Chapter 42
The next morning, Aizawa and Midnight left the hospital. Recovery Girl was waiting for them at UA. As they rode a taxi through the city, they saw thousands of protesters.
Midnight grabbed her phone and checked the internet... Someone had leaked the data of those involved in the girls' kidnappings... Names, surnames, home and work addresses, IDs, photos, recordings... All of these people were either wealthy businessmen or had ties to the HPSC, the police, the courts, and the local government.
"Aizawa... look at this."
Midnight handed him the phone. Aizawa took it wordlessly. He scrolled through the screen, reading headlines and comments. People were posting photoshopped videos of his son, displaying strength, aggression, and revenge, while heavy music played in the background.
"Vesemir doesn't know anything about technology... there's no way he leaked that data."
"No?"
Aizawa looked at Midnight.
"Vesemir administers... justice himself. It is more likely that he would hunt these people himself."
"Except now he can't... because of his wounds."
"Then that leaves Letho."
"Viper?"
"Yes. I suspect he not only has contact with Vesemir, but also knows where he is and is also helping him. Vesemir has the financial means, but how does he know where to buy the necessary equipment? Where did he get the motorcycle and how did he learn to ride it?"
"Where did you get these assumptions?"
"He's older than Vesemir, and you've already seen what Witchers face in his world. He's a veteran and a tough fighter. He's also an expert in close combat."
"Viper... yes, that makes sense. But if he's helping Vesemir, why didn't he intervene sooner and save Vesemir?"
Aizawa narrowed his eyes.
"Either he doesn't want to reveal himself... or this is some kind of test... or Vesemir didn't want him there."
Aizawa handed her the phone.
"Letho... he told me he wants to take Vesemir to the USA."
"To the USA? Nobody would let him!"
"And that's the crux of the matter. Viper won't ask for permission. In my opinion, he's planning to create chaos so he can smuggle Vesemir out of Japan..."
"But even if he succeeds, the US government will have to hand Vesemir over... after all, he's a Japanese citizen."
Aizawa shook his head.
"No, Midnight. Monsters... are appearing more and more frequently... I'm sure they'll soon appear in other countries... and Letho told me that he and Vesemir are the only ones who can kill monsters effectively... their knowledge is more valuable than their skills. The USA will not give up such a treasure."
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UA. Letho ate a quiet late breakfast, considering his next steps. Hound Dog tried not to stare at him too intrusively, but the Witcher knew exactly what he meant. Then the phone rang.
"Headmaster Nezu?"
"Good morning, Viper. Can you come to my office?"
"I'll be there when I finish eating."
"How long can I expect you?"
"When I finish eating."
Nezu didn't show that he wasn't happy with this answer.
"See you then."
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After the meal, Letho left the cafeteria. Hound Dog followed him. Letho stopped when they both found themselves in an empty corridor.
"Do you want something?"
Letho asked and turned to the would-be detective. Hound Dog growled quietly, his eyes flashing with anger.
"You're deeply involved in this."
"If you're accusing me of something, I advise you to start talking sense."
Hound Dog stepped closer. His muscles tensed. His fists clenched.
"Do you know where the boy is?"
"Was that a question or a statement?"
Ryo stepped closer. He stood within striking distance....
"Where. Is. Vesemir."
Letho looked at him calmly, dismissively.
"I take it you have some evidence... oh... don't you? Then fuck off."
Hound Dog growled like a rabid dog. But Letho continued.
"Don't mistake my calmness for fear, little dog. You need to mind your words."
"Gentlemen!"
Midnight descended the stairs and pointed out to them.
"This isn't the place for such conversations. Nezu invites you both to his office."
Letho, completely uninhibited, turned around and began walking back toward the principal's office. He didn't even glance at Midnight, who glared at him.
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Nezu and Aizawa were already inside waiting for the three teachers to arrive. The door opened, and Letho entered first. Midnight followed him, while Hound Dog was last. He closed the door behind him.
"Hello Viper. Hound Dog, I remind you that you are a teacher and a pro hero. Conduct yourself accordingly."
Ryo nodded and stood in the corner, leaning against the wall. Midnight sat down, and Letho simply stood a few steps away from the desk.
"Ah Eraserhead. It's so good to see you back on your feet."
Aizawa's eyes narrowed slightly. He had a hard time hiding his emotions when it came to his son. Nezu, however, went first.
"Viper. I've heard that you got into a fight with Eraserhead... and because of you, he ended up in the hospital with numerous injuries. Furthermore, his documents are missing. Can you explain what happened from your perspective?"
Letho smiled slightly.
"Aizawa decided to hurl baseless accusations at me, and then he attacked me. Once I had him subdued, I called for help. I didn't explain who he was, just said he attacked me."
"And why didn't you?"
"There were several reasons. Among other things, I was in a hurry and didn't really want to be around the man who attacked me."
"And the documents?"
"What documents?"
Nezu sighed and took a sip of tea.
"Aizawa always carries a set of documents with him."
Letho just shrugged.
"Well. Maybe he forgot. Maybe he dropped them during the fight. I don't care."
"Are you not interested in the fate of your colleague?"
"He's not my colleague. Colleagues don't attack each other."
"You understand that I will have to take appropriate action?"
At that moment, the alarm system informed Nezu that a man in a suit was waiting outside the entrance and had requested an appointment.
"Excuse me for a moment."
Nezu turned on the microphone and asked.
"How can I help you?"
"Hello. My name is Saul Goodman and I am a lawyer. I represent Mr. Vesemir Gwasend Mwairkid Aeldwes var Emreis. May I come in?"
Everyone in the room heard what the man in the suit said. They looked at Letho, who answered.
"What? I've arranged legal assistance for Vesemir. He's the best lawyer when it comes to quirk crimes."
Nezu glanced at the screen again.
"One of the robots will take you to my office. You're welcome."
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Saul knocked on the door and, when he heard the invitation, entered.
"Hello, Mr. Viper."
He looked at the other teachers in turn.
"Greetings, Saul Goodman."
Letho shook his hand, but no one else moved. Saul looked at Nezu.
"Mr. Headmaster, as I said, I'm here on Vesemir's behalf, but also on another matter."
"What is the matter, and would you perhaps like some tea?"
Saul smiled and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, no need. Let's start with Vesemir. We all know that Vesemir will face trial sooner or later due to the charges the prosecutor's office will prepare. I'm here to ensure my client's rights are respected, and I intend to provide him with the best legal protection money can buy."
Aizawa spoke up.
"We don't need some strange lawyer. I won't agree."
"Ah, Mr. Aizawa. I understand you're my client's biological father?"
"I am his father."
Saul held up a finger.
"Well... no. You're not his father... I mean, biologically, yes, but legally... I can disprove that statement."
Aizawa stood up and swayed from exhaustion.
"Excuse me?"
Saul Goodman smiled broadly, pulling out a folder of documents.
"Please sit down, Mr. Aizawa. You look tired. Well, according to Japanese law, paternity can be questioned on the basis of a lack of emotional connection and neglect."
"Those are lies! I wanted to protect him!"
Saul shook his head.
"The evidence says otherwise."
Nezu looked at Aizawa.
"Aizawa, sit down and calm down. This won't get you anywhere."
He looked at the lawyer again.
"Okay... so you're suggesting that Aizawa can't fire you?"
"Yes, Mr. Nezu, he can't, because only Vesemir can do that, and legally, only he or his legal guardian can."
"Well, I don't know if you're aware of this, Mr. Goodman, but my employee certainly has documents proving he's the legal guardian, and Vesemir was admitted to UA as a student. Just because he doesn't meet the age requirements yet doesn't mean we can neglect his education."
"And this brings us to the second reason I came here."
Saul pulled out a set of documents, which he handed to Aizawa and Nezu.
"Mr. Aizawa. This is a lawsuit for assaulting Mr. Letho and endangering the life or health of a minor. I also took the liberty of speaking with the family court judge, who signed this order suspending your rights as guardian or father until the matter is resolved. We cannot allow Vesemir to fall into the wrong hands."
He then placed a set of documents on Nezu's desk.
"Mr. Nezu. This is a pre-trial summons to enter into an amicable agreement on behalf of my client. You have illegally presented Vesemir's story and even exploited Dr. Osaka's quirk to not only record but also show the world his memories. Furthermore, proceedings may begin regarding Vesemir's use for Pro Hero work, which is illegal. The prosecutor doesn't yet know whether the school or Mr. Aizawa is on the side of the prosecutor, but the investigation will reveal the truth."
Saul closed the folder and reached into a hidden pocket in his suit. He pulled out a business card and placed it on the papers on his desk.
"If your lawyer would like to contact me, here's my business card. Now I must say goodbye. I have to prepare for the hearing. Mr. Letho? Please come. We need to prepare a statement."
The two of them left the office, leaving three shocked teachers... and one very angry principal...
End of Chapter 42