[MHCISQD] Chapter 353: Enemies

Renault was taken aback, wondering why things were stirring up on this side too.

Just looking at Ashido's expression, Renault could tell she was up to something.

Although he was surprised, Renault had no intention of revealing the plans the boys had come up with. He hadn't forgotten he was here to gather some information.

Well, now he was walking right into it.

"Uraraka has a crush on Midoriya? Why suddenly bring this up?" Renault asked, genuinely curious.

The girls didn't hold back either and started talking about what happened during the hot springs outing.

After hearing them out, Renault's expression turned playful, "Hmmm, I didn't expect Uraraka's reaction to be this big. It's a bit beyond expectations."

"Right, right!" chimed in Ashido with a laugh. "I've been saying that something's up with that girl. I noticed it a while back. She's really invested in Midoriya!"

"Could it just be regular schoolmate concern?"

"How come I haven't seen her being concerned about you, Iida, or Kirishima then?"

Ashido's counter-question left Renault speechless, unable to find any reason to argue.

"Alright, fair point. From your perspective, it does seem possible."

"Almost certain!" Ashido affirmed confidently.

"So, what do you want to do? Don't tell me you brought me here just to discuss this, I'm sure you want to cause some trouble." After a year of being schoolmates, Renault knew Ashido's personality quite well.

"Hehehe~" Ashido chuckled. "After Ochaco-chan left the women's bath, we girls got together and discussed it. After all, having a crush is one thing!"

"Are you suggesting..."

A thought began to form in Renault's mind. Could it be this coincidental?

"You got it!" Ashido read Renault's thoughts and confirmed, "When it comes to matters of the heart, barriers aren't a big deal. If you like someone, go for it! We have a whole day tomorrow. I'm going to play matchmaker and create a chance for Ochaco-chan to spend time alone with Midoriya! Even if it doesn't solidify in one day, we'll definitely bring them closer!"

Listening, Renault couldn't help but let out a tactical sigh.

'This person... she's really... she's got some wild ideas!'

Initially, Renault was worried that if the boys played their cards too conspicuously, the girls might catch on and mess things up.

But now, Renault wasn't worried at all.

Talk about a stroke of luck!

As long as nothing unexpected happened tomorrow, Midoriya's situation would work out.

Seeing Renault's astonished and intrigued expression, Ashido pressed on, "So, what do you say? Want to lend a hand? You and Midoriya have a good relationship, right?"

"Our relationship is fine. What exactly do you want me to do?"

Renault also wanted to hear Ashido's grand plan.

"Of course, we have a plan. Haven't you noticed that we're missing a few people here? I sent Tsuyu-chan and little Toru to keep Ochaco-chan company, just to avoid raising suspicions. But we need to get back quickly, so let's get to the point. Tomorrow, I'll find a chance for the girls and boys to act together. It would be great if we could create a little commotion in town while we're out and then conveniently split from them. As for what happens afterward, it's not my concern."

"...Isn't that the same as not saying anything?"

"What are you talking about? I've actually put a lot of thought into this! I even got the innkeeper to help out tomorrow!"

"You've even bribed the innkeeper?" Renault was genuinely surprised this time.

Mikoto added, "Not just the innkeeper, but several of the older sisters working at the inn too. They're all on board to cause some chaos."

Renault turned to Mikoto and the others and asked, "Are you all planning to help?"

Jiro naturally agreed, "Midoriya seems like a good guy, and there's something brewing between those two. Giving them a little push from behind wouldn't hurt, right?"

Yaoyorozu nodded, "And Midoriya has a nice personality. We don't have to worry about Uraraka being taken advantage of, right?"

Hado and Yuriko didn't say anything, but their expressions indicated that they were just here for the show.

As for Mikoto and Mikumo, they lacked experience in such mischief but indicated they would follow the plan.

"Create a distraction, huh... alright, got it. I'll think about it tonight. Ashido, you do the same. Tomorrow morning, we'll meet and discuss. I'll also have the guys try to gauge Midoriya's thoughts tonight." Renault contemplated for a moment, and came up with a few methods, but didn't share them immediately.

Ashido was satisfied with Renault's response. She knew he was a person of action who would follow through.

"Then, we'll head back for now. During the girls' late-night chat time, we'll dig up more information!"

Ashido's excitement was almost uncontrollable as she quickly exited the room.

The others followed suit, leaving only Renault's family in the room.

"Phew, there sure was a lot going on tonight." With Ashido's group gone, Renault let out a breath and just lay down.

"What were you guys doing on the boys' side?"

"Pretty much the same as you all." With only a few left, Renault knew they wouldn't spill the beans, so he spoke frankly, "We guys gathered together and discussed something, something quite interesting!"

Renault's tone piqued Mikoto's and the others' curiosity.

With a mysterious smile, Renault lowered his voice and said, "Midoriya is planning to confess tomorrow. The target? Uraraka Ochaco. How's that for coincidence?"

"..." the four fell into silence, then simultaneously widened their eyes, even Yuriko couldn't help but be astonished.

"This is truly... so coincidental!"

Then, Renault explained the situation on the boys' side, combining Ashido's plan, and everyone felt confident about tomorrow's events.

Yuriko hugged herself and chuckled, "Looks like tomorrow won't be boring."

After a bit more discussion, Renault didn't linger in the room any longer; he was promptly kicked out out by Mikoto and the others.

Though he wanted to stay, maybe even for the night, Mikoto's group wasn't giving him any chance.

===

Early morning.

When Renault was sound asleep alone in his room, the door silently creaked open.

The newcomer didn't hide their footsteps, taking strong and hurried steps.

In the instant the person entered, Renault woke up, sitting up before the person came closer.

However, he wasn't nervous at all, having already recognized who it was.

"Why are you, in the middle of the night, barging into my room when I'm sleeping?" Renault looked at Tsukasa, exasperated.

"Of course, something's up. Did you think I don't need to sleep?" Tsukasa said, pointing to the window. "There are enemies approaching, quite a few."

"Hmm?"

Renault immediately became serious and went to the window.

Sure enough, there were scattered lights on the outskirts of the town, rapidly approaching the small town.