Revelation of Truth

The president had fallen, but his words echoed in her mind: "You'll never be free."

Just then, the door burst open. Keigo stood there, eyes wide in disbelief as he took in the scene. His gaze flicked from the dead body to Kaina, who stood over the corpse, a strange look of satisfaction on her face.

"Why…?" Keigo asked, his voice heavy with shock and confusion.

Before she could answer, the president's lackeys rushed into the room. They took one look at the scene and immediately began shouting. "Lady Nagant killed the president! She's a villain disguised as a hero!"

Kaina's expression darkened as she reloaded her rifle, ready to deal with the new threat. But before she could pull the trigger, Keigo stepped in front of her, blocking her aim.

"Don't do this," he said quietly, his voice trembling, pleading.

For a moment, Kaina hesitated, her grip tightening on the rifle as she stared into Keigo's eyes, her resolve wavering under the weight of her choices.

Keigo's voice trembled slightly, though he tried to maintain control. "This will only cause more damage," he pleaded, his eyes locked on hers. "Please, Tutsumi-san… put the rifle down."

Her gaze remained cold and unwavering. "Move aside, Takami," she replied, her voice devoid of warmth. "I don't want to kill you."

"I know," he whispered, stepping closer, his hands outstretched in a gesture of peace. "But please… don't make this worse."

She hesitated, her rifle still aimed at the lackeys. They, however, were growing more impatient. One of them sneered. "Hawks, what the hell are you doing? Arrest her! She killed the president—she's a villain now. We have to pass judgment!"

Keigo's eyes narrowed into a glare, his calm composure slipping. "Do you even realize who you're talking to? I'm the current No. 4 hero."

The lackey scoffed, undeterred. "So what? You work for us. Don't forget that. It's because of us you're even ranked that high."

Keigo sighed, shaking his head slowly. His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I think you should be panicking right about now."

The lackey frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

Keigo's expression darkened, and he leaned in, his voice low but sharp as a blade. "The newly elected president is going to make your life hell. You know who you're dealing with, right?"

One of the lackey's smirks faltered. "M-Madam President…?"

Keigo smirked, getting closer and placing a firm hand on the man's shoulder. "Your life is turning to hell, my friend. And there's someone else you should fear more than the president. You know who I'm talking about."

The group exchanged uneasy glances. "Who? That kid? Yaoyorozu's kid? What could he possibly do to us?" the lackey sneered, trying to mask his growing unease. "We could ruin his career if we wanted."

Keigo chuckled darkly. "That's where you'll meet your end. Aegis doesn't care about rankings or careers. He cares about one thing—his loved ones. You mess with them, your life's over. No mercy. You've never seen his rage." His smirk deepened. "All the best dealing with that."

At the mention of Aegis, Kaina's expression shifted. Tears brimmed in her eyes, a quiet sorrow washing over her as she thought of Itachi. The memory of how fiercely he protected those closest to him hit her hard—and she was one of those closest to him.

Keigo noticed her tears and stepped closer. "I'm sorry, Tutsumi-san," he said softly, his voice heavy with guilt. "But we have to take you into custody."

She looked at him, her cold demeanor softening into a sad smile. Without a word, she retracted the rifle from her arm, the metallic parts clicking back into place. Slowly, she extended her wrists to him.

"Put the handcuffs on," she whispered.

Keigo's heart clenched, but he did as she asked, locking the cuffs around her wrists. As they walked toward the interrogation room, a deep silence settled between them, weighed down by the gravity of what had just transpired. Kaina glanced at him, her voice barely above a whisper.

"My career was over the moment I believed in him."

Keigo's chest tightened, but he said nothing, leading her away, unsure of how everything had come to this.

Flashback end:

The flashback faded, leaving the room in a heavy silence. Keigo and Naomasa Tsukauchi exchanged looks, both processing what they had just heard. Keigo's voice was quiet, almost disbelieving. "She told the truth… all of it."

Naomasa, equally shocked, nodded slowly. "She did." His voice held a mix of concern and determination. "Do you know the name of the organization, Kaina?"

Kaina shook her head, her face weary. "I don't know," she admitted.

Tsukauchi's brows furrowed, his thoughts racing. "This is bad. I need to inform All Might." The gravity of the situation was clear to him now—this went deeper than any of them could have imagined.

Keigo, still reeling, turned back to Kaina, his eyes filled with regret. "Why didn't you tell us earlier?" His voice cracked slightly. "We could've helped… saved you from carrying this burden alone."

Kaina looked at him, her eyes tired yet resolute. "How could I?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with the weight of years of secrecy. "I didn't want you to see this side of me… the darkness I had to face. I didn't want to drag you into a world that could destroy your hope and your future."

She paused, her voice lowering. "Your career is just beginning, Keigo. You're only 18… and back then, you were just 16, not even licensed as a hero. I couldn't let you be part of this."

Keigo met her gaze but said nothing, the silence between them filled with unspoken pain.

Kaina smiled weakly. "I know Itachi must be criticizing himself right now," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.

"Yeah…" Keigo muttered, a touch of guilt in his tone.

"He always told me, 'Don't do this alone. Talk to me,'" she continued, her smile growing more sorrowful. "But I kept telling him I was fine. I knew he had his doubts." Her sad smile deepened, eyes clouded with memories. "Even if I'm sentenced to death… just tell him one thing: I don't regret any of it. He shouldn't blame himself."

Keigo's heart clenched, his voice tightening with emotion. "Don't say that. He'll come for you. I'm sure of it," he insisted. "He won't let you die. He'll find a way. He'll do something—anything—to save you."

Before Kaina could respond, a guard stepped into the room. "I'm sorry, but your time is up."

Keigo glanced at Kaina one last time, nodding slightly as he stood. "Just wait, okay? We'll figure this out."

He and Naomasa left the room, leaving Kaina alone. For a long moment, she sat there, staring at the door with a teary smile on her face, her heart heavy with both acceptance and sorrow.

As Itachi stepped out of the airport, the world seemed to descend into chaos around him. A wall of flashing cameras and the chaotic clamor of reporters greeted him. His eyes remained calm, but the weight of the situation pressed down on him. Not this again… he thought, his expression betraying nothing as he prepared himself for what was to come.

Within moments, a swarm of reporters rushed toward him, their microphones thrust in his direction, and voices overlapping in a desperate attempt to get a reaction.

"What do you have to say about the President's incident?"

"Is it true you're involved?"

He kept his gaze forward, his steps steady and deliberate. He was used to this—being the center of attention in ways that tested his patience. Silence was his shield, and he wielded it expertly, refusing to acknowledge the barrage of questions. His calm demeanor only seemed to frustrate the reporters further, their questions growing more pointed and invasive.

"Lady Nagant killed him—what's your take on that?"

Itachi clenched his jaw slightly but remained unresponsive. He had learned long ago how to remain respectful while holding firm in his own silence. His focus was on staying composed, walking through the crowd as if the chaos around him didn't exist. But then, one question cut through the noise and pierced the calm he'd built.

"Lady Nagant—what's your relationship with her? What's your connection to a villain?"

Itachi's steps faltered, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to stand still. Slowly, he turned his head, his black eyes locking onto the reporter who had dared to speak. The air grew thick with tension as his gaze, cold and unyielding, bore into the reporter's soul. The silence that followed was suffocating.

His expression remained unreadable, but the intensity of his stare spoke volumes. The crowd of reporters, once so loud and eager, fell into an uneasy hush, all eyes on him, waiting for his response. When Itachi finally spoke, his voice was calm, but it carried the weight of a thousand unspoken warnings.

"Just because you have the right to ask questions," he began, his tone as sharp as a blade, "doesn't mean you should cross the line."

The reporter who had asked the question visibly recoiled under Itachi's gaze. There was no anger in his voice, only a quiet authority that made it clear he would not tolerate baseless accusations.

Itachi's eyes swept over the crowd, his words measured and deliberate. "Do your job," he continued. "Find the truth. Don't throw around accusations without proof."

His words hung in the air, and the reporters, who had been so eager for a scandal, suddenly seemed unsure of themselves. They gulped, stepping back slightly, their eagerness to provoke him fading under the weight of his calm yet chilling demeanor.

Before the situation could escalate further, Yana appeared, moving swiftly to Itachi's side. "Come on, Itachi," she said softly, placing a hand on his arm and gently guiding him away from the crowd. He nodded, allowing her to lead him, and they quickly slipped into the waiting car.

As soon as the doors closed, Itachi let out a small sigh, his eyes drifting towards the window as they drove away from the chaotic scene. Yana glanced at him, concern flickering in her eyes.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with that," she said quietly. "The media can be ruthless."

"It's fine," Itachi replied softly, though his mind was still replaying the question about Kaina. He felt an odd mix of emotions—concern, anger, and a deep-seated frustration at how easily the media twisted things for their own gain.

What he didn't know was that even as they left the airport, the media houses had already begun circulating a new rumor, fueled by the very pictures they had taken. Secretly, they had snapped photos of Itachi and Kaina together in the past, and now, those images were spreading like wildfire.

Across the city, images of Itachi and Kaina walking side by side, their every glance and movement scrutinized, flooded the news. Headlines speculated about their relationship, spinning wild theories about Itachi's involvement with a supposed "villain."

And as those images spread, Kaina's world and Itachi's collided in the worst possible way.

In the car, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken emotions. Yana and Momo both sat quietly, their expressions somber as they glanced at Itachi. Yana broke the silence, her voice soft yet filled with concern. "It will be fine, Itachi," she said, trying to reassure him. Itachi looked at her, his expression calm, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

Beside him, Momo gently placed her hand on his, her touch filled with both comfort and worry. "Brother..." she said quietly. Itachi turned to her, noticing how much she had grown. She looked more mature now, her once-childish features replaced by the grace of young adulthood. He gave her a small, genuine smile. She's changed so much, he thought.

Momo smiled back, though her eyes still held sadness. "Thank you, brother, but..." She hesitated, her voice faltering as her emotions threatened to spill over. She looked at him with a sad, conflicted expression. "I—I... Itachi..."

Sensing her struggle, Itachi gave her a sad smile and gently patted her head, like he used to when she was younger. "Don't think too much," he said softly. "You're still a child."

Yana nodded in agreement. "Momo, you shouldn't involve yourself in this. It's too dangerous," she added, her tone filled with motherly concern.

But Momo shook her head, her eyes welling up with frustration. "How could I not, Mother? I always see you sad... and Kaina... what she did... I—I know she had her reasons..."

Itachi's expression softened as he looked at Momo. "I know," he said, his voice quiet yet resolute. "I know the reason."

Yana turned to him, curiosity and concern mixing in her gaze. "What is it?" she asked.

Itachi hesitated for a moment, glancing between Momo and Yana. "Not now," he said, his voice low but firm. Yana understood the weight behind his words and nodded, knowing that whatever it was, it wasn't something to discuss in the car, in front of Momo.

After a brief silence, Itachi spoke again. "Did Father tell you anything?" he asked Yana.

She shook her head. "No, he didn't. He just said you were coming to Japan because you were called by the HPSC. That's all."

Itachi nodded thoughtfully. His father had mentioned needing to tell him something important, but he hadn't expected it to be related to the HPSC. His thoughts drifted back to the media frenzy, Kaina's actions, and the unsettling feeling that something far darker was unfolding.

As the car pulled up to their home, Itachi remained lost in thought. The weight of the day, the questions, and the unresolved matters with Kaina hung heavy in the air. Yana glanced at him one more time before they all stepped out of the car, knowing that whatever lay ahead, the family would have to face it together.

Itachi entered the house with his luggage, setting it down quietly. Yana watched him, her expression full of concern. "Takashi is still at the office," she said softly, "but he'll be home early, he said."

Itachi nodded in response, not saying much. Yana hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Do you want something to eat?"

He shook his head. "No, Mother... I'm not hungry," he replied, his voice calm but distant.

Yana's heart ached at the sight of her son, burdened by so much. She sat beside him, unable to bear the silence, and wrapped her arms around him in a gentle hug. "Why does it have to be you?" she whispered, her voice filled with the sadness only a mother could feel.

In her embrace, Itachi smiled faintly, though his eyes carried the weight of his past and present. He spoke softly, his words laced with bittersweet wisdom: "Because sometimes... the strongest hearts are the ones that bear the heaviest burdens."

Yana heard his words, and though they brought her some comfort, they also made her heart ache even more. She held him a little tighter, wishing she could take away even a fraction of the weight he carried.

Momo sat on the couch, frustration evident in her voice as she stared at her phone. "This is nonsense…"

Yana, sensing her daughter's distress, looked up from what she was doing. "What happened, Momo?"

"They're linking this case to Brother now," Momo said, her tone thick with disbelief. She handed the phone to Yana.

Itachi let out a quiet sigh, as though expecting this, his gaze distant.

Yana's eyes skimmed over the screen, and her expression darkened with anger. "How could they? Show me the rest," she demanded.

Momo scrolled further, her fingers trembling slightly, until she came across a photo of Itachi and Kaina together. "Look, they're twisting the story as if you two are in a relationship." Her voice lowered in frustration. "And this headline… 'World's Most Handsome Hero and the Most Heartless Villain in a Relationship.' Can you believe this?"

Yana's face flushed with anger. "How about we sue them? They can't get away with this kind of slander!"

Itachi, though calm, shook his head. "We can't, Mother."

Yana sighed, her anger still palpable but tempered by understanding. "I know... but they're dragging you down like this just to increase their viewership? It's disgusting."

Itachi remained silent for a moment, his face unreadable, before he finally spoke. "I'm not thinking about myself right now... I'm more worried about her family. Her mother... I wonder how she's holding up." His voice carried a weight of sadness as he lowered his gaze.

Yana softened, her eyes filling with concern. "What are you thinking, Itachi?"

Itachi met her eyes and spoke with quiet determination. "Mother, I have a request... I want to bring Kaina's mother to safety. I don't want her caught in the crossfire."

Yana smiled gently, understanding the depth of his care. "You don't even have to ask, Itachi. I'll send some protection if you want."

Itachi returned her smile, a rare moment of warmth breaking through his usual stoic demeanor. "Thank you, Mother."

Yana shook her head. "You don't need to thank me. I'm your mother, Itachi. It's what we do for family."

Still, Itachi's gaze hardened again, a look of fierce determination flashing in his eyes. "I'm just waiting for my chance, Mother."

Yana sighed, seeing that unyielding resolve in him. She placed a hand on his head and patted it softly. "I know, my son... but for now, eat something. You need your strength."

He was about to decline, but a single look from his mother softened him. He nodded, giving in. "Okay."

Meanwhile, Momo sat still, scrolling through social media, her frustration mounting as she read more comments. "Brother… some people are supporting you, but so many are being so negative."

Itachi looked at her calmly. "Momo, don't let it bother you. Ignore them. Come eat with us."

Momo hesitated, torn by what she was reading, but eventually, she sighed and nodded, setting her phone aside. Together, the three of them sat down at the dining table. Despite the storm of emotions swirling around them, they found comfort in the simple act of being together, the quiet strength of their family holding them steady.

Takashi arrived home earlier than expected, and his presence filled the hallway as his family sat together, their expressions a mix of concern and comfort. "So, you came," he said, his voice steady as he entered the living room. He sat beside Yana, his eyes settling on Itachi with quiet concern.

Takashi sighed, leaning back slightly as he asked, "How are you holding up?"

"I'm managing well enough," Itachi replied, his tone neutral but revealing the weight on his shoulders.

Takashi studied him for a moment, then said, "You'll need patience... more than anything. That's all I can really say right now."

Itachi nodded, acknowledging the advice. Then, his eyes sharpened with focus. "You said you had something to tell me?"

Takashi looked at Yana for a brief second before turning back to Itachi. "I know something about the HPSC... something you need to hear."

Itachi's expression narrowed with suspicion. "Go on," he urged quietly.

Takashi exhaled, gathering his thoughts. "It wasn't too long ago... around the time of the sports festival, actually. After your performance, we were all incredibly proud of you. But I've carried some guilt since then..."

Yana placed a comforting hand on his arm, and Itachi's eyes softened as he looked at his father. "I've already forgiven you, Father. There's no need to dwell on it."

Takashi shook his head, a sad smile forming. "That's because you have a big heart, just like your mother... unlike me."

Yana shot him a gentle look, her voice firm. "Don't say that, Takashi."

He smiled at her briefly before returning his focus to Itachi. "Anyway... two days after the festival, the president of the HPSC called me in for a business meeting. It wasn't unusual at the time. You know we also have a support gear company that supplies costumes and gear for pro heroes."

Itachi nodded silently, waiting for him to continue.

"We had the meeting," Takashi went on, "and the president asked me to consider investing in a new company called 'QuickBoost.'"

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've heard of that company."

Takashi nodded. "They're in the same line of business as us. At first, everything seemed normal. But when I heard their offer, it felt... off. The terms they proposed were bizarre, like something wasn't right."

He continued, pulling out his phone and reading aloud. "They offered a partnership where we'd be distributing their products exclusively, with a 30% wholesale discount, co-branded marketing with pro heroes, and an expected 200% sales growth within six months. Minimum investment: two million yen."

Itachi narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening. "This is clearly a scam," he said coldly.

Takashi nodded in agreement. "Exactly. A 200% sales growth sounded tempting at first, but I realized quickly that something wasn't right. They had another purpose behind it. So, I declined their offer and walked away. But since then, strange things have been happening. Someone's trying to bring our company down."

Itachi's gaze sharpened. "What are they doing?"

Takashi sighed heavily. "First, there were false rumors about the hero suits and gear—claims that they weren't in proper condition. We managed to handle that, but then, someone started manipulating our stock prices. QuickBoost is involved. Their stock was sinking, and suddenly, someone unknown started buying it up in bulk, raising the market value. They're selling their products at lower prices now... but not to heroes."

Itachi's eyes widened. "To villains...?"

Takashi grimly nodded. "That's the speculation. Many villains have started using advanced gear that matches what QuickBoost produces. And it doesn't stop there..."

He paused, glancing over at Momo, who was quietly listening, her face full of concern. Takashi took a breath, as if preparing himself. "Several of my colleagues—pro heroes—have gone missing. Heroes I've worked with for years."

Itachi's expression hardened, and the pieces began to fall into place. His fist clenched tightly. "They're being killed...?"

Yana gasped, her eyes widening in shock, and Momo covered her mouth, the weight of the revelation sinking in.

Takashi nodded, his face lined with guilt and frustration. "After I rejected QuickBoost, they approached those heroes too. When they refused… they disappeared." He paused, a flicker of something darker passing over his face. "These weren't exactly model heroes. Most of them were in it for the money, not the cause. They were corrupt, but still… they weren't foolish enough to get involved with QuickBoost's deal. They saw right through it."

Itachi's eyes narrowed, the revelation settling deep in his mind. His grip tightened further. "So Kaina… if what Keigo said was true, she was forced to kill. She was the one who killed them…"

Yana, horrified, turned to Itachi. "This is serious, Takashi! You should've told us earlier."

Takashi sighed, rubbing his temples, as if the weight of this information had been dragging him down for a long time. "I didn't think it would escalate this far. I thought these guys could handle themselves, that maybe it was all just coincidences. But now it's clear… the HPSC president is behind this. He's pulling the strings, eliminating those who might get in his way."

Itachi nodded, his jaw clenched with a quiet fury. "The HPSC has called me in tomorrow. I'll deal with it then."

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the tense silence. Yana stood up, her face still pale from the conversation. "I'll get it."

She opened the door and froze, seeing Keigo standing on the doorstep, his usual playful expression replaced by one of seriousness. "Keigo..." she muttered, stepping aside.

Keigo quickly stepped into the house, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Itachi, Takashi, and Momo sitting on the couch. "Itachi," Keigo said urgently, his voice low. "We need to talk. It's serious."

Itachi's gaze hardened as he listened to Keigo's urgent tone. "Please, sit down," he said calmly, though his eyes were sharp with anticipation.

Keigo nodded and sat beside Itachi, his eyes briefly darting to Momo, who was still seated with them. "Ah, Momo… how about you get some sleep? It's already 10 p.m."

Momo narrowed her eyes, her determination clear. "I want to know the truth."

Yana, sensing the tension, gently urged, "Dear, please…"

But Momo stood her ground, her voice firm. "No. I want to know."

Itachi's expression softened for a moment as he looked at his sister. "Momo... please." His tone, though calm, carried a weight that Momo recognized. She met his gaze, reading the silent plea on his face. Without another word, she stood, her anger palpable as she stormed off toward her room. The slam of her door echoed through the hallway, filling the room with a lingering tension.

Yana sighed softly, offering a sad smile, and Itachi reassured her. "Don't worry, Mother. I'll talk to her later."

Yana nodded, though concern still creased her features. Itachi then turned his attention back to Keigo, his expression serious. "So, Keigo. What happened?"

Keigo's face darkened as he let out a heavy sigh. "Things are bad... really bad."

"Tell me," Itachi pressed, his tone growing colder with urgency.

Keigo raised a hand. "No… just listen first." He pulled out his phone, setting it down on the table between them. "This is a recording I took during Kaina's interrogation."

Itachi's eyes widened in shock. "She confessed everything?"

Keigo nodded solemnly. "Yes. But before I play it, I need you to promise me something, bro… don't overreact. Whatever you hear, stay calm. And tomorrow, when we get to the HPSC, act normal. Understand?"

Itachi clenched his jaw, nodding, though his fists were tight against his sides.

Keigo continued, "Also… tomorrow, you need to show up in formal attire. They're going to cover up the situation by announcing a new hero rank first. After that, we'll talk about Kaina."

Itachi's eyes flickered with a dangerous intensity, but he nodded again, swallowing his emotions. Keigo took a deep breath, his hand trembling slightly as he pressed play on the recording. The sound of Kaina's voice filled the room, her words raw and full of pain.

As Kaina's voice echoed through the room, raw with pain and regret, Itachi remained still, his eyes focused on the floor as every word cut deeper.

"I know Itachi must be criticizing himself right now," Kaina's voice from recording. "Yeah…" Keigo voice. "He always told me, 'Don't do this alone. Talk to me,'" Kaina continued, "But I kept telling him I was fine. I knew he had his doubts."

Itachi's hands clenched tightly as her voice softened, full of finality. "Even if I'm sentenced to death… just tell him one thing: I don't regret any of it. He shouldn't blame himself."

The room fell silent. Itachi's heart ached with a deep, familiar pain. His face, calm as always, betrayed little of the storm brewing within. The weight of Kaina's words sat heavily on his shoulders.

After a long pause, Itachi finally spoke, his voice low but filled with conviction. "This system… the way they use people, discard them like tools when they're no longer useful… it needs to be torn down."

Yana's eyes softened with understanding, and she placed a gentle hand on his arm. "I understand how you feel, but…"

Keigo, who had been watching Itachi carefully, nodded in agreement. "I get it, man. This whole thing is messed up. But we need to think about what's best for Kaina. We can reduce her punishment, make sure she doesn't end up—"

Itachi cut him off, his tone calm but unyielding. "I won't let them escape. The ones behind this… the ones who pull the strings… they will face justice. I will make sure of that."

Keigo's brow furrowed. "What are you planning? We have to be smart about this."

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, the glint of his Sharingan faintly visible. "I'll ensure they confess to their crimes themselves. They've twisted the system to suit their needs. I'll turn it against them."

Keigo, sensing the resolve in his words, nodded reluctantly. "Alright. Just… don't do anything reckless."

Itachi stood up, his voice steady and cold. "Reckless would be letting this continue unchecked. I won't allow anyone else to be used like Kaina."