"That's where he said she'll be," he stated as he slapped the card down on the kitchen counter.

Hisashi eyed the crinkled piece of cardstock and nodded appraisingly. "Friday, hm? That doesn't give us much time."

"That's only three days away," Izuku pointed out. "That's hardly enough time to put together a plan to get her back."

"I agree." Hisashi smiled in approval at the boy before humming contemplatively. "I'm a bit disappointed that you didn't get more information about the kind of security they have. No secret entrances, no numbers, no nothing?"

"Oh please. The guy was barely willing to cough up the card alone." Tomura scoffed, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Send one of the League over to stake the place out." Izuku offered, before turning to the villain. "Shigaraki- er, Tomura, you said it's a seedy spot, right? The kind where societal outcasts hang out?"

"... Yes," he admitted, eyeing him with a grumpy frown. "What about it?"

"I think I know what you're getting at," Hisashi added. "You were thinking of Giran, weren't you?"

"I have no idea who that is," Izuku denied. "I was thinking Spinner. His Quirk, plus his appearance, would likely make it easier for him to blend in."

"Hm." He tapped his chin. "An interesting choice. Tomura?"

"Spinner wouldn't do well for it, he can't lie for shit." Tomura snarked.

"That is true," the older man hummed. "I'll talk to Giran about it."

"If I may," Kurogiri piped up from the corner of the kitchen, "perhaps it would be most prudent to gather the rest of the League here tonight for a meeting. Compress has had plenty of experience in undercover work."

"Excellent idea, Kurogiri. I knew there was a reason I kept you around." Hisashi laughed heartily.

Izuku watched him for a moment before he took a breath and announced, "No matter what, I'm coming with you."

His laughter ceased, and all three older men turned to stare at him.

"Absolutely not," his father admonished. "I lost Inko. I'm not losing you too."

"That would not be wise for one not used to this city," Kurogiri added politely.

"You'll only attract unwanted attention, half-pint," Tomura sneered.

"SCREW THAT." His sudden outburst stunned them into silence.

Izuku glared at his father with newfound anger, his hands clenched into fists. "She's my mom, All For One. She's the only one who's been there for me since I was a kid. She's the only one I trust. And I'll be damned if I sit on my hands while the rest of you plan how to rescue her. I'm not a child!"

"You're sixteen," the villain chastised. "Very much still a child. Izuku, I know you're angry-"

"I'm pissed!" He argued. "My mom leaves for one day and suddenly she gets caught up in a human-trafficking ring?"

"Shut up and think for a minute!" Tomura barked. "They know who you are! They know who she is! If you think for a minute they won't hesitate to use that as a way to take you too, then you're more stupid than All Might!"

"Tomura, Izuku, enough!" Hisashi thundered.

"No!" The small teenager yelled back. "I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines when I have the power to help! That's the reason I became a hero!"

Father and son stared at one another for several long moments.

Finally, Hisashi heaved an exhausted sigh. "Fine. Fine. You can be present when we discuss how to rescue your mother. But if you even think about going off on your own, she'll be more than happy to scold you right along with me."

"I've had worse," he bit back. "At least I'll know she isn't dead."

Tomura watched with mild interest.

When Izuku went to walk away, he called out. "How much does she mean to you?"

That made him take pause. As he turned around to stare at his father's disciple, the intensity in his gaze seemed to anchor him in his spot.

"My mother is my entire world," he stated. "And if something happens to her… I don't know how far I would fall."

Turning again, he walked out of the kitchen, and the young villain looked back to the business card with a thoughtful hum.

Perhaps we aren't so different after all, he decided. I don't know what I would do if Sensei died. I would go mad.

With a moment of decision, he nodded to himself and went to exit the kitchen to head to his room. He had some preparations to make.

Perhaps we have some common ground after all, Midoriya Izuku.

A/N: I know it's been long established that Tomura is essentially Izuku's foil, but I'd like them both to really think about it in-canon. It's been acknowledged, but I want them both to have Thoughts.

Anyway. Please tell me what you thought.