(A/N: Quick context. Hakuro went off alone to find Mochi)
***
The local park was a maze of distractions—screaming kids, yapping pets, and the relentless hum of cicadas.
But Mochi's trail was clear.
'Gray fur snagged on a bench.'
'Claw marks on a tree trunk.'
'A trail of crushed dandelions leading deeper into the park.'
I crouched, tweezing a strand of fur between my fingers.
Muttering to myself, "Indoor cat, stressed by noise, seeks high ground… but where's the—"
"Oooh! Are you solving a mystery? Is it a murder? Wait!" the mysterious girl gasped, "Is it a kitten murder?!"
"!"
I flinched back in shock, nearly dropping the tuft of fur, as a girl suddenly began talking beside me.
The girl, with a bright smile and frilly skirt, hopped away, backwards.
"Sorry sorry. I would have introduced myself, but you seemed like you were in the zone! But then I also got in the zone watching you! And then I was really curious about what you were doing. So then I couldn't help but ask. "
I calmed my nerves, a bit worried about how she snuck up on me so silently. But given her identity, it wasn't surprising.
I looked up and down, examining one of the members of the big three from U.A.
Nejire Hado.
Quirk, Wave motion. Allows the user to convert their vitality into energy to discharge as blasts of waves.
Her glowing disposition, and cheerful attitude, outshined the sun behind her.
"I'm not solving a murder. Just a lost cat." I answered, turning my attention back to the ground.
A personal rule of mine was to not get distracted while on a case.
No matter how small or insignificant the case was.
It would lead to forming bad habits when I needed to lock in and focus.
Nejire plopped down beside me, her spirals of hair bouncing up and down.
"A cat! I love cats! Their paws are like little jellybeans! What's the cat look like? Maybe I've seen it before!"
I sighed, and began walking toward a nearby tree.
'I knew she was friendly and an extrovert, but I didn't expect it to be this much.'
"Gray. Striped. Fluffy. Apparently hates everything except tuna. Now, if you'll excuse me, I—"
But Nejire followed me step-for-step. "Fluffy?! That's adorable! Did you know cats can taste the air? With their little blep faces? Oh! Are you a cat detective? Do you have a cat sidekick? Or a cat outfit??"
"..."
I ignored her questions, spotting mud on the tree bark.
"She climbed here… panicked. Then jumped to…"
My eyes traced the branches to a nearby rooftop. The only one in the park. "There."
Nejire gasped, "Wow! You're sharp-eyed! Like a human camera! But how'd you know she's scared?"
I reluctantly answered again, a reflex from my sister Yuna's similar talkative nature.
"You see here? The claw marks are deeper on descent. She froze mid-climb. Probably startled by…"
Then an ice cream truck's jingle blared in the distance.
"…that."
Nejire clapped, "You're like a professional! What's next? Do we scale the roof? Can you scale the roof? Do you want my help scaling the roof?" she asked while tilting her head.
But I was already walking toward a fire escape ladder on the side. "There's no 'we'. This isn't a job that requires two people."
But she was already floating up beside me using her Quirk.
She grinned in victory as she flew to the roof, "Too late! Go, Team Kitty! Go!"
On the rooftop, Mochi huddled under an AC unit, hissing at a pigeon.
Nejire gasped, hands flying to her cheeks.
"IT'S MR. WHISKERBOTTOM!"
I paused.
"…Who?"
"The Kurosawa's family's cat! I babysat him once years ago! He ate my hair ribbon! Well, tried to—it was sparkly!"
I blinked slowly.
"You know the owners?"
Nejire nodded fiercely. "Mr. Kurosawa plays chess with my dad every Tuesday! They argue about cake flavors! Isn't that silly?"
"Huh. Small world. Now, if you'll stop yelling, maybe we can form a plan and…"
HISSSSS.
I looked up to see Nejire already flying closer, cooing at Mochi.
"Aww, grumpy baby! Let's get you home!"
She unzipped her hoodie, widening it like a basket.
"What are you—?"
"Distract him Mr. Detective!"
"Wait, we need a proper plan. Why would I—?"
"NOW!" she yelled as she dashed ahead.
I quickly picked up a pebble from the ground, and tossed it near Mochi to scare him.
Mochi pounced in fear—and Nejire swooped in, bundling the cat into her jacket.
She cheered triumphantly, "Hehe! Mission accomplished! High five!"
I sighed from her excessive enthusiasm, and knew she wouldn't give up as she stared at me, waiting for me to reciprocate.
Even after ten seconds, she stayed in position, "Come on~ My arms' getting tired!"
I felt a little bad, so I went to high five her, but then she turned her open hand into a fist at the last second.
"Turkey! I got you! Hehehe!"
"..."
I was done.
I turned around to leave down the ladder from where I came.
"Why are you going that way?!" She called out with open arms. "I can just carry you down! It'd be quicker!"
But I continued on my way, climbing down the ladder, rejecting her offer. "No thanks. I won't be 'princess carried' by a girl."
'I have my own pride as a man.'
But she only tilted her head in confusion like she didn't understand what I meant, before shrugging off my response.
Once we were both on solid earth, I saw how comfortable the cat was with Nejire, so I decided to just leave Mochi with her.
Then we began to head back to the Kurosawa residence together.
On the way, she asked with her usual curious smile, "Do you always talk in… bullet points?".
I glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Bullet points?"
She leaned in towards me, grinning. "Y'know! All facts and no 'hellos'! or 'My name is-'. Those kinds of introductions."
"Only when I need to. But in my defense, you never introduced yourself either."
She smacked her forehead, "Oh my god! You're totally right! Sorry, I got too caught up in the fun stuff! My name is—"
"You're U.A.'s Nejire Hado." I interrupted with an amused smirk forming.
"Third-year. Quirk: Wave Motion. You ate teriyaki for breakfast—crumbs on your sleeve—and I thought you should know, your shoes are mismatched."
She beamed looking down. "They are! Finally someone noticed! One's got a bunny, one's got a duck! I thought it was a fashion statement!"
She giggled, then blinked. "Wait, you knew my name? Do I have a fan?!"
Then she backed away jokingly, "Or worse, a stalker…" then she began giggling again.
I rolled my eyes, "Your class's Sports Festival footage has 192 million views. As second place, you were a big deal, and a national phenomenon."
"I see, I see! That makes sense! So what's your name? Are you going to a hero school too? Or a detective school? Do they even have detective schools in Japan?"
"Hmmm." I hummed aloud. "Those are some good questions. But they seem like a mystery you have to solve yourself. As punishment for forcing yourself into my business."
She pouted while playfully punching my shoulder, "No fair! At least give me a hint!"
I shook my head, grinning. "That would be too easy. And there's no mystery that's fun, if it's too easy."
***
Back at the Kurosawa residence, the family thanked me kindly as they took Mochi from Nejire.
I lingered on the porch, ready to vanish, until Aiko thrusted a fresh popsicle at me, "You're the best detective EVER!"
I bit into the popsicle with a smug expression. "Tell that to Kesagiri Man and the other heros. I accept referrals and could use a recommendation for my skills."
But Aiko just looked at me in confusion.
Mrs. Kurosawa walked up to hug Nejire, "What are you doing here Nejire? Aren't your classes at U.A. starting soon?"
Nejire smiled, "I was on the way to the gym when I saw Mr. Detective. I was planning to leave, but I just couldn't stop myself! A cat and its home were on the line!"
"Well Hak—"
"Ah Ah Ah" I interrupted Mrs. Kurosawa as she was beginning to bring me up and say my name.
"Please don't mention my name. Nejire doesn't know it. Or anything about me really. It's a mystery she has to find out for herself as punishment for intruding on my case."
Nejire smiled brightly, "Well I already have my first clue! Your name begins with 'Hak'. Are you Haku? Haki? Hakeem? Hakon? Ahh, there's still so many options!"
Mrs. Kurosawa smiled and hugged Nejire once more, "Well good luck. And thanks for helping bring Mochi home."
Mr. Kurosawa nodded at me from the side and asked, "How'd you find Mochi?"
I shrugged, "Just simple logic. Living things leave behind tracks. So I followed the tracks."
Nejire leaned in, whisper-grinning to the others, "Logic-shmogic! He's trying to be modest. He was all like, 'According to how this grass is bent 90 degrees' And other detective stuff!"
It was then that Aiko hugged my leg again, "Thank you for finding Mochi! I'll name his kids after you!"
I patted her back, my face burning up a bit from embarrassment as everyone smiled warmly in my direction.
"Yeah yeah. I only did it because you bribed me. Not because you asked. Next time the price will be steeper, so keep a closer eye on Mochi."
Nejire eyes sparkled. "Awwww!" and she poked my shoulder, "You're a secret softie! Detective Softie!"
They all laughed innocently as Mrs. Kurosawa gave us some snacks and drinks before we left.
Nejire skipped away as she began leaving, before calling back, "Hey, Mystery Boy! If you ever need a partner, I'm great at lending a hand! I want to help more cats!"
I paused for a bit.
A teenie tiny part of me genuinely considered it for a millisecond, before I shook my head.
"No thanks! I work alone!" I replied.
"Huh?" Aiko mumbled next to me, confused and a bit sad. "I thought I was your assistant?"
"Well, here's the thing." I looked at Ms. Kurosawa, "How is Aiko doing at school? Is she at the top of her class?"
"No, she isn't." She said in a stern, motherly voice, "In fact, she forgot to do her homework last week."
"Eek!"
Aiko quickly hid behind me to hide from her mother's glare.
"Tsk tsk tsk." I admonished. "In that case, your application is rejected, Aiko. I only accept the best of the best."
Aiko stomped her foot against the ground, cheeks puffed out, "H-Hey! That's not fair! I'll do triple my homework if you let me be your assistant! And watch this!"
She ran inside her house, then ran back out, and thrusted a crumpled math worksheet from her backpack into my face. "Look! I got 55% on this! My highest grade so far!"
I plucked the paper, squinting at it "…This is third-grade arithmetic."
"A-And I'm in fourth grade! That's… that's basically genius!" she countered.
Mr. Kurosawa pinched the bridge of his nose, "She failed the retake."
Aiko whirled around, betrayed. "DAD!!"
Deadpanned, I replied while looking at the worksheet, "Aiko. You mixed up '7 x 8' and '8 x 7.' They're the same number."
She gasped, hands on hips. "T-That's trickery! Math shouldn't play mind games!"
I folded my arms. "Fine. New deal: Top of your class by midterms, and you solve this." I scribbled a rudimentary algebra problem on her worksheet. "Prove you're not a lost cause."
Aiko snatched the paper, her eyes blazing with determination but also anger. "I'll solve it and name a plant after you for making me do this! 'Hakuro the Meanie'!"
Ms. Kurosawa smirked, "If she fails, she's grounded until graduation."
Aiko's face paled, and she walked backward in shock.
She grabbed my sleeve, whispering urgently, "P-Please don't let her do that! I'll… I'll even clean your weird jacket when I'm your assistant!"
I pried her off, "The coat is non-negotiable. But…" I paused, my voice softening just a hair. "…I'll reconsider your employment. If you do well in school."
Aiko saluted, a grin on her face. "Deal! Prepare to be amazed, Boss!"
Walking away, I muttered "Amazed isn't the word I'd use…" and I waved goodbye to the Kurosawa family.
Aiko called out after me, "YOU'LL SEE!! I'LL BE THE BESTEST ASSISTANT IN THE FUTURE!!"
***
[Later, back on my porch…]
The Kurosawa family's laughter echoed down the street, Mochi now sleeping peacefully in Aiko's arms.
'Not a bad way to kill an afternoon.'
I tossed the toy magnifying glass up, before catching it again, watching it reflect the setting sun.
'I forgot to give this back to Aiko. Maybe I should sign it and sell it back to her.'
I turned my head and saw the same squirrel that hadn't moved since the morning.
"Finding cats, huh? That's the best case you could offer me?"
"..."
"Well… maybe it wasn't a complete waste of time since I did end up meeting Nejire. She's a bit talkative, but kind. Like a golden retriever."
The squirrel chittered, unimpressed.
I grinned, "Yeah, yeah. Just bring me a real case next time. This one was too easy."
***
[Six days Later. April 6th]
"…34!"
Fwoo~
It was late in the evening, and I was currently in my living room, muscles burning while doing a set of one handed push-ups.
"…35!"
Fwoo~
It was part of my daily exercises. Personally designed to optimize my physical growth. It had taken me months to develop it.
"…36!"
Fwoo~
I might not have a quirk, but I would absolutely do my best to utilize every other advantage I had.
Those being my brain, and my body.
"…36!"
Fwoo~
I could hardly call myself the strongest quirk user, but I can aim for the title of strongest non-quirk user.
"…37!"
Fwoo~
Suddenly…
BEEP! BEEP!
A white phone on my table vibrated.
The phone linked to Insight's business card.
'A client!'
I leaped up, landing narrowly on my feet.
I quickly ran over and put on my mask with the voice changer, and answered the phone.
"...Hello?" I heard a gruff voice call out.
Kesagiri man's voice.
"Ah~ Kesagiri man. I was beginning to wonder when you'd call. I was starting to feel like someone dumped me after a first date. What seems to be the issue?"
"...don't make me regret this Insight. I need your assistance. Be at the station in fifteen minutes. I'll text you the address."
"Woah. You won't even ask if I accept or reject? Or even tell me what you need help with?"
"I don't have time to spare Insight. Feel free to reject. But I don't think you will."
Beep~
Then he hung up the phone.
"...dang. He got me there."
I checked the address he sent me, and used my mental map of the city.
Using a couple short cuts through the alleyways, I could make it there in roughly ten minutes by running.
I quickly wiped my sweat down with a clean rag, and put on 'Insight's' disguise, before heading to the station.
***
[Entering Kageyama Police Station]
I pushed open the doors, glancing around at the mass of cops on duty, and the various heroes bringing in the common criminal.
I felt the clear tension in the air.
The scent of bleach and disinfectant was strong, mixed with the underlying scent of burnt metal and flesh.
I studied the Pro Hero who entered the building before me, Latch.
Quirk: Thunder whips. It's self explanatory, but he can create whips made of pure electricity.
The criminal he brought in had visible burn scarring around his wrists.
'The source of the smell.'
The receptionist gave me a look as I turned and walked toward her.
'Her posture is rigid—tense, like she's trying to project authority. Her hands are clasped too tightly, the sign of someone trying to maintain control.'
'She's nervous—perhaps dealing with a situation that got out of hand recently. Perhaps for the reason I got called in.'
I glanced at the bulletin board behind her in the corridor.
'Posters about recent cases and wanted quirk users. The station clearly has its hands full.'
'Oddly, there's a lack of detail about the actual suspects. And it's… disorganized, but with a sense of urgency. The posters themselves are hastily pinned up—last-minute updates, likely from a late night's briefing.'
I heard the sound of boots echoing on the polished floor, as a group of officers quickly brushed past me.
'Two of them have exhausted eyes, but not just from lack of sleep. They've been on duty for far too long. And their expressions say they will need to stay even longer.'
"Can I help you…sir?" The receptionist asked as she gave me a look-over. A common occurrence because of my hidden, and somewhat skeptical outfit.
"Yes. I'm here to meet Kesagiri Man. He called me here to assist on a case."
"Right…" she drew out as she gave me an odd look. "Can you give me your name so I can let him know."
"Of course. My name is—"
"Insight."
I heard a soft voice call out from around the corner.
My gaze shifted toward an acquaintance waving from the side door.
'She's the only one who doesn't look like she was drowning in the chaos. Her stance is relaxed, but her fingers are tapping the doorframe—she's…disturbed.'
I nodded at the receptionist before walking over to Mika, who smiled and offered me a handshake, which I took.
"I'm glad you're here Insight. I'll take you to the interrogation room to meet Kesagiri Man. He'll explain the details."
She led me farther into the station, as we passed frantic workers, and arguing cops shouting over each other—
"Have we checked the train stations?"
"FOR THE HUNDREDTH TIME! CARL'S GROUP HAS CHECKED IT ALREADY!!"
"THEN WHY AM I GETTING NO REPORTS FROM THE STATIONS IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH THAT A UNIT WAS SENT ALREADY!"
"WHY WOULD WE GO ALL THE WAY TO OITA AND AOMORI??!"
"BECAUSE THE TRAIN GOES ALL THE WAY THERE YOU NUMBSKULL!!"
I turned back to Mika, "It's rather hectic around here Mika. Did someone hide a bomb in the middle of Japan?"
"No" she answered while glancing at the cops. Then she placed her hand on the handle of a door and pushed open, "But…they might as well have."
She paused before looking back at me. "I appreciate you coming to help Insight. Not many appreciate Consultants given that they're not formally trained, but I think we can rely on you. On your… well, insight. What we really need right now is your—"
Chapter 9 - "Detective Work"
-------------------------
Hello Everyone!
Like always, any critiques about the Chapter are appreciated. I want to become a better writer obviously.
But some compliments about the story wouldn't hurt... (It motivates me to keep writing this for free.)
Leave any thoughts and suggestions here and I'll take a look! From OC's, to side stories you want to see. I have an open mind!