Government Moves and Freedom

On the screen, I could see the chief of police as he was giving a statement in front of dozens of reporters in an open hall.

The cameras were all focused on him, he spoke with calm.

"I'm sure many of you question the decisions of the heroes that day..." He took a short pause, composing himself a bit more. He probably had a good poker face to be assigned this task.

"A lot of people have called for the punishment of the heroes present that day. But we cannot punish the heroes..." The camera flashed brighter and some people in the room gasped.

This was the government taking a stand. Dismissing the rumours of the heroes going wild and killing villains. That was the main belief that the reporters and the 'unknown' donator had managed to instil in a large contingent of the public.

As the chief was about to continue, a reporter interrupted him." So the hero's acts of brutality will go unpunished?!"

The chief just looked calmly at the reporter and said. " The actions of the heroes that day were all for the safety of the general populace."

"If even one of those villains managed to escape then they would've harmed a lot of people..." For this one the room was silent.

Somehow, they didn't really take into account the actual danger the villains held at Tartaros posed for our society. Most of them were too blinded by their own egos to even consider that.

The chief of police studied the room before continuing. " The government has rewarded the feat of the heroes present that day." The cameras started flashing again, taking pictures of him from every angle.

"Furthermore, we have also decided to retract all charges against the former vigilante titled 'Yellow Flash'" This one seemed to entice some of the reporters present.

"How could you do something like that?! Both he and Endeavor injured and killed hundreds of villains that day. They deserve to be punished!" One of the reporters spoke quickly, with 'righteous' anger.

"The number 3 Hero proved that he had turned into a law-abiding citizen. His charges were never that heavy either, as he never killed anyone during his time as a vigilante." This guy really didn't like the reporters much.

Although he wasn't showing it outward at all, he observed anyone that reacted in a certain way and remembered their faces.

They probably would be observed for a while, their actions directly affected the way the public saw heroes after all.

The reporters also didn't really call them out about Endeavor, as he wasn't really mentioned much in this statement.

My rewards were the most scandalous it seems. Also, doesn't that mean Nezu needs to pay me from now on? Hehe, I'm guessing he won't like that.

The chief of police continued about my achievements during my relatively short time as a hero. Slowly swaying the people that heard it to my cause.

He mentioned things like the rapid decline in crime in all of the cities that surrounded Musutafu, my base of operations.

Then he also started mentioning Endeavor's efforts to make Japan a safer place, the guy wasn't the best at rescue missions. Lately, he needed to go to other cities to patrol, Musutafu was mostly crime-free nowadays.

He seemed adamant of informing people just how much we had done for the public and the people at home.

Damn, I should hire that guy to be my public speaker. Even I can't paint myself in such a positive light.

By the time I got up the segment was already over. They didn't do much at the end, just reiterating the achievements of Endeavor and myself.

Even so, this much won't sway the public opinion instantly. It's more of a gradual process after all. Once someone believes something it's hard to convince them otherwise.

But at least the mob of misinformed idiots will stop growing.

Without further ado, I started getting ready to head out. The first thing I did was go to Eri and put her to sleep for a bit. I also left a clone in the house.

From what I observed, I can control them freely from any side of the city as long as I am still connected to them.

The longer the distance the more I had to strain perception, but it wasn't a resource that would run out any time soon.

Heading into the station I just got to the point. "Hey, I need to get my bracelet removed." They already knew who I was.

They wasted no time in getting me out of a few lists and giving me the key to the bracelet. It was a quick process, I had expected a lot of papers to sign and a few trips of wasted time.

But it was done almost instantly. It feels nice to be a high profile individual from time to time. Especially when things get done for you.

Thinking on it, all of my charges were null for a long time. They didn't really bother with making sure I was always at UA like they said they would.

They also asked me to patrol more in different cities. It has been quite obvious that there wasn't much desire to punish me in the first place. There was also the fact that my age was a sensitive subject to many.

So many people got bothered by how young I am. Everyone but me really. To them, punishing me would've been unfair. Of course, if I was older they wouldn't be so lenient. But those if's didn't happen.

Therefore my punishment was always just on paper. Putting up a facade so that they don't end up encouraging any more vigilantes to appear.

I was strong, there was no danger for me. But not everyone is as fast and powerful as I am. Others that might be inspired by my actions might end up injured or worse.

It might be for that reason that they were required to sentence me publicly. Making an 'example' out of me.

Don't really know if it worked out or not. But, at least in these parts, there is no real need for a vigilante. Especially since most villains are hiding now.

Moving around didn't really feel any different. I won't get rid of the camera, I just use it to report villains quickly.

Since it's a bracelet I'll need to raise my hand in the air to give them a good view of the location. Oh well, I only do patrols every 2 days now.

The volume of villains that stick their heads out of the ground is a lot lower. Most of the skilled groups are also in hiding or in the process of moving cities.

I quickly flew home, reaching the front door and dissipating my clone.

Taking my place on the couch and closing my eyes.

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Hello.

Hope you enjoyed this chap.

Plugg: https://www.patr.eon.com/VeganMaster