MHA: A hunter in the world of heroes

The stark white of the hospital room seemed too bright, almost sterile compared to the chaos of Hosu. Killua leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching the steady rise and fall of Shoto's chest as he rested. Midoriya was in the adjacent room, likely muttering apologies under his breath while nurses tended to his wounds. Iida was still unconscious, though the doctors assured them he'd pull through.

Killua's sharp gaze softened for a moment as he observed his friend. The bandages wrapped around Shoto's torso and arm were a reminder of how close they'd come to losing him. The room was quiet, save for the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor.

"You can come in, you know," Shoto's voice broke the silence, raspy but steady. His mismatched eyes opened, tired but alert.

Killua pushed off the doorframe and entered, his hands shoved into his pockets. "Didn't want to disturb the mighty ice prince during his beauty sleep."

Shoto huffed, a ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips. "Funny. I could say the same about you. When's the last time you slept?"

Killua shrugged, pulling a chair closer to the bed before sitting down. "I've had worse nights. You, on the other hand, look like you got chewed up and spit out by a Nomu."

Shoto glanced at his bandaged arm and side. "Feels like it too."

The teasing atmosphere faltered for a moment, the weight of the night pressing down on both of them. Killua leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"You scared the hell out of me, you know," Killua muttered, his voice quieter. "One second you're trading fire and ice with a Nomu, and the next… it had its claws in you."

Shoto tilted his head slightly, studying Killua's expression. "And yet you were the one who saved me. I wasn't worried."

Killua rolled his eyes. "You should've been. You're lucky I'm fast, or you'd be a popsicle on someone's morgue table."

"Killua," Shoto said, his tone more serious now. "Thank you. For saving me. And for… everything tonight."

The silver-haired boy shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get all mushy on me. You'd have done the same for me."

Before Shoto could respond, the door creaked open, and Shouta stepped in, his ever-present scarf draped around his shoulders. His tired eyes flicked between the two boys, lingering on Killua.

"How's he holding up?" Shouta asked, his voice as gruff as ever.

"Still breathing," Shoto replied, managing a small smile. "Can't say the same for the Nomu."

Shouta grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze settling on Killua. "I need to talk to you."

Killua raised an eyebrow but stood without argument, following Shouta out into the hallway. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, casting a dull glow over the otherwise quiet corridor.

"What's up?" Killua asked, leaning casually against the wall.

Shouta crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "I spoke with the police. You won't face any repercussions for tonight. The Shikari program has… certain allowances, and you acted within those boundaries."

Killua's eyes narrowed slightly. "But?"

"But," Shouta continued, "you need to be careful. People are starting to notice you, and not just for your hero work. If you keep drawing this much attention, it's only a matter of time before someone connects the dots."

Killua's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "I get it."

Shouta studied him for a moment longer before placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did good tonight, Killua. Better than most Pro Heroes would've."

Killua blinked, surprised by the praise, but before he could respond, Shouta stepped back. "Go check on Midoriya. He's probably driving the nurses insane."

Killua snorted, pushing off the wall. "Yeah, sounds like Deku."

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The hospital room was dimly lit, the soft hum of machines and the occasional rustle of sheets the only sounds. Shoto sat quietly on his bed, his uninjured hand resting on his lap. His mismatched eyes were half-closed, though his mind was far from sleep. Midoriya lay in the middle bed, his notebook perched on his stomach as he scribbled notes, occasionally pausing to mutter to himself. Iida occupied the bed nearest the window, his expression tight and pensive as he stared out into the dark night sky.

The door creaked open, and Killua leaned casually against the frame, arms crossed. His silver hair caught the faint glow of the hallway lights behind him. "What's this? A slumber party? Didn't anyone tell you guys hospitals aren't for hanging out?"

Midoriya looked up, startled but quickly grinning. "Killua! How's everything outside?"

Killua stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Handled. Dad sent me to check on you idiots." His sharp blue eyes scanned the room. "Shoto looks like he's auditioning for a zombie movie, Deku's about to drown in his own notebook, and Iida… well, at least you're sitting up."

Iida adjusted his glasses, his movements stiff. "I made mistakes tonight, Killua. Reckless ones."

Killua's smirk faded as he dragged a chair to the center of the room and sat down, his posture uncharacteristically serious. "You're not wrong, Iida. But mistakes don't define you. What you do next does."

Iida blinked, startled by the weight in Killua's tone. "How can you say that? I endangered everyone because of my selfishness."

Killua leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Because I know what it's like to make a choice you can't take back."

The room fell silent. Even Shoto looked up from his quiet contemplation. Midoriya set his notebook aside, his green eyes wide with curiosity and concern.

Iida clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "It wasn't just a mistake. I went after Stain for revenge. For what he did to my brother." His voice cracked, the guilt finally spilling out. "Tensei… He's my hero. My big brother. And now, because of Stain, he'll never walk again. I thought if I could stop him, maybe—just maybe—I could make things right."

Killua's sharp gaze softened slightly. "You thought revenge would fix things. That's normal. Human, even. But here's the thing about revenge: it doesn't change what's already happened. It just leaves more scars."

Midoriya looked between them, his voice hesitant. "Iida… we don't blame you. You were hurting. We all were."

Iida shook his head. "That's no excuse. I endangered all of you. I nearly got us killed."

Killua's breath hitched, and for a moment, his eyes darted away. "I get it," he said softly. "Trust me, I do."

Midoriya and Iida stared at him, both taken aback by the sudden vulnerability in his voice. Even Shoto tilted his head slightly, his expression curious despite already knowing what was coming.

Killua leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "I had a little sister. Her name was Alluka. She was… different. Special. She saved me when no one else could."

Midoriya's eyes widened, and Iida froze, his hands clutching his blanket.

"She made a wish," Killua continued, his voice steady despite the emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. "A wish to send me somewhere safe. Away from the people who wanted to use me. The price for that wish… was her life."

The room fell into stunned silence, the weight of Killua's words pressing down on them. Even the steady beeping of the monitors seemed to fade into the background.

"I watched her disappear," Killua said, his voice tightening. "Right in front of me. And there was nothing I could do to stop it."

Midoriya wiped at his eyes, his voice trembling. "Killua, I… I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," Killua said, his smirk faintly returning. "You didn't know. Hell, half the people I'm stuck working with don't know."

Iida stared at him, his expression a mixture of shock and empathy. "How… how do you keep going?"

Killua's gaze was piercing, but there was a flicker of something softer behind it. "Because I have to. Because if I stop, if I let myself fall apart, then her sacrifice was for nothing. That's why I push myself, why I fight. If I can save even one person, it makes her sacrifice worth it."

Shoto, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Alluka would be proud of you."

Killua's lips twitched into a real smile, though his eyes remained distant. "Yeah. Maybe."

Iida adjusted his glasses, his hands trembling slightly. "Thank you for sharing that, Killua. It… it puts things into perspective. I promise I'll do better. I won't let my emotions cloud my judgment again."

Killua stood, stretching lazily. "Good. Because if you don't, I'll kick your ass."

The faintest smile crossed Iida's face, and Midoriya let out a soft laugh. The tension in the room eased slightly, the weight of Killua's revelation settling into something that connected them all.

As Killua headed for the door, Midoriya called out, "Killua?"

He paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Yeah?"

"You're not just doing this for her," Midoriya said, his voice steady. "You're doing this for all of us, too."

Killua's sharp blue eyes softened, and he gave a small nod. "Yeah. I guess I am."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the three boys in thoughtful silence. Shoto leaned back on his pillow, glancing at the ceiling. "He's right, you know."

Iida nodded, his grip on the blanket tightening. "We've all made mistakes tonight. But now, we move forward."

Midoriya smiled faintly, his gaze lingering on the closed door. "Yeah. Together."

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Killua made his way down the quiet hospital corridors, the faint fluorescent lighting casting a sterile glow. His footsteps echoed softly as he approached a meeting room where the familiar voices of Phantom Blade, Nezu, and Shouta filtered through the partially open door.

Pushing the door open, he stepped inside without knocking. "You guys started the party without me?"

Phantom Blade leaned casually against the wall, his sharp blue eyes scanning Killua with a faint smirk. "We figured you'd show up eventually."

Nezu sat atop a chair at the head of the table, his small paws folded neatly in front of him. Shouta, looking as perpetually exhausted as ever, glanced up with a grunt of acknowledgment before returning his attention to the files spread across the table.

Killua dropped into a chair, his arms crossed. "So, what's the damage? And don't sugarcoat it—I already know those three are in deep."

Nezu nodded, his expression grave but calm. "Midoriya, Iida, and Todoroki violated protocol by engaging with Stain without proper authorization. While their actions ultimately led to the Hero Killer's capture and the protection of civilians, the means by which they achieved this are questionable."

"Questionable," Phantom Blade echoed with a raised eyebrow. "That's a polite way of saying they acted on impulse and got lucky."

Killua's expression darkened. "Lucky or not, they did what needed to be done. If they hadn't stepped in, both Native and Iida might not have made it out alive. And Stain wouldn't be behind bars."

Shouta sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "No one's denying the outcome, Killua. But the fact remains that their actions violated the law. The police are already considering disciplinary measures."

"Which is where you come in," Nezu interjected, his beady eyes sharp as ever. "Given your unique status and experience, I believe your presence in the conversation with the police captain could provide valuable insight—and perhaps help mitigate any severe consequences."

Killua tilted his head, his silver hair catching the light. "You want me to babysit them?"

Shouta shot him a pointed look. "No. We want you to help them understand the weight of their choices. You're good at cutting through the noise, Killua. They'll listen to you."

Killua sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Fine. But let's not pretend this is all on them. Stain wasn't exactly waiting for a Pro Hero to show up with flowers and a warrant."

Phantom Blade chuckled darkly. "Fair point. But the fact remains that they acted without backup or proper coordination. They got lucky this time, but luck runs out."

Nezu nodded in agreement. "This is an opportunity for growth—for all of them. And perhaps for you as well, Killua."

Killua arched an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You understand the balance between doing what's right and doing what's necessary," Nezu said thoughtfully. "Your perspective as a Shikari provides a unique lens. It's a chance to share that perspective in a way that guides them, rather than reprimands them."

Killua tapped his fingers against the table, mulling it over. "Fine. I'll sit in. But don't expect me to sugarcoat anything."

Shouta smirked faintly. "We wouldn't dream of it."

Nezu's expression softened slightly. "Before you join the discussion, is there anything else you'd like to add about the League or Stain?"

Killua leaned forward, his expression sharpening. "The League's been too quiet lately. Stain was a distraction, but I don't buy that they're not planning something bigger. They used those Nomus like pawns—wasting them to spread chaos. That doesn't add up unless it was a smokescreen."

Phantom Blade nodded in agreement. "You think they're using the commotion in Hosu to move in the shadows?"

"Exactly," Killua replied. "And if that's the case, we need to start looking for the real play before it's too late."

Nezu tapped his paw against the table thoughtfully. "I trust your instincts, Killua. I'll ensure we divert additional resources toward monitoring the League's movements."

Shouta stood, his tired gaze flicking between the group. "We'll deal with the League. For now, focus on the trio. I'll inform the police captain that you'll be present for the discussion."

Killua pushed himself to his feet, his expression resolute. "Got it. Just don't let the police go too hard on them—they're already beating themselves up enough as it is."

As the meeting concluded, Killua lingered by the door, his mind racing. His eyes flicked toward Phantom Blade, who gave him a knowing nod.

"You're doing good, Killua," Phantom Blade said quietly. "You've got a knack for steering people in the right direction, even if you don't see it."

Killua snorted, his smirk returning. "Don't get all sentimental on me."

Phantom Blade's chuckle followed him out the door as Killua made his way back to the trio's room, ready to face whatever the police had to say—and to make sure his friends walked out of it stronger than before.

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The hospital room was quiet, save for the rhythmic beeping of machines and the faint hum of the air conditioning. Shoto sat on the edge of his bed, his uninjured hand resting lightly on his lap. His mismatched eyes stared at the floor, his mind replaying the chaos of the previous night. He saw the flash of Stain's blade, the grotesque forms of the Nomus, and the crimson streaks of his own blood mingling with the scent of burning asphalt.

He clenched his fists.

It had been reckless, charging in like that. But if they hadn't… Native would've died. And so would Iida.

A sharp knock at the door broke him from his thoughts. Shoto looked up just as the door opened, revealing a group of faces: the veteran hero Gran Torino, an unexpectedly small elderly man in a yellow and white costume who Midoriya had mentioned as his supervisor; Manual, the normal hero who had supervised Iida's internship, wearing what looked like a blue-and-white diving suit; and a sharp-eyed man with the head of a dog dressed in a police uniform—who Shoto assumed must be someone of authority given his formal attire. Trailing behind them, with his hands shoved into his pockets and an air of casual confidence was Killua.

Shoto blinked in surprise but kept quiet. Midoriya's eyes widened slightly, darting between Killua and the rest of the group. Iida straightened further, a slight frown creasing his brow as he adjusted his posture.

"Woof, good evening," Chief Tsuragamae said, his canine features stern as he bowed slightly. "I am Kenji Tsuragamae, Chief of the Hosu Police Force. I apologize for the late hour, but we have urgent matters to discuss regarding recent events. Woof"

Shoto blinked. Midoriya tilted his head slightly, unsure if he had heard that last word correctly. Iida's hand froze mid-adjustment of his glasses, his mouth opening slightly in surprise before quickly closing.

Kenji, either oblivious to or unfazed by their reactions, continued. "First, let me commend you for your bravery. The Hero Killer, Stain, is one of the most dangerous criminals we've faced in recent history. Thanks to your actions, he is now in custody. However—woof."

Midoriya's lips twitched, and Shoto glanced at him from the corner of his eye, as if silently warning him to hold it together even as the word hung in the air like a blade, sharp and inevitable.

Kenji's sharp eyes swept across the trio, his expression serious. "Your actions, while commendable in their intent, were reckless. You acted without proper authorization, without backup, and without a coordinated plan. This is a serious violation of both the law and hero regulations—woof."

Shoto bristled, his lips parting to protest. "If we hadn't acted—"

Gran Torino's voice cut through like steel. "Let him finish." He was standing off to the side, shooting the trio a warning glance, while Killua leaned casually against the wall, smirking faintly as he watched their reactions as they slowly understood the severity of their actions.

Shoto's jaw tightened, but he fell silent, his hands curling into fists on his lap.

Kenji pressed on, his tone unwavering. "If this incident had been officially reported, you would be facing severe consequences, potentially including expulsion from U.A.…" Someone cleared their throat and Kenji turned slightly, his sharp gaze landing on Killua.

Killua straightened, his smirk fading as he stepped forward. "Look," he began, his tone calm but firm, "I get it. They broke the rules. They acted on impulse, and yeah, they could've gotten themselves killed. But let's not pretend they didn't make the right call when it mattered."

Kenji's ears perked slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Go on—woof."

This time, Midoriya couldn't stop the small snort that escaped him. Shoto turned his head sharply to the side, pretending to cough, and Iida busied himself adjusting his glasses again.

Killua glanced at them, rolling his eyes before continuing. "Stain wasn't waiting around for Pro Heroes to show up. If these three hadn't stepped in, people would've died. Native. Iida. Maybe even others. Sure, they got lucky, but luck doesn't invalidate what they accomplished. It just means they need to learn from this and do better next time."

Kenji regarded Killua with a thoughtful expression. "You're suggesting that their actions, while reckless, were justified—woof?"

Killua nodded. "Yeah. And more importantly, they're not the kind of people who'll make the same mistake twice. They're kids, but they've got potential. Give them the chance to grow instead of breaking them down."

Kenji's expression softened slightly. He turned back to the trio. "Given the lack of witnesses and the circumstances surrounding Stain's capture, this incident will not be officially disclosed. As such, you will not face legal consequences. However, you will also receive no recognition for your actions—woof."

Midoriya, Shoto, and Iida nodded solemnly, relief evident in their postures.

"Consider this your one and only warning," Kenji continued. "Next time, if you act without authorization, you will face the consequences. Understood—woof?"

"Yes, sir," they replied in unison, though Iida's voice cracked slightly as he fought to maintain composure.

Kenji's lips quirked into the faintest of smiles. "You have promising futures ahead of you. Don't waste them. And thank you—for your bravery—woof."

The room fell silent as Kenji turned and left, followed by Gran Torino and Manual. Killua still leaning against the wall opened a chocolate bar, slowly eating and savoring it.

As the door clicked shut, Midoriya exhaled in relief, his shoulders slumping. Iida adjusted his glasses for what felt like the hundredth time, and Shoto sat back on his bed, his posture relaxing.

Midoriya finally broke the silence, his voice trembling with suppressed laughter. "Did… did he really just…?"

"Say 'woof' after every sentence?" Shoto finished dryly, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

"It's part of his quirk," Killua explained, smirking. "But yeah, it's kind of hilarious."

Iida adjusted his glasses again, his cheeks slightly red. "Regardless, we owe him—and you—our thanks, Killua. Your words… they made a difference."

Killua shrugged, his smirk softening into a small smile. "Don't mention it. Just don't make me do that again, okay? You owe me."

Midoriya grinned sheepishly. "We'll do better. Promise."

Shoto nodded in agreement, his mismatched eyes meeting Killua's. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Killua's voice was soft as he looked at his chocolate, then he looked at his friend making a silent offer who gladly accepted it.

Shoto's gaze drifted toward Midoriya's hands, one of his legs and arms were heavily bandaged, then to Iida's, which were wrapped in gauze. A faint frown tugged at his lips as he glanced down at his own injured arm. "Why are all of our hands covered in bandages?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Do I have some kind of curse that affects people around me?"

For a moment, the room was silent, and then Midoriya burst out laughing. Iida tried to stifle a chuckle but failed, his usually serious demeanor breaking as he shook with laughter. Even Killua, who had been leaning against the wall, smirked, his chuckle low and soft.

Midoriya clutched his stomach, tears forming at the corners of his eyes. "Shoto, you can't just say stuff like that with a straight face!"

Shoto tilted his head, confused by their reactions. "What? It's a legitimate question."

Killua walked over, ruffling Shoto's hair. "Don't worry, Sho. If it's a curse, I'm immune to it."

Shoto brushed Killua's hand away, muttering under his breath, though there was the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.

The laughter died down, but the mood in the room had lightened considerably. As Killua turned toward the door, Midoriya called out, "Thanks, Killua. For everything."

Killua waved over his shoulder without looking back. "Don't mention it, nerd. Just don't make me bail you out again, and get some rest. You're going to need it."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the trio to reflect on the day. Shoto leaned back against his pillow, his mismatched eyes glancing at the ceiling. "You know, he's annoyingly good at this."

Midoriya nodded, smiling faintly. "Yeah. We're lucky to have him."

"Still, did we just get lectured by someone our age?" Shoto asked, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Midoriya chuckled. "Yeah. And somehow, it made sense."

Iida adjusted his glasses one final time, his voice thoughtful. "He may be our peer, but Killua's experience and insight are… unique. We should learn from this."

Shoto leaned back against his pillow, closing his eyes. "Yeah. We've got a long way to go."