The walk back to camp was quiet—except for Kota grumbling as he dangled from Reiji's grip like a sack of potatoes.
"Put me down!" Kota finally snapped, kicking his legs.
Reiji sighed but didn't stop walking. "You just got chased by a villain, and you want me to let you walk alone in the middle of the woods? Yeah, not happening, brat."
Kota crossed his arms, pouting. "I didn't ask for your help."
Reiji smirked. "Good thing I don't take requests."
Kota frowned, glancing up at him. "Why did you help me, anyway? I thought you didn't care about kids."
Reiji didn't answer immediately.
He could've just said it was instinct. That it wasn't a big deal.
But something about Kota's tone made him pause.
Then—he shrugged. "I don't care about kids. But I do care about winning. And I don't like it when villains try to mess with me."
Kota narrowed his eyes. "So… you helped me just because it was a fight?"
Reiji smirked. "Something like that."
Kota huffed, turning away. But this time…
He didn't argue.
When Reiji finally stepped back into the lodge, the class was still awake, gathered around the common area.
Mandalay and Aizawa were discussing tomorrow's training, while Pixie-Bob was busy pestering Bakugo about his "scary personality."
Then—all eyes turned to Reiji.
Deku's eyes widened. "Reiji! Where did you—?"
Then he noticed Kota.
Mandalay's expression shifted instantly. "Kota?!"
She rushed over, kneeling in front of the boy. "Are you okay?"
Kota hesitated—then nodded slowly.
Reiji yawned. "Yeah, don't worry. Your kid's fine. Just had a little run-in with a villain."
The entire room fell silent.
Deku's breath hitched.
Momo's eyes widened in shock.
Bakugo gritted his teeth. "What?!"
Aizawa stood immediately, his gaze sharpening. "Explain."
Reiji leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"Some masked guy cornered Kota near the waterfall. Didn't recognize him, but he wasn't some random thug."
Aizawa's eyes narrowed. "Go on."
Reiji shrugged. "Said the League of Villains was watching me. That they were planning something."
The class tensed.
Deku swallowed hard. "The League of Villains…?"
Reiji smirked slightly. "Yeah. Seems like I'm a celebrity now."
Aizawa was silent for a long moment.
Then, he turned to Mandalay. "Make sure Kota gets some rest. We'll talk more tomorrow."
Mandalay nodded, leading Kota away, her expression filled with worry.
Once they were gone, Aizawa turned back to Reiji.
His expression was unreadable.
"You should've told me immediately," he said flatly.
Reiji raised an eyebrow. "And risk you calling off the training camp?"
Aizawa narrowed his eyes. "Keeping secrets from me isn't a good idea, Kurobane."
Reiji smirked. "Not a secret. Just… delayed information."
Aizawa sighed, rubbing his temples. "We'll talk later. For now, everyone—get some sleep."
Reiji stretched. "Yeah, yeah."
As the students dispersed, Todoroki stepped up beside him.
"You should take this more seriously," he muttered.
Reiji chuckled. "I take fights seriously. The rest? Not my problem."
Todoroki frowned slightly but didn't say anything else.
Reiji headed for his room, but before he could step inside—Deku called out to him.
"Reiji!"
He turned. "What?"
Deku hesitated, then said, "The League of Villains… They don't just attack randomly. If they're watching you, then… you need to be careful."
Reiji smirked. "Cute that you're worried."
Deku shook his head. "I'm serious."
Reiji's smirk faded slightly.
Then, he shrugged. "I'll be fine. Worry about yourself, hero boy."
Then—he closed the door.
Later that night, Aizawa sat with Mandalay, discussing the situation.
"He didn't seem… concerned," Mandalay muttered.
Aizawa sighed. "He never does."
Mandalay hesitated. "What do we do?"
Aizawa thought for a moment.
Then, his expression hardened.
"We prepare. Because if the League really is coming…"
He exhaled slowly.
"Then we need to be ready."
Meanwhile… The League Prepares
Deep in the forest, Shigaraki grinned as he watched footage of the training camp.
Toga giggled. "Reiji-kun really is interesting~!"
Dabi smirked. "Think he'll come quietly?"
Shigaraki's red eyes gleamed.
"It doesn't matter."
Then—he raised his hand.
"Either he joins us… or we break him."
End of Chapter 35.
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