MHA: Sand Sand Fruit

Although the students didn't fully understand the principal's intentions, they all nodded slightly, acknowledging his words.

"Do you know why this incident must remain confidential?" the principal asked, his tone calm yet firm.

Everyone shook their heads, puzzled.

"Let's start with this—what did you learn from the USJ incident?" the principal continued, his gaze scanning the room.

"All Might is incredibly powerful!" Iida answered promptly, his voice filled with admiration.

"Well, yes, but what else?"

"Akira… Kitagawa Akira is also extraordinarily powerful," Kirishima said with enthusiasm. "Look at the USJ training ground—it's practically a desert now, all because of his Quirk."

"That's true," Tsuyu added, glancing at Akira with wide eyes. "He took down most of the villains in an instant. His strength is… terrifying."

The principal nodded, his expression grave. "Precisely. What you said is correct. Akira's strength is remarkable, but this is exactly why we cannot let this incident go public. Otherwise…"

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"We will push Akira to the edge of a cliff. The underworld thrives on targeting individuals of immense power. If word spreads, he'll become a prime target for every dark force imaginable, putting his life in grave danger."

The room fell silent as the students processed his words. The principal's reasoning was clear now. He wasn't just protecting Akira's identity; he was safeguarding his life.

Akira stood quietly, his face calm, though a flicker of understanding crossed his eyes. The principal didn't truly know the extent of his strength, but that was fine by him. A low profile suited his plans better.

---

**Meanwhile, at the League of Villains' Hideout**

A swirling purple vortex opened in the dimly lit bar, and Tomura Shigaraki tumbled out, landing on the floor with a pained groan.

"Ugh… My body feels like it's been crushed," Shigaraki muttered, wincing as he moved. His bones ached from the impact of Akira's *Giant Hand of Sand*.

Kurogiri, standing nearby, spoke calmly, "I had to teleport you away from the USJ before the situation worsened. That student's attack was too overwhelming to counter."

Shigaraki clenched his fists, his anger boiling over. "It's a complete defeat. All our forces have been captured, Nomu was buried underground, and All Might escaped. No, worse—it's all because of *him*."

He slammed his fist into the ground, his voice rising with fury. "That guy, Kitagawa Akira! If it weren't for him, All Might would be dead right now!"

A mechanical voice from a nearby screen interrupted his outburst. "Tomura, calm yourself. This was a miscalculation, not a failure. However, this Kitagawa Akira... he seems to be more than we anticipated."

The face of All For One appeared on the screen, his tone measured yet curious.

"Nomu—my creation—was buried by a student?" All For One asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, Master," Shigaraki confirmed bitterly. "That brat's Quirk turned the entire training ground into a desert. He crushed Nomu and nearly killed both Kurogiri and me."

Kurogiri nodded solemnly. "It was no ordinary Quirk. His power is on an entirely different level. If it weren't for my teleportation, we wouldn't be here now."

All For One was silent for a moment, processing their words. Finally, he spoke.

"I underestimated this Kitagawa Akira. When All Might introduced him as his apprentice, I thought he was merely a prodigy—strong, yes, but not a threat to us. It seems I was gravely mistaken."

Shigaraki, still seething, looked up at the screen. "Master, this isn't just about power. That guy… his presence changes everything. If we don't deal with him, he'll destroy everything we've built."

"Patience, Tomura," All For One replied, his voice chillingly calm. "This Kitagawa Akira has drawn my attention now. If he is as powerful as you say, we will need a different strategy. For now, let him bask in his victory. The next move will be ours."

The screen went dark, leaving Shigaraki to stew in his frustration. But in the shadows of his rage, a new determination took root.

"Kitagawa Akira…" Shigaraki muttered, his voice venomous. "This isn't over."

---

Back at U.A., the students had dispersed, their conversations filled with admiration for Akira. But as Akira stood alone, his thoughts were elsewhere. He gazed at the horizon, the weight of his dual identity pressing on him.

The world saw him as a hero, a prodigy. But he knew better. This was just the beginning, and the shadows were starting to stir.