[GIF: TARTARUS IN RUINS, RED MIST LEAVING THE WRECKAGE. A BLURRY MOTION, SOME SORT OF MASSIVE SPIDER SKITTERS ACROSS THE WALLS. THE IMAGE REPEATS.]
Let’s all stop pretending we all didn’t see this happen. We all watched the first shots of the escape, and then what? Within the hour, you couldn’t find a clip of this anywhere. Isn’t that suspicious?
Japan spends all its time and resources covering the truth instead of going after the people who have wronged its citizens. Why is that?
Are we all seriously going to keep pretending the obvious didn’t happen? How many more people have to have their quirks disappeared before we open our eyes?
Pacing in her room, Kimiko jumped at the sound of her phone jolting to life once more. The calls had seemed endless at this point, nagging at her like a furious mass of wasps as she tried to ignore the attention her family was getting in droves. Her first instinct was to just throw it away from her as she continued to fret back and forth, but, thankfully, she had enough sense to check the ID of the collar first.
She picked up after a few rings, chewing on her nail as she listened for half a second. "Hello?" she croaked out.
"Stop the broadcast. Right now." Vlad's voice became deeper as he was angrier, and he demanded immediate action.
"If you don't, I'll personally do it. Where's my student."
Vlad didn't know if his mother was in on this broadcast situation but he didn't want to leave anything to doubt. This scandal was growing bigger than anything he had ever dealt with, and his patience was weary.
Kimiko winced at his anger, her own scorn reddening her face.
"It's not up to me," she snapped out, gnawing all the more on her thumb as she went back to pacing, just far enough until her eyes could land on a monitor in front of her. As she watched her son mumbling something to the camera, her expression only continued to darken. "To assume I'd have something to do with this. How dare you. That's my son out there and he's only out there because all of you failed him. So watch your damn tongue when you speak to me-"
"Then tell me where he is and I'll stop it myself!" Vlad snarled at her, holding the phone close to the mouth and having completely lost his patience.
"Even if we failed him as an institution this we will not tolerate! For not only iur sake but his sake! I repeat:" He grabbed the keys and wallet, stuffing them on the pockets and left his room. "Where is he?!"
"Stop- shouting at me!" Kimiko couldn't help but snarl right back, though her fire extinguished immediately after the words left her mouth, leaving her wilting. Maybe it was the violent admission of his failure, maybe it was the thought of her son still out there, hallowing himself out all the more for the public to take and tear apart. Whatever it was made Kimiko stop, pressing the heel of her hand to her forehead.
"... It's NHK Broadcasting. In Shibuya," she finally admitted with a heavy, heavy sigh. "Please, just put a stop to this as quietly as you can. We don't need more attention on us..."
Vlad nodded and ended the call without saying another word.
Yuki: Good morning, viewers, and welcome to NHK Live. As I'm sure many of you are aware by now, the League of Villains released a lengthy video this morning that included footage of the mysterious attack on U.A. as well as what appears to be the torture of the Number Two Hero, Hawks. Joining us today is Monoma Neito: an individual whose family was mentioned by Hawks' attacker himself in his first ever interview regarding the matter---an NHK exclusive for all our viewers.
[The camera pans to reveal the guest, while keeping the news host within the frame.]
Yuki: Good morning, Monoma-san. It's an honor to have you here with us today to answer all the questions that the public has.
[Pale-faced even under all the make-up, Monoma only manages a weak smile, nodding his head just so.]
Monoma: Thank you. It's... a honor to be here.
[His smile falters and he glances down at his lap, hands starting to fidget as he sits.]
Yuki: Glad to hear that, glad to hear that. Let's speak more... generally first, shall we? The events at U.A. were, I'm sure, a traumatizing event for all of the students involved. Can you start by giving us your personal account about what really happened that fateful morning?
[Monoma nods at that, unsure.]
Monoma: I mean, you all saw what happened. I don't know how much I should say. ... What really happened...
[He looks off, off-camera, something catching his gaze that makes him frown slightly.]
Monoma: ... Well. I woke up, and I was in handcuffs. I think near everyone did, even if they were't necessarily targeted. And... well...
[Yuki nods intently during each of Monoma's pauses---an attempt to look sincere while encouraging him to elaborate.]
Yuki: Well...? What were you feeling in those moments? Take us through a little bit of your thought process.
Monoma: My thought process?... I wasn't really thinking about much. I thought it was a prank, honestly. It was kind of annoying, kind of funny. More annoying than funny. I was in a different room than I'd gone to bed in so that was kind of... funny. I'm sorry, I'm rambling, I don't know. It really wasn't all that interesting, how the day started-
Yuki: So what you're saying is that you initially thought that the greatest attack to ever be conducted on U.A. soil was a prank and that your first emotions of the day were those of humor.
[The interviewer nods once, leaning in a little closer to Monoma.]
Yuki: But what about when you realized that it wasn't a prank? [A pause. Some sympathy shines through in her eyes.] I know that a lot of this can be difficult to talk about, but these are things that the nation---no. The world needs to hear so that we can rally our police officers and professional heroes together to prevent something like this from happening again. And I'm sure you're well-aware of that, aren't you, Monoma-san?
[She shoots a subtle glance to someone off-screen.]
[Monoma only grows paler at how that sounds, desperately trying to interrupt as she speaks.]
Monoma: That's- that's not what I--
[Falling quiet again, his teeth grits and he bows his head, shoulders shaking slightly.]
Monoma: Of course. I'm sorry. I really am trying. I really didn't think-... It was... Someone had impersonated my friend. Someone with a shapeshifter quirk. They came into my room and I...
[He pauses, biting his lip raw, his eyes starting to shine from the memory.]
Monoma: I suppose I fell for it...
[Yuki puts what appears to be a gentle hand on his shoulder.]
Yuki: That must have been difficult, I'm sure.
[She keeps her hand there and waits for him to respond, expecting him to continue.]
[He flinches, just slightly.]
Monoma: The others had it worse, I think. I really only think of that. And how... maybe I should have been more perceptive, and then I wouldn't have-... I woke up after, the videos didn't show that. But I got free and I helped with what I could until the authorities managed to get on campus. I really did what I could.
Yuki: I'm sure that you did... Now, about how long would you estimate it took for authorities to arrive on the scene?
[Another long pause as he bites hard at his lip, clearly more nervous than he was only seconds ago.]
Monoma: I... I don't know. I never really was paying attention to the time. Maybe an hour? It all happened really fast, everything happened... really fast...
[She nods in response.]
Yuki: Yes, I can imagine... And so before the authorities arrived, what was it like on the scene? You mentioned that you were freed, but how did that come to happen?
Monoma: Um. Another student found me and woke me up. He had keys - to the handcuffs, I mean - and handed them to me so I could pass them off to other people once I'd been freed myself.
[The tension seems to ease in him just slightly once they're on this topic.]
Monoma: We pretty much did what we could as heroes in training to access the sitution and save each other. Keep each other stable while we waited.
Yuki: I see, I see...
[She turns to face the camera directly.]
Yuki: For those of you who are just tuning in, I'm here with Monoma Neito: one of the survivors of the U.A. attack and an individual who was mentioned by name in the footage released this morning. According to Monoma-san, U.A. students---who moved to the campus in order to be protected---were left defenseless and alone, scrambling to save themselves and their peers for approximately an hour before any professionals even arrived on scene. Not only that, but it seems that the people who attacked U.A. are able to mimic the actions of our loved ones in order to use our own emotions against us. It’s a dangerous time for our country indeed.
[She takes a moment to shoot the camera a silent, somber look.]
Yuki: This all becomes even more daunting when the only statements given to the public regarding the matter showcase that the school administration has made little to no progress with what must have become a private investigation of the attack. In fact, it seems as though there is a lot of in-fighting within the U.A. administration itself...but I suppose we’ll get more into that during the U.A. press conference later this week.
[Her attention returns to Monoma as she prepares to ask the next question.]
Yuki: Speaking of some of the professionals, there's one in particular that many people are now connecting you to---Hawks. In the footage released this morning, he seemed to take on a very defensive role when your name was mentioned. Could you please explain to us your relationship with the Number Two Hero?
[Monoma only slumps a little in his chair as she talks, hair hiding most of his expression as he quietly listens, though he looks... defeated, the spitting image of the gritty videos of before. He only really perks up as she directs her voice to him again, though the question itself only elicits a sheer look of horror on his face.]
Monoma: I--
[He glances straight towards the cameras, searching for- something. He looks panicked, fingers fidgetting.]
Monoma: No, I can't. I don't know why I was- why he said that. I've never really... I don't talk to him. Really. The only class he's ever been interested in was 1-A's, is what I thought, I've never been close to him-
[He's rambling now, babbling, clearly unable to really stop-]
[Yuki's eyes narrow as she struggles to make sense of Monoma's words.]
Yuki: So you're saying that you've met Hawks but you never thought he was interested in you? [She keeps her skeptical eyes trained on him as she continues.] The audio is very clear when the Monoma name is brought up... So are you insinuating that you're the wrong Monoma to be speaking to...?
Monoma: I haven't met him. I've-
[He grimaces, desperate.]
Monoma: I've been around him, maybe. I don't know. There's social media, he's popular online. I- I don't know if I'm the wrong-
[He looks frantically out over the cameras again.]
Monoma: I mean, he's a hero, all heroes tend to work with my family at some point. I don't know. I don't know why he said my name. I'm not trying to insinuate anything-
[She leans towards him once more, eyes narrowed.]
Yuki: This is a simple question, Monoma-san: do you or do you not have a personal relationship with the Number Two Hero, Hawks?
[Freezing a little, he just stares at her, stricken.]
Monoma: .. No.
[Yuki leans back in her chair, obviously perplexed. She manages a pointed look at someone off-screen before continuing.]
Yuki: I see... I suppose we'll have to arrange interviews with... Other members of the Monoma family then---to help set the record straight.
[A pause.]
Yuki: But regardless, it wasn't Hawks that brought up your name in the first place---the Number Two Hero only reacted to it, and I suppose he could have simply done so due to a hero's naturally protective nature... The real question I should have asked is if you recognize that man...
[She straightens up in her chair as she addresses the camera directly.]
Yuki: Earlier this morning, police were able to identify and arrest the individual responsible for Hawks' torture. Let's watch some of that never-before-seen footage now, shall we?
[On the screen behind Yuki and Monoma, a clip plays from outside the Midoriya family apartment. A middle-aged woman is being held back by police as she cries out for what viewers can assume to be her son. The boy in question looks wide-eyed with confusion as the cops lead him into a car.]
Yuki: Monoma-san... Do you recognize this man?
[The clip brings upon a palpatable reaction from him, as his mouth literally drops open as he watches Midoriya's mother be held back away from his child.]
Monoma: Midoriya...-kun...?
[Some sort of recognition appears in his eyes before he shakes his head, stammering out.]
Monoma: Wh-what is this, you... you arrested him...!? How-- how did you-
[She smiles.]
Yuki: Ah, so you do know him! Wonderful! [She claps her hands together with glee.] While NHK obviously isn't responsible for this arrest, we're more than happy to tell you that the vile man who clearly tortured pro hero Hawks is now in police custody. Monoma-san, please, elaborate on your relationship with the arrested felon, Midoriya Izuku.
[Monoma just keeps shaking his head before a hand reaches up, fisting a little into his hair.]
Monoma: No, no, you don't understand. That- that's- He's just a classmate of mine...! He-...
[He trails off, focus seeming to suddenly drift as he thinks.]
Monoma: ... It's hard to think that he could be capable of such a thing. It's really- it's really hard to believe. ...
[His hand leaves his hair, folding into his lap as he chews on his lip.]
Monoma: ... I really don't think the shapeshifter was caught, though. Who was at the attack. So. So I think it should be considered that maybe, maybe they are just... framing him... and that the police just have the wrong guy. Because while we may have had our differences-
[He winces, immediately acknowledging his words as a mistake.]
Monoma: I can't come to terms with the thought that he could ever hurt someone in that way... It's too hard to believe.
Yuki: Your differences, you say?
[It's clear that her interest has been piqued as she leans towards him once more.]
Yuki: While I suppose it's possible that the shapeshifter was framing Midoriya Izuku, let's suppose that that isn't the case---let's say that it really was Midoriya Izuku who kidnapped the Number Two Hero, tied him to a chair, and tortured him for the whole world to see... In the footage, he mentions that he, and I quote, "made you stronger"... Is there any possible way that your classmate might have done that to you?
[Monoma grits his teeth, suddenly and visibly frustrated.]
Monoma: No. I don't know what that means. Clearly, he's a lunatic and-- I don't know. Maybe a reference to our classes, if it's really him. We've had to fight in class before. That's it, that's all I can imagine it was about.
[Yuki blinks in surprise at the sudden change in his tone.]
Yuki: Wow... It seems like there's a lot of... animosity between you two, huh? [A pause.] So you're suggesting the possibility that U.A. is not only failing to protect its students---the shining ray of hope for the next hero generation---but that they're also pitting students together in a toxic atmosphere that may very well cause certain individuals to develop... "lunatic"-like behavior. Interesting... Very interesting indeed...
[She straightens up in her chair once more and turns to address the camera. As she does so, the frame adjusts so that Monoma is no longer pictured on-screen.]
Yuki: And there you have it, folks: not only is U.A.---the supposed "number one" school for future heroes---failing to protect its students---our children---but they're also crafting a dangerously competitive atmosphere that breeds and promotes unhealthy behavior, unqualified staff, and a lack of ability to do what they claim to be great at doing: saving others. In this morning's interview with Monoma Neito, we've gained insight on how their students were practically abandoned by their teachers for an entire hour during the November attack; how they've possibly driven poor, fledgling hero, Midoriya Izuku, to absolute insanity...
[She shakes her head, solemnly.]
Yuki: These are dark times that are facing our country... And as citizens, all we can do is rally together and insist that our heroes do better, insist that they do their jobs and return peace back to this society... insist that they assemble all of their resources and focus them on discovering the identity of the "mystery man" that supposedly spearheaded this attack on U.A. and have him arrested---at the least.
Yuki: ........ This is Kashimoto Yuki, signing off.
... Ugh.
I don't even know.
"Children are fragile."
Sure is something for him to say.
monoma neito.
God
Hahahahaa
I'm gonna fucking throw up oh my god
Man though... that's so wild... I wonder 🤔 Did he figure out children were fragile before or after he started trying to beat lessons into them
Todoroki
Even if he did know before it wouldn't have stopped him.
Honestly. He probably knew it and used it to his advantage.
monoma neito.
Ew
Wish I had more to say to that but just. ugh. ew
Todoroki
Not much else to say about him other than that.
Surprised he even showed up to the conference. Wonder who on his team had to force him into that.
monoma neito.
Well, he has been showing up more to these kind of things, I suppose...
Todoroki
Guess he has to.
Since he's number one. He has to replace All Might and do something to fill his place.
monoma neito.
Tch...
Todoroki
Kind of sad. Yeah.
The instant he can make excuses to stop attending events again he will.
monoma neito.
Incredible. It really is...
... Hey, I don't know if you ever remember us talking about, like...
Ah, what was it... It was a while ago...
... Getting back?...
Todoroki
..? No, apparently I'm not remembering.
monoma neito.
We were talking about quirk marriage (for some reason) and you were being defeatist about doing something about the matter. Even though you hate it so much.
Todoroki
Ah. Right.
monoma neito.
... And you hate your dad. And his position.
... Very blatantly.
Why not do something about it...?
Todoroki
Like... what.
Are you suggesting that I go public about how I was raised? Or what.
monoma neito.
A little bit. In the most basic sense.
I'm sure there are other things that can be done if not that.
I don't know, I'm just thinking out loud.
Todoroki
Fair.
Maybe I will someday.
Not now, though. Probably not even soon.
I also just can't imagine taking away our number one hero a second time.
monoma neito.
Mm...
... He doesn't deserve to be it though... He's hardly fit for it.
That hardly counts...
Todoroki
Nobody knows that, though.
Nobody knows it doesn't count, so it's fine.
monoma neito.
That doesn't make it fine, that makes it all the more sickening...
Todoroki
Not to the thousands of people who trust him.
That's what matters, I guess.
All of the people we need to keep safe and who need to trust heroes compared to a few kids.
That's kind of what the press conference is about, anyways. Making sure people have faith in our heroes. Having a scandal like that would just... rip all of that to pieces.
monoma neito.
... Ah.
Tch.
I guess so.
... That is pretty telling, though.
For you to say something like that.
Todoroki
Something like what?
monoma neito.
Blah blah, keeping people safe at your own expense...
I mean, it's that kind of tomfoolery that keeps getting your wretched class into trouble, is it not...?
Todoroki
Monoma, we're talking about, frankly, millions of people compared to you, me, my siblings, and my mother.
An entire society built on trusting our top ranking heroes.
And you want to tear that down for a second time.
So close to All Might having to retire, no less.
monoma neito.
If it were me, I would. Absolutely.
But it's not tearing down society, it's punishing someone who has done wrong based on what the existing society deemed wrong.
Todoroki
No. It's. No. He might have done something wrong, but the repercussions of everyone knowing that is exactly the thing that would make it a total disaster to actually expose it.
monoma neito.
How so.
Todoroki
Do we really need people losing their faith in heroes right now?
monoma neito.
He's not a hero.
Tch...
Todoroki
He is to all of Japan. The whole world, actually.
You know who he isn't a hero to? 6 people.
monoma neito.
And the second they all find out he's a child abuser, the whole world can catch up.
Like, you do understand that people will find out. This isn't wishful thinking. It's going to get out.
Might as well do it sooner rather than later!
Todoroki
The whole world would catch up and be devastated.
Maybe they will.
That's why I said someday, but not right now. Because All Mights retirement was so recent.
monoma neito.
Whatever...
The longer it takes, the worse it's gonna be when it happens, honestly...
Todoroki
Can't be worse than if we do it now.
monoma neito.
I think it can. But, like I said, whatever...
Todoroki
Well, any way that it happens it'll be bad.
monoma neito.
Yeah.
... So there's no point in stalling it, honestly.
But, yeah.
Todoroki
Ugh.
Forgive me for not wanting to get into that mess when I'm already dealing with everything else going on right now. Jesus christ.
monoma neito.
I said whatever, it's fine.
You're forgiven.
Haha~...
Todoroki
Very funny.
monoma neito.
... Oh, look at that perfectly timed question.
Todoroki
Wow. Can't wait for the answer. Ugh.
monoma neito.
Mmmhm.
Todoroki
... funny how he says we can count on him keeping everyone safe.
monoma neito.
Mm. Everyone but the people that are supposedly the most important to him...
Todoroki
Yeah. That's great.
Wonderful. I love it.
monoma neito.
It's fantastic. Hope it goes on all night, just like that. Really.
Todoroki
Yeah. That would be.. great. Just. Fucking.
Great..
monoma neito.
... ah?
Are you okay?...
Todoroki
I'm fine.
monoma neito.
... Now are you just saying that to be irritating or are you actually fine.
Todoroki
why would i just say it to be irritating?????
monoma neito.
Because you have an irritating personality and you love to bug me with it.
Todoroki
Oh yeah sorry i forgot that i love being fucking impossible to be around for a second.
monoma neito.
No, you've clearly remembered because you're doing it right now.
Being fucking impossible.
Where are you right now?
Todoroki
Thanks for reminding me.
my room.
monoma neito.
Okay. I'm gonna ask this, once, since I know I hate when people suddenly burst in my room for any reason.
Do you want me over there with you right now?
Todoroki
no. i'm fine.
monoma neito.
... Okay.
Todoroki
...
Great.
monoma neito.
They don't know anything...
Todoroki
They should know enough to know that that was. an awful question.
monoma neito.
It's the paparazzi. They do it on purpose. They want to be awful, that's why they say it.
Todoroki
Do they get off on everyone hating them or something.
monoma neito.
Of course they do. They wouldn't be journalists if they didn't.
"You are expected to be an example to the rest of the country and the world. But not only that, you are a prime example of a parent who obviously knows what's right for their children."
You really expect me to think you're fine after hearing that.
Todoroki
he barely even acknowledged it.
why does all might LOOK at him like that. why does he RESPECT him.
monoma neito.
He doesn't know...
You said that yourself, remember. Everyone respects him because they don't know.
Todoroki
fuck.
FUCK.
monoma neito.
...
Todoroki
i hate this.
monoma neito.
I know...
It sucks.
Todoroki
its. disgusting.
i can't even. i don't.
gh.
monoma neito.
Jesus.
Todoroki
what.
the fuck.
monoma neito.
Todoroki I really think you should turn your television off.
Like if you can just... listen to me for one damn moment today, please can it be about this-
It's obviously only gonna get worse
Todoroki
but. i.
no.
god.
fuck.
i don't even. how did anyone find out.
monoma neito.
Someone at the hospital probably got paid out.
It's not like it's hard to do...
Todoroki
for what some great fucking story about how the number one heroes son was fucking experimented on because his father was angry because i wasn't able to be enough or whatever the FUCK he thought,
monoma neito.
... yeah. that. exactly.
... can I come over please,,,
Todoroki
.. yeah.
monoma neito.
yay,,,
Todoroki
don't get too excited... probably won't be all that fun.
monoma neito.
What're you talking about?,, Trauma is fun,,,, wheeee,,,
Todoroki
Fun? Yeah. I'm having a great time.
monoma neito.
Same,
I'm taking a tiny little detour actually
and then I'll come over
So don't freak out too much without mee... kay?
Todoroki
....? detour? For?
monoma neito.
Ah, fresh air
Then again there is air between my room and yours, isnt there? Right yes
I'll come straight over then
