With Yu Takeyama's personality, there was no way she would keep something like this quiet. Before long, the entire Hero agency would know—and by then, Shina Etsuha's embarrassing childhood story would be public knowledge.
Etsuha's expression darkened.
He slowly turned to look at Yamada, his gaze carrying a subtle but unmistakable danger.
"Yamada… what exactly did you just say?"
Yamada: "…"
Did I just say something I really shouldn't have…?
Looking at Etsuha now, Yamada couldn't help but swallow nervously. A chill ran down his spine. Still, thinking of Bakugo Katsuki's strength, he forced himself to stand firm.
"I've delivered the message. So… are you coming or not?"
"Hmph. Of course I'm coming," Etsuha replied coldly. "Tell Bakugo Katsuki to wait. I'm going to knock that kid flat."
"I'll go tell him right away!"
Yamada's face lit up with relief. If he hadn't managed to bring Etsuha along, Bakugo would definitely have taken it out on him. With Etsuha's confirmation secured, Yamada immediately ran off, eager to report back.
Watching him leave, Etsuha let out a long breath.
Everyone had embarrassing moments from their childhood—Etsuha was no exception. But he never imagined Bakugo Katsuki would stoop so low as to weaponize them just to force a fight.
Still… thinking about it carefully, it made sense.
Bakugo Katsuki might be explosive and aggressive on the surface, but underneath that temper was a surprisingly calculating mind. Even when enraged, he could think with cold precision.
That, too, was a kind of talent.
Of course, at this point in time, Bakugo Katsuki was still very much a volatile hothead. It wasn't surprising that he would challenge Etsuha directly.
And Etsuha had to admit—Bakugo was strong.
Among their peers, his ability already stood out. If not for certain circumstances, he might even have qualified for a recommendation into U.A.
The time was now 4:30 PM. There was still some time before the agreed meeting.
Etsuha decided to head back to the agency, grab some money, and pick up a few things along the way.
But the moment he stepped inside—
Every head in the room turned toward him.
One of the more familiar Pro Heroes grinned teasingly.
"Etsuha-chan, I never expected you to be the type who peeked at girls bathing when you were a kid. What a surprise!"
Etsuha: "…"
They all knew.
Damn it, Bakugo Katsuki!
And damn it—big sis!
Glancing over, he saw Yu Takeyama trying—and failing—to suppress her laughter.
At this point, there was no salvaging his dignity.
Without another word, Etsuha grabbed some pocket money, muttered, "I'm heading out," and bolted from the office.
…
The so-called "backyard" was actually an abandoned building not far from the school.
Because it was rarely used, it had become a gathering spot for students like Bakugo Katsuki—perfect for testing their Quirks away from prying eyes.
At that moment, Bakugo Katsuki sat on the broken steps with his usual group, Midoriya Izuku included, waiting for Yamada's return.
"Boss… is it really a good idea to challenge Shina like this? His reputation's been getting pretty big lately…" one of the lackeys asked hesitantly.
Bakugo's head snapped toward him instantly.
"Huh?! You think I'm going to lose?!"
"N-no, that's not what I meant—"
"Have you ever even seen him use his Quirk?" Bakugo pressed.
"No…"
"Then have you seen him fight seriously?"
"He looked strong, but—"
"Huh?! Stronger than me?!"
"N-no! Not at all!"
"Tch. Then what's there to worry about?" Bakugo snorted, small explosions crackling in his palm. "That guy's been acting real high and mighty lately. First he beats that muscle freak, then the Sludge Villain. And now I hear he even got recommended to U.A. a few days ago… it pisses me off."
"With your strength, boss, beating Shina will be easy!"
"Yeah! What's so special about him anyway? Just some hidden Quirk—how could he compare to you?"
The other two chimed in eagerly, full of confidence.
Midoriya Izuku, sitting off to the side, hesitated before speaking up.
"Kacchan… using Quirks to fight like this is illegal…"
He had come to try and stop this, but his voice lacked conviction. Earlier, he had nearly been beaten just for speaking up.
"Shut up, Deku! Say another word and I'll beat you down right here!" Bakugo snapped, clenching his fist.
At that moment—
"Boss!"
Yamada came running back, out of breath but visibly excited.
"Shina accepted the challenge!"
Bakugo's expression eased slightly. He nodded in satisfaction.
"Good work."
"Wow, Yamada, you even waited here for me. That's pretty thoughtful."
A calm voice suddenly sounded from behind him.
"Huh?!"
Yamada spun around in shock—only to find Shina Etsuha standing right there.
His eyes widened.
"You—?! Didn't you say you were going back to the office first? When did you get here? How long have you been behind me?!"
"When did he… show up?"
Even Bakugo Katsuki felt a sudden pressure tighten in his chest as he stared at Etsuha.
For the first time—
He realized something unsettling.
He couldn't read this guy at all.