The Genesis of One for All

by chibikaty

All for One had a quirkless little brother. The frail little brother had a strong sense of justice, so he opposed the tyrant. Or at least that's how the story got passed down to future One for All users. Family conflict is always messy and very personal. This is the story of a battle of wills between two brothers in desperate need of a psychiatrist, with the fate of Japan at stake.

1. Chapter 1

Part One: You Can't Have Everything

---

Chapter One:

Hisashi Shigaraki startled at the knock on his office door. His minions knew better than to disturb him in his private study. It could only be one person. He glanced at his watch, then winced. He'd missed dinner again.

Sure enough, Yoichi's voice drifted through the wood. "I brought you a plate. Let me in. You need to eat, big brother."

Hisashi's lips curved upward in a small smile. He called, "I'm coming." Even though he knew he'd be in for a scolding after missing dinner three times in a row, he willingly stepped into the trap. Although he did not fancy himself a tolerant or compassionate man, Hisashi would always be indulgent toward exactly one person: his adorable little brother.

First, Hisashi locked his computer to hide his screen. He'd been examining the financials of his organization. The sight of larceny, embezzlement, and protection money boldly listed as income sources would have given his poor little brother a heart attack.

After his privacy had been secured, Hisashi unlocked the door.

Yoichi stood in the hallway, wearing sweatpants with his hair pulled back into a messy bun. He'd grown nearly as tall as his older brother, a situation Hisashi kept a careful eye on in case he needed to find a height growth metapower. Yoichi held a tray with a bowl of udon. The noodles had been covered with a Tupperware lid to keep them hot, failing to prevent a fishy smell from escaping. Two more bowls contained broccoli and a fruit salad. Yoichi had also added a strawberry shortcake with a smiley face made from chocolate drizzle. Yoichi always drew them a bit lop-sided. But he was an excellent pastry chef. Hisashi's eyes lit up at the sight.

"Please, come in," Hisashi said, taking the tray. "You can tell me about your day as I eat." Then he'd need to work at least half an hour later. But it was all worth it when Yoichi smiled.

Yoichi sat in the chair across from his older brother. "Were you even planning to eat if I didn't bring you a meal? You have the entire staff too terrified to bother you. It's not good for your health to skip dinner three times in a row."

"I would have fetched an energy drink later." Hisashi took a sip of udon. "This tastes much better. Thank you, little brother."

"Energy drinks." Yoichi rolled his eyes. "You can't live on those, big brother."

Actually, thanks to a metahuman ability Hisashi had recently stolen, he could. But he didn't say that. Yoichi might ask how he'd acquired the ability. "I've been busy lately with my business."

Of course, business meant villainy. He'd been juggling his numerous companies, a criminal gang masquerading as a network of favors, his public position as leader of the metahuman rights movement, and the private army he'd been secretly building. He had greater ambitions. The government had handled the emergence of the first generation of metapowers badly. They'd ignored the new powers, then tried overly hard to clamp down on them, and then finally rolled out their new official hero program too late to stem the chaos. Hisashi saw an opportunity. If he kept subtly nudging the government to collapse, then he could expand his empire. When the people cried out for order, they would cry out for their savoir, All for One. Hisashi had always wanted to be a Demon King. Since that wouldn't be formal enough, he liked the sound of "Emperor of Japan."

Hisashi smiled to himself as he pondered how to turn his dreams into reality.

Upon being ignored, Yoichi's eyes narrowed. He adopted a position with his chin resting on his hand, aka his usual lecturer pose. "You need to learn how to delegate. Then you wouldn't have to work such late hours. If you keep going on like this, you'll burn out. I read a book about workaholism."

Hisashi chuckled. His little brother had read a book and now fancied himself an expert? How cute. Much of Hisashi's work involved swapping and stealing metapowers, which no one else could do. But Yoichi didn't know that. Yoichi naïvely believed that Hisashi had only ever been accused of corruption because of prejudice against him for being a successful metahuman businessman. Even more naïvely, Yoichi thought it was actually possible for a metahuman to claw his way out of poverty without committing any crimes. Yoichi would react very badly if he knew even a fraction of what his older brother did to maintain the lovely mansion where they lived and pay for his college tuition.

For now, Hisashi could keep his little brother in the dark. At some point, he'd need to reveal himself as All for One more openly in order to build a personality cult/public support and oppose the government. Hisashi knew his little brother would take his dictatorial ambitions very poorly. He hoped that by the time he was forced to take off his mask, Japan would be in bad enough shape that he could convince Yoichi that only he could save their nation from ruin.

If not, then Hisashi had back-up plans. He could fake an assassination attempt on his little brother, then use it as an excuse to hide Yoichi away in an isolated location. Only out of necessity, of course. If he didn't, then there would be real assassins. Everything Hisashi did was to protect himself and his younger brother. The only way he could guarantee their survival through the coming chaos was to come out on top. Hisashi had grown up on the bottom, and never intended to be in that position again.

"I'll try harder to have dinner with you tomorrow," Hisashi said, spearing a strawberry on his fork.

From the look on Yoichi's face, he didn't buy this cheap attempt at appeasement. "You should take a break. Let's go on a family outing and enjoy beautiful, untamed wilderness."

Hisashi winced. This again? He'd thought he'd mocked the idea to death last time they'd spoken.

But sure enough, Yoichi continued, "Hike the mountain with me. It will be a fun change of pace. You need some fresh air after being cooped up staring at your computer all day."

Hisashi was starting to regret letting his little brother into his office. "I already told you no. I can't afford to take that much time off work."

Yoichi crossed his arms. "You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it."

"Is that a quote?" Hisashi asked. Something about how his little brother had pronounced the words made him wonder.

Yoichi nodded. "I heard it in philosophy class. Here's another quote for you: 'No one on his deathbed ever said, 'I wish I had spent more time at the office.'"

Hisashi snorted. He might very well regret not spending enough time on his work if the government killed him. "How morbid. I never intend to die."

"Yes, yes, you're going to be immortal like a demon king." Yoichi rolled his eyes.

It wasn't a joke. Hisashi had already obtained a longevity power from his accomplice Dr. Garaki, and he'd put the doctor to work finding ways to duplicate it and extend its effects. With his new long life, there would be time to find more such abilities as well. Hisashi had no intention of ever allowing himself or his precious little brother to die.

That was another thing that Yoichi did not need to know yet. Instead, Hisashi said, "Fantasy has already become reality. A glorious new era is upon us."

Yoichi's lip twisted. "A lot of people are suffering because of the chaos you speak so lightly of."

"And we'd be among them if not for my business."

"Which surely won't collapse if you take a one-day break. Please, big brother."

"You've never even been hiking before. You're a city boy, dear little brother. You have no idea what you're getting into. With your poor health, you wouldn't last the trip."

"That's why I want to do it—because we never have before. I'm reading a book about someone who survived in the wilderness for several years with no experience."

"Books." Hisashi snorted. "You think you can hike a mountain because you read a book?"

Yoichi spoke over him. "The fresh air will be good for our health. The natural beauty will be good for our mental state. Just look at these pictures." He pulled out his phone. The images showed a picnic bench sitting on top of a gushing waterfall. A rainbow arched over the water. Flowering cherry blossoms hung over the cliffside. "Doesn't that look like a beautiful place for a picnic?"

It looked photoshopped, especially the rainbow and the artificial pinkness of the flowers. Hisashi said, "Now that we've seen the pictures, what's the point in hiking for hours to see the same thing?"

Yoichi groaned. "Pictures aren't the same! You can't hear the water or smell the flowers."

"It's not the right season for cherry blossoms to bloom. What if I found a video of waterfall so you could hear the oversized toilet sound?"

"Whether the cherry blossoms are in bloom isn't the point," Yoichi muttered. "The point is taking in the beauty of nature."

Leaning over to read upside-down, Hisashi pointed at the text of the article. "It says here that there's a helicopter to the top of the mountain. What if we have lunch there tomorrow? Then we can be back within the hour. I'll make arrangements."

"No!" Yoichi glared. "You don't just skip the journey. The journey is the whole point. Besides, the landing site at the top of the mountain has internet."

"That's bad?" Hisashi asked.

"If your phone has signal, then you'll get a work call and leave early. I picked this location for a reason. There will be no internet. No computers. No work." Yoichi's tone turned wheedling. "Come on, big brother, you can give me just one day of your time. It will bring us closer together, after how we've been arguing lately."

Hisashi resented the implication that there was anything wrong with their relationship. They hadn't been arguing that much. Hisashi had just needed to provide sense and guidance to a young, headstrong college student. It was normal. Nothing to worry about. "We've been having discussions, not arguments."

"You say that because you always win." Yoichi glared. "Not because you use reason, of course. Because you threaten my college tuition."

The intensity behind those words made Hisashi wince. His little brother had been complaining more and more about his curfew and restricted social life, but since Hisashi had easily been able to put down these little rebellions, he hadn't considered them to be a problem. Had Yoichi found out about the trackers on his clothing? Or Hisashi calling the police on the last party he'd attended? Or Hisashi using his bodyguards to scare off anyone who tried to ask Yoichi out on a date? Judging from the younger brother's glare, he'd likely found out about something. And he'd decided to take his revenge by forcing Hisashi to trudge through mud and sweltering heat in the name of brotherly bonding. It was a subtle revenge. He'd no doubt learned his malice from watching his big brother.

Hisashi attempted to reason with his unreasonable little brother. "Your body is too frail for hiking."

"I've gotten much healthier. I've let you drag me to doctors around the country and taken all my medicine. I'm not scared of hard work. Please, big brother."

Hisashi sighed. "You'll collapse within the first mile. How about this? I'll take an afternoon off later this week. We can play boardgames from our childhood."

Yoichi's lip jutted out. "You'll be interrupted again. The only way to keep you off your phone is to take you to an area with no cell phone reception."

Hisashi winced. "No cell phone reception?" He liked this idea even less, and he'd already hated it. "What if my minions—" Yoichi would accuse him of being chuunibyou again if he finished that sentence. "What if my employees have a crisis they can't handle without me?"

"They'll survive one day. You refuse to let me play sports because you want me to focus on my studies, so you could at least let me stretch my legs and enjoy the mountain air. Putting down your phone will be good for you, too. You'll lose your muscles if you sit before a desk all day consuming energy drinks."

"Ha! You're in a feisty mood today!" Hisashi reached over his tray and mussed up Yoichi's hair.

Yoichi batted his hand away. "Knock it off."

Lately, Yoichi had gotten more squirrely about physical affection. He must be going through a rebellious phase. Hisashi had hoped that would be over after they got out of the teenage years. His bratty little brother thought he was too good to get his hair tousled by his big brother? It only made Hisashi want to mess with him more. He wrenched out a hair pin, sending Yoichi's hair falling over his face. Hisashi laughed.

Yoichi scowled and blew a lock of hair off his forehead. It made Hisashi laugh even harder.

Crossing his arms, Yoichi said, "If you won't go with me, then I'll go by myself."

Hisashi frowned. "You can't. I told you before, even if you take bodyguards, I can't let you go somewhere inaccessible by roads." To be more precise, Hisashi couldn't let Yoichi go anywhere his big brother couldn't reach him in event of an emergency. It was a necessary safety precaution.

"I said by myself. No bodyguards."

The merriment leaving his face, Hisashi set aside his half-eaten dinner. This argument again? Yoichi had protested the bodyguards from the beginning. He claimed they interfered with his social life. What social life could he have if he was dead? Hisashi knew himself well enough to know that his little brother, his most precious treasure, was his greatest weakness. His enemies would inevitably attempt to get their hands on that weakness. They would do terrible things to Yoichi. Torture him or even kill him. Just the thought made Hisashi's fists clench.

He'd been firm on his rules. No bodyguards? His little brother didn't leave the house.

Sighing, Hisashi said, "You know that's not allowed."

Yoichi said, "I'm an adult. I can go wherever I want."

"I have to overrule you." Hisashi pasted on a look of fake sympathy. "I'm sorry."

"No, you're not, and no, you can't. I'm not asking for permission. I'm telling you that I'm going to hike up the mountain whether you come with me or not."

"As long as you're living under my roof and I'm paying your college tuition, you'll follow my rules."

Before, this had always ended the conversation. But this time, Yoichi said, "Then I'll move out and live alone. I'll take out loans."

Hisashi stared. Yoichi must know he'd crossed an unforgivable line with that threat. But he didn't withdraw it. Instead, he met his older brother's eyes with a mixture of anxiety and defiance. "Please, big brother. Please do this for me." But there was no begging in Yoichi's tone, only a hard determination.

What had gotten into the foolish child? Yoichi had always been stubborn. Ever since he'd been young, after he'd made up his mind completely, Yoichi couldn't be moved. Hisashi remembered many such foolish incidents. That rare action figure eight-year-old Yoichi had wanted so badly that he'd stood out in the rain for hours and caught a cold. The time he'd gotten suspended from middle school because he refused to dye his hair black. Most dangerously of all, that bitterly cold day when their neighbor had gotten horribly sick. Hisashi had been quite firm that it was too dangerous to drive in the middle of a snowstorm. But Yoichi, who didn't even have a license, had snuck out behind his back and driven their neighbor to the hospital anyway.

Hisashi saw the same defiance in his younger brother's eyes now. If he refused, then Yoichi would sneak out. Hisashi could have his little brother imprisoned. His house was a fortress, to a greater extent than Yoichi realized. The staff knew to discreetly report to him if his brother tried to leave without permission. He had cameras and guards at every exit. All of Yoichi's outfits and shoes had at least one tracking device.

But Hisashi wasn't yet ready to take such a drastic step. Not over something so silly. Over time, Hisashi had learned that when Yoichi got like this, it was better to divert his energy like a dam than to try to stop the flow like a dike.

If Hisashi was going to indulge Yoichi, then now was the ideal time. He could take a day off now with minimal losses. Over the next few weeks, he would only get busier. He needed to leave on a trip for the Hokkaido region in about a month.

Hisashi sighed. He leaned back in his chair. "If I agree to go on this trip with you, then you won't complain about your bodyguards for six months. You won't try to sneak out without them. You won't ask me for another vacation for at least a year. Your curfew will be an hour earlier."

"I won't complain about the bodyguards ever again!" Yoichi threw his arms around Hisashi and hugged him. "Thank you, big brother."

Hisashi might have believed six months, but not forever. Affectionately, he brushed the hair off his little brother's forehead. "I'll make the arrangements by the end of the week." A bit of brotherly bonding time before he left for Hokkaido wouldn't be so bad. Not if it kept Yoichi pacified.

Then, when Yoichi failed in his foolish plan to reach the top of the mountain, he'd finally acknowledge that his big brother always knew best.

---

Hisashi's assistant packed his backpack and made arrangements for the trip. Early in the morning, Hisashi arrived in the living room with time to spare. Except then he received an urgent message about a yakuza group stealing one of his drug shipments.

Yoichi poked his head in. "Big brother, are you ready to leave?"

"Five more minutes," Hisashi mumbled, typing rapidly into his phone.

Yoichi sighed audibly.

Hisashi said, "We're going hiking, not to a concert. It doesn't matter if we're late."

"It's better to hike early in the morning, when it's cooler."

"Five minutes won't make a difference."

Yoichi stomped off, muttering. Hisashi barely noticed, too engrossed in his messages. Another crisis had popped up: a minion who knew a little too much had been captured by the police in Hiroshima. His local agents wanted to know if they should arrange a rescue or an assassination. The captured man's metapower wasn't worth retrieving, so of course an assassination. Why was he surrounded by idiots who couldn't do anything without him?

As Hisashi moved on to the twenty-fifth email marked as "urgent," Yoichi stormed into the room. His face looked so flushed that Hisashi wondered if his illness might be resurging. Concern made Hisashi's phone slip from his hand into his lap.

"Big brother, it's been half an hour! We're late!" Yoichi shouted. Nope, he was just angry.

"Just let me finish this email," Hisashi said.

"No phone use allowed on our trip." Yoichi had the colossal nerve to grab Hisashi's phone and turn it off. Hisashi was too surprised to stop him.

"Hey!" Hisashi cried. "What if my draft didn't save?"

"If I let you finish that email, then there will be another, then another," Yoichi said in the tone of someone speaking from bitter experience. He seized his older brother by the arm and dragged him toward the door. It felt like a small furry animal was trying to yank him by its teeth. Hisashi could have easily thrown off such a weak grip, but it was cute so he allowed it.

As Yoichi pushed Hisashi into the car, he ordered the driver, "Floor it."

"Why are you acting like you're in a cop chase?" Hisashi asked, amused.

The car lurched into motion. Yoichi subjected his brother to a withering glare. "We're running from the urgent phone call you're about to receive canceling the trip."

"Really? Did my assistant say something?" As his younger brother's eyebrow raised further, Hisashi realized this had been sarcasm. "Ha-ha, very funny. Give me back my phone."

"Make me," Yoichi said, sticking the phone under his bottom.

"You're just lucky your scrawny ass is too lightweight to break my screen, or you'd be dead. Instead, I'll settle for some mild torture." Hisashi waggled his tickling fingers, then lunged.

Peels of forced laughter came from Yoichi as the car drove out of the gate.

---

Yoichi stood at the base of the trail, looking at his map. He muttered, "We're following the blue trail. That will lead us straight to the lodge on top." He pushed a lock of hair off his forehead. It clung, already slick with sweat. The trip was only just starting, and already the hot summer air had Yoichi sweltering. Hisashi felt quite confident that his little brother wouldn't last longer than an hour.

Just in case, Hisashi had taken extra precautions. He'd filled Yoichi's water bottles with lemonade. Yoichi had accepted his favorite drink with a smile, pleased his older brother had helped pack for the trip. In reality, Hisashi had read online that sugary drinks contributed to dehydration. His own pack had a giant water bottle, which he would share with his little brother after Yoichi admitted he couldn't continue. Hisashi had not been able to stop Yoichi from packing snacks without looking suspicious, but he'd chosen extra salty peanuts and potato chips to create maximum thirst.

Yoichi's wilderness survival adventure book had advised him to wear lightweight weatherproof pants instead of denim jeans, a tip he'd cheerfully shared with his older brother. Because Yoichi burned so easily, he'd also covered his shoulders with a lightweight jacket. Finally, Yoichi had picked his most comfortable red sneakers, which no doubt made sense to an inexperienced hiker. But they didn't have the proper treads for hiking. Hisashi himself had new boots purchased by his personal assistant. It was all Yoichi's fault, really. He'd never asked his wise big brother for his opinions on footwear.

Once Yoichi inevitably collapsed, Hisashi would be gracious about it. He'd ordered his minions to wait at the bottom of the mountain with plenty of water, a medical kit, and a cushioned stretcher. Hisashi had cleared his schedule to free up two whole days, leaving all of tomorrow to look after Yoichi as he recovered from his silly little excursion. Hisashi wouldn't even gloat more than a little bit. He would be solicitous and gentle, the perfect caring older brother. Perhaps this experience might yet bring them closer together as Yoichi had planned.

Yoichi slathered a heavy layer of sunscreen over his pale skin. He'd purchased the strongest over-the-counter sun protection available. Hisashi had secretly dumped out half of it and replaced it with hand lotion. He'd considered replacing all the sunscreen, but he didn't want to burn his little brother too badly. Just a mild burn, to teach him a valuable lesson. It was basically for his own good. Yoichi needed to be less reckless with his health.

After finishing, Yoichi held up the bottle. "Would you like some?"

Hisashi shook his head. "I have a metapower that protects me from sunburns."

"Really?" Yoichi's eyes lit up. He rattled off questions rapidly. "How strong it is it? Does it have a time limit? Have you tested it yet?"

Hisashi smiled. His brother loved metahuman abilities. They had that in common. "I have complete resistance to fire. There's no time limit. I walked through a wall of flames without even a thread of my clothing burning. Naturally, mere sun rays can't do anything to me."

"That sounds very useful." Yoichi's smile faltered. In a smaller voice, he asked, "How did you get the power?"

Hisashi had stolen it from a stranger on the street. "Someone gave it to me. You know many people want to give up their abilities to avoid discrimination."

Yoichi bit his lip. "But that sounds like a power that could be easily hidden."

Hisashi shrugged. "I guess he didn't want to take that risk."

"I guess." Yoichi didn't sound entirely convinced. "Let's get going." He picked up his backpack and set off without a backward glance.

Hisashi frowned. Yoichi had always been utterly convinced his big brother was helping people by taking powers they didn't want. Since when had Yoichi started to doubt him? Had someone been saying strange things to his little brother? Hisashi turned on the phone which he'd reclaimed in a glorious tickle battle. He typed a message to his personal assistant asking her to look into who'd made contact with Yoichi lately.

It didn't send.

Over his shoulder, Yoichi called, "There's no reception in this area, remember? That's why I picked it."

Sighing, Hisashi pocketed his phone. At least his little brother sounded cheerful again. "I could have a business emergency."

"Learn to delegate, big brother." Yoichi waved from farther up the trail. "There's internet at the lodge on top of the mountain. You can check your precious messages there. Hurry up, or I'll leave you behind. If I make it to the top first, then I'm going to start referring to you as my weak big brother."

Challenge accepted. With a growl, Hisashi picked up his backpack. "I'm coming, little brother."

They walked briskly up the trail. As the parking lot below started to fade out of sight, Yoichi said, "Isn't this pretty?"

Hisashi grunted. "It's a bunch of trees."

"Don't be a killjoy, big brother. Admit it. This is nice and relaxing. No cars or phones, just the sound of the breeze and the birds." Yoichi inhaled deeply. "Wonderful."

Hisashi didn't smell much, just a dampness rising off the dirt from the rain yesterday. The trail was paved, at least, so his new boots wouldn't get too filthy. The air felt heavy and humid. Coniferous trees clustered around them, with the occasional flowering bush. A patch of thistles sprouted off the side of the trail. He didn't hear any birds yet, just a squirrel scurrying up a trunk.

Yoichi continued his monologue. "Nature helps us realize what's most important. Life should be about more than making money. Life should be about beauty, caring for the world around us, and spending time with family."

As he spoke, Yoichi munched on a packet of peanuts, then drank some lemonade. The peanuts must have given him the itch of thirst. Hisashi himself had multiple powers to increase his stamina and stave off dehydration. He could easily climb this mountain several times without rest.

A bug landed on the back of Hisashi's hand. He slapped it, killing it.

Yoichi looked over his shoulder. "Do you want some bug spray?"

Hisashi's nose wrinkled. He hated how that stuff smelled. "Maybe if I see more mosquitos."

"Suit yourself." Yoichi stopped to spray some on. His underarms looked damp. Perhaps his earlier enthusiasm about nature had been partly to convince himself.

Hisashi said, "Chemicals aren't good for your health. How much fresh air will you get if you breathe in those fumes?"

"It's an organic repellant, big brother."

"It probably won't work, then."

Yoichi snorted. "Mosquitos will be more drawn to your rich, healthy blood."

This won an amused chuckle from Hisashi. "At least the bugs know quality when they taste it."

"You'll be protecting me, just like how you scared off bullies when we were children." A note of wistfulness entered Yoichi's voice. "Do you ever miss those simpler days?"

Ugh, more of this philosophical garbage. Hisashi said, "The more time that passes, the more money I accumulate and the more comfortable lives we live."

"Money again. Money isn't everything—"

"Says the child who lives off my money."

A muscle in Yoichi's jaw clenched. But he only said, "I know you work hard to provide for us, big brother. I don't mean to disparage your efforts. It's very impressive, how you built an empire from basically nothing. You've always been brilliant and talented."

Hisashi was surprised. In all honesty, he'd deliberately tried to get a rise out of his little brother. He knew Yoichi hated to be called a child. But Yoichi had refused to rise to the bait. He was trying very hard to keep the peace. He must desperately want brotherly bonding time together.

Pleasure at the compliment softened Hisashi's heart and made him speak honestly. "It's not just about money. It's about safety. I used to worry constantly back when we were children. Politicians on the news talked about the need to separate out the metahuman population. We both had white hair. We would have been targets. I couldn't have done anything to protect you back before my metapower developed." Hisashi stopped, not liking to admit to such vulnerability. His organization had only just become big enough to stand a fighting chance against the entire government. It finally let him feel a little bit safe.

In the changing world, people who had strange eye and hair colors but no metapowers were at the bottom of the heap. People like Yoichi. The average citizen assumed they were metahumans hiding their powers. Metahuman gangs wouldn't accept them. They were outcasts to both sides, with no abilities to fight off those who took offense to their appearance. Ever since Yoichi had failed to develop a metapower, Hisashi had known his little brother would never be able to survive without his protection. Which Hisashi was happy to provide, naturally. Giving Yoichi his own power had never been an option because it would have worsened his illness. Yoichi suffered from a form of cellular degeneration most commonly found in metahumans whose bodies rejected their powers. Although Hisashi knew better than to admit it, he'd secretly been pleased to have an excuse not to give his brother an ability. He worried that a power would make Yoichi more reckless and cause him to endanger himself. With Yoichi's gullible and overly generous nature, he'd find a way to lose any power that Hisashi gave him (as if that was even possible, ha-ha.) Hisashi was better suited to the role of keeping both of them safe.

Yoichi cast his older brother a soft look. "You always had to look out for me, since our parents never did, even before they died. I know I was a burden on you. I'm grateful."

Hisashi smiled. "Of course I looked out for you. You're my cute little brother."

Yoichi said, "Now that I'm grownup, I want to help you in return."

He sounded so determined. Such an adorable kid. "It sounds like you already have some scheme in mind?"

Yoichi nodded. "I want to help with your metahuman rights activism movement."

Such a project would appeal to Yoichi's hero complex. Hisashi didn't mind coming up with some busywork for his little brother to do. Preferably something that would make him feel useful, but that he could do from home. Japan's streets were getting increasingly unsafe, especially for a frail and sickly youth.

"What a wonderful idea. I remember you talked about going to law school." Hisashi supported his little brother pursuing higher education because it would mean a longer period where Yoichi would remain dependent on his money. "Would you like a job with our legal department afterward?" Hisashi employed lawyers mainly to enforce contracts with those who owed him favors or to keep his minions out of jail, but he would never let his little brother near that work. Perhaps he could create a separate division just for his little brother, that focused on charitable handouts. It would be good publicity, and it would keep Yoichi happy. As long as his salary continued to be controlled by his big brother, it would keep him at home, too.

Yoichi said, "Actually, I had another plan. A major strategic move for your organization. Can we stop and take a break? I'm feeling a bit tired. Besides, this is a serious conversation."

This should be interesting. "Of course," Hisashi said. He removed a green blanket from his pack, spread it over a rock, then sat down.

Yoichi sat next to him. He paused to re-tie his hair. The flush on his cheeks suggested nervousness or that Hisashi's plan to tire him was working. "This is a nice view of the city," Yoichi said.

Hisashi accepted the non-sequitur. "I can't see much through the trees." He could just make out the distant tops of skyscrapers below. Another bug landed on his wrist, then took off before he could kill it.

"Everything looks smaller up here. My problems seem less substantial."

"You have problems?" Hisashi asked, amused. He supposed exams and clubs must seem like a big deal to the college student. Nothing compared to Hisashi's concerns. But he worked hard so that his little brother could live a peaceful life.

Yoichi took a sip of water. In a serious tone, he said, "Hisashi, I know you've formed an illegal militia of metahumans."

Hisashi startled so badly he nearly fell off the rock. His arms flailed as he righted himself. Yoichi held out a hand. Hisashi ignored it. He didn't need help. He needed the head of whoever had been pouring such vile poison into his dear little brother's ears. Had someone close to him betrayed him, someone he'd trusted enough to let near his only family? Had Yoichi learned about matters that didn't concern him from an acquaintance at school? Worse, had a government agent approached his little brother on campus? Hisashi should have restricted who could speak to his little brother. Giving into Yoichi's pleas for privacy and socialization had been a mistake. As soon as they returned from this trip, Hisashi would put a tap on his brother's phone.

In the meantime, he had to do damage control. "That's a lie that my enemies have been telling in order to discredit my metahuman rights movement. Who told you that? Why would you believe a bigot over your own brother?"

"Hisashi." Yoichi fixed him with a withering glare. "I know. I wouldn't be talking to you about this if I wasn't already certain. Don't treat me like an idiot. Please, for once in our lives, listen to me."

Sweat dripped down Hisashi's hairline. He tried to speak, but no words came out. He must be hyperventilating. How embarrassing. For once, his vaunted gift for words had betrayed him.

"Big brother, look at me." Yoichi grabbed his brother's arm. "I understand. I know why you felt like you had to protect yourself. The government has barely taken action over the rising number of hate crimes against metahumans. Your business is…not perfectly legitimate, I suspect. But that doesn't justify the vandalisms and attempted bombings on your buildings. The laws against metahumans gathering together in large groups are unfair and needlessly strict. I don't blame anyone one bit if they felt like they had to protect themselves because the government wouldn't."

Hisashi's breath returned. Yoichi didn't know everything. He seemed completely in the dark about Hisashi's plans for a government coup. It sounded like Yoichi only knew the official story that Hisashi had told most of the lower-ranked metahumans he'd gathered into his militia. That made it less likely Yoichi had been talking to the government. Probably a fellow student with militia ties had blabbed. Hisashi would find the leak the instant he returned to the city.

"I'm surprised to hear you say that, little brother, but glad," Hisashi said. "You've become more sensible since attending college."

Yoichi bit his lip. "I lived through the Tokyo Riots, too. I remember the police doing nothing to help the metahumans being lynched. The authorities either couldn't protect people or didn't want to, but still passed rules stopping them from protecting themselves."

Hisashi nodded. "That's exactly why so many metahumans turned to me for protection. I've done my best to lead them."

Yoichi said, "But surely you see that it can't continue like this forever. The government has been making a major push to restore order. They're focusing on metahuman criminal gangs at the moment, but they'll come for you soon."

Hisashi's racing heart rate slowed. His little brother seemed far more amenable to persuasion than he'd ever dared hope. When the government inevitably attacked him, Hisashi would use this to claim self-defense among his followers. If need be, Hisashi would provoke the conflict himself once he was ready. Hisashi had been using his ties among the criminal gangs to keep the government distracted until his preparations were complete. But ultimately, he wanted and needed a war. A large-scale conflict would force metahumans to pick sides—and drive more of them to him. Hisashi knew that the bulk of his followers did not want a revolution. They only wanted to live in peace. In order to topple the government, he needed to convince his fellow metahumans that they had no choice but to fight if they wanted to survive.

It would be perfect if he could use the same deception on Yoichi. Hisashi had long worried about how his idealistic little brother would react to his coup. Although it was still too early to admit his intentions, he could lay the groundwork now. "My followers have already been arrested merely for defending themselves from hate crimes. I'm concerned about the direction the government has been moving in."

"That's very worrying." Yoichi shook his head. "That's why I came up with a proposal to help you."

Hisashi groaned internally, though he didn't let a sound escape his lips. This would surely be something very silly. But his little brother would react poorly if Hisashi mocked his efforts. Better to use logic to carefully divert the child to the correct path. "I'm eager to hear it."

"The government has released a call to recruit the first ever team of professional heroes. They're imitating America's new program. With your many abilities, you'd be automatically accepted. They promised amnesty to any vigilantes who joined. You could use that to protect yourself from prosecution over your militia." Yoichi sat up straighter. His eyes sparkled. Joy sprang from his every word. "Just imagine it, big brother! You could be a real life hero!"

Hisashi laughed. He couldn't help it. The loud guffaw slipped from his lips, followed by another, then another.

Yoichi scowled. "You promised to listen to me."

Hisashi patted his brother's head. "Yes, yes, I'm listening. You're adorable, did you know that? The instant the government said the word 'hero,' you fell for it hook, line and sinker. Such a comic book nerd."

"This coming from someone who keeps a demon king cosplay in his closet…" Yoichi muttered. In a louder voice, he said, "I'm serious about this. I've never been blind to the less savory side of your business. You're probably deeper into illegal activity than I know about. I don't want to condemn you, not when I know you had limited options when we were younger. But this is your chance to do better in the future."

The mistake his little brother made was assuming Hisashi wanted to be better. Yoichi thought everyone should be as idealistic as him. It was annoying yet endearing. "You're adorably innocent. Still a child at heart, even when you try to act like an adult." He swooped in for another head pat.

Yoichi growled low in the back of his throat. He shoved Hisashi's hand off his hair. His cheeks were flushed and his chest puffed up with indignation. He looked so cute, like a cat being teased with a laser pointer. With visible effort, Yoichi let out a breath and unclenched his fists. "Fine, you want pragmatic reasons? I can give you those. It will be good publicity, both for your business and metahumans as a whole."

True enough, but Hisashi didn't want good publicity. He wanted a civil war, a wave he could use to rise to the top. "I have no interest in wiping the government's ass in exchange for 'exposure.' Do I look like a starving artist to you?"

Yoichi met his gaze squarely. "But if you don't make peace with the government, then what is your long-term plan? You know they won't ignore your militia or your other illegal activities forever."

Hisashi took a moment to consider how best to persuade his little brother. The truth about his plan would absolutely infuriate the child. Perhaps he could give an edited version. "Little brother, the Japanese government is approaching a state of collapse." With the help of repeated pushes from Hisashi himself. "They'll soon have bigger problems to worry about than my rule-bending."

Horror filled Yoichi's eyes. "That's terrible! All the more reason for you to join forces with the professional heroes. We need to stop this."

We? What did his frail younger brother expect to do? It would all be on Hisashi, as usual. Hisashi snorted. "It's not my job to handhold the government. I look out for myself and you." Besides, he stood to benefit from the collapse.

Yoichi jittered. His voice filled with passion. "A failed state isn't something you can treat as someone else's problem. I know you've read the news stories about countries whose governments couldn't maintain order after the rise of metahuman powers. People die, in massive numbers. Especially the poor, the homeless, and the powerless, like we used to be."

"Maybe something better will rise from the ashes," Hisashi said.

"I've heard the rumors of a metahuman revolution." At his brother's surprised look, Yoichi snorted. "Official news won't talk about it, but it's all over the internet."

"Mere conspiracy theories," Hisashi said.

"I'm glad to hear you say that, big brother, because you shouldn't become involved in that." Yoichi's eyes took on a burning intensity. "I understand the temptation. I've been deeply unimpressed with how the government has handled the appearance of metapowers. But civil wars have a devastating cost of lives. I would consider it justified if we lived in a country where metahumans were being slaughtered, but right now we still have the ability to fight for rights in court. The recent professional hero program shows that the government is starting to soften its stance and accept that metahumans are here to stay. We haven't reached the point of war yet."

"I hope you're right," Hisashi said, meaning the exact opposite. It would be troublesome to his long-term plans if the government extended a peace offering to moderate metahumans. He needed the hero program to fail.

Yoichi watched his brother's face carefully. "You've always been smart. Practical. If you had a choice between being a hero or a villain, wouldn't you want to be a hero?"

Hisashi laughed. "Of course not! I always preferred villains."

"This isn't about your comic book tastes, big brother." Yoichi sounded on the verge of anger or tears. "Villains always lose in the end!"

Hisashi snorted. "Is that another quote?"

"No, unless I count as the quoter," Yoichi said.

"You're the one acting like a comic book character now."

"Villains lose in real life, too. Or rather, people who are considered villains." Yoichi's eyes narrowed. "Metahumans are still a small minority. Do you think Japan's public would tolerate a metahuman dictator? They'd rise up in revolt. Other countries would never allow it, either. They'd be afraid of encouraging a coup within their own borders. They'd send armies. I know that justice doesn't always prevail in real life. History is full of bad guys who lived long and prosperous lives, but they always had their own followers convinced that they were heroes. If the entire world believes that you're a villain, then they'll rise up and destroy you. Can't you see that I'm worried about you, big brother?"

Hisashi was surprised by this uncharacteristically pragmatic argument and his younger brother's perceptiveness about the situation. All of these were points Hisashi had already considered. He knew he couldn't hold the government if he attacked with brute force. That's why he planned to nudge it to collapse on its own, wait until Japan turned starving and desperate, then step in as a savior. If he acted his part correctly, he could pretend to be reluctant while his followers begged him to accept a crown.

This plan would hardly impress Yoichi, what with his bleeding heart. His naïve little brother got so irrationally worked up about complete strangers dying. It must be exhausting to care so much. To waste so much energy trying to help those who would never have done anything for him in return. Someone had to look after Yoichi, since he certainly wasn't going to do it himself. Better for Yoichi not to understand what was happening until Hisashi held Japan in his grasp. Then it would be too late for him to do anything.

Softening his tone, Hisashi said, "I don't want a civil war. War is bad for business." Bullshit. War would be great for his business, especially with some of the recent investments he'd made. "I'll be certain to lobby for peace among my followers." To make himself look more innocent later. "But I have no interest in the professional heroes initiative. It's doomed to fail."

"Fine. That's your choice." Yoichi shrugged. Just when Hisashi believed this conversation to be safely over, his little brother added, "But I want to join the program."

"You?" Hisashi gaped. Then he laughed out loud. "They'd have no interest in you! You don't even have a power!"

"I'm aware," Yoichi said coldly. "They're seeking interns. I've prepared an application. I wanted to talk to you before sending it. If I'm accepted, it would look great on my resume for law school."

Several pieces clicked together in Hisashi's mind. "Isn't the program based in Kyoto?"

"Yes, I'd need to move," Yoichi said. "That's the other thing I wanted to talk to you about."

"Move out?" Hisashi shrieked. "Absolutely not! The world is too dangerous for you to live alone! I forbid it!"

"It's not actually your choice," Yoichi said calmly. "I'd only be gone for summer break, then I'd come back when the fall semester starts."

Oh, this would not be happening. The professional hero program was dangerous. Countless people would be willing to murder everyone involved to ensure the program failed. Hisashi had considered a few assassination himself. Even an intern might not be spared. What if the government tried to use his little brother to get at him? His civilian identity wasn't public knowledge, but at least some of the higher ups knew. Yoichi couldn't be permitted such foolishness. As soon as Hisashi had internet again, he would ensure that his little brother's computer experienced an abrupt malfunction deleting his application. For good measure, he would launch an attack against the entire intern program.

Just as Hisashi started to form his plan, Yoichi added, "Consider it a trial run for when I leave home after graduation."

"Since when were you leaving home after graduation?" Hisashi tried to compose himself, despite his rising panic. "There's no need. My house is plenty big enough for both of us. Wouldn't it be more sensible to live with me so you don't have to pay rent? I'm happy to have you."

"I want to become a human rights lawyer. I want to help people. My future job will likely involve travel. I don't plan to live at home forever. You'll need to get accustomed to the idea, big brother. It's perfectly normal for younger siblings to move out."

"Maybe in more normal times, yes. But Japan is on the verge of collapse! You said it yourself! It's dangerous! I'm an important person, and there's a risk of my enemies targeting you. It would be much harder to protect you in another city. Don't be selfish, little brother."

Yoichi regarded him with cool eyes. "When will the world ever be safe enough for me to move out?"

Hisashi swallowed. If he admitted that he never planned to let his little brother leave his side, then Yoichi would flip. But if he allowed Yoichi to pin him down on specific terms and conditions, then they would definitely be thrown in his face later. There was no winning.

Hisashi finally understood the fiendish cleverness of his little brother's hiking trip. Normally at this point he would fake an important phone call in order to get out of this conversation. But Yoichi had dragged Hisashi out into the bug-infested wilderness in order to spring every single painful topic on him while he couldn't escape. What a devious brat!

Yoichi snorted. "That's what I thought. It's not a debate, big brother. I want to live alone and find myself. I'm warning you in advance so that you have time to come to terms with not getting everything you want."

"Find yourself? You'll find yourself buried in a shallow grave!"

"Don't be melodramatic, big brother."

"I'm not being dramatic!" A million ways that his brother might die flashed across Hisashi's mind. Riots were spreading across Japan. It wasn't safe for a sickly youth with white hair to live alone. They were each other's only family member. Hisashi had only his little brother in the whole world. How could the silly little child do this to him?

"Answer my question." Yoichi glared, green eyes blazing. "Are there any conditions, ever, under which you would allow me to move out? Am I going to be treated like a child by you forever?"

"When you stop acting like a child, then I'll stop treating you like one!" Angry words exploded from Hisashi. "Only a foolish, immature brat would give up a good, safe home for some ridiculous reason like finding himself."

Yoichi sighed. The life seemed to sag out of his body. He said, "We'll talk about this more later. When the time comes."

"Yes. When the time comes." Hisashi took deep breaths, reminding himself that now wasn't the ideal moment for this argument. Tempers were running too high. His insult had been clumsy, angering his little brother further. Hisashi needed to calmly make Yoichi see that it would be a bad idea to live alone. He had time to think up logical arguments. The internship could be prevented. Next time Yoichi tried to apply for a job, Hisashi would either sabotage it or buy the company. When graduation time came, Hisashi would find evidence to convince Yoichi that he'd be in danger if he moved out. Evidence could be manufactured. Even assassination attempts could be manufactured. Yoichi would see reason.

And if he didn't…then Hisashi would have no choice but to put some restrictions on his little brother. For his own good, of course. Hisashi had to keep Yoichi close and safe. What else was a demon king supposed to do when he had a little brother he loved very much, who was a bit of a fool?

Yoichi stood up. "Let's get moving. I want to reach the waterfall in time to eat lunch. It's getting hotter." He wiped off his sweat with a handkerchief.

As he walked, Hisashi checked his phone. He was antsy to contact his people and get to work finding who had planted so many strange notions in his little brother's head. They would die for this crime, slowly and painfully. Hisashi had no mercy for anyone who threatened his family.

College had been a mistake. It had exposed Yoichi to bad influences. After being homeschooled for all of high school because of his chronic illness and white hair, Yoichi had begged his brother to let him stay in the dorms during college. Naturally, Hisashi had refused. Yoichi was too stubborn to even dye his hair black, insisting that would be like selling out to bigots. It was often frustrating to Hisashi to see how his little brother prized his ideals over practicality or even survival. They'd compromised on commuting to school. In retrospect, Hisashi had given in too much. His enemies had used this public exposure to move in, and his little brother didn't have the sense to resist. Hisashi would withdraw Yoichi from college as soon as they returned from this trip and look into online classes instead.

In Hisashi's distraction, he ran into his little brother's back. Yoichi had stopped moving before a diverging fork in the path. "Uhh…" Yoichi mumbled, staring at a map.

"You know where we're going, don't you?" Hisashi growled. Their argument had put him in a vile temper.

"Of course I do," Yoichi said. When they'd played childhood games, that tone always meant he was bluffing.

Hisashi's eye twitched. He refused to wander aimlessly around the forest. "Let me see that."

"Hey," Yoichi protested as his older brother yanked away the map.

"Both paths lead to the same place," Hisashi said, then picked one at random.

Yoichi dashed after him. "I know! I was trying to figure out which path would get us to the top more quickly."

"You took too long," Hisashi said, continuing to walk. He didn't care, because they'd never make it to the top of the mountain regardless.

Yoichi panted as he caught up and grabbed back the map. "You always insist on having your own way."

Hisashi snorted. "That's something we have in common."

"Except you always win." The bitterness in Yoichi's voice startled Hisashi.

Why such irritation over a choice between two nearly identical paths? Hisashi supposed it must be the principle of the thing. Yoichi was a great believer in his principles.

Normally, Hisashi would have soothed his younger brother. Right now, he felt angry after his little brother had threatened to abandon him. "You love to have opinions on matters you know nothing about. You have such strong convictions on the future of metahumans, even though you're not one of us." It was easy for Yoichi to accept the government's plans to regulate metahuman abilities, when he'd never dealt with the urge to use a power itching under his skin. Not that Hisashi would ever say that part out loud, because he knew it would generate unpleasant questions from his little brother about how he dealt with those urges. "You can idealize the professional heroes program because you fall in the category of people acceptable to them." The heroes program would never take Hisashi, not with an uncontrollable power like All for One. It showed Yoichi's naivety that he'd even suggest it. "You can't look after yourself, but you complain about the means I use to protect you."

Hisashi remembered the days in their childhood when he'd dyed his hair and put in contact lenses to go out and find medicine for his little brother. So-called concerned civilians had been patrolling the streets with weapons, yanking off people's hats and checking to see if their roots showed a different color. Then when Hisashi had gotten back, Yoichi had the nerve to ask if the medicine had been obtained legally. Of course not! No legitimate businesses would sell the cellular degeneration medication that only metahumans needed. Yoichi had been sheltered and protected by his older brother. He'd never experienced the terror of fighting to survive. Back in those days, Hisashi had lived and suffered caught between a craving to use his power and the knowledge he'd be killed if he was caught. He'd fought off a murder attempt from a hate group gang for the first time when he'd been only ten years old. Obviously, Hisashi had fallen in the habit of lying to his younger brother, sometimes to protect him from the terrors of the world, sometimes because it was easier than justifying himself to a naïve child.

After this jab, Hisashi had expected his little brother to retort, which would have given him an opportunity to launch into his rebuttal speech. But Yoichi only trudged beside him wordlessly.

The path turned from pavement to dirt and narrowed. The trees grew thicker, blocking out the sun. Yoichi's panting drowned out the insects.

Worried by this uncharacteristic silence, Hisashi glanced sideways. Yoichi looked tired. The first hints of sunburn showed on his face and hairline. Concern replaced Hisashi's irritation.

A fallen tree trunk blocked the path. Yoichi stopped and adjusted his shoe. By now, he must be developing blisters.

Hisashi asked, "What if we turned back?"

"No," Yoichi growled.

"Hear me out. I can order a helicopter to fly us to the top of the mountain. We'll still have our picnic lunch."

"No. You promised me that you'd go on this hiking trip. You're going to keep your promise." Yoichi adjusted his backpack strap and leapt over the tree trunk.

Yoichi guzzled lemonade as he walked. His face turned even redder. He must be feeling the dehydration caused by the sugary drink. Hisashi did not offer his water. His goal was to tire his little brother out, after all. Yoichi didn't ask. He didn't complain, either. He kept marching forward in grim silence.

Hisashi felt a combination of annoyance and concern. He'd expected his little brother to give up before this point.

They stopped in front of another fork with a sign post. A trail of ivy ran down the white post. The letters had mostly faded away. Yoichi checked his map. He leaned against the sign. Sweat soaked the tips of his hair. His hands shook. When he stood up straight, a long, low groan emerged from his lips. Hisashi fully expected that this would be it. This would be the moment when Yoichi would stop being so stubborn and quit. But instead, Yoichi ground his teeth and walked down the left path.

Hisashi wanted to scream. Yoichi couldn't possibly be having fun. What kept him going? Just sheer stubbornness? Desire not to let his big brother win? What an absolute fool.

Once again, Hisashi tried reason. "We had a good hike. Very enjoyable. There's no shame in stopping here."

Yoichi didn't reply. He kept walking, forcing Hisashi to follow him.

It became painful for Hisashi to watch his younger brother struggle like this. Yoichi swayed slightly as he put one foot in front of the other. Hisashi lurked behind him, ready to catch him if he fell backward. Hisashi's own abilities ensured he had an inexhaustible stamina. He could carry his little brother down the mountain if need be, though he certainly didn't look forward to it.

Hisashi slapped another bug off his arm. Then he itched his wrist. Once he started, he couldn't stop. A rash of bug bites ran down both of his arms. Even his neck felt itchy. When had so many mosquitos bitten him? He hadn't even noticed.

Yoichi stopped and fished around in his backpack. "You should have accepted the bug spray when I first offered it to you."

"You should have worn better shoes," Hisashi snapped.

Yoichi's eyes shot down to his brother's hiking boots. "If you knew that, then why didn't you warn me?"

Now Hisashi regretted bringing up the topic. "I thought you'd know better. Clearly I overestimated you."

Yoichi sneered. "As if you'd ever do that," he said bitterly. He tossed Hisashi his insect repellant. "Here." Then he whirled around and trudged on.

Hisashi supposed he ought to say thank you, but he was too angry about being forced on this hiking trip to begin with. Besides, Yoichi was already leaving him behind. He applied the spray before racing to catch up.

In the distance, water rushed. Yoichi's head shot up. He shifted his backpack, then sprinted toward the sound.

Hisashi called, "Stop! You'll collapse if you don't pace yourself!"

"You always think you know best," Yoichi said, then ran even faster. He leapt over a tree root.

"You'll trip and break your ankle!" Hisashi shouted. His stubborn little brother didn't even pause. Cursing under his breath, Hisashi ran after.

The path ended in a grassy clearing. A few clouds dotted the clear blue sky. Several empty picnic benches sat under a wooden pavilion. The charcoal grill looked rusty and unused. A mossy guardrail blocked off the waterfall.

Yoichi ran to the railing and looked over. His backpack slipped off his shoulders to the ground. "Isn't that pretty?" he said with a sigh.

It just looked like a whole lot of water to Hisashi. It was noisy, certainly. At least the cool mist drifting off the fall felt nice. He itched a bite below his ear. "I'm hungry." He hadn't realized how much before.

"Then let's have lunch." Yoichi sat down at a picnic table and pulled out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from his backpack.

They both dug into their food without speaking, too famished for conversation. The smooshed sandwich tasted better than anything Hisashi had eaten in a long time. Hunger was the best spice.

His mouth smeared with peanut butter, Yoichi cracked open a can of lemonade. He took a long sip. "Much better," he sighed.

Hisashi wiped a napkin across his brother's mouth.

"Don't—" Yoichi visibly stopped himself. "Thank you."

"Thank me?" Hisashi blinked.

"I don't want to fight with you. This was supposed to be a brotherly bonding trip." Yoichi smiled in a forced way. "It should be fun."

Staying home and playing board games would have been fun. But Hisashi declined to pick another argument. Coaxing would be more effective. "There's no need to force yourself if you're not feeling well."

Yoichi said, "We're more than halfway up at this point. We might as well climb to the top, then catch a helicopter down."

Even this was a concession. Hisashi had been afraid his stubborn sibling would insist on making the hike down too, then likely trip and break his neck. The partial surrender made Hisashi feel generous. "That sounds like a good plan." A mosquito landed on his hand. "Dammit, wasn't the repellant supposed to keep them off?"

Yoichi shrugged. "It's not one hundred percent effective. And it wears off. Want some more?"

Hisashi sprayed it on aggressively. "You look untouched."

"I told you, mosquitos like some people's blood more than others."

"You were serious about that?"

"I read it in a book. They're probably not bothering me because you're around." Yoichi grinned impishly. "Thank you for protecting me, big brother."

Hisashi snorted. "Oh, I see, you dragged me along to attract bugs."

"You've always protected me, ever since we were little." Yoichi's face became serious. "You grew up too fast, having to look after me when you were only a child yourself. Thank you. It's insufficient to say that. I'll always be grateful to you. I wouldn't have lived to adulthood without you. Even if you don't want to be a hero, you're my hero, big brother."

A sincere smile filled Hisashi's face. It felt good to have his efforts acknowledged. "I'll never stop protecting you, little brother. That's what family is for."

"A toast." Yoichi raised his can. "To brothers."

"To brothers." Hisashi touched with his water bottle.

Yoichi drank. Locking eyes with Hisashi, he said, "I'll always love you, big brother. No matter what happens later, that will never change. Please, always remember that."

"You're sounding melancholy. Are you feverish?" Hisashi felt his brother's forehead. Privately, he was pleased. Compared to the squabbling and nagging, he much preferred his little brother like this, properly grateful and affectionate.

"I'm just enjoying this trip," Yoichi said.

Now that had to be a lie. Hisashi snorted. "I'll take a video of the waterfall so you can enjoy it in the future and never, ever need to go back." He marched over to the railing and started recording.

For a brief moment, Hisashi saw a single bar of connection. Then it was gone. He frowned. If only he could send one message through, maybe he could have the helicopter waiting for them at the lodge so they could return to civilization immediately. He waved around his phone over his head.

"What are you doing?" Yoichi asked. "Trying to film the mosquitos?"

"I'm trying to get a signal. I want to arrange the helicopter ride in advance."

Yoichi frowned. "I told you, no phone use allowed on this trip."

"I swear I almost had a connection." Hisashi climbed on top of the railing, holding up his phone higher.

"Stop!" Yoichi leapt to his feet, his eyes filling with panic.

Hisashi balanced on the rounded metal bar and waved his phone. "I think I—"

He'd failed to notice the slipperiness on the railing from the mist rising off the waterfall. His foot slipped. He teetered, then fell backward.

Yoichi leapt forward, hand outstretched. He barely managed to grab his older brother's wrist before Hisashi fell out of range. With a grunt, Yoichi bent over. His older brother's much heavier weight dragged him halfway over the railing. Hisashi's other hand hung limp, holding his cell phone.

"I can't hold on!" Yoichi cried. "Drop your phone and grab the railing!" Veins strained on his neck as he fastened his right hand on top of his left, heaving but failing to lift his older brother.

"But my phone has proprietary data." Hisashi spoke without thinking, still in a state of shock. The phone had enough to convict him of insurrection. He couldn't risk losing it.

Yoichi said a bad word in English that would get him scolded later. "Please, big brother, drop the stupid phone! I'm slipping!" Despite the sincere terror in his voice, his fingers clung on with bruising force.

By then, Hisashi had regained his wits after his uncharacteristic blunder. "Relax, I've got this." He kicked out, his feet connecting with the rocks. Yoichi moaned in terror as several pebbles slipped down. Hisashi used a strength ability to dig his feet into the side of the rock wall, then walked straight up it. Yoichi had still not let go of his wrist, despite it no longer being necessary. Lifting one leg over the railing, Hisashi said, "See, I have everything under control."

His foot slipped on the wet railing again. Hisashi teetered backward, then fell.

For a brief moment, Yoichi stared at his older brother with wide, terrified eyes. Then he yanked with all his might. Hisashi fell to the ground, landing on top of Yoichi.

They lay like that, panting. Hisashi was stunned by his close save. "Get off," Yoichi mumbled, scrambling out from under his brother. "Did you get any messages?"

Still lying on his back, Hisashi checked his phone. "Nope, my message didn't send."

"Then that was all for nothing." Yoichi heaved a huge sigh. "I can't believe you nearly died doing something so stupid."

"Died?" Hisashi cried in protest. "You're exaggerating. I have several abilities that toughen my body and one that lets me float on water. I wouldn't have died." Admittedly, that fall looked extremely painful. He would have broken most of his bones at the bare minimum. Truthfully, Hisashi wasn't completely certain he could have survived the drop, and in retrospect he probably should have thrown away his phone, but he had no intention of letting his little brother lord that over him. Since Hisashi had survived, he wouldn't dwell on the past.

"After this, you have no right to call me a fool ever again," Yoichi grumbled.

Hisashi cracked one eye open. "Ha! You think that will stop me?"

"No, not really," Yoichi sighed. Then he giggled. They both started laughing, mostly out of hysteria.

His breath finally back, Hisashi stood up and dusted off his jeans. He extended a hand. "Come on, little brother. Let's get this over with."

Yoichi took his hand and stood. "So that's how you feel about our brotherly bonding time?"

"I enjoy bonding with you!" Hisashi protested. "In a nice, air-conditioned room where mosquitos aren't eating me alive. Next time, I get to pick the activity. I'm going to make you play Monopoly with me."

"Fine," Yoichi said. "I've had my fill of waterfalls. Let's get going." He put on his pack and strode off without another word. Hisashi had to run after again.

Odd, Yoichi hated Monopoly. He must be too tired to argue. Usually he could argue about anything. He must feel very unwell.

Hisashi cast a glance sideways. They'd barely started walking, but Yoichi was already sweating hard. His legs shook slightly with each step. But he didn't complain or ask for a rest. Sweat and dirt coated them both in an unpleasant smell. Yoichi took deeper breaths. Hisashi felt the same problem: the air was thinner up here.

Little, strangled gasps came from Yoichi. He was breathing through his mouth. At times like this, Hisashi wished he had a healing power. They were so very rare. And Hisashi had searched across Japan. Yoichi's health had always been poor. At this rate, he'd start coughing soon.

Sure enough, a wracking cough came from Yoichi. He covered his mouth with a handkerchief, but not fast enough to stop Hisashi from seeing the splash of blood.

Yoichi took a sip of lemonade. Hisashi pulled out his water bottle. "Here, this is better."

"I'm fine. I brought my own drinks. Save yours for yourself," Yoichi said. Stubborn as always. Unfortunately, Hisashi could hardly admit that he'd known all along that lemonade would only make a hiker even thirstier.

"Would you like to stop for a break?" Hisashi asked, but Yoichi was already walking past him.

The path became slopped steeper uphill. They used tree roots like makeshift steps. Yoichi kept placing one foot in front of the other like a robot. His eyes seemed bleary and unable to see. He stubbed his toe on a rock. It was only a small slip, but he fell down on one knee.

Hisashi ran forward, holding out his water bottle. "Drink." This time, he didn't take no for an answer.

"Thank you," Yoichi mumbled after guzzling his fill. Water dripped down his chin. His face had turned crimson. His skin felt hot. He definitely had a sunburn, but he might be feverish on top of it. Difficult to tell in this sticky heat. It made Hisashi feel an unwelcome guilt.

Hisashi offered his brother an arm. "Lean on me."

Yoichi hesitated. "I'm fine. Really."

"This is our brotherly bonding trip. We should work together. I want to see the top of the mountain with you." Hisashi held out his arm. "Come on. We're almost there."

Slowly, Yoichi took the offered arm. "Thank you," he whispered. He sounded like he might be about to throw up. Was he even sicker than he appeared? Hisashi redoubled his resolve to stick to board games the next time his little brother wanted more attention. Yoichi was never dragging Hisashi to another godforsaken forest again. When Hisashi became the demon king of Japan, all mountains would have chair lifts.

Cresting a hump, they finally saw a wooden lodge with three stories. The sky overhead was blindingly blue. The sun beat down across wild yellow-green grass. A helicopter rested on the landing pad. Hisashi resolved to find out who owned it and purchase it at triple the market price so he could get his brother to a doctor immediately.

Hisashi nudged Yoichi. "We reached the top. You did it."

Yoichi's smile looked painfully bittersweet. "Yes." He took three more steps forward, then collapsed on the bench outside the lodge.

Hisashi hovered. "It would probably be cooler inside."

Yoichi shook his head. He didn't speak. His chest heaved as he sucked in the thin air with all his strength. Each breath came with a strangled choke.

"I'm going inside to arrange the helicopter," Hisashi said. "I'll leave my water bottle here."

Yoichi nodded. He leaned back and closed his eyes.

Worried, Hisashi rushed inside. No one sat behind the receptionist desk, but he saw a bathroom sign. This reminded him of a pressing need. He'd last relieved himself by the side of the trail before lunch. Now his bladder screamed at him. He ran into the bathroom.

After washing his hands, Hisashi checked his phone. He finally had signal. Dozens of unread text messages greeted him, not surprisingly. None of his minions could last a day without him. Good help was hard to find.

He opened the contact to his personal assistant, planning to arrange the helicopter. But the first message stood out to him, stark and terrifying: I reviewed the camera footage and found out who stole the information off your computer. It was your brother. Please, call me back immediately.

A small cry emerged from Hisashi's mouth. What was his assistant talking about? Was this how Yoichi had known about the militia? What had the fool been doing? Hisashi rapidly scrolled through the message chain. Earlier that morning, his personal assistant had discovered a data breach. Someone had downloaded a huge amount of information from his personal computer. Yoichi had been snooping, clearly. This must be how he'd learned of the illegal militia. But why had he bothered to download the data?

His assistant had sent people to intercept them, but they must not have caught up yet. The trackers on Yoichi's clothing had also been removed. But…why would Yoichi…?

Hisashi heard the rumble of a helicopter taking off.

He ran outside. The bench was empty. Yoichi had left behind the water bottle and a sticky note. It only said: I'm sorry.

The helicopter rose up in the sky, too far away for Hisashi to use his telekinesis power. His little brother was gone.

Hisashi clenched his fists so tightly that his nails drew blood. The sheer brazenness of his little brother's plan took his breath away. Yoichi had known that Hisashi would never let him out of the house without bodyguards. He'd also never be allowed to wander to an isolated location outside his brother's control. So he'd had the nerve, the colossal nerve, to present this as a brotherly bonding activity and bring his older brother along on his escape attempt. It was ballsy. Hisashi would have admired the plan if someone else had been the butt of it.

Someone had told Yoichi what information to look for. Someone had helped him disable the trackers on his clothing. Someone who was extremely dead after Hisashi got his hands on them. In retrospect, it became clear that Yoichi already had the "government internship" he'd applied for—a position as a spy. Yoichi had lured Hisashi to an area with no cell phone reception so he wouldn't know about the missing data until it was too late. Had his government handlers known that Yoichi was bringing All for One along to the rendezvous point? Probably not. They would have tried to ambush Hisashi if they'd known he'd be here alone. Yoichi had played both parties, and successfully too.

There had been so many signs that Hisashi had missed. Yoichi had been making one last attempt to persuade his older brother to give up his Japan domination plans, with that talk about joining the professional hero program and amnesty. If only Hisashi had caught on, then he could have pretended to be willing just long enough to lure his brother back home. When Yoichi thanked him for everything during their childhood, he'd been saying goodbye.

Hisashi's pain turned into rage. Why? How could his only family have betrayed and abandoned him like this? If Yoichi hated Hisashi, then why not lure him into a government trap? Why had Yoichi extended his hand to stop Hisashi from falling over the waterfall? If his little brother wanted to throw him away so badly, then Yoichi should have just let Hisashi fall to his death. It would have been less painful than this betrayal.

Blood dripped down Hisashi's fingers. He forced his fists to relax. No, he was being melodramatic. As long as he survived, there would always be hope. He could still find and save his little brother. They'd be able to fix their relationship if only Hisashi could talk to Yoichi again. Yoichi had promised to always love him. If his little brother still cared, then why would he leave? It was inexplicable. Those bastards must have influenced him. Gotten into his head. His baby brother was very fragile, after all. It would be so easy for a liar to take advantage of his innocence and idealism. The government would take him hostage and use him as an expendable pawn. They'd only ever been interested in Yoichi to get information on All for One. Once they had what they wanted, they'd discard him. Then Hisashi would be able to pick his little brother up…or rather, Yoichi would definitely die if Hisashi didn't come to save him.

Hisashi would always protect Yoichi from anything. Including his own foolishness. Pulling out his phone, Hisashi started typing. He had a little brother to find.

---

OMAKE TIME!

Omake: The Demon King Hates Hiking

Hisashi: Little brother, since you complained so much about the vault, I'm letting you out for another hike. I found a metapower that lets me teleport straight to the top of the mountain.

Yoichi: Why are there guardrails?

Hisashi: So no one will nearly fall this time.

Yoichi: Why is there a glass ceiling overhead?

Hisashi: To stop you from getting sunburned.

Yoichi: Why are there no mosquitoes?

Hisashi: I found a metapower that kills all insects with a mile of me.

Yoichi: Spiders are a vital part of the environment! Knock that off!

Hisashi: Spiders aren't insects, foolish little brother. I'm only trying to make your hike more comfortable and pleasant.

Yoichi: There's no hike if you won't even let me outside! Besides, I had no problem with the mosquitos. You're the one who complained non-stop. Weakling.

Hisashi: Excuse me? You're the weak brother!

Yoichi: The supposed scrouge of Japan can't even handle a measly bug bite.

Hisashi: I handled it by slaughtering all mosquitos! The situation was very thoroughly handled!

#

Omake: Permanent Grudge

Minion: There's been a hike in the price of aluminum lately.

Hisashi: AHEM.

Minion: Sorry. An increase in price.

Hisashi: That's better. You know that everyone is forbidden to speak that word in my presence.

#

Omake: The First Capture Attempt

Hisashi: You can't escape! It's over, little brother.

Yoichi: HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE.

Hisashi: (Falling to his knees while his brother runs away) NOOOOOOO! MY ONLY WEAKNESS!

#

Omake: Vault Time

Hisashi: I'm never going hiking again. Never. I'm itching all over, there's something crawling up my leg, and I have twigs in my hair. I'm sure my little brother must feel the same way. I'll be careful to never let him experience the dreadful outdoors again.

Yoichi: Why do those words send a chill up my spine?

Hisashi: You promised to let me pick our next brotherly bonding activity. Step into this nice, air-conditioned, insect-free room.

Yoichi: It's a bank vault. What are we going to do inside a bank vault?

Hisashi: The question is what will you do inside a bank vault? Because you'll have plenty of time to find out.

Yoichi: It's full of pictures of the mountain.

Hisashi: I thought you'd appreciate the homey touch, since you love the woods so much.

Yoichi: Did you take these pictures as a way of saying I'll never see the sun again, to torment me?

Hisashi: Have you gone mad? I didn't take those photos, I sent a professional photographer. I'm not a masochist, little brother. Unlike you. Tch.

Yoichi: Excuse me? How am I a masochist?

Hisashi: Because you're still trying to leave the perfect place of ultimate safety I prepared for you.

Yoichi: You meant the vault. It's a bank vault. This is terrible for my health. I need fresh air. I feel good when I hike—

Hisashi: AHEM AHEM AHEM. We don't speak that word in this house.

Yoichi: This is not a house.

Hisashi: Yes, I know.

Yoichi: It's a vault.

Hisashi: I get it.

Yoichi: It's a vault, that's a huge problem, and you don't get it at all!

#

Omake: Centuries Later

Graffiti left by Yoichi on the vault wall: HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE…

Izuku: Did your brother like hiking a lot?

Hisashi: AHHHHHHHHHH!

Izuku: I have uncovered a weakness!

#

Omake: The Distant Future

Hikage: I'll become a hermit and hide from All for One in the forest.

Hisashi: I give up. I'll collect One for All next generation. When I said I was never setting foot in another forest as long as I live, I meant it.

Hikage: That worked out even better than Yoichi told me!

---

Author's Note: I've bullied Yoichi a lot, so I let him win this round. He still has more suffering to come in this story. I'm planning to take this pre-canon prologue all the way to Vault Time and the final confrontation between All for One and the First.

This story had to be from Hisashi's point of view, because Yoichi's thoughts would have revealed his escape plan. But I'll show Yoichi's perspective next chapter, because there was a lot going on that Hisashi didn't notice. Hisashi's ego also prevented him from fully understanding his brother's motivations. The waterfall scene in particular takes on a very different tone from Yoichi's point of view.

This series will update once a week on Tuesdays.

This story has two pieces of cover art, the first by Chaoticdeer and the second by Fruitloop-chan. I'll post tumblr links to both chapters next week. But if you'd rather not wait, then delete the spaces to get the links.

Chaoticdeer's picture for All for One and Yoichi hiking:
chaotic-deerspirit.
tumblr.
com/
post/684553862444711936/you-cant-have-everything-chapter-1-katydid

OR discord link for people who can't use tumblr:
cdn.
discordapp.
com/
attachments/
876132381378117672/963857094065418250/commission_Katydid8.j
pg

Fruitloop-chan's picture of the waterfall scene:
thefruitloop-chan.
tumblr.
com
/post/684665720623218688/commissioned-by-aimportantdragoncollector

OR discord link for people who can't use tumblr:
cdn.
discordapp.
com/
attachments/
791478585012781086/976238801800294400/You_Cant_Have_Everything_by_fruitloop.p
ng