However, none of the three relaxed.
Explosions continued to erupt throughout the surrounding streets, one after another, echoing across Hosu City.
"There's more than one villain?" Masata muttered, stepping forward.
Endeavor narrowed his eyes, scanning the smoke-filled skyline.
"Since the League of Villains has appeared," he said grimly, "the Hero Killer is very likely already moving as well. We need to locate him as soon as possible."
A sense of unease tightened in his chest. Compared to the Nomu, the Hero Killer was far more unpredictable—and far more dangerous to individual heroes.
"No," Todoroki said firmly. "Compared to the Hero Killer, these Nomu pose a greater immediate threat to civilians. We should deal with them first."
Endeavor shook his head without hesitation, rejecting the suggestion outright.
"No. We prioritize public safety. These Nomu come first."
Masata nodded in agreement. From this alone, it was clear that Endeavor was a truly qualified Pro Hero—never letting personal urgency override responsibility.
A sharp siren suddenly pierced the air.
Two police cars sped toward the scene, but stopped at a distance. The road ahead had been severely damaged during the fight, and molten magma was still flowing across the asphalt.
"Endeavor!"
A police officer leaned out of the car, clearly recognizing him, his expression brightening with relief.
"The captured criminal is right there," Endeavor said calmly, gesturing toward the charred remains on the ground.
"I'll submit a full report later. For now, evacuate the civilians here. We're heading to support other locations."
"Understood," the officer replied quickly.
"The city was attacked at multiple points simultaneously. Our manpower is stretched thin."
"That confirms it," Masata said quietly.
"Kurogiri must be transporting the Nomu. Only he can deploy them across the city all at once."
If Kurogiri was involved, then Shigaraki was almost certainly nearby. And with Shigaraki present, there was no chance the Hero Killer was acting alone.
"Let's move," Endeavor said sharply.
As the police began evacuating civilians, Endeavor waved Masata and Todoroki forward and sprinted toward the next explosion site.
"Di—di—"
Suddenly, Masata's phone vibrated.
At the same moment, Todoroki's phone rang as well.
"What is it?" Masata asked as he pulled it out while running.
"…Midoriya?" Todoroki said in surprise.
Masata quickly checked the message.
It was a location—nothing else.
"This place… it's in Hosu City!" Masata exclaimed.
Why would Midoriya Izuku be here? Was he accompanying another Pro Hero? That alone wouldn't be strange—but the message itself was.
No explanation. No words. Just a location.
"That's not like him," Masata said, frowning.
"He usually sends walls of messages."
"Could it be a distress signal?" Todoroki said, his voice tightening.
"The city is in chaos right now. He may not have time to explain."
Masata's heart sank.
"If that's the case… then—"
"Damn it!" Todoroki cursed.
Without hesitation, he abruptly turned and sprinted toward the location.
"Where are you going, Todoroki?!" Endeavor shouted, startled.
"My classmate is in danger!" Todoroki yelled back without slowing down.
"Wangjiang Road, Alley 4-2-10! If you finish here—or find another available Pro Hero—please head there!"
Masata didn't hesitate.
"With your strength, Uncle, these remaining villains won't be a problem," he said quickly.
"If they run into the Hero Killer alone, that's dangerous."
He turned and followed Todoroki immediately.
Watching the two sprint away, Endeavor remained silent for a moment.
After yesterday's battle, he knew ordinary villains posed no threat to them. Still, he began moving as well—ready to arrive at any moment.
And at that very moment—
Midoriya Izuku was in real danger.
"Haa… haa…"
In a narrow, shadow-filled alley, Midoriya panted heavily as he faced the figure before him.
The Hero Killer.
"Iida—are you okay?!" Midoriya shouted.
On the ground behind him, Iida Tenya lay motionless, his body completely paralyzed. Nearby, a wounded Pro Hero leaned against the wall, his condition unclear.
When Midoriya had arrived, the Hero Killer had been moments away from striking Iida again. Using the Full Cowling he had trained relentlessly over the past two days, Midoriya had barely managed to drive him back.
"Stop interfering!" Iida yelled hoarsely.
"This has nothing to do with you!"
Consumed by vengeance, Iida could see nothing but hatred. Even immobilized, he refused to let anyone else step into his fight.
Midoriya clenched his fists, cold sweat dripping down his face.
"I have a lot I want to say," he replied softly,
"but that can wait."
He forced a strained smile.
"Getting involved when others are in danger—
that's what being a hero is all about!"
Green lightning crackled around his body as One For All surged.
Midoriya charged.
"Excellent," the Hero Killer said calmly.
He drew the long blade at his waist, its edge gleaming white under the streetlight, and stepped forward to meet Midoriya head-on.
"Full power!" Midoriya roared.
Long weapons had weaknesses in close combat. If he could get inside—
"No! If he cuts you, you won't be able to move!" Iida shouted desperately.
He knew firsthand what that blade could do.
But Midoriya had already committed.
The Hero Killer swung.
The blade flashed downward, sharp enough to split a body in two—
But Midoriya reacted instantly.
He bent his knees, lowered his head, and slipped directly between the Hero Killer's legs, using his momentum to slide past.
The Hero Killer responded without hesitation.
He reversed his grip mid-motion and stabbed backward.
Midoriya anticipated it.
He leapt again—dodging the second strike—and landed squarely in the Hero Killer's blind spot.
The blade cut only air.
The Hero Killer turned sharply, eyes narrowing—
But the alley was empty.
"SMASH!!"
Midoriya's clenched fist came crashing down.