Thieves Can Be Heroes!

by Mugiwara N0 Luffy

Izuku Midoriya thought he was down on his luck the day that he was convicted of a crime for trying to save someone. As if being Quirkless wasn't enough, how was he supposed to become a hero with a criminal record? As it turns out, fate had another plan for him.

40. Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Izuku didn't want to admit that the two days spent recovering for their return to the Palace had mounted his anxiety. He paid a visit to Takemi and did his best with the funds he had left. She showed concern again, Izuku failing to hide his agitation. But the best he could do was dismiss it, appreciative but focused on his primary objective. And after a late night text from Bakugou and Makoto, confirming both were ready, Izuku went to bed restless.

One last push. One last push to find the treasure on the final floor. He parroted, trying to steady his mind and get rid of his restlessness. He tried not to look in a rush down the stairs, not wanting to draw Sojiro's-

"Get out. I'm not serving you."

Izuku raised his head in alarm, trotting down the steps quickly when he heard the disdain of his guardian's voice. He slowed to a stop when he saw who he was addressing.

"That's a rather rude welcome. We're here as customers." It was Sae who answered Sojiro's bitter response, but she wasn't the source of his ire. Standing just a short ways away from her, Izuku's chest tightening up, was the young hero they had met some time ago.

Lemillion. The young Hero in Training who let Eri go.

Izuku briefly met his eyes, the older teen looking at him ruefully. He quickly looked away in shame, his head hanging low. Izuku didn't feel it was unjust for him to feel so; the things he heard and saw in the Palace made his stance on the matter firm.

"I-It's alright Sae-san. I think it's better if I leave…" Lemillion told her, backing away toward the door. Sae furrowed her brow, watching Lemillion slowly turn around and make his exit.

"... Izu. Might I have a moment?" Sae asked, her eyes trailing to Izuku. The green haired teen felt like he was suddenly on the spot, but was unable to reject his once older sister figure.

"Sure…"

Sae stepped outside, Izuku trailing behind her tentatively. He looked around for the young hero, but he seemed to make himself scarce. "Mind telling me what's going on?"

"I… It's complicated…" Izuku mumbled, not sure where to start and how much to divulge. "How do you know him, Sae-oneesan?"

"He's an… associate from work. I've worked with him on several cases. He's surprisingly capable for someone as upbeat as he is. Though he clearly hasn't been that way as of late. And apparently it has something to do with you and your guardian." Sae crossed her arms over her chest, Izuku feeling her eyes drilling into him. "I won't pry, but I thought I'd see if you want to tell me about it."

Izuku wrung his hands, unsure what exactly to say, and thought it was best to remain silent and shake his head. "No, Sae-oneesan. We're okay…"

Sae remained silent, Izuku having trouble meeting her eyes still. He was afraid she might see through him much like she did during his childhood when he, Makoto and Bakugou would get up to some mischief together. He was always the target of her glare because he was the worst at hiding the truth.

But thankfully, she relented, a sigh escaping her lips. "If you say so… I can't say I'll always be able to lend a voice to talk to you. I'm quite busy, and barely have time as it is." Sae's words were as honest as they were a bit harsh. But the small shift in her tone was evident. "But if I can lend an ear, just know I'm willing to listen. Don't be afraid to ask."

Izuku was surprised by her words, but also delighted. It felt like the Sae of old who would both scold but also take care of their troublesome trio was standing in front of him, and not the stern and cold lawyer that Makoto had described her to have become.

"I… I appreciate that, Sae-oneesan."

"Of course. Now, I should take my leave. I was only stopping in for lunch with Togata, but clearly that went a little off the intended plan." Sae pulled her sleeve down to check the time on her watch. "Are you off to see Makoto?"

"Y-Yes, we were planning to study together with friends." Izuku quickly excused, remembering what the younger Nijima had told him before about her excuses to Sae.

"I see. It's good to know you're remaining diligent with her. She did always enjoy it when you were pushing her further." Sae smiled, hand resting on her purse strap. "Then I'll get out of your hair. I hope to see you around, Izu."

"You as well, Sae-oneesan. And please feel free to come back!" Izuku bowed out of habit, like he was making an apology.

"I plan to, but hopefully with a bit better reception to my company." She smirked before turning around. Izuku watched her leave, feeling the small tension in his shoulders lift. Morgana popped out of his bag, the cat looking a little concerned.

"Hey… I hope you're okay after seeing that guy again. We need you focused on the mission as our leader, after all." Morgana said, his voice more gentle than usual.

"Don't worry, Morgana-san. I am," he answered, looking back at the cat with his brow furrowed. "In fact, I'm just more motivated."

---

"Be ready for anything."Izuku warned his team, hands tentatively gripping his bo staff. The seven rode the elevator down, heading to the final floor that had yet to be explored.

"Try not to lose your head, nerd." Bakugou's gruff warning drew Izuku's attention, the explosive teen watching him from the side. "If you're gonna lead, we don't need you riled up."

Izuku's lips thinned into a line, looking around at his team. The others remained silent, their expressions conveying their own concern for his state.

"Right… sorry. I'll be more collected from here." Izuku sighed before looking back at Bakugou and smiling. "Thank you, Kacc-Nitro!'

"Whatever." Bakugou looked away.

*DING*

The Thieves quickly shifted their focus forward, hands on their weapons as they waited for the doors to slide open. They were met with a long white hallway, much like the cleanrooms that belonged to Chisaki before. They slowly walked out, their guard still up despite the lack of Shadows compared to the last floor. The doors mirrored the layout, only made obvious by the outlines of the frame and the plaques plated next to them.

"What was this floor labeled as again?" Ann asked, rubbing her arm as she trailed next to Ryuji and Yusuke.

"There wasn't a map of this floor that I saw. I don't know how big it is either…" Morgana mumbled, looking around the halls tentatively. "But I can sense the Treasure nearby."

"Do you know which direction?" Makoto asked.

"Straight ahead. But judging from what I can see at the end of the hall, I doubt it'll be that simple…" Morgana pointed with his paw, and the other Thieves quickly understood. They jogged over to the end of the hall to more closely inspect the door blocking their way. It was large and made of steel, most likely, meant to keep out prying eyes.

"It's not a surprise that the Treasure is protected this heavily. But look, another console." Izuku pointed out. "We'll probably have to find the Officers on this floor."

"We've already taken out 7 of those assholes, so there should only be one left from the Bullets." Bakugou pointed out, eyes narrowed.

"One huh? Piece of cake. Maybe we'll run into that asshole ruler while we're at it and kick his ass too." Ryuji grinned in anticipation.

"I wouldn't treat that idea too lightly. We are all aware of just how dangerous the Palace owner's true world abilities are. I do not wish to imagine what his Shadow is capable of as well." Yusuke pointed out, grimacing at the prospect.

"Huh? The hell does that mean?" Bakugou cocked a brow, looking at Fox.

"Like you saw with the cognitions, the abilities of those from the real world gets exaggerated. Unfortunately this seems to mean the same goes doubly for the Ruler, as well as give them abilities they aren't capable of in real life either." Makoto explained.

"She's right. Not to mention this is the first Palace Ruler that's a dangerous criminal with a more than lethal Quirk. We have to avoid them at all costs." Izuku frowned, hiding his frustration. Part of him wanted to personally bring Chisaki down, to make him pay for what pain Eri is clearly going through. But not at the possible cost of his team's safety.

He'll get his justice soon enough.

"Tch, what a waste. We should be burying him ourselves." For once, part of Izuku agreed with Bakugou's violent tendency, though of course not to the same severity.

"Let's check each of these offices. Hopefully one will have the keycard or the officer." Izuku suggested, quickly checking the plaque on the next door closest to them. "...'Eri's Play Room'?"

"So, that scumbag at least gave her somethin' to enjoy?" Ryuji scoffed, hands tucked in his pockets.

"Well he is her father, so giving her some good things isn't out of the question." Makoto shrugged.

"I'm going in." Izuku announced, slowly placing his hand on the doorknob. He expected it to be locked but was thankful it clicked open. He opened the door and walked inside, greeted by a colorful room full of toys and stuffed animals.

It was a shockingly large room, comparable to that of Madarame's gallery with the transparent paintings they could pass through. Platforms stuck out from the wall above with slides flowing down from one to the next. A ladder connected them on each level as well, designed like monkey bars for play. On the outside this seemed like something a child might enjoy at least to the eye.

But the toys were… off. Like they lacked any sort of care. The stuffed bears and dolls were faceless. Lifeless toys that could bring no joy.

"A pitiful attempt to win the trust of the child in his care." Yusuke's voice dripped with disdain as he made his thoughts known. His words hit home, the team wordlessly agreeing on the sentiment as they continued further in. They climbed the monkey bar-like ladders between levels to go higher up. While the activities seemed to expand, they never felt genuine. A small, empty slide with only two schutes. A swing set for one on the next. All depressing to look at for the Thieves.

"Hey, it didn't occur to me until now, but… why would he have this room here?" Ann asked, the others looking at her in question. "I mean… this part of the lab, even with a playroom, is just… way too creepy for a kid."

"That is a good point… one might think he was trying to keep her from the outside world in the first place." Yusuke stroked the tip of his chin. "But for what reason?"

Finally they reached the top level and, to Izuku's chagrin, he still saw no sign of Eri's cognition. It shouldn't have mattered. It wasn't her true self or even her Shadow. But he wanted to know how Chisaki viewed the young girl. Whether their suspicions of him ultimately not caring for her were founded. And how much, if true, horror Eri had been through.

But even though Eri was absent, the Thieves were given more obvious hints on the final level.

"What the hell..?" Ryuji voiced everyone's immediate reaction first. This floor seemed to be the most empty. A couple toys here and there, with a single large table bolted to the ground at the center of the room. Crayons and papers were scattered across the table top as well as the floor itself.

What caused their dread was what was written on the papers. On the table. On the floor. Everywhere.

IT HURTS

HELP

IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS

I WANT IT TO STOP

I'M SCARED

I'M SCARED

I'M SCARED

Izuku stepped forward, hand trembling at his side as he knelt down, his eyes scanning across the papers and floor. It was all the same, crayon staining the ground with the same pleas and cries. All in the shaky, messy handwriting of a child.

"This poor child…" Yusuke mumbled, his left eye closing as he frowned.

"What… What exactly is he doing to her..?" Ann raised a hand over her mouth as she trembled.

"That piece of trash…" Makoto clenched her jaw, hands tightening as frustration bubbled within.

"Hm? This feeling…" Morgana sniffed the air before his eyes lit up. "Everyone, get ready! There's a-"

A black sludge pile erupted from the ground at the center of the room, a Shadow taking shape in the form of a gray-skinned and armless oni, whire robes draped over its body under a rope that wrapped around its chest. "What are intruders doing all the way down here?! Chisaki-sama will kill me if he finds out-"

"California SMASH!"

Before the Shadow could assault them, Carter erupted from a torrent of blue flames. It unleashed a rush of punches that rippled across the Shadow's body, each punch crunching its bones upon impact. The oni couldn't speak or cast a spell, abruptly and quickly be completely overwhelmed.

And as the Thieves watched in minor awe, they soon saw the raw emotion behind the attack. Izuku's teeth ground together as furious tears trailed down his cheeks, his frustration and pain spilling forth and unleashed upon the Shadow. Carter's attack soon came to a stop, the Shadow finally allowed to fall to the ground but no longer capable of fighting.

"Wh-What the hell… was that..?" The Shadow coughed as its body fell apart, the pieces turning into black sludge and sinking into the ground.

Izuku let out haggard breaths, his arms trembling with a soreness from the exertion of his Persona. He shook them out briefly, trying to ignore the pain and walk to his team. "Let's go. It doesn't look like he was the officer we needed."

"Hero…" He heard Makoto mumble in concern.

"Don't waste all your energy, moron." Izuku stopped when it was Bakugou who spoke, his voice a low growl but carrying no intensity. "We've still got plenty to look through. We don't need you dragging us down."

"Nitro!"

"No, he's right." Izuku stopped Ann as she protested, turning back to the others and nodding. "Sorry everyone. I'll try to keep my head on straight."

"Hey, don't sweat it! It's not like this ain't fuelin' the rest of us either!" Ryuji slapped his shoulder, a frown spreading across his lips. "This guy pisses me off as much as Kamoshida. He's gonna get his."

"Right." Izuku felt his partner's sincerity, as well as the others' own. He turned back to the hall door, leading them on. "Let's see what else is here."

"I'm still a little surprised that Shadows aren't roaming this hall. It is the most important part of the Palace, after all." Yusuke spoke his mind, his eyes drifting across the white walls of the floor.

"Not to mention it's so small compared to the others. I wonder if it reflects their base in the real world more than the other floors?" Makoto wondered aloud, eyes narrowing thoughtfully behind her mask.

"It probably has to do with the distrust he's shown toward the other Shadows as well as his underlings in the real world. Even the Shadow we encountered was more concerned with Chisaki punishing him as opposed to us," said Morgana.

"Stop flappin' your gums! We've still got a couple rooms to check." Bakugou dismissed their theories, walking over to the door across from the playroom. The others silently followed, Ryuji checking the nameplate.

"'Documentation Room'. Think we'll learn somethin' here?" Ryuji asked, looking at the others.

"Only one way to find out. Any intel we can get is good intel." Morgana said, the group trickling inside. Another spick and span room with white walls, lined with file cabinets and a desk pressed against the wall to their left. At the far end of the room were several couches with a projector sitting on top of a small stand, a screen lining the wall opposite of it.

"Looks like we'll have to pour through some of the cabinets. Considering the projector though, I wonder…" Makoto walked over to the cabinets, drawing them out. "That's what I thought. Looks like DVD's. Apparently he's documented some stuff in video formas well."

"W-Wait a sec, look how many cabinets there are! We're not gonna watch all of it are we?!" Ryuji blanched.

"We might be able to figure out more about the Quirk Erasing Bullets. We won't watch everything, but let's see if we can find something relevant to that and what Eri-chan has to do with it." Izuku encouraged, walking past the others to inspect the desk. "Mona, can you be lookout? You'll be able to sense any Shadows coming."

"Roger. Try to be quick though, this isn't a safe room no matter how empty." Morgana suggested before skipping over to the office door.

As the others searched through the cabinets, Izuku took to searching the desk, hoping to find another tape recording that might continue from the one they last listened to.

"Hey." Izuku drew his gaze back to see Bakugou holding a disk case. "This has that kid's name on it."

"Give it here!" Izuku was met with Bakugou chucking it a little too hard at him, thankfully catching it before it could hit his face. He brushed it off, walking over to the projector and inserting the disc. He swallowed a lump in his throat as the rest of the Thieves surrounded him to watch.

"Our experimentation is proving successful."

Izuku's lips thinned into a line as Chisaki appeared on screen. He wore the same beaked mask as in the real world, but instead dawned a lab coat and rubber gloves, similar to some sci-fi mad scientist. The camera showed him in what looked like a laboratory, his upper half taking up most of the shot as his yellow Shadow eyes shined.

"Eri's Quirk is proving to be more potent than we could have imagined. With just a bit of blood, we've been able to harness the power of her Quirk into the bullets."

"Her blood?!" Anns' voice rose an octave, sweat beginning to bead on the skin of each of the Thieves.

"W-What the hell? He's-"

"Shut up and listen!" Bakugou barked in frustration, eyes focused on the screen. He wasn't being vocal about it, but the burning anger in his eyes was clear to see as he stared up at Chisaki's face.

"Still, the effects aren't permanent. The first bullets I've constructed only erase the quirk for up to ten seconds. I'll be extracting more of her body material this time. Hopefully, with more concentrated blood, we'll be able to continue to extend the amount of time that the Quirk is taken away. Let's begin."

Chisaki turned, walking away from the camera. And the sight the Thieves saw haunted their very souls.

Eri came into focus, wearing a hospital gown that went down to her knees. She was silently crying, tears streaming down her face. Her bandaged arms were strapped down, the young girl bound to an operation chair while laid out flat. As Chisaki approached, the young girl flinched away in fear, body shaking like a leaf as she whimpered.

"P-Please, stop it… It hurts…"

"Come now, Eri. Relax. You know it hurts worse when you fight it."

"I don't wanna do this. It hurts. Please, please stop…"

Izuku's stomach tightened, his eyes wide and pleading, begging for something in Chisaki to heed the child's words. Anything decent in him.

But Izuku quickly realized there was no such thing within Chisaki. His gaze remained cold. Detached. Unfeeling. Nothing Eri said was having any sort of effect on him. All he did was sigh as he slowly drew his right hand rubber glove away.

"The sooner you get used to these operations, Eri, the sooner they end. Now let's begin."

Chisaki's hand extended and touched Eri's arm. And without a single breath, that arm exploded in a wet pop of blood.

"AGGGGGHHHH~!"

"NO!" The collective voices of the Thieves cried out in horror. Ann gripped onto Ryuji, the punk in so much shock that he clung to her without a thought. Makoto sank to her knees, shaken, her hands over her mouth as she tried and failed to keep her composure. Bakugou, who was not so easy to horrify, found his breath hitched and his throat dry as sweat poured down his face. Yusuke was in a similar state, hands twitching as his mouth was agape.

But Izuku… Izuku thought his heart had stopped. His chest felt like it would cave in. His head began to spin, falling to his knees and gripping his stomach. He thought he would throw up as tears now poured down from his eyes, unable to stop from sobbing uncontrollably.

"Today the entire arm was used for the sake of forming these bullets." Chisaki's voice echoed around them, his voice completely void of remorse or any emotion. "Further tests will be run to find out the exact potency of the bullets formed by this amount of her body used. Hopefully it gives us the desired effect. Otherwise we'll have to move onto both of her arms."

Chisaki's voice remains unmoved. All the while Eri's sobbing echoed behind him. Izuku slowly raised his head despite his better judgment. If there was any sort of good to take from this, it was that her arm had been reformed. But her cries made it clear that the pain remained.

The video came to an end, and silence ruled over them.

"Chisaki…" Izuku growled low, his hands balling into fists as he pounded into the floor. "You piece of shit! We'll make you PAY!" He repeated this several times as his hands ached inside his red gloves.

"Hero… come on…" Izuku felt Morgana's small paws tugging on his jacket. Izuku dragged his head up, looking at the others. They were all still visibly disturbed by what they had watched. All of them now left with a chilling new outlook on Eri's experience with Chisaki. Only one thing left could reassure them. One desperate grasp at reassurance, that this was just another horrible distortion of reality courtesy of Chisaki's Palace, that what they had seen wasn't…

"Mona…" Izuku mumbled, trying to shake away his horror. "Please… please tell me she's… not going through that in the real world…"

"... I… I can't."

Yet their hopes were shattered, and Izuku's face rapidly drained of blood at Morgana's mournful reply.

"T-this was so… specific. So detailed, that I… I can't say for sure if what she's going through in real life is… any different."

"THAT SON OF A BITCH!" Ryuji finally snapped, kicking over the projector in the room. "HOW COULD HE DO THAT TO HER?!"

"I thought… I was a tool to Madarame…" Yusuke's voice trembled as he held his hand over his mouth. "But Madarame… at least had the courtesy to feign his kindness… This monster… he does not even deign to offer her comfort… only a cold void exists within him!"

"Poor Eri… she's all alone here. Stuck in this loop of… constant pain and abuse from him." Makoto could barely utter her words loud enough for the others to hear, hands shaking in front of her.

"This isn't fair… she's so young, and… she's enduring so much…" Ann cried, her arms over her stomach and hugging it. "Eri…"

"You all done crying yet?"

The Thieves drew their gaze up to Bakugou, Ryuji ready to snap at him. But he stopped as he realized the explosive blond stood at the door, his back to them. While his face was hidden from view, everyone could see how his hands had balled into fists, shaking with the raw anger he was somehow managing to keep in check. "We can sit here all day crying about it… or we can get off our asses and do something about it. That's why we're here, right?!"

"... He's right." Izuku wiped his face on his sleeve. Even as his heavy heart weighed his legs down, Izuku stood. "Let's go."

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm in." Ryuji stamped his foot, fingers trembling with anger.

"We'll finish this." Ann snarled, following close after him.

"No more wasting time." Yusuke agreed.

"Eri will be free soon enough." Makoto breathed in, calming herself.

"Damn right. Because the Phantom Thieves will save her." Morgana encouraged, fired up to keep going.

"Right. Now let's get… go…ing…" A moment after walking through the door, Izuku sank to his knees, his head suddenly swimming and his vision turning topsy-turvy.

"Hero!" Ryuji shouted, reaching a hand out to grab him. But he soon fell just behind him.

"What the… shit…?" Bakugou had hit the ground as well, his voice slurring.

"Wha…Was' goin'on…" Morgana's voice mirrored Bakugou's, his speech fumbling as he spoke.

"My head… why's...?" Izuku looked back the best he could, trying to focus his eyes even as they misted over. Everyone had succumbed to the feeling of intoxication, stumbling over their own hands as they struggled to balance.

"Is… like we're… drunk or somethi'..." Ryuji tried to say as he struggled to stay up on his hands.

"Hehe, poor brats. Guess ya can't hold yer liquor eh?" Izuku blinked his eyes, trying to shift his focus to the voice. He felt his head heat up with anger, the Quirk induced affliction doubling what anger he might have normally felt. A man clung to the ceiling, a mask likely signifying his place in the Eight Bullets over his face. He wore a fur vest over his back with brown pants. Despite the mask, he was chugging a bottle of liquor, the alcohol spilling out the sides of his mouth as he consumed it.

"Brats indeed. Are these truly those who have been crawling around our headquarters and defeating the Eight Bullets?" Izuku swayed his head to the new voice, eyes barely focusing forward to find another figure standing before them. He wore a more archaic medicine mask, a wide brimmed black hat on his head and a black cloak draped over his body, hiding his arms.

"Shit.. itsda other bullet guys…" Ryuji stumbled over his words and hands.

"Where are our manners? Allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Nemoto and my compatriot is Deidoro. But now that you know who we are… I believe it's only courteous if you tell us who you are. So, who are you?" The even voiced one spoke. But his words had a strange flow to them, and Izuku found his body urged to answer.

"Midoriya Izuku, leader of the Phantom Thieves!" Izuku covered his mouth as the words spilled from his mouth.

"H-Hero! What're you doing… giving your full name…" Makoto asked, clearly in no better wits than the others.

"I-I didn't mean to… I was…" Izuku's half blurred eyes glazed over as he gave a tired glare. "T-That was your Quirk, wasn't it?"

"Indeed. Lucky for you, we don't have to torture you for information. I'll be able to extract it without issue." The Bullet declared, crossing his hands behind his back. "Unlucky for you, for interfering so deeply with our business, we'll be torturing you as an example. But after we get our information."

"Dibs on the girls! They're hitting all the right spots for me!" The freak on the ceiling cackled, still guzzling down a bottle of sake.

"Still, to think that our righteous leader Chisaki would become one of your targets is quite fascinating…" Nemoto declared, rubbing his chin in thought. "I believe our operation has been quite under the radar. We'll have to extract how you came to even learn of him."

"Hero…" Izuku grit his teeth as he dragged his eyes back to Bakugou. He was curled up on the ground, arms twisted around him. But despite this, his expression remained fierce. And his right hand was aimed directly upward.

"Now, let's begin with the rest of you. We'll get all of your names… then all of the names of your family members." Izuku felt sweat trickle down his face when he heard that, the yakuza now crouched in front of him. Izuku wasn't looking his way, but he could feel his body hovering close over him. "We'll have to make examples out of each of them as well. But don't worry, their deaths will be quick. Unlike yours."

"... We were…" Izuku swung his head back to look at the gangster, his eyes half lidded but hiding none of his ferocity. "Already really pissed off before… you know…"

"Oh? And why's that?" The masked man inquired curiously. Izuku didn't feel his quirk in action this time, but answered:

"We saw what you… your bastard leader did to Eri-chan… his own daughter… it pissed us off real bad…" Izuku hissed out, preparing to make his move.

Until Nemoto laughed.

Izuku raised a brow, minorly confused but thinking he was laughing at the sentiment.

"Ah, I see. This makes even more sense. You're the brat who tried to stand up for her with the old man. Chisaki was right. The stench of would-be heroes is quite sickening." The man chuckled, standing at full length as he looked down on Izuku. "It has made even children act out of turn, not knowing their place. His dream of curing this world is indeed just."

"So you just… buy into that crap as he's ripping his daughter apart?!" Ann did her best not to slur her words, though it earned her a laugh from the man suppressing them with his power.

"His daughter?! You brats really bought that ?!" Izuku blinked, throwing his head back to look up at the yakuza glued to the ceiling. "That girl ain't his daughter! What a load!"

"Enough, Deidoro." Nemoto cut him off, "We don't need to be giving them any information, regardless of how useless it will be to them soon. But…" His mask drifted back down to Izuku, who stared up at him with the utmost despair. "Since the cat is out of the bag, yes. She's not his daughter. Though he is her legal guardian. Still… with that knowledge, you should now realize just how much you let her slip through your fingers. You might have really been able to take her away… kidding."

The lifeless lenses of his mask glared deep into Izuku's soul, the absolute emptiness behind it being clear as day. "That lie was the only thing that saved you and that old man's life. As well as Eri's obedience. Don't think for a second that you could have been her hero, then or now. You brats have finally reached the end of this little journey."

Izuku swallowed a lump in his throat, his lightheadedness making it harder to process the information. But even in his inebriated state, his words only succeeded in one thing:

Completely pissing him off.

"Now, Kacchan!"

Neither yakuza had time to react. Bakugou's palm crackled before letting loose a thunderous eruption. It was strong enough to cause the other Thieves to fall to the ground, and reached all the way up to the roof.

"GAAAAAGH~!" Deidoro was completely enveloped in the blast, his body completely visibly charred as the smoke cleared. He was out cold, at first stuck to the roof before slowly peeling off and falling toward the ground.

"Wh-What!? Deidoro!" Nemoto cried out in shock, having fallen on his ass. He fished into his jacket for something, soon producing a revolver. But as he raised it, Morgana was quick to react, grabbing his rapier and slashing through his wrist. "GAGH!"

"You're just a… cognitive being. Got nothin' to feel bad about," Morgana landed sloppily, almost falling over but managing to stay standing.

"Tch… I'm still feelin' that asshole's power…" Bakugou snarled but started to rise to his feet. "But… it's fadin'."

"Yeah…" Izuku pressed off his knee to stand, his eyes and cheeks red as he staggered over to Nemoto. "What I was saying earlier… about being pissed off." Izuku's eyes reddened with his infuriation, the others standing shortly behind him. "I said it because… now we're not just mad…"

"We feel drunk as shit…" Ryuji finished, pounding his fist into his hand.

"Indeed. And now you have seven extremely motivated and angry drunks with you in their way." Yusuke continued, glaring death down at Nemoto with half glazed eyes.

"I hope you got your laughs in. 'Cause now it's our turn." Makoto put her knuckle dusters on, her red eyes burning with rage through her mask.

"Lucky for you, this won't hurt your real world version. Unlucky for you, it's gonna hurt a lot." Ann snapped her whip in her hands.

"Give the order, Hero." Morgana rested his rapier on his shoulder, looking up at Izuku.

"W-Wait… stop… Heroes aren't supposed to act vengeful, right?!" Nemoto almost pleaded, hobbling back on the ground away from them.

"You're right, they're not." Izuku drew his bo staff, gripping it in both hands. "But I already told you, we're the Phantom Thieves! ALL OUT ATTACK!"

It was a sloppy display, and definitely not their best form. But what they lacked in technique was more than made up for in brutality. Nemoto was struck into the air before being rained down upon with their fury, his body twisting and turning in agony as they unleashed hell on the cognitive being. As the group finished their attack, Nemoto fell to the ground and bounced once before evaporating into thin air.

As both Yakuza dissipated, the Thieves felt the effects of the cognitive being's Quirk fade, their minds and bodies clearing of the fogginess that encumbered them. As well as some of their rage now vented out.

"Not gonna lie… that felt way better than it should have," Ann giggled awkwardly, rubbing the back of her head.

"Meh, it was just a cognition, so don't sweat it." Ryuji shrugged with a grin. "I know I feel a million times better now."

"We hadn't run into shit since getting down here. A good punching back certainly livens things up," Bakugou chuckled like a villain, causing the others to sigh.

"And thankfully it looks like those guys had the badges we needed." Morgana skipped forward, collecting the remainders of their fallen enemy off the ground. "Looks like we should be able to get to the Treasure's location from here!"

"Then let's not waste anymore time. Come on guys!" Izuku said, feeling a little more refreshed than he'd like to admit. I hope that doesn't become a usual thing…

The Thieves proceeded onward, taking the badges to the final door barring their way. Izuku inhaled a breath slowly as he and Ryuji held their badges up to the door, his chest tightening as he metally prepared for what was on the other side.

Access Granted.

Izuku prepared his revolver as he took the lead, checking the corners of the room around them. Inside was much like what they saw in the video of Eri's torture. A wide open lab with large glass chemical vats at the edges of the room. It was surprisingly empty, a familiar operation table at the right edge of the room. Unlike the whiteroom outside, this part of the floor was somewhat more grayish-metallic overall. The air was thick and musty. The boiling chemicals echoed around them.

"Look, the Treasure!" Morgana pointed to one of the vats, one specifically surrounded by a metal cover. Despite this, it was still unable to hide the ethereal shine that the Thieves sans Bakugou were familiar with.

"Then what the hell are we waiting for, let's bust it open!" Bakugou took a step forward, but Izuku held an arm out. "What?!"

"We can't just grab it and go. We have to make it materialize first."

"Yup. Now that we've established our infiltration route, the final step before taking the Treasure begins." Morgana took over, paws on his hips. "I'm sure you remember the calling cards we put out to the other Palace rulers, correct?"

"... No."

"Not surprising," Makoto sighed, walking up next to him. "Essentially, we put out a calling card to announce ourselves to our target. With the knowledge that their Treasure is in danger, it materializes in their subconscious. Once that happens, we can make our move."

Bakugou cocked a brow up. "You telling me we're gonna leave now?!"

"Pretty much. But now we have quick access to the Treasure so the next time we come in, it'll be smooth sailing!" Ann said with a little more optimism.

"Doubt it. Last couple times we went for the treasure, we always got caught on the way out," Ryuji sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "We'll probably have to fight that asshole ruler here too. I'm all for it though. I'd love to give him way worse than what we did to his lackey."

"No… as much as it pains me to say it, we should still avoid him." Izuku's lips thinned into a line, the words making the taste in his mouth bitter. "We saw how the Palace exaggerated the others. I can't imagine how it'll transform someone with his Quirk. Especially after seeing what… it's capable of."

The group fell silent, their expressions becoming grave. Bakugou looked around at them for a moment before scoffing, turning around to the exit.

"Stop sulking already. We'll be done soon enough. If that's what we gotta do then let's get it done already. When're we sending the damn thing?"

"Tomorrow night. The sooner the better." Izuku reaffirmed.

"Then let's get going already! We're done with this shithole today." Bakugou huffed, stomping out of the room.

"As expected of our newest member," Yusuke sighed, but smirked at the others. "Still, I feel some of his care behind his brashness."

"Right? I think Nitro's starting to like us," Ann giggled. The others started to follow them out, but Izuku realized Morgana was behind them all. He turned to the cat to see him staring at where the Treasure was secured, looking oddly deep in thought.

"Is something wrong, Mona?"

"Hm? Oh, nothing, just…" Morgana scratched his paw on the back of his head. "Just an odd scent coming from the Treasure is all… But I can't tell exactly what."

Izuku tilted his head in question, but Morgana simply shook his head. "It's nothing. Let's go! We'll figure it out when we've got the treasure in our hands."

---

"So, how're we sendin' this one?"

The Thieves had reconvened at Izuku's room. Bakugou had greeted it with his usual contempt much to Izuku's embarrassment but after a bit of idle talk, the teens were quick to get to business. The night was getting late, and there was little time to waste.

"That will actually be quite difficult this time around. We won't get away with the previous methods I think," Makoto frowned, crossing her arms. "Not only is staying unseen by the yakuza important, we can't forget the heroes are also keeping an eye on the area."

"Right, that could be bad. Last thing we need is to be seen throwing a bunch of calling cards around." Ann agreed, leaning forward on her knees.

"Morgana-san, we'll likely have to rely heavily on you for delivering this calling card." Izuku said, feeling some guilt as he looked at the cat.

"Don't even sweat it! I'll make sure our message is loud and clear for those yakuza jerks!" Morgana declared confidently.

"Still, we should seize the opportunity to make ourselves known. With the heroes supposedly keeping an eye on their operation, it will be hard for them to ignore us once it's done." Yusuke grabbed the tip of his chin. "We should be quite loud with our calling card."

"Huh? What's that matter?" Baukugou asked, sipping on a soda as he looked at Yusuke.

"The goal of the Phantom Thieves is to give courage to the unseen. And to strike fear into those who think they've avoided the eyes of the law." Morgana declared, his furry brow hardening. "The more we get our message out, the more people will hear it."

"People have lived in a fantasy world since the golden age of Heroes started. It's done a lot of good… but there's no doubt there's room for society to improve." Makoto supplied, linking her fingers in front of her. "We'll wake them up to the changes that need to happen."

"Hell yeah. We're not gonna let some shitty authority figures think they can play god to others anymore. We're huntin' anyone done lookin' to use and abuse others." Ryuji huffed.

"My friends were all used or mistreated at one point. So was I. We'll do everything we can to keep that from happening while the Thieves exist." Izuku declared, meeting Bakugou's gaze with determination. Bakugou's face remained neutral, his eyes unreadable. Before finally he clicked his tongue.

"If that's what you idiots wanna do, then fine. But you better keep this in mind," Bakugou stood up from his seat, walking to the head of the table to address them all. "What you guys are trying to do is a lot bigger than you act. That's a big ass social reform. You're gonna have a lot of people hating you for this shit, especially while things look good."

The Thieves were surprised by Bakugou's wisdom on the matter, sharing a look across the table silently with one another. They all looked to their leader as the information processed. They saw his resolve and conviction, and immediately were put at ease.

"We're prepared for that." Makoto said first.

"We know we won't be favored by many. Especially not Heroes," Izuku stood up, locking eyes with Bakugou again. "But if it brings about the change we want, we'll take it."

Bakugou remained locked in his gaze for a long moment as if testing the resolve that the others had believed in. But seeing no hesitation in their leader, Bakugou scoffed. "Good. Otherwise you'd all be wasting my time with this shit. I don't wanna be part of a team that flakes at the first sign of trouble."

"You're real hard to please, ya know that?" Ryuji chuckled, throwing a hand over Bakugou's shoulders, much to the explosive teens' irritation. "Don't worry about it, we're all game for what's to come! Hope you don't get cold feet."

"Yeah, right! I'm gonna be the Number 1 Hero damn it! If this shit gave me cold feet, I'd never be able to reach that peak! This is nothing!"

"Oh yeah? Then why don't you come up with how we'll deliver the calling cards then?" Ann teased, not expecting him to take the challenge-

"You're on!"

But of course, he did.

"W-Wait Kacchan! You don't have to do all that, we-"

"I said I'd do it, right?! You want it loud but don't want it tracking back to us, right?! Easy!" Bakugou declared, the fire of competition burning behind his eyes.

"Again, I must admire the passion he puts into taking on such challenges… even if it's for the wrong reasons." Yusuke mused in mild intrigue.

"Well, if you're that set on it, then by all means. How should we deliver the calling card?" Makoto asked, also curious as to what his solution could be.

"Fake blondie, how long can you run at superspeed for?!"

"Huh? Uh… it's been a while but I can keep it up for like 5 seconds. After that I gotta catch my breath and let my legs cool off." Ryuji said, his eyebrow cocked in wonder.

"Good, then you're gonna put the cards around Asakusa, not the cat." Bakugou declared, pointing a finger.

"W-What?! Why?!"

"There's probably a shit-load of people who can talk to animals and make 'em do what they want. Eventually they'll wise up if they keep seein' the cat roamin' around."

"At least call me by name!" Morgana hissed in irritation.

"Kacchan… has a point." Izuku grabbed his bottom lip between his thumb and index finger. Looking to the side in thought. "If word gets around that a black cat is the common denominator at the scene of the calling card placements, it could be a lot of trouble. They'll be on lookout for him later and because he travels with me everywhere, it'll bring a lot more suspicion on me and the group as a whole. Changing up who delivers the calling cards and how is a good idea. Yeah, okay that's-"

"SO DAMN NOISY!" Bakugou snapped, his eyes twitching in irritation. "You still mumble like a weirdo!"

"A-Ah, I'm sorry!" Izuku raised his hands in surrender.

"Yes, Izuku's changed in a few ways but not completely." Makoto giggled, nudging the green haired teen playfully.

"That suits me just fine. It was nice seein' the mumbles back after so long without it," Ryuji snickered, wrapping an arm over Izuku's shoulders. "You feelin' a bit more like yourself?"

"Myself?" Izuku blinked, scratching his cheek. "I didn't realize I was… acting odd."

"You've been tense ever since we started this Palace. It has been some time since we've seen you in great spirits." Yusuke said bluntly, earning a quick jab to the stomach from Ann.

"Hush, you guys! You're not supposed to say it straight out like that! Seriously…" Ann sighed, pressing a hand to her face. "But… it is good to see you act more like you again. Mumbles and all."

"A-Ahahaha… I… thanks…" Izuku rubbed the back of his head, cheeks red. But he slowly shifted back to a more sullen expression, his eyes hardening. "With the infiltration route established, we're a lot closer to saving Eri-chan. I can feel it. I… I won't be back to my full self until this is over I think." He looked up at his teammates and squeezed his fist in front of his chest. "Please, bear with me a little longer."

"There ya go, gettin' all serious again. Come on, dude, you know we've got you. Now and forever!" Ryuji grinned, slapping his shoulder in reassurance. Makoto, Ann, Morgana and Yusuke gave their reassurance with smiles. Izuku felt their support immediately, nodding in appreciation.

"If you're all done gettin' sappy, we need to go fake blondie." Bakugou said, pointing to Ryuji. "We're gonna send that card tonight."

"T-Tonight?! We just got back!"

"He's right, Kacchan. You should do it tomorrow night." Izuku said, causing the explosive teen to click his tongue. "Everyone needs to be fully rested for what's to come. We've got a long day ahead of us."

"Yeah, plus we haven't even written out what will be on the calling card yet." Makoto said, her eyes narrowing. "I'm sure we've all got something we want to put in."

"Let me write it." Izuku said, his lips falling into a frown. "I have a good idea of what to put. Everyone can give me something to add once I show you all."

"Call him a garbage fire." Bakugou already interjected, earning an eye roll from Makoto.

"No way! You're not gonna ruin our calling card with vulgar talk! We had to keep Ryuji from ruining the first one!"

"Yea-Hey!" Ryuji looked at Ann in offense.

"I've thought about this a lot… even before today." Izuku said, drawing their attention back to him. "I promise to make it good. Please, leave it to me."

---

"How are we progressing on getting everything boxed up?"

As the previous week had passed, Chisaki had continued to go about his normal schedule. He never deviated from any of the usual outside activity. At least the activities that he didn't mind any prying eyes seeing. If the Heroes were watching like he surmised, they would not see anything change in his schedule.

"It's going well, Chisaki-san. We've moved much of the machinery into boxes and are working on getting the chemicals sealed and ready for shipping." Nemoto announced, going through the manifest they had put together.

"Good. The sooner the better. We'll be moving out within the week." Chisaki said, turning to leave. "I'm going to do a few more extractions with Eri today. Make sure any successes are stored as well."

"Of course." Nemoto nodded. "Though I must admit, I'm surprised you were able to secure us another base so quickly. Typically a move like this would require much longer to establish a new safehouse."

"... I have a very eager benefactor working in our favor right now," Chisaki answered, sparing a look back at Nemoto. "And if all goes well, both my dream and our clan will see the fruits of our labor pay off."

"Sir?" Nemoto asked, mildly surprised to hear this for the first time.

"Don't worry about it, Nemoto. I've been careful who I picked for our support, we should-"

"Chisaki-san! Chisaki-san!" The clan leader drew his eyes to the roof as he heard the disembodied voice of Mimic above them. "We have a big problem! Big problem on our hands!"

"Are the Heroes making their move?" Chisaki asked, a brow quirked as he felt his body tense.

"N-Not quite, but… something else!" Mimic's mask moved along the wall and slid down next to Chisaki and Nemoto, a small arm reaching out with a large red card in his hand. "You should read this!"

Chisaki cocked a brow, looking to Nemoto who wordlessly took it instead. The yakuza turned it over to look at the back and let out a small gasp. "This is… the Phantom Thieves?"

"The Phantom Thieves?" Chisaki parroted as a small bit of familiarity echoed in his mind. "Those vigilantes who took down the artist?"

"Y-Yes! They sent a card like this to his gallery! So that must mean-"

"Read it." Chisaki cut him off, an edge to his voice as he put two and two together.

"Of course. It reads…"

"To Kai Chisaki,

Yakuza leader of the Eight Precepts of Death and the heartless being of Wrath.

You have operated in the Shadows, hiding your sins in Darkness,

Abusing those around you as tools,

Destroying those no longer of use to you,

And poisoning the world with your pretense of a 'cure'.

The Phantom Thieves will not let your silent conquest go unchecked,

And shall steal your desire and make you confess. We will set you,

And those beneath your feet,

Free with the truth.

From, the Phantom Thieves of Heart."

As Nemoto finished reading, he looked up and felt his face pale behind his mask. Chisaki's face had broken out into hives as if he had touched something dirty, and his fists were shaking at his sides.

"...'Poisoning the world?' What nonsense. I'm CURING this ravenous disease!" Chisaki snarled, stomping his foot in fury. "What do the Phantom Thieves of Heart know?! They're just some two-bit vigilantes without a fucking clue!"

"Uh one more thing, boss…" Mimic was hesitant to speak up, especially with how Chisaki snapped his head to look at him. "Uh… that's not the only calling card. There's a bunch of 'em. Litterin' the streets of Asakusa that lead to the base."

"What?!" Chisaki snarled, the veins in the whites of his eyes blistering out.

"What should we do Chisaki?" Nemoto asked, not expecting Chisaki to snatch the calling card from his hand.

"... We'll have to deal with the Phantom Thieves for this kind of challenge." Chisaki huffed, but narrowed his eyes as he tried to seize control of his emotions. "But… not now. Whatever's going on, one thing is clear; we've been made. For now we'll have to accelerate the schedule. Tell the men to work twice as fast. If the Heroes take this kind of challenge as well, it could be even worse for us. We have to get out of here within the next couple days."

"Yes sir, I'll put everyone on high alert!" Mimic saluted before sinking into the wall.

"Nemoto, get Eri's room packed up and keep her close. The last thing we need is her pulling another escape attempt while this is going on." "

"Of course. I'll make sure she's well looked after." Nemoto nodded, turning around to head to where she was being kept close by.

"Nemoto," Chisaki stopped him momentarily, his eyes sharp as a knife. "Don't breathe a word of this to her. The last thing she needs is another reason to try and run off."

"Of course. It'll be kept quiet around her at all times." Nemoto bowed his head before turning around. "I'll gather some men to begin packing her things."

"Good. Just leave her bed for now. Everything else can go."

With that Nemoto took his leave, Chisaki standing alone now. Deep inside him, an echo of himself stood. A figure cloaked in white with yellow eyes. Chisaki's Shadow stood in contempt of this news.

"I will herald a new world with my cure. Anyone trying to get in the way of that will be eliminated. Come, Phantom Thieves. I'll erase you from existence."

---

"Well, looks like the calling card got Chisaki's attention. The Palace is on red alert."

The Thieves hadn't wasted a moment, immediately running into the Palace once the school day was over and Bakugou had arrived at the station. On their way to their usual entry point, people had been buzzing all across the streets of Asakusa. The calling card had been mass produced and dropped from one street to the next of the alley that led to the Eight Precepts' base.

"Not bad Nitro. Looks like your strategy worked," Makoto smirked, looking back at Bakugou. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you'd be able to make that kind of noise."

"Shut up!"

"Hey, don't give him all the credit! I had to plant all those! Literally had to run back and forth between stores to make sure I didn't get seen!" Ryuji huffed.

"Yes, and we're all very proud of you Skull. Don't worry," Ann patted him on the back with a cheeky smile.

"We should focus on the task at hand. We will likely encounter many foes on our way to the Treasure, as well as the Palace ruler possibly."

"Alright, everyone. Let's finish this!" Izuku drew their attention with a raised of his fist to the sky. "We're going to steal Chisaki's heart!"

"Yeah!" The other Thieves answered with new fervor. Izuku nodded, leading them forward.

"Kacchan! We'll take the fast route!" Izuku said, looking at the explosive teen. "Open the front door!"

"Now you're speakin' my language, nerd!" Bakugou gave a wicked grin in response, taking the lead ahead of the group. He let several small explosions off in his hands before increasing the intensity, his body beginning to spin in mid-air as a wave of smoke and blasts were left behind him. "OPEN UP ASSHOLES! HOWITZER IMPACT!"

Bakugou's attack drilled a hole right through the front door of the compound, the eruption making the others stop to cover their eyes. As the dust settled, several Shadows were barring their path, but were visibly shaken up by their arrival.

"What the hell?! Who just blew a hole in the wall?!"

"What's goin' on?! Are we under attack?!"

"Damn right you are!" Ryuji announced them as the Thieves walked in, grinning as he swung his arm in a circle to stretch it out. "The Phantom Thieves have come to wreck your shit! Hope you assholes are ready!"

"You brats think you're tough shit?! Bring it on!" One of the Shadows quickly transformed into the red demon and the other into the faceless one. But Izuku hadn't wasted a moment, drawing his mask away. "Rakshasa!"

A dual-bladed Persona manifested from his soul, unleashing a quick barrage of blades upon their detractors. It was quickly followed by Makoto, revving in on Johanna as she sailed in. "Feel our rage!"

She rammed Johanna into the Oni Shadow before hopping off above Sui-Ki, her fist igniting with Nuclear energy. With a thrust of her fist down, she unleashed the energy upon their foe, the Shadows screaming as they were enveloped by her explosive spell. Both were dispatched quickly, dissipating into black ooze piles.

"We got more Shadows coming in!" Morgana announced as he spied out the side hallways.

"They're not our concern! Our objective is right ahead," Yusuke motioned to the elevator which was dead ahead from their position.

"Yeah, no time to waste! Let's head for the Treasure!" Izuku said, waving for the others to follow as he took the lead.

"Don't walk in front of me!" Bakugou snapped as he quickly ran forward, everyone hot on their tails. Izuku quickly produced their badges and scanned them in, sending them to the bottom floor. As the Shadows attempted to pursue, they were cut off as the doors closed in front of them, the Thieves heading down.

"Alright, piece of cake!" Ann gave a thumbs up.

"That's the easy part. Getting out will probably be far more difficult." Morgana said before looking at Bakugou. "You sure that new move of yours will help us escape?"

"Damn right it will. It'll make getting out of here a breeze." Bakugou spat, rolling his shoulder.

"Let's hope you're right. We might need it for the task at hand, too." Makoto said, red eyes narrowing behind her metal mask.

"We're arriving." Izuku announced. The elevator soon slowed to a stop, the doors sliding open. Izuku led the others out, and to their surprise the door leading to the Treasure room was already open. Izuku looked around in caution, the group proceeding slowly forward. The doors along the way were all shut tight, and the lights lining the hall were dimmed, flickering even. "Do you smell any enemies, Mona?"

"... Yeah. But none around us. Only straight ahead." Morgana narrowed his eyes, looking at him. "I think we can all guess who."

"Good. Even if it's not a full on fight, I'd say we're owed a smack or two." Ryuji clicked his tongue, kicking the ground eagerly.

"Whatever combat we initiate, we must not lose sight of our goal. We should only fight to get him out of the way," Yusuke reminded the others. "Once we have the Treasure, we should make our escape."

"We gonna stand around talking about it all day or we gonna do it?" Bakugou huffed impatiently.

Izuku wordlessly walked forward, the other Thieves trailing close behind him. As they made their way through the door they found that the operation room was also dimly lit, the green chemical vats providing the greatest source of light. Izuku immediately drew his eyes to the vat holding the Treasure above.

And his heart sank into his stomach.

"M-Mona… is that…"

"No way…"

"What the eff..?"

"... That… that's the Treasure…"

At the center of the vat, sealed behind glass and kept breathing with an oxygen mask, was Eri. She wore the same hospital gown they saw her adorning in video, her arms bandaged up just like her real life counterpart. Her body floated at the center of the unknown liquid, and her eyes only barely open to reveal strikingly yellow irises.

"Eri's the Treasure…" Izuku muttered, his vision shaking as he felt a mixture of emotions well up inside him.

"Not just Eri… that's more than some cognitive copy." Morgana said, drawing their eyes back to him. "That-That's her Shadow!"

"What?!" Izuku asked in confusion. "H-Her Shadow?! How…"

"I-I don't know, this is… really unique of a circumstance…' Morgana mumbled, his eyes staring at Eri's' Shadow, trying to determine the truth. "But I can sense it. That's not just a Treasure or a cognitive being… that's definitely Eri's Shadow!"

"H-How… why..?" Makoto put her hands over her mouth, still trying to make sense of it.

"Pitiful, isn't it?"

The Thieves immediately tensed up, getting on guard as a sickeningly familiar voice greeted them. A steady and slow footfall echoed around them. For the first time since their arrival in the Palace, Chisaki's Shadow appeared before them. Like they saw in his video journal, he wore a white lab coat with a black feathered collar and his usual medicine mask. His piercing yellow eyes trailed to Eri's still form as she hovered above, showing no emotion whatsoever.

"Eri's cursed existence has been nothing but agony for those around her. From herself, to her family…" Chisaki's yellow eyed glare drifted to the Thieves, as if pointing a gun to their heads. "To you, her 'heroes'."

"You piece of shit! How the hell can you treat such a little girl like this?! What the hell did Eri do to deserve this shit?!" Ryuji snarled, his anger overshadowing the apprehension instilled in him from Chisaki's leer.

"You're the one causing all of her agony, you bastard! How can you act as if she brought it on herself?!" Ann cried, her teeth gritting together furiously.

"All I've done is give new purpose to her cursed existence. She has assumed one of the most important, in fact, roles needed to see my dreams fulfilled." Chisaki turned to them completely, his hands drooping at his sides. "Her Quirk is special. Unique. Powerful. The ability to rewind any living being that she touches back in time. And is the key to bring change to this world."

"Rewind? That's…" Izuku parroted, looking back up at Eri.

"Her Quirk is so powerful that her own parents fell victim to it. They were quite literally erased from existence by a mere touch," Chisaki explained with an empty chuckle. "I've done the world a service by sealing her away. And soon I'll become the world's savior, curing it of the disease known as heroism. Combined with my Quirk and her blood, Eri has become the key to the Quirk-erasing bullets. And soon, it'll be perfected."

"You've sacrificed the blood and happiness of Eri for this delusion of yours?! Truly the ambitions of a madman!" Yusuke spat in disgust.

"This is no delusion, brat." Chisaki's voice suddenly intensified, echoing around the room and causing the lights to darken further. "It's because of filth like you that our world is living in a dream. Because of you, great men like my boss were forced into hiding! And that… is something I revile more than anything."

"Rich coming from the biggest pile of trash here!" Bakugou barked in answer, pointing with his tomahawk. "You stink more than the pile of corpses outside, asshole! And like real damn heroes, we're gonna take you out like the garbage you are!"

"He's right." Izuku finally said, his eyes and fists trembling with rage. "Someone who would use a child… use Eri-chan like a tool. Someone with so little regard for human life… we're taking you down and saving her! We won't let someone like you mold the world to how you see fit!"

Chisaki suddenly started to cackle, his gloved fingers curling. "Listen to all of your drivel. Truly the regurgitations of an all-infectious disease! I can't wait to silence it… silence all the nauseating voices that spread this sickness!"

Chisaki's gloves suddenly burst off his hands, tearing to ribbons. Before the Thieves could react, he was already slamming his hands on the ground. The room rumbled as tendrils of metal sprouted from the ground.

"Wh-What the shit?! I thought he just destroyed and rebuilt stuff he touched?!" Ryuji guffawed in shock.

"Don't stand around gawking, move!" Bakugou snapped, his warning just in time as the tendrils pierced through the air like spears, all aimed at the Thieves.

Izuku grit his teeth as he narrowly dodged one, eyes burning furiously as he pulled away his mask. "CHISAKI!" Carter took shape above him, his fist pulsing with Bless energy. "Take this! Righteous SMASH!"

Just as Carter threw his punch, Chisaki counted by sprouting a metal block from the ground, using it like a shield. Carter's blow dented through the metal and punched a hole through, but the attack lost its impact thanks to it, bringing no harm to Chisaki.

"That green hair… you're the brat who tried to save Eri before, aren't you?" Chisaki spoke from behind his cover, his yellow eyes piercing through the dust to glare into Izuku's own orbs. "You think you can still be her hero? Pathetic."

Izuku's eyes flared open when he felt the vibrations of the ground beneath him, quickly kicking off the ground and jumping back as several tendrils sought to pierce through him like a spike trap.

"All your efforts today will be for nothing."

Izuku winced as one of the spikes changed direction and gave chase. He grit his teeth as one stabbed into his shoulder, grunting out in pain.

"And you'll be as powerless to save her as you were then."

As Izuku used Carter to swipe the tendrill away, several more began to sprout out, readying to pierce through him. No! He's wrong! We'll save her! We'll-

"Get your head out of your ass, Deku!"

The ground below him was suddenly hit with a concussive blast, Izuku blinking as Bakugou tackled him after stopping the assault from below. They rolled across the ground, the explosive teen getting off of him to face down Chisaki. But thankfully he was backed up this time by the others, Makoto and Ryuji lashing out with their Thunder and Nuclear spells to make him cover up with his walls.

"K-Kacchan, you-"

"PUT A SOCK IN IT!" Izuku flinched at his harsh response, especially as the explosive teen glared back at him. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOIN' LOSING YOUR HEAD LIKE THAT, MORON?! I'LL KILL YOU!"

"Eh?! Why?!" Izuku asked, shocked to hear Bakugou of all people scolding him about this-

"You're supposed to be the damn leader, right?!" Izuku blinked, the explosive teen standing up straight as he drew his tomahawks. "They need your ass to keep his cool more than anyone! Come up with those damn annoying plans of yours and we'll see 'em through!"

Izuku stared at his childhood friend's back, but felt as if he was looking at someone else completely. The Kacchan he knew never offered his hand in help even at the best of times in their relationship. But here he stood, helping him get his head on straight. And even asking for his strategies…

"Kacchan…"

"Just make sure you don't mumble, got it?!" Bakugou huffed, bending his knees as he prepared to lunge forward.

Izuku's eyes drifted down to Chisaki, finding his mind suddenly clear. The yakuza leader was playing defense but sprouting spikes out of the walls used to defend. Ryuji stumbled back a bit as he avoided them, but was quickly out of the danger zone.

And it all suddenly clicked into place.

"Kacchan, wait!" Izuku stopped the explosive teen in his tracks, his eyes laser focused as he quickly climbed to his feet. "I've got an idea."

"About damn time." Despite his words, a small smirk lifted at the edge of Bakugou's lips.

"Tch, what a nuisance you all are." Chisaki clicked his tongue as he made pillars appear from the ground below them, attempting to keep the Thieves off balance.

"This jerk… he's making it too difficult to get a direct hit in!" Morgana huffed in irritation.

"Then we won't try for that!" Izuku ordered, running forward. "Team, fan out! Get room!"

"Right!" Everyone quickly followed his lead, getting distance between themselves and Chisaki.

"You'll regret doing that." Chisaki smirked behind his mask as he made more of the metal tendrils surface around him, looking at Izuku. As the clear leader, he needs to be taken out first.

"Fox, Skull! Snowstorm!" Chisaki hesitated, eyes darting around as he tried to figure out who was who.

"We'll bury you in ice!" Yusuke summoned Goemon, ice shards sprouting from the ground and approaching him swiftly. Chisaki clicked his tongue, slamming a hand on the ground and making another metal wall to block the ice from hitting him.

"You think I'm ignorant?" Chisaki put another hand on the ground, blocking a blast of lighting from Ryuji at his backside. "I know what you're trying to do. But this entire room is-"

"Burning Twister!" Chisaki's eyes widened before looking up, Ann and Morgana above him.

"Take this!" Zorro and Carmen materialized above, a vortex of wind sailing down at him as flames merged with it. Chisaki clicked his tongue, making the metal around him into a ball to shield him from the blast. The flames and wind couldn't pierce the makeshift shell Chisaki had made. But…

Shit, I've cut off my vision! Chisaki clicked his tongue, realizing his mistake. He had to act quick and make a big enough gap to see what-

"Queen, Panther! Let's turn up the heat!" Izuku didn't want to give Chisaki time to think, staying on the offensive. He summoned Orthus, fire exhausting from its mouth before letting out a powerful Agi spell.

"Burn!" Ann unleashed another blast of flame from Carmen, matching Izuku's intensity.

"We'll make you come out!" Makoto blasted the shell with her Nuclear spell, the three unrelenting.

Even as he avoided any direct damage inside his metal shell, Chisaki soon realized what they were doing. The metal was heating up, and he was starting to bake inside of it. Sweat began to pour down his face and the air was becoming thick. He was gasping for air, falling on his hands and knees even as burns appeared on his palms. Shit, these brats! They're trying to force me out! But if I don't come out, I'll suffocate or burn to death!

Chisaki knew he had little options left, his gaze lifting up to where he remembered Izuku standing. His voice hadn't changed location… This could be his only shot! Have to take him out now and throw the rest of them off. NOW!

Chisaki had to pull a hail mary, opening the shell up just enough for him to peer out. Indeed Izuku was in the same spot as before, and so Chisaki had to throw him off. He made another tendril sprout from the ground below him, but Izuku anticipated it, quickly dodging forward.

He's in range! Chisaki unfolded his bubble and sprouted them up like walls, opening his path up so he could now launch himself directly at Izuku with his arms outstretched. "YOU LOSE, BRAT!" He snarled, looking to make Izuku's entire body turn into a bloodstain with a touch.

But as he met Izuku's gaze, all he saw was a fearless glare. "You've lost."

Wha-

Chisaki's body felt pain in two places; a metal bat smashing into his jaw from the right side, as a concussive blast met him at the waist. Ryuji and Bakugou had been lying in wait for him, and stung his body with a club to his jaw and a blast to his stomach.

"EAT SHIT AND DIE!" They shouted in sync, showing no mercy as they knocked him hard into the ground, his body hitting the metal with a heavy thud. Chisaki was sprawled out on the ground, his eyes rolled over as the Shadow apparently fell unconscious from their assault.

The Thieves took a moment to catch their breath, the room graced with silence now that Chisaki had been put down. They looked around at one another and slowly began to smile, Ryuji letting out a couple breathless laughs.

"H-Hell yeah… we did it. We did it!" Ryuji grinned, his nerves suddenly calming down.

"Yeah we did! Serves you right, asshole!" Ann pumped a fist, looking down at Chisaki's prone form in disgust. "We actually beat him!"

"I knew a two-bit yakuza like him couldn't stand up to the Phantom Thieves! We're too good!" Morgana gave a proud hop and grin, puffing out his chest as he rested his paws on his hips.

"He was quite the fearsome foe regardless. If it wasn't for our tactical approach, we may have had a far worse time." Yusuke smiled, looking at Izuku.

"Not bad, leader," Makoto nudged him with her elbow. "You did good."

"I couldn't have done it without you all." Izuku smiled in return.

"You're welcome!' Bakugou huffed out, but instead of the usual retorts, Ryuji just laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.

"Yeah yeah, you were great too! Good job helpin' Hero get his head on straight. Happy?"

"Tch. Whatever…" Bakugou turned away but gave a smirk. "Still, you were damn gutsy. I'll give you that, Sakamoto."

"Whoa, even Nitro's acting happy. Who would have thought…" Ann fauxed her shock as she put a hand over her mouth.

"Shut up blondie!" Despite his touchy retort, Ann and the others only answered with a laugh, ignoring as Bakugou seethed.

"Come on, you guys. We still have a little girl to save." Makoto reminded them, though Izuku was already running over to the vat containing her.

"We should drain it before we get her out." He said, looking for a computer. One stood just close by and he was quick to make his way to it.

"Why don't we just bust it open?" Bakugou scoffed, walking over with the other Thieves as they stared up at Eri's still hovering body.

"We don't want to hurt her! Imagine what would happen if we broke the glass while all the water was still inside!" Ann scolded, causing Bakugou to scoff.

"It's okay. We'll drain the water out then open it up. Just one… second… there!" Izuku found the controls to the tank relatively easy, inputting several commands and beginning the draining process. In his eagerness, Izuku quickly hopped up onto the piping and machinery of the tank, making his way up to the glass. "Queen, when it's fully drained, open the glass! I'll help her out!"

"Got it!" Makoto jogged up to the terminal, waiting for Izuku's word. Once he reached the top, he stood on the small edge of the tank where he could, looking through the other side at Eri. The tank made a blaring sound to signal its drainage, something that seemed to stir Eri from her slumber. As her eyes started to blink open, she finally looked up and met Izuku's gaze. She swam back in fear, her mask bubbling as her voice was muffled.

"It's okay, Eri-chan! It's okay… we're here to save you." Izuku said, placing his hands against the glass and offering a kind smile. He realized his mask was still on, so he pushed it up so that it rested on his forehead. Eri's Shadow seemed to recognize him, her once fearful yellow eyes now widening in realization. "I… I'm sorry I let you go before, Eri-chan. So please… let me take you away from here now."

Eri's Shadow stared at him in wonder, the water slowly beginning to drain enough so that her feet were touching the bottom of the tank. As the water sank below her neck, Eri began to stride forward, pulling the mask away. "Y-You're here to… save me?" Her voice trembled and her eyes shook.

Izuku had to do his best to hold back his tears and kept smiling as he tried to reassure her. "Yes. We'll take you away from here. I promise."

The water completely drained from the tank, and Eri stood by her lonesome inside. Her hands came up to her chest, slowly walking toward him as she seemed to believe his words. But as she stepped closer, her eyes darted past him and she came to a halt, her yellow eyes now completely terrified.

"You're not taking her anywhere…"

Izuku and the Thieves snapped around, finding Chisaki peeling himself off the ground with some agonizing grunts.

"Tch, give it up asshole! You lost already," Ryuji gritted his teeth as he drew the bat from his back again. "But if you want us to put ya back down, we'll happily do it."

"... I underestimated you brats. Underestimated the delusions of heroism you've been instilled with." Chisaki slowly turned around, raising a hand with his thumb and middle finger pressed together. "I'll show you what I'm really capable of. That my dream won't fall to you shitstains so easily."

With a snap of his fingers, a black sludge rose from the ground, causing the Thieves to get on guard. From it appeared two of the Bullets they had defeated, Bakugou clicking his tongue as the behemoth Rikiya and Nemoto finished materializing.

"Shit, not these guys again!" Ryuji clicked his tongue.

"Rikiya, Nemoto. I need your power." Chisaki spoke, walking between both men.

"Anything you need, boss! We'll handle these rats!" Rikiya banged his fists together.

Nemoto on the other hand looked back at Chisaki. The two locked eyes, and there seemed to be a moment of understanding between them. "Whatever you need, Chisaki. You may have it from me."

"... Thank you for all your hard work, Nemoto."

*POP*

The Thieves felt their throats dry and eyes widened in shock when both Bullets' bodies popped like a wet balloon. Before they had time to process what happened, the chunks of their corpses swirled in the air above and wrapped around Chisaki.

It was only now that they understood just how horrific and terrifying Chisaki's Quirk, and by extension him, truly was. That the man they were dealing with…

"You 'Thieves' wanted a villain to play hero against? Fine… You'll have it."

Was a complete monster in every sense of the word.

The convulsing carcasses wrapped around Chisaki swelled up in size. Feathers and cruel, veiny arms with heinous black claws sprouted from the disgusting mess of organs and body tissue. At the center of it all, the beak that once represented Chisaki's mask took shape like a giant bird's skull. As it continued to grow, the beak slowly peeled open revealing Chisaki's mutilated upper torso, now merged with the atrocity he had created with his underlings' bodies.

"But there's no 'happily ever after' waiting for you…" The clawed hands scraped into the metal below it, a disgusting hiss echoing from the skull. "All that you'll have is a faint memory… and a nameless tomb!"

The disfigured monstrosity screeched below him, and suddenly it hopped in the air toward the teens. Izuku didn't have a choice but to dive out of the way, Chisaki's aim directed straight for Eri's container. He rolled across the ground but was quickly stopped by Makoto, his eyes darting up to the monster clinging to the wall above them. "ERI-CHAN!"

"It didn't have to be this way. Eri could have avoided watching you all die. But now because of your bravado, Eri will have to bear witness to the death of her 'heroes'." Chisaki's distorted and cruel voice echoed around them with a heinous laugh.

"This fight isn't over everyone! Be careful!" Morgana declared, quickly pulling Izuku and Makoto back so that the group could face down the Palace Ruler together.

"What the hell did he do to himself?! He's not even human anymore…" Ryuji mumbled, unable to hide his horror.

"Who cares?! He just made himself a bigger target!" Bakugou dismissed his concern, though even he lacked his fully confident air. But regardless, he stepped forward without fear, now drawing out his minigun. "He wants to make it easier to hit him then let's give him what he wants!"

"Are you so sure about that?" Chisaki's mangled arms stretched out and positioned him higher on the wall, just above Eri's container. "It would be a shame for the very heroes attempting to save her let a stray bullet go off course…"

"KACCHAN STOP!" Izuku cried out, thankful to see Bakugou was already lowering his gun in aggravation.

"YOU COWARD! YOU'D HIDE BEHIND A LITTLE GIRL?!" Ann screamed furiously, only to hear Chisaki laugh in response.

"I'd do whatever gave me an advantage, even if I had to chop every limb off her body to do so!" Several more cruel arms sprouted from his back, razor sharp claws at the end of their fingers as well as stiff black feathers. They shot down at the Thieves like torpedos, attempting to impale them in one swift attack.

"Everyone fall back!" Izuku ordered, drawing his staff as he narrowly deflected one of the arms by blocking. Though not fast enough to avoid all the pressure, clawed fingers scraping against his side. "GAGH!"

"Hero-agh!" A claw cut into Makoto's back as she narrowly avoided direct damage, her body thankfully covered by a sheen of metal. Still, the power behind the blow was enough to still cause her pain.

"I gotcha!" Ryuji sped forward and grabbed them both by the collars, gritting his teeth as he pulled them back further from Chisaki. The group found themselves back up to the front of the room once again, Chisaki looking down at them from the containers as his disfigured lower half climbed along the vats.

"Don't think you're safe at any distance from me. I'll turn your corpses into my next experiments!" Chisaki snarled as the feathered arms stretched wide above him and the feathers themselves became sharp as blades. The arms then flung forward to send a rain of feathers down in a lethal hailstorm of blades.

"GOEMON!"

"ZORRO!"

Thankfully Yusuke and Morgana were quick to respond, their Personas taking shape and attempting to deflect the feathers as they released wind and power skills to knock them off course.

"You two okay?" Ryuji asked in the brief reprieve they had as Yusuke and Morgana covered them.

"I-I'll live…" Izuku grunted as he touched his side, blood trickling across his gloves.

"I've got you!" Ann quickly cast Dia, the spell soothing the pain and stopping the bleeding, even if it didn't fully heal.

"This guy's insane. He's completely different from before," Ryuji clicked his tongue.

"We'll have to bring him back to the ground if we wanna grab the girl." Bakugou growled, agitated at his inability to attack from their spot on the ground.

"Whatever we do, we must do it soon," Yusuke announced to them, his left eye closed as sweat trailed down his face.

"Yeah, I don't know how long we can hold this," Morgana grunted, a paw resting on his knee.

"Enough." The black feathered arms ceased their attack, but the meaty fibers of his lower body started to come together, transferring up to the arms. They reformed much larger and muscular, the hands increasing tenfold in width. "Block this!"

"Mona, Fox! Move!" Izuku cried as the arms balled their hands into fists. With a lunge forward, the hands rocketed forward. Goemon and Zorro attempted to block the strikes with their weapons, but soon found their bodies buckling over from the impact. The pressure transferred to Yusuke and Morgana, both feeling the wind knock out of their bodies as they fell to their knees. Goemon and Zorro disappeared, leaving them vulnerable to a follow up strike.

"DIE!"

"YOU FIRST!"

As Chisaki tried to seize the opportunity, Bakugou and Ryuji acted first, Tombstone and Captain Kid taking aim with their cannons and blasting the fists to bloody bits. Chisaki hissed in irritation as his arms were forced to return to him.

But he merely scoffed at their return fire, raising the pieced up arms and suddenly returning the splattered meat to them from the ground, making them whole again.

"What the shit?! He can regenerate?!" Ryuji snapped. "That's bullshit!"

"Panther, Queen! Help Mona and Fox!" Izuku said, climbing to his feet to stand by Ryuji and Bakugou. He took a moment to analyze the situation, sweat beading down his face. Damn it, we ended up getting pulled into the fight we least wanted! He's even worse than we imagined. What can we do?! Eri's still behind him, and his new form is leagues stronger than he was before!

"Nerd. Look at his body," Bakugou quietly pointed out, readying Tombstone's shotgun again.

"His body?" Izuku quickly analyzed Chisaki, and it suddenly clicked. The arms might have amassed great power, but they made his base form smaller. They were less maneuverable, and what helped him now cling to the tanks was far smaller and less secure than before. That's it!

"Queen." Izuku looked at Makoto, their eyes meeting. "I'm gonna need a ride."

Makoto cocked a brow but didn't question it. "You've got it."

"Nitro, Skull! Spread out and take his arms out!" Izuku ordered, looking at the others. "Everyone else, keep an eye on his lower half! Fox, we'll need you especially for that!"

"What?" Yusuke blinked, but Izuku knew he had no time to explain.

"What are you planning?" The muscular arms suddenly split apart into four, not as large as before but still massive and muscular. "You've got no hope to cling to. Hurry up and fall to despair already."

"Kiss our asses!" Bakugou spat as he had Tombstone let out a shotgun blast into one of his arms. It blew it apart, but it was already starting to regenerate. It gave them their opportunity though, Bakugou going far left with Ryuji going right, pulling out his shotgun and letting out several shots. They couldn't take aim at his main body while it was positioned directly in front of Eri's container, but they could keep him from assaulting them at will.

"Let's go, Queen!" Izuku called out, Makoto already rising up and running forward.

"Right!" She quickly pulled her mask off, her Persona revving up as it took shape. Izuku quickly hopped on the back, arm around her waist. "Book it, Johanna!"

"Irritating!" Chisaki snarled as he sent a fist rocketing their way. Makoto leaned forward, making quick maneuvers to avoid the fists. Ryuji and Bakugou kept up their assault, hoping to draw his attention their way. Even as they shot up his secondary arms, his focus remained on Izuku and Makoto. "I want you to know before you die that it's YOUR fault! Your fault they're here, and that they'll meet their end in this place! Perish knowing that you cost them everything and achieved NOTHING!"

"YOU'RE WRONG!" Izuku answered back, standing on the back of Makoto's bike, teeth gritting together as he looked into Chisaki's twisted yellow eyes. "We're saving Eri and leaving this place!"

"Blow him away, Johanna!" Makoto screamed, nuclear energy radiating from her Persona's face. Just as a clawed hand attempted to crush them in its grip, Johanna unleashed its Freila skill, burning it into a charred mess. They continued forward, only to find Chisaki had gathered up his limbs, returning them to their skinny and feathery form. His lower half returned to its previous size and stretched out over the machinery as he raised the arms up.

"Get torn to shreds!" The feathers sharpened once again, the arms lengthening above him.

"Don't let him fire those off!" Bakugou cursed as Tombstone prepared to fire.

"Shit! I don't know if we-"

"Thank you for trusting in me, Hero."

Izuku smiled as he saw ice sprouting across the ground and climbing the vat in quick succession. Chisaki's assault was halted as his lower half was submerged in ice. "Wha-What?!"

"Great job, Fox!" Izuku said, looking at the others. "Everyone, fire!"

"YOU BRATS! THIS WON'T-" Chisaki's voice fell on deaf ears as his lower half suddenly became their target, Bakugou, Ryuji and Makoto unleashing their firepower on the claws that clung to the machinery, thankfully out of harm's reach of Eri.

"GAAAGH~!" Chisaki didn't have time to reform the limbs, with his body beginning to fall away from the chemical vats he once clung to.

"Now, Queen! To Eri!"

"Right!" Makoto revved up her bike, sailing through the air and heading for the container with their prize inside. But as they climbed higher, their rise was brought to a screeching halt. Makoto and Izuku snapped their heads back to see Chisaki's mangled arms clutching onto the back of Johanna.

"NO! YOU CAN'T HAVE HER!"

"He's pulling us down!" Makoto said, looking back at Izuku. "Go! Grab Eri!"

"Queen-"

"Go now!" Makoto didn't give him room to argue, revving up her back tire to try and burn through Chisaki's hand as he attempted to pull them down. Izuku didn't want to leave her, but knew what he had to do. He stood up on the seat and clung to her shoulders. Using the leverage, he hopped off and jumped through the air, arm outreached toward the tank. In the Metaverse, his physical ability was clearly enhanced. But even now, he didn't know if he could make the jump. Didn't know if he could-

No! I will! I will save her!

His heart burned with conviction, blue flames bursting from his mask. And the brief sensation of falling he once felt disappeared. Flames erupted from his back, fanning out harmlessly behind him…

Go and save her, kid.

… and took shape as a flaming red cape. Feeling Carter's power flowing through him, he cocked an arm back, his fist glowing with Bless magic. Seeing that Eri was safely toward the back of the tank, Izuku brought his fist forward, smashing the glass case open. As Izuku touched his feet inside the tank, Eri remained inside, curled up in a ball with her hands over her ears.

"Please… leave me…" She whimpered out, her body trembling. Izuku frowned, seeing her fear. "I'll only get you hurt… I don't want to do that… I don't want anyone to die…"

Izuku inhaled a breath before putting on a big smile, kneeling in front of Eri. "You don't have to be afraid of that anymore. Because we're going to save you from this place. From him." He extended a hand, hoping she might take it. "You don't need to be in pain anymore. Because we won't let you suffer like that ever again."

Eri's Shadow slowly lowered her hands, staring into Izuku's eyes. Despite the blue flames that swirled around his brow, she saw the honest and kind boy behind it. The one who held her and clung to her before. And she wished to have those same arms take her away from here.

Eri slowly stood up, her gaze focused on the ground at first. But after a brief moment, she ran forward and jumped into his arms. Izuku was taken by surprise but couldn't stop smiling, wrapping his arms around her back. "I've got you, Eri-chan. And I'm not letting you go this time."

"Okay…"

"GIVE HER BACK!"

Izuku's smile faded to a frown, but he kept Eri in his arms. He could hear Chisaki's claws scraping against the metal as he climbed back up, even as he heard the faint sounds of his friends attempting to bring him back down with their attacks.

"He's coming…" Eri hugged deeper into the crook of his neck in fear, arms and body trembling.

"Don't worry, Eri-chan." Izuku turned to face Chisaki as the monstrosity rose up from below, glaring death down at Izuku. "I'll protect you…"

"I'LL ERADICATE YOU!"

"... We'll protect you."

Izuku didn't have to check. He trusted that his friends had been on the move. Bakugou had taken the lead, using his explosions to burst his way to the top. Before Chisaki's Shadow could reach out for Izuku and Eri, the explosive teen was already cupping his hands together, putting them directly in his face.

"STUN GRENADE~!"

Izuku quickly covered Eri's eyes as Bakugou's controlled explosion made a brilliant flash. Right in Chisaki's face. "GRAAAAGH!" The monster reared back in agony, but his assault was not done yet.

"Now, everyone! Let's finish him off!" Morgana gave the order, and the Thieves attacked all at once with Magic and Physical skills from their Personas. It made for a prismatic explosion that engulfed Chisaki's upper half, unable to even cough out a sound. Izuku stepped forward, Eri still cradled in his arms. His cape faded away as well as his mask, instead giving shape to Carter high above him. Tombstone materialized next to him, the smoking barrels of his gun taking aim as Carter reared his knees up, his boots igniting with a dazzling white power.

"ZODANGA~ SMAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!"*

Chisaki's core was struck with Carter's heels and his face blasted by the gun, Izuku roaring as he sent Chisaki rocketing toward the ground. A sonic boom swept through the room from the attack. The monstrosity that was Chisaki's Shadow hit the ground with a heavy quake, shaking the Palace to its very core. As his body shook and struggled to stay conscious, Chisaki's eyes rolled back before his body laid out, unconscious.

Chisaki had been defeated. And Eri remained in the arms of her hero.

To be continued…

HUGE thanks to my guy Chidoriprime for taking over the role of beta for the chapter! Glad to have the help and second eye out for my mess ups lol

Well, hasn't THIS been a long time coming?

It took a while to get the motivation back to do this chapter. A lot of things happened that affected my ability to write this out with no single thing to blame. But when this new year started, I promised myself to see this chapter through. And thankfully I was able to get on a real roll and do so! I've been looking forward to seeing this chapter done for a long time, and hope that it'll live up to all of your expectations!

*I imagined Breakdown from Jojo Part 4's anime playing during this scene. Because they certainly gave Nemoto a Jojo level beating XD

*Zodanga is the city/nation that John Carter ruled on Mars in his story. It felt appropriate to upgrade Izuku's moves based on where Carter's story took him.

Well that's it for this chapter, it was a lot of fun finding my motivation to write again with it. I hope to keep it up in the coming weeks as I work on chapters for my other fics! Thank you all again for your patience and hope you enjoy it! :)