"Mind if I join you?" Ace asks, his voice casual and approachable.
Mineta and Kaminari, engrossed in their conversation, are startled by the sudden intrusion. They look up, their eyes widening in surprise as they take in Ace's striking appearance.
Mineta, ever the opportunist, is the first to recover, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Whoa, hey there," he says, his tone oozing with charm. "I don't think we've met before."
Kaminari, equally intrigued, nods in agreement, his gaze lingering on Ace's features. "Yeah, you're not a student here, are you?" he asks, his curiosity piqued.
Ace offers a disarming smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Nope, not a student," he says, his voice friendly. "I'm just a friend of Mt. Lady. Thought I'd swing by and see what all the excitement was about."
The effect is instantaneous. Mineta and Kaminari's eyes light up, their interest reaching fever pitch. "Mt. Lady?" Mineta exclaims, his voice filled with awe. "You're friends with Mt. Lady? No way!"
Kaminari nods enthusiastically, his excitement barely contained. "Seriously? That's awesome! She's, like, one of the hottest heroes around!"
Ace internally frowns at their reaction, finding their hormonal behavior rather tiresome. Seriously? he thinks. That's all they care about?
Before Ace can respond, a chorus of greetings erupts.
"Mineta! Kaminari!" Izuku calls out, waving enthusiastically. He is followed by Uraraka, Iida, Yaoyorozu, and Jiro, their faces alight with smiles and curiosity.
Mineta, ever the showman, puffs out his chest. "Hey, guys! Check it out, we're hanging with Mt. Lady's friend!"
Kaminari chimes in, his voice brimming with pride. "Yeah, he's super cool!"
"We know, we also just met him," Yaoyorozu interjects smoothly.
The conversation flows effortlessly, shifting from topics of Quirks and the Sports Festival to the general excitement surrounding the event.
"So, Mineta," Uraraka says, her tone teasing, "I have to say, I was pretty impressed with your performance during the Obstacle Course and Cavalry Battle. You were on fire!"
Iida nods in agreement, his expression earnest. "Indeed," he says, his voice booming. "Your strategic use of your Quirk was quite commendable."
Mineta squirms in his seat, his face flushing slightly. "Aw, shucks," he says, his voice shy. "It was nothin', really. Just a little bit of hard work, that's all."
Kaminari raises an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Come on, man," he says, his tone playful. "You've never shown that kind of skill during our training. What's your secret?"
Mineta deflects the question, avoiding eye contact. "Like I said," he says, his voice evasive, "just been putting in the extra hours, ya know? Gotta step up my game if I wanna be a hero."
Yaoyorozu narrows her eyes, her gaze scrutinizing Mineta. "That is… unusual, Mineta," she says, her voice thoughtful. "Your Quirk has improved so significantly during this short amount of time."
"I think you need to elaborate." Iida adds, crossing his arms.
Ace watches the exchange with interest, sensing an opportunity to subtly probe Mineta. "So, what's your secret to your strength, Mineta?" Ace asks, his voice casual. "Everyone is so curious as to what your secret is. What has helped you improved so much?"
Mineta's eyes dart around nervously, his face growing increasingly flushed. "Uh, well," he stammers, his voice hesitant, "it's just, like, a combination of things, ya know? Hard work, dedication, and, uh, a little bit of luck."
Ace raises an eyebrow, his expression unconvinced. "Luck, huh?" he says, his tone skeptical. "I always thought true strength came from within, not from chance."
Mineta avoids eye contact, his unease palpable. "Yeah, well," he mumbles, his voice barely audible, "that's just, like, your opinion, man."
Ace decides not to press further, sensing that Mineta is unwilling to reveal the truth. He has already received confirmation from Momotaros and Ryutaros that Mineta is connected to an Imagin. He doesn't need to push it.
"Well, it was nice meeting you all," Ace says, his voice warm and friendly. "But I should probably get going. Mt. Lady's probably wondering where I went. I'll see you around."
He offers a polite nod, his eyes lingering on Mineta for a brief moment. As he turns to leave, he drops one last, subtle message, a hint of warning laced in his words. "Remember," he says, his voice soft yet clear, "borrowed power is not true power. It's only a matter of time before it fades away."
Yaoyorozu and the others wish Ace farewell, their curiosity piqued by his words.
"Maybe I'll visit Starry sometime," Uraraka says, her smile bright. "Sounds like a nice place."
Ace nods, offering a final smile before excusing himself. As he walks away, the students exchange glances, pondering Ace's subtle warning.
Iida adjusts his glasses, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Borrowed power," he muses. "What could he mean by that?"
Ace turns and walks away, leaving the group to ponder his cryptic words.
He scans the crowd, searching for Yu. It doesn't take long before he spots her, her towering figure standing out amidst the sea of students and spectators. She is now free from the crowd of autograph-seeking students, her expression a mixture of relief and annoyance.
"There you are!" Yu exclaims, her tone playfully scolding. A slight pout graces her lips as she continues, "You just ditched me back there! I had a whole mob of students wanting my autograph."
Ace offers a sincere apology, a hint of guilt in his eyes. "Sorry, Yu," he says, his voice apologetic. "I didn't mean to leave you hanging. I promise I'll make it up to you."
Yu's expression softens, her pout fading into a gentle smile. "You better," she says, her tone teasing, "or I might just have to turn you in to the authorities."
Ace chuckles, relieved that she is not angry. "Did you find what you were looking for?" Yu asks, her tone shifting to a more serious note.
Ace nods, his expression hardening. "Yeah, Mineta is definitely connected to an Imagin. Momotaros could smell it on him."
"So, what's the next step?" Yu asks, her brow furrowed in concern. "How are we going to deal with this thing?"
Ace pauses, his mind racing through various scenarios and strategies. "We need to lure it out," he says, his voice thoughtful. "Force it to reveal itself. Direct confrontation will be a waste, because if we attack Mineta, we risk hurting him, or letting the Imagin slip away."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Yu asks, her arms crossed, a skeptical look on her face. "You're the expert on Imagins. Got any brilliant ideas?"
Ace's lips curl into a confident smile, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I do," he says, his voice laced with a hint of excitement. "But I'm going to need your help."
He leans in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I have a plan, and it's going to involve a little bit of theatrics, a lot of improvisation, and one very gullible student."
Yu raises an eyebrow, intrigued by Ace's words. "Alright," she says, her voice filled with anticipation. "I'm listening. What do you need me to do?"
Ace begins to explain his plan, outlining the steps they'll need to take, and the roles they'll need to play. A mix of amusement and apprehension fills Yu's expression, as she listens to Ace's proposal. Yu's playful nature is definitely excited. As Ace lays out the details, a sense of determination settles over them, the first act of their plan is about to start.
Mineta excuses himself from the group. He makes his way through the crowded halls of U.A., his mind still reeling from his conversation with Ace and the praise he received from the other students. He thinks that something is off with Ace, but he can't put his finger on it.
He finds a nearby bathroom, relieved to escape the hustle and bustle of the U.A. Sports Festival. After taking care of his business, Mineta splashes some water on his face, peering at his reflection in the mirror. He is more excited than he has ever been.
I actually made it this far! he thinks to himself, a wide grin spreading across his face. I'm going to be in the final event!
The Mantis Imagin, sensing Mineta's excitement, resonates within his mind. Of course, you did, Mineta, the Imagin says, its voice smooth and reassuring. You're strong, capable, and determined. It's only natural that you would succeed.
Mineta sighs, a wave of gratitude washing over him. Thanks, Mantis, he thinks, his voice filled with sincerity. I couldn't have done it without you.
The Mantis Imagin chuckles, its presence a comforting weight within Mineta's mind. Nonsense, Mineta, it says, its tone encouraging. You have always had the potential. I am merely helping you realize it.
Mantis's words boost Mineta's morale. By augmenting your Quirk and your body, Mantis explains, I am simply providing you with the tools you need to achieve your dream. To become a hero, admired, respected, and surrounded by beautiful women.
Mineta remembers his middle school days, the years of rejection and ridicule that fueled his desire to become a hero. He was short, unattractive, and repeatedly rejected by girls, constantly being reminded of his shortcomings. He thinks that becoming a hero would change all of that.
I want to be cool, he thinks, his heart pounding with anticipation. I want to be popular. I want to be surrounded by women.
With Mantis's help, he is closer than ever to achieving that dream. He's so close to the finish line.
Mineta takes a deep breath, steeling his resolve. He's determined to make the most of this opportunity. He pushes open the bathroom door and steps back into the bustling halls of U.A. High, his head held high, his eyes scanning for what comes next.
As Mineta walks, he unexpectedly bumps into someone. He is caught off guard.
"Oh, sorry!" Mineta exclaims, his voice laced with surprise.
He looks up and his eyes widen. Standing before him is Yu Takeyama, Mt. Lady, in all her towering glory. Mineta is stunned, his heart pounding in his chest.
"No worries, kid," Yu says, her voice warm and friendly. She smiles down at Mineta, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. "You're Minoru Mineta, right? From Class 1-A?"
Mineta can only nod, his mind racing, his tongue tied. Mt. Lady is talking to him.
Yu chuckles, her smile widening. "I saw you during the Obstacle Course and the Cavalry Battle," she says, her tone impressed. "You were amazing! You've got a bright future in heroics, kid."
Mineta's face flushes with pride. She thinks I'm amazing! he thinks, his heart soaring. She thinks I have a bright future!
The Mantis Imagin stirs within his mind, sensing Mineta's elation. See, Mineta? it whispers, its voice laced with satisfaction. I told you that you had potential. And now, one of the top Pro Heroes recognizes it.
Yu leans in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I'd love to discuss your future in more detail," she says, her eyes twinkling. "Maybe we could find a quiet spot to talk? Just you and me?"
Mineta is stunned. Mt. Lady wants to talk to him, alone.
Without a second thought, Mineta nods eagerly, his mind completely consumed by the prospect of spending time with his idol. He is too blinded by his infatuation to recognize the subtle shift in Yu's demeanor, the subtle trap being set.
"Sure, Mt. Lady!" Mineta exclaims, his voice filled with excitement. "I'd love to talk!"
Yu smiles, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Great," she says, her voice smooth and alluring. "Follow me. I know just the place."
She turns and begins to walk, leading Mineta deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of U.A. High. Mineta follows, his heart pounding in his chest, his mind consumed by thoughts of Mt. Lady and the incredible opportunity that lies before him.
They reach a secluded area of U.A. High. The hallway is quiet, the only sound is the distant roar of the stadium crowd. As they stop, the world warps, and a red dragon Contract Monster appears. It wraps its body around Mineta, immobilizing him.
"Got you," Ace says, stepping forward, fully transformed into Kamen Rider Ryuki. His eyes are ice cold, and his face is hard. His face says, "It's time to face the music."
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz