Masata's parents were completely bewildered now.
Their son already possessed the strength of a frontline professional hero?
Wasn't that a little too exaggerated?
At this moment, Masata could only give Detective Tsukauchi a helpless, bitter smile. Even he didn't know how to explain it properly.
"Alright," Tsukauchi said, clapping his hands lightly. "Let's get started. Everyone's been waiting long enough."
After Masata guided his parents to their seats, Tsukauchi formally began the meeting.
"Regarding the criminal organization known as the League of Villains, we've obtained crucial intelligence. According to our investigation, one of their current bases is an underground bar. The police have already made careful preparations and are planning to move in soon."
"I have something to add."
All Might raised his hand.
Tsukauchi gestured for him to speak.
"U.A. High has also identified another possible stronghold," All Might said. "This may be where the League of Villains is currently hiding."
The moment he spoke, the entire room was shaken.
Everyone had assumed that uncovering one base was already impressive. No one expected there to be another.
"Where is it?"
"Has this been confirmed?!"
Even Endeavor, who rarely saw eye to eye with All Might, spoke up urgently. His son, Shoto Todoroki, had been targeted before—his hatred for the League was no less than anyone else's.
"It was located using a tracking device placed on the villains," Masata said calmly before All Might could reply.
He didn't want Yaoyorozu's involvement to be exposed to so many people. After all, as discussed earlier, there could be an internal leak.
"The signal shows Kano Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. I'm not sure how far it is from the underground bar."
Tsukauchi nodded after hearing this.
"Our investigation places the bar in Yokohama as well. In other words, the League likely has multiple hidden bases."
"We've also confirmed where the kidnapped student is being held."
"In that case," Tsukauchi continued, "our primary objective will be rescuing Bakugo. We'll concentrate our main forces, aim for a decisive strike, and simultaneously suppress other suspected bases—cutting off their escape routes and capturing them in one sweep."
Masata's parents listened quietly, growing more confused by the minute.
"But…" his mother hesitated, "what does all this have to do with us?"
They were neither heroes nor police officers. Why were they here?
Masata exchanged a glance with All Might, then sighed softly.
"…Because I want to take part in this rescue operation."
"What?! Absolutely not!"
Like most mothers in the world, Mrs. Igarashi immediately objected.
"You're still a student! There are professional heroes and police officers—why should you risk your life? This operation is already dangerous enough. Going straight into the villains' base is even worse!"
She spoke rapidly, her voice trembling with worry.
Before she could continue, Masata's father gently pulled her back.
"Let's hear what our son has to say first."
His calm tone surprised everyone.
"As his father, I don't want him to take risks either," he said slowly. "But since he's determined to become a hero, he must make choices for himself."
"This time, I'll leave the decision to him."
The room fell silent.
All eyes—including All Might's—turned to Masata.
He looked at his father gratefully. His usually quiet dad was unexpectedly reliable at a critical moment.
Smiling slightly, Masata spoke.
"I really want to participate."
"Not just to save my classmate… but also to help eliminate the cancer that is the League of Villains from society."
Tsukauchi let out a quiet breath of relief.
In truth, he didn't want to involve a high school student either. But this mission was special. U.A.'s full combat strength couldn't be mobilized, and the enemy's power was uncertain.
More strength on their side meant better odds.
From Aizawa Shouta, Tsukauchi had already learned the truth about Masata's combat ability.
When Aizawa casually said that Masata had surpassed him, Tsukauchi had been stunned.
Eraser Head might not be famous among civilians, but in police circles, he was legendary.
If Aizawa said so, then Masata truly possessed that level of power.
"Don't worry," All Might said firmly. "I'll personally take part in this mission."
"I won't let anything happen to Igarashi."
Hearing the Symbol of Peace make such a promise, Masata's parents finally relaxed a little.
However, not everyone looked pleased.
"This is ridiculous!" a lesser-known hero suddenly shouted. "Letting a minor join such an operation? Does he even have a provisional license? If something happens, who takes responsibility?"
Several others nodded in agreement.
"Hmph."
Endeavor, who had been sitting silently, finally spoke.
"Shut up."
The flames in his beard flared slightly.
"Judging from Igarashi's recent performance, all of you combined aren't even his match."
"If anything happens to him, I'll take responsibility."
As one of Japan's top heroes, Endeavor's words carried immense authority.
The critics immediately fell silent.
Through Shoto, Endeavor had learned much about Masata's growth. Even he had been amazed.
His tone might have been harsh—but in hero society, it reflected an unspoken truth:
Strength was everything.
Strength was king.