Outside the prison, guards and officers stood on standby, weapons ready, eyes fixed on the reinforced doors.
"All right," the warden said calmly. "Let him out."
The doors opened.
Escorted by two guards, Sam Suzuki finally stepped outside.
Most prisoners smiled when they were released.
Sam didn't.
His eyes were empty.
Only for you, Lieutenant.
He walked forward and immediately spotted them—Shota Aizawa, Principal Nezu, and All Might.
All Might was in his thin form.
Sam needed only a single glance to tell. The coughing confirmed it.
"Hello, Sam! Ready to go?" Nezu chirped cheerfully.
Sam sighed. "Let's go."
He ignored Aizawa and All Might completely and headed straight for the car parked in front of the prison. He paused before getting in, scanning the undercarriage, the doors, the interior—looking for wiring, tampering, anything suspicious.
Finding nothing, he climbed into the back seat.
"You're quite the cautious one, aren't you?" Nezu said, attempting friendliness.
"I should make this clear," Sam replied flatly. "I'm only going to this school because my friend asked me. That's it."
Silence filled the car.
Aizawa finally started driving.
Sam glanced sideways. "Also—why does All Might look like a deflated pufferfish?"
Everyone froze.
"H-how did you know?" All Might asked, coughing.
"How could anyone not?" Sam replied. "You look like him. Hollow eyes. Same hair. Same voice."
All Might stared at him.
He's dangerous, All Might thought. I'll need to warn Midoriya.
"Young Suzuki," All Might said carefully. "I owe you a sincere apology. You suffered greatly, and I wasn't able to help you. I wish there was more I could do—"
"I'm going to stop you right there," Sam said. "I have zero intention of forgiving you."
All Might flinched.
"…because there's nothing to forgive," Sam continued emotionlessly.
That shocked them.
"But what I won't forgive," Sam went on, "is the constant deception. Calling yourself the Symbol of Peace? Peace doesn't exist. Not as long as humans have free will. Japan only looks peaceful because you're here."
The car was silent.
"The moment you're gone," Sam said calmly, "that peace will collapse."
No one interrupted him.
"You're the biggest shark in the sea," Sam continued. "As long as you're swimming, the smaller fish feel safe. But the moment you stop… predators won't hesitate to tear them apart."
The metaphor landed hard.
"So don't apologize," Sam finished, "unless you're willing to apologize for lying about reality."
No one disagreed.
That terrified them more than anything else.
This kid… Aizawa thought, watching Sam through the rearview mirror.
Sam noticed. "That's a valid concern," Nezu said calmly. "Which is why we're preparing the next generation to stand when All Might no longer can."
"Whatever," Sam replied. "I'm not here to be a hero. I'm here out of respect for Simmons."
Silence returned, broken only by All Might's occasional cough.
Then Sam saw it.
U.A. High School.
Weird design.
They parked and stepped out.
"We've prepared a room for you near the nurse's office," Nezu explained. "You're free to explore the campus. Use the gym, equipment, library. Meals are flexible—except lunch. You'll eat with your class."
Sam barely listened.
He was already scanning the campus.
Escape routes. Blind spots. Cameras. Drones.
Nezu noticed—but said nothing.
Security drones hovered above, tracking his movements.
"Quite the welcome," Sam muttered.
"I apologize," Nezu said. "They're normally passive, but since you're not registered yet—"
Bullshit, Sam thought. This is for peace of mind.
Nezu caught the smirk.
So he already understands, Nezu thought. Impressive.
They entered the building.
Sam memorized everything—hallways, stairwells, doors, ventilation. Old habits from espionage didn't fade easily.
"You'll begin classes tomorrow," Nezu said. "Aizawa will escort you and introduce you to your peers."
I'm thrilled, Sam thought dryly.
They toured the campus—the cafeteria, classrooms, gym, library—before stopping at the nurse's office.
"This is Recovery Girl's office," Nezu said. "If you're injured, report here immediately."
"And right next to the office is your new home!" Nezu gestures to the door next to the nurses office. Sam opens the door and takes a look inside.
The teachers notice once again that Sam immediately started looking around the room.
"You didn't bug my room, did you?"
Before they could answer, Sam walks in and steps onto the bed. He looks at the corner of the room and sees a small needle-sized hole. He breaks the part of the ceiling that the camera is in and yanks out the camera.
"I'll take that as a yes." Sam casually crushes the camera in his hand.
"Oops! I must have left that there!"
Sam and Nezu just stare. Sam offers a fake smile again. "Of course principal."
Behind both of their smiles, was only one thought: 'Bullshit.'
"You are free to do as you please. The Gym, the cafeteria, whatever you wish, please enjoy! Aizawa will come get you for your first class tomorrow. I'll end the tour here. Good luck Sam!" Nezu chirps happily as he and the others leave Sam alone in this new room.
He sighs. "I'm starting to regret coming here."
"Well, I better check for any other surprises the little shit gave me." Sam then begins tearing his room apart.