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CHAPTER 71: To Save a Life

Tension hung in the dimly lit office like a thick fog, settling over every hero present. The weight of what lay ahead was undeniable. Silence pressed down on the room, heavy with unspoken thoughts and the gravity of the mission. Pro heroes and students alike stood shoulder to shoulder, their expressions hardened with resolve. On Nighteye's desk, maps were spread out, cluttered with red circles and notations. Each mark pointed to suspected locations on the city's outskirts—potential strongholds of Overhaul’s gang. Every detail mattered now, and the room felt like the calm before a storm.

Mirio stood by your side, his eyes on Nighteye as the seasoned hero laid out the final plan. You could feel his energy, an unyielding positivity that seemed unshaken, no matter how dire the mission. He leaned close to you, whispering just loud enough for only you to hear, “Eri deserves a real chance at life. We’re going to make sure she gets it.”

You nodded, feeling a familiar, determined fire ignite within you. Every step you’d taken had led here, to this moment when you’d finally stand up against the villains threatening your world. And you weren’t alone in it. Your gaze drifted across the room, landing on familiar faces: Izuku, Ejiro, Ochaco, and Tsuyu. Each one radiated their own blend of resolve and quiet fear.

Nighteye’s voice cut through the quiet tension, pulling your attention back to him. “Our mission is simple in theory: infiltrate, extract, neutralize any threats, and bring Eri to safety. But make no mistake—Overhaul’s group is highly dangerous, and they won’t hesitate to fight back. Your focus should be on precision and staying alert.”

Izuku clenched his fists, standing taller as he spoke. “We’ll bring her out safely, Sir. No matter what it takes.”

Aizawa, watching from the corner of the room, crossed his arms and stepped forward. His gaze was as sharp as ever, taking in every student there. “This is not like training. Overhaul’s quirk is lethal at close range. Stay focused and use what you know. Remember, this isn’t just about you—every decision you make affects everyone around you.”

His words struck a chord, especially as your mind flickered to the consequences of what you’d face soon. Overhaul’s destructive quirk was terrifying, but you forced yourself to push the fear aside, knowing that you had your own abilities to rely on.

The door creaked open as Fat Gum entered, flanked by Ejiro and Tamaki. Ejiro gave a small wave, his usual grin now replaced by an expression of unwavering determination. “We’re all set,” Fat Gum announced, his usually cheerful tone low and serious. “Our team will cover the back exits, making sure no one slips out. If anyone tries to run, we’ll be there.”

Ryukyu, standing near Ochaco, Tsuyu, and Nejire, chimed in. “We’ll keep watch from above, coordinating with the police and ready to intervene if needed. Overhaul won’t be able to escape without someone on him.”

It was reassuring to see the combined strength in this room. The pro-heroes were not just powerful but experienced, with an understanding of the stakes that bolstered your confidence. Seeing Ejiro, Ochaco, and the others only strengthened your resolve further; these weren’t just classmates but friends, people who shared the same vision.

Nighteye nodded in approval, his gaze scanning over everyone, lingering for a moment on you, Mirio, and Izuku. “Remember,” he said, his voice steady, “communication is crucial. Don’t let yourselves get isolated. We need to operate as one cohesive unit. And if you see an opening to rescue Eri, don’t hesitate.”

A moment of silence followed as the heroes exchanged determined looks. Each of you held an understanding of the risks, and yet no one hesitated. This wasn’t just another patrol—this was the chance to save a life and potentially end a villain’s reign of terror.

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After the meeting, everyone dispersed, gathering their gear and reviewing the plan in small groups. You found yourself with Mirio and Izuku, the three of you silently absorbing the weight of what was coming. Mirio looked over, his blue eyes steady as he watched both you and Izuku.

“Tomorrow’s a big day,” he said quietly, his tone softer than usual. “But I know we’re ready.”

Izuku nodded, his eyes bright with determination. “Eri’s been through so much because of Overhaul. If we can just… reach her, I know we can save her.”

His words settled into you like an anchor. You took a deep breath, thinking back to the brief encounter with Eri and the way her frightened eyes had looked up at you. It had left a mark, one you couldn’t forget. “We have to reach her. And we’ll do it together.”

The sun had set by the time you all left Nighteye’s office, the cityscape bathed in an orange glow that softened the tension hanging over the team. Mirio’s hand rested lightly on your shoulder as he smiled at you and Izuku. “You know, no matter what happens tomorrow, I’m proud of us.”

Izuku grinned, though there was a trace of nervousness in his expression. “Right. We’ve trained hard for this. We just need to stick to the plan and trust each other.”

It was comforting, in a way, to feel the quiet unity that linked you all. You might not have said it aloud, but in that moment, you knew you could count on Mirio and Izuku with your life.

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Dawn of the Mission...

The morning arrived too quickly, and as you suited up with your hero gear, a chill went down your spine, the reality of the mission settling in. You joined the other heroes at the designated rendezvous point—a quiet, empty street near the docks, where Overhaul’s suspected hideouts were located. Rows of police vehicles lined the street, lights casting an almost surreal glow in the early dawn.

Aizawa approached you, his usual impassive face softening just a fraction as he looked at you. “Remember, Mizushima,” he said, his voice low. “You don’t need to prove anything out there. Just stay focused and rely on your training.”

You nodded, absorbing his words as they steadied your nerves. “Yes, sensei. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”

Mirio and Izuku joined you, both dressed in their hero suits, exuding confidence despite the tension in the air. You could see the same resolve in their eyes, and it reassured you more than words could.

Fat Gum gave the signal, gathering everyone’s attention as he gave a final nod of encouragement. “Alright, everyone,” he boomed. “This is it. Remember to keep communication open and stick to the plan. We’re getting Eri back today.”

The teams moved into position, each one assigned to specific entry points around the perimeter. You, Mirio, and Izuku stayed close, moving with purpose as you neared the largest warehouse in the district. Every step brought you closer to Overhaul, to Eri, and to whatever waited inside.

As you crept closer, Mirio whispered to you, his tone reassuring. “Stay close. We’ll face whatever’s in there together.”

The stillness around you felt suffocating, the silence only broken by the faint sound of footsteps and your own breathing. But there was a strange calm in that quiet, a moment of peace before the inevitable storm. You glanced at Izuku, his eyes fierce and unwavering, his focus solely on the task ahead.

With one last look between you, Mirio, and Izuku, you readied yourself, heart pounding in anticipation. This was it—the moment when everything would change. The clock was ticking, and soon, you would face the horrors of Overhaul’s operation head-on.

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A/N: Word Count: 1361, for this chapter I wanted to focus on the quiet tension as everyone prepares for the raid and the sense of responsibility each hero feels going into this mission. Bringing all the heroes together, each with their own resolve and strengths, felt like a powerful buildup to the upcoming confrontation. I also wanted to highlight Mizushima's growing connection with Mirio and Izuku as they come to terms with what they’re about to face. Stick around to see what happens next.

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