AIzawa sat in Nezu's office, Eri still on his lap since Izuku's capture less than an hour ago.
"You clearly have a plan, what do you need me to do?"
"Are you willing to do anything to get Izuku back?"
"As long as it won't endanger my kids, yes."
"Of course, I must warn you, your primary job is two of your least favorite things combined."
Aizawa simply glared at the principal.
"In order for any of my plans to work we will need public support, which is where you'll come in. I need you to speak to the reporters that are already converging on our campus."
He raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Why on Earth would you pick me for that? I'm not exactly well known as a hero and I'm awful at talking to people."
"That is true, but you won't be talking to them as Eraserhead the hero and teacher. You'll be talking to them as Aizawa, the frightened parent whose child was nearly kidnapped by the government. Your role as a hero is only secondary to your role as a caring parent who is scared and angry."
He grit his teeth. These were indeed his least favorite things, the press and talking about his feelings. "I see. What do you want me to tell them?"
"The truth. Don't lie or sugarcoat things. Today is the big day, so now's the time to reveal anything and everything we know. If they ask and you know the answer, then tell them what you can."
"Does that mean I don't have to play nice? I can just tell them how it is?"
"Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying. Now, would you like Eri to stay with you, or should another staff member take care of her until you are done?"
At the mention of her being possibly separated from Aizawa in any way, she latched on even tighter and buried her face in his scarf.
"I suppose that answers that. I will be joining you once I confirm a few things. If I'm correct then we may very well be able to solve this quicker than I thought."
Aizawa paused to see if he would say more, but apparently his boss was content with being vague. So, with a child on his hip and dark circles under his eyes, he walked back outside where the suddenly ended festival was swarmed with reporters. He was hit with a wall of sound that rivaled Present Mic as everyone shouted their questions at the same time.
They grew quieter for a moment as he stood in front of them as they collectively tried to remember who this man was.
"I'm Aizawa, I'm the underground hero Eraserhead and a teacher of heroics here. I'm the one talking to you since I was the first member of UA on the scene and I have the unique perspective of it being my kid they tried to kidnap."
They all burst into questions that were loud enough to make Eri cover her ears. In response he activated his quirk to glare them into silence.
"Alright, shut up. I'm guessing you all have the same questions, so there's no point in yelling over each other. I'm going to tell you what happened, and if you have questions you can ask them after I've finished talking. So, if you all have the mental maturity to listen patiently and not interrupt me, I'll share everything I know about this mess."
The crowd of reporters, journalists, and random interested people all quieted down, to his immense pleasure. He began explaining without breaking his monotone voice that came from years of teaching.
"Ok, so this is all connected to the Commission's 'Early Start' program. Officially, it's for students with heroic potential to begin training early while living in one of their buildings. In truth, the Commision is purchasing or kidnapping children with powerful quirks and training them to be super soldiers that answer to them without question."
There was a wave of gasps and surprise but he continued on.
"This is a sort of open secret that the hero community knows but doesn't speak about. However, I learned just how real this rumor was when I approached a week ago and offered a substantial raise if I signed my daughter over to them and kept quiet about the whole thing."
Aizawa's hands quickly covered Eri's ears for a moment.
"I told them that they could go fuck themselves and that I would never sell my daughter. And that led us to today, where they decided to revoke my status as her guardian and try to take her by force instead."
He took a deep breath and let the crowd process everything he had just told them.
"My daughter is the light of my life and I cherish her more than anything else. If it weren't for the hero Izuku Midoriya, they would have taken her from me and tried to turn her into a weapon. I will not remain silent or act like Izuku is a criminal. Because what kind of parent or hero would I be if I didn't fight for the person who fought for my child?
"With all that said, are there any questions?"
There was a barrage of questions, one after another. Most were just clarifications on what he had already told them, such as explaining that as long as they couldn't prove any money given and children 'adopted' were related, no arrests could be made. One lady asked why he brought his daughter with him, but she gave up on the question after being glared at. Another asked if he hated Hawks and wanted revenge for trying to take Eri.
"No, because I know it wasn't his choice. If you haven't seen the video of the fight that's been going around, he openly states that he didn't want to. Plus, I know that's what my little girl would have become if she wasn't saved. Hawks was purchased from his mother at age seven and hasn't known a life outside of the commission since then. I see him as another victim, rather than the perpetrator."
A sleazy looking man raised his hand. "Is it really so bad? Hawks is clearly doing fine and every kid would dream of the chance to become like him."
HIs hair raised and his eyes turned bright red while he instinctively pulled Eri even closer into his arms. "Do I actually have to explain why human trafficking is bad? Are you so morally corrupt that you can't understand why people shouldn't be allowed to buy children? I don't care if they think the ends justify their actions, because nothing can justify treating children like a commodity you can buy and sell."
Nezu took this opportunity to jump up onto a nearby podium that Aizawa had completely ignored.
"I couldn't have said it better myself. On that note I would like to share two very important updates on this situation."
Every camera and microphone quickly shifted focus to the small chimera.
"Firstly, when Midoriya was arrested, rather than being taken to a police station as is protocol, he was instead brought to an secret laboratory run by the Hero Commision that specifically handles experimenting on quirked animals."
This sent shock through everyone watching, whether in person or over the many news stations reporting it live.
One reporter raised his hand with some doubt on his face. "If this laboratory is a secret, how did you know that it existed and where it was?"
Nezu sighed but maintained his perpetually chipper disposition. "That is because I was created in that very lab. I was originally a lab rat, but after being spliced with numerous other lines of DNA I was turned into the animal I am today. I have kept my knowledge of the Commission's wrong doings a secret as this information was the only thing that prevented them from hunting down their escaped experiment."
Numerous others began asking questions about what was clearly a very interesting tale, but Nezu cut them off.
"Yes, I'm sure you'd all like to hear more about my life story, but that's not what we're talking about today and our current topic is quite important. Because Izuku Midoriya is a sentient being and a Japanese citizen, this is a clear violation of both Japanese and international law. However, this leads us to the second important update on this case.
"I have been completely unable to secure a warrant for the arrest of the president or anyone else involved. Without said warrant we are not legally able to arrest a person even if their acts of wrongdoing are obvious unless that person is actively committing acts of violence. So, unless we receive cooperation from either the police or the Commission itself, we as heroes are unable to detain them legally. Thank you all for coming today, but that will be all for now."
In a building that had become a temporary League of Villains hideout, the five remaining villains (Shigaraki, Compress, Dabi, Toga, and Twice) watched the news with rapt attention.
Dabi slammed his fists down. "Fuck this! No way are we letting this stand!
Shigaraki looked at him in confusion. "Huh? What are you talking about?"
He gestured violently at the television. "This! We gotta break him out!"
Twice and Toga cheered while Compress simply nodded along. Their leader looked between them all in shock.
"You want us to save a hero?! Are you all having a glitch or something? We kill heroes, we don't rescue them."
Toga wrapped her arms around an enraged Shigaraki in an unwelcome hug. "But Shiggy, he's super duper cute, and even Stain thought he was a true hero."
"I don't care whether he's a 'true hero' or not. They all have to go."
Dabi sighed deeply, "I wasn't sure when to bring this up, but this seems like as good a time as any. Do you even want to be a villain?"
"What?! Of course I do, I'm the leader of the League of Villains-."
"Yeah yeah, I know. But you've never done a single villainous thing unless provoked or told to. Both of the attacks on UA were because your villain dad told you to and the whole thing with the Yakuza was only because they attacked first."
Shigaraki was only getting angrier and angrier, but also seemed desperate to end this line of thinking. "What about Hosu, that was all me!"
"Yeah, but we all know that's just because Stain pissed you off, right? You didn't even have a goal other than getting people to pay attention to you. If you had done it to weaken the heroes I would call it villainy, but since you just wanted attention it seemed more like a tantrum than an attack."
Tomura yelled out and tried to grab Dabi but was quickly punched in the face and knocked over.
"And that's another thing. You don't even know how to fight. You're fast, I'll give you that, but all you do is run around and grab stuff without any sort of form or strategy. Sure, you had a shitty time when you were five, but since then you had life given to you on a silver platter. You've clearly never had to fight for your survival like the rest of us."
"You fucker-"
Dabi held a ball of flame out, aiming it at his other members watched but weren't intervening yet.
"So I'm going to ask you again. Do you want to be a villain? Because anyone here can see that this is a perfect opportunity to bring down the commission. The whole world now knows how bad the heroes are and just need us to take the final step and bring them down, but you don't seem to actually care about that beyond reciting what your precious sensei has said."
"Well then, oh genius one, what do you suggest then? Because I don't think the NPCs or anyone else is going to agree with you about me not being a villain."
Compress politely coughed, "I believe the first question is what your ideal life would look like, then figuring out how to get there. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you seem to enjoy your video games far more than any fight we've been in."
"Yeah, video games are great, What of it?"
Dabi seemed to think for a moment. "What if you could have a life of just hanging out and playing video games all the time."
Shigaraki laughed, "That sounds great but I don't see where you're going with this."
"Give me one second." Dabi pulled out his phone and dialed the phone number Spinner had given him for if he changed his mind about being a villain.
"Hello! This is Nezu, I'm quite busy at the moment so I do hope this is important."
The rest of the league started shouting but he ignored them. "Yo, this is Dabi."
"Well, this is a surprise, I don't suppose you're calling to tell me you have my student?"
"Nah, but I want to strike a deal. If we break the rabbit out and Shigaraki turns himself in, would you agree to him being kept in comfort and having continuous access to video games while he's imprisoned?"
The principal laughed, "Is that really all we needed to do in order to defeat the League of Villains? Very well, that seems like a reasonable compromise. And what of the other four of you?"
"Not sure yet, we're figuring this out as we go. We'll be tearing down the commission tonight, so plan accordingly."
He shut the burner phone and tossed it to Shigaraki who disintegrated it in anger. "What the hell was that?!"
"That was your ticket to a life of luxury and never having to lift a finger again and just hang out playing games all day. You're welcome."
It was a few hours later and Aizawa sat Eri down in the common of the 1-A dorms.
"Alright Eri, I need you to stay here for a bit, ok?"
She looked up at him and pouted with eyes that were on the verge of bursting with tears. "But why?"
"I have to go get Izuku and bring him back. And before you ask, no you can't come with me, because you have an even more important job."
Her eyes went wide in curiosity and pride at the idea that she had an important task. "What is it?"
"You remember Shinsou right? Well, I need you two to stay here and keep an eye on Inko for us ok. She's been very nervous since Izuku isn't here right now, so it's your job to make her feel better until we bring him back." In truth it hadn't been nearly long enough for Inko to start worrying, but it would help Eri to have a task.
She nodded, "You got it!"
He kissed her forehead before stepping outside and joining the other teachers. As they left the school was locked down, with numerous robots on patrol and a handful of heroes remaining to keep those still there safe.
"So, we're really going the full frontal approach?"
Nezu nodded. "Hopefully the speed of this will prevent much action on their part. All Might will be taking the point since he's already put out the word and has been gathering a large group to protest. We have public support and are in a good position to arrest just about everyone."
"I thought we didn't have authorization for that?"
"We don't, so this is technically a coup of sorts, but if all goes well it will be a bloodless one."
He nodded and got in the driver's seat of their school bus to bring the UA heroes to the Commision HQ when he spotted a certain group of students. Aizawa opened the door for his students that were trying (and failing) to sneak off of campus.
He gave a classic smirk towards his students. "Todoroki, is this another late night stroll?"
"Yes sir, I thought we might go sightseeing around some government buildings. I heard there is an interesting unmarked building near the Commission headquarters. It seemed like a good location for a stoll."
"Get on the damn bus you problem children. You'll be late if you travel by public transit and I won't stand for students being tardy."
They nodded and got on the bus while Vlad king drove a separate bus with any other students that were ready to fight in Izuku's name. Normally he wouldn't condone students getting involved, but he knew they would show up either way, at least this way he could keep an eye on them.
He would always be at odds with All Might in some way or another, but he could admit that the man definitely knew how to rally people behind him. By the time they arrived on the scene the street was filling up with people, some who knew Izuku and some who just wanted to fight injustice. Thousands began marching with them to take a stand and demand freedom for one very special rabbit. The crowd probably wouldn't partake in any fighting if it did break out, but having a giant mob was a good backup plan if everything went to shit.
They arrived at HQ where over twice as many heroes were waiting for them along with armed agents and police officers standing alongside them. All Might walked towards them with Nezu on his shoulder while the battle ready group stared them down.
The president of the Commision herself scowled as she laid her eyes on Nezu. "We should have gotten rid of you when we had the chance. Even with all you've done as a hero, you were always far more trouble than you were worth."
Nezu gave a chipper response. "Indeed you should have! But hindsight is 20/20 and now you must reap what you have sown."
"In that case, anyone who does not leave at this moment will be arrested for treason."
"Well that's embarrassing, because we actually came here to put you under arrest as well. Though, rather than treason, you are being charged for human trafficking and illegal experimentation, and any who knowlingly stand with you will be arrested as your accomplices."
The many heroes powered up their quirks while the agents raised handguns towards the protesters. A few seemed uncomfortable with the situation, especially since All Might was in front of the group and no one really wanted to shoot the symbol of peace.
As tensions began to rise three of the police officers suddenly turned on their allies and opened fire toward the heroes defending the president. Before anyone was injured though, a wall of stone hexagons appeared as Crust stopped the bullets from landing.
"I understand your frustrations, but this isn't the way to solve anything!"
The three men ignored his little speech and pouted before speaking in perfect unison. "Really? I didn't manage to hit anyone? That's so embarrassing!"
Their skin melted away to reveal that all three were Toga, presumably two were clones though. "Oh well! I still got the team here, so I did half of my job." She rolled a handful of marbles across the ground, which quickly expanded into the entire league of villains.
The situation turned to chaos in mere moments as the League began attacking the heroes and easily tearing through their ranks. Although they hadn't been expecting the League to help (other than Nezu, who was cackling in joy), they weren't going to ignore such a perfect opportunity. Those defending the building found themselves quickly surrounded by the unlikely allies.
It was near impossible to tell exactly what was going on or who was fighting who as both sides were trying to arrest the other. He saw Mount Lady grow to her full height and get her ass kicked in a fist/claw fight with Watatsumi who was now about fifty feet tall and wearing a proportionally sized cowboy hat. Todoroki was riding on the back of Apple Kick with a shield of ice and a sword of flame.
Shigaraki pointed at the massive HQ building in front of them while turning to Aizawa. "Hey! 'Raserhead! Is the stupid rabbit in that building?"
While surprised at being called out, he maintained his composure. "No, Izuku is in the unmarked building behind it."
"Cool. This is what is known as an epic gamer move." He then placed his hand against the building, causing massive cracks to spread out from that point. Within a few seconds the skyscraper began to collapse on itself, the decay still spreading its way up the massive structure.
Everyone stopped fighting and watched in horror/awe as the symbol of the hero commission's power was reduced to rubble. Nearly all of the building itself was decayed, leaving in its place a mountain of dust, broken glass, all of the furniture and appliances that were inside, and hundreds of dead and wounded.
The only ones that were inside that managed to escape the carnage were those that could fly in some manner or could survive large falls. The two most notable individuals were the current number one hero and the former number two. Hawks landed and was still clearly badly injured, but that didn't mean he wasn't still a threat. Enji Todoroki landed on the ground like a comet, forcing those below him to either clear a space for him to land or become cinder.
The Commision president looked up at him with a wicked grin. "Hawks! You're finally here! Get rid of these treasonous heroes immediately."
With a pained face he shook his head. "No more. I'm all done with this."
"What?! There will be serious consequences if you don't follow orders!"
He shook his head and looked at the 'traitorous' heroes that had come out in force. "No, I don't think I will." He then flew off away from the fight, unsure of his destination.
"Enough of this! Endeavor, it looks like your redemption story is going to happen sooner that we planned. The new narrative is that you were framed by these traitors who wanted to weaken hero society, and you had no choice but to kill them all in order to defend our country. I'll set up your clean slate and you get rid of these pests."
As he walked forward to face the 'traitors', he was met by the former number one hero himself, who had moved forward from his previously more safe position.
"All Might, I had always wanted to fight you one day, to see if you truly were that much stronger, but this is just pathetic."
"I am not All Might, and you are not Endeavor. We are simply Enji Todoroki and Toshinori Yagi. We are not professionals anymore, and I don't think you've ever truly been a hero. You're wrong if you think you'll come out the winner here today, Enji."
"You are far more foolish than I ever imagined if you believe you can face me. You are weaker than you've ever been yet my flames burn as hot as ever."
Toshinori chuckled and shook his head, wiping the blood that he'd spat up. "You always had a very simple way of looking at the world. It was frequently said that I had the strength of a thousand people combined."
He spread his arms wide as he stood in front of the numerous heroes, civilians, vigilantes, and villains that had all come together and had heard his call to help rescue his student. "Look at me, my muscles are a thing of the past, and I can't even laugh without coughing up blood, but I'm stronger than I've ever been. That is the lesson that Izuku taught me, my strength was never in how hard I could punch, but in bringing people together and showing others that even the weakest of us can be a part of something bigger than themself."
The man burst into flames, "Really?! You can't be serious! You're going to preach the power of friendship as a way to fight my flames?! Pathetic!" He pulled an arm back to punch Yagi with his flaming fist when he was cut off by a giant claw descending from above.
Watatsumi lifted the flaming man into the air and quickly consumed him before the man could react in any meaningful way. "Hm, a bit too hot for my tastes, but still tasty."
Not too far away Dabi was cheering loudly, celebrating the man's demise, while Shouto just gave a small smile.
Nezu walked past the stunned and shocked heroes to stand in front of the president. "Was that your final card to play, or are we done here?"
"Someone shoot that damned ra-!"
Before she could finish her sentence a claw descended once more, a few attacks from heroes loyal to the president bounced off of his shell without much effect. Within moments the president was gone as well. "I usually try not to overeat, but I am willing to go for thirds if anyone else wants to join them?"
Unsurprisingly, that took the fight out of most of those defending, since the building and person they swore to protect no longer existed.
As they quickly rounded up the remaining opposition and began sifting through the rubble for survivors, Nezu heard Aizawa groan loudly. He turned to him in confusion. "Is there an issue?"
"Ugh, we're going to have to make a whole new system now, aren't we? I'm already dreading the paperwork and meetings."
Shigaraki interrupted them with a rudeness that was absolutely in character. "Hey, I came here to rescue a stupid rabit and be arrested so I can play video games forever, not for this chit-chat. So let's skip the dialogue and go get that dumb rodent."
Katsuki tsked loudly, "He's a dumb lagamorph, not a dumb rodent, you idiot. But over here has a point, so I'm gonna blast my way in now."
Aizawa just shook his head and followed his destructive student and the even more destructive villain. "So much paperwork."
Here we are! This is the end of the main story line, I hope you all liked it. This chapter took so much longer than normal because writer's block decided to kick my ass this past month or so. One thing that should be specified, because this comes before the fight between lov and mla Shigaraki's quirk is not awakened and that's why it didn't spread to everyone inside the building.