The rest of my stay at the hospital is fairly uneventful. I'm to be released in the evening, but in the meantime, I play a few games of Shogi with Suka. I'm beginning to understand his different play styles and find ways to counter them all. Finally, the doctor dismisses me, so I pack up the Shogi set, bid Phoenix goodbye and a proper recovery, and leave. First Mate had long left the place herself, and Suka decides to fly ahead, so I'm walking down the hallway to the elevator by myself. I turn down the correct hall to find Iida patiently waiting at the stainless-steel doors. His arms aren't in casts anymore, so that's a good sign. He looks over upon my approach.

"Good evening, Seshin," he greets.

"Sup."

"Are you heading back to your internship as well?"

"Yeah, I got a test in the morning before I head out, so I'd best be back for that."

"Wise of your supervisors to quiz you while you're gone from school. Midterms are approaching, may I point out."

"Oh, yeah, that is coming up, isn't it? It's actually not what you think. I'm trying to get better at multitasking, so my 'test' is playing multiple Shogi games at once with my supervisors."

"Well that's an odd method, but best of luck either way."

"Thanks."

The elevator arrives, letting us on, and Iida pushes the button for the lobby floor. As we ride down, I want to carry on the conversation but also don't want to hold him back from leaving.

"Do you know if your path back to your internship heads to the train station?" I ask.

"If my memory is on point from this week's patrols, then I believe it does."

"Would you mind if I walked with you until we part ways then?"

"Not at all."

The elevator stops, and we board off. While exiting the building, I try to gather my words to say something. I'm trying to figure how to talk without going the wrong way with things. Iida seems to take notice.

"Seshin, you look uncomfortable. Is there something you want to talk about?"

Dang. He's good. There's no way out of it now.

"Iida, I'm sorry."

"Hm?" He looks confused. "What for?"

"If you remember, I basically told you to shoot for revenge. Right?"

". . . Yes, I remember. . ."

I watch my words as we're now in a public area since we were just sworn to secrecy. "I know it officially never happened, but I'm sure you wouldn't have done what you did if I just kept my mouth shut. So, I'm sorry."

Iida takes a second to check our surroundings and choose his own words. "Yes, I admit I was a bit.. inspired by what you told me. I understand that you were dealing with your own problems at that time and possibly still are, so there's no need to apologize. I should've stuck with my original thinking and trusted that the matter would be dealt with by pros." He glances down at his hand. "My right hand may have been permanently damaged, but that's a punishment of my own actions."

Despite his reassurances, I can't help but cringe. "Dang. I'm landing everyone in the hospital. Phoenix, Shipwreck, now you."

Iida chuckles. "I told you didn't do this to me. You're talking like Todoroki."

"What?"

"He thinks that he's cursed to get people's hands hurt in some way."

I get in on the joke. "Wait, Todoroki has two quirks?" We laugh at the idea.

"Either way," Iida continues after calming down. "don't worry about me. After all, I never fought him."

"Right right. Deemed a secret now. Thanks, class rep."

"Don't mention it." He pauses. "Back on the subject of our previous discussion, has there been any news on your father?"

"Nothing yet." I sadly shake my head. "As far as I know that is."

"Well, I hope he's okay and returns home safely."

"Me, too."

We fall into silence once again as Iida eyes a building up ahead. "Well this is where I'm going. Do you know where the station is from here?"

"Eh, I'll just look it up." I continue walking in the same direction we've been going and wave over my shoulder. "Good talk, Iida."

"Yes, and good luck with your test. Don't forget to study up for finals, and I'll see you in class."

"Sure. Later."

With all said, he and I part ways. I continue forward, pulling up directions to the train station in Hosu. Once my map loads, I nearly miss my turn and correct myself. While following the angled, blue line on the phone, I try to push aside the guilt about Iida still lingering in my mind. Maybe I should save these thoughts to meditate on tonight.

I enter the near empty station and proceed with the process of traveling back to Yokohama. Once I'm finally on, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket, and I pull it out once more. There's nothing at first, but then I slide down to view older notifications.

Well... it looks like my message box blew up. There are at least 100 messages among the different contact chats, most of them in the group thread with Tojuta, Auxi, and Samae, deemed "The +4." I don't know why, but Auxi apparently found out that she could actually name the box, so it took us a while before she picked a name we finally didn't see a problem with.

On the ride, I scroll through the new messages, first talking about what's new at each others' internships, noticing I still haven't acknowledged their events, Auxi theorizing that I'm dead, Tojuta correcting that he called Ship-Shape and found out I was in the hospital at the time, Auxi still insisting that I'm probably dead, then Samae arguing with her to shut up and that I'm fine. It then occurs to me and that I spent the entire night and morning at the hospital without checking my phone. I can not believe this. I must've had Shogi on my head for too long.

Feeling kinda bad, I start typing.

Me: Hey guys. Sorry it took me a bit

Samae: Welcome back man

Auxi: *GASP* From beyond the grave!!!

Samae: Auxi!!! My word!!!

Me: I'm not dead Auxi. Not yet.

Auxi: O. Why didnt anyone tell me anything? 😜

Samae: We heard you were in the hospital. You ok?

Me: I'm fine

Me: You guys know where Tojuta is?

Samae: Target practice

Auxi: I think he does target practice at this time

Auxi: His break should be in about an hour or so

Samae: What happened at Hosu? Heard some crap went down

Me: Yeah, crazy attack and stuff. Pretty terrifying.

Auxi: Hold the phone why were you in Hosu?? I thought you said your internship was in Yokohama.

Me: We received a distress signal from someone.

For the record, that is sort of true. Again, what idiot would we look like if I said we trusted a random kid breaking into the captain's quarters?

Samae: Either way I'm glad your alright

Samae: Well I gotta get outta here. Got trash to do.

Auxi: Same. Except what I gotta do is more like squat than trash

Samae: What on earth is the difference?

Me: I'm not gonna stick around to find out. Later.

I get off the chat and scan over my other message threads for anything new. The Bakusquad is mostly just some of the members talking about their internships so far and teasing each other about some of the events. Bakugo and I are pretty much the only ones that hardly say anything in this. I have gotten a message from Tokoyami, so I check that.

Tokoyami: How is your progress in Shogi?

He apparently had left this message a couple hours ago, so I doubt he's online at the moment. Just the same, I leave a quick message.

Me: It's going okay. I have strategies against a couple of my proctors, but I'm sorta struggling with their mascot.

Take that, Suka.

Me: He keeps changing his play style, so it's hard to stick to a clean strategy as he always comes around to completely counter it. I'm getting there though.

Having checked everything and replied to what I wanted to reply to, I close out my phone and pocket it. The rest of the train ride is pretty lonely the rest of the way. I at first wonder how I don't remember it being this lonesome but then remembered I came with the captain, First Mate, and Suka. Getting bored, I twirl my phone in my hands, trying to find an excuse to myself for pulling it out again.

Finally though, the train arrives at Yokohama, and I board off. Wanting to get back to the agency as soon as possible, I make the familiar trek back. The boat-topped building soon comes into view, and I make for the front door. I step into the main lobby to find it's pretty empty. Makes a bit of sense though. It's early seven now, so First Mate must be on a late patrol with Suka.

I consider my options of the moment. I could suit up and go find them, but to be honest, I don't feel like playing hero after the trash I just went through. I need to be productive somehow, so what else can I do? Iida had reminded me to study up for midterms, so I should probably do that. At the same time, I lost to Suka a few times this morning. I wanna show I can be responsible to the pros, so I head upstairs for the training room for my owed exercises.

During a set of sit-ups, I come to soak in how quiet and empty the agency is when the captain isn't around. He usually would be commanding the staff around the building or at least be a sore loser and yelling at Suka about yet another defeat in Shogi. I almost consider giving him a call, but decide it best not to disturb him.

I'm in the middle of a pull-up when I feel my phone buzz. I'm so excited, I nearly let go of the bar completely. Instead, I keep myself hoisted up and use my flames to pull out my phone. It might be Tojuta, as I haven't talked to him in a while.

I bring it to my preoccupied hands and press the home button against my outstretched finger.

Nope. It's Tokoyami. Oh well, I can try to reach Tojuta myself later. I open his message and read his reply.

Tokoyami: I see. He must use the entire board instead of a few select pieces. Am I correct?

Well this could branch into a full conversation, so I let go and walk to the wall with my phone to give myself a break.

Me: Yeah. Just when I seem to notice his style, he surprises me with a complete counter.

Tokoyami: This mascot sounds to know the ins and outs of the entire game.

Me: I think I've beaten him twice or so, but I think he just either felt bad or his IQ crashed.

Tokoyami: Well that's a strange phrase.

Me: It's literal actually.

Me: You know what, never mind that.

Tokoyami: If you're having this kind of trouble with this mascot, I'm going to teach you a trick that gives you a heavy advantage. It's just your job to know the details of your opponent.

Me: Details? Why?

Tokoyami: In order to win, you must not only play the game, but also play the player.

Me: Alright Socrates. You lost me.

Tokoyami: Think for a second, Seshin. Some say that games do not involve one's personal flaws, but sometimes they can.

Tokoyami: You said your opponent's IQ fell, so maybe you can try to make sure that happens again.

Tokoyami: To play the player means to apply your opponent's weakness into the game in some way. Everyone has a weakness to be taken advantage of. Think you can do that?

Me: I can try. Thanks, man.

Tokoyami: Naturally. Good luck.

Play the player. I've never heard of that. It sounds a little like cheating, but only in a few cases. So Suka's weakness is food. But I can't keep him from eating; that's starving him! Maybe I can take advantage of his gluttonous side.

With so much on my mind, I conclude my workout and head down to my room. I can figure out Tokoyami's fortune cookies while I'm studying. I do cross First Mate and Suka in the lobby, where we bid each other good night and part ways once again.

I enter my room and walk in. Quite a bit do. Study for midterms, learn to play the player, then meditate on a whole list of things tonight. So, I hit the books. I feel smart bringing a couple of my textbooks. The rest I search up a digital copy online on my phone.

I'm in the middle of an algebra practice problem when my phone vibrates on my desk. Tojuta's name slides across the top showing he wants to talk through video. I scoot my book back to make way for my phone and answer. I set it against my book as the loading symbol spins.

Cameras adjust, and I can see him. "What's up, Kuiru?"

"Dude! Are you okay?! What were you at the hospital for?!"

"Chill, man; I'm fine. A bit scarred for life, but doing great."

"Oh my word. You scared me so bad. I heard there were Nomu in Hosu! What was that about? And what were you doing in Hosu?"

"Ship-Shape got word of the attack from apparently a reliable source. I'm still questioning it myself, but yeah, there was an attack. My lead actually took on a Nomu."

"He did what? Is he that strong? I mean, even All Might had trouble fighting one of those."

"That's what I thought. And actually, he's still in ICU at the hospital now."

"Well, I hope he gets better soon."

"How about you? How's your internship so far?"

"Going great. I mean I've learned so much and I'm a little disappointed it'll end tomorrow. I'll show you what I've learned when we see each other in class."

"Looking forward to it. And I know what you mean. I got a final test in the morning, but I was just studying for finals when you called."

"Ah! Yeah, I should probably review as well. Oh, and sorry. I got the texts and everything, was just in the middle of target practice then I just got done with dinner. Late night, you know?"

My stomach suddenly growls from Tojuta's last statement. "You darn advertiser. I just realized I hadn't eaten yet. Ya'd think First Mate would've offered me something."

"Haha! Sorry. I didn't know that. I can let you go so you can study and eat."

"That'd probably be best. I still gotta-." I pause as I realize something. "Wait. Kuiru, that's it! I got it!"

"What? Got what? What's with the spontaneous excitement?"

"Kuiru, I know how I'm gonna to do it! I know how to play the player!"

". . . Do what now??"

—————————————————————————————————————

Six in the morning. I may be going home today, but I still have my final. First Mate had said the captain called about thirty minutes ago to confirm his return and is having us go ahead and set up the boards. It'll still be a couple of hours, but we know he's coming back for sure. While I'm waiting, I start packing my belongings out of the guest room and fold up the hammock I had been sleeping on. I squeeze in a quick breakfast and some final review in history before I get called to report to the captain's office.

I step in and am greeted by the three pros I will be facing, each standing at a different table which hold prepared Shogi sets for my test. Captain Shipwreck's right arm is still wrapped up, but his confident expression remains unchanged.

"Good morning, Dutchman!" he greets. "I hope ye be ready for yer final test."

"I'll do my best." I answer and salute.

"Now, you must remember everything and have all three of these games done in under fifteen minutes."

"Understood, sir."

"Good. Let the test get under way." He and First Mate sit down behind their tables and Suka remains standing on his behind his board. Shipwreck motions to a chair before the tables for me to sit. I do as I'm told and close my eyes to concentrate.

I carefully summon my six flames and form my three minions. Time to put all my training to test. Each minion has their own game to play, but I'm the one playing through them all. I need to see through all three of them. I can grasp images of the Shogi boards in front of me, each with my different proctors behind them.

I can see Shipwreck pull out a timer. "Ready? Begin!"

Shipwreck and First Mate take the first move on their games, but I play first in Suka's. This is probably to get me more tripped up, though it isn't working. I immediately control pieces on the first two boards as quickly as Suka plays his move.

The entire thing is a big puzzle for my brain. I can see the pieces on the board and all the possible moves I can make. I just need to be careful and keep the situations matched with the right games.

As usual, Captain Shipwreck and First Mate are fairly easy but Suka is more difficult, and our game is going faster than the other two.

Now, if my plan is going to work, I need to throw in any fair banter I can think of, mostly at Suka. I start giving comments upon some of my moves against my leads.

"C'mon, cap. You think I'm falling for that? Try again."

"Thank you for the opening, First Mate."

Now, Suka's needs to be specific. "Ya can't read this, Suka. Staying as cool as cucumbers." Okay, let's hope that wasn't too obvious.

"If I may, Dutchman, I'll have to disagree. Cucumbers are not that cool."

Huh. I guess it wasn't.

I'm trying my best to jump around from game to game, keeping my focus on what's happening in each one. As I go, I can almost instantly know what to do to counter each player and to stay afloat. I have to make some sacrifices, but it's all going to plan.

Kill captain's silver general. Capture First Mate's bishop. Defend my rook from Suka's gold general.

I give the command to slide my bishop to a space that puts Suka's king in check and is lined to kill his rook. "Check, Suka."

"Hm. That's a good move." He slides his king out of the way, giving me the opportunity to kill his only rook.

"Sorry, man. That's just the way the cookie crumbles."

"Hmmm... cookies..."

He's falling for it. I quickly alter my attention to First Mate's game to scan the board and make a move then to Shipwreck's.

"Check, captain."

"Yargh! Sailed straight into that storm!" He reaches for a captured pawn to block my move.

"Dutchman." Suka looks at me. "You're in check."

"Snapples. So I am. Let me get outta that."

"Hey, that does sound good about now." Suka looks off into the distance, distracted.

"Play the game, will ya?"

"Oh right!" He slides a key pawn I was just waiting for him to move.

I smile and have my minion slide my bishop into his silver general. "Check."

"Blow me down! What'd I do that for?"

My plan is working perfectly! Get his mind on food and he'll be too distracted with his fantasies to think properly! I continue my strategy throughout the entire game, and neither Shipwreck nor First Mate have caught onto my plan yet. Either that, or they just don't think it's cheating. I continue my strategic plays.

"First Mate? More like checkmate."

First Mate thoroughly scans her board in almost shock. She finally sits back and smiles. "So it is. Well done, Phantom. Good game."

"One down." I have my minion slide a pawn on the captain's game to set a trap.

"One down in deed!" Shipwreck retorts as he picks up his knight to kill my pawn.

"Captain, I'm actually surprised you're not the first to lose. But I can't really complain either way." I slide my lance into his knight.

He angrily slams a fist on the table, bouncing the pieces but thankfully not scattering them. Suka looks over after making his own move. "Cap', pay attention to your game."

"Check, Suka."

"Ha! You to yours, bird!"

I smirk as Suka's panicked eyes dash over the board. "Just gotta say, Suka. You're making this a cake walk."

"No! Don't walk on my cake!" His eyes dart up to mine in alarm.

"Play the game then."

So focused on his imaginary treat, he sloppily moves his pawn up to block me. Given an opening, I capture his bishop.

Suka shakes his head, hopeless of winning. I play my final move against Shipwreck. "Sir, I believe that is checkmate."

Shipwreck carefully scans over the board and his capture table. At last, he smiles and slaps his large hands together to clap. "Well done, Dutchman! I fell for everything hard, didn't I?"

"Just about." Finally, there's Suka. But in the distracted state he's in, I've already won. "What do you plan to do now, Suka? No shame in quitting."

"There is actually. Let me think." After a bit, he hops to another area of the board and moves an unused pawn two. I ignore it and set up my plan. I move a pawn up to make a path and then let Suka take his turn. Suka moves his knight to a space that just needs one more to just put my king in check. I ignore it again and slide my bishop down my new path.

"Check."

Suka reaches for his king but then pauses. He moves his talon over any other piece in the area to possibly block. It takes me a second to realize what he's waiting for. He's cornered. He can't do anything. That means I won.

"'Mate," I conclude. "How do you like them apples?"

Suka contemplates with an almost hidden smile on his beak. Finally, his stomach growls, and he leaps from the table and flies out the door. "Be right back, cap!"

"YAH-HA-HA-HAR!" Shipwreck laughs and claps his hands again. "Congratulations, Dutchman! Ye passed yer final. Well done!"

"You've learned a lot, and we're proud of you, dude," First Mate joins. "I believe you'll make an incredible hero."

"Of course he will! Just remember I taught ya what ye know, savvy?"

First Mate glares up at Shipwreck. "Cap, there's quite a difference between a one-week internship to four years in literal school. Especially one of the best high schools in the country."

"Well I just want credit for my contribution to 'im."

I smile. "Thank you both. I'll remember your lessons always."

After realizing that my train back to Tokyo is leaving in half an hour, we head down to the lobby, where we run into Suka pecking away at a granola bar he found in the reception desk. I had left my bag and costume case down here, so I have everything I had brought for the week. I finally slide my jacket on and zip it up.

Ready to head out, I turn to the pros of the agency. I bow my gratitude. "Thank you all for this experience."

"You're welcome, lad," Shipwreck responds. "We enjoyed having ya."

"If you're ever looking for an agency to work at when you graduate, don't be a stranger, okay?" First Mate gives a thumbs-up.

"Yeah, I'll be waiting for you. Ready to beat you next time we see each other across the board," Suka challenges.

"And I'll be ready by the time we do." I look back at Shipwreck. "I've really enjoyed this. It was very enlightening, sir."

"Great to hear!" The captain suddenly snaps his fingers. "Ah! Before I forget!" He speeds to the desk and takes out two parcels, both labeled 'Dutchman,' and hands them to me. "One as a memento and the other as a prize for passing your test. I'd recommend you open them later after you've caught your train." He taps the top one. "Careful, this one's fragile."

"Thank you, sir." I tuck them under my empty arm. I set down my case to free a hand and raise it to my forehead in a firm salute.

"Fair winds to ya, Dutchman." He salutes back and waves me off.

With all said and done, I pick up my case and make my way to the station. I can spy Suka flying over me for part of the way before disappearing behind another building.

I enter the station and follow the familiar steps: buy me a ticket, find the correct platform, wait for the train, and board on once it comes around. I find my seat and stare out the window for a few minutes as the train departs.

Curious as to what is in the packages Captain Shipwreck sent with me, I pick them up and select which one to open first. I carefully open the one deemed fragile and study my souvenir of the week. A classic pirate ship in a bottle, but there's an interesting touch. The sail has the captain's symbol of his signature anchor and there's a thin, rectangular plate that reads, "The Seaborne Savior." I have a small theory this could be a model of the captain's old ship and push the thought aside. I close the box up and pick up the wrapped package. I carefully tear the paper at the top and smile at the new Shogi set on my lap. There's a note on the corner of the box. It reads, "Excellent work, intern! We be rooting for ya! May evil fear the hero name, Phantom! -Captain Shipwreck, First Mate, & Suka."

I'll have to find someone to play this with. The entire week is one to remember, but it's now back to the daily grind of school for me. I look forward to future challenges and learning about what the others have been up to.

Author's Notes: And thus concludes the internship arc. I apologize for posting this chapter so late, but, I promise, I plan to do better. Before I end this chapter off, I'd like to credit WaterDragon02 for more of her contribution to the story. Mythical Rescues Agency and all the lovable characters of the place belong to her, and I'm glad I was able to make a tie-in with her exciting cast. Please vote and possibly leave a comment if you enjoyed. I enjoy receiving them very much. God bless and stay safe!

(Happy New Year! May this one not suck as much as the last!)