**Chapter 4: The Offer**

The neon lights of the city streets seemed to blur together as the stranger led them through the crowded alleys, Izuku and Katsuki following closely behind. The air was alive with the hum of activity, but Katsuki's senses were tuned to the stranger, his mind racing with questions. What did he mean by "project"? And what kind of arrangement was he hoping to make? As they walked, the stranger told them about his name - Ryujin, a wealthy entrepreneur with a reputation for being ruthless in business. He spoke of his fascination with supernatural creatures, and his desire to understand and harness their power. "I've been watching you, Katsuki," Ryujin said, his eyes glinting with interest. "I've seen the way you move, the way you fight. You have a unique set of skills, ones that could be very useful to me." Katsuki's eyes narrowed, his instincts on high alert. He didn't like the sound of this, didn't like the way Ryujin seemed to be sizing him up. "Useful for what?" he asked, his voice low and even. Ryujin smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, that would be telling," he said. "But I think it's safe to say that my project requires someone with your... abilities. Someone who can think on their feet, and adapt to any situation." Izuku's eyes flashed with anger, but Katsuki held up a hand, silencing him. He wanted to hear more, wanted to know what Ryujin had in mind. As they turned a corner, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb, the tinted windows reflecting the neon lights of the city. Ryujin gestured to the car, his eyes locked on Katsuki's. "Let's discuss the details in a more... comfortable setting," he said. Katsuki hesitated, his mind racing with possibilities. He glanced at Izuku, who shook his head, his face set in a determined expression. "I don't like this," Izuku whispered. Katsuki nodded, but his curiosity got the better of him. He slid into the car, Izuku following closely behind. Ryujin climbed in beside them, the driver speeding away from the curb as soon as the door closed. The car hurtled through the city streets, the lights blurring together as they sped towards who-knew-where. Katsuki's heart was racing, his senses on high alert. He had a feeling that he was making a mistake, but he couldn't help himself. He had to know what Ryujin had in mind. As the car turned a corner, Katsuki caught a glimpse of a massive skyscraper looming in the distance. The building seemed to stretch up to the clouds, its peak hidden in the darkness. "Where are we going?" Katsuki asked, his voice low and even. Ryujin smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Welcome to my headquarters," he said. "Here, we can discuss the details of my proposal. And perhaps, just perhaps, we can come to some sort of arrangement." Katsuki's eyes locked on Ryujin, his mind racing with possibilities. What was he getting himself into? And what would be the cost? The car pulled up to the curb, and Katsuki slid out, his eyes scanning the surroundings. They were in a secure underground parking garage, the only exit a heavily guarded door. Ryujin gestured to the elevator, his eyes locked on Katsuki's. "Shall we?" he said. Katsuki hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to turn back. But his curiosity got the better of him. He stepped into the elevator, Izuku following closely behind. The doors slid shut, and the elevator lurched into motion. As they rose through the building, Katsuki felt a sense of trepidation growing inside him. What was waiting for him at the top? And what would be the cost of his curiosity?