Hearing that, none of the Pro Heroes present spoke up.
Because they knew Tsukauchi was right.
They truly weren't suited for a direct, head-on brawl against Muscular.
If they forced themselves into close-range combat with him, most of them would lose.
They had that much self-awareness.
They understood their own strengths, and none of them were foolish enough to pretend their specialty was trading punches with a brute-force monster.
Still, many of them were puzzled by Tsukauchi's arrangement.
Normally, when dealing with an enemy like Muscular—someone who specialized in overwhelming close-range power—the correct tactic should have been kiting.
Avoid direct clashes.
Use mobility.
Strike and retreat.
Never allow him to land a clean hit.
So why was Tsukauchi deliberately assigning All Might to confront him head-on in a pure contest of strength?
"I know what all of you are thinking."
Tsukauchi seemed to read the room immediately and answered before anyone could ask.
"You're wondering why I'm having All Might fight Muscular directly instead of using hit-and-run tactics."
"The answer is simple."
"The environment."
"Under normal circumstances, against an opponent like Muscular, kiting would indeed be the optimal strategy."
"But unfortunately, he's currently hiding inside a shopping mall."
"And there are still a large number of civilians inside."
"So that tactic is completely unusable."
"With the level of strength Muscular has demonstrated, he could easily punch through walls, floors, or structural supports with a single blow."
"If he only destroys ordinary walls or decorations, that's manageable."
"But if he damages the mall's load-bearing structures…"
Tsukauchi's expression grew grave.
"…the entire building could collapse."
"And once that happens, the casualties would be catastrophic."
"That is something none of us can allow."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"On top of that, every attack Muscular throws carries the risk of hitting civilians or other heroes."
"So every single strike must be intercepted."
As he spoke, Tsukauchi's gaze shifted toward All Might.
Because among everyone present, only All Might could accomplish that.
All Might's expression turned serious.
In truth, the moment Tsukauchi assigned him to face Muscular head-on, he had already understood his friend's intention.
As someone who also possessed overwhelming physical power, All Might understood better than anyone how destructive that kind of strength could become.
So he had already guessed his role in this operation.
Not offense.
Defense.
At least until Best Jeanist successfully subdued Tsuki Sen'gen.
And now, it seemed his instincts had been correct.
Tsukauchi's assignment for him was simple:
stop every attack Muscular launched.
"Muscular is in your hands, All Might."
Tsukauchi looked at him seriously.
"You must keep him occupied."
"Preferably by overwhelming him with raw strength and locking him down completely."
"Do not give him any opportunity to attack civilians, interfere with Best Jeanist's battle, escape the battlefield, or take hostages."
Then, after a slight pause, he asked carefully,
"Can you do it?"
He wasn't doubting All Might's strength.
How could he?
This was the No. 1 Hero.
The Symbol of Peace.
What Tsukauchi was worried about…
was All Might's body.
As one of the few people who knew the truth about All Might's condition, Tsukauchi couldn't help wondering whether his body could endure this level of combat.
If All Might couldn't hold out, then the operation would need to be restructured immediately.
Because Tsukauchi would never knowingly push a weakened All Might into a dangerous battle without preparation.
And if All Might collapsed here…
the consequences would be unimaginable.
It could shake the very foundation of modern society.
That was something Tsukauchi absolutely refused to let happen.
Of course, All Might understood the meaning hidden beneath his friend's question.
On the surface, Tsukauchi was asking whether he could complete the mission.
But the real question was:
Can your body still endure this?
"Of course!"
Even understanding the concern behind those words, All Might answered without the slightest hesitation.
He raised a firm thumbs-up and flashed Tsukauchi his usual radiant smile.
"No problem!"
He was All Might.
How could he possibly fall to a single villain?
Seeing that fearless smile, Tsukauchi still felt uneasy.
But in the end, he chose to trust the man standing before him.
The man who, in his eyes, would never fall.
"Then Muscular is yours."
After assigning All Might's role, Tsukauchi turned toward the remaining top heroes.
Edgeshot, the No. 5 Hero.
Kamui Woods, the No. 7 Hero.
"These next assignments may be the most exhausting tasks in the entire operation."
"They may also be the most important."
"In fact…"
"…they could very well determine whether this mission succeeds or fails."
"So failure is not an option."
Edgeshot raised a brow slightly.
"Please continue."
Kamui Woods also straightened immediately.
"Please give your orders, Officer Tsukauchi."
Tsukauchi looked at the two of them and spoke in a firm voice.
"I want both of you…"
"…to take charge of civilian evacuation and rescue operations."
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