The squad gathered in the Nova-1 common room again. The whiteboard was crowded with sticky notes, suspect names, and potential scenarios.
Taiyashè leaned against the wall, grinning. "So… we've got the files, the notes, the knife on the roof… what now? We can't just sit here waiting for her to leave another love letter."
I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck. "Exactly. We need a more thorough search around Astra. But… we can't just wander randomly. Someone like Toga — if it's her — is clever. She'd see it coming."
Kirishima crossed his arms. "So… we ask Crowe?"
Bakugou snorted. "Duh. Who else? You think we're going to find a League member on our own?"
"I just hope he doesn't lecture us for being reckless," Mina added, bouncing slightly.
Denki sparked faintly, grinning. "Come on! He's the perfect person to guide our little… detective squad. Renny-Penny, you ready?"
I took a deep breath. "Yeah. Let's go."
We found Elias Crowe in the homeroom again, reviewing reports with his usual intense focus. His dark eyes narrowed as we approached.
"Crowe," I said, stepping forward. "We need your help. We're trying to figure out who's leaving these notes — someone's been sneaking into the dorms. We think it could be… dangerous."
He didn't respond immediately. Just tilted his head, scanning the group. Taiyashè shifted nervously.
"Explain," Crowe finally said, voice calm but sharp.
I laid out the details quickly: sticky notes, knife on the roof, files I'd read from my Sovereign Pulse, and the possible suspect — Himiko Toga.
Crowe's eyes darkened slightly. "Toga… if she is involved, this is serious. Astra is well-protected, but someone with her quirk is unpredictable. She could disguise herself, infiltrate without detection."
I nodded. "Exactly. That's why we need you to help us check around the campus. Dorms, rooftops, alleyways — any place someone could hide or observe us."
Crowe's lips twitched. "You're overstepping protocol… but this is unusual. I will assist. I will analyze the grounds and potential pathways, and we will cross-reference your observations."
Mina bounced excitedly. "Yay! Crowe is officially part of the squad!"
Bakugou scowled. "Don't get sentimental. Focus. He's helping because it's serious, not because he likes you."
Crowe ignored the chatter, walking over to the whiteboard. His gaze swept over the notes. "Renny-Penny, your pulse… it is reactive. Be cautious. You may be drawing attention without realizing it. Observation and subtlety are critical."
I swallowed. "Yes, sir."
Crowe nodded. "We will start systematically. You will assist with note-taking and observation. I will handle analysis, routes, and cross-checking. If anyone is trying to test you, this method will reveal patterns. Quietly. Carefully. Discreetly."
Taiyashè leaned toward me, whispering, "Renny-Penny, does that mean we actually have a chance?"
I looked at Crowe, at our whiteboard, at the group gathered around us. The pull of my Sovereign Pulse hummed faintly — almost like approval.
"Yeah," I whispered back. "We might just have a chance."