Chapter-32

In another part of the city, specifically in the upscale "high society" district, where each block was adorned with sprawling mansions that occupied vast expanses of land, a single mansion towered above the rest. It bore the prestigious name "Yaoyorozu" engraved in golden letters on its imposing gates. As one ventured closer, they would notice a sprawling, meticulously maintained garden with a diverse range of flora, all bordered by a stone path that led to the mansion.

We now turn our attention to the young heiress, Yaoyorozu. She was currently in her room, her long hair cascading down as she donned a classic 19th-century beige dress that reached just past her knees. The room was adorned with a desk piled high with books on advanced chemistry and other subjects that would challenge even college-level scholars.

Momo, however, couldn't muster her usual enthusiasm for learning and was growing increasingly bored. Closing one of her books, she rose from her desk and left her room, traversing the seemingly endless hallways and greeting the mansion's staff, who served as its diligent servants. After a few minutes, she arrived at a pair of grand doors that automatically swung open upon sensing her presence.

Beyond the doors lay an expansive office, spanning at least 50 square meters and boasting a ceiling that soared nearly 10 meters high. Shelves lined with countless books adorned the walls, and in various corners, stained glass windows displayed an array of trophies and photographs of Momo at different stages of her life, always accompanied by her mother, though conspicuously absent was any image of her father. At the far end of the office sat Yaoyorozu Majime behind a massive desk.

"I'll call you back later," the black-haired woman briskly ended her call on her state-of-the-art phone, a slender glass screen. She offered a soft smile as she waved her daughter over. "What's on your mind, dear?" she inquired calmly, her gaze attentively fixed on Momo as she settled into a chair across from her desk.

"Mother, what is your opinion of Uzumaki Naruto?" Momo's question caused her mother's smile to fade, replaced by a more serious expression. Without interruption, Momo delved further into her query and the subject that had been troubling her. "Many view him as someone who should be confined or closely monitored, almost like a wild beast. He's burdened by the anklet they've placed on him, and he also endures constant harassment from rumors spread by fellow students. Everyone seems to fear him and doubts his loyalty. However, I witnessed firsthand how he risked his life for us... for me." The teenager's words were filled with doubt and concern, prompting a sigh from Majime.

"People tend to fear those who demonstrate greater strength and agility than others. However, beyond the physical aspect, Naruto is feared for his ideals and his unconventional problem-solving methods. We're accustomed to caped heroes descending from the sky to defeat villains, bringing about a tidy, happy ending. Naruto, on the other hand, approaches things differently, and even though it might be unconventional, it could be more effective," Momo found herself gasping in disbelief at her mother's words. She couldn't believe her mother was endorsing Naruto's methods of handling confrontations with villains.

"But, Mother, the laws are strict and must be respected. That's how this system functions," Momo replied, a tone of disbelief still lingering in her voice. Normally, she would never question her mother's words, but this revelation had caught her off guard.

"No matter how perfect something may seem, there will always be flaws. Do you know why I left my career as a lawyer, dear?" Her mother, the older black-haired woman wearing glasses, asked softly. She interlaced her fingers and rested her elbows on her desk.

"No..." Momo admitted that she was unaware of why her mother had abandoned her promising career in her youth. She had graduated with top honors and even secured offers to work with prestigious firms abroad. Yet, her mother had chosen to establish her own company, becoming a successful industry tycoon.

"In my first two years as a lawyer, I had to represent people—no, monsters—who didn't even deserve to breathe. I defended sick individuals who had committed murders, rapes, and heinous acts against innocent people. I felt like a hypocrite, prioritizing winning cases over seeking justice..." Her mother heaved a heavy sigh, sinking back into her chair. She removed her glasses and massaged the bridge of her nose with her fingers, seeking relief. "When I left that career and started anew, I met your father. The years passed, and together, we built our company. But... when I was seven months pregnant with you, I received a call. They said your father had died while defending himself from a villain who had just escaped from prison. If only someone like Naruto-kun had been there to deal with that villain decisively, your father might still be with us."

"..." Momo remained silent, absorbing the emotional weight of what her mother had just shared. Tears welled up in her eyes. This was the first time she had heard the true story of her father's demise. She watched in silence as her mother rose from her desk, opened a drawer on a nearby shelf, and retrieved some files, placing them on the table.

"You've probably heard of vigilantes. They were among the first to use their powers against those causing havoc in the early days of Quirks. However, as time passed, they fell out of favor as the government established the 'Pro Heroes' system. Many of the vigilantes who didn't meet the criteria to become professional heroes were forgotten, or if they continued their activities, they were labeled as villains..." Her mother handed her some of the files and began to open them, offering them to her daughter. "I've conducted thorough research on Naruto-kun's life to prepare a defense for him in court. Surprisingly, I've discovered more than I initially anticipated."

"What is this...?" Momo began to examine the files. Inside, she found newspaper clippings related to various disappearances and testimonials from people who had been saved by an anonymous 'hero.' The only description provided was that of a hooded silhouette.