Kaina's secret

As Itachi walked toward the high school entrance, he sighed, knowing there would be a lot of talk once he stepped inside. His thoughts drifted to Kaina, and a small smile formed on his lips. Just then, he sensed someone rushing toward him. He sighed again, already expecting what was coming.

"Aegis!" he heard a familiar voice call out.

With a swift sidestep, Itachi avoided the incoming figure—none other than Keigo Takami, who quickly stabilized himself with his wings, flashing a mischievous smirk.

"Bro!" Keigo exclaimed. "How was your internship? Anyspicebuild up?"

Itachi smiled faintly but kept walking forward, his pace steady and calm. Keigo, now curious, widened his eyes and ran to catch up.

"Wait… don't tell me… you two are together now, aren't you?" Keigo asked, his smirk widening.

Itachi sighed softly but nodded. "Yeah."

Keigo's smirk turned into a grin. "You've been with her for a month, huh? Feelings do grow… and maybe a little somethin' extra—"

Before he could finish, Itachi gave him a light punch to the chest. Keigo, however, caught Itachi's wrist, grinning even more.

"You've improved your reflexes," Itachi remarked with a small smirk of his own.

"Of course!" Keigo replied confidently. "I've been working with the Pussycats. They've been teaching me a lot about hand-to-hand combat."

"That's great," Itachi said with a nod, genuinely impressed.

Keigo, still grinning, continued, "But what about you, man? Aside from theintimacy, how was your internship?"

Itachi let out another sigh. "Nothing much. I met Endeavor."

Keigo chuckled, shaking his head. "And I bet that didn't go too well, huh?"

Itachi nodded. "He's exactly like Fuyumi said."

"Figures…" Keigo sighed as they both reached the classroom.

As soon as they entered, their classmates turned toward them. Iida, always punctual, called out, "Good morning, Yaoyorozu! Good morning, Takami!"

They both nodded in return. "Good morning," they said in unison.

The class soon gathered, sharing stories from their internships. Moe Kamiji was the first to speak up. "I was at Endeavor's Agency. He's strict, but his sidekicks are pretty awesome."

Takeyama, with a nervous sweatdrop, added, "I was with Uwabami… she used me in her ads."

Rumi grinned smugly. "I was with Shishido's Agency," she said.

Itachi, recalling the name, responded, "Ah, he has lion-based Quirks, right?"

Rumi nodded, still smirking. "Yeah, he taught me a lot."

Ryuko chimed in. "I was with the Riot Agency."

Manual added, "I was with Selkie."

Curiosity filled the room, and their classmates turned toward Itachi and Keigo.

"So, what about you two?" someone asked.

Keigo grinned widely. "I was at the Pussycats' Agency," he said, then leaned in with a smirk. "And Mandalay… isverysexy."

Itachi sighed heavily at the remark, while Rumi sneered. "You're such a perv."

The attention shifted to Itachi. "What about you?" Rumi asked.

Itachi, with a small smile, answered, "Nagant's Agency."

A collective sigh filled the room. Rumi smirked knowingly. "I figured as much."

With the conversation winding down, everyone took their seats. Keigo looked around, observing the comfortable energy in the room.

"They're getting used to it," he noted with a grin.

Itachi nodded, a rare sense of contentment washing over him. "It's great," he agreed quietly.

Aizawa entered the classroom with his usual tired expression, but there was a hint of pride in his voice as he addressed the class. "You all did great during your internships," he said, glancing over each of them. "You've gained some valuable experience on the ground."

The students nodded, a mix of satisfaction and relief washing over them. They had all grown in their own ways, and Aizawa's acknowledgment only solidified that feeling.

"But now," Aizawa continued, his tone shifting back to business, "it's time to focus on your studies." His eyes narrowed slightly, as if warning them not to let their guard down. "For the next two months, it'll be study and exams. After that, you'll move on to the second year. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sensei!" the class chorused, though some voices were more enthusiastic than others.

Aizawa gave a curt nod, satisfied. "Good. Now, your new subject, Modern Literature, will be taught by a different instructor." He turned toward the door just as Cementoss, the hero with a concrete body, walked in.

"Hello, everyone," Cementoss greeted, his deep voice warm and calm. "I'm Cementoss, and I'll be handling your Modern Literature class."

The students nodded respectfully, though many were curious about how Cementoss would approach teaching such a subject. Itachi, sitting quietly at his desk, had a neutral expression but his eyes observed everything. He had already studied many of these subjects back in his former world, but he didn't mind revisiting them. There was always something new to learn, especially in this different world of quirks and heroes.

Aizawa folded his arms across his chest. "I'll leave you to it, then," he said before turning to exit the room. As he did, Present Mic strode in with his usual energetic flair, ready to teach English.

"Yooo, class! Let's get LOUD for some English!" Present Mic boomed, eliciting a few groans and chuckles from the students. His infectious energy filled the room, as always. Despite his loudness, his lessons were engaging, and even Itachi, who had mastered several languages in his previous life, found the class somewhat amusing.

Afterward, Midnight took over, her sultry presence commanding the room as she taught History with a dramatic flair, making even the dullest topics come alive with her unique storytelling.

Itachi watched silently, absorbing the information while simultaneously observing his classmates. Rumi sat a few seats ahead, her usual confident smirk occasionally softening as she scribbled down notes. Keigo, on the other hand, was still clearly distracted, grinning every now and then—no doubt his mind was still on Mandalay.

Next came Ectoplasm with math. His no-nonsense approach reminded Itachi of the strict teachers he once had in the Hidden Leaf. The math itself was nothing new to Itachi, but he still followed along, maintaining his usual stoic focus.

This routine of classes—English with Present Mic, History with Midnight, Math with Ectoplasm, and Modern Literature with Cementoss—became the norm for the next two months. The students studied diligently, knowing the semester exams were looming. Itachi, as usual, was a step ahead, but he didn't let it show. He preferred to blend in with the others, silently watching and supporting where needed.

Finally, the exams came and went. The tension in the air was palpable, but the class pushed through with determination. Itachi found the tests relatively easy, his disciplined mind making quick work of the material.

When the results were finally posted, there was a collective sigh of relief throughout the class. Many students exchanged glances, some congratulating one another, others groaning over subjects they'd struggled with.

Time Skip: Now in Class 2-A

Aizawa returned once more, standing before them with his usual stern expression. "Congratulations," he said, his voice steady and firm. "You've passed your exams and are now officially second-year students. Welcome to Class 2-A."

The students exchanged glances, excitement and relief clear on their faces. But before they could fully bask in the moment, Aizawa continued.

"However," he said, his tone shifting slightly, "from now onward, I will no longer be your homeroom teacher."

A few murmurs of surprise rippled through the room.

"Your new homeroom teacher will be Snipe," Aizawa announced, giving them a moment to absorb the news. "I have full confidence in his ability to guide you through this next phase of your training."

The class remained silent, many unsure how to respond to the sudden change.

Aizawa glanced over the room one last time before adding, "I wish you all the best of luck."

The room erupted into cheers, some students hugging each other, others fist-pumping the air in victory. Even Itachi felt a quiet sense of accomplishment as he glanced over at his classmates, appreciating their collective growth.

Keigo, never one to miss an opportunity, threw an arm around Itachi's shoulders, grinning widely. "Second year, man! We're getting closer to the big leagues. Think they'll let us handle even tougher missions now?"

Itachi gave a small smile, his mind already on the future. "We'll see."

Rumi's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yeah, it's gonna be so much fun now that we can finally get our hero licenses!" she said, glancing over at Itachi with a confident smirk.

Itachi nodded, his expression calm but a slight spark of anticipation visible in his eyes. "Yes, this would definitely be interesting," he said. He had already proven himself in countless battles, but the idea of being officially recognized as a hero intrigued him.

Yu, sitting nearby, chimed in. "I heard that if we perform well in the license exam, some agencies might hire us as sidekicks for up to two years."

Ryuko, always reliable and knowledgeable, nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's true. Some foreign agencies even get involved, offering internships to promising students."

Itachi considered this, nodding as he processed the information. "I've heard the same," he added quietly, always the observer.

Keigo smirked, unable to resist teasing his friend. "You know you're going to end up working for Lady Nagant even if some other agency offers you a deal," he said, nudging Itachi playfully.

Itachi couldn't help but smile slightly, something rare for him. "I will," he agreed. Lady Nagant had been more than just a mentor to him during his internship—she had left a lasting impact, and his loyalty to her was something that ran deep.

Rumi leaned back in her chair, her grin widening. "I heard she's been appointed as the No. 3 hero now."

Itachi nodded again, his pride unmistakable despite his stoic demeanor. "I know," he said softly. Internally, a warmth spread through him as he thought about Kaina—Lady Nagant.I feel so proud, he reflected silently.

Before the conversation could continue, the door to the classroom opened, and a figure strode in with a commanding presence. The students turned their heads and were greeted by the sight of a man who looked like a stereotypical Western cowboy. His face was hidden behind an old-school tan gas mask, shaped like a horse's muzzle, with triangular holes for his eyes. Silver ear-defenders were attached to the sides of the mask, while his dark, blueish dreadlocks spilled out from under a brown cowboy hat adorned with a metallic plate stamped with an "S." His gray boots had knee-high shafts, silver trims, and spurs that clicked softly as he walked.

Rumi squinted at the figure. "Who's that?" she whispered to Itachi.

Itachi observed the man for a moment before replying. "I think that's our new homeroom teacher."

The man approached the front of the class, his posture relaxed but exuding authority. He adjusted his hat slightly before speaking, his voice muffled slightly by the mask. "Alright, settle down," he said, his accent fitting his cowboy-like appearance. "Name's Snipe, and I'm your new homeroom teacher."

The class fell silent as they took in the new development. Snipe glanced around the room, nodding to himself as if confirming something. "I've heard a lot about you from Aizawa," he continued. "He tells me this class has a lot of promise. Now I'll be the judge of that."

The students exchanged curious looks as Snipe continued. "Last year, you all showed off your hero work through internships. You got a taste of what's out there. But now, it's different. This year, you're expected to become full-fledged heroes."

His words hung in the air, the weight of them settling on the students.

"In about four months, you'll face the license exam. If you fail…" Snipe paused, looking around the room to ensure he had their attention. "You'll have to repeat the year. But if you pass, opportunities will open up. Agencies from not just Japan, but from all over the world, will be watching. You might even get offers from foreign agencies."

The class collectively widened their eyes, excitement and nerves buzzing in the air. Itachi's mind shifted into focus mode. The stakes were higher now, and he could feel the energy shifting as the class realized just how serious this year would be.

Snipe tipped his hat slightly. "So, work hard. And if any of you find yourselves struggling, don't hesitate to come to the staff room for help. We're here to support you through this."

Everyone nodded, the sense of camaraderie and determination in the room growing. As Snipe turned to leave, Itachi sat quietly, his eyes narrowing in thought.He seems like a decent guy,Itachi mused, already sizing up his new teacher. There was a subtle strength in Snipe's casual demeanor, one that Itachi respected.

The new year had begun, and the journey to becoming a hero was about to intensify.

As the day came to a close, Itachi walked home, the city bathed in the soft hues of the setting sun. He pulled out his phone and sent a text to Kaina, but noticed that she hadn't replied the entire day.She must be busy,he thought with a faint smile. After all, she was now the No. 3 hero—a position that came with a lot of responsibilities. Putting his phone back in his pocket, he felt a quiet sense of pride for her.

When he reached home, he saw Yana and Momo in the backyard, training Momo's quirk. Momo had become impressively proficient with her abilities, and Itachi watched them for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Yana noticed him first, her face lighting up. "Welcome home, Itachi."

Momo turned, her face full of excitement. "Brother! Look at this!" she called out, showing off her latest creation.

Itachi walked over, inspecting her work with an approving nod. "You're doing great, Momo." He patted her head gently, feeling proud of how far she had come.

Yana beamed, placing a hand on Momo's shoulder. "She's incredibly smart, Itachi."

"Of course, she is," Yana added with a grin. "She's my daughter, after all!"

Itachi couldn't help but sweatdrop at his mother's playful boasting. "Sure," he responded, trying to hide his amusement.

Yana narrowed her eyes, catching his tone. "What do you mean by that, Itachi?" she asked, pretending to sound suspicious.

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Nothing, mother."

"That's what I thought." Yana's gaze softened as she turned back to Momo, and the young girl giggled, clearly enjoying the playful banter.

Itachi sighed but smiled, feeling the warmth of his family around him. It was a comforting moment, one that made the weight of the hero world feel distant.

Yana clapped her hands together. "Come now, Itachi. Let's eat dinner."

He nodded and headed to his room to freshen up. Changing into comfortable black and grey tracksuit pants, he rejoined his family at the dining table. The atmosphere was light as they shared a meal together.

Midway through dinner, Momo looked at him with a knowing smirk. "Brother... how's Kaina?"

Itachi's gaze flickered to her, and he hesitated for a second before replying. "She's fine."

Momo's smirk only grew. Itachi narrowed his eyes at her. "Are you thinking about something, Momo?"

She looked back innocently. "Nothing at all."

Yana chuckled, watching the exchange with a knowing smile on her face. "Momo, don't tease your brother," she said, though her tone was gentle.

After they finished eating, Itachi pushed his chair back and stood. "I'll go to my room, mother."

Yana nodded, her voice full of care. "Make sure you rest, okay?"

Momo couldn't resist one last quip. "Don't spend too much time talking to Kaina, alright?" she teased, her smirk returning.

Itachi smiled softly, shaking his head as he made his way to his room. Once inside, he settled onto his bed, pulling out his phone again. The day had been full, but the quiet moments with his family always left him feeling grounded.

As Itachi dialed Kaina's number, he leaned back on his bed, waiting for her to pick up. When she finally answered, her voice sounded hurried, almost strained.

"Hello," he greeted softly.

"Sorry, Itachi," Kaina interrupted, her tone clipped and tense. "It's not a good time right now. I'll talk to you another time."

He could hear the weight in her voice, the urgency. Without pressing further, Itachi responded quietly, "Sure, take care."

He lowered the phone from his ear, staring at the screen for a moment before putting it down.Something's wrong,he thought, his intuition whispering that she was dealing with more than she was letting on. Yet, he knew better than to push her. Kaina was strong, but even the strongest carried unseen burdens.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the call, Kaina gripped her sniper rifle tightly, biting her lip as she stared through the scope. The villain in her sights moved slowly, unaware of the silent death waiting from afar. Her quirk,Sniper,activated as she tugged on her hair, transforming a strand into a bullet. With practiced precision, she aimed, steadying her trembling hands, and fired.

The bullet struck its mark. The villain fell, lifeless.

But as Kaina stood there, staring at the body, her eyes darkened, the weight of her actions pressing down on her soul. Her hands began to tremble, her mouth dry, and she clenched her fists tightly, trying to control the shaking.

"I don't want to do this anymore..." she whispered to herself, the words almost choked with emotion. The darkness within her grew, gnawing at the edges of her mind. The life of a hero wasn't as clear-cut as it seemed. Every shot she fired took a part of her with it, and no matter how many villains she stopped, she could feel her humanity slipping away bit by bit.

Kaina lowered her weapon, her breath shallow and uneven.What am I becoming?The weight of being a hero, the choices she had to make, and the lives she had to take began to pile up. For a moment, she wished for the simplicity of her conversations with Itachi—a quiet moment where the weight of the world didn't feel so heavy.

But there was no time for that now. She had a duty. And duty, as always, came before her desires.

With one last glance at the fallen villain, she turned and walked away, her heart heavy with regret.

As Kaina stood over the fallen villain, a familiar voice crackled through her earpiece.

"Mission successful, Lady Nagant. You can return now."

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the words sink in. The confirmation of her kill sent a cold shiver down her spine. With a deep sigh, she replied, "Understood," her voice flat, devoid of emotion.

Kaina slung her rifle over her shoulder, glancing one last time at the lifeless figure before her. Despite the success of the mission, a heavy weight lingered in her chest, one that never seemed to go away no matter how many times she heard those words.

"Another job done," she muttered bitterly, her breath forming small clouds in the cold night air.

As she made her way through the dark streets, the city lights flickering in the distance, her thoughts wandered back to her phone call with Itachi. His calm, steady voice had been a brief solace in the chaos. She wished she could've told him more, that she could confide in him the weariness that came with her work. But there was no time for vulnerability in her line of duty, not when the Hero Public Safety Commission (HPSC) had their eyes on her every move.

When Kaina finally arrived at the HPSC headquarters, she walked through the cold, sterile halls, the click of her boots echoing in the silence. The atmosphere inside the building was always tense—clinical, devoid of warmth, just like the missions they assigned.

A receptionist nodded at her as she approached. "Report to the Director," they said, barely making eye contact.

Kaina sighed softly and proceeded down the hallway, her steps slow and deliberate. The walls were lined with portraits of heroes, each face staring down at her with the kind of righteousness the HPSC demanded. But Kaina knew better. She had been molded into something different—something darker.

When she entered the Director's office, she was met with the cold, sharp gaze of the man behind the desk. He was dressed immaculately, his posture rigid, exuding authority with every movement.

"Lady Nagant," he said, his voice like ice. "Another mission completed flawlessly, as expected."

Kaina nodded, offering no words. She knew the script by now.

"You've done excellent work. Your efficiency continues to serve the Commission well. With Endeavor now at the top and your recent promotion to No. 3, you're in the prime of your career."

"Thank you," Kaina responded, her voice monotone, her face an emotionless mask. Inside, she felt nothing but hollow.

The Director leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the desk. "But remember, Lady Nagant, there's no room for hesitation in our line of work. We eliminate threats before they become disasters. The world needs heroes willing to do what others won't."

Eliminate threats.The words echoed in her mind, cold and mechanical. She wasn't a hero. She was a weapon, and they wielded her as such.

"Yes, sir," Kaina replied, her voice devoid of life.

"You're dismissed," the Director said, turning his attention to the paperwork on his desk, as if she had already ceased to exist in his world.

Kaina turned and left the office, the hollow feeling growing inside her with every step. As she walked out of the building and into the night once more, she couldn't help but wonder how much longer she could keep doing this—how long until she broke.

She pulled out her phone, glancing at Itachi's name in her recent contacts. For a moment, she considered calling him back. Maybe she could talk to him, tell him everything weighing on her heart. But then she shook her head and put the phone away.

Not yet.

She wasn't ready to burden him with her darkness. Not yet.

Timeskip 3 months:

For three months, Itachi continued reaching out to Kaina, his texts and calls filled with warmth and genuine concern. Every time he reached out, Kaina responded with her usual, "I'm busy... I don't have time," masking her true feelings behind a smile that no one could see. Itachi, with his sharp intuition, always sensed that something was off. But he never pressed her, always replying with, "Okay, take care," giving her space, though his heart whispered that she was hiding something.

Itachi would often think about Kaina in quiet moments, wondering what burden she was carrying that she refused to share. He understood the weight of responsibility, the loneliness of walking a difficult path, but he couldn't shake the feeling that her distance wasn't just about being "busy." His instinct told him there was more beneath the surface.

On her end, Kaina tried to keep up appearances. Despite the grueling nature of her work with the Hero Public Safety Commission (HPSC), she wore a smile whenever they spoke. She'd laugh at his jokes, tease him a little, and pretend everything was fine. But when she hung up, the mask fell away, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

One evening, after a particularly tough mission, Kaina sat alone in her dimly lit apartment. Her body was tired, but her mind was even more exhausted. As she scrolled through her phone, she saw Itachi's name at the top of her messages, along with a few missed calls. She smiled a little, remembering how persistent he could be. But that smile faded quickly as her thoughts drifted to what her life had become.

She whispered to herself, "If only he knew... What would he think of me if he knew what I was doing?"

But when Itachi called that night, she forced herself to answer, putting on her cheerful voice. "Hey, Itachi! Sorry, I've been so swamped. How are you?"

"I'm good, Kaina," he replied, his voice calm as ever, but there was a pause. "You sound tired though."

Kaina chuckled, masking her exhaustion. "Nah, just a long day, that's all. You know how it is with hero work."

"I understand," he said softly. "But you've been saying that for a while now. Are you sure everything's okay?"

She hesitated, not expecting his gentle probing. "Y-Yeah, I'm fine! You know me, always running around," she said with a laugh. She could almost picture him on the other end, his dark eyes seeing through her facade.

"It's just... you don't have to always act like everything's perfect, Kaina. I know something's on your mind. You don't have to tell me, but... just know I'm here."

Kaina's heart clenched. She hated how easily he could read her, how his words always made her feel understood, even when she didn't want to be. For a moment, she thought about telling him everything—about the HPSC, the missions, the darkness creeping into her soul. But she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Instead, she smiled through the pain, her voice bright. "You always know how to make me feel better, Itachi. I'm okay, really. Just... a little tired. But talking to you helps."

Itachi didn't push any further. "I'm glad I can help. Just remember, I'm here whenever you need to talk. You don't have to carry everything alone."

His words were a comfort she hadn't realized she needed. She laughed lightly, though the tears she held back threatened to spill over. "I know, Itachi. Thank you."

Their conversations continued, light and filled with warmth. Kaina never revealed the truth about her work, and Itachi never pried, even though he could sense the weight she carried. He understood what it was like to keep secrets, to protect the ones you care about by not burdening them with your own struggles.

As they said their goodnights, Kaina hung up and sat in the quiet of her apartment. Her heart ached, but it was a little lighter, thanks to him. She wiped her eyes and whispered, "Thank you, Itachi... I'll keep moving forward. For you."

Though the darkness of her work remained, Kaina found solace in the fact that there was someone out there who cared about her—someone who could see through her mask, even if she wasn't ready to let him in completely.

After about a month of silence, Itachi decided it was time to reach out to Kaina again. He picked up his phone and called her, determined to hear her voice and check on her. At first, the call went unanswered, but he was persistent. After a few attempts, the familiar click of the line picking up filled his ear.

"Itachi?" Kaina's voice came through, tired but still carrying that lightness he had grown accustomed to. "Sorry, I've been really busy."

"I figured," Itachi replied, his tone gentle but with a hint of concern. "I wanted to check on you. We haven't spoken in a while."

"Yeah... HPSC has me working nonstop. It's been pretty crazy these days," Kaina explained, though her voice masked the deeper strain she was feeling. "But hey, what about you? How's the hero license exam preparation going?"

Itachi smiled softly to himself. Even when she was overwhelmed, Kaina still asked about him. "It's going well. A lot of training, but I'm ready for it."

"That's great to hear!" Kaina's tone perked up, a little more lively now. "I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors. You're a natural."

"Thanks," Itachi replied. There was a short pause before he added with a chuckle, "But you know, I was thinking... once I get my license, how about I become your sidekick? You could show me the ropes."

Kaina's heart ached at his words, but she masked it with a soft laugh. "Itachi, as tempting as that sounds, I don't think I can take on a sidekick right now. The work with HPSC is keeping me more than occupied. I've barely had time to breathe lately."

There was a hint of sadness in her voice, but she quickly tried to brighten it up. "But hey, don't let that stop you from being an amazing hero on your own. You don't need me to guide you."

"I get it," Itachi said with a nod, even though she couldn't see him. "But you know I'll always be ready to stand by your side when you need me, right?"

Kaina paused on the other end, her heart warming at his words. She knew how genuine he was, and it made it even harder to keep up the wall she had built around herself. "Yeah... I know," she whispered. "Thank you, Itachi. That means a lot to me."

"Just promise me you're taking care of yourself," Itachi added, his voice a little softer now. "I know you've got a lot going on, but don't forget to take breaks. You can't carry everything alone."

Kaina smiled, even though her heart felt heavy. "I'll try. I promise."

There was a comfortable silence for a moment, both of them simply enjoying the connection, even if it was over the phone. Kaina felt a bit of the weight lift off her shoulders just by talking to him.

"All the best for your exam, Itachi," she said warmly. "I know you'll do great."

"Thanks, Kaina," Itachi replied, a slight smile in his voice. "And when I pass, maybe I'll still try to convince you to take me on as your sidekick."

Kaina laughed, the sound light but a bit bittersweet. "We'll see," she teased, though deep down, she knew things wouldn't be that simple.

"Take care," Itachi said finally.

"You too," Kaina replied softly before ending the call.

As Kaina put her phone down, she leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. A small smile lingered on her lips, though her heart was still heavy. She felt conflicted—on one hand, she cherished these conversations with Itachi, but on the other, she knew her line of work with the HPSC made it hard to keep close connections. She didn't want to pull him into the dark, tangled world she had been navigating.

"I'm really proud of you, Itachi," she whispered to herself, wiping away a tear before it could fall. "But I have to keep my distance... for both of us."

But for now, she allowed herself to hold onto the warmth his words had given her, knowing that despite everything, he would always be there for her when she needed it. And that made the weight she was carrying just a little bit lighter.

Just as she began to gather herself, her phone buzzed on the desk, drawing her attention. Kaina glanced at the screen, and her heart skipped a beat. It was the HPSC president calling.

Her brow furrowed as a sense of dread washed over her. She knew this wasn't going to be a simple conversation. She picked up the phone with a steady hand, answering it with a cold, detached tone.

"Hello?"

The voice on the other end was formal, calculated, and it immediately set her on edge. They exchanged pleasantries, but it was clear the president wasn't calling for small talk. Kaina listened intently, her expression hardening as she absorbed the information.

The president spoke of threats, of plans, and of her place in the larger scheme. The implications of what they were discussing settled over her like a dark cloud, suffocating and oppressive. It became clearer with every word that her time was running out, that she was a target—an expendable asset in their eyes.

Kaina's jaw clenched, her grip tightening around the phone.They think they can control me. They think I'll just fall in line.

Her blood boiled, but she kept her voice calm, controlled. She wasn't about to let them hear her anger. "Understood," she said curtly, before ending the call without another word.

For a moment, she just sat there, the silence in the room almost deafening. But then her eyes narrowed, and a dangerous determination flared within her.

"Just wait…" she muttered under her breath, her gaze darkening. "After I get the information I need, I'll bury you myself."

Kaina stood, her resolve hardening with every second. She wasn't going to let the HPSC control her. She wasn't going to let them dictate her life or threaten her existence. And more than anything, she wasn't going to let them hurt anyone close to her—especially not Itachi.

Her eyes flickered with a dangerous light as she made her way out of the office.I'll play their game for now, she thought, but when the time comes, I'll take them down from the inside.