The moment you felt the atmosphere shift into something tense, you instinctively hid away from the vantage of the see-through glass entrance, crouching behind the nearest aisle. You were somewhat at ease that the store was somewhat huge, giving you enough movement to maneuver your way in stealth. After years of training, battle experience and paranoia, your senses sharpened and were overly cautious of your surroundings; your muscle memory already having you reach for a weapon that you failed to supply yourself with.

Dammit, You don't even know if your current body is capable of any jutsus. Even if you're capable of performing them, you can't exactly explain to people that your body now has two quirks-- acid and fire (as a signature chakra-natured jutsu of yours)—if this news were to spread to the public; especially that her quirk bio was already documented at an early age of four. What are you gonna tell her parents? That your second quirk bloomed late?

That's not how this superpower thing in this world works. Or at least, you have yet to learn of complications of quirks. You can't rely on Mina to know and teach you everything. After all, she only told you of the basics, and she still had trouble recalling them. There's still more for both you and her to learn.

For now, you can't take risks.

'What's wrong? Why are we hiding?' As if to answer Mina's inquiry, three masked men entered the store; their aura you recognized to be the ones where you felt the sudden hostility come from—their killing intent may be nothing compared to what you faced before, but that doesn't erase the fact that they won't hesitate to kill someone.

And, of course, Kakashi was at the very front of the threats.

The moment they entered the store, the lanky masked man emitted small sparks of green electricity from his hand, before targeting the CCTV cameras; immediately hindering them offline and useless. The security guard instantly took action by the time his eyes traced the sparking energy to the suspicious group.

"Hey, d--" However, once his presence was acknowledged by the criminals, the giant of the three did not hesitate to charge and grab the uniformed man's head and crush it within his hand-- the appendage's size comparable to the guard's head; instantly gaining various reactions from all the people present in the store. It was a swift death, but brutal and absolutely disgusting, with the splattered brain remains and shattered skull fragments serving as emphasis that the group was ruthless. It was a wordless intimidation and a warning.

You remained unaffected, however...

'H-he... They-they just...'

You can't exactly say the same for this body's former owner.

Having to live a sheltered life would've been nice and desirable, however, to be naïve to bloodshed and murder would take a heavier toll to a civilian's psyche, compared to a war veteran's. But then again, there's nothing left of an experienced shinobi's psyche to break. To be constantly exposed to death, you'd eventually be numb to its supposed impact.

To normalize death—to feel nothing for it is simultaneously both desired and despised by a ninja.

It was convenient.

But inhumane.

If Mina and Kaminari were really serious of entering a career that involves violence for the sake of protection, it was only a matter of time when they get to see death in various forms.

It's best to start early.

You did, after all.

"Everyone gather here now!" The person that seemed to be the leader exclaimed, the people already cooperating and herding themselves in front of the empty counter and kneeling-- the cashier already joining the group, once he realized there was something jamming the signal that made him unable to call for help. "Remove all your valuables and surrender them in front! If we find out you hid any one, you die the way that cop did!"

You did not move from your place.

And it would seem neither did Kakashi, as he calmly stood at where he was last found, irking the supposed leader of the group.

"Hey, blonde kid, didn't you hear me?!" The man pulled out what seemed to be some kind of weapon you're unfamiliar with (which is saying a lot as you're pretty confident you can name all nin weaponry), and pointed it towards your comrade.

'Ah! Oh no, Kaminari-kun!' The sudden urgency of the event seemed to have snapped Mina out from her trance.

What is that?, You asked. The moment you did, however, you were unprepared for Mina's once bubbly and welcoming tone to be angry and panicked.

'Wha—That's a gun! It's a common weapon! You can't tell me your country doesn't have that either!'

Well, we don't, alright? Tell me what it does, It would seem that you're currently the most collected, which means you have to control your temper and not raise a pointless argument at the dire situation. It's understandable, you reasoned. Shinobi or not, Mina really is just a kid. You should act as the adult of this scenario.

'It shoots little metal pellets called bullets, and it can hit you in a blink. It may be small but it can kill you! You have to get away from their aim before they pull the trigger!'

Okay, trigger. I'm guessing it's where his pointer finger is at, Your eyes were quick to scan the alien object, already pinpointing what you guessed were important parts, during Mina's explanation.

'Right.'

So I'll just have to disable his hand, You concluded to yourself, to which your pink friend only grew confused at your choice of words.

'Disable?'

You only inwardly smirked, as you eyed the pack of metallic paper clips just within arm's length.
...

"Oh," The blonde uttered out innocently as if he was just now aware of the newcomers the moment he was called out. "I heard you. I just don't want to." Kakashi drawled out calmly, his red (age-restricted) book shamelessly being held by one hand, while the other in his pants' pocket. It may not seem much with a commoner's sight, but any shinobi can tell that his half-lidded eyes scanned every detail he could of the three masked men and the environment around him that could serve as an asset in this upcoming fight (though not as accurately if he were to still have his sharingan).

"This kid..." The armed man grumbled as he removed the gun's safety, his eyes then landing on a very familiar uniform that might as well be a bright red target. The leader then smirked knowingly. "Ah, now I see why you're so cocky. Just because you're a student of UA, you think you can take us all out and play hero, huh?"

"Well, I mean, yeah, kinda." Kakashi shrugged—the overly confident answer seemingly catching the three off guard—he didn't even hesitate, they all thought. They deemed that he was either actually powerful, bluffing to scare them, or is just a brat who's too proud for his own good. "If you needed a weapon to threaten a kid, doesn't that speak volumes for itself?"

Oh, that's one way to throw the thieves' rationality away.

'What are you doing?! You want him to shoot?!'

Preferably not, Kakashi carelessly replied to which the Kaminari metaphorically paled at. But rest assured, the jounin has every right to be confident.

They were nothing but petty thieves in his eyes—nothing different from the goons he had to face in C or B rank missions. Even with the power-up and the uniqueness of that said power-up, they're the same kind; just different capabilities.

And knowing them, pride was something they hold value of.

The gun was lowered, and the former silverette only smirked beneath his mouth mask.

He was right.

"Oi, you two, show the brat how the real world works." And with that command from their leader, the two took a step forward, as the blonde stubbornly remained in place; unintimidated.

The lanky one has a quirk similar to yours, but unlike your not-so stable quirk as you've told me, he can aim it properly, judging how he smoothly eliminated the CCTV cameras earlier. Although, we can't be entirely sure if he can absorb electricity like you can. We can't openly fire at him in case your quirk can be used against us. For now, let's assume we're equal in terms of power. In terms of skill, however, is where I excel better, The way how Kakashi fluently explained his observation with such detail made Kaminari more dumbstruck than he usually was when he overuses his quirk. To think that his possessor's aura gave off a lazy and inattentive vibe, which served as a façade for... whatever the hell his side is showing right now. When Kaminari explained the basics of his life and quirk, he thought that the former silverette would easily forget about it!

'H-huh?!'

The muscle of the group seems to only charge and hit—he doesn't think things through. While it does make up for his supposed lack of speed, it wouldn't be much help if he has to improvise at the last minute in mid-motion. In all honesty, we can outmatch the both of them in terms of speed and skill. It's all in the matter on how well they work together that can serve as a problem, Kakashi finished.

'Wh— Didn't you just see what the big dude just did to that guard?! Y-you really plan on fighting both of them?!'

No, not really. I'm just stating facts, The jounin bluntly answered, which only confused the electric user further. Kaminari had just enough of this guy.

'I—'

It's just precaution. Besides, they've already been taken care of, The moment Kakashi finished, multiple needles seemingly came out of nowhere and latched themselves on the group leader's vital points—effectively paralyzing him and knocking him unconscious, leaving the remaining two shocked and now alerted, as the kneeling crowd only gasped.

"Hey, who th—" As soon as the electricity-wielder of the criminals faced the supposed direction of where the sharp tools came from (which made him an easier target), the same thing happened to him, leaving only one member left.

Usually, if people know it's hopeless to win, they would retreat. It would seem that Kakashi expected the big guy to stay, as he already deemed him to be an individual that does not think things through. The muscle of the group was doomed the moment he chose to fight.

Then again, it's not like they would let him escape either.

At the very least, Kakashi appreciated that he didn't abandon his teammates despite the odds against him.

It wasn't long when the last set of needles directed themselves on the remaining goon, however...

"Sorry Kaka... Kaminari-kun, his skin was too thick, and I already threw them as hard as I could," You finally revealed yourself from your hiding place, walking to his side. Even with an unfamiliar face and body, the aura you put off was something Kakashi could easily recognize. He grew up with you, after all.

And if he can help it, he'd like to grow old with you too.

"Nice try, pinky. That won't work on me!" And then the large man charged towards the both of you; the two of you easily evading his bulky figure. However, despite the sharp objects didn't do their intended purpose, it was noticeable that the needles somewhat affected him, seeing that his movements were hindered—sluggish and less controlled.

The masked man only crashed on the aisle that was once behind you, making the hostages flinch, however, relieved that someone is taking action. Landing gracefully on your feet, your partner immediately made the next and last move while the thief was still disoriented.

"That's okay. You did your part. Now to see how this quirk works." With the yellow electricity sparking on Kakashi's hand, he then targeted the conductors that you implanted on the criminal's body.

Naturally, the man reacted how anyone would have reacted if shocked with high voltage.

Once Kakashi was sure that the brute was unconscious, he stopped the electricity flow, letting gravity do its work with the man's unbalanced weight.

'Woah.' Both Kaminari and Mina breathed out—impressed by the seemingly lack of effort.

The crowd within the store cheered thanked the both of you restlessly, while some immediately collected their valuables that they once surrendered, and took out weird boxes and pressed random buttons. You believe it's what Mina explained to be cellphones. She has one, herself, however, you've still yet to learn how to use it.

"Their fatal mistake was not checking the perimeter for further threats," Nearing the knocked out individual that slightly smelled like cooked flesh, Kakashi observed the 'needles' you used—small droplets of blood visible from the wounds. "Huh. Straightened metallic paper clips. Creative," The blonde commented. "Though, not as sharp as senbon needles, I presume."

"Yes, but they work. I just have to sharpen them and they'll be as functional as senbon needles," You reassured, before looking at your partner's golden irises. "Thanks for buying me time." A rare smile subtly made its way to your lips, directed towards your childhood friend.

"Maah, no problem. I know you didn't want to resort to killing them just to be certain of this kid's safety." Heh, he knew you too well. Then again, it's part of your reputation in your world.

Uchiha (Y/n)—the jounin with the least kills in the whole shinobi world.

"Let's get out of here before the police arrives." Kakashi suggested, his eyes already showing displeasure at the thought of being questioned—even though the two of you weren't the suspects.

"Aren't we gonna pay first? We do need some stuff... like your toothbrush," You teased, elbowing your electric companion. He only sighed in defeat before heading towards the counter—the cashier already back to his position, eager to scan his heroes' items and giving the both of you discounts just for tonight.

While waiting for Kakashi's whole basket of items to be scanned (while you just brought a couple of stacks of metallic paper clips and the sunglasses), the customers flocked around the two of you—continuously praising and thanking you.

"You really are UA students!"

"Your quirk was so flashy!"

"Nothing less to expect from such a prestigious school."

"Thank you for being our heroes!"

"Ah... It's of no problem. This is what we plan on doing for the rest of our lives, after all." Even with all these praises, you still remained professional and formal, which only seemed to make the people admire you more.

And then you were reminded that you were supposed to be in a hurry when blue and red lights flashed just outside the building.

"Hm... Wanna escape at the back door?" The blonde suggested, as you thought of your options.

"No. I have an idea."

~*~*~

"I-it was terrible! We—there was so much blood! I-I, my friend and I decided we couldn't just stand by to have more people killed! We decided to do what was right! We're part of UA's hero course and yet to have someone die—" You stopped your ramblings, your sobs being no longer controllable, before seeking comfort within the arms of your classmate, to which he sympathetically provided.

After being interrogated by the officers in the scene to get the gist of what happened, the camera crew swiftly approached you, with you already introducing your and Kakashi's 'original' names to get your hidden intent across.

However, there was a slight hold up with the police, as apparently, quirks aren't exactly permitted to be used in public. And Kakashi just did use it for his final move. He was only let off with a slap to the wrist—a warning, as murder was involved and it's only understandable why he would use his quirk as a last resort.

The moment you spotted photographers and video cameras, you immediately broke down once you were interviewed by the media, Kakashi simply going along with the flow. Your tears...

Crocodile tears, they failed to realize.

You made a scene; showed obvious symptoms of trauma, fear, helplessness—every reaction a teenage girl could possibly emit after witnessing a murder and a near death experience...

Just to cover up and excuse your absences for tomorrow and the day after. Surely any one of their teachers must have at least watched the news their students were featured in. To have them understand that the would-be absent pair need to process and cope with the state of their mental health.

To give yourselves time to accustom in your new living conditions.

"Oh my, you poor kids!" The reporter pitied, although you can detect the synthetic emotion she forced to utter out. "Here you have it: two UA students exposed to their first villain encounter. While they triumph in terms of battle, it would seem that they've lost their innocence within the society they chose to associate themselves with." You tuned out the rest of what the reporter had to say, as Kakashi escorted you out of the area, while still carrying the plastic bags that held your purchases.

The night was still young, as you head towards the direction of where Kaminari's apartment complex is. While none of you uttered out instructions of what to do next after the... scenario, it was apparent that both of you knew that what was once talked about would still be in motion. And that is for Kaminari to move in Mina's apartment complex.

As an old habit that would probably never die, Kakashi read his book despite the poor lighting (which made passer-bys look at him weirdly), leaving you in your own thoughts, which is surprisingly not being invaded by another.

Mina was unsettlingly quiet.

Hey, are you alright?, You inquired, to which the pinkette only sighed at before expounding her woes (you thought of it unfair that she can hear your thoughts but you can't hear hers. You can only hear what she consciously says).

'It's... Someone dying shouldn't be new to me—along with murders and whatnot since it's been happening for a long time now, but...' She paused, as you already imagined her furrowing her eyebrows. 'Seeing someone murdered is a whole different story. It affects you in a way that's nothing compared to how many reports of it you see in news.'

That's normal and understandable, You reassured.

'But you and Hatake-san seem like you've seen it all before. You were both so calm, and you handled the situation so smoothly. To think my body was capable of throwing things with such accuracy and I never considered it. I want to fight like you.' She paused; pondering over something. 'How do you do it?'

Practice and experience, You bluntly answered, further deflating her mood with your lack of answer. Noticing this, you continued, somewhat expounding your idea. You have no idea how much I suffered just to practice throwing senbon needles with such accuracy. One misplace, and you could have possibly killed your target. I trained day and night just to master it. As for death..., You hesitated; unsure if you should relay a truthful answer to which you then provided. The more you see death; experience it-- the lesser its impact, You managed to tell her.

She became quiet after that confession; contemplating on what it would take for her to be the hero she aspires herself to be.

Death is inevitable, she knew that but...

'Then I guess I'll just have to keep saving people. The least I can do as a hero is to prolong life! I may not be able to save them from death, but I can save them from an early one!'

Hmm... Her resolve sounds appealing to you, but your silence said nothing of your opinion.

But deep down, you knew, despite her willpower, she was beyond terrified.

Her positivity was simply her way of coping.

Anyway, they both have two days as their free days to think over what happened.

And to train to get their minds off of it.

~*~*~

"Good work with Tuesday's Battle Training. I apologize for the late grading, but there were some technical difficulties with the cameras, along with time constraints from teachers who evaluated your performances; so, I can only give you the critique this Friday. Bakugou," The ash blonde flinched when his homeroom adviser called him out to which he begrudgingly accepted the blunt remark. Same went with Midoriya, when Aizawa scolded him for breaking a limb.

Once all was settled, he continued, but not before looming over them to add anticipation in his next announcement.

"You'll pick a class president. It's already been a week; so, I thought of it as the most appropriate as it was enough time to give you all each others' first impressions."

The whole class was quick to clamor at the thought of being leader, but was immediately silenced when the two students who went absent for the past few days entered the room.

It was an awkward stare down that lasted a whole minute.

Aizawa was the first to speak to break the silence, however, like the rest of the classroom, he noticed some slight...differences from his two students, despite knowing them barely a week.

Mina Ashido is wearing shades indoors, while Kaminari Denki is wearing a black mouth mask... reading an R-rated book that he knows Midnight likes to collect.

The Erasure Hero's eyes narrowed at the sight of their changes, before finally addressing them.

"If you're gonna enter my class, you should at least attend early." He stated, as he does not intend to ask them on why they chose to be absent for two days. He listened to the news that night through his radio during patrol after all. He found it impressive that you two took down three criminals-- although, the details were spared; only given to the officers in charge. He didn't know how you took them down. Eraserhead thought that your quirks were simply convenient against the thieves, and the guard just happened to be not lucky. Electrification is a good quirk against a group of people, after all.

But then, when Aizawa glanced at the eyes of the electric-user, he saw the same eyes whenever he looks at a mirror. Eyes that held experience. And not the good kind.

He planned on confronting Kaminari about it, but was absolutely caught off-guard by an excuse that he didn't expect the student (who respects the authority, as far as he could tell) to reply with. And like that, all thoughts beforehand were ignored.

"Sorry, a black cat crossed our road; so, we had to take the long route, but then we lost our way on the path of life."

The whole classroom deadpanned.