Chapitre 174: Chapter 173: Trouble in Saitama

In Saitama City, dusk was setting in. The time had passed 4 p.m., and while many ordinary citizens were enjoying a peaceful afternoon, chaos was unfolding in the city's shadows.

"Boom!!"

A black figure slammed hard into the iron railing on the roof of a building, the force of impact so great that the railing bent under the strain.

The man, bearing a gray-green turtle shell on his back, leaned against the twisted railing, his vision blurry, blood trickling from his mouth.

"Why… why… Why are you here, Eraser Head?" he groaned weakly, his breath ragged.

"Shua—BOOM!!"

The man's question went unanswered. His attacker—a man with dark, tired eyes—yanked him forward with a binding cloth before delivering a brutal knee to his chest.

"Ugh…" The turtle-backed man groaned before his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed unconscious.

Aizawa Shouta, better known as the stealth hero Eraser Head, stood over the defeated villain. His tired eyes glanced down at the limp body, then shifted to the horizon as the setting sun cast Saitama City in an amber glow.

"I didn't expect what Edgeshot said to actually be true," Aizawa muttered, tightening the bandages on his arms. "Kaminari has really been targeted by these rats."

His mind wandered back to the morning, recalling the phone call that had set this entire chain of events into motion.

---

Earlier that day, Aizawa had been preparing tomorrow's lessons at U.A. High School and finalizing plans for the upcoming final exams. He hadn't expected his phone to buzz with an urgent call from Edgeshot.

"Eraser Head, Kaminari's on someone's 'list.' They've put a bounty on his combat uniform—$50 million!" Edgeshot's voice sounded rough, as if he had just finished fighting.

"What?!" Aizawa's normally calm demeanor cracked, and he checked the caller ID again to confirm it was indeed Edgeshot.

"I don't know the full details," Edgeshot continued, "but I'm certain there are rats hiding in Saitama, planning to make a move. Notify the local Hero office and have them keep an eye out, especially around Kaminari's house."

Aizawa didn't waste a second. He transferred the call to U.A.'s principal, Nezu, who immediately sprang into action. Nezu instructed Aizawa to head to Saitama, while Midnight—who was already vacationing there was tasked with leading her assistants to guard Kaminari's family.

Meanwhile, Aizawa, a veteran hero accustomed to operating in the shadows, scoured the city for signs of danger. His experience paid off—by dusk, he had already intercepted and apprehended three separate groups of "rats."

This turtle-backed man was from the third wave, while the others had been turned over to the police.

---

Aizawa stood on the rooftop, looking over the sprawling city. His sharp eyes focused on the direction of the Saitama City subway station.

"I'll have to talk to Kaminari about this later," he muttered. "This kid is something else. Has there ever been another 15-year-old who ended up on a dark world's bounty list?"

Shaking his head, Aizawa adjusted his yellow goggles and tugged lightly on the bandages wrapped around his arms. Then, with practiced ease, he leapt from the rooftop, carrying the unconscious turtle-backed villain.

"Let's send a message," he thought grimly. "If we hit these rats hard enough, the others might think twice before coming after him."

---

To be honest, Kaminari's personal safety wasn't what concerned Aizawa, Edgeshot, or Nezu the most. They all knew that Kaminari was far more powerful than the average villain perhaps even stronger than some of the more notorious ones.

No, the real concerns were twofold:

First, Kaminari's temper. If pushed, he might accidentally violate the law by using his Quirk on others.

Second, and more importantly, the safety of Kaminari's family.

Nezu had planned carefully for both contingencies. Midnight was protecting Kaminari's family with a team of assistants, while Aizawa handled the cleanup of any potential threats.

And as for the third layer of Nezu's plan? That was already underway.

---

At the Saitama City subway station, Kaminari stepped off the train alongside Tetsutetsu.

"Hello, I'm Megure Jusan from the Saitama City Police Department," said a large, rotund officer standing in their path. He was accompanied by several other officers. "You must be Kaminari Denki from Class 1-A of U.A. High School's Hero Course."

"Yes, that's me," Kaminari replied, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What's this about?"

The station was bustling, and many bystanders were already pulling out their phones to snap pictures of the scene. Kaminari's eyes flicked toward them, his expression hardening.

"Don't worry," Officer Megure said reassuringly, rubbing his large belly with one hand. "You're not in trouble. Can we talk while we walk?"

Kaminari hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, but if this isn't anything serious, I'll need you to clarify that to the public. Being seen stopped by the police could cause me a lot of unnecessary trouble."

"Of course," Officer Megure replied with a casual smile. "But once you hear the situation, I think you'll understand."

"Fair enough," Kaminari said before glancing at Tetsutetsu. "Does he need to come too?"

"No—"

Before Officer Megure could finish, Tetsutetsu interrupted loudly, "I'll go too!"

His expression was firm, and his reasoning was simple. If Kaminari was in trouble, then as a friend, it was his duty to stand with him. If these officers tried anything suspicious, he wouldn't hesitate to fight alongside Kaminari.

"Alright then, come along," Megure said, shrugging when he saw Kaminari's approving nod.

---

The group quickly left the station, piling into a police car as curious onlookers continued snapping pictures.

Saitama City was Kaminari's hometown, and his family's company was based here. Naturally, he was a local celebrity. The sight of him being escorted by police quickly began to trend online as "Kaminari Denki Arrested."

---

As they drove through the city, Officer Megure began explaining the situation to Kaminari and Tetsutetsu. The more Kaminari listened, the more his heart sank.

His earlier naivety was glaringly clear now. The villains weren't necessarily after him, they might target his family instead.

"How are my parents?" Kaminari asked, his voice tense.

"They're fine," Officer Megure replied from the passenger seat. "Midnight is with them now, and we've marked your home for special protection. Everything's secure."

Hearing this, Kaminari breathed a small sigh of relief.

"Your situation is certainly unique," Megure continued. "It's rare to see someone as young as you targeted like this. According to Edgeshot, though, it's not you they're after, it's your combat uniform. Can you tell me where it is now?"

Kaminari lowered his head slightly. "I already handed it over to Dr. Tenma for modifications. Tetsutetsu just picked up his new uniform, so we left together."

As soon as Kaminari finished speaking, the officer driving the car briefly glanced at him through the rearview mirror. The look in his eyes was fleeting, gone in a flash, but it didn't go unnoticed.

---

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the apartment where Kaminari's family lived without incident. Officer Megure's brow furrowed slightly.

"Strange," he muttered under his breath. "We assumed they'd try to intercept us on the way. Are they planning something for tonight instead?"

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… that's very possible."

***

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Chapitre 175: Chapter 174: The Inexplicable Villains

Urgent footsteps echoed down the building's hallway, followed by the rapid sound of buttons being pressed on an electronic keypad. A moment later, a soft, cheerful voice greeted Kaminari as he entered the apartment.

"Pikachu!" the welcome chime sounded.

But Kaminari had no time to pay attention to it. He dashed straight into the house, shouting, "Dad! Mom!"

"My son's home!"

However, as Kaminari took in the scene in the living room, he froze. The atmosphere wasn't anything like he had expected.

There was no panic, no anxiety. Instead, the room was calm, almost serene. His parents and Midnight were seated on the sofa, chatting and sipping black tea as though nothing had happened.

"Son, you're finally back!" his mother exclaimed, standing to greet him with a warm smile. She took his arm, her expression brimming with joy. "I've been so worried about you this past week. Let me take a good look at you!"

"Uh… you're… you're all okay?" Kaminari asked hesitantly, looking around the room. His gaze lingered on his father and Midnight, but both smiled at him reassuringly.

"Of course, we're fine," his father said, his tone calm and steady as he took another sip of black tea. "Teacher Midnight has already explained the situation to us. Don't worry, we're not so fragile that we'd be helpless in the face of a little trouble."

Kaminari's father set his cup down and leaned forward slightly. "The important thing now is solving the problem, not dwelling on it. That's why we've been discussing solutions with Teacher Midnight."

"What kind of solutions?" Kaminari asked as his mother gently guided him to sit on the sofa with her.

"In addition to police protection," his father explained, "I've reached an agreement with Midnight's Hero Office. They'll take full responsibility for the security of this apartment. We've already informed the property management."

He gestured to a document on the table before continuing, "I'm also planning to hire a professional hero as a personal bodyguard. I'm in the process of reviewing candidates now."

Kaminari stared at his father in surprise as he listened. Midnight had clearly informed them of the situation, including Kaminari's strength, but his father had correctly identified the real issue: the safety of the family.

By ensuring his and his wife's security, Kaminari's father knew he could give his son the peace of mind needed to focus on his own priorities.

For Kaminari, seeing his father take charge like this filled him with relief.

"Dad, you're handling this perfectly," Kaminari admitted, his tone softening. Then, glancing at Midnight, he added, "But this can't be cheap, right?"

His father smiled faintly. "No matter the cost, these things need to be done," he replied firmly. "Money comes and goes, but family comes first."

Kaminari's father leaned back slightly and added, "Besides, I'm also in talks with Mitsui to order an advanced intelligent security system for the entire community."

"I suggested moving to a different place," Kaminari's mother interjected with a shake of her head. "But your father refused, insisted on spending more money instead."

"And why should we move?" Kaminari's father countered, his tone sharp and unyielding. "Why should we give up our home just because some 'rats' want to cause trouble? Let them come. I'm not going to run away from a problem like this."

Kaminari's father's voice softened slightly as he continued, "This house isn't just a building. It's the home I worked hard to buy so I could marry your mother. I'll never forget the look on her face, how she smiled and cried when she first saw it. This is our home, and we're not leaving."

His words struck Kaminari deeply, filling him with a sense of pride and admiration. In this moment, he saw his father as a strong, resolute figure—the true head of their family.

"Mom," Kaminari said, clenching his fists, "I agree with Dad. We're not moving!"

Inside, however, anger simmered in his chest. His thoughts turned dark as he vowed silently, Anyone who dares to come here will regret it. And whoever put that bounty on me, I'll find you—and I won't hold back.

"Kaminari," Midnight said suddenly, her calm voice breaking through his thoughts. She had noticed the cold look in his eyes. "You can't take action yourself. Don't forget—you don't have a Hero License yet."

"A Hero License?" Kaminari let out a small, bitter laugh. "This is about my family's safety. Don't expect me to sit still because of some license. If I have to act, I won't hesitate."

"Kaminari!" Midnight's tone turned stern, her brows furrowing. "Stay calm. We heroes will protect your family. Your job is to focus on your studies and get your Hero License as soon as possible."

"I am calm," Kaminari replied evenly, his face devoid of emotion. "And I'll work hard to earn my license. But if something happens in the meantime, I'll do what I have to."

---

As his thoughts settled, Kaminari began to reflect on the absurdity of the situation.

He hadn't provoked anyone, nor had he gone out of his way to seek conflict. All he had done was receive a combat suit, and now he was the target of a $50 million bounty.

Isn't this backward? Kaminari thought irritably. Aren't villains supposed to show up after the hero does something to piss them off? What is this nonsense?!

---

"Wait a second…" Kaminari suddenly realized something.

The only people who knew the details of his combat uniform were Tetsutetsu and the team at Mitsui's research base.

It wasn't that he suspected Mitsui Buntais or Dr. Tenma of betrayal. But a spy? That was possible.

"The mole has to be someone directly involved in the production of the combat uniform," Kaminari muttered to himself.

He made a mental note to inform Dr. Tenma about his suspicions. They would need to root out the spy and track down whoever was truly behind this bounty.

---

What Kaminari didn't know was that Mitsui had already begun taking action.

As soon as Mitsui Buntais received word of the bounty, he initiated an internal investigation at the research base. Additionally, Mitsui activated covert intelligence networks to track down the source of the order.

The Yaoyorozu family, too, had joined the effort. The situation not only involved the rare SIS memory alloy but also concerned Kaminari personally—a Class 1-A student and an important friend to Momo.

***

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