The following morning, the couples were awakened by the noise of machinery and construction equipment sent by Nezu.
Trucks and workers swarmed the neighborhood, requesting that the family temporarily vacate the property. It turned out that the UA Principal hadn't just paid to repair the destroyed entrance, but to demolish and rebuild the entire house.
Sakura and Sasuke were provided with a full week at one of the city's finest hotels, with everything paid in advance by Nezu.
Eraser Head personally came to escort the family, taking the opportunity to speak with his students' parents and convince them to allow them to return to UA.
To the Hero's surprise, Sakura sighed and gestured toward her children.
—Even if I wanted to, that decision isn't mine to make— she had said with a pout.
She had long since understood that the little ones she adopted were far beyond the norm in many ways. That didn't mean she didn't look after them or worry for their safety, but she trusted them.
Aizawa then proceeded to explain the school's new system, as well as the purpose of the dormitories. To his relief, there were no complaints.
That lasted until Sakura and Sasuke were settled into their luxurious hotel room and Aizawa began the drive back to UA.
—We don't want surveillance in our rooms, of any kind— the siblings demanded in unison.
—Do you think you're going to Tartarus or something, you idiots?— Aizawa grumbled. —You're minors; of course we won't install cameras or microphones.
With that cleared up, the trio arrived at UA, where Nezu was waiting for Tetsumaru in his office.
************************************
—Coffee?— the rat/bear/dog offered with a smile.
—I see you're starting to glimpse the truth of the World— Tetsumaru accepted with a solemn nod.
—I've developed a taste for it thanks to your visits— Nezu agreed with amusement. —Regrettably, I have a tight schedule these days, so I'll be brief.
—I imagine so. What do you need then?— Tetsumaru asked.
Nezu sipped from his cup before answering, evaluating the shinobi at every moment.
—First of all, you need to know that Ragdoll has awakened... And she lost her Quirk— he said bluntly.
Tetsumaru's expression tightened slightly, and his movements stilled for a fraction of a second.
Nezu caught it all, and his mind began to analyze.
Regardless of Tetsumaru's contributions, the matter of the mole had not yet been resolved, and the Terumi siblings remained among the primary suspects. Nezu hoped that Sero Hanta could shed some light on this mystery, but the odds were slim.
—...I guess I'm Tiger's sworn enemy now— Tetsumaru commented in a pathetic attempt to lighten the mood with humor.
For the shinobi, the news was slightly disconcerting, but for the wrong reasons.
He felt genuinely bad about Tomoko's fate, since she had thrown herself into the wolf's den as part of Tetsumaru's plan.
This was because he hadn't known how the Villain's Quirk worked.
Tetsumaru had only learned about the ability to steal Quirks during the camp, when Aizawa interrogated them about their possible connection to the Villain.
The mention of his multiple abilities, the experience with the Nomu at USJ, and a bit of knowledge of the original work were sufficient factors to deduce All For One's power.
That, and the name itself gave a hint.
But he had gambled with Tomoko's career, assuming that stealing a Quirk couldn't be an easy process. And now, the woman would pay the consequences.
—Ragdoll and the Wild Wild Pussycats are Professionals, Tetsumaru. This is no different from giving one's life for those who cannot defend themselves in an accident, a robbery, or a natural calamity— Nezu said by way of consolation.
—But that isn't why you called me here— Tetsumaru hinted.
Nezu smiled astutely. —In fact, no. There are four matters I would like to discuss with you, but I only have time for one at this moment.
—If this keeps up, I'm going to start charging— Tetsumaru replied, knowing that smile meant they were going to ask him for something.
—In this case, it will serve you for your future career— Nezu began, laying out the situation for the shinobi.
Suffice it to say that it didn't catch Tetsumaru's interest at all. Quite the opposite.
Nezu spoke to him about his outstanding participation in the rescue operation, and how that had captured the interest of certain individuals.
That the Professionals needed a student in training to fulfill their duties was both good and bad publicity, depending on how it was framed.
Given the dire reputation of the Hero System, Nezu wanted to promote Tetsumaru and give his actions more visibility. A story of hard work, talent, and effort—a sort of small symbol of hope for the next generation of Heroes, at least in the eyes of the public.
—Many in the Top 10 have shown interest in you, Tetsumaru. Having cooperated with Hawks in person and helping with the cleanup after the fight in Kamino put you on the radar— Nezu commented mischievously.
It was clear the Principal wouldn't force him to accept, but he certainly wished he would.
However, the idea didn't appeal to Tetsumaru at all.
Becoming famous wasn't among his priorities, nor was making more money.
Nezu noticed the black-haired boy's lack of enthusiasm, but it didn't bother him. Whether his suspicions were true or not, the Principal never considered material interest as a motivation for the Terumi siblings.
He didn't desperately need to set this idea in motion either, so he readily accepted Tetsumaru's refusal.
—Well, since that's the case, let's talk about your ability to paralyze the Nomu then— Nezu suggested.
—...Didn't you have things to do?— Tetsumaru asked.
—I still have time. Come on, tell me about those dangerous poisons of yours— the Principal insisted in an excited tone.
It wasn't until late in the afternoon that Tetsumaru finally finished his business and was able to visit his new room, where Mei had taken charge of arranging his belongings.
In fact, the moment he stepped into the building, his nose was assaulted by the aroma of home-cooked food that made his stomach growl.
—How did it go today, honey?— Mei greeted him with a loving smile, her beautiful hair tied up in a bun, her forehead glistening with sweat, and a cream-colored apron hugging her figure over shorts and a tank top.
She gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, taking him by the hand to lead him to the kitchen.
Once there, Mei made him sit down while she served the food she had prepared while alone, as the two of them were the only inhabitants of the dormitory for the time being.
—Have you finally accepted your role as a wife?— Tetsumaru asked curiously, using the bond that united them.
—Don't be stupid. That jerk Aizawa lied to our faces. There are cameras in this place, though not in the rooms— Mei informed him in the same manner.
—I expected as much, but why this behavior?— Tetsumaru insisted.
—Because I'm going to teach a lesson to any pervert who might be watching us— the kunoichi declared matter-of-factly, ignoring the irony of the situation.
Tetsumaru shrugged and enjoyed the treatment, noticing the almost imperceptible waves of satisfaction Mei emitted during her "lesson."
His other half also felt pleasure and comfort with the supposed performance, but Tetsumaru refrained from pointing it out.
If she was happy, he was happy.
However, the girl seemed to get a bit too into the role, and as soon as Tetsumaru finished eating, she urged him to get into the bathroom.