a tree.
Toga stepped out, smiling playfully. "Awww, you're no fun, Kurobane-kun~!"
Reiji didn't even flinch. "You still trying to recruit me, or are you just stalking me for fun?"
Toga pouted. "Both~!"
She tilted her head. "So? What did the big bad heroes tell you?"
Reiji smirked. "That I don't belong here."
Toga's eyes gleamed. "See? That's what I've been saying!"
She stepped closer. "You can still come with us, you know. The League likes you. Shigaraki likes you. We could do great things together~."
Reiji chuckled. "Yeah? Like what?"
Toga leaned in.
"Like finally letting loose."
The air grew tense.
Reiji's golden eyes flickered.
For the first time—he felt something shift.
Something dangerous.
Then—he sighed.
"Sorry, but I don't take orders from weird fangirls."
Toga pouted. "Meanie."
Then—she vanished into the night.
But her words still lingered.
"Sooner or later, you're gonna realize you don't belong with them."
Reiji exhaled.
[Tch. We'll see.]
The next morning, Class 1-A gathered in the dorms.
They were on edge.
Deku, Todoroki, and Kirishima sat together, whispering.
Then—Kirishima finally spoke.
"We're going after Bakugo."
The room fell silent.
Reiji, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow.
[Oh? So they're actually doing it?]
He smirked slightly.
This was going to be interesting.
End of Chapter 41
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Good news—ALL advance chapters are available on Patreon for just $5! No more waiting, just pure binge-reading goodness! 🚀
👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!
Thanks for all your support—you guys are awesome! ❤️