[MHCISQD] Chapter 445: Assessment

"Finally done with all the busyness..." Renault spoke with relief as he walked out of the police station, looking at the two girls beside him. "Let's go home, then call Mikumo. We'll go out for a big meal together."

Heading home, he called Mikumo, who was practicing the piano at home, and the four of them searched for a fancy restaurant, enjoying a good lunch.

While indulging in the feast, Renault and Hado filled in Yuriko and Mikumo on the details of today's mission.

When they got to the part about Mirko turning into a Kaijin, Yuriko furrowed her brow and said, "This situation isn't simple. According to the information Nighteye provided, it seems Mirko was targeted after she visited the hospital. After that, she was likely unconsciously manipulated, with no memory of it."

Renault nodded. "Yeah, there might be an issue with that hospital. Nighteye has sent people to investigate."

"But knowing Shocker's style, they probably didn't leave many clues. I bet the doctors and nurses who healed Mirko have vanished." He added.

"So, not only do we have to worry about external threats, but now Pro Heroes also have to be concerned about Shocker meddling from within?" Mikumo remarked with a worried tone.

"Indeed..." Renault agreed. "but once we figure out what happened to Mirko, how she was manipulated, we can better guard against it."

They then discussed dealing with Ambassador Hell and the activation of the volcano.

Yuriko turned to Renault. "Do you have any other ideas to handle that volcano?"

"Frankly, I'm not eager to use this method." Renault said, reaching into the black hole beside him and pulling out a metal knuckle with red, orange-red, and black coloring, featuring a circular socket and a handle.

"The Cross-Z Magma Knuckle. With this and the Build Driver, I can transform into Cross-Z Magma. Using this, along with the power of Phoenix Fullbottle, we can suppress the volcanic activity in that area effectively."

"Wow!" Hado exclaimed, leaning in to touch the Cross-Z Magma Knuckle. "It's a bit hot. Lava property, huh? But Renault, why don't you use it? It must look cool, right?"

'Cool?' Renault nodded regretfully. "Indeed, appearance-wise, it's impressive. But unfortunately, I'm afraid that using this might inherit the attribute from the previous user. I'd rather avoid that."

And Renault certainly didn't want to turn into a muscle-headed brute. He'd stick with his Evol Black Hole Form.

"Hmm..." Hado looked at the equipment with disappointment. "So, does that mean this thing is useless now? What a shame."

"Not entirely useless. If we figure out how to use it properly, it can still be effective. But personally, I won't be using it." Renault explained.

Considering the existing Riders like himself, Tsukasa, Natsumi, and All Might, he figured the world had enough. Magma Dragon's candidate needed to have abilities similar to magma or flames.

Endeavor was a good option, but Renault had already evolved him with the Phoenix Fullbottle. So, Renault thought of his schoolmates.

Magma Dragon's suitable candidates boiled down to Bakugo and Todoroki. After careful consideration, Renault found Bakugo more fitting.

Todoroki, with his dual abilities of fire and ice, could potentially face imbalance issues with just a Magma Dragon. However, for Bakugo, despite his improved personality, handling a Magma Dragon isn't something an average person can do. He needs further evaluation.

Other Drivers, like Renault, can proceed, but the Rider's identity remains uncertain, so let's not dwell on that for now.

Among the strongest students, Midoriya doesn't need a Rider Driver. His own One For All power isn't fully developed, and the abilities of past inheritors are yet to be explored. He'll need time for research.

So, in the next few days, Renault needed to find a suitable time to assess Bakugo.

After lunch, Renault and Hado skipped the office and headed home with Mikumo and Yuriko, planning to relax for the afternoon.

At home, Mikumo continued playing the piano, Yuriko managed her shop, and Renault joined Hado on the sofa to watch TV.

While watching, Hado kept texting on her phone.

"What are you chatting about?" Renault asked.

"Hehe, Mikoto had a physical training class today, just finished a round of exercises, and is resting now. I told her about our grand lunch plan." Hado replied mischievously.

Renault, looking at Hado's expression, couldn't help but feel helpless. The girls had their own chat group, and he wasn't privy to its contents. Still, she was grateful for their good relationship.

===

Three days later.

On this day, everyone spent a full day at school, with two days of regular academic studies and a quiz. Those participating in off-campus work studies were well-prepared.

After afternoon classes, Renault approached Bakugo, who was organizing his bag.

"Got a moment?"

"Hmm?" Bakugo looked up, curious about Renault's mysterious smile. "What's up?"

"Good news. You'll know when you come. Interested?"

Bakugo raised an eyebrow, swiftly finished packing, and stood up.

"Let's go."

Amid the curious gazes of others, the two left the classroom.

As they left, the remaining students approached Yaoyorozu.

"Yaomomo, do you know why Renault is looking for Bakugo?" Ashido asked.

Yaoyorozu didn't hide it, smiling as she replied, "Renault has something suitable for Bakugo. But whether Bakugo is qualified to have it, Renault plans to test him."

"Ah, sounds interesting!" Ashido and the others wanted to witness it.

However, Yaoyorozu immediately stopped them. "Don't go this time. Renault is serious about this. If Bakugo passes, you'll know later."

Though disappointed, the group listened to Yaoyorozu.

On the other side, Renault, with Bakugo, arrived at a prearranged practice field. Here, they wouldn't be disturbed by other students.

Facing Bakugo, Renault beckoned.

"Come, let me see your current abilities, give it your all."

Bakugo paused, and then his smile gradually widened.

"Great. The previous actions didn't feel satisfying anyway."