[Un-fucking-believable. Unbelievable! Hiro had been on patrol when Alistair contacted him on his private line, ranting and raving about somebody hacking into their systems again and how Hiro needed to fix it right away. Somewhere in all of the ranting though he catches the name of the culprit in question.
Kon Shinonome.
It's only after he talks to Krei's secretary that he gets the full details and finds himself hauling ass to the precinct still fully in his armor. He'll need his hero status on his side to make this work.
It take a lot of fast talking and explaining and some bargaining, all in low hushed tones and some arguments with the police before Hiro finally gets his way and the clerk on duty moves to unlock the cell door.
"Come on. You made bail."
With the clerk ushering Kon to his feet Hiro remains with his back to the cell as he finishes the final negotiations and turns, shield down over his face as he finally faces the boy.]
Let's go. [There's no room for argument, and it's clear in his tone that he is pissed.]
[ They usually stick him in a holding cell just because they don't trust him in the interrogation room - might pick the lock, as they learned the hard way last time - but they think it'll give him time to think about what he's done. True, Kon would agree that it gives him plenty of time to think about what he's done, but definitely not how they want him to. He runs through the information he found before he was hauled out of class, appeased somewhat that he found no exchange of information or funds between Krei and Sensai, no joint projects. Nothing that would connect them together.
Krei seems shady, but he's not doing anything that concerns Kon all that much.
It's as he's thinking about who he'll go after next that the doors open and the clerk goes on point, but even the hushed whispers don't have him turning around to check it out. Feigning disinterest as he throws the ball at the wall, catches, throws again, tends to net him more information later when they think he's not listening.
Today, though, he winds up getting hustled out of the cell and his school bag returned to him in a flurry of confusion that only escalates when he sees one of the Six standing there.
Wide-eyed, he passes the rubberband ball back to the clerk and shrugs his bag on. Kon's not an idiot - he stays silent and just inclines his head, waiting to follow him once the superhero (with the familiar voice, shit) heads towards the doors. ]
[He almost has to congratulate himself for being so calm and poised in the station. He's absolutely furious by everything that's happening at the moment but he remains the picture of cool, calm and collected as they walk through the doors and outside of the station. He doesn't stop there. He walks around a corner until they're out of the police's line of vision, only stopping when he thinks it's appropriate.]
What in the hell are you doing? [He's actually not anticipating Kon recognizing his voice, and so the helmet stays on for now.]
[ The idle thought of turning around and booking it in the opposite direction occurs to Kon, but he dismisses it because either he's dealing with Hiro Hamada as a member of the Big Hero 6 team, or he's dealing with Hiro Hamada dressed up like one as a fan. Either way, he's smart enough to know that he wouldn't make it very far before he was either caught or tracked down. Not fun.
Cringing a little, he holds onto the strap of his bag with both hands, though he doesn't shrink away from his tone. ] I would've thought they'd actually beefed up their systems better than that, but a middle schooler can still break in.
[ True, but not what he was doing. It's not something he's going to talk to Hiro about - after all, no heroes came to help him before. Why let one do it now when he's decided to take things into his own hands? ]
[If he booked it, Hiro would catch him. He's trying not to outright scream at the kid but he's just thinking of the countless hours he'll have to spend recoding and relocking everything for Krei.
Still...it's almost hard to be angry at a kid, though he's coming pretty close.]
That doesn't answer my question, Kon. What the fuck are you doing messing around in those files? I told you to do something safer.
[The thing that Hiro isn't saying is that despite not having Sensai Corp ties or anything of the sort, Krei Tech does have a lot of sensitive material. Things that could destroy the world if they fell into the wrong hands and were conducted by the wrong scientists. Things that Hiro's doing his best to help create and keep under wraps to better the world and not hinder it.
It wasn't worth the repeat of the incident four years ago. It wasn't worth the safety risks or losing more lives and if it meant losing sleep just to make sure things stayed safe, he'd do it. Kon is wearing on his patience and he knows Krei's systems need better security but he's trying. There's only so much he can do all at once and despite the fact that he can somehow juggle earning his doctorate, doing homework, being a superhero, being employed by Krei Tech and still trying to make do with a normal life he's still eighteen. And that's the frustrating piece.]
They're not gonna be so nice next time you do this. Do you want to be stuck in isolation somewhere, or do you want to actually do something in the world?
[ It wouldn't be the first time that Kon's been on the receiving end of a tangent like this before. The old man gave them to him all the time, talked sense into him where he said there wasn't any in the first place. He taught him everything he knows about doing right and wrong, and maybe what he's doing is wrong, but it's for the right reasons and it's to expose the people doing the real wrongs in and to the world.
He knows that Krei's got things hidden away that no one should know about, has almost happened upon them more than once in the two instances where he's entered the systems. But he was caught, both times, before he could really get a good look at what was there. Part of him is ferociously curious, but he has more important things to attend to.
And Hiro hits too close to that nerve. His head snaps up from where he'd been letting his eyes drift off to the side, and suddenly he's not eleven anymore. ]
I'm messing around with those files because I want to do something. [ If his voice didn't give him away before, what Hiro says does as Kon snaps back, standing straighter and defiantly fisting his hands at his sides. ] Not all of us will have the Six just - show up to save the day, Hiro!
[ And immediately after the words leave him, angry and hurt, he reins himself back in, jaw clenched tight like he can keep another outburst in. This isn't his business, and he's not about to share it with him after only one late night meeting and this latest favor. ]
[Curiosity almost gets people killed. He'd rather that not be the case here. He lets Kon snap at him and he's not even angry, really, though it's enough to get him to finally slide his helmet off and get really close to the boy's face. He stares at him with the most dead-eyed look possible, jaw also clenched tightly as he examines him far too closely.]
Why do you think I created the Big Hero Six? [Confirmation. All the confirmation Kon needs in the world, meeting the mastermind behind San Fransokyo's crimefighters. It's Kon's words that bother him most, the thing that eats at him every time he closes his eyes. 'What if this still isn't enough?" But he doesn't let on to those thoughts.] You wanna do something? Fine, but be smart about it. This kind of stupid bullshit isn't going to cut it.
[ There's a chance that it would be smarter for Kon to back down at least a little, but there's always been a fight in him. He's a couple years too early to have learned proper composure, to become aloof and more precisely calculative, so it rears its head now as he stares back at him rather than shying away.
A bitter, sharp part of him wants to spit "it's not enough" in his face, oblivious to the worry that haunts the hero. But he's smarter than that, at least. The vitriol in him is powerful, but if he thinks about it instead of snapping he knows to contain it, to channel it into something more useful. ]
Why do you even care? [ But that, that he has to ask. ]
[He's sort of grateful that the words aren't thrown out. He's older and wiser but there are some things he can't remove himself from. Even now, he has to bite his tongue from saying things he'll regret when Kon asks that question.]
Because someone has to. [It's his default answer, but he pauses again.] ...and because I've seen what happens when people charge in recklessly without plans and with only their emotions guiding them. Rage. Revenge. Sadness. Whatever it is...we're here to help fix it.
[ The hurt and the anger don't fade with that answer, but Kon didn't really expect them to. Instead, it strikes that chord again, and he can't help but bite his lower lip and finally drop his gaze from Hiro. It's not any of his business, so he's not going to tell him why he's doing it - rage, revenge, sadness - and he has no intentions of asking him for help.
But he won't deny that he's right. He's been stupid about this, more reckless than the old man would've wanted him to be. Because he knew what family meant, whether it was by blood or by choice, and he would've done what he could in his own way. He always did.
This is Kon's way. ]
Krei won't have to worry about me again. [ It comes out a little forced, but he might as well say it in lieu of whatever else Hiro might like to hear. ] He's clean, at least of what I was looking for. Besides, if he's working with the Six, then you'll keep him in line.
[He doesn't force Kon to look at him, but he does smirk very lightly. It's hopefully something that's gotten through to the kid. He can't stop him, but he at least hopes he'll listen to that part of it.
Still, the thing about it is that he hears what Kon's saying and some pieces start to align themselves. It's not his business, but at the same time the safety of the people of San Fransokyo is always his business.]
...this have something to do with that Sensai Corporation?
[ Try as he might, he hasn't mastered a reaction that's convincing enough when the name comes up. His eyes immediately flick back up to Hiro, shoulders tense all over again. At first, he's not quite sure how he could've connected those dots - but then he remembers the papers back in the computer lab, how he'd just handed them to him like an idiot.
Goddamnit.
He wants to tell him to keep his nose out of it, but he knows that'd get thrown back into his face. ]
... I haven't found anyone that can break into their systems, their security is too tight. So I have to get better, and looking at possible business partners kills two birds with one stone.
[ Instead of looking like a provoked cat, Kon manages to school himself enough to give him a bland look. ]
They specialize in virtual reality tech for the entertainment industry and the education sector, but they're incredibly secretive. [ That's enough of an explanation, right? ]
[It would be if Hiro wasn't naturally suspicious.] Right, as most tech companies do. [Just look at Krei Tech.] What makes you think those secrets need to be unveiled?
[Judging by the way Hiro's asking though...he's not writing it off. He's genuinely curious of Kon's opinion.]
But Krei doesn't have anything on Sensai. [ This, at least, Kon will talk about. It's something that Hiro would be able to find if he looked. ] Krei's a public figure to his company - none of the Sensai family have really been seen in years, even though they're churning out tech at a constant rate. They've got their name on a lot of shit, but they're running things in the shadows, and it's not because they're shy.
[ That's where he falters, though, not sure if he wants to say more. Again, he doesn't want help with this, thinks he has to do it on his own terms. But also - ] I'm not saying more on a street, let alone one around the corner from the cops.
[This is all very disconcerting the longer Hiro hears about it, especially when the implication becomes clear that Kon's going to try and figure all of this out on his own. He's 11. What the hell can he really do to bring these guys down? Then again, he was only 14 when he started the Six...maybe he's underestimating him just a little.
Regardless, the fact that there's a corporation out there that may or may not be creating tech to harm mankind isn't something that sits well and so Hiro shrugs.]
[ A part of him wonders if he can't somehow ditch Hiro, but considering the fact he's one of the Six and also capable of tracking him down - he knows where he goes to school, even if he doesn't know where he lives - Kon decides no, better not.
Maybe he can use this somehow to his advantage, anyways. He doesn't want Hiro's help in figuring this out, but putting some pressure on Sensai might result in a crack that he can get into. Having the Six's eyes on them could be enough to do it. ]
Not the academy. I don't have anything about Sensai there right now, anyways. I... guess we can go where I'm staying.
[If Kon didn't share information with him, there's nothing stopping Hiro from going forth and finding the information himself. He has a feeling they both know that. He knows the Six have a powerful influence over the city of San Fransokyo, but he's unaware of what Kon's subtly thinking.
This does confirm what he'd initially wondered a few days after their first meeting though.] Which isn't the academy? [It's easier to feign surprise, at least.] Fine...hold on.
[He slides the helmet back on and pushes a button on the side, connecting to the communication channel the rest of the Six are on.] Following a lead. I'll be back in a little bit. [With the message sent, he removes it again and looks down at Kon.] This place close enough to walk, or do we need to hitch a ride?
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Kon Shinonome.
It's only after he talks to Krei's secretary that he gets the full details and finds himself hauling ass to the precinct still fully in his armor. He'll need his hero status on his side to make this work.
It take a lot of fast talking and explaining and some bargaining, all in low hushed tones and some arguments with the police before Hiro finally gets his way and the clerk on duty moves to unlock the cell door.
"Come on. You made bail."
With the clerk ushering Kon to his feet Hiro remains with his back to the cell as he finishes the final negotiations and turns, shield down over his face as he finally faces the boy.]
Let's go. [There's no room for argument, and it's clear in his tone that he is pissed.]
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Krei seems shady, but he's not doing anything that concerns Kon all that much.
It's as he's thinking about who he'll go after next that the doors open and the clerk goes on point, but even the hushed whispers don't have him turning around to check it out. Feigning disinterest as he throws the ball at the wall, catches, throws again, tends to net him more information later when they think he's not listening.
Today, though, he winds up getting hustled out of the cell and his school bag returned to him in a flurry of confusion that only escalates when he sees one of the Six standing there.
Wide-eyed, he passes the rubberband ball back to the clerk and shrugs his bag on. Kon's not an idiot - he stays silent and just inclines his head, waiting to follow him once the superhero (with the familiar voice, shit) heads towards the doors. ]
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What in the hell are you doing? [He's actually not anticipating Kon recognizing his voice, and so the helmet stays on for now.]
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Cringing a little, he holds onto the strap of his bag with both hands, though he doesn't shrink away from his tone. ] I would've thought they'd actually beefed up their systems better than that, but a middle schooler can still break in.
[ True, but not what he was doing. It's not something he's going to talk to Hiro about - after all, no heroes came to help him before. Why let one do it now when he's decided to take things into his own hands? ]
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Still...it's almost hard to be angry at a kid, though he's coming pretty close.]
That doesn't answer my question, Kon. What the fuck are you doing messing around in those files? I told you to do something safer.
[The thing that Hiro isn't saying is that despite not having Sensai Corp ties or anything of the sort, Krei Tech does have a lot of sensitive material. Things that could destroy the world if they fell into the wrong hands and were conducted by the wrong scientists. Things that Hiro's doing his best to help create and keep under wraps to better the world and not hinder it.
It wasn't worth the repeat of the incident four years ago. It wasn't worth the safety risks or losing more lives and if it meant losing sleep just to make sure things stayed safe, he'd do it. Kon is wearing on his patience and he knows Krei's systems need better security but he's trying. There's only so much he can do all at once and despite the fact that he can somehow juggle earning his doctorate, doing homework, being a superhero, being employed by Krei Tech and still trying to make do with a normal life he's still eighteen. And that's the frustrating piece.]
They're not gonna be so nice next time you do this. Do you want to be stuck in isolation somewhere, or do you want to actually do something in the world?
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He knows that Krei's got things hidden away that no one should know about, has almost happened upon them more than once in the two instances where he's entered the systems. But he was caught, both times, before he could really get a good look at what was there. Part of him is ferociously curious, but he has more important things to attend to.
And Hiro hits too close to that nerve. His head snaps up from where he'd been letting his eyes drift off to the side, and suddenly he's not eleven anymore. ]
I'm messing around with those files because I want to do something. [ If his voice didn't give him away before, what Hiro says does as Kon snaps back, standing straighter and defiantly fisting his hands at his sides. ] Not all of us will have the Six just - show up to save the day, Hiro!
[ And immediately after the words leave him, angry and hurt, he reins himself back in, jaw clenched tight like he can keep another outburst in. This isn't his business, and he's not about to share it with him after only one late night meeting and this latest favor. ]
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Why do you think I created the Big Hero Six? [Confirmation. All the confirmation Kon needs in the world, meeting the mastermind behind San Fransokyo's crimefighters. It's Kon's words that bother him most, the thing that eats at him every time he closes his eyes. 'What if this still isn't enough?" But he doesn't let on to those thoughts.] You wanna do something? Fine, but be smart about it. This kind of stupid bullshit isn't going to cut it.
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A bitter, sharp part of him wants to spit "it's not enough" in his face, oblivious to the worry that haunts the hero. But he's smarter than that, at least. The vitriol in him is powerful, but if he thinks about it instead of snapping he knows to contain it, to channel it into something more useful. ]
Why do you even care? [ But that, that he has to ask. ]
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Because someone has to. [It's his default answer, but he pauses again.] ...and because I've seen what happens when people charge in recklessly without plans and with only their emotions guiding them. Rage. Revenge. Sadness. Whatever it is...we're here to help fix it.
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But he won't deny that he's right. He's been stupid about this, more reckless than the old man would've wanted him to be. Because he knew what family meant, whether it was by blood or by choice, and he would've done what he could in his own way. He always did.
This is Kon's way. ]
Krei won't have to worry about me again. [ It comes out a little forced, but he might as well say it in lieu of whatever else Hiro might like to hear. ] He's clean, at least of what I was looking for. Besides, if he's working with the Six, then you'll keep him in line.
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Still, the thing about it is that he hears what Kon's saying and some pieces start to align themselves. It's not his business, but at the same time the safety of the people of San Fransokyo is always his business.]
...this have something to do with that Sensai Corporation?
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Goddamnit.
He wants to tell him to keep his nose out of it, but he knows that'd get thrown back into his face. ]
... I haven't found anyone that can break into their systems, their security is too tight. So I have to get better, and looking at possible business partners kills two birds with one stone.
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Well you're not gonna get better if you keep breaking into shit and getting arrested. [He brings a hand up to rub at his forehead.] ...who are they?
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They specialize in virtual reality tech for the entertainment industry and the education sector, but they're incredibly secretive. [ That's enough of an explanation, right? ]
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[Judging by the way Hiro's asking though...he's not writing it off. He's genuinely curious of Kon's opinion.]
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[ That's where he falters, though, not sure if he wants to say more. Again, he doesn't want help with this, thinks he has to do it on his own terms. But also - ] I'm not saying more on a street, let alone one around the corner from the cops.
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Regardless, the fact that there's a corporation out there that may or may not be creating tech to harm mankind isn't something that sits well and so Hiro shrugs.]
'kay. Where're we going then?
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Maybe he can use this somehow to his advantage, anyways. He doesn't want Hiro's help in figuring this out, but putting some pressure on Sensai might result in a crack that he can get into. Having the Six's eyes on them could be enough to do it. ]
Not the academy. I don't have anything about Sensai there right now, anyways. I... guess we can go where I'm staying.
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This does confirm what he'd initially wondered a few days after their first meeting though.] Which isn't the academy? [It's easier to feign surprise, at least.] Fine...hold on.
[He slides the helmet back on and pushes a button on the side, connecting to the communication channel the rest of the Six are on.] Following a lead. I'll be back in a little bit. [With the message sent, he removes it again and looks down at Kon.] This place close enough to walk, or do we need to hitch a ride?