Mumen Rider in MHA

The streets weren't dangerous tonight.

But they were lonely.

Satoru pedaled past shuttered shops and glowing signs. The wind tugged at his patched jacket. His gloves, worn thin, had started to fray at the fingers.

Kana wasn't there.

After her homeroom teacher caught wind of her wandering at night, Keiko stepped in. Strict rules were laid down—no more tagging along behind the quirkless vigilante. No more evening strolls with the boy in the helmet.

Now, she only talked to him during the day. But her voice still followed him into the dark.

> "You're still doing this dumb thing, huh?"

> "You know it's useless, right?"

> "You think being brave makes you less quirkless?"

He heard the echoes like a bratty ghost in his head.

He didn't mind.

She was still watching. Still caring. Even if she'd never admit it.

---

In a back alley near 8th Avenue, he spotted a boy—barely older than Kana—being shoved by a trio of kids. Rough laughter. A dropped backpack. Kicked books.

Satoru stopped.

> "Hey."

The kids looked up.

> "What, you a cop?" one sneered.

> "No. Just someone who doesn't like watching."

They snorted.

> "Helmet freak wants to play hero."

Satoru walked forward. Didn't raise his fists. Didn't threaten. Just stood between them and the boy.

> "Leave. Now."

The tension hung.

Then one of them scoffed, shoved past him. The others followed, grumbling.

Satoru turned to the boy, who was sniffling but okay.

> "You're safe now."

The boy nodded. Wiped his nose. Whispered: "Thanks."

Satoru helped gather his books. Watched him run home.

Then leaned against the wall, breathing slow. His hands shook.

---

The next afternoon, he found a note folded into the flower shop's delivery basket. No name. But he knew the handwriting.

> "You're lucky those punks were weak. Still dumb though. You'll get yourself killed being a fake hero. Don't come crying to me. —K"

He laughed. Folded the note and tucked it in his pocket.

> "Brat."

But his hands stopped shaking.

---

That night's notebook entry:

> "Intervention: youth bullying. No powers used. Minimal risk. Kana not present, but observant. Still critical. Tone: mocking. Implication: concern."

He underlined the last word. Then added:

> "Sometimes care wears the mask of cruelty. I don't mind. She's watching."

He placed the note beside his helmet. Like a charm.