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CHAPTER 70: Strategies and Allies

The silence in Sir Nighteye’s conference room was almost unnerving as you paced along its walls, nerves bubbling with each passing second. The space, filled with tactical maps, neatly stacked files, and glowing overhead lights, felt heavier than usual. The weight of the mission was tangible. This wasn’t just another strategy meeting—it felt monumental, the kind of meeting that could shape the future of everyone involved.

You glanced over at Izuku and Mirio, who stood close by the long table, their heads bent together as they reviewed notes. The intensity in the room was palpable, not just from the gravity of the mission at hand, but from the palpable tension everyone felt. The mission wasn’t a simple capture-and-recover task. It was a chance to confront Overhaul and his gang, a chance to rescue Eri, and a chance to finally take down a villain who had been terrorizing the streets for far too long.

Each hero gathered in this room had their own stake in this. Eri was at the center of everyone’s thoughts. For you, it was more than just a mission; it was personal. The echoes of her face and the horror of what you witnessed haunted your mind. You could still hear her voice pleading for help, feel the cold dread that had filled the air during your encounter. But now, standing on the precipice of the operation, the focus had to shift.

The door creaked open, and one by one, the heroes began to file in. The energy shifted as the others entered. Each new arrival brought a distinct presence that added to the mounting anticipation.

Eijiro was first, his ever-present grin lighting up the room despite the seriousness of the situation. “Hey, Mizushima!” he greeted, walking over with his usual confident energy. “Looks like we’re in for something big, huh?”

You gave a small nod, forcing a calm smile despite the churning anxiety inside you. “I’ve gathered some leads on Overhaul’s movements. Could help fill in a few blanks.”

“Every bit counts,” Fat Gum chimed in, following Eijiro into the room. The towering hero radiated a sense of warmth, but his eyes were serious. His presence grounded the group, giving everyone a sense of reassurance. “Let’s see what we’re working with.”

Tamaki shuffled in quietly after them, avoiding eye contact but offering a small, respectful nod in your direction. You admired his calm, reserved strength. The room would be different without his ability to act as the quiet backbone of the team. Ryukyu arrived not long after, her stride steady, composed. There was something magnetic about her—calm yet exuding authority. Her mere presence brought a sense of stability to the room. Nejire was a blur of motion right behind her, energy practically radiating off her as she took in the room. The contrast between the two was striking, yet both carried the same unshakable sense of determination.

Then came Ochaco and Tsuyu, both offering warm waves before slipping into their seats.

Once everyone was settled, Sir Nighteye stepped forward. His appearance always commanded attention, but today, the gravity in his eyes made it clear this was different. “Thank you all for coming,” he began, his voice cutting through the silence with sharp clarity. “We have much to discuss regarding Overhaul and the Eight Precepts of Death. And I want everyone’s insight—nothing is too small. Anything could be the missing piece.”

A hushed seriousness fell over the group.

“I’ve seen an uptick in gang activity,” Eijiro spoke up first, breaking the silence. His voice was always loud and clear, but today, it was layered with urgency. “Especially near the industrial districts. Groups hanging around places that are usually dead quiet. They’re not just loitering. They’re organized, like they’ve set up shop.”