'Groups' ②

Ultimately, Uraraka Shige learned about the 'group' from this guy who resembled a big, clumsy bear, and this seemingly silly guy successfully completed his so-called 'test'.

Although Uraraka Shige didn't understand what he had tested, seeing that he seemed quite satisfied, Uraraka Shige didn't ask any further questions.

The next few days passed quickly, and it was time for breakfast again.

Uraraka Shige has already adapted to life in the regular group cell after leaving the 'single cell'. Therefore, he no longer prefers to choose an empty table by himself like he did a few days ago. Instead, he has learned to share a table with other inmates and can learn some things he didn't know from their conversations.

He was the same way today.

However, after he sat down, several of the detainees who had been at the same table with him suddenly stood up and moved to another table. The two guys who were still sitting at the table were people he recognized.

Although saying they knew each other wouldn't be entirely accurate, since they had only met once and Uraraka Shige didn't even know their names, he at least had a certain impression of these two people in his mind.

Because one of them was the guy who told him about the 'group'.

The other one was the guy who had occupied a table all by himself.

Hello, it's nice to see you again.

The guy who had been occupying a table all by himself for the past few days took the initiative to speak to Uraraka Shige. This time, he no longer had that inexplicable attitude. Although he still didn't seem particularly respectful, at least he used a form of address instead of talking to thin air as if she didn't exist.

After a few days of adjustment, Uraraka Shige gradually became able to communicate normally with people... After all, he knew how to communicate normally with others; it's just that he selfishly refused this behavior called 'socializing'.

What's more, this guy also has a 'silly' fellow who had a friendly exchange with Uraraka Shige in that state before.

Therefore, Uraraka Shige did not completely ignore him as he had done before, but instead responded to him.

"Hello, I wonder what brings you here today?"

The man occupying the table alone seemed somewhat surprised by Uraraka Shige's answer, though it was unclear whether he was surprised by Uraraka Shige's response or by the content of it. All that was clear was that his surprise left him momentarily speechless.

On the other hand, the big, seemingly simple-minded guy still looked simple-minded and foolish. He looked at Uraraka Shige without a trace of shrewdness in his eyes, but suddenly responded to Uraraka Shige's words.

How did you know we came specifically to see you?

His words, which should have been filled with doubt, were delivered in a very flat tone. This wasn't due to some nonsensical reason like emotional indifference; it was simply because he was too 'naive' to know how to express his doubts.

This also shows that the reason he was able to respond was simply because he was straightforward and said whatever came to mind.

Uraraka Shige clearly had a certain fondness for this 'simple-minded' big guy, and therefore gave a brief answer.

"They left as soon as I sat down, which clearly shows they knew about me all along. And you two, one of you usually occupies a table by himself, and the other seems to have no idea what it means to hide anything."

"Moreover, these past few days I've been looking for tables with available seats where people are already talking, so I can eat while listening to their conversations. If you're really interested, it's easy to take advantage of that."

Uraraka Shige paused here, looking at the slightly confused expression on the 'simple-minded' big guy's face, and added a sentence.

"Of course, most importantly, I noticed the two of you, which is why I deliberately chose this table to sit at."

The big guy, who was described as "simple-minded," understood the sentence, but he was also somewhat puzzled by it.

"Shouldn't you be the one contacting us? Why do you say we specifically contacted you?"

Uraraka Shige was speechless. After all, he had already explained the reason, but this 'simple-minded' big guy obviously didn't understand. So he didn't know how to explain it to this guy and had to change the subject.

"Oh, by the way, I don't even know your name yet."

The big, seemingly simple-minded guy paused for a moment, but still accepted Uraraka Shige's abrupt change of topic... or perhaps he simply didn't realize what was happening, but he didn't think much of it, simply accepting whatever question he was asked.

"My name is Gu Yuji, and what's yours?"

Uraraka Shige didn't pay attention to him immediately, but instead turned his gaze to the guy who was occupying a table by himself, which startled the guy. After all, Uraraka Shige had said "you" instead of "you all" before, but clearly, Uraraka Shige meant that he wanted to know his life as well.

He hesitated for a moment, because he didn't know if Uraraka Shige had any kind of 'Quirk' that would do something if someone knew his name. So after thinking about it for a while, he ultimately didn't tell Uraraka Shige name, but only his identity and purpose.

"I suppose you've heard about the 'Group' by now, haven't you? I'm the person in charge of the 'Beast Group' within the 'Large Power' Discipline Prison's A district. The reason I'm waiting for you here is to invite you to join the 'Beast' and become one of us."

Uraraka Shige, but didn't respond immediately. Instead, she looked at the big, simple-minded guy named Gu Yuji and introduced herself.

My name is Uraraka Shige.

Then he looked again at the guy who claimed to be the head of Area A of the 'Beast Group' and inquired about the relevant matters in detail... although his attitude seemed somewhat mocking.

"Will I be under your jurisdiction after joining? Shouldn't you tell me what the benefits and drawbacks are, what I need to do, and what I absolutely cannot do after joining?"

Then Uraraka Shige paused again and added a sentence.

"Besides, to be honest, I don't know much about the 'Beast Group' you belong to, do I?"

The leader of Area A of this 'Beast Group' was taken aback upon hearing this, then nodded, seemingly accepting Uraraka Shige's explanation.

"That's true. After all, you came from the 'single room' and are entitled to know something about 'us' before joining, and you're also entitled to inquire about things like benefits before joining."

However, he then suddenly changed the subject.

"However, there are some things you might not be aware of. The reason I'm trying to win you over isn't for any personal gain, but for the benefit of both of us. After all, in Area A, our 'Beast Group' is practically the only dominant force. If you don't join, you won't be under our protection, and many 'small groups' or even 'medium-sized groups' will come looking for trouble with you. Moreover, it might even lead to misunderstandings and friction with our 'Beast Group'."

This guy stared intently at Uraraka Shige's face, scrutinizing Uraraka Shige expression without any attempt to hide it.