Author's Note:Thanks so much for visiting Chapter 2! I appreciate your support and potential feedback. I hope you're ready for some spice...

The chapter begins with Yuasa visiting her mother, who scolds her for working with a center that happens to assist villains who have been hurt/victimized in some way. Upon hearing about this interaction, Overhaul takes matters into his own hands after reflecting on the first time she used her quirk in front of him.

Meanwhile, Shigaraki is left conflicted after his encounter with Yuasa. Upon learning of her ability, it seems to complicate his original plan of action, forcing the League to think of alternative routes for dismantling the Shie Hassaikai from the inside out. Can they do it or will Yuasa's promises be too tempting to turn down?

"Mom!" The calling is rather enthusiastic.

Yuasa holds a bag of steamed pork buns, while the other hand is busy slipping off her heels. A woman pops her head out from the kitchen, extending a warm smile towards the new presence. It's been a few weeks since she saw her daughter and while most parents would be empathetic; her mother couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"Yuasa! You finally found time to visit…" She finishes up slicing the last watermelon square before placing it on the table. Her body collapses into the chair, exhaustion now evident in the way she strives to retain air. Her daughter looks onward with concern, but takes a seat across from her, careful to place the bag somewhere that had room. "I've been cooking all day. Your family is coming over tonight, are you sure you can't stay?"

A sharp pain surges throughout the young one's chest. It stabs at lungs every time she tries to inhale. It's as if her ribs are hugging the hurt… Why on earth would she want to see them? See him…? Her mother doesn't know – probably wouldn't want to. Who would believe a child? Especially one who is capable of crafting so many stories…

In an effort to compose herself in front of her creator, she swallows hard and tries to loosen her jaw. She can't have her words coming out strained. "No, mom, I'm sorry… I have a lot of work at the center. Please send everyone my best wishes."

Her mother, once again, releases a sigh, but this time it's coated in confliction. Disappointment is shared through a stare. The once elated look in her eyes is now replaced by something somber. She straightens herself in her seat, but no longer has the heart to even eye her own offspring. Perhaps because no one is around she feels safer to share this, but all at once, she knows it's not what her daughter wants to hear. But maybe, just maybe, it'll be for her own good.

"That center is taking up too much of your time, Yuasa… As a family, we've been talking. Maybe it's not too late for you to find another job. Your uncle, he can get you an internship somewhere! Somewhere a bit less-…"

Yuasa doesn't let her finish. Mentioning her relative causes her to shoot up from her seat. She too can't even look her mother in the eyes, despite the amount of rage she managed to raise. Fingers curl into palms that were once flat onto the table. She knows her outburst is because of him, but she decides to shift all of her anger towards what was said about the center.

"I'm helping people! It might not be people you like, or even people you want to see, but-… But mom, they're people. Some of them have had worse things happen to them than any crime they've potentially committed."

She tries to defend herself, but to no avail. If she insists on presenting so much passion, then her mother also feels moved to share the same sentiments. Tears appear at the edges of her eyes, but she dare not let them fall in front of her daughter. She just wants her to know that she's hurt, even if the act is a little manipulative.

"You lose the ability to be called a person if you hurt someone!"

Then does that mean I can call uncle a monster? Yuasa doesn't speak of her spite, but that was the first rebuttal that came to mind. She knew that if she said it, she would ruin her mother's world. Although she is tempted to salt her earth, something within her says that mother still has room to grow. It's been years, and yet… She believes, she wants to believe, that her idea, her outlook – all of that might change. But to say that so suddenly, it causes her strength to slip. Suddenly, she doesn't feel bigger than her mother. She is reduced to a state of smallness, a state that is vulnerable and easy to obliterate. Her mother makes note of this change, despite the fact that Yuasa still stands. She takes it upon herself to continue talking, but this time her voice is low… Because part of her hopes that her daughter doesn't hear it.

"…Some of us were thinking that-… Instead of helping them, you're just putting these dangerous vermin back onto the streets. Have you ever thought about that? You don't fix them, you just make them stronger. Isn't that scary, Yuasa?"

Despite keeping her gaze off of the other, her eyes can't help but widen. How could she say something so heartless…? Not just about her, but about the one's she's worked with. Mother seems to have this ignorant idea that villain life is something one can always choose. For some, it stems from being unable to have access to resources, for others it's just the easiest way out of a bad situation. Of course…for the rest, it's because of power. But all of that would fall on deaf ears. Mother has made up her mind about this work, this center, her daughter… No matter what Yuasa said, no matter what she explained or what stories she told, it would have no value towards someone who hates villains.

But isn't it far scarier to know that someone everyone loves is capable of doing sickening things behind their backs? Don't we have more to fear if someone with influence can get away with doing anything?

This isn't the place to ask those kinds of questions. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't. When she parts her lips to speak, all that wanders out is a whimper. Her voice is cracking and caving in. Years of service can't give her the strength and stability to respond to something so repulsive. She knew she shouldn't have come – this is exactly why she avoided the visit for so long. Today, she told herself she could grit through it, but evidently she was wrong.

Hands slowly slide off the table and return to her sides. She keeps her head down and shifts her attention towards gathering her things in silence. Her back is turned towards her elder. Suddenly the cruelty that mother so carelessly extended is replaced by regret. She extends an arm, hoping to catch her creation and keep her from leaving.

"Yuasa, I'm sorry…"

But she's not sorry for what she said – that's something Yuasa is mindful of. She only says she's sorry, but she knows that the sorry really means "sorry you feel that way." Had it been otherwise, her mother would've specified the source of her sentiments. But she didn't. It's a lazy response to prose with so much power. And she thinks that by finally saying it, she gave her daughter something to think about. A pity she's misinformed. It only gave Yuasa another reason to distance herself from this female.

"I have to go…" That's all the woman can manage to say without her voice falling apart. She refuses to give her mother any more satisfaction of seeing her break within this home. She shifts away from her mother's fingers, dismissing them as quickly as she once welcomed them. She doesn't bother giving her any kind of glance. Instead, attention shifts towards her shoes – one's that she's thankful she can slip on so easily. "Please enjoy the buns." And with that, she had left…

The moment she was away from her home, she buried her face into her hands. Why did she bother escaping to a place that struggled to give her approval? And why did she allow herself to cling to words that bring about so much woe? She repeats them, considers them, and allows them to mutate her memories. She might believe that she's helping others, but what about her personal sins? She's working for Overhaul – she knows he does bad things. Does that, in turn, make her a bad person? Isn't his vision just to make the playing ground equal for the atrocious? Is that really so wrong?

Voices, questions, vices, commands – all of them are swirling beneath her skin. She hears too many hauntings to fear just one. It's a whirlwind of words that she struggles to discern! But suddenly-… Suddenly she stops. She forces her head out of her hands and is smiling. Despite the smeared mascara, despite the burden placed by her own blood, she's smiling…

A finger wanders towards the edges of her eyes, brushing away the smeared shadows. She won't let her win. Demons are to stay suppressed.

"So," he begins, "how's mom?"

Overhaul heard Yuasa approaching. The sound of heels against marble was enough to give her away – that and the smell of eucalyptus. He almost expects her to adorn herself in that scent. He's focused on reading through a few analyses, but doesn't mind entertaining conversation.

"Wonderful. She's in excellent shape, despite her age." Yuasa is chipper, despite the earlier incident. However, she should know that she's not a legendary liar in front of him. He's able to discern her falseness, especially when she attempts to coat it with contentment. He's aware, from earlier conversations, that their relationship is rather strained. Why now would she suddenly approve of her daughter's work with the scum of the streets?

"I thought we'd agreed that you wouldn't lie to me."

Yuasa stops in her tracks. She was going to walk past him and carry on with her business, but it seems he wouldn't let her withdraw so easily. "…It's nothing personal, Overhaul. I apologize. I just don't think this is something worthy of your time."

He smiles beneath his mask. She always knew the right words to say. Even his gaze is far gentler than before. He likes when she reminds him of her submission, even if it is through a statement so subtle. Regardless, an aspect of him is interested. He doesn't mind, for now, extending an ear to someone who has extended so much of themselves.

"Yuasa, turn on your quirk."

She turns her body towards him, expressing surprise by his request. But she knows better than to question him. Just like before, her body begins to glow. An efflorescent extension of herself forms a barrier that perfectly outlines her body. She is shielded from others, from everything. But he only asks her to do this when he's curious enough to get close…

"I almost forgot to ask… Do you have a quirk, Yuasa?" Quite the important question. He realized through her work how Yuasa could be useful in terms of making business arrangements, but what about when it came to power? In her records, he hadn't seen that she attended any hero academies, so to what extent could her powers be useful?

"I do, I just don't really have a reason to use it." Her response is a little hesitant, but at the very least honest. She's only ever activated it when she knew she was about to get hurt. Perhaps it would've been best if she said nothing at all. She notices the way Overhaul leans into his chair and nods to the men behind her. They place their hands upon her shoulders, but with less force. Their presence alone implies that she is secured and if she wants to continue avoiding violence, her actions need to be just as gentle.

"No need to freak out. We just want a closer look. That's all." Overhaul's instructions attempt to sever the anxiety, but to no avail. She is guided towards a completely different room – one with a chair that has straps, and the ability to be converted into a table. "N-No need to freak out?! W-What are you going to do to me! I said I can get you money! I did! Please don't kill me! Y-You said-"

Yuasa's heartbeat begins to accelerate and she starts to shift within the other men's grasp. They tried to give her a chance to ease into this experience, they tried to warn her of what would happen, but she moved anyway, so they had to retaliate. Her body was shoved onto the chair. Fast hands suppressed her arms from slamming around. Even her feet were confined. Slowly, the chair began to move back and extend into a table. She was lying beneath artificial light, staring straight into a machine that hovered over her vulnerable frame. Part of her anticipated getting obliterated… That fear alone was enough for her to awaken her quirk.

Her call for help was primal; she was begging for something to interfere with the impending pain. Green light bursts from her body and creates a thin and close barrier between her and the rest of the world. Overhaul stands at a distance, but he can't help but lean in upon seeing the shift in her physique. What the hell was that? What could it do? That's why he had to do this, regardless of how cruel it appeared. She could've said anything and he wouldn't have believed her. It's best that he see for himself instead of relying on a stranger's promise.

No pain comes… Yuasa is shutting her eyes for no reason. Instead, she hears the sound of a machine whirling and sees a flickering light pass over her passive presence. One of the men from earlier is analyzing a screen, then proceeds to read off the results.

"It's a shield quirk. Kinda low tier. Nothing to really worry about, but… I think you'll like this, boss."

Overhaul begins to approach, now with less caution. He ignores Yuasa's confined state in order to prioritize the current passage. Everything appears as it should, but one piece of information catches his eye… And it's the one he prioritizes the most.

He looks back at her in disbelief. Yuasa is mindful of his change in face and begins to panic. "W-What's wrong? What did you see?"

Overhaul stays silent. He begins to move towards her opposite side, away from his men, away from the machine, away from anything that proved to be constricting. He can't keep his eyes off of her – no, not her specifically, but the barrier around her body. She almost is mindful of the way he's looking over her instead of through her. Part of her wants to make the shield shrink, but that might infuriate her new onlooker. He takes a seat beside her hip, while one leg balances him on the floor.

Slowly, he fingers the edge of his right glove… Eyes are greedy; they're eating every aspect of her entirety. Where should he begin? Where should he touch first? What wouldn't he mind decaying and destroying and what could he quickly rebuild? He doesn't even know if he'll have to do that, but he likes the rush of an impromptu plan. The moment glove is removed, he hovers hand over her face, before allowing it to retreat towards her cheek.

There… A false sense of comfort, but also the chance to extend his desire to cherish something so fucking divine. Warm. Her cheek is warm, but all at once, it's not her he's touching. He can bask in this moment a little longer, knowing that he's not directly flirting with filth. Bumps form upon the surface of his skin, but for once it's not the hives he's used to. It stems from excitement, it stems from feeling something so sincere. It's exhilarating to get his hands on something that was once unattainable. He didn't miss these kinds of meetings, but he rather liked the emotions that this kind of interaction arose. God, he hadn't felt a high like this in so long…

This moment taught him two things… The readings were right, her shield is sterile and his abilities won't be able to work on her as long as the shield was in place. Some would see that as something to fear, but he knows he has such a hold on her that it wouldn't really matter.

Yuasa tries to hold her breath. She did not anticipate him coming so close. He looks onward with admiration, stroking cheek as if it were really her own. He notices the blush that is burned onto her secluded skin, and chuckles softly to himself out of amusement. How does she find time to be afraid and affectionate? To some, that gawking could lead to an early grave. She is fragile in so many ways – this couldn't be any easier to work with.

"When babies are born, they are introduced to an assortment of bacteria and microbes that never existed before in their mothers. For months, they thrived in sterile wombs, safe from the filth of the body, of the world… That is the last time we're completely free of all that foulness throughout our human life. Until today… Yuasa, your shield is sterile every time you use your quirk."

He leans in one last time, wanting her to see the look in his eyes a little longer.

"You are so fucking perfect…"

He makes sure no one else can hear him. Those words exist for her ears only and if he means them, then he's certainly shattered her defenses. He removes his hand from her expression the moment he recites that piece of praise. Glove is back on his hand and distance is restored between them. Her shield suddenly shatters due to her increasing unease… But the moment it vanishes, the others feel inclined to get her out of her bindings.

"I hope you don't take any of that personally, Yuasa. From a business standpoint, that was the safest thing we could've done. Imagine if you had lied to me or if you quirk was more dangerous than we thought. You would've been more at risk. Do you understand?"

She takes in every statement he shares, all while massaging sore wrists. Her face is still heated… The way he looked at her, the things he said; it all sounded too raw, too real. But all at once, she was aware that he wasn't really eyeing her, but rather the projection she could produce. Why exactly did the sterile part matter so much? Wouldn't he be more impressed by her ability to conjure something that could keep her safe? Ah, but the machine did say it was low tier… So, what exactly was the big deal?

"I-I do, but-… But what exactly-… What exactly does this mean to you?" There we go. Those were the right words. She struggled so much to collect her nerves, that it made forming a basic sentence difficult.

"I try to keep out the filth as much as I can." He states this matter-of-factly. If anyone else inquired, he sooner ignored their ignorance, but if she was to work for him, this seemed like a valuable piece of information to be mindful of. She'll know not to touch him; she'll know to keep herself clean… To him, those requests are modest, but to others, they're quite a chore.

"Now that it's come to my attention that you can create such a sterile barrier, it makes working with you, and beside you, a lot easier. You become more and more of a convenience, Yuasa. I'm telling you…" He makes a point to briefly pause, if only to allow his eyes to meet with hers. "I'm a lucky man to have met you. But…"

He shrugs and extends his arms. "My quirk doesn't work on you. That could be a problem. To put it simply, I can destroy and reconstruct things, but when I touched you, nothing happened. Well… Only when your quirk was activated. I don't plan on harming you, Yuasa, but… How exactly can I know that you won't go against me?"

He's asking this as a means of intimidating her. Yuasa is already hit by the feeling of fear again. Create and destroy… Then, does that mean… When he touched her earlier, he was trying to test what would happen? She was oblivious as well – she very well could've had her face rearranged because of his desire to test out his trick! Hands collide with her expression; she begins to breathe hard from panic. He could've hurt her! He could've corroded her creation! He could've! …But he didn't… He's right… He has far more to fear than she does. But why does that not make her feel any better?

She looks back at him through the slits in her hands. Part of her is ashamed to display so much shaking. But she knows she is weak. So what if she can put up a barrier? It obviously wouldn't be enough.

"Overhaul… All I can give you is a promise. I-I think if it mattered so much, I would've used it earlier. I would've used it when you had that gun pointed at me, but I didn't…"

Hmm? He raises a brow. That was a fair point that he hadn't considered. "And why didn't you? You could've stalled for time a lot longer." Although he was right, she wasn't entirely sure if the force of the gun would break through, especially if multiple bullets followed. Regardless, it would've bought her a couple more seconds to figure out a plan.

There is silence between the two. He's asking her to explain something she hadn't really considered. She had endured so much in under an hour – how could she possibly muster the reasoning behind an earlier action? Think… Think! Her brain starts to swell (or so it seems).

"I think, in some way… I just wanted to hear you out." It's in her nature, after all. Work made her empathize with people who were on broken paths. When she saw him, she extended that sympathy, even though her life was on the line, even though he wasn't looking for some kind of solace. "This was different – that moment between us. You put me in a position I'd never been in before. But all at once, even though I wanted to live, I didn't want to continue doing the same thing… I think, beyond the panic, I was telling myself that – to listen to you… And I am just hoping, even now… That I didn't make a mistake."

She had every right to extend her concern. He listens to every word and recites it in his head. Fear – he likes the way she displays it. Perhaps he's foolish to place so much trust into a stranger, but there is so much between the two that is at stake. She can ruin his life and he can end hers… But a bond has been established. Let's not let all of that agony be in vain.

"I'd say you got pretty lucky." He turns his back to her, ready to leave the room. Through silent means, he was giving her permission to move. He got the information he needed… Now it was her turn to continue proving herself. "Your only mistake would be to leave. Be kind to yourself, Yuasa~. I'm already being kind to you."

Arm extends and he takes her hand softly into his. He can still feel her, despite still adorning his glove… Thumb wanders along palm, pressing into muscle so gently as he circles certainty back into her bones. He urges her to come closer, and with each step she takes, the shield consumes more and more of her make. She wants to be sure that no part of her can be poisoning. She knows he doesn't like the dregs that cling to her design. She made a note of this the day he expressed his favor towards her other form.

"She doesn't understand you or us… After all, your mother is the type to let a rapist in the house."

Her hand tightens over his own, as if trying to get him to shut up. She hates that word… Hates what it means, hates what it does, hates how it's applied to her own existence… He knows he's triggered her, but he refuses to silence himself.

"No, Yuasa… We need to be very mindful of that truth. It'll make you understand that her words are nothing to deeply consider."

He refuses to let go of her hand… And at this point, he's allowing his clothed fingers to trace along her wrist. Some would consider this an extension of aid, a gesture of comfort, but he is simply basking in this barrage of light that keeps her so clean… All while feeling the most fragile parts of her form.

"This causes you deep distress. I don't want her to interfere with your work. Do you know how many people you've employed? I'd say, you're an angel among demons."

An angel among demons… Does he really feel comfortable aligning her work with something so benevolent? Is that something to trust? She allows him to continue playing with her presence. She doesn't really get the same feeling of fear as she did before. If anything, these moments are marked with intimacy… She swears they get closer the more he savors her fake skin. What exactly does he see when she extends that part of herself? She never bothered to ask and doesn't think to do so now. Instead, Yuasa nods and appreciates the validation he seldom shares. Though, she can't help but wonder why now and where it's all even coming from…

"Thank you, Overhaul. I think I'll be okay."

"Does Shigaraki know?" He stops motioning fingers across her frame and shifts the conversation to something else.

"Hmm? About what…?" She's not trying to play stupid – she just doesn't know what he could mean. About her mom? No, not at a-

"Your quirk. Does he know?"

Oh. Now she understands. "Yes. I showed him when I shook his hand. Isn't that what we agreed on?"

Despite her reminding him of their previous plan, he still can't help but squint. He knows that they had agreed to allow Yuasa to show off her quirk, but now he's unsure about his decision. Does this now make her a hot commodity? Is he going to plan something to steal her away? Or was Yuasa right from the start when she said…

"It'll be jarring for him to realize that his abilities have no effect on me. No power means nothing to take. It's a way of establishing authority, but also… I think he'd be distracted by the fact that he can finally feel something instead of destroying it."

In his own way, Overhaul can empathize with that exhilaration, except he isn't entirely powerless around her presence. He can't help but recall the way she dismissed him when all three were in the same room. What exactly were her intentions then? But more importantly, where is this sudden paranoia stemming from?

"Did you mean to comfort Shigaraki when I reminded him of his mistakes?"

Yuasa is confused by the inquiry, but takes it upon herself to appease his uncertainty. "It's a natural strategy, but all at once… If you're trying to get him to trust me, shouldn't I pretend I'm on his side?"

Deception. It's a route that's all too familiar between these broken bodies. Yuasa lies through her teeth every day to protect his plan and to protect herself. She's never had to lie to him, but now that the gears are turning, she needs to maintain a façade even within his own presence. Part of her understands why he feels so unsure, but all at once, she needs to remind him that this little lie will lead to some kind of success.

"It was a very small moment."

Her words are softer than before. She really isn't trying to anger him. "…This is a crucial time for us. I know why you're seeking validation, but…" She desperately wants to place her hands on his shoulders or to, at the very least, hold his hand in return… But she remembers the rules. Only he can initiate touch. She is simply a bystander to those demands.

"I promise, it's not real. I work for you, not a boy who wants to be god."

Shigaraki has struggled to keep his eyes off of his hand ever since he returned from his meeting. It feels like fire; a mighty burning that seeps into skin and boils his blood. He thought himself cold-natured until today, when she set his body ablaze through touch alone. He hadn't felt something like that in centuries. For so long, the idea of feeling something on his hands was forgotten. Sure, all it took was all five fingers and he could still savor the sensation of most things, but… To not have to worry about raising a digit, to not have to worry about something being reduced to sand-… That picture was pretty profound. But did that image have to be with her?

Of all people he could've found peace with, why did it have to be with someone who associated themselves with a snake? Does that reduce the meaning behind that memory? Son of a bitch… He thinks to himself, all while closing his fist. I'll kill him…

"You made it back in one piece."

Shigaraki doesn't even need to look up to know that it's Dabi who's speaking. For once, he rather welcomes that voice. It's refreshing to hear something that isn't his own turmoil.

The burned being approaches him with hands in his pockets. He seems a little annoyed that his leader isn't anxious to speak about his time away. "You gonna tell us how it went or are you just gonna sit there sulking?"

Shigaraki shoots him a glare behind the palm. He's been dismissed left and right all day; he certainly doesn't need that attitude here, especially not in front of those he trusts the most. "We might have a problem."

"A problem?" Now Dabi is intrigued. To him, problems don't exist. Instead, he converts the phrase to challenge.

"There's a girl. Her quirk is something to be concerned about…"

"What the hell was that…?" Despite agreeing to their deal, he can't help but inquire about her ability. He just realized he was defenseless… But all at once, why would she put herself at risk by so carelessly flaunting her quirk? Was this group that cocky or was she just that stupid?

Yuasa examines her palm closely, the same one she allowed him to shake. The barrier remains in place, even as she looks at it with admiration. She likes the confliction she imposed on his creation… This must be what Overhaul feels whenever he used to concern her. To disarm him she continues to smile, as if to imply that everything is okay (at least for her).

"I told you, I have the ability to make a shield around my body. It's not much, but it helps. Kind of like right now. It's why some people around here call me Force." She looks back at him, wanting to see what sentiments surfaced upon getting a better idea of her abilities. However, she needs to ease back on the power trip… She still needs to craft the illusion that she cares; if anything to shaken his stability.

"Hey, listen… You've nothing to worry about. I want us to trust each other. I showed you my quirk not to mock you, but to make you aware. Now…" Yuasa rises from her seat, creating distance between the two. "Can I see you tonight…?"

What the hell is she implying? And why does she whisper those words? Shigaraki has seldom received this kind of attention. He doesn't know what it is, doesn't know how to place it, but he doesn't like the way it makes him feel. She keeps saying she isn't trying to attack, and yet, something about her presence is off-putting. She's a threat, a necessity, and all at once, an enigma. Did Overhaul tell her to say these things? He doesn't peg him as the type to play so dirty…

"'The hell do you want with me?" He's quick to bite back.

"Well, I want you to bring your crew. I want to show you a place I had in mind for your hideout. I think you'll love it… I'm getting excited just thinking about it!"

"So… I can't cut her?" Toga seems almost disappointed in what she heard. She's been playing with her knife this entire time, imagining slicing into skin all over again. But fantasies are no longer enough. She hungers for the chance to hurt – specifically someone who makes her heart skip. This person doesn't sound all that enticing, but she knows how much it would mean to Shigaraki and that alone is motivation for murder.

Shigaraki does appreciate her sentiments. Toga has always been sincere, even if her ideas are out of place. He doesn't want to validate her vicious intent so soon, because to him, it doesn't prove promising.

"You can't hurt her if she has a shield." He states the oblivious and feels a headache coming on from all of these calamities. However, that isn't enough to stop the blonde's desire for slaughter.

"But she can't project that shield onto other things, right? So, who cares? We knock her ass out and we go for someone else." She is just as exhausted as Shigaraki. Who wouldn't be? They've done so much moving and grieving in only a matter of hours. The sad part is, their feelings are confined to the quiet. She can't seek any kind of refuge from these fools. Their pride is too big to let them address what they've lost… So she sulks to herself when she gets the chance, when she knows no one is looking and won't question her convulsions. She thinks that Twice is aware of her emotions, but he knows better than to address them out loud.

Dabi is only a little amused by her enthusiasm, but he knows it's not the most solid idea. "We know it's a shield, but we don't know anything beyond that. If you're useless, then what does that say about the rest of us?"

Quiet consumes the room. They're left to dwell on this current conviction. Toga is squirming in her seat… She has another idea, but doubts it'll receive approval. She knows she moves her mouth faster than she thinks, but it's all with good intention.

"Are you sure there's no way to get any of their blood? I mean… Overhaul. The guys a clean freak, right? Wouldn't he want to do those weird health tests that check the body for parasites or impurities? If I could just get access to that, I know it'd be enough-…"

"Himiko, use your head for once." Dabi seems to scoff at her statement.

"We've been invited to an outing this evening. Apparently, Force has a new hideout in store for us." Shigaraki motions to stand on his feet. No way he'd let this eat away at him any longer. Dabi takes a second to replay that passage. A new hideout? Interesting…

"You know, we don't have to trust them, but I don't mind the idea of sucking them dry. If the bitch wants to give us a hideout, I'm all for it."

"We've also been promised two new members," Shigaraki adds.

"No way! They can't just replace Magne and Mr. Compress!" Toga is infuriated. She rises and approaches with knife out. Instincts tell her to attack, but she doesn't. Instead, blade is made apparent. One move and she'll aim right for his jugular, regardless if she's successful or not. She desperately wants to dig into a man she deems as deceitful. This isn't like him… Something about the interaction feels so off. "You can't just replace bodies for bodies. I didn't join you to be expendable…"

Shigaraki is unafraid. One move and he'd have her reduced to dust. But he understands the source of her savageries. This feels like they're being bought out… He hasn't forgotten what they've lost, but he knows how to play the game.

"We'll drain them of what they give us. For now… Let's see what they have in mind. It'll give us a chance to know what we're working against."

Seldom does she hesitate. Hand begins to shake… She wants so desperately to sever her ties with someone so terrible, to try again with another-… But they've built up too much to just have it end all of a sudden. Why couldn't it be easier? Why does she have to play pretend when she just wants some security for her kind? Arm drops to side. She is defeated, for now… Low growl wanders from lips. If he wants to use this as an opportunity to infiltrate, then so be it. But if it was her calling the shots? The bodies would've long been broken.

"…If those two, Overhaul and…whatever the fuck that Force bitch's name is… If they're close, I think we should be mindful of that. The moment we get access to at least one of them, I think we could do a lot of damage."

"Yeah, yeah…" Dabi usually wouldn't care to defuse such a delightful moment. He takes comfort in seeing things crumble. But if they were to succeed in some capacity, they would need to make major moves…and fast. "So, where is this place again?"

Shigaraki's attention shifts to the address marked on a torn piece of paper. He reads it out loud to the others, only to be met with a laugh by the burned one.

"Oh-ho-ho, shit…"

"And what exactly is so funny?" The leader is quick to give a dirty look towards the other.

"We're meeting at a nightclub…"

As the sun began to set, familiar bodies went in and out of the Minamura household. Yuasa's mother was right when she said her family was gathering during later hours to see one another and speak of their successes. The entire time members were shuffling around the home; her mother tried to make herself scarce and avoided speaking to others for too long. The memory of what happened earlier between her and her daughter stilled plagued her presence. She didn't want anyone asking about her offspring, or bringing up the center she despised so much… It's not entirely shame that consumed her, but rather she wanted to avoid everything entirely.

Everyone was outside in the garden. This was a far more spacious place to gather and speak. And, it made parting from the gathering a lot easier, since the home was practically abandoned. She approached the kitchen sink and decided to wet one of the nearby towels. Cloth is placed to head, invoking a sensation of coolness that slows her racing sentiments. The grief that girl has caused… It's almost unreal.

When eyes open, she can't help but notice the front door was slightly ajar. Annoyance arises. She knows her family can be a little oblivious, but couldn't they at least close the door when they came in?

"Which one of you left the door open?!" She approaches to close it. Not a single voice responds to her inquiry. It's too loud outside for anyone to even hear her. "Idiots…" She breathes the insult to herself. However, before she can turn to go back into the garden, she feels metal against the back of her head. Strange, that wasn't there before. Who could've…?

"Ah, so you're Yuasa's mom. She was right! You're in great shape for someone your age."

A mocking tone. She had never heard that voice before. But how the hell did they know her daughter? Unless-… This must be one of the patrons from her center – the scum of the street! She knew it! She knew Yuasa's work would bring the devil into her home! Mouth parts and she wants to scream. Her brother is here, and he's a hero. Surely he could do something! But the other is already one step ahead of this elder. A hand motions across her mouth, stuffing fabric into the opening to suppress those shrieks.

"Don't try anything foolish, now… It'll be fast, I promise."

Glove is removed from hand. He wouldn't be so foolish as to fire a gun in a house. No! Of course that would draw attention. Instead, he is wise to use his abilities. It'll make a mess, yes… But it certainly won't make a sound.

He hovers hand over her neck, but decides not to touch her just yet. It would be quite cruel for her to die without understanding why, so he decides to extend the reason behind his great ravaging. "You've given your daughter a lot of grief… And that, in turn, gives me grief too. I think it'd just be easier if you were out of the picture."

Her mother wants to curse her own child's name! She knew it! She knew death would be upon them all if she continued to associate with such evils! She knew that-…

Before she could solidify all of these speculations, her thoughts suddenly stopped. And how exactly could they continue when he was busy breaking down her body? Blood begins to seep from pores… It bubbles and brims, leaving from any opening available. Her muscle is mutated and practically mutilated. Skin is separating; flesh is completely fucked! Where the hell are her eyes? Her eyes are buried somewhere within mounds of marrow and muck. She becomes a pile of a person… Even bones are made into mush. Who she once was, what she stood as… All of it disappeared in seconds! Although he tried to be gentle with his gore, he still managed to get murder upon his make. Luckily for him, he wore a suit over his clothes, but it didn't make the excess any less disturbing.

"Yuasa…" He growls her name between gritted teeth. "After this, don't ever say I've never done anything nice for you…"

He steps over the sludge and slime. A car waits for him outside, but he's in no rush to leave. Something about his actions makes him feel certain. It's a quiet place… He knows no one will notice.

He's careful to remove the sullied suit before entering the car. One of his men is kind enough to hold onto the bloodied outfit. They too express their disgust and are thankful the masks keep away the stench of fresh corpse.

"Fuck, man… That's disgusting. Does Yuasa know about this? I don't think she'd ever ask you to kill her own mom. Jesus…"

It's Chronostasis who inquiries about Overhaul's actions. Usually he'd mind his own business, but because the target had a connection with one of the members, this seemed like something important to know.

"Yuasa wouldn't understand what I've just given her…"

Overhaul looks straight ahead, avoiding the curious gazes of those around him. So, she doesn't know… She didn't organize any of this. Why did he take it upon himself to act so abruptly? To do something so fowl to family? Is it because of what she said earlier? Is it because of the sorrow she extended? Why bother making her pains his own?

It usually wouldn't matter… But he feels the need to keep his shield from cracking.

"Freedom comes in many forms. Over time, she'll realize that. But for now… You'll keep your mouth shut about what you just saw. We have a big night ahead of us. We don't need these distractions to ruin it."