Truth Came forward!

Itachi stood there silently, watching as Keigo prepared to leave. Keigo let out a sigh and said, "It's late now, I'll get going."

Itachi gave a small smile, his usual calm demeanor softening. "Thank you for everything, Keigo," he said sincerely.

Keigo waved his hand dismissively, grinning. "What are you talking about, man? You're my best friend. There's no 'sorry' or 'thank you' in friendship."

Itachi's smile grew, touched by his words. "Still…"

Keigo chuckled, his tone lighthearted. "Okay, okay. Enough of that. I'm heading out now." He turned to leave, but then paused as if remembering something. "Oh, and don't worry about Kaina's safety. There's police protection, and the new president is making sure everything's under control."

Itachi nodded, relieved, but before Keigo could leave, he asked, "One more thing, Keigo… what do you think of the new president?"

Keigo looked back at him, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'll say this—she's ruthless when she needs to be, but kind as well. I trust her judgment completely."

Itachi took in those words thoughtfully and nodded. "Good to know."

Keigo grinned again. "Alright, man. Take care. Bye-bye!" He waved as he walked out the door, then took to the sky with a swoop of his wings.

Itachi watched Keigo disappear into the night, his expression thoughtful. Behind him, Yana approached quietly. "Itachi, you need to rest," she said gently.

Itachi turned to her, his eyes softening with gratitude. "I will," he promised, "but first, I need to talk to Momo."

Yana gave him a worried look but nodded. "Alright. Just don't be too hard on her."

Takashi, standing nearby, nodded his agreement. Itachi turned away and walked toward Momo's room, his footsteps light but deliberate. He knocked softly on her door. "Momo, can I come in?"

From inside, he heard her voice, muffled and filled with frustration. "Go away."

Itachi's smile was sad, his hand resting on the door. "Are you mad at me?" he asked softly.

There was a long pause before Momo's voice answered, quieter now. "No…"

Still, she didn't open the door. Itachi knocked again, persistent yet gentle. "It's open," Momo's voice finally came, strained.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside. Momo was lying on her bed, her back to him, curled up like she was protecting herself from the world. Itachi sat down beside her, his hand brushing lightly over her hair. "I'm sorry, Momo," he whispered. "I know things are hard right now, but… you're still young."

Momo, still facing away from him, responded with a quiet but firm voice. "I'm not that young. I know what's going on."

Itachi sighed softly, his heart heavy. "You've grown up a lot," he admitted, his voice filled with pride but also sadness.

Momo's voice wavered, betraying her emotions. "Brother… do you think I don't understand? I know what Kaina has done… how she was manipulated. I know about the things Father said… about his colleagues. But there's more to the story, isn't there? Things no one talks about… things Kaina did that you won't tell me."

Itachi closed his eyes for a moment, trying to hold back the sorrow that was welling up inside him. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice gentle. "I know, Momo. You're right. There are things that are hard to explain… things that hurt. But I'll never lie to you."

Momo finally turned to face him, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. "I just can't stand seeing you sad, brother. It hurts."

Itachi smiled, though his eyes were full of the weight of everything he carried. He leaned forward and hugged her, holding her close. "Don't worry about me, Momo. I promise, everything will be okay. You believe in me, don't you?"

Momo nodded, her arms wrapping tightly around him. "I believe in you, brother."

Itachi smiled softly and touched her forehead with a gentle, affectionate tap. "That's all I need. Now, get some sleep."

Momo hesitated for a moment, her voice small and vulnerable. "Brother… will you stay with me tonight?"

Itachi's expression softened even more, and he smiled warmly. "Of course," he whispered.

He lay down beside her, pulling the blanket over them both, his presence a comforting weight next to her. Momo nestled close, her breathing slowly evening out as she drifted toward sleep. Outside the room, Yana and Takashi watched quietly from the hallway, exchanging a glance filled with a mix of sadness and relief.

Yana smiled softly, resting her head on Takashi's shoulder. "He's such a good brother," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Takashi nodded, his eyes reflecting the weight of everything that had happened, but also the quiet strength of their family. "He is," he agreed softly, his gaze fixed on the door where Itachi and Momo were resting.

The next morning, Itachi woke up early, the soft light filtering into the room. He glanced over and saw Momo still fast asleep beside him, her face peaceful. He smiled faintly and carefully got up, making sure not to disturb her. Moving quietly, he left the room and headed to his own, where he stepped into the bathroom to freshen up. The cool water on his face helped clear his thoughts as he prepared for the day ahead.

Afterward, he opened his wardrobe, surveying his options. Today required a formal look, so he chose a sleek black suit, a crisp black shirt, and formal trousers, pairing them with a red tie and a red locket around his neck. A matching watch completed the outfit, giving him a sharp and polished appearance. Checking the clock, Itachi noted it was just past 7 a.m.

"I still have plenty of time," he muttered to himself.

He made his way downstairs to find Yana and Takashi already sitting at the breakfast table. Yana looked up and gasped softly when she saw him, her eyes lighting up with pride.

"Wow, Itachi… you look so handsome," she said, smiling warmly.

Itachi returned the smile, a small but genuine one. "Thank you, Mother."

Takashi nodded in agreement. "She's right, you look very sharp."

Itachi dipped his head respectfully. "Thank you, Father."

He joined them at the table, eating his breakfast in comfortable silence. As he finished his meal, Yana placed a hand on his shoulder. "All the best today, Itachi. We'll be watching when they announce your rank."

Itachi nodded, appreciating their support. "I'll do my best."

After finishing his food, Itachi stood and straightened his suit. "I'll take my leave now."

Takashi looked at the clock. "It's still early. Are you sure you want to leave already?"

Itachi glanced at them with a knowing look. "I have a few things to take care of first."

Though his parents seemed slightly concerned, they nodded, trusting his judgment. Itachi gave them a reassuring look before heading out of the house. As he stepped outside, he took a deep breath. The day had barely begun, but his mind was already racing.

"Now… the groundwork begins," he whispered to himself as he pulled out his phone and called Keigo.

"Where are you?" Itachi asked.

Keigo's voice came through on the other end. "I'm already near the HPSC. I'm waiting in the reception area. Just a heads-up, there are a lot of media and reporters out here."

Itachi sighed, expecting the chaos. "Understood. I'll be there soon."

He made his way to the garage and got into his car, settling into the driver's seat. As he drove through the city streets, his thoughts drifted to Kaina, the burden of her situation weighing heavily on him. The memories of their conversations, her pain, and everything that had led to this moment flooded his mind. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel, determination flickering in his eyes. He knew what needed to be done, even if it wasn't going to be easy.

Before long, he arrived at the HPSC building, spotting the crowd of media personnel swarming the gates and parking lot. Itachi sighed again, bracing himself for the inevitable attention. There was no avoiding it.

He carefully maneuvered his car through the sea of reporters and parked it in the designated lot. The moment he opened the door, the crowd surged toward him, cameras flashing and microphones shoved in his direction.

"Please, give me some space to step out," Itachi said calmly, his voice controlled and measured.

The reporters hesitated for a moment, giving him just enough room to exit the car. But as soon as he stood up, they quickly closed in around him, bombarding him with questions.

As Itachi stepped out of his car and made his way through the media crowd, the questions came at him relentlessly.

"What do you have to say about the picture that's been circulating?" one reporter asked, shoving a microphone toward him.

Itachi remained silent, his expression unreadable. They're so irritating, he thought, keeping his composure.

Another reporter jumped in. "What do you think about your rank?"

"I don't know," Itachi replied curtly, his patience wearing thin.

"What's your opinion on the Heartless Villain?" someone else asked.

"I have nothing to say about that," Itachi responded, his tone firm.

One more reporter pushed forward. "You didn't answer—what's your connection with Lady Nagant?"

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "No Answer!"

The barrage of questions grew louder, the media pressing in closer, and Itachi finally had enough. He exhaled sharply and said coldly, "Move aside."

The sudden shift in his demeanor made the reporters flinch, and they quickly parted, giving him space to walk through. Itachi entered the building, the chatter of the media fading as the doors closed behind him. He sighed, grateful for the momentary silence.

Inside the reception area, he spotted Keigo and Rumi waiting for him. As soon as they saw him, Keigo grinned and Rumi smirked, giving him a playful nudge.

"Oh, finally! You made it," Rumi teased. "Looking sharp as always, Mr. World's Most Handsome Hero."

Keigo raised an eyebrow, feigning hurt. "Hey! I'm standing right here!"

Rumi glanced at him with a smirk. "I know, Keigo."

Itachi watched their banter, his lips quirking into a faint smile. "You two seem close."

Rumi scoffed, rolling her eyes. "With him? Never."

Keigo sighed dramatically. "What's your problem? Why do you hate me so much?"

Rumi shrugged, grinning. "I don't like birds."

Keigo shot back with a smirk. "And I don't like rabbits."

Rumi's eyes narrowed, a mischievous glint in them. "You wanna fight?"

Keigo puffed out his chest. "Bet I do."

Itachi sighed, rubbing his temples. He placed a hand on both their heads, gently but firmly. "Enough, both of you."

Rumi chuckled, enjoying his touch, while Keigo pouted. "So, what's the plan?" Keigo asked, looking at Itachi with curiosity.

Itachi's expression hardened slightly. "I'm waiting for the ones responsible… those lackeys."

Just then, Endeavor entered the room, his presence commanding attention. He glanced at Keigo, Itachi, and Rumi but didn't say a word, merely giving a terse grunt as he walked past them, clearly annoyed.

Rumi frowned. "What's his problem?"

Keigo shrugged, lowering his voice. "He's afraid Itachi will steal his spotlight."

Itachi sighed, not caring about Endeavor's attitude.

At that moment, All Might burst into the room with his signature booming voice. "Don't worry, because I am here!"

Itachi winced, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Why is he so loud…? It's still early."

Rumi sweatdropped, while Keigo looked at All Might with stars in his eyes. "It's All Might!" he said excitedly.

Itachi observed the scene with a sigh. Still a kid at heart, he thought.

All Might smiled warmly at them. "Hawks, you're doing great work!" he praised, giving Keigo a thumbs-up. "And Mirko, you're doing fantastic as well!"

Rumi nodded, giving a small but genuine smile. "Thanks, All Might."

Finally, All Might turned to Itachi. "And how was your internship, Itachi? Learned a lot, I assume?"

Itachi nodded, his expression softening slightly. "It was good. I learned much from my master."

All Might smiled, pleased. "That's great to hear. Keep it up!"

With that, All Might excused himself, his usual cheerful energy filling the room. Itachi watched him leave, understanding the subtle burden that weighed on All Might, hidden behind his bright smile.

After a while, the group they had been waiting for finally arrived—the five lackeys, flanked by bodyguards. Keigo, noticing them first, nudged Itachi.

"Itachi, there they are," he said, his voice low.

Itachi narrowed his eyes, stepping forward with quiet resolve. Keigo widened his eyes, reaching out to stop him. "Hold on! I know what you're thinking, but don't do anything rash. They're coming toward us."

Itachi halted but kept his gaze fixed on the group approaching with smug expressions. One of the lackeys, a man with an arrogant smirk, walked up to them. "Ah, Aegis. It's good to see you here."

Itachi's eyes narrowed further. "What do you want?" he asked coldly.

The man cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure, but Itachi's intense stare made him falter. "You should talk to us with respect," the man demanded weakly.

In response, Itachi activated his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, his gaze piercing through the man. His voice turned colder. "You don't deserve my respect. You're all just fools."

The group flinched, unsettled by the deadly calm in his voice. However, the one with the smirk didn't back down. "Do you want to end up like Lady Nagant?" he sneered, attempting to provoke Itachi.

Itachi's eyes darkened further. "We'll see about that."

Suddenly, one of the men in the group looked uncomfortable, his face paling. "I—I need to use the restroom," he muttered nervously. The others nodded, and he quickly excused himself, heading toward the bathroom.

Once inside, he splashed water on his face, trying to shake the growing sense of dread creeping over him. But when he turned around, his blood ran cold. Itachi stood behind him, his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan glowing ominously.

"I know all the atrocities you've committed," Itachi said in a low voice.

The man's eyes widened in terror. "W-What are you talking about? How are you even here?"

Itachi ignored the question, his voice as cold as ice. "You've been working with villains, blackmailing women—one of whom ended her own life because of you. And you tried the same with Lady Nagant."

Hearing this, the man's fear deepened. His hands shook as he stumbled backward. "Security!" he screamed, his voice desperate.

But Itachi remained unfazed. "They can't see me."

The man's panic grew as he shouted again. Security guards rushed in moments later. "Sir, is something wrong?" one of them asked, looking around.

"He's—he's here! Aegis, standing right in front of me!" the man shouted, pointing at Itachi.

The security guards exchanged confused glances. "Sir, there's no one here," one of them said slowly.

The man's eyes widened in horror as he realized they couldn't see Itachi. "Wh-What? No, he's right here!" he insisted, his voice trembling.

Itachi stepped closer, his presence looming over the man. "Like I said, no one can see me. But if you don't confess everything in front of the media…" He trailed off, pulling out a kunai. In one swift motion, he stabbed the man in the gut.

The man screamed in agony, clutching his stomach. But when he looked down, there was no blood—only the searing pain that coursed through him. His wide, terrified eyes met Itachi's. "W-What is this?!" he gasped.

"It's just an illusion," Itachi replied coldly, his voice devoid of emotion. "But the pain is very real. And if you don't confess, I'll keep this going. Every ten minutes, I'll stab you again."

The man's face was drenched in sweat, his body trembling uncontrollably. "Wh-What do you want?!" he whimpered, desperation filling his voice.

"Confession," Itachi said simply, his tone as steady as ever.

The man shook his head weakly. "I—I can't—" Before he could finish, Itachi stabbed him again. He let out another agonizing scream, collapsing to the floor, the pain overwhelming him.

Back in the lobby, Keigo, Rumi, and Itachi stood calmly. Keigo glanced at Itachi, noticing his distant expression.

"So, can I meet her?" Itachi asked quietly, referring to Lady Nagant.

Keigo shook his head, regret in his eyes. "You can't. They won't allow it."

Itachi sighed, resigned to the answer. "Alright."

As the conversation ended, the weight of what was to come settled on Itachi's shoulders. The ground he was treading now was dangerous, but he was prepared for it. His eyes remained cold, yet there was a glimmer of determination in them—he wouldn't stop until justice was served.

After a while, Madam President entered the auditorium, flanked by a team of vigilant bodyguards. Her aura radiated authority, and the room seemed to fall silent in her presence. Itachi observed her carefully, his eyes narrowing.

"So, she's the president?" Itachi asked quietly, his gaze following her every move.

Keigo nodded, his usual playful tone absent. "Yeah, that's her."

The President glanced in their direction briefly, her sharp eyes making contact with Itachi's, but she said nothing. She turned and continued toward the stage.

Moments later, one of the lackeys emerged from a side door, his face pale, his body trembling slightly. He caught sight of Itachi, Keigo, and Rumi, and immediately turned away, shuffling forward as though trying to avoid attention.

Rumi raised an eyebrow. "He's acting weird."

Keigo, eyes narrowed, agreed. "Yeah, something's definitely off."

Itachi remained calm. "He's facing the consequences."

Keigo shot him a knowing look, and after a moment, his eyes widened in realization. "Wait… did you—have you cast an illusion on him?"

Itachi smirked, and Keigo broke into a wide grin. "Bro!" Keigo said, impressed by Itachi's silent methods.

Not long after, the media began filing into the room, cameras flashing, microphones set, the entire space buzzing with anticipation. Keigo checked the time and looked around. "Looks like it's time. We should head inside."

Nodding in agreement, Itachi, Keigo, and Rumi made their way to the front row of the grand auditorium. The room was filled with at least a hundred seats, and up front, rows of media personnel were already seated, their equipment ready to capture every word.

Keigo led them to their seats. "We'll take the front row."

They sat down, Itachi between Keigo and Kamui Woods. On their right sat Endeavor, Best Jeanist, Yoroi Musha, and Gang Orca, with All Might just a few seats down. Shortly after, Ryukyu entered, her presence drawing attention. She spotted them and waved.

"Hey, guys," Ryukyu greeted warmly.

Rumi smiled, gesturing for her to sit beside them. "Hey, Ryukyu, come sit here."

Ryukyu smiled and took a seat next to Rumi, settling in just as the auditorium grew quiet. The lights dimmed, and all eyes turned to the stage.

Madam President stepped up to the podium, her presence immediately commanding respect. She took a moment to look around the room before speaking, her voice strong and clear as she addressed the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, heroes of all ranks, citizens watching from across the nation—I stand before you today not only to announce the updated hero rankings, but to remind everyone of the true essence of heroism.

"This past year has been one of extraordinary challenges. Our society has faced threats from every angle—powerful villains, political unrest, and rising tensions that have tested the very core of our justice system. Yet through it all, the heroes we rely on stood tall, unwavering in their commitment to protect and serve.

"These rankings are not mere numbers. They are symbols of the trust our citizens place in each and every hero. The rankings reflect not just strength, but dedication, integrity, and the ability to inspire hope in those who need it most. Our citizens look up to you—not just for your power, but for the light you provide in times of darkness.

"This year, we've seen incredible growth and resilience among our heroes. All Might, our number one hero, has continued to shoulder the heavy burden of leadership, standing firm in his role as a symbol of strength. Best Jeanist has shown us the importance of elegance, discipline, and perseverance, maintaining his position among the top heroes despite personal trials.

"Rising stars such as Hawks and Mirko have demonstrated not only their unmatched skills in the field but their ability to inspire the next generation of heroes. And to those heroes who have recently entered the rankings or climbed higher than ever before—your determination is not only recognized, but celebrated.

(Itachi looks at both of them with pride in their chests. Itachi smiles and says "impressive." Keigo responds, "Thanks, man." Rumi adds, "I know I'm badass." Itachi and Keigo sweatdrop and Ryukyu chuckles.)

"However, rankings alone do not define a hero. Every hero, regardless of their number, plays a vital role in the safety and future of our society. Every mission, every rescue, every act of kindness—it all counts. You are more than just your title or position on this list. You are the guardians of our people, the protectors of our values, and the shield against the darkness that threatens to engulf us.

"To the heroes present today and to those who will rise tomorrow—know that the weight of this responsibility is heavy, but it is one you bear with honor. Continue to push yourselves to new heights. Continue to fight for justice. And remember, no matter your rank, the heart of a true hero beats in your courage, your compassion, and your relentless pursuit of a better world.

"The rankings today will highlight the achievements of our heroes, but they will also remind us all that heroism is not a destination, but a journey. It is the unwavering commitment to protect, to inspire, and to uplift those who depend on us.

"To every hero here and across the nation—thank you for your service. You are our shield. You are our hope. And with your strength, we will continue to forge a future where justice prevails."

As the audience clapped and cheered in response to the rankings being displayed, Itachi joined them in applause, his expression calm as ever. He thought to himself, That was a pretty great speech. The atmosphere in the auditorium was electric as the large screens displayed the newly revealed hero rankings.

The media were broadcasting everything live, with cameras capturing every reaction in the room. The list appeared on the screen:

All Might

Aegis

Endeavor

Hawks

Best Jeanist

Mirko

Kamui Woods

Wash

Gang Orca

Ryukyu

As the names were revealed, Itachi noticed the change in the air. Endeavor, sitting just a few seats away, turned his gaze toward him. Itachi could feel the intense anger radiating from the number three hero, a deep resentment simmering just below the surface. Though Endeavor didn't say anything, likely restrained by the presence of the media, his glare spoke volumes.

Itachi sighed softly, unfazed by the hostility, but aware of its weight. Keigo leaned over slightly with a smirk. "Looks like someone's a bit angry," he whispered in a teasing tone.

Rumi, seated on Itachi's other side, chuckled. "Guess Endeavor's got a new competitor to worry about."

Itachi sighed again, knowing that his rank, while earned, would certainly stir up tensions. The burden of standing out, especially as the second-ranked hero, was something he was already accustomed to. He glanced at the chart briefly before turning his attention back to the stage, where Madam President stood once more.

She acknowledged the chart, her sharp gaze sweeping across the crowd, before beginning her closing remarks.

"And now, I'd like to invite the top three heroes to give a few words," she announced.

The audience turned their attention to the front as the number one hero, All Might, stood up and walked to the podium. His presence was as commanding as ever, and the crowd erupted into applause as he took his place at the microphone.

All Might smiled warmly, raising a hand to quiet the crowd. "Thank you, everyone. I'll keep this brief. It's an honor to be recognized once again as the number one hero, but as always, the title means nothing without the work we do every day. The rankings are just a reflection of our commitment, and we must never forget the real reason we stand here today—to protect the people, to serve, and to inspire the next generation. Thank you for your support, and remember—together, we will continue to push forward toward a brighter future!"

The crowd cheered again as All Might gave a small bow and returned to his seat.

After Madam President acknowledged All Might's speech, she turned her attention back to the podium. "Thank you, All Might. Now, I'd like to invite our second-ranked hero, Aegis, to share a few words."

The room shifted as all eyes turned toward Itachi. Calm and composed, he stood up from his seat, his gaze briefly catching one of the lackeys in the crowd—the man was visibly trembling, his fear and panic almost palpable from where Itachi stood. Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his expression neutral as he made his way to the podium.

He first bowed respectfully to Madam President before adjusting the microphone. The room was silent as everyone waited for him to speak, intrigued by the stoic hero's rare public appearance.

With the same calm demeanor, Itachi Yaoyorozu, known now as Aegis, began his speech.

"Thank you," he said in a low, steady voice. "I'm not one for long speeches, but I'll say this. The role of a hero is not defined by rankings. It's not a title or a number. It's a responsibility—one that requires us to put the needs of the people first, no matter the cost."

He paused, his eyes scanning the crowd. The lackey he had placed under his genjutsu earlier seemed frozen in place, his fear deepening as Itachi's gaze briefly lingered on him.

"We live in a world where threats come in many forms, not all of them visible. As heroes, it's our duty to ensure the safety of the innocent and the vulnerable. But more than that, it's our duty to hold ourselves accountable. Strength without integrity is dangerous."

Itachi's words hung heavy in the air, his tone sharp but measured. His Sharingan flashed briefly as his gaze shifted away from the lackey, refocusing on the crowd.

"As we rise in these ranks, we must never forget the reason we started. Our power is not for ourselves. It is for the people who rely on us. Those who need protection. Those who believe in a future where they can live without fear."

He paused again, adjusting his stance slightly, his presence commanding despite his calm tone. "I will continue to uphold that responsibility. I will continue to protect. And for those who use their power to exploit or harm others... they will face justice."

As Itachi finished his speech, he turned toward the Madam President with his calm, calculating gaze. "If you don't mind, there's someone who has something to say," he said, his tone composed but with an undercurrent of urgency.

The president gave him a curious look, clearly surprised by the request. "Who?" she asked, glancing at Itachi.

"If you allow it," Itachi continued smoothly, "I'd like to call that person to the stage."

Madam President hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "I will allow it."

Itachi's gaze shifted to the lackey standing in the crowd, the man who had been under his genjutsu earlier. The lackey, pale as a ghost, stood up on shaky legs. The other lackeys near him moved to block his path, but he walked past them as if they didn't exist, his fear pushing him forward.

Rumi and Keigo exchanged glances, both understanding that this was part of Itachi's plan. All Might's face tightened with suspicion, while Endeavor's anger simmered beneath the surface. The tension in the room was palpable.

The lackey, now in full view of the entire audience, climbed the steps to the stage, each step slower than the last as if weighed down by the guilt of what was about to unfold. His face was pale, sweat trickling down his brow, and his hands trembled as he gripped the podium in desperation. The media turned their cameras on him, eager to capture every moment.

He cleared his throat nervously, the sound echoing through the suddenly silent room. His voice wavered as he spoke. "I... I'm here to confess."

The words sent a ripple of murmurs through the crowd. Journalists leaned in, sensing something significant was about to unfold. The lackey's eyes darted from face to face, but there was no escape from the eyes that watched him.

"My name... my name doesn't matter," he stammered, "but I was part of the Hero Public Safety Commission... in the operations division. And I—I committed crimes. Horrible crimes. But not against criminals... against people. Innocent people."

The crowd's murmur intensified as cameras zoomed in. Rumi, Keigo, and Itachi remained seated, watching the scene unfold, while All Might's face darkened with a growing sense of unease.

The lackey's voice cracked as he continued, his hands gripping the podium tightly. "We framed them. We made it look like these people were threats, like they were dangerous, but they weren't. They just didn't comply with the corruption... with the system."

Keigo's eyes narrowed as he listened, his suspicions about the Commission now openly confirmed. Rumi clenched her fists, anger flashing across her face. She had known, thanks to Itachi's subtle warnings, but hearing it laid bare in front of the entire nation was something else entirely.

"Kaina Tsutsumi—Lady Nagant—she didn't know," the lackey continued, his voice trembling. "She thought she was stopping criminals, but we lied to her. The targets... the people she killed... most of them weren't villains. They were heroes or civilians who refused to play along with the government's corruption."

A shocked gasp rippled through the room. Cameras zoomed in closer, catching every detail of the lackey's panicked face.

"These missions," he continued, wiping sweat from his forehead, "they were set up to look justified. But they weren't. The Commission was using her—using us—to silence anyone who got in their way. Five pro heroes... five who opposed the system... were eliminated."

Endeavor's eyes burned with rage, fists clenching as he processed the bombshell confession. All Might's face remained stoic, though the storm behind his eyes was unmistakable. The other heroes in the room, Kamui Woods, Ryukyu, Gang Orca—each one showed different levels of shock and anger.

The lackey raised a shaking hand, holding up a document for the cameras to capture. "This... this is a list of names. Heroes. Civilians. People who stood against the corruption, who tried to expose it. They were eliminated by the Commission, all under the former president's orders. And all of it... all of it was for the benefit of one man."

The room held its breath as the lackey's voice dropped to a whisper. "All of it... was connected to All for One."

At that name, the room erupted into chaos. Reporters shouted questions, camera flashes exploded in rapid succession, and the crowd buzzed with disbelief and horror. The mention of All for One shook the foundation of everything they thought they knew.

"The former president," the lackey said, barely audible over the commotion, "profited from it. The resources... the money... it was all funneled into All for One's schemes. He built secret organizations, all tied to the Commission's corruption. Lady Nagant was just a pawn in his game. She never knew."

Madam President's face was a mask of controlled fury, her knuckles white as she gripped the podium, seething beneath the surface. The media room had become a storm of questions, accusations, and shock as the truth of the Hero Commission's dirty dealings finally came to light.

Lackey stepped back from the podium, looking utterly defeated, his confession hanging in the air like a dark cloud. He had exposed a truth that had been buried for too long, and now, the entire world knew.

His hand shook as he lifted one of the papers, showing it to the cameras—a list of names, circled in red ink. "She didn't know... she was a pawn. And it was all for the benefit of one man: the president. He... he profited from it all—every last life she took. And all of it was to protect his empire, not our society."