It's now been a week since you've started your vigilante gig with Kakashi, along with Team 7's. Simultaneously, it's also been a week since you've started on Ashido's, Kaminari's, and Shinsou's training.

A lot of things happened within those seven days.

First off, you found small articles of 'The Otter and The Dog' from the internet, and it didn't take much for you to know that it's about you and Kakashi. It was bound to happen. You expected this, as you can't stay invisible forever due to this world's advanced technology, quirks, and the fact that you can't detect its residents because of their lack of chakra. With the right stealth quirk, even civilians can escape from your and Kakashi's radar. Fortunately, there were no clear photos; just eye witnesses so far (Eraserhead is a frequent witness).

According to the public, you and Kakashi are 'true heroes' for delivering justice by the police's doorsteps (quite literally) while avoiding fame and public attention. None suspected you to be thieves, as none saw either you or Kakashi carry any money (the sealing scrolls are convenient that way, and the fact unlike your first heist, you don't steal a significant amount). There were speculations here and there on why you avoid the public eye, but of course, they managed to connect you to the Team 7 vigilantes due to the porcelain animal masks.

Speaking of Team 7, they became quite the child celebrities. With their young disposition, affable personalities and outstanding accomplishments, you guessed that made sense. However, while they're approved by the public, they're still criminals within the eyes of the law, as vigilantism is frowned upon... or at least, it's supposed to be. It's not like any of you cared, as long as none of them gets caught. Sakura even made an 'official' fan blog for themselves, where they use it to ask trivial questions like 'who is the best Team 7 member' or 'who won the last fight? Taka or Kitsune?' just to up their egos. Needless to say, if you caught them (physically) fighting over internet discussions again, you'll confiscate their laptop.

And then, there's your other students.

'Teenage Team 7', as Kakashi now calls them (Ashido, Kaminari and Shinsou), accomplished to improve their speed, stamina, endurance, and strength with two months worth of training in a week-- each day being crammed with a week's worth. With your medical ninjutsu, their muscles can easily repair themselves, and have them continue on without soreness nor pain to hinder their progress. They can keep going until you eventually run out half of your chakra. Usually, this is discouraged when one is practicing the shinobi arts, because it doubles as pain tolerance training. However, you don't have the luxury of time, so you resorted to this.

The results speak for themselves, with Shinsou managing to have a body fit for a hero course student, Ashido being a lot flexible (being a skilled dancer, it was easy for her), and Kaminari being more agile than before.

You were amused (and kind of impressed) that Shinsou has yet to voice out any complaints, as he obediently followed your higher-than-normal standards for their physical conditioning. You caught him once or twice opening his mouth to do so, but he discontinued the intention and only put on a determined look before obeying. Then again, it was only physical conditioning-- it's an easier training module compared to what Kakashi subjected to Kaminari and Ashido a day before training Shinsou.

You've yet to see the General Studies student bruise, which brings you to your second topic.

With the physical conditioning out of the way, the UA students could now begin their training with proper reflexes, katas, fighting techniques, and quirk usage. Kaminari and Ashido already had a headstart, and they cursed Kakashi for it. You wonder how the purple-head would react.

That's a mystery that tomorrow would answer.

"That's it for today! Good job finishing your first week!" Kakashi sounded genuine with his praise, but all three could no longer be fooled by his fake pleasantries.

"How much..." Shinsou started, his breath labored, "are you... paying these guys again?"

"Worth our lives," Kaminari wheezed out, before dropping on the ground, as usual every after training.

"We're not that cheap," Kakashi nonchalantly stated, before flipping a page from his book (Shinsou's first reaction to it was disgust before morphing into indifference).

"You gotta stop ruining our dignities like that, especially Kaminari's," The General Studies student snickered, highly amused with Kakashi's insults rather than offended by them.

"Hey, he didn't ruin my dignity--" The electric blond refuted, but Shinsou was comfortable with him enough to cut in.

"You're right; destroy is a better word," Shinsou corrected himself in humor, before Ashido joined in to pummel Kaminari's already 'destroyed' ego.

"Do you even have any dignity left?" Between the three of them, only the pinkette and the blond know what she was referring to; particularly the book Kakashi is currently holding.

"Please, I beg of you all...Stop roasting me like this," Kaminari begged. Despite his half-hearted protests, his golden eyes still shone with mirth at how they bonded over their playful jibes.

Interestingly enough, all three of them clicked nicely despite their first impressions and differing personalities (particularly Shinsou's). Maybe it was the cat videos, the 'memes' or video games-- whatever it was that sparked their friendship, Mina helped develop it the most. You supposed, like Sakura, Mina showed traits to be a good mediator-- a buffer between Hitoshi's reserved nature and Denki's outgoing one. Ashido can easily read the room and know what to say to keep their conversations flowing. You think that they even bonded over their suffering under Kakashi's tutelage. After that, they just... became friends.

The longer you teach them, the more you actually see your kids in them, and well, ain't that a worrying thought? Granted, there were some differences, but someone's throat will get slit if one of them turns traitor and joins a reptile for the sake of revenge. You love Sasuke, but you don't have enough tolerance for anyone who would follow his footsteps.

"Speaking of roasting, do you think we can pass by the new cafe downtown before we get home?" Mina asked, after wiping her sweat-covered face with a towel. "I'm craving iced mocha,"

"I don't see why not. I need coffee too," Hitoshi shrugged, before retrieving his phone from his jogging pants' pocket, probably to text someone from his home that his outing would be extended.

"No offense, but you look like you always need coffee," Denki laughed lightly, as the purple-haired boy smirked at the remark.

"Fair,"

"Well, the sun is just about to set, so the night would still be young by the time we're finished," You considered, before looking at your partner with a discernable look that only he could read.

"Agghh, my body is overheating!" Kaminari whined, still not getting up.

"Then remove your sweatshirt," Shinsou advised, as if it was obvious.

"Ah-- Nah, I'm good," Kaminari declined, giving off a nervous chuckle. "I wanna lie on the ground a little longer,"

"We'll change clothes later anyway," Mina shrugged, backing the blond. The 1-A duo know very well not to reveal to Shinsou the seals painted on their limbs, hence they resorted to wearing jogging pants and sweatshirt within every session. It makes them sweat more, but they can always reason to Shinsou that it helps their bodies develop more (maybe that's why Shinsou started wearing the same clothing choice as the two since the second day of training).

Whilst the three teens are continuing on their conversation, they were startled when they heard a puff from where you and Kakashi were previously standing. What greeted their sight were your familiar figures, except your jounin uniforms were replaced with nondescript casual clothing, and...

Kakashi's gravity-defying silver hair changed into unruly brown hair, while yours was substituted with long spiky white hair that reaches your midback.

Shinsou's half-lidded eyes gazed upon the two new appearances before him, his mind immediately compartmentalizing that you have a healing quirk, while Kakashi has an illusion quirk... or at least, a quirk that helps alter appearances. He pondered on why you would disguise yourselves before traveling to a public area. With his straightforward personality, he asked the question in his head aloud.

"Why the disguise?" He drawled his inquiry, feigning passive disinterest.

"Because people tend to flirt with us a lot," Kakashi said light-heartedly, his eye-smile present.

"Ew," Shinsou cringed at that answer.

"Yeah, I know right?" Kaminari seconded with a disgusted look, before pointing a thumb at Kakashi's direction. "Flirt with that?"

Kakashi did not hesitate to smack the back of the blond's head.

"Don't listen to him. He just wants to mess with our friends if we ever encounter them in public, hence the hair change." You explained, remembering the times he would dress up as Sukea to mess with his genin team. However, the truth is, your hair colors are too reminiscent to Inu's and Kawauso's, even without the masks. You can't have someone connect the dots that Inu and Kawauso are related to Ashido and Kaminari.

"Yeah, that sounds about something he'd do," Ashido agreed.

"You believe that, but you don't believe people actually find us attractive?" Kakashi deadpanned, a brow raised in disbelief.

"Her, I understand," Kaminari pointed at you, before looking back at Kakashi with a knowing look. "But you?"

"Brat."

"Isn't public quirk usage illegal, though?" Ashido asked, a bit worried.

"Is it obvious I'm using a quirk?" Kakashi asked back, and the honest answer was an obvious 'no'.

"You are literally bad influence," Kaminari remarked disapprovingly. "What kind of an adult are you?"

"The cool kind."

Yeah, Shinsou decided that not all hero course students were bad.

~*~*~

"So, how was it?" Aizawa asked after a moment of silence, his voice muffled by the bandages wrapped around his figure. Begrudgingly, he was rather thankful of two certain students, despite his suspicions against them, for not letting the noumu damage him further, which made his recovery time shorter than it would've been otherwise. He would be out of his casts and bandages later this afternoon, and he'll be able to perform back to his hero duties later tonight (much to Recovery Girl's chagrin). Unbeknownst to him, he'll meet two new vigilantes later that sunless morning who would make him wish he's in longer probation.

Principal Nezu sat across him, a solemn face marring his usual cheery smile. The cup of tea held by his paws was unfinished and long cold. It was the same tea he served Ashido earlier.

"Quite hard to say," The mammal started, finally setting his cup down. "Throughout our seemingly insignificant short talks, she passed every subtle test I gave her with flying colors. All details were accounted for. Even her renewed speech pattern held minute transition from her old one. If it weren't for our Shogi match, I wouldn't have been able to tell that she's a different person overall,"

Indeed, it was the Shogi match that determined Nezu's judgement. The principal managed to distract the student into being invested in the match through small talks, enough to not have her restrain her actual prowess in the game.

Like he dwelled on earlier, how one thinks of allies-- people in their lives-- reflected heavily on the game. How the girl played showed great preservation over her pieces, implying that she doesn't want to lose any one. This reflects how she does not risk (in an almost paranoid manner), hence her safeguarding moves; however... Nothing in Ashido's recorded life happened for her to develop this behavior.

If anything, Ashido was a risktaker. It does not add up.

Naturally, this had him conclude that it was entirely someone else's experience.

Another person.

"Mm," Aizawa hummed, waiting for the principal to continue.

But, Nezu hesitated. Maybe, the way Ashido played her game was a wordless message that she's not a hostile. That, too, could be a reason why none of her moves were offensive. A reflection of her intentions.

"All I can say is that they're not a threat to us," The mammal concluded. "They're neutral; not the best and certainly not the worst scenario,"

"When do we apprehend them?" Eraserhead questioned, his eyes narrowing.

"Don't be mistaken. While they're not a threat to us, that doesn't mean they're not threatening," Nezu warned, highly aware that in his Shogi match, if this 'Ashido' wasn't handicapped with her grief, she could've rivalled his intellect. "If Kaminari-san is anything like Ashido-san, they're both very dangerous to be made as enemies, Aizawa-san. It's best that we do not trigger any unnecessary confrontation where we cannot win,"

Not necessarily lose, Shouta can't help but think. Still, the noir only closed his eyes in begrudging compliance.

For now, they will only observe.

...

Aizawa resisted the urge to rub his temple at the thought of the conversation he had with Nezu a week ago. He already had enough problems on his plate other than his two uncharacteristic students.

For one, because of the new vigilantes, Team 7, hero activity has been low on daytime, hence a lot of heroes were forced to move their shift at night if they want to get publicity or some job done. And now, because of the insurgence of heroes at night, underground heroes like him are suffering from low activity too. The fact that the vigilantes were named Team 7 implies that there's Team 1-6 and maybe more. The existence of Inu and Kawauso seem to support that theory.

To say the least, this week has been a mess. How those three kids can consume much of their hero work in a day is insane; it's not normal.

In their first interview, Mujina addressed their 'sensei' to the camera, Aizawa remembers. The Erasure Hero believes that the sensei they're pertaining to is at least one of those two other vigilantes he encounters at every late night, if their masks were any indication that they're connected somehow.

Inu and Kawauso, he noted their names. Maybe they're alternately known as Team 1 or whichever the hell their number is; easy to say: he doesn't know much about them. Somehow, in his every shift since he met them, Aizawa managed to catch glimpses of them on rooftops before they just disappear from his sight-- either in a murder of crows or they just turn straight-up invisible. He could barely catch up to them to interact, before they escape his sight. He didn't get the chance to talk to them again since their first meeting.

He never really saw them in action; he just saw the aftermath of it. Still, the way they capture criminals and tick them off from the wanted chart like a grocery list sent alarms in his head that they're a force to be reckoned with. Granted, it was only one criminal group per night, but still. Additionally, if his theory about Team 7--overly skilled children who can single-handedly rule over the hero industry-- learning from one or both of the duo was correct, then...

Encountering potentially dangerous people in his recent days is not a pattern he appreciates.

Running a hand to the side of his head, carefully avoiding the fresh scar below his eye, he decided to treat himself to some black coffee before he starts his shift. He knew his caffeine addiction would backfire one day, but today is not that day.

A new cafe nearby just opened last week, and he thought of buying his coffee from there. It's more for the sake of convenience because it's nearby rather than for the public trend of entering any newly opened establishments.

Setting foot inside the shop, he was greeted with the comforting scent of coffee and pastries... and then his sight landed towards the table at the corner of the shop-- on two particular students who were occupying his mind a few moments ago. And it would seem that they also have company.

To approach or to not approach was the dilemma he's struggling with. He didn't realize he was staring until the lady with his students made eye contact with him.

Ah well, might as well clarify that he's not a creep.

"Oh-- Aizawa-sensei!" Ashido was the first to greet him when he neared them, and he was momentarily stunned by how... Ashido she acted; like the 'Ashido' he knew since the first day of class. Bright, peppy, and none of that cynical and cold demeanor.

"Heya sensei," It was Kaminari who greeted him next, and upon Aizawa's further observation, their infamous accessories were nowhere in sight and that they're wearing workout clothes. It would seem that they just finished training.

"E-eraserhead?" He then looked at the new addition-- the purple-haired student who certainly does not belong in his class. Eyeing their half-finished drinks, the raven-haired man decided to talk to them now before they can choose to slip away.

After all, he wants to finally talk to the two adults with his students.

"Evening," He finally greeted back, before grabbing a chair. "Mind if I join you?"

...

"Feel free," You urged, knowing fully well that he won't take any other answer.

"Oooh Eraserhead?" Kakashi inquired curiously, before adding, "I'm a big fan,"

"That so?" The class adviser indulged, wanting the chance to start a conversation.

"No, not really," Kakashi deadpanned whilst mindlessly playing with his brown hair, and you only elbowed him to scold him (you can't do anything about a certain blond holding back a snort though). Well, at least now he knows where Kaminari picked up his lax demeanor. You swore you saw the man's eye twitch, so you took the initiative to offer an olive branch.

"So, you're the teacher I keep hearing about from our trainees. Aizawa Shouta, correct?" You started, and Aizawa turned to look at you with wordless approval. He now sees you as the only individual within the group worth conversing with. Good, it's best that you do the talking for both you and Kakashi.

"Right, and you two must be Uchiha and Hatake," Eraserhead regarded.

"Yes, I'm Uchiha (Y/n)," You pointed at yourself, before pointing at your partner, "And this is Hatake Kakashi,"

"And the other kid?" He tilted his head at the General Studies student, to which the said student himself took the initiative to answer for himself.

"Shinsou Hitoshi, General Studies department, sir; their, um, new trainee," Aizawa raised a brow at the boy's introduction.

"New? When did he start?"

"Just last Monday," You responded back, your affable smile not faltering (Aizawa is disturbed how the aura you emit is similar to Nezu's). "Ashido invited him to train with us. He wants to be a hero student, y'know? We plan on having him succeed,"

"... I see," Was Eraserhead's mechanical remark, noting how Shinsou seemed to be looking at you with appreciative eyes.

"It appears that Ashido's and Kaminari's facade exercise threw you for a loop," You continued the conversation, and this seemed to have gained his attention.

"Facade exercise?" He repeated questionably, before processing what you just said.

There's no way what they showed within these past days was a facade; it was too real. Though, if it were true, it was clear where Kaminari and Ashido learned their 'fake' personas from (Hatake's mask was enough indication due to how similar it is to Kaminari's, but where did the porn come from?). However, Principal Nezu already concluded that 'Ashido', and consequently 'Kaminari', were different people, and to agree with you would be to say Nezu was wrong. He can only count on one hand about how many times Nezu made an error, but...

Looking at his students in question, he observed how they're immersed in their own conversation with the General Studies student. They don't seem to be in trouble, nor did they stay here unwillingly-- not even a beg for help. They're all... normal.

But their fight... If they can recreate the skills they've shown in the USJ to the Sports Festival, he may have to reconsider. You can fake facades but you can't fake fighting techniques.

"Yes," You clarified, tucking a strand of your white hair behind your ear. "Have them hide their personalities and cover it with a different one,"

"... You're encouraging distrust amongst their peers," Aizawa condemned, and you let your smile falter.

"It's more like I encourage precaution, Aizawa-san," You half-heartedly defended. "After all, one could never be too cautious about revealing their cards to the wrong company. Moles and spies are a thing in the industry, y'know? To hide their attitudes is to hide their personality flaws and intentions, hence their shortcomings won't be used against them," You explained, remembering a certain rule in mind (Shinobi rule 25: a good shinobi doesn't show their true emotions. You loathe that rule).

"That sounds..." Paranoid, Aizawa wanted to say, but he trailed off and only settled with: "Make them stop,"

"Alright," You agreed, and Eraserhead was stunned at how easily you complied. "If it bothers you that much, we can stop that training exercise,"

"I... Thanks..." It wasn't really a difficult decision to make, now that Ashido and Kaminari can actually act like themselves.

"No problem. You're their sensei in the end, after all. You know what's best for them," You appeased, your friendly smile worming its way back to your face. "Anyway, it's 7pm so we'll escort the kids home,"

"Ah, have a goodnight," You nodded your head at his farewell.

"You too," You regarded back, before standing from your seat. "Kids, let's go. You too, Kakashi."

And with that, you and your group left, leaving the class adviser to ponder over your conversation.

It didn't escape your notice that Aizawa didn't buy any product from the cafe before conversing with you to at least show that he was just a passing customer who happened to know your students. You find it cute that he doesn't know how to be subtle despite his lackadaisical demeanor being fit for it. He was clearly not trained in the arts of infiltration and espionage with how glaringly obvious that he doesn't know how to hide in plain sight-- he only knows how to hide in the shadows.

It didn't help that he was more or less socially stunted. The man was anything but casual.

Once outside the cafe, you addressed your students whilst walking towards the direction of their homes, your eyes not meeting theirs.

"Now, would any one of you like to point out how I pulled the conversation to my favor? Shinsou-kun, since your quirk is conversation-based, I want you to tell me what you observed."

"Ah, it started with how Hatake-sensei intentionally made himself look bad to push Eraserhead into talking only to you because he made you look like a more desirable option, and whenever the conversation is about to die down, you would introduce a new topic to control the flow..."

Just because you train them physically doesn't mean that they can't learn a thing or two above physical education. You might as well teach them how to manipulate conversations as there would come a time when they would have to lie an excuse on the spot. No student of yours would end up being a bumbling mess of a liar.

The walk home was filled with insightful discussion.

~*~*~

Usually, every after training, all of you would split and leave to your own businesses and destinations. However, today was not your usual day, because like you told Aizawa, you escorted the kids home with Shinsou being first to go. Once you were out of the public area, your and Kakashi's hair returned back to normal. Though, you were surprised that you entered what seemed like a private subdivision. It was your group's first time to see Shinsou's house, and...

"WHAAAT?! YOU'RE A RICH KID?!" Kaminari exclaimed, his hands pulling his hair in exaggeration.

"Don't call me that," Shinsou groaned, as he typed in the gates' passcode. The huge gates opened right after.

"BUT YOU LIVE IN AN ESTATE!" Ashido pointed out, gesturing at the entirety of his home.

"My folks are business owners, alright?" The General Studies student murmured, before stepping within his own property. Before the gates could close, Kaminari asked shamelessly.

"Can we look around?! Just the outside, please!"

"Ugh, none of you should have come," Shinsou uttered lowly under his breath, but made no move to lock the gates before all of you entered. Taking it as a wordless invitation, you all went in.

When you saw the house behind the tall walls, you were speechless at the luxury your third student is living in. No wonder Shinsou didn't have any qualms paying for all of you at the cafe earlier (even though you insisted that you can pay for your own multiple times).

... Is it just you or is Shinsou more like Sasuke in more ways than you first thought? Uchiha estate? Shinsou estate? Ring a bell?

"YOU HAVE SO MANY SPORT CARS!" Ashido blurted out, eyes wide and definitely awestruck at the dozen of colorful cars of different variations lining the estate's garage.

"Stop shouting," Shinsou sighed. "And yes, those are my brother's,"

"You have siblings?" Kaminari inquired curiously.

"Only one; my older brother," Shinsou replied, before he droned on. "He's not here though; he barely is, so most of the time, it's just me," You could've sworn he subtly looked wistful at the mention of his brother's absence. It was obvious that his older brother's presence was scarce at home. You can't help but think that even Itachi wasn't that bad, even with his ANBU responsibilities.

"Just you? What about your parents?" Kaminari questioned, as he recalled Shinsou muttering something about his parents being business people.

"They work abroad," Hitoshi simply shrugged, and you internally winced that while Shinsou does have a family, it doesn't feel like he has one.

"Why so many cars though?" Mina was still entranced with the expensive automobiles, but you guess her question was warranted. Even with their wealth, you can't help but think it's a bit too much.

"My brother works as a race car driver and an automobile tester," Ah, that explains it. "So he's busy and all over Japan,"

Not wanting to dwell on Shinsou's gloomy ambience, Kaminari thought of introducing his own family life.

"Well, I have four siblings-- two older sisters and two younger brothers. We, uh, barely talk though," The last part came out as a mindless comment that he didn't intend to utter out. You can't help but think that there must be a reason why Denki's parents didn't contact him after facing two villain attacks.

"Mou, I always wanted a sibling but I'm an only child," Mina stated, and you reason that it must be why her parents are so frantic whenever she got into danger (especially her mom).

And then, the three of them looked at you and Kakashi expectantly.

Kakashi, being the insensitive asshole that he is, only said:

"We're orphans." You elbowed his side, as the three teenagers looked shocked and uncomfortable at the sudden drop of information regarding your (lack of) family life. Your partner only looked at you as if saying 'did I say something wrong?' before he continued reading his book.

"I used to have an older brother," You started, smiling to show that you weren't bothered opening a sensitive topic. "The most loving brother you could ever ask for,"

"What was his name?" Ashido asked somberly, and surprisingly, it was Kakashi who answered.

"His name was Obito."

The tour around Shinsou's spacious estate exterior was spent in short silence.

...

"You have your own training ground?!" Kaminari's rejuvenated energy immediately lightened the earlier solemn atmosphere, his amazement palpable enough for everyone to momentarily forget the former topic conversation.

"I mean, it's multi-purpose, so I guess it can be counted as one," Shinsou shrugged, and was unprepared for Ashido to near her face to his.

"Can we move our training here?!" She excitedly asked.

"Yeah! I want to lie on clean grass for once!" Kaminari seconded. "We promise to be good and clean! It's better than training in the middle of nowhere!"

"I... guess you could," Shinsou hesitantly agreed, before looking at you for approval. "If they'll allow it,"

Suddenly, Ashido and Kaminari comically clasped their hands together as if in prayer, entreating to you.

"We beg of you, let us train here from now on!" They requested in unison.

"Okay," Kakashi spoke up. "But only if you respec--" Before he could complete his sentence, you agreed with a simple:

"Sure,"

"YES!" The blonde and pinkette cheered, pumping their arms out in the air.

"Mou, I was about to tell them our terms," Your jounin partner whined to you.

"Those terms would only benefit you though," Ashido mumbled.

"Let me guess, you were gonna ask us to respect you more," You bit back a snicker at how accurate Kaminari's guess was. "Just because you're old doesn't mean squat to us,"

"You are being a bigger brat than I first thought."

Yeah, I don't mind them being here, Hitoshi thought to himself, as he watched you all, a small smile forming on his lips. Home would feel less empty this way.

~*~*~

"--possibly more of them, as implied with their name--"

"--healing, cloning, and possibly lightning--"

"--crows and invisibility--"

"--criminal organizations both small and growing are being exposed and captured--"

"--daytime crime rates have dropped significantly--"

"--made nighttime the most profitable time for former day heroes--"

"--struggle for publicity at night--"

"--it's all because of Team 7 and two others who call themselves Inu and Kawauso."

Hawks listened to the Hero Commission Committee ramble on about the new vigilantes who trembled the hero economy within Musutafu city. The blond won't lie, he was interested meeting either the trio or the duo, because vigilantes don't usually make this much fuss within the commission. He was curious.

After all, you don't hear a bunch of kids single-handedly taking over the hero community every day. As for the unknown duo, the supposed crow quirk was enough to peak his interest.

"We can't let this continue. They're making hero activity scarce, which negatively affects hero business,"

The Wing Hero can't help but think disapprovingly about that.

Isn't it a good thing that those vigilantes are helping out? Criminal activity is decreasing, right? Ergo, more spare time for pro heroes. Then again, it's bad news for those who are just starting their career.

"If this keeps up, this city's heroes would move to other cities that actually need them. Who's to say when those vigilantes would suddenly stop? The next thing you know, Musutafu city would be understaffed with heroes,"

Ah, there's that.

"We can't let them encourage the public to the acts of vigilantism, especially the children who would try to follow their footsteps!"

Okay, fine, maybe the vigilantes are a bit of a bad news.

"We need those vigilantes under our system, mostly Team 7. That is the most preferable solution."

Team 7; the children. Of course the commission would target them.

They were obviously prodigies, and since they're children, the committee finds them easy to mold. Easy to be under their control. But the thing is, they're already attached to an adult figure, if Inu's and Kawauso's porcelain masks were anything to go by. Didn't Mujina mention something about their sensei in an interview? It's probably them, he assumed.

"Hawks, this mission falls onto you,"

The mentioned man straightened his back at the strict call of his attention. He uttered no word as the president of the committee told him of his new mission.

"Recruit Team 7, Inu and Kawauso before T.R.E.E.S. do. Convince them in any way possible,"

Right, they're suffering from being understaffed. To have those five under their command would surely change the game for them.

"If they insistently refuse, apprehend them."

~*~*~

OMAKE: Teaching Before Team 7 (3/3)

OMAKE 3: Naruto with Chakra Jumping

Your age: 13

Naruto's age: 6

Knowing that today is the day Shisui returns from his four-day mission, you headed towards the dango shop where you, him and Itachi (sometimes with Sasuke) frequent in. You bet that Itachi was already there indulging himself the moment he completed his own training. You just completed training yourself, and as usual, once your small food gathering is finished, you would proceed to joint training with each other at the training ground near the Naka river. It's one of those rare times when all three of you are free from assignments.

Walking by the civilian market district, you heard a very familiar shrill that made the surrounding people glare at the source of it.

"Nee-chaaaan!"

You knew he was running towards you before he even announced his presence. A yellow blur collided your back in a hug, and you were prepared to balance yourself from the momentum.

"Hey, Naruto," You greeted with a smile, turning your head to look at the young boy, doing your best to ignore the looks of distaste the civilians are sending on your way. Letting go of you, he immediately looked around as if searching for something-- or rather, someone.

"Where's Sushi-nii?! You said he'll be back today!"

"He just arrived from his mission, actually. I'm about to head to our usual dango stand; wanna come?" You offered, then his smile widened to a grin.

"YeahYeahYeah!" He eagerly nodded his head, before raising both his arms up to you to carry him. "C'mon! Up! Up!"

"Hmm, I dunno, my arms are kinda tired from my senbon practice," You faked a pondering look, teasing your younger companion, and he cutely pouted at you.

"Nooo! You're not that tired!" The blond persisted, insistently tugging on your shirt.

"Maybe, buuut," You beamed, subtly eyeing the canopy of a nearby tree. "I can teach you how to jump high, and then we can go there together,"

"Really?! You'll teach me how to hop on roofs?!" He looked at you with ocean eyes reflecting his admiration. "With all these cool stuffs you're teaching me, I'll be a great ninja in no time 'ttebayo!" He cheered, exhilarated. You can't help but see him as a puppy excitedly wagging its tail.

Well, it's not like you actually taught him anything back then. The only thing he learned was how to run faster with the balls of his feet, and he learned that from Shisui. With how much Shisui has influence on Naruto, it's hard to believe that they only met each other a few months ago.

Noticing that a certain someone still wasn't making a move to approach you, you decided to just call out for him.

"Inu, I know you're there. Come down here," After a few moments of silence and Naruto's questioning look, Kakashi finally dropped from the tree he was perching on, still donning his ANBU uniform.

"Are you sure it's wise to teach him a chakra technique?" He asked, his voice muffled by his dog mask.

"C'mon, he'll be a ninjutsu specialist one day. Why not?" You shrugged, knowing well that both you and Kakashi acknowledge the abnormal size of Naruto's chakra reserves.

"Who's this creep?" Your six-year-old companion asked you, before looking at Kakashi with distrust.

"Not a creep," The silver-haired teenager apathetically defended.

You don't know whether to be amused or disappointed that this is literally how their first conversation went.

"This is," You introduced Kakashi to Naruto, but you hesitated for a second on whether to call Kakashi by his code name or actual name. "Inu. Inu, this is Naruto,"

"Dog?" The blond raised a brow at the man's strange 'name'.

"Yup, he's a very strong shinobi," You said, punching Kakashi's arm lightly.

"You flatter me so," Kakashi deadpanned, knowing well what you were attempting to do. It was no secret in Kakashi's social circle that he does his best to avoid a confrontation with his former sensei's child. The thing is, he can't do that forever, so you ought to give him a little push.

"C'mon, it's true. Ne, Hatake-sensei?" A teasing smirk made its way to your lips at the reminder of your nickname for him. To be fair, he was your first teacher and he taught you most if not all the basics you know before starting the academy.

"First off, I'm on ANBU shift; you can't call me by my real name. Secondly, I told you to stop calling me that years ago,"

"Mou, you used to enjoy being called that,"

"You were three, and I was six, "

"And a good teacher," Your light banter with Kakashi was interrupted by Naruto's exaggerated gagging.

"Ew, yuck, stop flirting," While you remained unaffected by the blunt comment, Inu was--

"W-What?!" You laughed at how Kakashi's usual nonchalant tone was broken by obvious embarrassment, but then you realized what the kid just said.

"Hey, where did you hear that word?" You stared down at Naruto curiously. He's six-- there shouldn't be a scenario where he could learn that word, when everyone who willingly accompanies him are all single.

"You mean flirting?" He clarified, confused. "From Sushi-nii,"

You know what? You should have known.

"When was this?" You should really warn Shisui about what he says around Sasuke and Naruto, especially the latter with how easy he's influenced by his older brother figure.

"Oh, he said he tried-- wait!" Naruto made a zipping motion on his lips. "I promised I won't tell 'ttebayo!" He declared dutifully.

"Mou, keeping secrets from your nee-chan already, I see,"

"I--"

"Mm, well, I have to go do ANBU... things now," Kakashi dismissed himself, about to shunshin away. Before you could even stop him, Naruto already beat you to it.

"Wait, ANBU? What's that?" The blond boy inquisitively questioned, tilting his head owlishly. His big blue eyes-- a shade darker than the sky-- halted the silver-haired teen's movement.

"It's..." The Hatake trailed off, wanting to sugarcoat about a position that often does assassination, bounty-hunting, and sabotage. "Full of shinobi who goes to classified missions only for the elite," He settled with that explanation.

"Woah! Okay, when I grow up, I'm gonna be ANBU!" Naruto declared confidently, pointing at Kakashi's direction, as both you and Kakashi paled at his future ambition.

Suddenly, you remember earlier memories of when Kakashi would shut himself out from everyone-- the time before you managed to coax him out of his opaque shell. You remember the days when you would anxiously wait for Kakashi's return from his suicidal missions, and that you have to reassure yourself that: no, he won't die because he promised.

Every after mission, he would go straight to your location to confirm your safety (and you would confirm his), before even thinking of handling his own injuries. The constant times when you would find Kakashi outside of your apartment to briefly check on you, as if to reassure himself that you're still here-- alive and breathing.

You even recalled that one night when he came home battered and bleeding, and he passed out by your living room window. You were sleepless that night, as you bandaged and treated every one of his injuries, before lugging him to the hospital.

(You are number one priority. Protect. Secure. Promise. ProtectSecurePromiseProtect--)

You don't want that for Kushina-shishou's son.

"A-ah, but why not be stronger than ANBU?" You suggested, your smile a bit tight on your face.

"Something stronger than ANBU?" He asked, before jumping in his place. "What?! What?!"

"Hokage," You answered, and then he stopped bouncing.

"Ehh?! Jiji is the strongest?! But he's old and wrinkly!" You lightly chuckled at the blond's blunt comments regarding the Sandaime. "And I think he's a closet pervert," He whispered the last part to you, but was still heard by Kakashi nevertheless.

"True," Kakashi looked at you when you agreed with Naruto's points. "But when he was younger, he's the strongest in the village to be nominated Hokage. That's why he's respected by everyone," You explained, and something about what you said seemed to have sparked something in his eyes-- Minato's eyes.

"Respected by... " Naruto trailed off, before announcing: "Alright, that settles it! When I grow up, I'll be Hokage!"

Somehow, you know that Kakashi sees it too-- Naruto's back covered by the Hokage robes, while his blond hair was flattened by the Hat.

He really is Kushina's and Minato's son.

"Right, but first, we practice chakra jumping," You clapped your hands, before looking at Kakashi with a certain look in your eye. "And since Inu, here, is ANBU and was my teacher..." Kakashi already knows what you were insinuating before you could finish your sentence, and only sighed at your successful attempt at having him bond with his sensei's son.

"... Fine."

...

"You're late!" Shisui exclaimed, as you and Naruto arrived thirty minutes late at your agreed rendezvous. Even with the thirty-minute waste, Naruto proved himself to be a fast learner if he puts his attention to it, and learned chakra jumping faster than you expected. Then again, you have to account the factor that it was Kakashi who taught him-- especially that Kakashi's method of teaching is more of demonstration than theory which Naruto can pick up better.

It took a few trials and errors before Naruto got it. Even still, you stuck by his side throughout your entire roof-hopping, in case he lost his footing (which he did in a few times at the beginning).

"Well, our little fox was preoccupied by a silver dog," You cryptically explained, as Itachi raised a brow while Shisui already got your reference.

"Yeah! Yeah!" Naruto cheered, trying to gain Shisui's attention. "Inu taught me how to hop on roofs 'ttebayo! Did you see?!" Indeed, you landed on the dango place in style, as the blond's way to show off.

Shisui gave out an indignant squawk, before squatting by Naruto's height and grabbing the boy by his shoulders.

"Sushi-nii is still your favorite ninja, right?!" The curly-haired Uchiha theatrically cried, as you and Itachi watched him from the sides. Suddenly, he stood straight up and put a fist dramatically on his chest. "I've decided I won't be outdone. Naruto, I'll be teaching you how to throw kunai!"

"Two lessons in one day?! Alright! Let's go! Let's go!"

It would seem Shisui's one-sided competitive strike against Kakashi is still at an all time high.

BONUS OMAKE:

Your age: 15

Naruto's age: 8

I'm finally getting adopted by someone! My eighth birthday wish came true!

Naruto internally cheered to himself, as he excitedly grabbed and packed all of his needed belongings from his dingy apartment room.

He won't just be adopted by someone; he's going to be adopted by you-- the first person he ever considered as family before Teuchi and Ayame! He's going to move in with his nee-chan, and then he gets to eat your cooking everyday (even if it's veggies yuck but still, you made it), and then home won't be empty anymore, and then you'll have lots of time for him, and he'll finally have someone to call as family, and then he'll finally have someone congratulate him once he finishes the academy and, and--

Best of all, he's moving in the Uchiha compound! That means he'll be neighbors with Sushi-nii and Tachi-nii (fine, even the teme can be fun too)!

He can't wait!

Hearing a knock on his front door, he jolted from his daydreaming and immediately answered it. Indeed, you were at the other side.

"Hey, ready to go?" You smiled down at him like usual, but... Naruto can't help but notice something about you was different. You smile is a lot smaller than he was used to, and... were your eyes usually this dark?

Still, he was too excited for today to properly look into it.

"Yeah! Let me get my stuff!"

He mentally said goodbye to his apartment, and all the troubles it brought with it-- no more break-ins, vandalism, nothing!

No more sad home!

...

Naruto never went to the Uchiha compound before. He tried sneaking in, but he was always diverted away from it, either by one of those ANBU agents or by the Uchiha guards themselves. He always wanted to see where Sushi-nii, Tachi-nii and teme live, but he guessed the clan hated him too much for him to visit.

Entering the compound gates, the blond expected to see multiple stares directed at him, but was instead put off by how... empty the place is. He expected it to be flooded by people with how many rumors he heard about the Uchiha being so great. Weren't they police too? Where was everyone?

Finally arriving at his new home, he gawked at how it's definitely bigger than his old home. And to think he'll live here from now on!

Naruto followed after you once you entered the simple minka house.

Woah, this place is definitely cleaner than his apartment.

"Your room is down the hall on the right; the left room belongs to Sasuke," You instructed him, and he didn't hide the look of question he was giving at the back of your neck, as you headed towards the kitchen.

Teme? Here? Doesn't he live with his parents or something?

... Why is he getting such a bad feeling? Did... Did something happen?

The thing about being the most hated person in the village is that no one tells him anything. He hasn't seen you, Sushi-nii, Tachi-nii nor teme for almost a week now, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, you finally adopted him after years of knowing you.

What's really going on?

Unable to keep his fidgeting, he decided to try and play subtle. Poking his head from the corner entrance of the kitchen, he asked.

"Hey, can we visit Sushi-nii's house? I wanna see what it looks like,"

You stopped your rummaging within the cooking utensil drawer, before taking a deep breath. You finally turned to face him, and replied.

"This is... This was Sushi-nii's house,"

Wait, what? Is this some kind of big permanent sleepover? He has multiple housemates now? But, if this is Sushi-nii's place, then where was he? Hell, where even is the teme if he's supposed to live here?

"Where is Sushi-nii? He said he'll teach me how to make smoke bombs last week,"

His Sushi-nii doesn't have a mission this week! Sushi-nii, himself, told him so, because he always tells him whenever he's busy. He should be here at home in Konoha.

Unexpectedly, you knelt in front him, taking your time to look him in the eyes.

Why do you look like you're about to cry?

"Sushi-nii is... He's not here," You finally said something after a long moment of silence. "He's not coming back, a-and..." You trailed off.

What?

And suddenly, Naruto's supposedly best day in his life shattered.

"Did... Did he get tired of me? I-I thought he liked--"

"No, no, he didn't get tired of you. Sushi-nii loves you, he'll never get tired of you," You immediately saved, and Naruto sagged in relief at your reassurance. If that's the case, then...

"Where is he?"

"I'm-- I'm sorry I couldn't save your Sushi-nii, Naruto," You choked out a sob, as you bowed your head, letting your tears drop on the tatami mat. "S-Sushi-nii isn't here because nee-chan failed,"

"Wha-- T-Then what are we still doing here?! We have to save him! We have to tell jiji!" He tried pulling at your sleeves to make you stand up, but you only remained seated on the ground. "C'mon, let's go! We're wasting time!" He insistently tried to make you budge but to no avail.

However deep down, he already knew.

If Shisui was in trouble, you wouldn't be here right now and instead be chasing the enemy nin's heels to rescue him along with Tachi-nii. But you're here, crying which means...

For once, Naruto wanted to be wrong.

Eventually his fight died down, and he just plopped down on the floor uselessly in front of your sobbing form.

It's his first time to see you cry, and he decided that he didn't like it. He doesn't like himself crying either, but...

Naruto gingerly neared you, before closing in for a hug to which you didn't hesitate to accept. He choked back a sob, and instead his voice came out as a whimper, similar to one of a grieving animal's.

After a few moments that felt like a long time, Naruto steeled a resolve.

From now on, all your precious people will be his precious people; even the teme.

He promises that he'll be the most powerful shinobi there is to protect all his precious people; they will all be under his protection. Especially once he becomes Hokage.

That's a promise of a lifetime because that's his ninja way.

~*~*~

Fuck that was so sad but it was bound to come. 4 more chapters left before the interlude aka Shisui's death and none of us are ready-- yes even me sksksk also this chap is 8k words long asfghjkl what the hell

Bonus:

Nezu to Aizawa: She played you!! Played you like a fiddle!!!

...

Shinsou: I have a distant older brother.

Kaminari: I implied that I'm being neglected.

Ashido: I'm an only child.

Kakashi: Hold on the fuck...

(Y/n)... Why am I getting a strange sense of deja vu?

...

plot twist: shinsou and yaoyorozu/todoroki are neighbors lol

aghh my POV is all over the place but im too lazy to change the format.

i read some of yall's comments from past chapters, wondering about where Team 7 was and why they never made it to the USJ, and i guess i have to clarify their location back then. Team 7 met Hawks, but the thing is, Hawks doesn't belong in Musutafu city (location of UA); Hawks agency was in Fukuoka city. idk BNHA's location geography, so I imagine the two cities are next to each other, since i headcanon that the Hero Commission is located in Musutafu (because thats where the license exam stadium is located). i know its a late reply, but because now that Hawks will start being local in Musutafu, i want to clarify everything first to clear up future confusion.

also, im taking creative liberties with the bnha canon characters' family lives. i want them to have more depth through it so that we can have a glimpse of their thoughts with friends compared to family. if you guys havent noticed, im a sucker for found families lmao. also, take note that naruto's, sakura's, and sasuke's family lives are similar to kaminari's, ashido's, and shinsou's family lives but yknow, without the tragedy sksksk what a dynamic

why race car driver for shinsou's older brother? well fun fact, my brother used to be a drift racer back in his younger years soooo (yes its illegal but he doesnt do it anymore asfghklj but i found it cool)

also aahhh we will finally get to officially meet Hawks next chapter sksksk this slow burn is going to be the death of me

if you guys can't tell, i just resorted to using omakes to storytell MC's past, instead of using the prequel book. its a lot more convenient for me that way lol but naruTO IM SO SORRY

Also I have another naruto x reader book and this time it focuses on the founders era. you can find it here in my works ^^