Chapter 38

Nezu held up his paw as he tried to think of how to proceed. "Right now all of our information is uncertain. And it has become clear that Kumagawa-san has no intention of implicating himself in any way. So let's try to clear some things up first." he said as he formed his paws into a steeple. "Your name is Kumagawa Misogi, correct?"

[As a matter of fact it is. That was the name I came into this world with. Or rather, the name I was given upon coming into this world. No one just pops out of the womb with a name-tag on them.]

"Age?"

[Teens.]

"Blood type?"

[AB.]

"Are we really doing this?" asked Hound Dog. "It's more than obvious that he won't give us a true answer."

"A false answer is still an answer nonetheless. Even if it's incorrect, it still helps us to paint the picture." replied Nezu. "Hobbies?"

[Reading Shounen Jump.]

"Quirk?" Nezu asked on the off-chance he'd get an answer.

[Bzzt. Try again.]

"This isn't a game show brat. You don't get to pass if you can't answer." Aizawa said as he put a firm hand on kumagawa's shoulder.

"Do you truly intend to become a Hero?"

[Absolutely.] responded Kumagawa. [That is the goal I've set for myself, and I am determined to reach it.]

The back-and-forth questioning continued for another couple minutes before Nezu began to feel satisfied with what he had. There was surely a few bits of truth in what Kumagawa had given them, and he would use that to search for the boys history. "I think that will be enough for now. Just one last question; Are you sure you won't tell us what your Quirk is?"

Kumagawa hummed in thought as he looked at the ceiling. [Tell you what, let's make a deal.]

Nezu raised a brow. "What kind of deal?"

[I'll tell you what my ability is, if you are able to complete my challenge. But if you don't, then I want assurance that you will not expel me from U.A. for the duration of my stay. Deal?]

"... And what exactly is this challenge you have in mind?"

[Oh, I just want someone, anyone in this room, to shake hands with me. Pick one person and have them come over here. Do that, and you get your answer.]

It seemed too good to be true. From any perspective, it looked as if Kumagawa was simply throwing in the towel and just wanted an excuse for doing so. But Nezu knew that something was hidden in there.

[I'll even let you have Aizawa-sensei use his Quirk on me while it happens, and I won't move an inch. So, what do you say?]

"Let's just get this over with." spoke Vlad King as he stood up. "I'll shake the kids hand and end this farce." he said as he walked over to Kumagawa.

[Are you sure? Last chance to back out.]

The blood Hero gave a nod to Aizawa which was returned. The Erasure Hero's eyes turned red and his hair stood up as he activated his Quirk.

[Well then, let's shake.] Kumagawa spoke as he held out his hand.

The Pro-Hero reached his hand out to grasp the teens, all but sure he would be able to do so. Even if Kumagawa had a Quirk that could somehow prevent him from shaking hands, with Aizawa cancelling it out with his own, there would be nothing to stop him. The outcome was all but certain.

But...

Just inches from making contact with Kumagawa's hand, Vlad King's own snapped backwards at an alarming rate, startling all present.

"W-what the hell?"

[What's the matter Vlad King? I thought we were going to shake hands?]

Aizawa briefly deactivated his Quirk and glanced at the other Pro. "What happened?"

"I... I don't know."

"Try again."

[Ah, ah, ah.] Kumagawa interrupted as he wagged his finger. [You had one chance and were unable to complete the task. So for the time being my sentence has been suspended. Not exactly a win for me, but rather a delayed loss.]

"What the hell did you do brat?" Aizawa asked as he glared at Kumagawa.

[Please, Aizawa-sensei, you're scaring me with that scathing glare. Principal, can you ask Aizawa to stop threatening me?]

"Leave him be Aizawa." spoke the mouse-man.

"But sir-"

"I'm afraid that this is where we must conclude the days activities. We have garnered what information we can, and that will have to be enough for the time being." Nezu said as he fished through his pockets for the key to the handcuffs. "Don't think that this is over Kumagawa-san. We will be keeping an eye on you." he then tossed the keys across the table to Aizawa.

[I expected nothing less.] responded Kumagawa as Aizawa released him. [Now if you don't mind, I need to hurry to the store before they close. The latest issue of Shounen Jump comes out today!] the teen said as he took his leave.

"Under no circumstances is for any of what transpired here to leave this room. Swear the students to silence along with anyone else who might have heard of the events at the U.S.J. Do not in any way antagonize Kumagawa. It is clear that he is hiding something, but we can't risk the safety of others just to sate our curiosity. He seems to genuinely want to be friends with his classmates, so I don't believe they are in any danger. For the time being, I'll work on digging up his background." ordered Nezu.