Masata's wild laughter didn't last long.
A cold, ominous presence suddenly rose behind him.
"Masata… you idiot…"
Yaoyorozu Momo had appeared at some point, standing silently behind him. Her entire face was hidden in shadow, her expression unreadable.
The moment Masata sensed danger, he turned his head—
And was immediately struck by Yaoyorozu Momo's Special Technique: Ear-Twisting Punishment.
At 173 centimeters tall, Momo had no trouble grabbing Masata by the ear and yanking it upward with ease.
"Ow—damn it! Why can't I ever dodge your attacks?! And why are you so skilled at this?!" Masata cried out in pain.
"A loving attack can't be dodged!" Momo snapped. "And you've got some nerve! You even left the clothes I just bought for you lying on the ground!"
The shy girl who used to blush at every word was long gone. Momo now spoke without the slightest hesitation.
"Well—uh—how do I explain this…" Masata scratched his head, trying desperately to talk his way out. "You know my Quirk… it was an emergency, a force majeure situation! I had no choice but to act—"
Before he could finish making excuses, warmth suddenly pressed against his chest.
Masata froze.
Yaoyorozu Momo had thrown herself straight into his arms.
Her head was buried against his chest, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
"Fighting villains like that is something only professional Heroes should do…" Momo whispered softly. "You're still just a student. It's not your turn to face monsters like that. Please… think more about your own safety. Is that really so hard?"
Her voice trembled slightly, heat spreading through Masata's chest.
Masata's heart softened instantly.
She's really worried about me… he thought. I'll have to report back properly later.
He gently wrapped his arms around her.
"Don't worry," Masata said seriously. "I'm really strong. And besides—we're both going to become Heroes someday, right? The best Heroes. You know, most top-tier Heroes did all kinds of crazy things back when they were students too. I'm just walking that path."
He smiled.
"But I promise—I'll be more careful from now on. I won't make you worry again."
Hearing words that sounded suspiciously like a confession, Momo—who had grown up with Masata all these years—couldn't help feeling flustered.
"Also…" Masata added casually, glancing downward. "Didn't your chest get a bit bigger again?"
The moment the words left his mouth—
A massive vein mark popped on Momo's forehead.
She slowly lifted her head, narrowed her eyes, and smiled.
"Bang!"
A large bump instantly formed on Masata's head, white smoke practically rising from it.
"Ow! That hurts! So why didn't I dodge that one?!" Masata howled.
"I told you—a fist full of love can't be dodged!" Momo said disdainfully, blowing on her fist. "And I'm really sorry for worrying about you just now!!!"
The villain had been completely subdued.
The injured were rushed to the hospital by ambulance, and the surrounding crowd gradually dispersed. However, those at the center of the incident were all kept behind by the police officers who had rushed to the scene to take statements.
Midoriya Izuku, who had recklessly charged toward the sludge monster earlier, was severely reprimanded.
In contrast, Bakugo Katsuki, thanks to his strong mentality and powerful Quirk, was praised by several Heroes. Some even subtly extended invitations, expressing interest in his future.
As for Masata—
He was taken straight to the police station.
Using a Quirk without a license, right in front of everyone—Masata had been mentally prepared for this outcome. Out of concern, Yaoyorozu Momo insisted on going with him.
"My name is Tsukauchi Naomasa," said the man sitting across from Masata in the small interrogation room. "I'm a police officer."
He had an ordinary face, but his eyes were sharp.
"Are you the student who defeated the sludge monster?" Tsukauchi asked solemnly.
"Yes," Masata replied honestly, his heart pounding. "Am I going to be punished?"
Tsukauchi didn't answer immediately.
"In an era where superpowers began to flourish," he said calmly, "the police—who value procedure, discipline, and regulations—chose not to use Quirks in law enforcement."
"That gap is why Heroes were created."
"Heroes are allowed to exercise force based on personal judgment. But power can easily take lives. This was once something society rejected completely."
"The only reason Heroes gained public trust," Tsukauchi continued, "is because past Heroes consciously adhered to morality and the law."
He looked straight at Masata.
"Using a Quirk to injure someone without authorization, without instruction from a licensed Hero—even if the target is a criminal—is a very serious violation."
"So I must issue a severe punishment."
Masata's heart sank.
I knew it, he thought bitterly. Still… it's frustrating. I saved people. I stopped a villain.I wonder if Uncle and Auntie can help reduce the punishment…
"Ahem."
Tsukauchi cleared his throat.
"What I just said," he continued, his expression suddenly softening into a gentle smile, "is the official conclusion from the standpoint of law enforcement."
"The punishment I mentioned would only apply after the incident is publicly disclosed."
Masata blinked.
"Don't worry, young man," Tsukauchi said reassuringly. "A professional Hero has already stepped in to vouch for you."
He raised his thumb, a glint of light flashing at the corner of his smiling mouth.
"He used his reputation as collateral to reclassify your 'unauthorized Quirk usage' as 'Quirk usage under the direct instruction of a professional Hero.'"
"So—you won't be punished."
Masata's eyes widened.
"And the Hero who guaranteed you…" Tsukauchi added with a grin.
"Is the current No.1 active Hero—All Might."