[MHCISQD] Chapter 304: Fishy

Just as they had discussed earlier, as soon as they returned to school, they were summoned to the principal's office.

On the way, they bumped into All Might, Todoroki, and Bakugo, who had also just returned.

"So, you guys encountered villains too?"

Upon hearing All Might's account, Renault raised an eyebrow.

Bakugo scoffed and said, "They're just a bunch of nobodies who think they're tough. They're not a real threat, not by a long shot."

Todoroki nodded in agreement. "They're not strong, but I wouldn't go as far as to say they're nobody. The leader had some skills. However, compared to us, who have been trained by the school, they're still lacking, not to mention compared to Pro Heroes."

Although the two had performed remarkably, impressing All Might, his expression turned serious upon learning that Renault had also encountered a similar situation. "Two incidents happening simultaneously in different places, and those people openly admitted that they had prepared for today's operation for a month, thoroughly researching the police and Pro Heroes' patrol routes and schedules. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to cause such significant destruction so directly."

"But in the end, they were just after some loot, right? Judging from their objective, they are indeed not top-tier," Renault shrugged and remarked. "I interrogated the leader on my end, and it seems they're not part of any major organization."

"When we were fighting, I also noticed that they had no coordination among themselves," Togata added, recollecting the battle.

Though they said that, there was still an eerie sense of hidden danger lurking within this incident.

Upon reaching the principal's office, Principal Nezu and Aizawa were already waiting.

Seeing the six of them, Principal Nezu smiled and said, "Glad you all returned safely. Please have a seat."

After everyone took their seats, they each recounted their respective encounters.

After listening attentively, Principal Nezu said, "Hmm, the situations on both sides are quite similar. The opposing party took advantage of the patrol gaps. If you hadn't happened to be there, they would have likely escaped by the time the heroes arrived. It wouldn't have been good if such incidents succeeded quietly during the holidays."

Pausing for a moment, Principal Nezu turned to Todoroki and Bakugo with a smile. "Before discussing other matters, let me congratulate you two on successfully passing the remedial course and obtaining your provisional hero licenses. However, since it's the end of the year, your off-campus work studies will begin after the new year. Be prepared for that!"

Both Todoroki and Bakugo nodded eagerly. They had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Aizawa looked at his two students and showed a satisfied expression in his eyes. After all, Todoroki and Bakugo had long possessed the necessary strength, but they lacked the crucial aspect required to become heroes. Now that they had made up for it, their future would undoubtedly be smoother.

Then, he turned his gaze to Renault sitting across from him, who was lost in thought, rubbing his chin.

"Renault, what are you thinking about?" Aizawa asked. Principal Nezu also looked curiously, sensing the connection with the previous incidents.

Renault snapped back to attention and asked Aizawa and Principal Nezu, "Aizawa-sensei, Principal, how much do you know about the underground black market?"

"The black market? Why are you asking about that, Renault-kun? Is it related to the previous incidents?" Principal Nezu keenly sensed the correlation.

Renault nodded. "Among the criminals we apprehended, several of them were using support equipment. After we subdued them, their equipment was all destroyed. I asked them, and they claimed to have bought the gear from the black market."

"The black market..." Todoroki realized, exchanging a glance with Bakugo. He continued, "Come to think of it, one of our guys had enhanced and dispersion effect support braces on his wrists. When I subdued him, the equipment was also rendered useless."

"Something doesn't add up," Aizawa's voice drew everyone's attention.

"Aizawa-sensei, are you saying...?"

Nodding, Aizawa explained, "When I was a Pro Hero, I always operated in the shadows, so I came into contact with a lot of gray and black areas. I've also learned about the black market. It's a mixed bag, with many things leaked from legitimate companies, including cheap, unbranded products. I believe the people you defeated were using the latter, but it's still highly unusual."

Renault quickly caught on and asked, "Aizawa-sensei, are you saying that those equipments shouldn't have malfunctioned so easily?"

Aizawa confirmed, "Though the black market is a mix of good and bad, there are strict rules. Even for unbranded items, no one dares to sell something that breaks after a single use. If someone were bold enough to sell such defective goods, they would undoubtedly face trouble. So, even in the current black market, there wouldn't be anyone selling those kinds of items. There must be something fishy about those equipments."

Fishy...

As the group pondered the situation, Aizawa spoke up directly, "Leave this investigation to me. I've helped two people who did repair business in the black market before, so I have some connections. I'll reach out to them later. Don't worry, they don't have any criminal records. They were just persecuted and ended up mingling in those places. After spending time there, they built some connections. I won't cross any ethical lines."

Principal Nezu also nodded in agreement, "Then, we'll leave this matter to Aizawa-kun. If necessary, you can also seek my assistance, and I'll find someone to help. Now, it's time to share some crucial information with you."

Principal Nezu's mouse-like face turned serious, and he stood up, going to his desk and picking up a file folder.

"Originally, only All Might, Togata-kun, and Renault-kun were supposed to know about this. Midoriya-kun, Todoroki-kun, and Bakugo-kun, although we have high hopes for you as students, there are still some areas where your character is lacking. However, fortunately, your performances have been outstanding, living up to our expectations. We've chosen to share this information with you, but mainly to raise your vigilance. Do not act recklessly and remember your responsibility to protect your comrades."

Principal Nezu's words made everyone serious.

It seemed like something serious was happening.

And the details were inside that file folder.

Principal Nezu opened the file folder and took out several photos, placing them on the coffee table in front of everyone.

The background of the photos showed various ordinary buildings and roads.

But in each of these photos, there was something chillingly consistent.

A single finger!

It appeared in every single photo!