With his earnings finally converted into a more tolerable form and securely stashed away, Katsuki's attention shifted to another pressing, practical matter. He ran a hand over the sleeve of his U.A. uniform. The fabric, once crisp and pristine, was now scuffed, torn in several places from his landings and the retrieval of monster parts, and liberally stained with dirt, soot, and traces of unidentifiable monster viscera. It smelled faintly of ozone, burnt things, and the lingering metallic tang of the Wyrm's blood. It was, to put it mildly, a mess. More importantly, it wasn't designed for the kind of sustained, high-intensity explosive output he was now capable of, especially with the integration of his 'Explode' magic.
He turned his gaze back to Mirajane, who was watching him with that serene, faintly amused expression she seemed to reserve for his particular brand of intensity. His tone, while still abrupt, was less aggressive now, more a statement of practical need.
"Oi, barmaid," he began, then paused, a flicker of something – perhaps a grudging acknowledgment that she deserved a name after processing his chaotic requests – crossing his features. "Mirajane." Using her name felt foreign on his tongue, but it was a necessary concession to functionality. "Is there any tailor in this town? The magical kind, I mean." He gestured vaguely at his own battered attire. "I need clothes. The kind that won't get blasted to shreds every time I use my power. Something that can actually withstand my explosions."
He thought for a moment of his winter hero costume back in his own world. Its design incorporated durable, heat-resistant materials specifically chosen to handle the blowback from his Quirk. Something like that, adapted for everyday wear, would be ideal. He no longer felt the desperate need for his Grenadier Bracers or Strafe Panzers, not with the versatility and sustained power his 'Explode' magic offered. The magic itself was a support system, an internal arsenal. But durable clothing? That was a non-negotiable necessity if he didn't want to end up fighting stark naked after a few serious blasts.
Mirajane's eyebrows rose slightly, intrigued by the specificity of his request. "A tailor specializing in enchanted apparel? Yes, Magnolia has a few quite skilled artisans in that regard. Clothes that can withstand explosions, you say?" A thoughtful expression crossed her face. "That's a rather… robust requirement. Most enchanted clothing focuses on elemental resistance, enhanced durability, or perhaps stealth, but direct, repeated explosive force is a unique challenge."
She tapped a thoughtful finger against her chin. "There's 'Heart Kreuz Tailoring' – they're very well known, Erza gets most of her armors commissioned there. They work with high-quality enchanted materials and are accustomed to… demanding clientele." A subtle smile played on her lips as she said this, likely thinking of Erza's own rigorous standards. "They might be able to create something to your specifications, though it won't be cheap, especially for custom work designed for such extreme conditions."
Katsuki grunted. "Cheap doesn't matter if it works. Where is it?" He needed something functional, something that wouldn't hinder him or disintegrate at the first sign of serious action. The thought of having to constantly replace his clothes was an irritating distraction he didn't need.
"Heart Kreuz is located in the merchant district, not far from the Kardia Cathedral," Mirajane explained, giving him clear and concise directions. "It's a rather distinctive shop, with a large crossed-heart emblem above the door. You can't miss it." She paused, then added, a hint of curiosity in her voice, "What kind of design did you have in mind, Bakugo-san? Something… flashy, to go with your power?"
Katsuki scoffed at the notion of 'flashy' for its own sake. His hero costume was designed for intimidation and optimal Quirk usage, not just aesthetics. "Functional," he stated flatly. "Dark colors. Nothing that restricts movement. And it better be damn tough. I don't want to be picking bits of fabric out of my ass after every fight." He considered his winter costume again – the high collar, the sturdy material, the way it allowed for a full range of motion while still offering protection. Something along those lines, but perhaps more subdued for everyday wear. "Something like a durable, high-collared jacket and pants. Reinforced. Maybe some basic heat resistance woven in, if they can manage it without making it too bulky."
Mirajane nodded, seeming to understand. "Practical and resilient. I'm sure the artisans at Heart Kreuz will be… intrigued by your request. They do enjoy a challenge." She gave him an encouraging smile. "Just be prepared to explain your needs very clearly. They're good, but they're not mind readers, especially when it comes to withstanding self-generated explosions on a regular basis."
Katsuki just grunted again, already mentally picturing the kind of garments he needed. With his earnings secured and a lead on a capable tailor, another piece of his immediate survival strategy in this strange new world was falling into place. First, power. Second, resources. Third, practical gear. He was systematically addressing the deficiencies of his unexpected arrival. And with each problem solved, his focus on the larger, more daunting questions – how he got here, and how to get back – grew sharper, less clouded by immediate necessities. But for now, a trip to Heart Kreuz Tailoring was his next objective. He needed to be properly outfitted if he was going to continue making his explosive mark on Fiore.