Reiji walked through the quiet hallways of U.A., his golden eyes flickering with amusement as he listened to the whispers around him.
Even now, after returning from the Stain incident, the attention on him hadn't faded. If anything, it had grown stronger.
But it wasn't just admiration anymore.
It was fear.
His classmates saw him differently now. Not just as a powerful fighter but as someone who didn't hesitate—someone whose methods were dangerously close to those of a villain.
Reiji? He didn't care.
Let them whisper.
Let them doubt.
Because in the end, he would still win.
A Private Summons
After class, as he was heading out, his phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
He raised an eyebrow before answering. "Yeah?"
A calm, professional voice spoke on the other end.
"Reiji Kurobane. You are requested for a private meeting. The location has been sent to your device."
Reiji glanced at his screen.
A location? Near U.A.?
His smirk widened slightly. He had a pretty good guess about who was calling him in.
[This should be interesting.]
Without hesitation, he made his way to the meeting spot.
The Hero Commission's Proposal
The meeting took place in a dimly lit office, the walls lined with official documents and case files.
Seated behind a polished wooden desk was a high-ranking officer of the Hero Public Safety Commission.
An older man, dressed in a formal suit, with sharp calculating eyes.
Reiji didn't bother with pleasantries. He dropped into the chair across from him, lounging lazily.
"You must be the one who's been keeping an eye on me," Reiji said. "Didn't think I was worth a meeting."
The officer didn't react to his casual tone.
"You were reckless during the Stain encounter," the man said, voice calm yet unreadable.
Reiji smirked. "Yeah? I still won."
"Yes," the officer nodded. "And you showed something… rare. A level of decisiveness and ruthlessness that most heroes lack."
Reiji didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he studied the man carefully.
There was something cold in his tone. Something that told Reiji this wasn't a lecture.
This was an evaluation.
The officer leaned forward, placing his hands on the desk.
"We believe your potential is… different from your peers."
Reiji tilted his head. "Different how?"
The man's sharp gaze locked onto him.
"You don't hesitate. You don't let emotions cloud your judgment. And you don't hold back when fighting real threats."
Then—he smiled slightly.
"A rare quality among heroes."
Reiji chuckled. "You say that like it's a compliment."
The man didn't deny it.
Instead, he handed Reiji a sealed folder.
Inside was a contract.
"This is an offer from the Hero Public Safety Commission," the officer said. "A special internship. One that would allow you to operate outside the traditional hero framework."
Reiji raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like a fancy way of saying you want me as a weapon."
The man smiled. "A hero willing to do what others won't. A hero who can eliminate threats before they escalate."
Reiji leaned back, flipping through the documents.
This wasn't just a normal internship.
This was training for off-the-record operations.
If he agreed, he wouldn't just be a hero in training.
He would be a controlled force, answering directly to the Commission—not U.A., not the Pro Heroes.
The Commission's personal tool.
Reiji exhaled slowly, considering.
They were right about one thing—he didn't hesitate.
He didn't mind getting his hands dirty.
And honestly?
This would be fun.
But then…
His mind flashed back to Aizawa's warning.
"They see potential in you. Not as a hero—but as a weapon."
Reiji's smirk returned.
He closed the folder and set it back on the desk.
"Not interested."
The officer's smile faded slightly. "Are you sure? This is a rare opportunity."
Reiji stood up.
"I'll get stronger on my own terms," he said. "Not yours."
The officer studied him carefully, as if evaluating his choice.
Then—he sighed.
"A shame. You would have been useful."
Reiji chuckled as he turned to leave.
"Yeah. I get that a lot."
As he walked out, the man's voice followed him.
"The offer won't always be on the table."
Reiji waved a hand lazily. "I won't need it."
Back at U.A.
Later that night, Reiji sat alone on the rooftop of the dorms, staring at the city lights.
He thought about the offer.
The idea of it wasn't bad. He didn't care about morals or rules. He didn't mind fighting dirty.
But he would never let anyone control him.
[If I become stronger, it'll be because of me.]
His golden eyes flickered in the moonlight.
Then—
A system notification popped up.
[System Update: New Skill Unlocked]
[Skill: Phantom Step]
[Description: Your movements become harder to track. Foes struggle to follow your speed.]
Reiji smirked.
[Perfect.]
Because if the Commission wanted him to be their weapon…
They would have to catch him first.
End of Chapter 28.
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