News Spread!

They both stood in silence for a moment, watching as the police and paramedics wrapped up the scene. Itachi could see the woman he had helped being escorted into an ambulance by the female officers. She glanced back at him one last time, giving him a weak but grateful smile.

Star noticed the interaction and smirked slightly. "Looks like you've got another admirer."

Itachi sighed, shaking his head. "That's the last thing I need."

Star chuckled before turning more serious again. "Anyway, we should debrief soon, but first, let's get back to base. You've done enough for today."

Itachi nodded, following her lead. Despite the weight of the day, he couldn't help but think of the future—of the justice still left to serve and the lives still needing protection.

As they walked, Star spoke up again, her voice softer. "By the way, about all those Instagram reels… World's most handsome hero, huh?"

Itachi sighed deeply, knowing she wouldn't let him live it down. "I wish they'd focus on something more important."

Star smirked again. "Maybe, but like I said before, every edit is good."

With that, they continued on their way, knowing their work as heroes was never truly done.

As they continued on their way, Itachi's phone rang, displaying Keigo's name. Itachi glanced at Star, who raised an eyebrow at his sudden change in demeanor.

"Excuse me for a moment," Itachi said calmly, stepping aside. Star gave a brief nod, sensing the seriousness in his voice.

Itachi walked a short distance away before answering. "Hello?"

Keigo's tone was unusually grave. "Itachi, are you alone right now?"

The question, paired with Keigo's tense voice, immediately set off alarms in Itachi's mind. "Yes, I am. What's going on? You sound serious."

Keigo hesitated, as if weighing his next words carefully. "Because it is serious... Did you hear the news?"

"No," Itachi replied, his voice tightening. "What happened?"

A heavy sigh came from the other end of the line. "Good. I'm telling you now, but you need to stay calm and not overreact."

Itachi felt his pulse quicken. "Keigo, just say it."

Keigo took a deep breath, the pause feeling like an eternity before he finally spoke. "Tutsumi-san... she killed the president of the HPSC."

Itachi's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. "What?" His voice was barely a whisper. "How? Why?"

"There's a lot to this," Keigo said quickly, his voice more urgent now. "But I can't go into details. They're tracking our calls. I'm going to trash this phone after we hang up."

Itachi remained silent, the shock washing over him. Kaina? Of all people, he couldn't believe it. She wouldn't have done this without reason. But to kill the president? It made no sense.

Keigo continued, his voice softer but tense. "The new president of the HPSC is getting elected today. They're trying to cover this up fast. They might even announce the new top 10 heroes soon... and they're going to call you, Itachi."

Itachi's thoughts raced. "But why? Why would she kill him? There has to be a reason."

Keigo exhaled sharply, frustration seeping into his voice. "I don't know the full truth. All I can tell you is that they pushed her too far. Burdened her with impossible missions. Ones that... might have involved assassination. I think she finally snapped."

Itachi clenched his fist, a storm of emotions rising inside him—anger, disbelief, concern for Kaina. "You're saying they forced her to kill?"

"Yes... maybe. I don't have all the facts, but that's what it sounds like. The truth is murky. But listen, in the next day or two, they're going to call you in. They'll want to know what to do about Kaina."

"I'll be on the next flight out," Itachi said, already planning his next move.

"No," Keigo interrupted sharply. "Don't do that. If you come now, they'll know you've already been informed. Wait for two days. Then come. We have to be careful."

Itachi paused, the weight of the situation sinking in. He was torn—he wanted to act now, to understand, to help Kaina—but he also knew Keigo was right. He had to be strategic. "Understood. I'll wait."

There was a moment of silence before Keigo spoke again, his voice softer. "I'm sorry, my friend."

Itachi closed his eyes, the tension in his chest tightening further. "It's not your fault, Keigo. I know you're carrying your own burdens. We'll figure this out when we meet."

"Yeah," Keigo replied, his voice tinged with fatigue. "Take care, man. I'll do what I can to lessen her punishment."

"Thank you," Itachi said quietly before the line went dead.

Lowering the phone, Itachi's eyes darkened as the reality of the situation settled in. Kaina had crossed a line that would be hard to come back from, and soon, he would have to face the consequences of her actions alongside his own.

Two days. He had two days to figure out what to do. But what could he do? Kaina had taken an irreversible step by killing the president of the Hero Public Safety Commission. Even if she had been forced, manipulated, or pushed to the edge, the world wouldn't see her as anything but a criminal now. And Itachi knew what would come next—justice, swift and brutal, from the very heroes who had once praised her.

But Keigo's words echoed in his mind. I'll do what I can to minimize her punishment.

Minimize. The word stung. It implied there was already no way to stop what was coming. He could only lessen her suffering, not prevent it entirely.

As Itachi rejoined Star, she gave him a sideways glance, clearly sensing that something was wrong.

"What was that about?" she asked casually, though her eyes were sharp with curiosity.

"Nothing," Itachi responded quietly, keeping his voice calm. He didn't want to burden her with the situation just yet.

Star wasn't convinced. She crossed her arms and leaned slightly toward him. "You know, like I always say... we're a team. You can tell me if something's up."

Itachi met her gaze, his expression unreadable as ever. "I will... eventually. But not now."

Star sighed, clearly not satisfied but respecting his boundary for the moment. "Fine. Let's go. Our flight is waiting for us."

Itachi nodded, following her toward the boarding gate. But his mind wasn't on the mission anymore. Kaina's actions weighed heavily on him, clouding his thoughts. As they boarded the plane, Star kept to herself, occasionally glancing at him with concern.

Once seated, Itachi pulled out his phone, trying to distract himself. But the nagging curiosity about the situation with Kaina wouldn't let him rest. He opened a news app, scanning for anything related to the HPSC or Kaina. After scrolling through articles, he finally found one that made his blood run cold.

"Breaking: HPSC President Killed by Former Pro Hero Kaina Tsutsumi known as Lady Nagant."

Itachi's eyes widened as he read the headline. He quickly scrolled through the details. The article described how Kaina had allegedly assassinated the president in a highly publicized incident, with speculation swirling around her motives. The media was already spinning various theories—some calling her a villain, others portraying her as a tragic figure pushed too far.

Itachi's hand tightened around his phone. Kaina... had really done it.

He could feel the storm of emotions building inside him again—disbelief, anger, and a deep sense of sorrow for what had happened. He thought about what Keigo had told him on the phone, about the burdens placed on Kaina, the impossible missions she had been given.

He closed his eyes, taking a slow breath. I will understand when I get there. That was all he could think. Two days. He just had to wait for two days, and then he would confront the truth directly. Until then, he needed to focus.

But the thought of Kaina—what she must have been going through, what had driven her to this—gnawed at him. Just wait, he told himself again. We will talk.

He opened his eyes, staring out the window at the clouds below. The mission ahead seemed distant, overshadowed by the weight of what was to come.

Star had been watching Itachi closely ever since they boarded the plane. His expression, normally so composed and unreadable, now carried a weight she hadn't seen before. His brow was furrowed in thought, and though he remained silent, it was clear something heavy was weighing on him.

She sighed, leaning back in her seat but still stealing glances at him, trying to figure out what could be going on. Her curiosity got the better of her, so she casually opened her phone to distract herself. As she scrolled through her feed on Instagram, a breaking news post caught her eye—"HPSC President Killed by Kaina Tsutsumi."

Star's eyes widened in shock as she read the headline. Kaina Tsutsumi? The infamous former pro hero who had been disgraced and turned into a fugitive? And she... had killed the president of the HPSC?

Her pulse quickened as she scanned the article, trying to make sense of it. Then, one word leaped out at her from the article: No. 3 Hero.

Her gaze shot up from the phone to Itachi. The pieces began to fall into place in her mind. Itachi had been acting strange ever since his phone call, and now, this.

"Itachi..." she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

He hadn't moved, still staring out of the window, lost in his own thoughts. But there was a tightness in his expression, his lips pressed into a thin line, his jaw clenched slightly. His face, usually calm and stoic, was now clouded with sorrow.

Star's breath hitched in her throat as she realized the connection. She turned to look at Itachi, whose face was now a mask of sorrow, his features etched with the weight of the news. His normally sharp eyes were dulled with a kind of sadness she hadn't seen before.

She slowly lowered her phone, understanding the gravity of what she had just uncovered. "Is she the one you were talking about?" Star asked, her voice softer than usual, as if she already knew the answer but needed to hear it from him.

Itachi didn't speak immediately, his gaze still distant, but after a moment, he nodded. "Yes... Kaina."

Star leaned back in her seat, stunned. She hadn't expected this. Not from someone as calm and composed as Itachi, and certainly not involving someone so closely tied to him. She bit her lip, glancing back at her phone, then to Itachi again. "So... what now?" she asked, though the question seemed to hang in the air between them without an easy answer.

"I don't know," Itachi finally replied, his voice low and controlled, but with a hint of the turmoil that swirled inside him. "I have to wait two days before I can go back. Keigo warned me not to react too quickly. They're watching everything."

Star took a deep breath, trying to process the weight of the situation. "And Kaina... why? Why would she do something like this?"

He replied quietly. "But please, keep this between us. This could have serious consequences if it gets out prematurely."

Star felt a rush of emotions—concern, sympathy, and a bit of confusion—but she knew better than to press further. She nodded solemnly. "I won't say a word. I promise."

Itachi's hands tightened slightly in his lap. "Keigo said she was tormented by the missions they forced on her. Burdened with tasks no one should have to carry. She... snapped."

Star blinked, her expression hardening with the realization. "The HPSC. They did this to her."

"Yes," Itachi murmured, his voice almost a whisper. "But I can't be certain until I hear it from her myself."

Silence fell between them, heavy and filled with unspoken thoughts. Star could feel the weight of Itachi's internal struggle. This wasn't just about the mission or the reputation of heroes—it was personal. And for someone like Itachi, who valued loyalty and justice above all else, it was a deep betrayal of the system he had agreed to work within.

"Well," Star said, finally breaking the silence, her tone resolute, "we're a team. Whatever happens, you're not alone in this."

Itachi looked at her, his expression softening slightly, though the sorrow remained in his eyes. "Thank you, Star," he said quietly. "But... I may need to face this one on my own."

She gave him a firm look. "Maybe. But until then, I've got your back."

Itachi offered a small nod of appreciation, though his mind was still a storm of unresolved thoughts. Two days. That was all the time he had to prepare himself for what was to come. And as much as he appreciated Star's support, he knew this confrontation with Kaina was one he had to handle alone.

They both settled into the flight, the clouds passing by beneath them, but for Itachi, the real storm was yet to come.

As they arrived at the military base, the weight of the recent events hung heavy between Itachi and Star. He hadn't said a word since their conversation on the plane. Once the jet touched down, Itachi gave Star a brief, respectful bow, his eyes filled with an unspoken gratitude, before quietly making his way to his assigned barrack.

Inside, the small, dimly lit room felt strangely comforting to him. He laid down on the stiff mattress, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing but his body too exhausted to keep up. Just as he closed his eyes, his phone buzzed.

It was his mother, Yana.

For a moment, Itachi hesitated. He hadn't spoken to her in some time, and after everything that had happened with Kaina, the last thing he wanted to do was worry her. But he knew that ignoring the call would only make her more anxious. With a quiet sigh, he picked up the phone.

"Mother," he greeted softly.

"Itachi," Yana's voice came through, a mixture of relief and sadness. "How are you, my son? I've been worried. I saw the news... I know how much she meant to you."

Itachi closed his eyes, the familiar warmth of his mother's voice tugging at the emotions he had been trying to suppress. "I'm... managing," he replied, but even he could hear the strain in his voice.

Yana was quiet for a moment, her breath hitching as she tried to gather her words. "I know this is hard for you, Itachi. I can't imagine what you're going through, but I want you to know that you're not alone. You never have to carry these burdens by yourself."

"I know," Itachi murmured, his throat tightening as memories of Kaina resurfaced. "But it feels like I failed her. I should've known… I should've seen it coming."

Yana's voice softened, full of motherly compassion. "Itachi, you couldn't have known. You've always carried more than your fair share of responsibility, but sometimes... there are things beyond even your control."

Itachi clenched his jaw, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I just... I can't help but feel like I let her down."

There was a pause on the other end, and Yana's voice cracked slightly. "You didn't let her down, my son. You did everything you could. You always do. And I believe... she knew that. But now, it's important to be kind to yourself. You can't bear the weight of the world all on your own."

Itachi swallowed hard, feeling the sting of unshed tears, but he refused to let them fall. "I know, Mother... I'll be okay."

Yana's tone shifted to something more comforting, as if trying to console him with every word. "I love you, Itachi. Please, don't lose yourself in all this. Take it one day at a time, and when you're ready, you can talk to me. I'll always be here for you."

A brief silence settled between them, heavy with shared emotion. Itachi finally managed to say, "I love you too, Mother."

Before Yana could respond, there was a soft knock on Itachi's door. He knew it was time to rejoin the team. "I have to go now, but... thank you. For everything."

"Take care of yourself," Yana whispered, her voice full of warmth. "We'll talk soon."

Itachi ended the call and stared at the phone in his hand for a long moment. The pain in his chest had dulled slightly, but the uncertainty of what awaited him with Kaina's situation lingered in the air like a shadow.

With a deep breath, he stood up, steeling himself for what was to come. There was no room for hesitation. He had to keep moving forward, even if the path ahead was shrouded in darkness.

Itachi lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. The weight of Kaina's situation gnawed at him, and a deep sadness filled his chest. He understood all too well what it felt like to be used as a tool, and the memories of his own past came flooding back. He reached for his phone and opened the chat with Kaina, his thumb hovering over her last message. It took all his strength to suppress his emotions, and he whispered to himself, "I know Keigo will try to help... I just need to be patient."

Letting out a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes, thoughts of Kaina swirling in his mind like a storm he couldn't escape.

Days passed, and Itachi found himself sitting in a quiet room with Star. The tension between them had lessened, though it was clear Star still worried about him. She glanced at him occasionally, her eyes full of unspoken concern. Then, his phone rang, breaking the silence. He looked down at the caller ID, and Star gave him a nod, signaling him to take the call.

"Hello?" Itachi answered, his voice steady but cold.

A woman's voice came through the line, formal and firm. "Hello, Itachi Yaoyorozu. I'm the president of the HPSC."

"Yes?" Itachi responded, his tone cautious.

"I'm sure you're already aware of the situation involving Lady Nagant," she continued, her voice sharp with purpose. "You may have read the article."

Itachi's gaze hardened. "I have," he replied, his words clipped.

"We need you to come to Japan," she said, her tone brooking no argument.

Itachi frowned. "For what purpose?"

The woman on the other end hesitated for a brief moment before replying, "To discuss the case involving Lady Nagant and to formally address your rank and role in Japan. Your presence is required for the decision-making process."

Itachi was silent for a long moment, considering her words. His thoughts raced, but his face remained impassive. Finally, he said, "Okay."

"Day after tomorrow," she continued, "you are expected at the HPSC headquarters. Don't be late."

Without waiting for a response, the woman ended the call. Itachi lowered the phone and met Star's concerned gaze.

"Don't worry," she said gently. "I can arrange something for you."

Itachi shook his head. "No need, Master. I'll call my father. He'll handle it."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang again. This time, it was his father. Itachi answered, his tone softening slightly. "Father."

"I've already booked your tickets," his father said without preamble. "Your flight is at 5 PM today. But don't go straight to the HPSC. Come home first. There's something we need to discuss."

Itachi's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

His father's voice softened, a rare moment of vulnerability. "I know you have a lot on your mind, son. But first, come home. We'll talk then."

Itachi nodded, even though his father couldn't see him. "Alright. I'll be there."

"Take care," his father added before hanging up.

Itachi lowered the phone, lost in thought. What could his father want to discuss? He'd rarely been this insistent. As the questions swirled in his mind, he couldn't help but feel the weight of everything crashing down on him. Kaina's fate, his own future in Japan, and now whatever his father had to reveal—it was all coming at once.

Star watched him quietly, sensing his inner turmoil but knowing better than to press him. Instead, she simply said, "Whatever it is, you'll handle it. You always do."

Itachi nodded at Star's suggestion to pack, and as he turned to leave, he stopped and bowed deeply to her. "I am honored to have a master like you," he said with sincerity.

Star blinked in surprise before smiling warmly. She walked over to him and gently patted his head, a rare gesture from her. "Stay strong, okay?"

Itachi gave a sad smile and nodded. He went to his barracks, gathering his belongings and reflecting on the upcoming journey. "I'm coming," he whispered to himself, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his heart.

As he finished packing, Lewis, Jasper, and Herman entered the room. "So, your time has come to leave, huh?" Lewis asked.

Itachi turned to them, nodding. "Yes, there's an emergency. I have to leave now."

Herman clapped him on the shoulder. "Man, it's been a fun year with you. We're gonna miss you, buddy."

Itachi gave them a sad smile, appreciating their camaraderie. "I'll come back someday to visit."

The three men nodded, understanding the gravity of the moment. As Itachi headed outside, a group of female soldiers approached him. One of them teased, "So, our little child is heading home, huh?"

Itachi smiled softly. "I'll come back to visit you all again."

One of the soldiers laughed, "We're all going to miss you, world's most handsome hero!" The comment drew laughter from the group, and even Itachi let out a sigh with a small smile playing on his lips.

Star appeared then, motioning toward the car. "Come, I'll drop you off," she said, her tone gentle but firm.

Itachi nodded as Jems, one of her subordinates, arrived to announce, "Ma'am, the car is ready."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Star led the way, and Itachi followed. As they drove through the base, many soldiers waved goodbye. "Don't forget to visit us, okay?" one called out.

Itachi nodded, waving back as they made their way to the airport.

When they arrived, Star stopped outside the terminal, turning to him. "Now, make sure you check in properly," she said, her voice a mix of authority and affection.

Itachi gave a respectful nod. "I will take my leave now."

"Goodbye, Aegis," she said with a smile, using his hero name.

He headed toward security and check-in, glancing back only once before stepping into the airport. Star sighed as she watched him go, then turned and left, her expression reflective.

As Itachi boarded the plane, he made his way to business class, his usual seat. The air hostess, seeing him, gasped slightly before composing herself. "You're Aegis, aren't you?" she asked, her voice filled with awe.

Itachi gave a simple nod.

"Sir, if you don't mind... could I take a picture with you?" she asked hesitantly.

He nodded again, and she quickly took a selfie, her face lighting up with joy. "Thank you so much, sir," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

She cleared her throat and gestured toward the upper level. "Your seat is upstairs, sir. Take the stairs and turn right."

"Thank you," Itachi replied, his voice calm as always. He made his way to his seat, settling down with a long sigh. His mind drifted back to Kaina, the impending confrontation, and what awaited him back in Japan. As the plane took off, he closed his eyes, trying to prepare himself for whatever lay ahead.

As the plane continued its ascent, Itachi settled into his seat, hoping for a quiet journey. However, it wasn't long before a group of flight attendants began to gather near his seat, whispering excitedly. One by one, they approached him, their eyes wide with admiration.

"Excuse me, sir... You're Aegis, right?" one of them asked with a shy smile.

Itachi nodded, his face calm. "Yes."

"Oh my gosh, can I please take a picture with you?" she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.

Itachi, ever the polite figure, nodded again. "Of course," he said softly.

As the first picture was taken, more flight attendants approached, each one eager for their own moment with the hero. They surrounded him, their phones out, all wanting a piece of his time. One after another, he obliged, posing politely for selfies and group photos, his calm demeanor never wavering.

Several of them blushed deeply, some more bold than others, offering compliments.

"You're even more handsome in person," one of them giggled nervously, her face flushing red as she stood close to him.

"Your eyes are so... captivating," another added, clearly enchanted by his piercing gaze.

A third hostess leaned in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "If you ever need company during your stay, don't hesitate to call me." She handed him a small card with her number, her eyes lingering on him for a moment longer than necessary.

Itachi took the card without any change in his expression, simply tucking it into his pocket, his mind still focused elsewhere.

Despite the attention and playful hints from the hostesses, he remained composed. The laughter and flustered faces around him didn't seem to reach him, as his thoughts drifted to more serious matters.

After several minutes of enduring the attention, Itachi let out a quiet sigh, his patience still intact but his desire for solitude growing. He looked up at the group of attendants with a calm but firm expression.

"Thank you for your kindness," he said, his voice gentle yet resolute. "But if you don't mind... I would appreciate some alone time."

The attendants blinked in surprise, sensing the subtle shift in his tone. They quickly nodded, their smiles fading into understanding. "Of course, sir," one of them said apologetically. "We're sorry for bothering you."

"It's no bother," Itachi reassured them, offering a small, polite smile. "Thank you."

One by one, they backed away, still casting glances at him as they returned to their duties, some blushing from their earlier interactions.

As they left him in peace, Itachi exhaled deeply, closing his eyes for a moment. The weight of what awaited him in Japan began to settle back into his mind. The excitement of the flight attendants had been a brief distraction, but now, once again, his thoughts returned to Kaina, the HPSC, and the looming decisions he would soon face.

He leaned back in his seat, allowing the hum of the plane to envelop him. Solitude, though temporary, was exactly what he needed to gather his thoughts before the storm ahead.

Meanwhile Kaina sat in the dimly lit interrogation room, her hands bound in cuffs as she stared at the cold steel table in front of her. The air was thick with tension, and the HPSC guards surrounding her kept their eyes fixed on her every move, as if she were a dangerous beast waiting to strike.

The door creaked open, and Keigo stepped inside, his usual playful demeanor replaced by something far more serious. He walked over to her, placing a tray of food in front of her, though he knew she had little interest in eating.

"Kaina Tatsumi…" he began, his voice strained as he stood in front of her. She looked up at him, her eyes icy and unwavering, sending a chill down his spine.

"I did what I did," Kaina said flatly, her voice devoid of any remorse. "And I don't regret it."

Keigo swallowed hard, the weight of her words hitting him. He glanced at the guards, then leaned slightly closer to her, his voice low but insistent. "That's not the point, Tatsumi-san. There had to be a reason for what you did. I need to understand it—maybe it could help reduce your punishment."

Kaina's lips curled into a bitter smile, her eyes narrowing as she regarded him. "And what will you do with that information, Takami? Save me? Convince the HPSC to show mercy? You know as well as I do, they want me dead."

"Not everyone wants that," Keigo said, his tone more desperate now. "If you explain what happened—why you did it—it might at least buy you some time. We can minimize your sentence, maybe even get you out of this alive."

Her cold laugh echoed through the room, sharp and cynical. "You mean the HPSC members? The ones who sent me on missions that broke me, who turned me into their weapon? They're the ones who deserve to die." Her voice was filled with venom, the bitterness of years of manipulation and control seeping through.

Keigo hesitated, searching her face for any sign of the Kaina he once knew, the woman who had once fought for justice. He leaned closer, lowering his voice as he revealed something that caused her to freeze.

"Itachi is on his way."

Kaina's cold demeanor faltered for a split second, her eyes widening in shock. She quickly masked her reaction, but Keigo had already seen the flash of emotion in her eyes.

"He's ditching his internship to come here. He's coming to save you."

Her smile returned, this time softer, but still laced with sadness. "Of course he is. He always was stubborn like that."

Keigo leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You don't understand his position. He's a high-ranking hero now, Kaina. He's risking everything to defend you."

She met his eyes, the smile fading from her lips. "He shouldn't come. He needs to stay far away from me. He's become famous… If he gets involved, his reputation will be dragged down with mine."

"He's not the type to care about that," Keigo replied, his voice firm. "But even with his help, there's only so much he can do. You'll still have to serve time. That's inevitable. But Itachi will make sure you aren't executed, and he'll work to clear your name."

Kaina looked down, her expression unreadable. She knew he was right. Itachi's influence could save her from the worst of it, but in the end, her crimes would demand punishment.

"That's sweet of him," she murmured. "But he needs to stay away. His name linked with mine will ruin him."

"Don't say that," Keigo snapped, his frustration showing. "He cares about you. He won't abandon you just to protect his reputation."

Kaina remained silent, her gaze hard and unwavering as Keigo stood before her, pressing her for answers. The weight of the situation seemed to press down on both of them, yet she showed no sign of relenting.

Keigo let out a small sigh. "Tutsumi-san… please. We need the full story. There's someone else who can help us, but I need you to trust me." His voice softened, but there was an undeniable urgency behind it.

Kaina's eyes flickered briefly with curiosity, but she remained still. Keigo stepped toward the door, signaling for someone outside. "Sir, can you come in?"

The door creaked open, and a man walked in. He was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a plain suit that did little to reveal anything about him. Kaina's eyes followed him closely, her brows furrowing slightly as she tried to place him.

Keigo smirked, gesturing to the man. "Kaina Tatsumi, meet Detective True Man. He'll be helping us get to the truth today."

True Man nodded, his eyes sharp and unwavering. "I have a quirk that allows me to detect when someone is telling the truth," he said simply, his voice low but firm.

Kaina's eyes widened ever so slightly, realization dawning on her. Her heart raced for a moment, but she masked it quickly, her face returning to its usual cold composure. They were serious. They wouldn't stop until they had every detail.

True Man took a seat across from her, his gaze never leaving her face. Keigo, meanwhile, sat beside him, his usual lighthearted demeanor nowhere to be found.

"Okay," Kaina said quietly, her voice almost too soft to hear. Keigo smiled faintly, relieved by her willingness to cooperate, and leaned in slightly as True Man nodded, signaling for her to begin.

"The truth is… the president of the HPSC—he wasn't just corrupt," Kaina started, her voice gaining strength as she went on.

Keigo sat back in his chair, stunned. Everything he thought he knew about the HPSC was unraveling before him, and Kaina's words echoed in his mind.

True Man, who was shocked throughout the confession, finally spoke. "She's telling the truth."…