Return of the Hunter

It wasn't really a problem following the brat as Garou perched himself upon the trees above, but what was a problem is the feeling of being watched himself… It was strange, but it's as if someone has already located him from somewhere and he has no idea how. Was he just being paranoid, or was his instinct telling him the truth? Only time will tell now as the young boy finally reached an opening from the dense forestry he went through.

Now out in the open, the boy ran as fast as he could towards a nearby dorm(?) camp(?) just a few meters away from the forestry he went out of. Garou on the other hand was left intrigued. It's true that he didn't really bother searching out of his training area and all, but to know a building was this close to where he was lodging at, he pondered at the thought if any of the people that may live here heard of his intense training on top of the nearby mountain, but then again if those people were here… then they would have known of his existence long before.

They didn't though… Garou never felt anyone was near other than now. And so, the people here, that boy, and probably his guardians(?) just recently got here, and that building is most likely a summer home of sorts, only used on special occasions.

A few more minutes went by as the kid was practically at the doorsteps of the dorm, and there, a woman came out, having brown and bob cut hair, she instantly took the kid inside and then…

Garou's senses heightened as he vanished from the spot he was spying the kid upon. A man came in as he slashed the air from where Garou once stood. The man was bewildered and shocked, but then looked towards where Garou hid. How did he know? Still, Garou has no clue, but before the man could do anything, Garou vanished once more.

His movements were just too fast to be seen, that even the feeling of him being watched by something, went away for a brief moment, only to locate him once again. Moving on the other side of the fauna, getting annoyed of said feeling, Garou sneered a bit as he let out a sigh, "Annoying…" he said in spite as his figure suddenly change(?) No, rather, in all sense, he became invisible even in the eyes of the one that kept on sensing his presence… how though?

Well to answer that, Garou could only give credit to a certain ninja way back then. For at the start of his hero hunt, at the start of his proclamation of war against the Hero Association, there was one that came first before him. A person that was far too fast, even for him to realize that he was there. Even Garou was left surprised by him, as the only time he sensed him, was when he took the files of paper asking those degenerates to help along with the heroes.

That bit pissed him off, at the same time, the person that Garou never got to see, vanished once more. Leaving him with the degenerates and heroes alone. A lucky day that was for Garou, because he's for certain if he were to fight that speed-focused person, he has no chance in even landing a single hit… that just goes to show that it isn't just the heroes that are powerful, but there are also others out there. Anyhow, after that encounter, and after beating the ever-living hell out of everyone inside that place. Garou has always pondered on how that person did it, how he managed to slip even from the eyes of the hunter himself.

And so, through training and meditation of all his past encounters. Garou somewhat acquired that skill. His heartbeat almost too slow to be noticed, his presence completely covered by the fauna he's in, as his movements lay no sounds as if he was a ghost in this world. The eye that was looking at him from before no longer senses him, nor even sees where he is, same as the man that was pursuing him earlier before. Only confusion and wariness were left from them, as Garou moved in a ghost's phase, entering at the back of the Dorm(?) Camp(?) with no soul even knowing of his person being inside.

There, he entered a hall leading towards a kitchen… nothing of interest, so Garou moved further inside, with just a couple more silent steps, he reached the room where the kid and that woman was at, it seems that it wasn't just her, for another woman was there. She was different to say the least, having a greenish tint to her hair and a somewhat carefree(?) face, the two of them were only left in questions and bafflement from his disappearance… not even noticing his presence just near the room's opening.

Taking note of the room where the three was at, Garou then moved and moved further, checking door by door just like a ghost, trying to find any more persons that he should be worried off, only to be disturbed by a noise outside. Looking through the window, it seems that the three have finally gone out of the building, as the man that tried to attack Garou earlier was there too… then a thing that resembles a monster came… then crumbled as another woman fell from it, landing on her feet. This time, said woman was a blonde, and by the looks of it, she seems to be the type of being excited, to say the least. Garou just had a feeling about her, but anyhow. It seems there are a total of five of them, 3 women, 1 man, and a child. They were now talking to each other, probably getting their guards up because of him.

Does it matter though? No, not really, but that just means he won't be able to move freely around this place, as long as those 4 adults were there. Maybe he'll just find a time where he could get his hands with the kid. If anything, it's easier for him to talk with the child rather than those adults, for it seems none of them are too keen to talk. "Well, at least in this world. They have a better response time against me, unlike with the hero association." Garou smirked a bit, for he's hoping the heroes here, were different than those he once fought… well at least a bit different, he just hopes that none of them are far too weak for him. Because if they are, then this would be one boring time as he ascends to become the Hunter he has always been.

More moments passed as two of the four adults went their way; the green-haired woman and the man were left with the kid. Garou was still inside the dormitory, but soon enough he'll make his move and look around more within the place. Hopefully, he'll get his chance to have a small talk with the kid. Though then again, why with the kid? Couldn't he just find the information he needs by looking through the place? A book about this world is bound to be just laying around, or even a phone that's connected to the internet will do, or better yet, Garou could just beat the hell out of the two and make them speak… but, it seems the hunter has wised up a bit.

Not everything can be solved through violence, and not everything can be solved on his own, so talking with anyone that would hear him out was the better choice. And lucky for him, that kid was his best bet. Being much less of a threat, much less of a nuisance compared to adults, and well… Garou couldn't really tell why, but talking to kids were easier for him… or maybe not? He's still annoyed by the lot of kids out there, but he can't find it in himself to be angered at them, though… that's only with the case to those that aren't bullies. Just that thought alone makes Garou furious.

Well, enough of that as Garou took a breath; it's time for him to go back on point. It seems the two have loosened their guard and let the kid go, said kid was now minding his own business until…

"I'm going. Tell Shino-san I'll be back later." The kid said as he walked away from the two.

"But Kota, you shou-"

"NO!... Just… just leave me alone…" The kid yelled and then whimpered a bit, as he made his way out of sight from the two.

Said two just let the kid be, though, Garou could still feel the strange feeling of being watched, thankfully it wasn't him this time, and rather, it was with the kid named Kota. "One of those two may have an ability to be able to keep tabs on him." Garou hypothesized as he too went his way, following the kid, always keeping in mind of his presence, not allowing it to be known.

A bit of time went by, and it seems Garou has finally found his answer on how the kid managed his own in finding out where he was training before. The kid was basically following a path towards the other side of the mountain Garou has been training upon. It just seems that it was by mere coincidence that the kid managed to find his training spot, for where the kid was now. It'll only take one turn to the left, and he'll be able to reach the training grounds again that Garou has made. "Interesting" Garou softly said as he followed the boy, now entering a small cave within the mountainside.

It was homey, to say the least, and was filled with a lot of things that were note-worthy… well, at least in the kid's point of view. Inside was like a personal man cave, or better yet, a boy's cave. It being filled with a soft sofa in the middle and around it are toys(?) well, something akin to them at least, on the side where video games, and boxes filled with comic books and some… newspaper(?) another strange thing to be inside such a place… then on the left, something that baffled Garou. A desk, with a frame of two heroes in it, as well as by the side, a few more frames of a child, and a plane…

"Seems like they traveled a lot back then?" Garou questioned, as the biggest thing that took his notice, is the Globe just near those pictures.

It was strange, at the same time, mind-boggling for the Hunter. To see a globe where multiple continents lay… truly, he's in a world far from his own.

As he minded his business, looking at the piece with intent, it was only then that Garou noticed that the kid was staring at him. His eyes wide as his hands were shaking, trying to hold a portable play station. It seems even the kid was surprised in seeing Garou's figure, to the point that the kid may have just accidentally bumped into him, before realizing there was a person looking through the heirlooms the kid was given.

"Y-you're tha-" The kid covered his mouth as an intense pressure was put upon his shoulders.

Garou was now holding the kid just a bit on his shoulders. The pressure he gave off made it loud and clear for the young boy to stay quiet. "Don't you yell now, brat. Or whoever among those two might come here will pay for it." Garou said with tense sharpness on his words, making sure the kid does not dare to do anything stupid.

"Good." Garou ended as he took away his hand from the kid. "So, you finally saw me… Kota was it?" he questioned the boy, only for it to be answered with a nod. Kota was tense, and unease. The pressure, even though he was no longer held by the shoulder… the pressure the teen in front of him spewed out by his presence alone, was more than enough to keep Kota by his toes.

"Y-you're…" Kota tried to speak, but those sharp eyes staring at him was not helping at all for his demeanor.

"The one you saw earlier this day on the other side of this mountain? Yes. As for the name kid, maybe you know who I am?" Garou grinned as he flicked his finger on the kid's forehead, somewhat playing with Kota's mind.

"Ow." Kota scratched his forehead as the flick earlier on hurt a bit. "J-just what do you want from me?" Kota questioned as he tried to keep his cool. He needed to buy some time even if he were to ask stupid questions such as that. For sooner or later his cousin and friends will come and save him… well, hopefully at least.

If the teen in front of him, staring sharply with a gaze he's certain enough that it could even freeze pro-heroes at their tracks, was able to sneak along with him… Kota shivered at the thought that Tomoko's (Ragdoll's) quirk isn't able to fully track the teen's movement. He could only hope for the best as time will tell what will happen with his predicament.

"…"

Moments passed in silence as Garou was trying to find a way to get reliable information out of the kid. Using fear is nice and all, but with said fear, it'll make it harder for him to get anything from the kid. Beating it out is not an option, so how about trying to reset things?

The kid's tense and Garou is sure he was just buying for time when he asked that question to him.

Smart, but, no one will come unless Garou lets them know of him being with the boy. Still, not a bad move from the kid, but Garou won't get anything from the brat if they're on bad terms. "(Guess resetting things won't be much of a hustle, not like there are other things I could do.)" With a sigh, Garou raised both his arms.

"Alright, alright. I'll tell you what I want brat, but how about we get things clear first? How bout it?" Garou asked as he gave a bit of space for the kid, giving him some breathing room.

"S-sure…" Kota answered making Garou smile a bit in a devilish grin. "(Who knew it I was great with kids?!)" Garou inwardly laughs as he disregards the terrified face of the kid while staring at him.

Clapping his hands together, Garou then slowly lowered his body a bit, reaching his eye level with the kid. "Well then, first things first… No one's coming, not unless I let them, so instead of trying to buy some time for no one. How about loosening up first kid?"

That statement from Garou made Kota freeze even more. He knew about Kota's plan to buy time, but it wasn't that which made Kota sweat in fear, rather, it was about Garou knowing that no one will come for him, as by his words. "Unless he lets them" There may no longer be a chance nor hope for Kota to escape this conundrum… he should have listened and stayed with the two, but it's his fault now that he's in this kind of situation.

Noticing the kid's demeanor change once more into a freeze, Garou realized the reason for this, he didn't mean to sound threatening when he told about no one coming, rather, it should be best for the kid to take away that thought that someone will come. The kid will be too busy thinking of ways to prolong their time together in hopes of a non-existent savior, and would most certainly not give much attention to detail once they talk… but Garou guessed he went it the wrong way.

With another sigh, Garou flicked Kota's forehead once more, making the kid snap back to reality "How about we reset things? You shouldn't be too tense; I'm not here to hurt you…" Garou teased a bit, but soon after, looked at Kota in all seriousness. "At least, not in a way that you would think…"

Kota gulped at that.

"I know your name. Kota, as you say. So how about I tell you mine… Name's Garou kid." Garou held his hand towards Kota, gesturing for a handshake.

"Garou… y-you're lying…" Kota said as he reluctantly tried to raise his hand to shake with Garou's.

Garou on the other hand raised a brow at what the kid said. "What do you mean by lying? Do you by chance, know who I am?"

"…"

Bingo, as a deafening silence came forth. It seems things will turn for the better with the hunter this time, as Kota tried to breathe from the pressure that kept on building up and up, just by talking with Garou.

With a gulp "I-I… k-kinda… know who you are… You're that kid t-that ran away during the UA Festival… You're Midoriya Izuku!" Kota finally yelled out his voice, as a bit of contempt was filled with his words, this in turn…

Garou grinned, "(So that's the name of this body I'm in? Midoriya Izuku… strange, two names instead of one.)" Garou then stood up and moved around a bit and took a certain globe he was looking at earlier.

"Well, if that's the case, then call me whatever you like kid… but…"

"Garou is what I would rather prefer." The hunter then looked at the kid with sharp eyes as it made the young child shiver from head to toe.

"J-just what do you want from me?" Kota asked once again, but now, with no intention to buy time, only to truly know what Garou wants with him. No one's coming now, so at least, before anything happens with him, Kota wants to know what this teen… this… person… Garou... wants with him.

"Nothing in particular kid… other than this." Holding the globe by one hand, Garou had shown what he wanted to know. "Due to certain circumstances, I need you to answer me with my questions… They aren't that complicated, and you'll know more than me, heck, they would even sound dumb once I ask, but… Just tell me… about this world." Ending with those words, Kota was only left with bafflement and confusion. Just what the hell does this… Garou, want from him? Why ask such a stupid question? Just what in the hell?

Hours went by as slowly, Kota finally understood what Garou meant… well, somewhat. There was a feeling that he was only given half-truth by the man himself, but he can't risk asking about it.

Apparently, as Garou said. He lost his memories during that bout with the heroes during the festival… Kota finds it hard to believe, but as soon as he questioned about what Garou knows prior to those events, it seems to be likely… To Kota's case at least.

With Garou's case, he was in fact lying to some degree, using the loss of memory act to get the information he needs, plus, if he ever tells the kid he's actually from a different world, it'll just sound that he's crazy. So all in all, telling the truth is basically telling a lie that none would believe, even though it is in fact, the truth!

Anyhow, going back to what they were talking about with each other. Garou began to take note of what world he has been put into. A world where multiple continents exist, a world where people became heroes… but not through hard work unlike like those in his world, but through the acquisition of these so-called quirks, it actually pissed Garou off learning of the history of quirks and how it became a staple for one to be recognized as a Hero… or to be recognized at all.

"Fucking piss worthy of a rule if you ask me." Garou internally said as just the thought that one couldn't be a hero (even though he hates heroes), the thought that one couldn't just because they were born without a quirk. It pisses him off so much, that "so what?! If one doesn't have a quirk, that doesn't mean one is worthless!" Garou for example, worked himself to the bone just to be able to do what he can back when he was still himself, and look! He doesn't even have a quirk! So what reason is there for one to be told to become something insignificant, just cause of one's own lack ness of quirk?

Truly, it pissed Garou to no ends, making sure that he'll beat up even those in the Government that forced this thought on these people. He could already imagine just how many people out there (20% to be exact) are either forced to accept such a society or are looked down upon by the majority, made to be the useless bunch in a basket full of hypocrisy. "Ugh…" Garou couldn't accept it, for such a society to exists… it's even worse compared to his original world! At least there, people aren't reliant on having quirks, rather, it's all up to the person to get the power to become something he/she wants to become! So, fuck the society that builds upon this stupid idea that by having a quirk, only then it will give someone worth! Fuck it all to hell!

Calming down his mind. Garou just sat on the sofa he saw earlier on, Kota on the other hand, seems to be at ease(?) now… Or, maybe it was because by the time they were talking about quirks and its nonsense. They had a bit of a talk. The kid had subconsciously told his story, a story in which tackles the stupidity that having quirks can define one's worth… the stupidity of becoming a hero. It's all because of this system… because of this thought that one should become a hero if a person has the necessary quirk to become one… If it wasn't for that… then maybe, just maybe… His parents would still be alive.

Kota didn't realize it, but he ended up crying as he told that story. As he remembered the stupidity of his own parents and how they should have not just met at all in the beginning! Just to have him born into existence. That feeling of being left alone and being forced to accept that fact. It's stupid, and he hated it as well as his parents for leaving him… until Garou stopped him from cursing more and more about his own flesh and blood.

"Enough…" Garou said at that time, as he looked in all seriousness towards Kota.

"You can blame the society and their concept of heroes for all I care, but kid… Don't blame it all on your parents. You're correct; they shouldn't have made you, especially because they're both heroes. They should know by then that being a hero has its problems. One of them is that they'll end up dying in the field sooner or later. So you're correct on that, but to put it all on them. Kid, blame it on the society, blame it on the concept of heroes! Your parents were already doomed from the start, as you have told me. Even at a young age, you people were already given the thoughts of becoming a hero, even though such a luxury, such a thought isn't for everyone! And you're parents are one of those casualties!"

"They became heroes, not because they're suitable for it, no… In my eyes, they became heroes because it was the society that decided that… They became heroes even though they don't have the power or strength to even carry the burden of becoming one… and again, as I see it, it seems that most of the heroes in existence here… are the same. Worthless good-for-nothing heroes that were given the title. They did not even earn it; rather, it was forced upon them. So KNOW WHOM YOU'RE PUTTING YOUR BLAME KID! It isn't your parents; it's not even your fault… It's the society you live in; it's the people that forced this false sense of thought in your minds! It's the concept of becoming a HERO, which should be the thing you should blame. So kid… enough with the self-pity, enough with the loath towards your parents. How about standing up for once? How about doing something about it, rather than sulking on their deaths. Show your worth, and make sure that things like this never happen again! That's what you want right? Tell me, Kota!"

"…" Silence

"But aren't you the same? You have the quirk to be a her-" Kota was stopped mid sentenced as Garou looked at him with great intensity, that he might end up getting hit or something…

But it didn't matter what he thinks, Kota still got a good hit on the head from Garou. It was not that strong, but Kota could feel the resentment of Garou with just the thought of becoming a hero.

"Shut it!" Garou grumbled as he continued his words "Whoever that kid was before me, forget about that fool. And for one, I'm sure as hell don't feel nor have any of those bs called quirks. So on here forth, don't lump me with those hypocrites! Understood kid?"

"I… I understood sir." Kota bowed his head a little from Garou's sermon, but not without having a small smile after it.

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All that was said that day. Kota took it into heart, and that's why he was at ease. As someone finally gave him the hard truth, the answers to his questions, the goal he needed to achieve in the end. So in all sense, for Kota… Garou was welcomed wholly.

The sun is lifting, and soon it'll be too dark and dangerous for the boy to leave his secret place, so, he bid his farewell to Garou, and promised not to tell a soul about him. Garou, sensing neither ill will nor lie from Kota; let him be as the kid went down the mountainside then back towards the dorm/camp.

"What a day…" Garou sighed as it drained him a bit on learning about the world he's in. For it looks like it'll take more than fear to make these fools see his truth. He might need to strike the core of these society's beliefs, to make them realize how inane such a system is. "Not just the heroes, but this world's governments too will be my enemies… Troublesome."

With another sigh, Garou went out of the make-shift boy's cave and went back to his own area. Killing a bear along the way as he cooked it once he reached his humble abode. Taking a rest, and then continuing his training for another day.

The night was silent that day, as Garou fell to deep sleep.

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"Garou…" an old rasp voice called out… it was familiar.

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Morning came as a drop of tear fell from Garou's eye, him not realizing what it meant. The hunter just shrugs it off as he went back to his training ground. But it seems a surprise came along as he reached his place.

"Ahh, Kid… Kota. Quite surprising that you're here, so, what do you want?" Garou asked as the boy was just standing there looking at him as if he was determined to say something.

"I-I… I want you to train me…" Kota sheepishly asked.

"What?" Of course, Garou had no idea why this kid would even ask something like that towards him, was it something he said yesterday? Or maybe something else? "I'm not a teacher kid, nor a babysitter. Ask someone else."

"No!" Kota yelled, surprising Garou

"?"

"T-there is no someone else. I'll rather die than train with a hero!" the kid reasoned out.

"Then why me? What gave you the idea to ask me to train you?" Garou was truly concerned about why, like, no kid would even ask for such, especially that the kid he's talking with already knew that he was being hunted. So why risk it?

"Yesterday… you told me to show my worth, to become something that I choose to be, to make sure nothing like what happened to my parents, happen to anyone ever again… that's why… I…" Kota was losing air as if it was humiliating to say his reasons, but Garou was a bit moved from his words… only a tiny bit

"Heh…"

"You got guts kid… Kota." After a moment of thinking, Garou just sighed, the kid was determined, and it seems he won't be accepting no for an answer, no matter what. "Fine."

"I'll teach you, but kid. As I told you before, I'm no teacher. So after teaching you only the basics, I'll leave you on your own. Find your own strength yourself. Got it!"

"Got it!" Kota answered.

A few hours went by.

"HAHAHA. Is that all you got kid?" Garou mockingly said as already, Kota was gasping for air from the basic routine that's a pre-requisite to even try and do the basic moves of Ryusui Gan-Sai Ken.

"But, it's not bad either… Maybe a few more month's you'll be able to finish the routine without a sweat." Garou proclaimed as he carried the broken and tired body of Kota, the kid was practically aching all over, but it seems he will not back out as Garou sees it.

Carrying the young boy back to his cave of solitude, Garou lay the kid on the sofa, giving the kid a well-earned rest. "If you plan to train with me kid, how bout jogging every morning first, build your stamina and things would be simpler. I'll change your training for a bit, we'll do it gradually."

"What do you mean by changing my training? Making it gradual? Did you really plan for me to do advance training from the start?" Kota questioned in pain as he tried to wrap his mind around the thought of being given an advanced level of training.

"Nope, that training was what an Old Geezer made me do back then as a child. I did it, but it seems I'm a special case." Garou nonchalantly answered. Which may or may not widen the eyes of a certain young boy resting on a sofa.

"Then what about me? Does that mean I'm just weak?" Kota frantically asked Garou for answers, but it only earned him a shrug from the hunter.

"Egh, depends on you kid. Either accept that as your limit or push through it, it'll always be up to you to decide." Garou didn't really bother to try and answer that question seriously. If you want to be stronger, then just be stronger! Work for it, he doesn't need to tell anybody about that, even for the kid. If Kota realizes that, then only then, shall he achieve what Garou had.

"… Damn." Kota cursed silently, thinking of what may come after all of this… plus, there's another problem he has yet to tell about towards Garou.

"Hey… Sensei."

"Just Garou kid, until you learn how to do the basics, maybe I'll let you call me your teacher, but until then. Garou."

"O-ok… Well, Garou-san. There's one thing I wanted to talk to you about. I just didn't come here to ask for you to train me… rather, I have a confession to make."

"Ho, and what would that be? You finally ratted me out? They could try, but they won't stand a chance. And you, you should run now if that's the case." Garou half-jokingly said, he knew the kid won't do such a thing, but it's still better to be prepared.

"No, nothing like that!" Kota shook both his hands and head on that thought.

"It's just… Will I be able to improve with this training and all? I don't really have much time here, to be honest… My… cousin and her team… well."

"If you're worried about that, don't be. You could still train in your home; again, it's up to you in the end. It doesn't really matter to me, just do the training; change it if you must. Just be certain to keep breaking through your limits and you'll be better off than the rest." Garou shrugged as he was about to make his way outside and train on his own.

"… Y-your right." Kota was about to left behind as Garou walked towards the exit of his secret hideout.

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Not wanting to be unable to say what he wanted to say, Kota tried to stand up from the sofa as he called yet again towards Garou "Hey, Garou-san!"

Earning his attention once more, Garou looked at the kid holding himself up with the use of the sofa. "What is it this time?"

"You hate heroes' right?" A rather stupid question this time, Kota already knew about that, but it seems he wants to be sure of it.

"You could say that, why?" Garou answered and questioned it, haven't they already talked about this a day before? Or is it just now that the kid realized who and what kind of a person he's talking with?

"My… cousin, Sosaki Shino or Mandalay as per her Hero name… Will you?"

And that where Garou connected the dots. The kid was afraid if he will hunt his cousin too.

"That's up for her to decide kid." Garou's answer was cold and heavy. It seems that even if she was the kid's cousin and only living relative, if she ever tries to go against his way, Garou will spare no one.

Kota can't help but gulp at such a response.

"Then… maybe, at least. Be gentle with her, please? Don't kill her… I beg you." Kota pleaded, if asking for his cousin's safety from his sensei's wrath and crusade against heroes was not an option, then at least ensuring her health would be more than enough.

Silence continued as Garou turned his back from Kota, leaving him, but not before giving the following words.

"We'll see kid… we'll see." He ended.

Days went by as Kota slowly but surely, progressed more and more. His training with Garou was proving fruitful, at the same time though, it was lacking(?)

Kota couldn't put it into words, but… Garou does know that he has a quirk. Weak as it may, but he still has one and yet, all the training he's been doing was more grounded with the physical aspects of his being. So, it made Kota a bit worried.

If he were to believe Garou had lost his memories after the UA festival (which he somewhat does) Even though Garou himself told about not having a quirk, it's still unbelievable for the kid to rationalize that it's true. At first, Kota just thought Garou doesn't really realize it, that he has a quirk, but as the days goes by with him. Slowly, but surely, it seems to be truer by day. Or he may be wrong? But his gut feeling isn't giving any doubt.

"(Should I ask him again? Just to be sure?)" Kota was still trying to cope with the possibility of one not having quirks that can go toe to toe with pro-heroes, but it still proves to be unlikely. Maybe, without realizing it, Garou has been using his quirk all along? I mean, how else could he destroy a boulder in one fell swoop, as well as cutting it in a perfect spherical motion?

It's just, too unbelievable, but believable at the same time. Why believable? Well Garou's words to him speak in volumes in itself, unlike with those other people around him, Kota is certain Garou's words have more weight and meaning compared to those hypocrites.

Still, will it hurt to ask?

"Uh… Garou-san, I have a question to ask" Kota went towards Garou as he was in a state of pure focus, his form not even budging from the strain of keeping it still for hours on end.

"Are you done with your training?" Garou wanted to know first of that, because if the kid was not done yet with his training. Then there is no sense in talking with him.

"Y-yes... kind-" /

"Then go back to it." Garou instantly cut Kota off as he began to move from his spot, striking on something… an invisible opponent, which only Garou could see.

"But, this is important. Please hear me out." Kota was now treading on thin ice as he still tries to ask for a time to talk with Garou.

"Tsk…" Getting bothered while he was fighting with an imaginary figure, Garou stopped and turned to the little brat, giving all ears to what he's about to say. "Get on with it." He grumbled.

Gathering all his strength and will to ask such a stupid question. Kota finally said it. "Will you ever give me training with my Quirk?"

"Your WHAT?!" Garou almost spat at the kid's words, just what the hell was he thinking?

Already seeing Garou's reaction, Kota became a bit sheepish as he continued on. "I-I… well, you s-see."

Massaging his temple, Garou just held his hand towards Kota, signaling him to stop. "Stop! I told you before kid, I don't have a quirk, and you don't need your quirk to do what you want, to achieve your goal. So if that's the only thing you have to say, then end it there, just go back and finish your damn training."

"I-I'm sorry…" Kota looked down after that.

"Don't be sorry, be better." Garou tried to shrug off the stupidity of such a question. The kid better be better, if not, who knows what he would do to the kid's noggin.

"Then, I'll go back, but before that." Still feeling a bit brave, Kota dared to speak once more. Earning some tick marks on Garou. "What now?!"

"In a few more days. My cousin and her team will also be training other teens here, they're just like you. From UA High."

"…"

With that revelation, things just became interesting as the silence made it clear that Garou was intrigued by what the kid just said.

"I think, seeing them would jog your memories a bit, Garou-san. That's all." Ending it at that, Kota went back to his training. Leaving Garou on his own, now thinking of what he'll do once he gets to meet the classmates of what this original body used to have before he took over.

A few more days went by.

Kota did not come back this time. Kid said it would be better that way for now, as he said to Garou, his "cousin" won't be allowing him to leave for that time being. Saying things like the mountains and forestry he goes through, will be akin to a war zone sooner or later. Kota knew exactly what it meant; basically, the whole area would be the training ground for the students, but for Garou. It would mostly be just a walk in a park… quite literally.

Kota has no doubt if Garou were to ever meet one of his cousin's friend's quirk monsters, those rock figures. His sensei won't even sweat at taking care of it. As for the traps along the way? If he ever comes near the other side of the mountain, maybe he'll trigger one, but being his sensei and all. Kota cannot even fathom seeing a measly trap made for teens (even if his sensei was a teen) would be able to do anything towards him.

So all and all, Garou was better off. Plus, by not being there with him on the other side of the mountain, Kota's cousin's friend (that blonde-haired teammate they have) won't need to send those rock monsters to keep an eye on him. Why so? Well, Tomoko-san (Ragdoll) will be far too busy taking tabs on the other students, so she may not be able to keep an eye on him… so yeah, that's also one reason why his cousin does not want him to leave this time on his own. Unless he wants a rock monster to follow him all around, which he does not want.

What a day will it be for him, as already when he was introduced to the whole UA students that day. It already pissed him off how the lot of them act as if they're already heroes. They aren't, they are just students in training, not heroes going on a trip to further themselves (which is still somewhat the same, but Kota would rather not think of such)

The day was just annoying. It just makes him wonder, what is his sensei doing at the moment? Will Garou take a look at the other students? Or, will he just stay on the other side, not risking being disturbed? Kota truly wonders.

In Garou's case. It seems to be a good time to check out those other brats but at the same time. As the sounds of destruction can be heard on the other side of his abode, this could also be a good time for him to sneak by the dorms where they're currently lodging. Who knows, he might find something interesting there… or a stone monster would randomly show up in Garou's field of view, as it heads towards the sounds of destruction caused by the students on the far side of the mountain.

"Well, when in Rome." Garou snickered as he followed the giant rock monster towards where all the fun was. It didn't take long till Garou manages to have a look at the "brats" that this original body used to hang out with.

Seeing a loud mouth blonde already screaming on the top of his lungs as the kid yells out "DIIIIIEEEEEE! [SHIINNNNEEEEE!]" towards another rock monster that was already there. Then an explosion came as the blonde pointed his hands towards the thing, somewhat reminiscence of a certain Demon Cyborg for Garou. "Heh, kid's got moves at least." Garou complemented the hot-headed teen did a barrel roll once the explosion sent him flying, then doing a superhero landing once he reached the ground.

"I'll give that 8 out of 10, for effort in trying to look cool." Garou scored, but he was simply being sarcastic when he said that. Of course, he wasn't impressed, why would he be? For all he sees are brats acting like heroes.

Case in point, one of them actually went out of his damn way to look like one. In Garou's eyes, the brat was in a full armored suit, while some sort of engines? Turbines? Exhaust? Or whatever the hell was on the teen's calves, the only thing that matters is that Full Armored Brat, suits more of the theme that a "Hero" should look like that… ludicrous.

Garou was simply not amused by it, plus, the brat looks stupid in his eyes. They can play hero all they want, but the fact that they're having trouble with a dumb and slow rock monster that turns to soil once one damages it enough, tells volumes of how weak they are.

"Take away their quirks then what will that make them? Casualties… pointless casualties." Garou noted that in his mind as he continued on analyzing their quote en quote "training"…

"Lackluster" that's the word that is best suited to call those students training. There was no bloodshed, no threat, no nothing. If one were to train, there should be at least something that could give that person a challenge, and there should be risks involved in it! So what if they got hurt or knocked out by that big dumb rock monster, as Garou sees it, already from the start. That thing, that worthless slowpoke, wasn't there to kill those brats, rather to just test them… so much for giving a real-life demonstration of what truly is in the field. What's more, is that those brats seem to be taking it badly which just further proves to Garou that they're weaklings.

(Though what Garou does not know, is that because Todoroki and Midoriya are out of the picture, the Power House of Class 1-A has significantly dropped to a degree that it's mostly Bakugo, Iida, and Tokoyami that's carrying the entire class.)

Going back at the Lackluster training, it seems that even with the disadvantage of them only having a few reliable front liners to take on the Rock Monsters, at least the rest of the worthless group is doing something to help. Basically being the support as one of those students seems to be creating weaponry and equipment out of nothing, and then giving it out to other students that lack the means to damage those monsters.

"Better than not doing anything." Garou scoffed a bit as his verdict for the brats has been made.

"They're all not worth my time." Garou noted as he decided to just leave an-

.

.

.

"M-midoriya…" A voice of a girl suddenly spooked Garou, and yet… there was not even a sign of the said girl, other than her voice giving the hunter her general direction. He didn't even notice her… may it be that his attention was more focused on the other brats, or this invisible girl like a ghost, is able to bypass Garou's senses… No… could she?

Garou was baffled by this as his figure grew in front of the eyes of the girl. As if a monster was beginning to realize her existence, ready to choke the life out of her… This was not the intention of Garou though, but in all honesty, even with Kota's case, any sane person would easily tremble and scream for help once they get a feeling of that dreadful aura that Garou seemingly radiates.

It isn't his fault that he's one scary animal, it's just that his figure had already changed since the last time the public got a glimpse of him. For the invisible girl or Hagakure, her name, the Midoriya she recalls was before the whole fiasco with Todoroki, Endeavor, and All Might. A teen with green hair, green eyes, and an ever-endearing smile when the topic goes towards the Heroes… but this teen in front of her was none of that.

A dark violet tint covered his hair instead of the vibrant green, while one of his eyes was like Ashido's, but more terrifying as she was certain if he tried, it could kill a person if he tries! His body… taller, more muscular, more refined, hardened, and scarred by what seems to be the fruit of intense training, while quite a few gauzes covered his hands and lower abdomen. The hands, in particular, Hagakure could clearly see even with the gauze covering it… his hands had stains of blood on its knuckles, may it be from his own flesh or something else entirely, she could only gulp as those same hands may give her the faith that Todoroki got.

"Don't you dare scream." Garou ended the silence as he ordered her not to do anything rash

But to his dismay…

"DEEEEEEEEKKKUUUUUUU!" She yelled out, causing even Garou to be in disbelief. Just what the hell was she thinking, and where did she get the courage to even yell right in front of Garou's gaze…

Well, to answer that. Let the entirety of Class 1-A rushing forward where the voice came from, be the answer as Garou was even more surprised as the other brats clearly disregarded what they were doing earlier and just started to sprint in his direction.

"Did they planned this?" The hunter questioned as what he guessed was closer to the truth.

In correlation to what happened to Todoroki, Shoto as well as the sudden change in Midoriya, Izuku. Class 1-A didn't just stand around and do nothing about it; rather, they did the exact opposite. They made a plan that if they ever get to see or have a glimpse of Izuku Midoriya, they'll not just avenge Todoroki, but they also planned to save Midoriya from whoever was controlling him. Using Izuku's hero name as the signal. DEKU was the only word they need to know who and what exactly was there.

That was their plan, and they properly trained for it… why?

Because if they aren't able to bring him back… then the confirmation from the authorities to eliminate the teen would commence. How did all this come to be? They questioned, but the answer came from a person in which shock even the number one hero himself.

Nighteye…

To be continued

Been a while ain't it? Well, here you guys go. I would appreciate some feedback on this though. Things you guys think I should work upon and fix as well as ideas if any of you has some. I would gladly appreciate them and will take note for future chapters.

Any questions just put them on the reviews. I'll try and answer them... hopefully.

-digu