[36] Inner Circles

[With Kaori]

Kaori slipped out of the hospital room as silently as she'd entered, leaving Yoichi sleeping peacefully. Her chest ached with each step away from him, but she forced herself to keep moving. The night shift nurses never noticed her pass.

A black sedan idled in the parking lot, its tinted windows reflecting the streetlights. She opened the passenger door and slid in, not bothering to look at the driver.

"Took you long enough," Toji said, eyes fixed on his phone. A basketball game played, players darting across the small screen. "Come on, hit the three, hit the three- Yes!" He pumped his fist. "Two more quarters and this parlay's gonna pay big."

Kaori stared straight ahead. "We need to go."

"What, no hello? No 'thanks for being my getaway driver while I had an emotional breakdown'?" He glanced at her. "You've been crying."

"Drive."

Toji shrugged and pulled out of the lot. "Boss wants us back in Kyoto tonight. Says you've got some explaining to do."

"I know."

They drove in silence for a while, broken only by Toji's occasional cheers or curses at his game. Kaori watched the city blur past, trying not to think about the warmth of Yoichi's arms or the way he'd whispered 'I love you' when he thought she was asleep.

"You really fucked up, you know that?" Toji said eventually, setting his phone down as the game went to commercial. "Getting attached to the target? Amateur hour."

"I didn't mean to."

"Yeah, well, intentions don't mean shit in our line of work." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small box. "Here. Boss wanted you to have this before the meeting."

Kaori opened it. Inside lay a simple silver ring, etched with geometric patterns. She recognized the design - all Eclipse inner circle members wore them.

"Congratulations," Toji said dryly. "You're officially one of us now. Try not to let your boyfriend find out."

She slipped the ring onto her finger. It felt heavy, final. "He's not my boyfriend."

"No? What would you call whatever that was back there then?"

"A mistake."

Toji laughed. "Damn, ice cold. Maybe you'll survive this meeting after all." He checked his phone again. "Ah shit, they're choking in the fourth."

Kaori tuned him out, focusing on the ring. The geometric patterns seemed to shift in the passing streetlights, forming and reforming like...like the lotus pattern in Yoichi's eyes when he used his quirk.

"Stop it," she muttered to herself.

"Hm?"

"Nothing." She squared her shoulders. "What's the cover story?"

"Family emergency in Kyoto. Your grandmother's sick or something." Toji tossed his phone onto the dashboard in disgust. "Fucking Rockets can't hold a lead to save their lives."

"And U.A.?"

"Already handled. Boss got you an excused absence for a few weeks." He gave her a sidelong look. "Though after that stunt with lover boy, might be better if you don't go back at all."

"The mission-"

"The mission was to observe and report. Not play Romeo and Juliet with the primary target."

Kaori's tail lashed once, the only outward sign of her irritation. "I can still complete the objective."

"Can you?" Toji's voice turned serious. "Because from where I'm sitting, you're compromised. And compromised agents-"

"I know what happens to compromised agents."

They fell into tense silence. The highway stretched ahead, empty at this late hour. Kaori watched her reflection in the window, noting how easily she'd slipped back into Jane Doe's harder edges.

"He figured it out, you know," she said quietly.

"Figured what out?"

"His quirk. During the USJ fight. He touched something... fundamental."

"How fundamental?"

"The kind that makes the boss's theories look conservative."

"Shit." He drummed his fingers on the wheel. "That's why you went to see him tonight? To confirm?"

She nodded.

"And?"

"And he can't access it anymore. Not consciously at least." She twisted the ring on her finger. "But it's there, waiting."

"Boss'll want to know everything."

"I know."

"And I mean everything, Jane. Even the personal stuff."

She closed her eyes. "I know."

The rest of the drive passed in silence. Kaori spent it compartmentalizing, building walls between Jane Doe and the girl who'd cried in Yoichi's arms. By the time they reached Kyoto, her face was a mask of professional detachment.

The Eclipse compound sat beneath an old shrine, its entrance hidden behind centuries of careful misdirection. Toji parked in their usual spot and killed the engine.

"Ready?"

Kaori checked her reflection in the visor mirror. No trace of tears, no hint of weakness. "Ready."

The shrine's steps were slick with recent rain. They descended past the public areas into the hidden sublevel, where traditional architecture gave way to sleek modern designs. A few night shift researchers nodded as they passed, their lab coats marked with the Eclipse logo.

"They're in the main conference room," Toji said unnecessarily.

Kaori could feel the weight of what waited behind those doors. She straightened her spine, adjusted her expression into Jane Doe's careful neutrality, and pushed them open.

The conference room was dimly lit, its long table empty except for one figure at the far end. Shinji Kurokami sat reading a leather-bound book, seemingly absorbed in its pages. He didn't look up as they entered.

"Boss," Toji said, bowing slightly. "We're back."

"So I see." Shinji turned a page. "How was the game?"

"Rockets choked in the fourth."

"Mm. A damn shame." He finally looked up, his eyes finding Kaori's. "Jane. Welcome home."

She bowed deeper than Toji had. "Glad to be back."

"That ring suits you." He closed his book. "Though I wonder if you're ready for what it represents."

"I am."

"Are you?" He gestured for her to sit. "Then tell me about Yoichi Nakamura's awakening."

Kaori sat, her tail curling around the chair leg. "It happened during the USJ attack. He was fighting the artificial human-"

"Nomu," Shinji supplied. "An interesting creation. Continue."

She described the battle in clinical detail, watching Shinji's expression for any reaction. His face remained neutral until she reached the moment of awakening.

"And you're certain?" he asked. "About what you felt?"

"Yes sir. It wasn't just spatial manipulation anymore. He touched something deeper - the fundamental nature of space itself."

Shinji leaned back. "Just as the research predicted. Fascinating." He smiled slightly. "And how did this revelation affect you personally, Jane?"

There it was. The real question behind this meeting.

"It didn't," she lied.

"No?" He raised an eyebrow. "Then why visit him tonight?"

She kept her voice steady. "To confirm the extent of his current abilities. He can't access that level of power anymore, though the potential remains."

"I see." Shinji stood, walking to the window that overlooked their underground training facility. "And the tears on your face when you left his room? Were those part of your confirmation process as well?"

Kaori's tail tightened around the chair leg. "A momentary lapse. It won't happen again."

"No," Shinji agreed. "It won't." He turned back to face her. "Because you're going to make a choice right now, Jane. That ring on your finger? It means you're family. But family requires loyalty. Absolute loyalty."

"I understand."

"Do you?" He moved with liquid grace, suddenly right beside her chair. "Then tell me the truth. Not what you think I want to hear. The truth about your feelings for the boy."

Kaori met his gaze. In the dim light, his eyes seemed to hold entire universes of possibility.

"I love him," she said quietly. "And I hate myself for it."

Shinji smiled - a real smile this time, warm and understanding. "Good."

"Sir?"

"Honesty, Jane. That's what family requires first and foremost." He returned to his seat. "The question now is: what matters more? That love, or our cause?"

"The cause," she said without hesitation. "Always the cause."

"Even if completing your mission means breaking his heart?"

Her tail finally uncurled from the chair leg. "Even then."

Shinji studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "Very well. You may return to U.A. in a few weeks. Continue monitoring his development, but maintain emotional distance from now on. We can't risk compromising the larger operation."

"Understood."

"And Jane?" His voice softened slightly. "It's okay to carry that love with you. Just don't let it control your actions."

She stood, bowing again. "Yes sir."

"Toji will brief you on the updated parameters tomorrow. For now, get some rest. You look exhausted."

Toji watched Jane leave, her footsteps silent even on the polished floor. The girl had learned well - too well, maybe. He counted to thirty in his head, giving her time to clear the complex before speaking up.

Shinji had already returned to his book, seemingly absorbed in whatever strange book he always had with him. The silence stretched, broken only by the occasional turn of a page.

"Something on your mind, Toji?" Shinji asked without looking up.

"You really think it's smart keeping her on this?" Toji leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "She's compromised. We both know it."

"You don't trust her?"

"Trust's got nothing to do with it." Toji pulled out his phone, checking the basketball scores one last time. "Love makes people stupid. Makes them soft. Makes them-"

"Predictable," Shinji finished, closing his book with a soft thud. "Tell me, do you know what the most twisted curse is?"

Toji snorted. "No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me."

When Shinji looked up, something had changed. The casual grace was gone, replaced by something darker. Toji felt it in his bones - that familiar pressure that made even his combat-honed instincts scream danger. This wasn't Shinji anymore. This was Chrollo.

"Love," Chrollo said. "The purest poison. The sweetest trap." He traced a finger along the book's spine. "If Jane does betray us..."

He left the sentence hanging, but Toji heard the unspoken end clear enough. He'd seen what happened to traitors before.

"And if she doesn't?" Toji asked. "If she stays loyal?"

"Then we gain something far more valuable than a simple operative." Chrollo stood. "Someone who understands sacrifice. Who knows the true cost of our cause."

"Pretty big gamble."

"Everything worthwhile is." Chrollo walked to the window, looking down at the training grounds below. "You've trained her well, Toji. Perhaps too well. She's learned to wear masks like second skins."

"That's what worries me. Can't tell which face is real anymore."

"Does it matter?" Chrollo turned back. "We're all wearing masks. The only difference is how well we acknowledge them."

Toji pushed off the wall, stretching. His back popped - he was getting too old for these late-night philosophical discussions. "Want me to keep tabs on her?"

"No. Let her think she has space." Chrollo's smile didn't reach his eyes.

"And the boy? Nakamura?"

"An interesting piece on the board." Chrollo picked up his book again, running a thumb along its weathered edges. "His power... it's beyond what we initially theorized. If the report is accurate, he touched something fundamental during that fight. Something that could change everything."

"Or break everything," Toji added. "Power like that, in the hands of someone that young..."

"Reminds me of someone else, once upon a time." Chrollo's voice carried a hint of nostalgia. "Young, gifted, certain they could reshape the world through sheer force of will."

"Look how well that turned out."

"Indeed." Chrollo set the book down. "Keep the surveillance teams back for now. Let Jane do her work. But Toji?"

"Yeah?"

"Make sure our contingencies are in place. All of them."

Toji nodded, understanding the weight behind those words. He headed for the door, pausing with his hand on the handle. "Boss?"

"Mm?"

"If it comes down to it... you want me to handle it?"

Chrollo was silent for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice had shifted back to Shinji's casual warmth. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I'd hate to waste such potential."

[With Yoichi]

I opened my eyes to sunlight streaming through the hospital window. The pain in my ribs had dulled to a manageable ache, and my head felt clearer than it had in days. No sign of Kaori - just that single grey hair on my pillow and questions I couldn't answer.

The doctor arrived early, clipboard in hand. "Good news, Nakamura-san. Your latest scans look promising. The internal bleeding has resolved, and your ribs are healing well."

I sat up straighter, testing my range of motion. "So I can leave?"

"Yes, but with conditions." He flipped through his papers. "No strenuous activity for at least two weeks. The gauze stays on your torso until the bruising fades. And absolutely no quirk use until cleared by Recovery Girl."

Mom stepped into the room, carrying a garment bag. "Don't worry, doctor. He'll follow orders."

Her tone left no room for argument. The doctor nodded, satisfied, and left us alone.

"Here." She laid the bag across my bed. "I brought you something suitable to wear."

I unzipped it, revealing an ensemble that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent: flowing beige trench coat, black turtleneck, white dress pants.

"Mom..."

"The media's outside," she said, checking her phone. "If you're going to be in the spotlight, you'll dress appropriately."

I pulled out the turtleneck. "The hospital gave me clothes."

"Those shapeless sweats? Absolutely not." She looked up from her phone. "Get dressed. Principal Nezu wants to meet with us when we return to U.A."

I changed carefully, mindful of my bandages. The clothes fit perfectly - of course they did. Mom never got measurements wrong.

"Better," she said, adjusting my collar. "Now, there are reporters outside. Don't engage directly. Let me handle any questions."

"What about the principal?"

"We'll discuss that when we get there." She straightened my coat. "Ready?"

I nodded, and she opened the door. Two men in dark suits - her security detail - fell into step behind us as we walked down the hallway.

The moment we stepped outside, cameras started flashing.

"Nakamura-san! Can you tell us about the USJ incident?"

"How did you develop such advanced fighting techniques?"

"Is it true you fought the Nomu alone?"

Mom's security created a path through the crowd. She walked ahead of me, fielding questions with practiced ease.

"My son is still recovering and won't be taking questions at this time. U.A. will release an official statement regarding the incident soon."

A reporter thrust a microphone toward me. "Nakamura-kun! What was it like fighting a villain weapon?"

"Like getting hit by a truck," I said before Mom could stop me. "Wouldn't recommend it personally."

A few reporters laughed. Mom shot me a look that promised consequences later.

We made it to the waiting car. As soon as the door closed, she sighed. "Must you encourage them?"

"Sorry." I wasn't. "So what does Nezu want?"

"To discuss your options, I imagine." She tapped her driver's shoulder, and the car pulled away from the curb.

I watched the city blur past as our car wound its way through Tokyo's streets. The familiar skyline of U.A. loomed ahead, its towering structures a mix of modern architecture and fortress-like defenses. As we approached the main gate, I noticed something different.

"More guards," I muttered, counting at least six security personnel where there used to be two.

Mom didn't look up from her phone. "After what happened at USJ, increased security is to be expected."

I nodded, my eyes lingering on the heavily armed guards as we passed through the gate. Their faces were hidden behind visored helmets, but I could feel their scrutiny as we drove by.

The car pulled up to the main administration building. As we got out, I spotted a familiar figure waiting at the entrance - All Might, in his muscled hero form, grinning broadly.

"Young Nakamura!" he boomed, striding forward. "It's good to see you up and about!"

"All Might," I said, bowing slightly. "Thank you for coming to meet us."

Mom stepped forward, extending her hand. "All Might. I don't believe we've been formally introduced. Asami Nakamura."

"Ah, of course!" All Might shook her hand enthusiastically. "It's an honor to meet you, Nakamura-san. Your son is a credit to U.A."

I caught the slight tightening around Mom's eyes at his words. She didn't like sharing credit for anything, even me.

"We're here to see Principal Nezu," she said smoothly.

"Of course, of course!" All Might gestured towards the entrance. "Right this way!"

As we walked through the halls, I couldn't help but notice the tension in All Might's shoulders. It was subtle, hidden beneath his larger-than-life persona, but it was there. Something was weighing on him.

We reached Nezu's office, and All Might knocked on the door.

"Come in!" came the cheerful voice from inside.

Principal Nezu sat behind his desk, a steaming cup of tea in front of him. He smiled as we entered, his beady eyes twinkling.

"Ah, Nakamura-kun, Nakamura-san! Welcome, welcome. Please, have a seat." He gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "All Might, would you mind closing the door?"

As we settled into our seats, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Mom's posture was too rigid, All Might's smile a bit too forced. Even Nezu's cheerfulness seemed strained.

"Now then," Nezu began, folding his paws on the desk. "First and foremost, Nakamura-kun, I want to personally thank you for your actions during the USJ incident. Your bravery in protecting your classmates and saving Aizawa-sensei is truly commendable."

"I just did what anyone would have done."

"Not anyone could have fought that Nomu creature," All Might interjected. "You showed true hero spirit, young Nakamura!"

Nezu nodded. "Indeed. Which brings us to the reason for this meeting." He paused, his expression growing serious. "First, I must apologize. As principal of U.A., it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of our students. The fact that villains were able to infiltrate USJ represents a failure on our part. We are implementing new security measures to prevent such incidents in the future."

Mom leaned forward slightly. "I noticed the increased guard presence at the gate. Are there other changes we should be aware of?"

Nezu's eyes flickered to her, then back to me. "There are several new protocols being put in place, yes. But there's another matter we need to discuss." He took a deep breath. "Nakamura-kun, your actions at USJ have... attracted attention."

"Besides the media?"

Nezu's voice was careful, measured. "Yes… The Hero Public Safety Commission has expressed interest in you, Nakamura-kun."

The room went silent. I looked from Nezu to All Might to Mom, trying to read their expressions. All Might looked confused, Mom looked tense, and Nezu... Nezu looked worried.

"Is that... bad?"

Mom spoke up, her voice tight. "The HPSC isn't known for their gentle touch when it comes to training young heroes."

All Might's brow furrowed. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with their methods."

Nezu sighed. "The HPSC has a... specialized program for promising young heroes. It's intensive, to say the least."

"Intensive how?" I asked.

Mom's voice was cold. "They push children to their limits and beyond. Physical training, quirk development, combat scenarios - all taken to extremes."

I blinked, trying to process this. "But isn't that good? I mean, if it makes stronger heroes-"

"At what cost?" Mom interrupted. She turned to Nezu. "Surely you're not considering this?"

Nezu held up his paws placatingly. "As principal, it's my duty to inform you of the HPSC's interest. However," he looked directly at me, "the decision is ultimately yours, Nakamura-kun."

I sat back, my mind reeling. Part of me was intrigued by the idea of specialized training. But the way Mom and Nezu were reacting...

"What exactly would this program entail?" I asked.

Nezu's voice was careful. "From what I understand, it would involve intensive training separate from your regular U.A. curriculum. You'd be pushed to develop your quirk and combat skills at an accelerated rate."

"It would consume your life," Mom added, her voice tight. "No time for friends, for a normal school experience. Just constant training and missions."

I frowned. "Missions?"

All Might spoke up, his usual booming voice subdued. "Young Nakamura, while I can't speak to the specifics of the HPSC's program, I can say this: becoming a hero isn't just about power or combat skill. It's about heart, about connecting with the people you protect."

I nodded slowly, processing his words. Then something clicked.

"Can I have some time to think about it?" I asked.

Nezu nodded. "Of course. Take all the time you need. But," he added, his tone serious, "be prepared for the HPSC to reach out directly. They can be quite persistent."

As we stood to leave, a thought struck me. "Wait, what about my classmates? Are they being offered this too?"

Nezu and Mom exchanged a look.

"No," Nezu said quietly. "Just you."