(Heads Up: By the time of this chapter's posting, the new Our Anti-Hero Academia chapters (which complete Season 3) have been posted to which this chapter references. This chapter also references some events in the recent chapters of The Geist Within. Consider this a bit of a wrap up on the hanging plot threads before focusing on the main threats.)

[Opening: Project M Theme]

FusionFall Infinite

Season 6

Chapter 44: Nowhere Near the Nexus

[Neo Bayview, Outer Towns]

Nearly two months were soon to pass for the world of Zen Kuro since those brave pilgrims headed off world. Jade Company continued it's investigation into Rendo Nexus not finding much information to go on. There were some minor successes facing off with several RN mooks at various sub-worlds to repel them, but that was not something they could keep doing.

At the Shadows Home, the gang all sat around clearly tried and fed up.

"We're getting nowhere." Kevin admitted.

"FUCK! I hate this, I hate that for any sub-world in our area they bust, they keep setting up in others." Amethyst said angrily. "They're making us look like bitches."

"I have a sneaking suspicion that all this are distractions to keep us to getting more information. Rendo Nexus is run by someone clearly a planner." Ryker said annoyed. "He's competent and hasn't slipped up."

"On the bright side, the immigrants made the journey safely. I got a call from Claudia about it." Pearl said trying to lift their spirits.

"You think RN is going over there?" Annabelle asked.

"No, they won't. That place is recently protected and considering the new measures in place, they are not going to take chances." Garnet said thoughtfully. "But Joshinari will…"

"Shit, I forgot about him. What's the chance he's going to bribe to get some villains out of jail for his ninja army? Or worse, try to put those heroes under his thumb?" Ryker said worriedly.

The group would not put it past him. For now, they had no evidence of it meaning they would have to wait and see. If there was a bright side, it was the updates from Kenji who completed the deal. V-2406 was officially Blackthorn turf and the immigrants made it.

-=O=-

[Planet Spark, Fourth Dimension]

Another day at the Piaget Medical Ward, Katsumi had arrived to see Dymmi having good news for her.

"So, a version of Overhaul you can kill has been found?" Dymmi asked tiredly.

"Yes, MHA V-2406. That universe is now under the clan. The three guardians of that universe's Earth had agreed to go after Overhaul. We're giving them until Overhaul's canon arc to do so." Katsumi said wiping the sweat off her nicece's face. "If they can't, I will have it dealt with personally."

"I had a vision last night. I saw a black portal and a box came out…something horrid came out of the box. I can't give you more details…the drugs have been making things fuzzy." Dymmi said as Katsumi rubbed her head.

"I'll look into it. Hopefully, I can contact a decent oracle." Katsumi said going for door. "Rest up, champ."

-=O=-

[Delightful Developments, the Suburbs, the Core]

"We've been worried sick about you." Kuki said.

The group all gathered in the living room for a video chat with Abigail.

"Sorry about not calling, shit's been going down. We got hired on to aid some new company with a few raids. On our back." Abigail said mirthfully. "How's things back 'home'?"

"Awful. This Rendo Nexus group has been repeatedly attacking or making raids on smaller worlds in the Zen-Kuro universe." Nigel said annoyed.

"They've only recently stopped because Ryker's taking a more direct route, but they'll be back." Wally remarked.

-=O=-

[Merch's Private Island off the coast of Orchid Bay]

The family had just finished Season 5 of Rick and Morty, and they were laughing at it.

"I called it!" Merch said.

"I mean he's still Evil Morty given he had to massacre a lot of innocent Morties to get his wish." Morty said as Rick rolled his eyes.

"I'm just glad I don't have to deal with that backstory." Rick said before belching.

"Kinda telling and kinda explains a lot." Merch remarked. "But we got things to deal with. So come on, we have two months of downtime. Let's get to work people."

-=O=-

[Village Hidden in the Ghetto, Somewhere in Asia]

With V-2406 being settled, many expected Joshinari saw it as a chance to get numbers for his army. However, as he didn't as they already had most of the potential fodder here in this universe already. A simple matter of jailbreaking, bribery, and putting the egg on Prime Minister Inko's face. His focus had been on increasing his numbers, his fronts across the stars, and dealing with Rendo Nexus. He had been RN's warring rival lately and Joshinari was using all his advantages to stick it to RN. He had called a meeting with generals and his team at the Kage Tower.

"I'm surprised neither you or Kotestu have sent spies after the other." Michiko remarked.

"He wants to prove his superiority, and I want to him to know I'm fucking him over. So, I need ideas." Joshinari said.

"V-2406. Not for recuirting, but making a front. What do we have on the planet?" Keitaro suggested.

"Well, what intel I do have on them is interesting. Cobalt or what's left of those jokers have become a new company. Uraraka Industries. They've taken over a city on that universe's Japan. Deika. It's going to be a real hotbed. A front would be a good idea." Joshinari said before asking for suggestions.

"Daddy!" Deandra said coming in through the door.

She ran up and hopped up onto her father's lap.

"Hey little one, we're deciding on a new business venture." He said sweetly. "You would not have any ideas?"

"Is there a place where people can play cards for money and stuff?" She said innocently.

"You mean a casino?" Delia asked.

And like that, the idea came.

"Deandra, you're a little genius." Joshinari said hugging her. "But mommy and daddy have work to do, so please run along back to your tutor."

Said tutor came in to take the child citing that she got away from her before leaving.

"So, we're going for a casino." Keitaro said.

"Two things. A casino and an arena. I remembered that they have Pokémon in that universe. An arena for Pokémon fights on the mainland will draw plenty of trainers." Joshinari said with a cackle. "The casino we disguise as not our venture using a shell company, but we openly have the arena as joint venture between us and Uraraka Industries. Everyone will be so busy focusing on it that they'll miss the casino."

"Which will make a perfect spot to offload money made from heists." Shinobu said. "All we have to rob the shit out of neighboring MHA worlds."

"I know of a few with an evil Izuku that no one will miss." Joshinari said another cackle. "All right, people. We got plans to make!"

-=O=-

(~Days Later~)

The Hidden Village was abuzz as Joshinari was making plans. However, Joshinari's team were surprised with the terms of the deal that him and Uraraka Industries had etched out.

"Joshinari, why did agree to those terms? You practically threw 50 million as a donation!" Shinobu exclaimed.

"Because, it'll give ME influence. I made donations because I could potentially get a stake in most of them. Katsuki's restaurant, Ashido's club, and Midoriya's car dealership. If I play my cards right, I can get a 10% stake to net profits. It's just a matter of waiting for them to get successful before asking for a stake." Joshinari said confidently.

Plans for the arena and casino were already a-go. Names were chosen, staff was picked out for the arena, and arrangements were mostly set up. However, there was a matter he wanted something dealt with it, and he knew exactly who to call.

"Enjoying your vacation, Desmond?" Joshinari said.

"I was until you called. What do you want?" Desmond said with a glare.

"I have a job for you." Joshinari said.

"You know, Josho. I am not your errand boy to do your little jobs!" Desmond remarked. "Find someone else to do your dirty work."

"Oh, come now, it'll pay well. And you'll make a serious benefit to up your organization's profits and notoerity." Joshinari said with a wry grin. "You're set to gain the most from this operation."

"Let's say I'm interested. What is it?" Desmond asked.

"I need you to take charge of a shell company of mine." Joshinari said simply. "I'll be handing over control of it to you."

Desmond had a look of confusion at this before asking why.

"That shell company is called Dueling Dices and they are going to MHA V-2406 to get a casino/hotel set up, The Knight's Roundtable." Joshinari said nonchalantly.

"There's a catch. You said I'll net most of the profits, but you're getting something out of it." Desmond said sternly.

"Yes, it's going to be a bit of a front. The business is going to be legit, and you'll have the legit profits. I seek to use the place to offload stuff from raids on nearby universes. The company ruling the city is going to think I'm only doing in part with the new arena I said was a joint venture with them." Joshinari said confidently. "But I'm no putz, and there's a reason you'll help me. A common enemy. I don't think you want to have Rendō Nexus on your behind especially that an enemy of yours is among their ranks. Haven't you noticed he's been quiet?"

Desmond looked pensive but found his nerve to glare at him.

"What are the terms? Can I handle employment for the company?" Desmond asked.

"I have a small crew within the company managing the handling of what will be raided. A few deep cover Ghetto ANBU which will function as the 'Teitary Security'. And we're each going to have one person running the company to keep things fair. I have my pick in there already and you should get yours to make a two boss operation." Joshinari remarked.

"Who do you have as your guy?" Desmond remarked.

"Before that, I should introduce the third party. Matias 'Mizuna' Zane. He's the new head of the Charlotte family. His family agreed to run the casino/hotel after I helped keep RN off their asses. He'll run the place as our third party. As for 'my guy' is Sayaka Kanamori. Long story short, I offered to finance an animation studio for in exchange for her services in running the casino. Long story short, the animation studio she and her friends made was struggling and I offered a sizeable 'donation' in exchange for her help." Joshinari said with a mirthful laugh. "I give them two Minecraftian Diamonds. Two solid blocks. Even thought them how to make Shadow Clones to make their workload easier."

"I'm assuming that was enough to get her to say yes." Desmond said concerned.

"It's why the Easy Breezy Studios is producing an anime for me. An anime adaptation of Pokémon Ecchi Version." Joshinari said cackling once again. "The first season is nearly complete and the first is for the first episode to primere at the casino and the arena. Regardless, they are waiting for you in Earth Dimension KCC-209, one of the universes I have businesses on. The 'casino' itself has been already assembled and stored to be set up on the planet. All you need is take over the company, get 'your guy' in there, and sent them off on their way." Joshinari said as Desmond rolled his eyes.

"And what exactly are you stealing and storing at the casino?" Desmond asked.

"For your safety and for you to keep as 'innocent' as possible, it's better you don't know the dealings. As an aside, I will gladly sell you some of it at half price. So do we have a deal?" Joshinari said with his wide grin.

"We have a deal, but how do I know you won't backstab me?" Desmond asked.

"Like you backstabbed me earlier with the fake emerald? It's simple. RN is a problem to the multiverse alongside the Chris-Chan cult. I may be a 'villain' but do you see me actively threatening the multiverse? No." Joshinari said sternly as Desmond neutrally raised an eyebrow. "Desmond, I have a daughter to raise, and I don't need RN or the cult making a threat for her. Plus, you have my word, and a Blackthorn doesn't exactly go back on their word."

"Fine, we have a deal." Desmond said assured. "But I'll be keeping my eye on you."

"Do as you wish. Enjoy your vacation." Joshinari said before hanging up.

Joshinari leaned back in his chair before rolling a cigar to light up and smoke before blowing smoke.

"It's all coming together." He said to himself before calling up his team. "I believe there is another matter about the pirates. Apparently, Red Wind Pirates and the Blue Lilith Pirates had joined into one crew. Though the Purple Storm Pirates is a funny name."

"I've already arranged for them to aid Desmond in securing funds. Captain Rei and her clone crew do worship him as their God." Keitaro said with a snigger.

"We kill two birds with one stone with them attacking RN holdovers and those putzes have no idea that we hired the pirates to attack them. With their former distraction causing a problem, they'll think of them as a rogue element. And I make my money with the 40% they'll deliver to me." Joshinari said walking up to the window.

"Dear, you're really playing this chess game well." Delia said.

"Delia, my love, this multiverse is a chess game." Joshinari said looking out it.

An ANBU ninja rushed in alerting them that a Chris-Chan cultist is making landfall and is attacking the village.

"DDIMMMENSSIONNALLL MEERGGGE!"

"Oh, damn it!" Joshinari said getting Tainted Desire and Paradise Lost. "Amoral Aces! Move out!"

(A/N: Don't worry, this is where FFI's plot disconnects from OAA's to continue on it's own (with the deal with Joshinari sliding into side plot status). While also giving You Shall (not) Win This Time a nod. If anything, it's weird to come back to this fic after so long. Yes, our heroes are focusing their attention on Rendo Nexus. No, RN isn't going to be showing it's face around in OAA's as I want to keep that tale nearly self-contained. Next chapter we discover the meaning of Dymmi's vision.)