Chapter 179 : The Evolving Chessboard

Dawn broke over the Aokigahara Forest, but inside the alliance's temporary command post, no one was resting. The success of their silent operation the night before brought not relief, but a new, heavier tension. In the center of the holographic table, the image of the Humarise device that Akame had retrieved was displayed, enlarged and analyzed from every angle.

"This changes everything," Hawks said, his voice low and serious, devoid of all traces of his usual cheerfulness. He paced in front of the screen. "This is no longer just a PLF weapons facility. It's a joint laboratory. Humarise's involvement means they are likely working not just on weapons, but on something directly related to Quirks—erasure, theft, or artificial amplification."

Tatsumi, who had just returned with Akame, stared at the image. The cold sensation he felt upon hearing Humarise's name now returned, stronger than before. The incident of Nejire's kidnapping and the battle in Otheon felt like an old wound reopening.

Leone, who had studied all the reports from the night's mission, crossed her arms. "This explains a lot," she said. "My intel from the underworld mentioned that the PLF has been aggressively recruiting scientists, especially those fired from government projects for unethical research. I thought it was for their Nomu program, but if Humarise is involved, this is much worse."

She pointed to the map. "If this is a joint research lab, then its internal security will be much tighter than the guards outside. And it also means there are important non-combatant personnel inside—the scientists. That makes a direct assault extremely risky."

Akame, who had been silent since her return, finally spoke. "There's one more thing. The guard I disabled. In one of his pockets, I found this." She placed a small capsule on the table. "An emergency cyanide pill. Low-level guards don't carry things like this. Only agents trained to never talk do. This means every 'ghost' guard out there would rather die than be captured and interrogated."

The room fell silent. They weren't just facing soldiers; they were facing fanatics protecting a massive secret.

In the U.A. Heights Alliance dorms, inside Momo's tidy room, the circle of trust had gathered. That morning, Momo had carefully relayed Tatsumi's message to Uraraka, Tsuyu, Nejire, and Toru. She didn't mention the secret phone call, only saying she had received an encrypted message through a secure hero channel.

"So... he's really okay?" Uraraka asked, her large eyes filled with a trembling relief. The weight that had been pressing on her chest felt a little lighter.

"He said so," Momo replied with a reassuring nod. "He's on a long-term, top-secret training mission. He said he's safe and asked us not to worry."

"A long-term special training mission? Whoaa, that sounds super mysterious and cool!" Nejire exclaimed, her boundless curiosity immediately ignited. "Hey, hey, what do you think he's training for? Is he going to come back with a super-awesome new move?"

Tsuyu placed a finger on her chin. "Whatever it is, it sounds very dangerous. The fact that he had to send a secret message like that means we shouldn't try to find him or ask any more questions, kero. It could put him in danger."

"Tsuyu-chan is right," Momo said, her tone becoming serious. She looked at her friends one by one. "What we can do for him now is trust him. And fulfill our promise to get stronger. When he returns, we must be able to stand by his side, not behind him."

A new understanding and determination bound them closer. They had a shared purpose. Not just to become great heroes, but to become heroes strong enough to fight alongside their friend who was struggling alone in the darkness.

Back at the safe house, after hours of debate and analysis, a new, daring plan began to take shape.

"We can't do a frontal assault," Hawks said, marking several points on the map. "But we also can't just let that lab continue to operate. We have to get inside. We need concrete proof of what they're building."

"Leone," he continued, turning to the lioness hero. "You said you could get information on the camp commander, Kageyama."

Leone grinned widely. "Not just information. My informant told me that sniffy bastard has one huge weakness: illegal gambling. He's addicted to high-stakes poker games."

"Perfect," Hawks said, his eyes gleaming. "You will be our main diversion. I want you, through your network, to create a rumor of an illegal poker game with the biggest stakes of the year in the town near the forest. A game specifically designed to lure him out of that facility for a few hours."

"With pleasure," Leone replied, licking her lips. "I'll clean out his pockets while I'm at it."

"While Kageyama is away," Hawks continued, now looking at Tatsumi, "internal security will be a little looser. Command will be handed over to his deputy, who, according to your notes, Leone, is less competent. That's when you go in, Tatsumi."

He pointed to a truck schedule Leone had obtained. "Every early morning, at 04:00, a windowless van enters to deliver logistical supplies and pick up biological waste. It's the only vehicle with routine access to the main laboratory building. You're going to hitch a ride."

"I'll go in by air, wait on the van's route, and stick to its roof," Tatsumi said, immediately understanding his role.

"Exactly," Hawks said. "And Akame," he turned to the assassin, "you will be the safety net. After Tatsumi successfully gets inside the complex, you will move through the perimeter you've already cleared. Take up a hidden observation post. If Tatsumi is in trouble, you are his closest backup and his escape route."

The plan was incredibly risky, with many moving parts. But it was their only chance.

That night, final preparations were made. Leone left for the town to start spreading rumors and setting up her "poker game." Akame and Tatsumi rested, gathering their strength for the most dangerous operation they had ever undertaken together in this world.

As the night deepened, Tatsumi stood outside the safe house, gazing towards the darkness-shrouded forest. He felt the weight of the trust placed upon him—the trust of Hawks, Akame, Leone, and his friends at U.A.

He no longer felt fear. There was only a cold, clear determination. Tomorrow night, he would enter the heart of the enemy's nest. And he would uncover whatever secrets were hidden inside.