Hi there.

First, apologies for being offline for the past 2 weeks . I won't lie. I was having a bit of writer's block, and I didn't really want to start uploading new chapters until I had a better idea of what I wanted Part II to look like. That being said, I've been drafting the first few chapters, and I'm back.

Second, info about Part II. This is taking place around the time of the Internship arc, and I'd describe the events as plausibly cannon-compliant (not AU). You might have to stretch your imagination a bit in the sense of "this event is kinda major to not be shown in the arc," but, hey, it's a hero-filled society, so this shit probably happens everyday in the world of pros. Plus, I don't own the manga, lol.

Third, on a less important note, I did rewrite the last couple chapters of Part I (21-24) for those returning. More details in the top section of Chapter 21.

Anyways, read on.

The bloodcurdling screams of a woman could be heard from behind the barred doors, designed to contain her rampage. Leaning against the wall, the hooded man could feel the THUD's of the wall as the lady rammed into them. Suddenly, it stopped. There was silence for next three minutes. Then, the rampage resumed. It seems that they've improved the duration time, he speculated. His plan was unfolding smoothly. The Yakuza welcomed his "lab rats," along with his supply of cheap Asian manufactured trigger, courtesy of his group members' extensive connections, and it was returning the favor by supplying him with some of their (almost) finest fighters.

"Setsuna-san, there's a call for you."

Setsuna glanced up at the muscular man holding a phone up for him. His left hand was that of a normal human being's, but his right hand was shaped in a nearly two meter long scythe.

"Hand that over, Kenji, and put that thing away. While I appreciate your vigilance, like I've said before, we're safe here. Let's not try to erode our allies' trust."

The man's right hand shrunk back into a normal fist as Setsuna placed the phone on his ear. On the other side of line was the Director of the hospital. As he gave Setsuna his obliged weekly report, Setsuna couldn't help but muse how simple-minded the man was. Initially, the Director had dragged his feat along every step of the way, occasionally scoffing at Setsuna and his underlings underneath his breath, dubbing them as, "terrible people." However, all it took was a grim reminder that, unlike Setsuna, the Director was willing to sell out people under his care—along with envelopes full of cash to force the meek man into compliance.

"Also, t-there's something else I need to talk to you about," the Director stammered.

"What?" Setsuna questioned.

"Well, it's just that I think we're starting to arouse suspicions. I gave all the excuses you instructed me to, but someone earlier this week, a staff employee, requested that security do an investigation of the hospital premises on the basis that some sketchy activity had been spotted."

Dammit, of course this would happen, Setsuna admonished himself. Although they had been relatively cautious since they made their initial pact, there were bound to be a few spots missed here and there. However, they couldn't stop now. This pact with the Eight Precepts leant the leadership of the not-so-long-ago ragtag group of hoodlums and little league villains, now dubbed the "Underground Alliance," officialness. With the recognition by the Yakuza, Setsuna and his inner circle had earned the respect of their once skeptical members, solidified their control over the organization, and drawn more strays into their ranks. Every passing day, the Underground Alliance was restructuring into an increasingly formal force to be reckoned with. If Setsuna were to abandon the deal—the original unifying force for his organization—then there was no guarantee for the group's or his future, and he doubted the Yakuza would be empathetic. The Eight Precepts should be close to completing their final version of the drug, so we need to see this through to the end, he speculated.

"Uh, sir? Are you still there?"

"Director, who is this person who inquired a security investigation?"

"A nurse, sir. She's been working at the hospital for a decade now."

"I see, so people would notice if she went missing. Well, why don't you dig through her records and see if you can uncover some dirt? Perhaps a legitimate reason to terminate her contract that her colleagues would buy. Anyways, take care of it immediately, or I'll have someone take care of you."

"H-Hai," the Director whimpered.

With that, Setsuna hung up the phone.

I'm close to my goal. The Underground Alliance will become an official force to be reckoned with. We'll infiltrate the ranks of the Yakuza and the League of Villains. We won't be dominated by either, nor will we be exterminated by the "heroes." I'll sit atop this organization, and I'll have the respect I deserve. Most of all, I'll strike fear into the heart of this hypocritical society, and I'll make its people realize how flawed it is.

"Setsuna-san, what do you want to do now?" Kenji asked, interrupting Setsuna's thoughts.

Setsuna reached into his hoodie and clutched the holster of one of the pistols he kept concealed. He traced over the scratches, engravings, and the trigger in a nervous tic of his. It was the pistol he used to kill his first and only person with.

"It seems our path may not be as free of obstacles as I'd hoped for," Setsuna responded as he began to walk down the underground corridor.

"Boss?"

"Don't worry, Kenji. For now, let's go. It's only a matter of time before our name reaches those 'heroes' ears. We have potential investors to meet with, test subjects to acquire, and internal affairs to organize. There's much to do."

A/N:

Yay, so mystery villains have names now. Setsuna's kanji is 刹那, which means "instant, moment." Kenji's kanji is 研二, with the first character meaning "study, sharpen" and second meaning "two." Both names are related to their quirks. Also, I just realized that Class 1-B has a student named Setsuna, but she's not an important character, and her kanji is different. Just wanted to clarify. Btw, current organization name is up for change. 'Underground Alliance' temporary.

Also, Kenji's quirk: blades. He can harden his forearms and hands and manipulate them into any blade shape, although the scythe is his preference.

With more villains introduced, I'll be sure to include notes about quirks I make up in this section.

Anyways, leave your thoughts below. This first chapter will kinda set the mood for the rest of Part II, but I do plan on including a couple more light-hearted chapters, kinda as a palate cleanser before things get super serious.