Chapter 28
Gone
Summary"
League of villains have Katsuki and Ace. Izuku has withdrawn into his mind scape where he learns more about one for all. Shoto, Luffy, and Kirishima have to wait for Izuku to wake up so they can rescue Katsuki and Ace. The boys get permission from Aizawa and All Might to work with the rescue team as long as they do not engage in villain attacks.
Shanks paces as he watches the paramedics care for the students. Izuku and the group with Izuku are being treated by Izuku unconscious fire. The more injured students were placed close to Izuku's relentless flames to heal major injuries and organ failure from the gas that was inhaled. Shanks ponders the reports from Vlad. 'The ambulances and firetrucks arrived 15 minutes after the villains have left.' Of the 40 students 15 are in critical condition due to inhaling poison. 11 had injuries that ranged from scrapes and bumps to grave injuries. 12 were uninjured except for fainting when Izuku and Luffy lost control. 2 had gone missing.
Shanks stay close to the room were the most critical of injuries are being treated. Hawks and Shota stay close to Shanks. Shota knows that the ex-pirate is so very close to breaking with guilt and regret. The only reason Shanks hasn't broken down is because he needs to remain strong for the other students.
The detective approaches Shanks and Aizawa. "We have finished sweeping the lands" receiving nods from the pair he continues. "we have apprehended several villains; we will bring them to the station for questioning."
"I will come with you when the students are safe" Shanks states. He needs to know where the Sea Stone came from, he already has an idea, but he needs to make sure and neutralize this threat before they have a chance to regroup and attack again. He is beside himself with worry he didn't know it was possible for the marines to follow them, but it appears they have.
Shota and Hawks both put a reassuring hand on Shanks shoulders. Hawks speaks first "Shanks- Sempai we will stay here with the students."
Aizawa nods "I will contact you if there are any changes"
Shanks considers this for a moment, "I worry about Izuku's mental state when he wakes up. I think Fuji is keeping him under so the wolf can heal him. But I worry that once he wakes, he will act recklessly and put himself in danger to find and rescue Katsuki and Ace."
Aizawa nods he understands. "I will handle him if it comes to that. Izuku may be reckless but he is not an idiot. I will tell him if he can come up with a rational plan that does not involve combat with the villains, I will approve a retrieval mission."
The detective looks shocked "Are you serious Aizawa, He is one of their targets?"
"This is the only way that will please the wolf in Izuku. I do not condone it and he will not be alone I will be with them" Hawks states. He gets it, having trained Izuku as long as he has, he understands the bond Katsuki and Izuku have. "I can restrain him if needed but it will help. I have a feeling this is bigger than the League of Villains. The heroes will need to focus on taking down the villains. If Izuku has a plan to retrieve the captured students, then we should consider it."
The detective sighs he knows it is hopeless, but he will need to come up with a way to keep Izuku and group safe. He will make an Emergency quirk use report for the group. Similar to what he had written for the Hosu incident. "I will allow it, if he can come up with a plan with minimal quirk use, I can write a permission slip for the report like we did in Hosu."
Shanks butts in "That is assuming he wakes up before then. I will interrogate the villains. I will not allow two of my boys to be captured for one second longer then needed. If I have to get them myself so be it." He walks off the wait by the detectives car.
*** Izuku's mind***
Izuku starts coming to awareness, he feels like he is floating, and the world is cold again. He feels like he is in the void similar to when he was unconscious after the USJ incident. He filters through his memories; the students were on the third day of the training mission. Fuji was unsettled so were the animals in the forest. He pushes deeper, he remembers the feeling spiking during the test of courage training the teachers set up. He remembers telling Kacchan to be careful that something was coming. He remembers watching Kacchan and Sho leave into the forest. He watches Ace and Luffy follow when it is their turn. He remembers keeping them in his Observation Haki range until they walked out of it. He remembers a couple of villains attacking the teachers and his panicked rush to get to Kouta. He remembers saving the kid from 3 villains, he remembers healing the damage inflicted during that fight. He remembers the panic and rage he felt when he learnt Kacchan was the target. He remembers the emptiness he felt when he was shot, and Fuji went silent. He remembers almost losing but with renewed strength from Kacchan and Kouta he managed to win. He remembers taking Kouta to safety and running on fumes to get Aizawa's message to Mandalei along with who the target was.
He remembers being in the forest looking for Kacchan when he is blindsided by Tokoyami's out of control Dark Shadow. He remembers Shoji coming to him and deciding to use Dark Shadows form to take out the villain engaged with his pack. He remembers telling Kacchan he wasn't going to make it unless Kacchan removed the bullet from his arm. He remembers white agonizing pain as the bullet is removed and his body mending together in minutes rather than months.
He didn't realize his mind shut down while healing to reduce some of the pain. All mental power he had left was to keep Kacchan in range. When he felt Kacchan's powerful glow fade to nothing blocked by some force. The feeling similar to nonexistence, Kacchan was there and then nothing. He lashed out and let Fuji start to take over. He remembers the feeling of rage consuming him as he screamed Give him Back.
He remembered the villain taunting them and chasing the villain and colliding with him. He remembers fighting Nomu and protecting Shoji from the chainsaw like arms. He remembers the looks of Fear, terror, agony, and despair on Kacchan's face as Izuku failed to reach him intime. He vaguely remembers Luffy and Shoto screaming that Ace was gone to. He remembers his mind breaking.
Then nothing.
Izuku wakes with a gasp, it is dark here, not dark like night; dark as in nothing. He soon realizes he is in the void again. Despair takes over him as Kacchan is not here to pull him out. There is nothing anywhere in any direction. Nothing seems to be pulling him deeper, though he feels like he is floating on a gentle current, so he is moving somewhere. He doesn't feel a sense of panic like last time when he felt like he was being dragged under. This time he feels like something is leading him to a way he can get out of here.
He doesn't know how long he is in this void, but soon there is a silvery glow, it feels safe. He wonders why. None of the aura's he knows of are silver. Kacchan's Aura is the burnt orange of a sunset. Shoto's Aura is a deep blue like a calming ocean. Luffy's Aura is a bright red like passion. Ace's Aura is similar to Kacchan's orange but more yellow like the sun during a clear summer afternoon. Fuji's aura is a vibrant green the color of healing and life. Silver doesn't feel like anyone he has met but it feels safe warm with a hint of wisdom, the kind passed through the ages. Then it clicks, Izuku would face palm if he could, this aura is probably One for All. All Might explained the other souls of One for All live inside the quirk.
This is the first time he has travelled to his quirk like this. Usually when he meditates, he can only speak to one sometimes 2 previous holders. They come to him in a room like place, like an office or conference room. When he visits Fuji sometimes one of the users are talking with the massive wolf. The wolf lives in a den in the middle of a forest. Izuku remembers the forest from all the childhood exploration adventures Kacchan would drag him to.
The silvery glow is brighter now almost drowning the nothingness. Izuku watches as he slowly stops floating and he is standing in the middle of a temple like building. There are statues 9 in total, some of them are stone and motionless. Others are moving and ghostlike.
A woman with black hair comes to him. Izuku knows her she was the holder before All Might. She speaks softly regret and sadness in her form "Izuku, I would say it is a pleasure to finally meet you, but this is a dire situation."
Izuku nods not really in the mood for pleasantries all he want to do is get out of here. "How do I get out of here?"
"before that, we need to talk" The woman starts.
Izuku is smart enough not to lose it but that doesn't mean it is easy. He looks at the woman "Ok, what is it. I have to save Kacchan"
"That is exactly why we need to talk."
Izuku looks at the woman confusion, hopefulness, and sadness marring his face "Huh? Can you help me find Kacchan?"
"Not exactly, but there is hope to find him. Do you remember what All Might told you?"
Izuku wracks his brain for something All Might has told him that pertains to this. He hesitates "He said something about the souls of One for All live in the quirk."
"Exactly, though Katsuki Bakugo is not a holder of One for All, he can still use it."
Izuku nods. "Yea you told me sometimes soulmates can use the quirks of their other half."
"Yes exactly, this has never happened before, but I can assume that since you have shared it with Katsuki multiple times he is connected to the quirk as well."
Hope blooms in Izuku's chest "Does that mean I could talk to him like I am talking to you"
"No, that is not possible. His soul is not here. He is connected in a different way. When he uses the quirk with you, there is a flicker of his presence here. When it is inactive in Katsuki there is something like an Echo of his spirit." She moves to another statue that is just behind the one that looks like Izuku. There is an Orange flame there. Izuku gasps with his wolf hearing he can hear faint whisper coming from it. The flame flickers restlessly, Izuku can feel the fear coming from it.
"This is Kacchan?" Izuku states breathlessly.
"Yes, I feel like you might be able to communicate with it somehow. We have tried to talk to him, but we are unsure if he can hear it. With you being his soulmate and the strong bond between you maybe you will have better luck."
Izuku nods "I will try my best." He moves closer to the flame and cups his hands over the small flame. Izuku can feel the flame shiver in response. He can feel shock and relief flow through it. Izuku tries to convey hope, determination and love into the flame. He feels the flame shudder again in hope and then flick to fear.
Izuku determines Kacchan can feel his emotions and he can feel Kacchan's emotions. He tries blanking his emotions so he can see if he can talk to Kacchan. It takes a moment to ground himself once ready he whispers "Kacchan?"
**** Villain hideout****
Katsuki is scared, and on the verge of panic. Since he and Ace have been captured, they have been in quirk suppressing cuffs Like the time he was chained during the festival. He glances at Ace, the other teen doesn't look so well, he looks like Izuku did when he was shot. He studies the other boy and notices the cuffs on Ace are different then the ones he is wearing. Must be made by the same substance that bullet is made of. He wonders how the League of villains know that quirk cuffs wont work on Ace. He notices the leopard villain is watching Ace like a hawk. Eyes filled with a long-lasting grudge, Katsuki concludes, somehow the people that were after Ace and Luffy as children found them and came here.
Shigaraki comes into the room and looks at the chained boys. His focus on Katsuki sends a shiver down his spine. "Won't you become one of my comrades?"
Katsuki growls ferally "Spare me your shit and die"
Shigaraki leaves most of the other villains following him only Dabi and Kurogiri stay behind the Leopard man as well. Katsuki watches the three villains stay at the bar completely ignoring the two students. Katsuki looks at Ace and tries to get his attention, no success Ace looks like he has passed out. Katsuki heaves a sigh he needs to find a way to get out of here, but he needs Ace for that.
Suddenly he feels a warmth spread through him like the way he feels when Izuku wraps his tails around his wrist. He shivers and tries to put the feeling out of his mind, he is probably projecting trying to find comfort in phantom feelings. When the feeling doesn't leave, he feels shock. The warmth morphs into something akin to hope, determination and love in response to his shock. What ever this phantom feeling is he loves it, it is helping his mind clear. Fear takes over him again as he realizes he is not getting out of here; he needs to be patient and wait for the heroes. The phantom touches leave him, and he feels cold he wants nothing more than to be home with Izuku.
"Kacchan" Katsuki hears in his head. Great he is missing the nerd so much his brain thinks Izuku is talking to him. It is just like his brain to conjure something like this to torture him. But he misses his Nerd and to find some sort of comfort he will take his mind breaking on him.
"Kacchan your mind is not playing tricks on you" Katsuki hears, he is still skeptical but instead he will play along.
"Nerd" he thinks back, he is going to pretend like he is talking to the nerd.
"Kacchan, are you injured? How is Ace?"
"I'm fine Nerd. Ace is in a similar state to you when you got shot. He is unconscious with cuffs on him"
"Probably Sea Stone. Luffy had Sea Stone cuffs on him when Shanks found us" the voice in his head supplies. This shocks Katsuki, his mind shouldn't know this. He didn't see what happened to Luffy, or who found them.
"Nerd, your really there?" Katsuki thinks hopefully. He hears a familiar chuckle in response. "How? How are you talking to me?"
"Kacchan, I'm in the void again. I will explain later. But Kacchan, I'm talking to you through OFA."
"Huh?"
"Short version while in the void I was brought to my quirk. The seventh holder met me here and showed me your flame. Because we have shared OFA so many times, a connection was made with you. I don't know how long has passed since you were taken, but can you give me anything I can use to help you?"
"I'm not sure where we are but we seem to be in a bar of some kind. When I was captured the portal came straight here, I am not sure if I am even still in Japan"
"I don't think they took you out of Japan, that doesn't make sense. Though, I guess it is not impossible, call it a hunch but I feel like you are much closer than the heroes realize. I don't know how long I can keep this connection going, or if it will work outside the void. But I want you to know I love you and will rescue you."
"I love you to nerd. It seems the villains are not going to harm me; I believe there is another reason why they took me. I haven't been harmed and I am cuffed that leaves me to believe I am a hostage. Shanks needs to know that people from his world are here for Ace and possibly Luffy. There is a leopard that is solely guarding Ace he looks like he is waiting for someone or something." Katsuki reports letting go of the panic and fear. He has his nerd in his head even if the connection goes out the more information Katsuki can give him the better. "If I am close enough maybe Shanks can find me using his Observation Haki." Katsuki remembers something and closes his eyes and searches for anything familiar, groups of people busy areas that could help him figure out where he is. "Using Haki I can tell I am close to a busy area a mall or main train station. Sorry nerd this is all I can tell you"
"No need to apologize Kacchan. They probably took you to lure out All Might. We will find you. I am going to try to relay the information you gave me to All Might and then find a way out of the void. If I can get out, I can use Fuji to narrow down where you are."
"How are you going to tell All Might, do you think you can tell him through the quirk like you are talking to me? Or could this just be because we are soulmates?"
"I don't know Kacchan if it will work but I need to try. I need to tell him that you are alive, and that Ace might not be for much longer. Shanks is the only one that can take those cuff off Ace. When I got shot it was similar to being poisoned that's why I needed you to get that bullet out of me."
"Ok if you can let me know if it works. Stay safe Nerd, I don't know what I would do if you got hurt trying to save me."
"I understand Kacchan. I already know I won't be able to fight I'll leave the fighting to All Might and Shanks. I promised you didn't I, if there is another way, I will always take it. I will bring you home and we can cuddle. Be prepared I'm not letting you go until school starts again, at least."
Katsuki can hear the smile in his head "Sounds good Nerd, that is all I want right now is to cuddle and put this all behind me. I am so relieved I could talk to you. I was so terrified I thought I was going crazy when I first heard your voice. Now go the faster you give his information to All Might the better."
"You're right as always Kacchan. I love you I will see you later. Be safe and look out for Ace as best as you can."
Katsuki can feel the connection closing slightly its still there but muted is probably the best word for it. He still feels the warmth from Izuku and is glad he doesn't feel the cold emptiness. Izuku is still with him he sends gratitude into the ball of warmth inside him. He chances a look at Ace again, he doesn't know how much time has passed since Izuku started talking to him, but Ace is still breathing. As long as that remains the case, he won't panic for Ace. He can only hope Shanks, and All Might find them soon.
**** U.A. ****
The media is lashing out and protesting outside the massive gates of U.A. "for a training camp to prepare students for combat with villains to be attacked… IT IS SHAMEFUL."
Inside a conference room Principal Nezu and several teacher are seated around a table discussing the matter at hand.
"Fear of villain activation. We were too naïve in recognizing to legitimacy of this threat." One of the pros reads from the paper.
"They have already begun the war. The war to destroy our hero society." Principal Nezu explains.
"Even if we had recognized the threat, there's the question of if we could have done anything to defend against it…" Midnight ponders "This was such a rapid set of developments… ever since All Might, we thought almost all organized crime had been wiped out…"
"The main point is that without realizing it, the peace has made us grow soft." Present Mic points out. "to even think that we had time to prepare for villains once we became aware of their threat"
All Might sits there with his head bowed "my own worthlessness infuriates my entire being. While they we all desperately fighting, I was just dillydallying around!"
"Things like having the sports festival immediately after an attack… we can no longer continue our undaunted approach with these matters. A student abduction… this is U.A.'s greatest failure" Snipe points out.
"Right now, the media's in a frenzy with criticisms of U.A." principal Nezu hold up the paper. "Bakugo likely became the target when he was shown chained to the podium after Chains said he was being aggressive. I have no doubts that even with the warning Izuku gave Midnight and Cementoss and the precautions not to show Bakugo like that. Even though he wasn't shown to the world muzzled, the walls came down before the cuff came off. He was probably taken because the villains feel he was chained due to his brutality he shown during his matches in the tournament." He temples his fingers in front of his face "If he is somehow brought over the side of villains, it could spell the end of U.A. as an educational institution"
"We're already talking about credibility. So there's something I'd like to say… In light of recent events, it is indisputable that… among us, there is a traitor." Present Mic warns. "only the teachers and pussycats, Shanks and Hawks knew the location of the training camp!"
All Might tunes out the argument of the possibility of a traitor in the school. He feels a pull inside and emotions of hope rather than despair, he feels a nervous excitement coming from within himself. He knows he is not feeling any of this, so he focuses on it with confusion.
"All Might, I don't have long I have information on Kacchan"
All Might excuses himself to go out into the hallway. Nezu gives him a curious look and All Might returns it with a nod. All Might tells them he has a call, from the detective. Out in the Hall he responds "Izuku?"
"It worked, thank god. All Might I will explain how I can do this after we rescue Kacchan. He told me he is in a bar. Near a busy area, though only a few people in his immediate range. He wanted me to tell you he is uninjured but Ace, Ace is in danger. Tell Shanks that someone has Sea stone and Ace was captured and cuffed in it." Is the near panicky voice of Izuku.
"Ok where are you right now."
"In the void. Like after the USJ. OFA got me out of the void but now I guess I am in the quirk. I was able to talk to Kacchan from here. I don't know if it will work outside but this is what I can do for now. I need to talk to Fuji and let Kacchan know the message to you was successful."
"I don't really understand what is happening right now, but you can explain it later. I got your message, I will let Shanks know about Ace, he is probably the only one that can save the boy."
"Thank you All Might, I will call you as soon as I get out of the void." The connection is cut after that. All Might was just about to walk back into the meeting when his phone rings. He checks the caller Id it turns out it's the Detective.
"What's up Tuskauchi?"
"We're getting an account from Shota and Vlad right now, but… There's been an unexpected development!"
All Might's breath hitches "What is it?"
"The League of Villains hideout…" The detective starts "we may have found it". All Might listens as the detective tells him how two weeks ago while an investigation was being performed, they stumbled upon an incident where a man with a patched face was occupying a building… where there were supposedly no tenants. He listens as the detective states that they disregarded this information because it was not prevalent at the time. The detective mentioned that there is a hide-out like bar inside the building.
"A bar you say?" All Might asks, hope blooming in his chest.
"Yea" The detective confirms.
"I have something I need to relay to you and Shanks." All Might states hurriedly.
"What is it, Shanks is here. Shota and Vlad as well"
"Put me on speaker please, Tell Vlad he is good to go. This information is about OFA." All Might waits a bit hearing the rustling happening on the other end of the phone. After a few moments he hears the distinct click of the speaker turning on.
"Izuku just spoke to me"
"What do you mean All Might, Izuku is unconscious." Shanks stated.
"I don't know the specifics but Izuku was able to speak to me through the quirk. He told me to tell you Katsuki and Ace are in a bar like area. Shanks he also stated that Ace is being affected by Sea Stone. The location of the bar is not known but Katsuki used Haki and sensed he is in a well populated area."
"The hide-out like bar, one of the people who kidnapped the boys matches the description of the man." Shota states.
"I think this is the best place to start looking." Shanks states.
"This is all top secret. I'm only telling you because it is you" The detective starts. "We will be assembling a team and we could really use your strength."
"I've got some spectacular friends…. Thank you" All Might say gratefully "If I find those guys, this is what I'm gonna tell them: I came here for payback."
**** In the Void****
Izuku is still within the heart of One for All. He has finished talking to All Might and heads over to Kacchan's flame. He cups his hands around it and sends his love and accomplishment to it. He feels the little flame buzzing with relief and love back. Good Kacchan knows help is on the way. He steps away from the flame and looks at Shimura again.
"How do I get out of here I need to talk to Fuji"
"when we want to talk to Fuji we just meditate"
Izuku nods and gets into his meditation mindset. He empties his mind of all thoughts except his wolf, he evens out his breathing searching in himself for the massive creature. He doesn't know how much time passes but eventually, instead of sitting on the hard floor of his quirk, he can feel the grass under him. He opens his eyes and spots Fuji laying in his den. He gets up and approaches the wolf.
"Fuji, I have a way to save pack. I need your help."
"What do you need pup?"
"First I need to get out of here, then I need you to promise me that when I wake up in the real world you won't try to take over."
"I can't promise anything, pack and mate is in danger."
"Fuji, please I will save pack and Kacchan I promise. But in order to do that I need to be in control."
Fuji studies his pup and considers the risks of him taking over. He huffs "If there is any chance you will be in danger I will take over; this is my only offer. You are still injured from the Sea Stone. I will not have you risk your life."
Izuku smiles at the wolf "I can work with that; I wasn't planning on fighting. I will leave that to All Might and Shanks. I have most of the plan figured out, but I need to wake up first."
"Tell me this plan of yours. If approve I will tell you how to get out of here"
Izuku sighs out relieved "My team will be Shoto, Luffy, Kirishima, and possibly Hawks or Shota. We will travel to Kacchan's location by flying if he is close enough. If not, we will ride the train to the closest station and fly from there. I won't do anything until All Might, and Shanks make the first move. I have a feeling that AFO is behind this so he is probably trying to lure All Might somewhere. Once Kacchan and Ace are out in the open I will fly overhead. Luffy with his stretch will grab Kacchan and Ace. I will retreat to a safe distance and report to the detective"
"It is a decent plan, what if Mate and Pack are not out in the open. Do you plan to barge in there and take them." The wolf knows his pup wont, but he needs to make sure he has planned for this outcome as well.
Izuku ponders for a second "All Might, and Shanks are going to infiltrate the bar. If Kacchan and Ace do not get teleported away All Might, Shanks or one of the other pros will get them out of the building, I will meet them outside the establishment and Hawks or Shota will retrieve them, so whoever brought them out can go back."
Fuji agrees with this plan, the wolf touches his nose to Izuku's head and before everything goes white for Izuku he hears "Be safe pup, good luck"
**** Hospital****
Izuku wakes up with a gasping breath, the first thing he does is check his surroundings he notice the rest of his pack is close to him. He smiles at the sleeping forms of his pack. He pulls out his phone and sends All Might and Shanks a text that he is awake and has the beginnings of a plan. He flares his Haki and immediately Aizawa and Hawks are at his bedside.
Aizawa sighs out relieved "Who is in control?"
Izuku smiles brokenly "I am in full control Aizawa- Sensei"
"Good I did not want to restrain you" Aizawa states.
"I will not sit here and wait for someone to save my Kacchan or Ace." Izuku states firmly. The others of his pack start to wake up. The looks on all their faces range from relief to guilt to despair. Izuku smiles at his pack "I have a plan"
"Depending on your plan, I will allow you to go." Aizawa states.
All Might and Shanks enter the room at that moment "It is good to see you awake kid" Shanks states.
Izuku nods and his face turns seriously "I just want to make one thing clear Fuji has promised to not try to take over, as long as I am not going into combat. I told Fuji my intentions are not to go into combat but to rescue Kacchan and Ace. I have a feeling AFO is behind this and is using Kacchan and Ace to lure All Might somewhere. He will most likely teleport the two out of the bar when All Might shows up. Once they are out in the open, I will fly above the site in wolf form. Luffy will grab Kacchan and Ace, we will retreat to a safe distance and meet up with the detective. Fuji advised me to come up with a plan if they do not teleport Kacchan and Ace out of the bar. If that is the case All Might, Shanks or one of the pros will get them out of the building and I will grab them and bring them to the Detective. I will need Aizawa or Hawks with me."
"I'll go" Hawks states "Aizawa is needed for the distraction"
Izuku nods then turns to Shanks "How did you remove the cuffs off Luffy? Ace has them as well and however I rescue them Ace might not survive if we don't get those off him. I was shot with a Sea Stone bullet and it felt like I was being poisoned. I had Kacchan dig the bullet out of me so I could heal"
"Armament on my sword I cut them off" Shanks states.
"I will take care of it, if I end up nicking him, I will heal the damage. Though I think I am proficient enough in my sword skills and Haki not to cut him." Izuku states.
"Who else do you need for this plan" All Might states.
"Shoto I will need him to keep my wings thawed, and Kirishima to block attacks if needed. Hawks because it is best to have a pro with me. Luffy to retrieve Kacchan and Ace from a safe distance."
"The bar you mentioned is probably the same the detective found. It is 2 hours away on a train. How are you going to get there?"
"if it is that close, I can get there faster by flying. If Hawks agrees we will fly, there and I can circle around and use observation Haki to pinpoint his location better. If they get teleported away it will be easier to get to him."
"I agree, we will fly"
"Tomorrow U.A. is doing a press conference, the villains will be watching it. Shota is going to be part of it to make the villains believe we do not know where they are. The plan is to make them lower their guards they will not be expecting us to attack so soon. We will be attacking tomorrow night. I will allow your plan to happen, but you cannot leave until tomorrow night. Is that understood?"
"Yes Shanks, I will not be able to do anything unless the pros are ready to take action at the same time." Izuku states "Besides I will not risk Kacchan and Ace's safety if I get spotted in the area before you guys are ready."
Aizawa is proud of his student and his ability to be rational he ruffles the teens hair "We will save him, no matter what. I am proud of you Izuku" Aizawa smirks "I thought our biggest concern would be you waking up."
"That is understandable. If I wasn't trapped in the void I probably would have woke up and charged out of here." Izuku states
"What is the void Izuku?" Shanks asks.
"I am not sure, I was there after the USJ incident, Kacchan's voice pulled me out. This time in the void I started panicking Kacchan wasn't here to help me find my way out. OFA pulled me out of the void and I was able to talk to Kacchan, then I took that information to All Might. After that Shimura told me how to get to Fuji. I spoke with him and came up with the plan and then he sent me out."
"You will have to tell us everything after this mission" All Might sighs. This kid is remarkable.
****Next day U.A. Press Conference****
Principal Nezu, Shota Aizawa and Vlad King were sitting at a podium outside of U.A. Highschool doing a public apology announcement. The announcement being broadcasted throughout all of Japan showed the three bowing as they all swore to find their students and apprehend all responsible.
"On this occasion, our incompetence resulted in the injuries of 26 first year students and the capture of 2 students." Aizawa begins "Despite being on institution for the development of heroes, we were negligent in our defense against evil interests and have caused great anxiety within society." He bows "With the utmost sincerity, we respectfully and humble apologize for our short comings."
"Even Aizawa who hates the media…" The reports mumble.
"Reporting with NHA. This is the fourth time this year for U.A. academy, where students have come into contact with villains." The reporter states "This time, students were injured. How exactly did you explain this to their families? Please tell us specifically what measures have been taken to address this matter."
'they should be able to know U.A.'s stance from the sports festival incident. They're really going to make them say it out loud?' Izuku growls as he watches the press conference "They're being treated like criminals…"
"We have strengthened the security around the school, and we have re-examined the campus's crime prevention system" Principal Nezu states "we are taking "strong measures" to guarantee the safety of our students… that was the explanation we gave"
The crowd breaks into a series of disbelief.
"Ehh?"
"They're not protecting them at all…"
"What are these guys saying?"
Izuku looks over the crowd picking up all the different emotions. He can sense fear, panic, desire, and most anger. 'the mood is getting heavier'
"You speak of the students' safety, but…" one reporter gets cut off.
"Mr. Eraserhead, they say that during the incident, you urged the student's to fight, right?" the reporter asks, "Please explain what your intentions were."
"Because we were unable to grasp the situation fully, I made the judgement call, in order to prevent the worst possible outcome." Aizawa states truthfully.
"The worst possible outcome you say?"
"26 injured 2 kidnapped… wouldn't you call that the worst possible outcome?"
Aizawa glares "In that situation the worst possible outcome I was envisioning was…" he takes a deep breath "One which the students helplessly became murder victims."
"The majority of the injuries were cause by the gas attack." Nezu cuts in. "we have ascertained that the gas had hypnotic properties and was the product of one of the villains' quirks." He pauses "Thanks to the actions of two students, none of the students suffered any more serious injuries. We are also seeing to the mental care of the students, but at the present moment we have no indications of severe emotional trauma or anything of the sort."
"A "Silver lining" So to speak?"
"We believe that for the future, the "Worst possible outcome" is if we were to be attacked again." Nezu answers.
"Could you say the same for the kidnapped students Bakugo and Ace?" The reporter quotes the Sports festival and the way Katsuki was made to look like an animal by an ex-pro hero. Even with the students intervention to hide Katsuki from view, the world saw him brought out in a cement box. When All Might appeared, he only removed the muzzle. The world saw he was still chained. "He has exhibited signs of mental instability." The man said referring to the thrashing and growling coming from the box. "What if his abduction was intended to exploit that behavior? What if deceptive words taint him, leading him astray to his kidnappers path of evil?" the reporter smirks "Please tell us on what basis you can say that He has a future."
Izuku growls low and warningly. This reporter doesn't know a damned thing about Katsuki. He understands what the reporter is trying to do. He so wants to go over there and kick the guys ass, but he is smart enough to know that his actions will make it worse. He watches as Aizawa glares at the reporter, Izuku doesn't blame him the older man hates the media because they are so quick to spin stories in their favor.
To the shock of everyone there Aizawa bows "What transpired was the result of my own short comings. However… what happened at the sports festival, That points to the strength of his Ideals. There is no one else more in pursuit of becoming the "Top Hero" if villains perceived that as a weakness to exploit, then I would say that they are being foolish."
"Do you have a firm basis for you position?" The reporter continues "This is not a problem of how you feel. I am asking if you have a concrete plan for the matter."
"By no means are we standing around and doing nothing" Principal Nezu steeples his fingers "We are currently carrying out an investigation in collaboration with the police."
**** The villain hide-out****
During the evening airing of U.A.'s apology, the villains are laughing and having a good old time at the heroes expense.
"It's quite mysterious, isn't it" Shigaraki speaks "Why are heroes getting criticized?" he asks.
Dabi considers for a moment "There response was just a little too slow!"
"Is it because it's their jobs to protect the kids? Everyone makes a mistake or two!"
"Are they saying that they can't make a single mistake?"
"Heroes these days are under some pretty strict standards huh?"
"Yo, Bakugo!" a new voice sounds out. Katsuki looks up growling to hide the fear. This is the first time since arriving here that one of the villains has talked to him personally. "The moment that protecting people began to merit some compensation, heroes were not heroes anymore. That's Stains teachings." Katsuki still doesn't say anything. "The queerness of converting human life into money and selfish pursuits… and society that codifies that suspect thinking into its rules… citizens that criticize the losers who should instead be cheered on…" He pauses "Our battle is one of questions. What is a hero? What is Justice? Is this society really Just? We want each and every individual to think about these things. We intend to win this battle."
"You also…" Shigaraki starts staring right at Katsuki "Like winning, Don't you?" He turns to Dabi "Dabi, remove his bindings."
"What?" Dabi sounds shocked but his face is still that lazy drawl.
Katsuki looks up confused.
"This guy is gonna go ballistic you know" Dabi states.
"It's ok. We have to treat him like an equal. We are scouting him after all." Shigaraki explains. "Besides…" He smirks "He should be able to tell from the current situation that… he has no possibility of winning if he goes off here. Right, Little U.A. Student?"
Dabi sighs and concedes "Twice, free him."
"What me? No thanks!" Twice waves Dabi off. Dabi glares at Twice. Twice concedes.
"I apologize for taking such a forceful approach with you, however" Mr. compress starts "Please understand that we're not just a group of hoodlums endeavoring to… perpetrate evil acts." As the cuff come off Katsuki Mr. Compress levels him with a stare "We didn't just casually decide to abduct you."
Katsuki rubs his wrists and fore arms as the villain keeps talking. He pretends to consider the information given to him. He can feel the presence of the Heroes close by. He internally smirks, when he feels Izuku flitting and hovering just outside his range popping in every few minutes.
"Everyone here has different circumstances but… people… rules… heroes … we're all shackled by them. You too should understand"
As Shigaraki makes his way to Katsuki he drops his guard. Katsuki's face is hidden by his hair as he checks how much sweat has gathered on his hands. Satisfied he shoots an explosion hitting Shigaraki in the face. For the first time since he has been captured, he finally speaks. "I stayed quiet and listened to you blabbering on and on…!" The smoke clears "Idiots don't know how to summarize things, so they go on and on forever. Basically. "We want people to hate us, so join us please?" right?!" He glares at Shigaraki "It's pointless!"
Katsuki thinks about his childhood, How Izuku showed him All Might's debut when they were three. The excitement when every time All Might was on T.V. he always won. How that same nerdy kid was the only one to see past Katsuki's hard exterior and borderline violent personality and told him he could be a hero. The only person who saw a little good in Katsuki and pulled it to the surface. The day they made their promise to become the best heroes together. The day Katsuki's quirk came in and the first person he ran to was his Nerd. The sparkling amazement as he showed the nerd the little explosions he could create. The sadness and anger when his own Mother told him his quirk was villainous. The way all the other students except sweet Izuku would avoid him in fear of being blown up, how every time Katsuki got a bit emotional, little pops exploded from his palms. The teachers would tell everyone to get away from him and then scold him, that always made Katsuki even more angry. Until the little nerd without a quirk would approach the scared, angry Katsuki; fearless and happy glittering eyes as he praised Katsuki and helped him stay calm. The sadness that overtook him when Izuku came to him that day with news that he was quirkless. Katsuki's silent vow that even though his best friend, his nerd was quirkless they would still become heroes together. The joy and pride when Izuku ate a special fruit and finally got something like a quirk. The fear he felt when Izuku walked up to some strangers on the beach and healed them; always willing to put himself in danger for others. The anxious way they waited for the strangers to rouse. The excitement in the little ravens eyes when he saw Katsuki's explosions. The fear he felt matched in the other boys eyes that showed Katsuki pain he couldn't even image but in some way he understood. Ace and Luffy became the only other people who saw the good in Katsuki. Shanks training them to not just rely on their powers but other methods as well when quirk use was not advisable. These villains are crazier than Katsuki thought if they think he would throw all that away.
Katsuki grins big and feral "I'VE BEEN WON OVER… BY THE WAY MY HEROES LOOK WHEN WE WIN!" he growls out "You can say all you want, but… nothing can change my mind about that."
Shigaraki doesn't move, doesn't even looked phased, he doesn't try to get out of Kurogiri's hold as he looks at the hand that was previously on his face that is now on the ground "Father…"
The sounds of the U.A.s press conference is still going on in the background principal Nezu's voice rings out in the villain hide-out "We Will absolutely get our students back."
"Ha." Katsuki barks out "U.A. and the teachers, you heard what they said." He smirks, thanking his stars that Aizawa didn't call on Katsuki's panicked thrashing, instead pointed out that the thrashing was proof of his determination to win. In a way Aizawa is right, but Katsuki would be lying if he said that was the sole reason he needed to get out of those binds. The moment the cuffs and muzzle were put on Katsuki he was thrown into flashbacks of being beaten and almost killed by his own mother, to almost being suffocated by a villain as the heroes stood around and watched.
"That's how it is you shithead alliance." He smirks 'Such a large-scale attack to that extent, only to end up with me' he takes a glance at Ace, he thinks Ace was caught for something else entirely. Since the villains have been keeping all of their focus on the explosive teen. 'They're invested in me! To them, I'm an important person of value. Best to keep their focus on me then. Seeing that they are after my heart. They are not seriously trying to kill me. There are 7 of them… before they change their minds… I'm gonna blast as many of them as I can and bust me and Ace out of here!' He growls "I'm just warning you now, my combat authorizations have not been revoked, got it?!"
"He understands exactly what position he is in… what a clever boy!" Magne whispers.
"Let's stab him" Toga cheers.
"No… he is probably just an idiot" Dabi sighs
"If that were really the case, he could have at least pretended to be won over…" Mr. compress adds "He messed up!"
"I'm not the type to lie about things I don't want to do" Katsuki states "I also have no desire to stick around in this shit hole"
Shigaraki has still not moved, still looking at the hand on the ground. He moves to pick it up. Kurogiri panics "Shigaraki Tomura No!" Kurogiri moves to intercept Shigaraki "Calm down"
Shigaraki glares at Katsuki, Katsuki gulps in his plan to try to escape he forgot how unstable this particular villain is. "Stay out of this, ok, you guys…?" Shigaraki states calmly. "This one is…" He pick up the hand "an important piece." He puts the hand on his face "If possible… I would have liked for you to hear me out… I thought that maybe you could understand…"
Katsuki barks out "Not a chance"
"Then I've got no choice." Shigaraki sighs "The heroes say they're carrying out an investigation… we don't have the time to leisurely persuade you." He turns his head to a monitor "Teacher" he calls "Lend me your strength"
"Good" The voice responds "Good decision Shigaraki"
*** Outside the villain Hideout***
Izuku is flying outside the hideout keeping Katsuki and Ace in his range, He knew the moment Katsuki felt him and the heroes outside that he would lash out. Izuku is proud of Katsuki, because of his commotion inside the hideout the villains are not paying attention to the outside.
The heroes gather outside the villain hideout "Why do I have to come here and clean up U.A.'s mess" endeavor calls out. "I'm rather busy you know"
"Well that aside… we're alumni after all." Best Jeanist greets.
"U.A. themselves can't call on heroes right now." The detective states "Look at the big picture, Endeavor."
"This incident could spell the end of the hero society" All Might informs "If we do not use every effort to resolve it"
"After the sports festival I offered to have him intern with me. I wanted to change his image and behavior." Best Jeanist confesses. "That stubborn boy is brimming with pride."
"You have it wrong Jeanist." Shanks states. "Pride is not what pushes Bakugo to be the best. His bonds with others is so strong he pushes himself to be the best, so they do not have to." Shanks glares at the number 3 hero "You and all the other pros, all see the same thing. You all take one look at him and assume he is the way he is because of pride. You all saw the sports festival, as pros you should have seen what the real cause of the thrashing and yelling from a child chained to the podium."
"Wasn't it because he won that fight but he knew his opponent was holding back?" Jeanist asks.
"You should be ashamed of yourself Jeanist" Shanks snarls "What happened a year ago? Who was involved? What did the heroes do to help him?"
"You mean the sludge incident?" Endeavor asked.
"Exactly, the sludge incident where a child with an Explosion quirk was being suffocated and panicking and the heroes did nothing." Shanks growls out "All the pros did was stand and watch helplessly as a child was fighting for his life." He watches as the pros around him all feel some sort of guilt or understanding. "It took another kid, one who didn't even consider his life to save his friend. He didn't hesitate all he cared about was saving his friend another child." Shanks lowers his head "If not for that young boy, Katsuki Bakugo would have died that day, suffocated to death."
"I have looked after and trained those kids since they were five. Katsuki suffered nightmares about not being able to breath for months after. He was working harder than anyone else I know to over come his trauma. Then fucking pros chained and muzzled him after he won his match just because he is brash. He is loud, and brash but underneath the hard-explosive personality he shows the world. On the inside he is righteous, and strong hearted. It is not pride that makes him who he is, it is his determination to protect and save" Shanks finishes his speech and walks away to All Might.
"Toshinori" Gran Torino greets "the reason you had someone like me come out of the woodwork…"
"What do you mean "someone like me" Gran Torino" All might looks at the short old man. "If the situation's escalated like this… He must also be making a move"
"All for One…"
"This time is a battle of speed! Don't give the villains time to do anything!" The detective states "The press conference we had earlier was a diversion. After hearing that statement the villain will not be expecting us to attack today! Let's return their spite. Now is the time for our counter-attack!"
"LET'S TURN THE TABLE," All Might pumps up "HEROES!"
Edgeshot strolls to the front of the building he can hear the kid declaring the villains are stupid. He smiles and Knocks he waits a second for All Might and shanks to get in position "Kamino Ward pizza delivery service"
All Might smashes through the wall on the other side of the bar. Edgeshot unlocks the door. Kamui Woods tries up all of the villains. Shanks going unnoticed grabs Ace and hands him off to Gran Torino who is still outside. "Give the boy to Hawks, he is on the wolf Flying around"
Getting a nod from Gran Torino Shanks steps back into the room. The leopard villain sneers at the red-haired man. "Shanks"
"Lucci." Shanks strolls to the leopard "Tell me, what is CP-9 doing here?"
Lucci growls "You know exactly what we are doing here Scum! That kid has his blood in his veins. He must be brought to justice"
Shanks growls and releases his Haki in the form of Red Lightening he draws his sword "Let me make this clear Lucci, I will destroy you if you come after my boy's again." He unleashed a sword swipe blasting the leopard with Haki and knocking him out. He is supposed to be a hero right now he can not go around killing people. He sighs, it is during these times he misses being a pirate.
The commotion between Shanks and Lucci is forgotten about as All Might massive presence brings all attention to him. "IT ENDS HERE, SHIGARAKI TOMURA"
"All Might!" The lizard villain screeches "This is the hero Stain was after…?!"
"All Might" Katsuki breathes out relieved, so close to tears.
All Might looks to the teen and Smiles "Bakugo, my boy, you must have been so afraid." He can see Katsuki tremble a bit finally letting relief and fear take over. Katsuki tucks his trembling bottom lip between his teeth trying his hardest to keep the tears at bay. This isn't over yet. "I am here!"
"It ends here you say…?" Shigaraki grits out "Don't joke with me… we have only just started." Shigaraki struggles against his bonds "Justice… Peace… this rubbish heap society capped by such vague concepts… I will destroy it… and I'll start by removing the cap that is All Might" He glares at the heroes "I've only just begun to gather comrades… nonsense… this is just the beginning." He lifts his head "KUROG- "
He is cut off by the sound "UUFGH…" coming from Kurogiri.
"…What…?!" The other villains screech. "What just happened? I didn't see a thing! Is he dead?"
"I played around inside a little bit. He is stunned. He wont die" A voice sounds. Popping into thin air is Edgeshot. His quirk allows him to conform his body into any shape or size. Due to the rigorous training he is able to transform faster then the speed of sound. He turns to Katsuki "I took note of the weak points you exposed in the past!" Katsuki is shocked too stunned to say anything.
"I already told you, didn't I? Behave yourself and comply." Gran Torino states "It's for your own good."
"Hikiishi Kenji"
"Sako Atsuhiro"
"Iguchi Shuuichi"
"Toga Himiko"
"Babaigawara Jin"
"With a little bit of information and time, the police were able to ascertain you identities and background in the night work. You get it, don't you?" Gran Torino states, "That there's nowhere for you to run" He turns to Shigaraki "Hey Shigaraki… I wanted to ask… where exactly is that boss of yours?"
"Nobody… came to save you huh? It must have hurt… Shimura Tenko." Shigaraki is pushed into flashbacks.
"Nonsense… this … this…"
"The heroes will, before long the heroes will… everyone said things like that, but they all ignored you, didn't they? How exactly did the world end up like this? Who made it that way?"
Gran Torino looks Shigaraki in the eyes "You didn't do anything wrong."
"Not like this" Shigaraki mutters "Nonsense…. Get out of my sight… vanish…"
All Might steps up "Where is he right now. Shigaraki?!"
"I hate…"
"It is ok now."
"You!"
"I'm here"
In that instant a black inky substance appears and Nomu step through the portal like substance.
"NOMU!" Kamui Woods exclaims "They're coming form out of nowhere…! What is this black liquid"
"Edgeshot! I thought Kurogiri was- "
"He is stunned! This is not his doing"
"More and More keep coming out!" All Might turns "Kamui whatever you do, don't let go of them"
Katsuki feels liquid burst out of his mouth cutting off his scream "AHH?!"
All Might and Shanks turn toward Katsuki and leap to his location. "Bakugo, My boy!" All Might shouts as the portal substance swallows Katsuki. And disappears right as All Might's massive arms close around Katsuki's form. "NOOOO!" 'it couldn't be…'
The hide out is being overrun by Nomu and the heroes there are requesting back up. "Tsukauchi! Expand the evacuation zone!" Endeavor shouts.
"The findings for our investigations were that there were two hideouts… Jeanist weren't you able to take control of the other hide out?!" The detective calls over his comms "Jeanist?!"
"Toshinori… these guys are…" Gran Torino starts.
"Warping ability… they shouldn't have that option…! Their reaction… was too fast…!"
"Teacher!" Shigaraki smirks.
*** A few Moments earlier***
Izuku and group are hovering around the hideout where Katsuki is. Hawks notices Gran Torino bursting out of the building with one of the captive students. He guides Izuku to Gran Torino and Call out "Over here Gran Torino"
Gran Torino looks up and notices the wolf he recognizes as the one from Hosu. He hands over the boy, "We will get the other one as soon as possible"
Hawks nods and the wolf takes off. A couple of moments later Izuku lands on a roof. He shifts into his human form. He concentrates his Haki on the short sword he brought with him. He swipes twice and with a bated breath watches as the cuffs come off. Ace's shoulders light turn into fire and Izuku covers Ace with healing flames. Ace's flames settle and he looks to be in a peaceful sleep.
"We should drop him off with the back up team and paramedics." Izuku states.
Shoto is crying relieved tears as he holds Ace to him while he sleeps. He just got Ace back he can not bare to part with the other teen so soon. He looks up at Izuku when he feels the other teen rest a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I need you Shoto, you are the only one that can keep my wings from freezing when we rescue Kacchan. I understand you do not want to be away from Ace. You do not need to come with me, you could stay with Ace."
Shoto schools his emotions he thinks about staying with Ace and being selfish; but he takes a look at Izuku and knows the boy is struggling as much as he is. He knows Izuku is hurting on the inside wanting nothing more than to barge in there and rescue his Soul Mate. He can not be selfish right now; he is part of this pack, so he needs to be strong. If Izuku needs him to save Katsuki then Shoto will suck it up and help. "I understand Izuku, just can we wait here for a bit. I need to be with Ace for a bit longer."
Hawks smiles at the two, he gets it kinda he doesn't think he has ever met his soulmate; he doesn't know if he ever will. But he understands that the boys need each other right now. He nods and watches the hideout for any sign that Katsuki gets free. "We will stay here just in case they bring Katsuki out. As long as Ace stays asleep and doesn't need to be looked at. I think staying here is our best bet."
Izuku growls as he feels Katsuki get taken again. He doesn't panic because he knew this was going to happen. "They are on the move, Katsuki is no longer in the bar, the villains are being warped away." He informs the others. "Hawks can you stay here with Ace, we will proceed with the plan. We all have your number we will call as soon as we get away."
"No combat, if you can promise me that, I will let you go. There should be other heroes there to intercept" Hawks levels Izuku with a desperate look.
"I will not fight I will observe and look for an opening. I promise. I am in no condition to fight right now I would only be in All Might's way." Izuku promises.
"Fine I will stay here with Ace. Now go rescue Katsuki." Hawks smiles.
Izuku, Shoto, Luffy, and Kirishima take off to where Katsuki has popped back up.
(The other hideout, the Nomu factory goes the same way. Except Izuku's group is not there but the heroes are the same and they storm the factory and take all the Nomu. Ragdoll is also saved. And All For one makes his Appearance and blasts the other heroes away)
*** the Bar***
The inky black warping substance comes out of the villains mouths and they all start disappearing one by one. "This is bad! They're all being taken away!"
"You bastard…" All Might sprints to the warping masses "Take me too!"
Kamui woods restraint on the villains does not stop them from being warped away. "I'm sorry everyone"
"It is not your fault! We weren't able to do anything either. That wasn't Kurogiri's space connecting warping. This kind it transfers only the intended target!"
The Nomu all pounce on All Might biting and scratching the Number 1 hero. "All Might!" shouts Gran Torino. "OKLAHOMA SMASH" All Might lashes out and flings all the Nomu out of the building.
Outside the building the police force and other heroes are all fighting Nomu, when several other land on the ground defeated. "Sheesh! What a pretty mess they've made…!" One of the officers states "It is what it is! Concentrate on the villains" Another states.
"These guys they're just coming out of thin air over there?" Another police office states.
"I cannot contact Jeanist. Their operation must have failed" Calls the Detective.
"Now is not the time to be babbling about, Damn it!" Endeavor shouts.
"Endeavor!"
"Are you all right" All Might shouts from the hole in the wall.
"What even gives you the idea that I am not" Endeavor rages "Has our beloved No.1 hero started going senile already?!" He takes in All Might's darkened face "If you're going, then don't linger around. Leave!"
"Okay… I leave the rest to you." All Might states. He spots Izuku flying overhead, he must have found Katsuki's location after being warped out of All Might's sight. He leaps up and glides along side the wolf.
"What happened" Hawks asked.
"He got warped away, he was in my grasp. I failed" All Might explains.
Izuku growls "All Might, He is still alive I have his location. The other pros are dim and there is a dark presence there"
"Ok go get him; I'll take care of the villains" All Might relays
*** The other area ***
All for One is tormenting Jeanist after the hero used everyone's clothes to push them out of the way of the blast. All for One hits Best Jeanist with one of his quirks hitting the hero with a fatal blow. A nasty stench fills the air as a portal opens up "Ugghh! Smells like shit… The hell is this?!" Katsuki coughs out as the liquid leaves his throat.
"I'm sorry, Bakugo" All for One states with faux sincerity.
Katsuki holds back the shiver threatening to consume him. This is All for One, the man Izuku is going to need to fight someday. "Ehh?!" He feels multiple presences pop up behind him and he gets on his guard. "!?"
"You've failed again, huh, Tomura?" All for One greets. "But you absolutely cannot get discouraged. All you need to do is try again." The other villains pop through the portal "I brought your comrades back for you." He looks at Katsuki "And this boy too… because you deemed him important" He looks back at Shigaraki "Try as many times as you like. That's why I'm here" He strolls to the villain "Everything… is for your sake."
All for One turns his head slightly "It looks like he is coming after all" he sneers.
All might drops out of the sky targeting AFO "I'm gonna make you give everything back. All for One!"
"You're gonna kill me again," All for One sneers "All Might!"
"You sure took your time getting here, Didn't you?" All for one taunts.
The clash between All Might and AFO release shockwaves that push Katsuki and the other villains away from the epicenter. "The bar isn't more than 5 Kilometers away from here… it took well over 30 seconds for you to get here… you've gotten soft Huh? All Might?"
"You're one to talk. What's the deal with that industrial mask you've got on?! Don't you think you're trying a little too hard" All Might sneers back.
Katsuki tumbles and lands on his side still able to watch the clash 'That bastard is able to fend off All Might with his bare hands… there is no doubt about it… That's the villain boss.'
"I won't make the same mistake I made 5 years ago," All Might starts "All for One" All Might leaps toward AFO. "I'm gonna take you back young Bakugo! And this time around, you're getting locked away for good! Your league of villains puppets too!"
"That won't do…" All for One raises his fist "there's so much for us to do… how difficult for the both of us" he unleashes a blast that sends All might flying backward leaving behind a large area of rubble that were buildings seconds ago. "Atmospheric compression plus locomotive corkscrew, explosiveness times 4 and muscle enhancement times 3…" All for One explains to no one "This combo is pretty fun… maybe I'll collect some more augmentation class ones"
"ALL MIGHT" Katsuki screams.
"No need to worry. He won't die from something like that." All for One sneers "In any Case…" He moves his attention to Shigaraki "Get out of here, Tomura. And bring the kid with you. Kurogiri get everyone out of here."
"Wh-What did yo- is h- is he passed out?!" Magne studders out. "I don't know what's going on, but if you can warp us out of here help us out!"
"Magne, this one is still fresh, so the distance that I can transfer you is quite limited… it is also different from his coordinate-based warping. I can only move things to and from my location." Kurogiri coughs out "Moreover, it only works if I'm sending to someone, I have a close relationship with."
All for One forcibly activates Kurogiri's quirk "Now leave."
"Teacher…" Shigaraki pauses.
All might jumps back into the fray "You're not getting away!"
"I want you to remember, Tomura." All for one starts "You can still grow so much more."
Shigaraki watches as his mentor clashes with All Might, shocked and frozen in place.
"Shigaraki, let's get out of here while pipe face is keeping All Might busy!" Mr. Compress states as he compresses Dabi unconscious form.
"Take the piece with you" Shigaraki commands.
Katsuki smirks as he feels Izuku coming in his range, he needs to last a couple of moments and he will be free. "Assholes"
"Bakugo, My boy…!" All Might shouts, the message is clear, All Might will make an opening for Izuku. Katsuki just needs to hold out for a few moments.
Katsuki watches the villains its 6 against one. 'these guys are panicking too… unlike before, it looks like they are willing to take me by force' he dodges out of the way and sends explosions toward the villains. 'either way, I'm not letting this masked shithead touch me!'
All Might tries to intercept the villains taking on Katsuki and he gets swiped out of his path by AFO.
Hovering over the battlefield Izuku growls 'even in this crisis… even with Kacchan holding his own… we are not allowed to fight… I need to find an opening even for a moment… there will be a way I can save Kacchan… as soon as we rescue him All Might can go all out.'
"Luffy when we dive grab him and pull him up" Izuku states. "We will fly out of the way, Kirishima protect my sides. Shoto protect Luffy and intercept any attacks coming for Kacchan. As soon as he creates more then two steps away from the villains. This will succeed, he already knows we are here. He is trying to give us an opening."
While watching Katsuki he sees it the moment they have been waiting for Luffy stretches his arm out as Shigaraki runs to Katsuki to close the distance. Katsuki sees the hand, he smiles as he launches himself into the air and grabs it. Luffy grasps his hand and squeezes, he retracts his arm and Kirishima catches the other teen, so he doesn't fall off the wolf. "Got him" Luffy called.
All for One moves to pursue Katsuki and All Might smiles relieved as he tackles All for One to the ground. The other villains try to follow but the wolf moves to far and fast away. Magne activates his quirk which allows him to magnetize objects to himself in a 4.5-meter radius. He magnetizes Mr. Compression and repels the other villain toward the wolf. Mount Lady intercepts Mr. Compression causing the villain to crash into the giant lady.
"Mount Lady!" Screams Kirishima.
"The rescue… is top priority…" She smiles "Get out of here…! You dumb brats…" as she falls unconscious.
"We can still catch them! One more shot…" Magne shouts.
The three villains get intercepted by swift kicks to the face.
All might looks up as Grand Torino and Shanks appear "You're late"
"You're just too fast too keep up with" Shanks smirks.
"Shimura's close friend…" All for One drawls.
"You know that Midoriya kid is becoming more and more like you every day! In the worst way possible! Despite what happened at the camp, to still come… those youth!" Gran Torino lightly scolds.
"However, I am sorry to inform you that now… Without holding back I can defeat you." All Might points at AFO.
Shanks lands next to All Might. "Hello AFO, I would say it's been a pleasure to see you again" He smirks "But heroes aren't supposed to lie"
"How are your injuries?" All for One taunts. As he forcibly activates Magne's quirks and magnetizes all the males villains. He forces the males to crash into Toga pushing them all into the portal. Tomura screeches for his master.
"Wait… no, Sensei!" Tomura screams as he is flung back. "With that body, you're… NO…." Just as the portal is about to close "I still haven't…"
"Tomura" AFO whispers softly "Continue the fight" the villains are gone. Now all that is left is All Might, Shanks, Gran Torino, and All for One.
All Might launches himself toward AFO punch cocked and ready. "Even though I came here just to save Tomura…" All for One warps Gran Torino in front of him forcing the old man to absorb All Might's punch. "If it is a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get"
"Sorry!" All Might shouts to Gran Torino; he can feel guilt later right now he has to fight.
"After all I despise you." AFO states "in the past, that fist of yours brought down my comrades one by one… and yet you were celebrated as the symbol of peace." He hits All Might "Standing atop society, on the bodies of those sacrificed to get there…" Another punch to All Might's wounded stomach "The view must be nice from up there, Huh?"
All Might powers up a punch "Detroit Smash!" they clash fists and cancel each other out.
"Sorry but I'm not going to let you fight without holding back" AFO sneers "Heroes… They've gathered a lot of them huh?" He looks around Shanks is helping civilians get out of the rubble and leading them to the police to bring outside the danger zone. "A lot of things to protect."
"Shut up" All Might snarls "That's exactly how you play with people like they're toy, you scum. Destruction, Theft, exploitation, manipulation. The people of the world, just trying to live day by day! You Laugh at them, scorn their hardships! THOSE ARE THINGS THAT I CANNOT…" he powers another 100% punch "FORGIVE!" still holding onto AFOs wrist All Might punches the villain in the face breaking his mask.
"Toshinori!" Gran Torino states weakly.
'My time limit…!'
"Aren't you getting a little too carried away with your emotions All Might? I've heard all these lines before you know…" All for One lays on the ground as his regeneration quirk fixes his face "from the previous One for All Successor… Shimura Nana."
**** With Izuku****
As soon as Katsuki Landed on the wolf he sagged in relief. He knew the battle wasn't over yet, but he believes in Shanks and All Might to get out of there alive. He can feel the excited trill Izuku is letting out and the pleased Grumble the wolf is making. He smiles softly and pops a few small explosions on the wolfs back to let reassure the wolf he was all right.
Izuku keeps flying until they reach the train station. He lands on the roof and Shifts to his Human form. The panic and adrenaline he felt to rescue Katsuki leaves him and he collapses in exhaustion. Before the boy could hit the ground Katsuki catches the boy and gently controls the fall so Katsuki is holding the other teen against his chest. "Kacchan" is the soft whisper almost a whimper that leaves the boys throat. Almost like he can't believe they got Katsuki back. Katsuki shakes with emotions ranging from left over fear and terror for the future and unbelievable happiness.
He smiles fondly at Izuku "Thank you nerd!" He kisses the boy's forehead "You saved me"
Izuku squeezes Katsuki and shakes as sleep overcomes him. Katsuki looks to the others of the rescue team. Kirishima and Luffy are reassuring Shoto that Ace is fine, and that Hawks is with him. Shoto will be able to see Ace in a few moments.
"We need to contact Hawks" Kirishima states "Knowing Izuku he is not gonna want to leave until the fight is over incase, he needs to heal All Might or Shanks"
Katsuki nods and motions to Kirishima to call the pro hero. Kirishima pulls out his phone and dials the pros number. After a couple of rings Hawks picks up.
"Kirishima, everything ok over there!" Hawks starts trying to keep the panic out of his voice.
"Hawks we are fine, currently on the top of the stations roof. Izuku is asleep" Kirishima begins.
"What about Katsuki, where is he?"
"I'm alive old man" Katsuki breathes out.
"So it was a success then. Thank god." Hawks finally let's go of the panic and fear "I never doubted Izuku for a second. But I'm relieved to know you are safe now Katsuki"
"Yeah, Thanks" Katsuki whispers. He is not very close to Hawks, but he has trained with the hero a few times and respects the other winged hero. Izuku views the winged hero to be like his older brother. To Katsuki it make sense because Hawks was the only one able to help Izuku control and fight with his wings.
"I will be there soon" Hawks states "Stay there, until I get there"
"Not like we can go anywhere old man" Katsuki grumbles "My nerd is too tired to move"
"I got it Katsuki" Hawks Laughs. The call ends after that.
The conscious boys watch the fight that is being broadcasted all over Japan.
"You filthy scum…" All Might snarls "You dare say my master's name!"
"She was only ever on about her ideals… it was as if that woman had no power at all! As the person who fathered OFA her hopelessness was embarrassing… She died in an especially shameful manner… how do I even begin to tell you…" AFO taunts knowing this is a sore spot for the hero.
"Enough!" All Might rages. In his rage he didn't notice AFO powering up and air cannon, he gets blasted away just about to crash into a helicopter filming the battle. Shanks intercepts All might before he can crash into the helicopter.
"Yagi!"
"Well, well… getting in the way…" AFO taunts.
"This is just like 5 years ago!" Shanks yells. "Calm yourself! You're letting him provoke you!" Shanks slaps the man "Last time we missed our chance to capture him! And instead he tore a hole in your stomach and took my arm." He slaps him again "You always get caught up by this sort of crap! Don't exchange any more words with him!"
"… Okay…" All Might states as he stands back up "Both the strategy and quirks he is using are completely different from last time. Any attempt to take him head on is useless! We need to get his guard down."
"Can you still move?! Push past you limits this is do-or die, Toshi!" Gran Torino states.
"All Right!" All Might prepares himself.
The helicopter that All Might almost crashed into hovers around and takes in all the destruction and chaos. "it's like a bad dream! In a flash, the Kamino Ward has been brought to a half-destroyed state. Presently, All Might, and Shanks are battling with the villain thought to be the ringleader of this group! Unbelievable! A single villain! Destroying the street and is now fighting on more than equal footing with the Symbol of Peace!"
All Around the streets and in the homes, people watch as All Might, and Shanks take on the epitome of evil. "Destroyed…! Tsukauchi, All Might!" principle Nezu states concerned watching the fight from U.A.
"What is this? Looks bad."
"All Might looks beaten up pretty bad…"
"Wowww they got him good!"
"Where is Kamino Ward exactly?"
"Maybe papa will have tomorrow off…"
"Wha"
"What are the heroes doing?"
The Classmates of Class 1-A watch the news report.
"Aren't villains getting a little out of hand lately?"
"Or maybe the heroes are getting played"
"They're slacking off! Just kidding. Actually I think they are a little bit"
"Yeah in the end, this time around All Might's trying to do something about it!"
"THE TRUST IN HEROES THAT TOMURA'S BEEN DILIGENTLY WORKING TO DESTROY… I SUPPOSE I SHOULD PUT THE FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN HERE..." AFO taunts "BUT YOU KNOW WHAT, ALL MIGHT? DID YOU KNOW THAT I HATE YOU, JUST AS MUCH AS YOU HATE ME?" All Might just stands there "WHILE I DID KILL YOUR TEACHER. YOU TOOK SOMETHING AWAY FROM ME TOO. THAT'S WHY I WANT YOU TO DIE AS UNSIGHTLY AND GRUESOME A DEATH AS POSSIBLE!" He powers up another air cannon.
"Here he goes!" Gran Torino calls and jumps up "Dodge it then counter."
"Should you be dodging, I wonder?" AFO unleashes his attack toward a civilian getting out of the rubble. "Let's start with something you risked life and limb to protect. That pride of yours" he unleashes his attack
All Might notices this move and moves to intercept "Shanks counter I've got the civilian"
"Let's expose that miserable form of yours to the world, My dear symbol of peace" AFO taunts. He blocks the flying sword strikes from the red-Haired man. He bats Shanks away with another Air Cannon.
As the smoke clears it reveals All Might taking the force of the air cannon splitting the cannon to go around him and the civilian. He coughs out as blood dribbles down his chin. The world is exposed to his weaker form.
"Who is that... he is like a skeleton."
"All Might seems to be withering away"
"No…" Katsuki gasps "His secret"
All Might turns his head toward the civilian "You are ok now."
"Those hollow cheeks! Those sunken eyes! That is a poor excuse for a top hero if I've ever seen one." AFO Laughs "But do not be ashamed. That is your true form, after all, Isn't it?!"
All Might glares.
"I see." AFO states
"Though my body may rot away and decline… and the world may see me in this condition…" All Might is breathing heavily. "My spirit remains… I AM STILL THE SYMBOL OF PEACE!" his eyes show with determination "And there is nothing you can do to take away even a fragment of that from me!"
"Magnificent!" AFO Laughs "You got me. I had forgotten how much of a stubborn child you were." AFO points to All Might "In that case, I hope that this does not hinder that spirit of yours… I've got something to tell you…" there is a smirk in his voice that is not seen "Shigaraki Tomura is Shimura Nana's grandchild."
All Might's face pales, and despair is starting to take over. All for One laughs at the broken look All Might is sporting "All this time I have been thinking about how much that fact would disturb you. I created the opportunity for you and Tomura to meet, and you beat him into submission, didn't you?" AFO taunts "Without knowing a thing, All The while shining that triumphant smile of yours!"
"You're lying" All Might softly prays.
"It's the truth. You understand, don't you? This is the kind of thing I would do." He sneers "Huh… That's weird All Might." he uses his thumbs to push his cheeks into a forced smile "What happened to that smile of yours?"
All Might is brought into flashback of his master telling him that "no matter how scary it gets; you must always wear a smile that says I'm fine! For in this world. The ones who smile are the strongest of all."
Tears roll down All Might's face "You…" He chokes "YOU SCUM!"
"Just as I thought… how fun!" AFO continues to taunt "I'd say I got a bit more then a fragment of your spirit there!"
'My master's own family...' "UWAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" All Might screams full of agony and despair 'What… What have I….'
All for One uses this opportunity to take down All Might as he prepares another Air Cannon to hit All Might. The attack is blocked and absorbed by Shanks the attack pierces Shanks' side causing him to fall over, bleeding heavily.
The civilian All Might saves whispers out "Don't lose" All Might doesn't hear her "ALL MIGHT, PLEASE HELP!" This works to get All Might to snap out of his thoughts. He can pick up the cheering citizens outside the danger area. He can hear Izuku and Katsuki shouting to "WIN THIS!"
"Of course, young lady." All Might compresses all the power OFA will give him into his right fist "You're right, All for One. There is so much… so much we heroes have to protect. And that is why. WE DON'T LOSE."
"With all your strength…" AFO begins "Will that be your final swing, All Might?" he continue trying to break All Might's mind "Wounded heroes are the most terrifying of all." He looks up and noticed the other heroes are approaching "Your face, as you came after me even with your guts spilling out… even now I still see it in my sleep" He floats "Doesn't even look like you have two or three swings left in you."
Endeavor and Edgeshot show up at the scene. "What are you…" Getting a good look at All Might Endeavor rages not understanding "WHAT THE HELL IS WITH THAT APPEARANCE ALL MIGHT?!"
Up in the air AFO can observe the rest of the battlefield "Although they were all mediocre… to have taken care of the Nomu already… it's to be expected from the man who ascended to the no.2 spot."
"All Might…" 'in order to surpass you, I've devoted myself to my studies…! So much so that I've come to fully realize… the gap between you and me… the sight of your back…! Makes me despair!' "WHAT IS UP WITH THAT PATHETIC FORM OF YOURS?!" Endeavor still rages not getting an answer.
"If you've only come to show your support, then act like a real audience and quietly behave yourselves" AFO sneers.
Edgeshot launches toward AFO "Don't kid yourself, you savage." He gets ready to attack "We came here to help."
Kamui Woods uses his vines to grab a hold of Mount lady "you gave it your all, MT Lady"
All Might watches shocked as the conscious pros move to gather the wounded. "This is about all we can do… but if it lightens your burden, even a little."
"TIGER!"
Endeavor and Edgeshot work together to keep AFO busy. Gran Torino grabs Shanks "Please All Might, stop that wicked fellow…! Everyone is wishing for your victory…! No matter what your appearance may be, you are still everyone's NO. 1 hero!" Gran Jumps away with the injured Shanks "EVERYONE IS WISHING FOR YOUR… VICTORY!"
"How troublesome." AFO repels all the attacks blasting the heroes away. "Enough with the sentimental talk. Let's talk reality." AFO combines all of his quirks to form a truly devastating arm "locomotive corkscrew, explosiveness x4, muscular enhancement x3, multiplication, hypertrophy, rivet, air walk, bonespear. The shockwaves up until now have been just to ware you down. Nothing lethal. But now to make sure I kill you, with this combination of the strongest most suitable quirks that I have put together… I will strike you down" He prepares his final attack 'When we clashed fists just now, I finally was able to confirm it, All Might. OFA is no longer in you. What you are running on right now is just the trailing notes… the leftovers… the embers that remain after transferring it. And every time you use that flame it weakens. Without me blowing at it. Already the light is so Dim that it is about to go out…' "IZUKU MIDORIYA. HE IS THE ONE YOU TRANSFERRED IT TO RIGHT? WITHOUT ANY QUALIFICATIONS HE STILL CAME HERE… IT'S AS IF HE'S NOT ABLE TO CONTROL HIMSELF. LET'S MAKE SURE HE DIES FEELING EVERYBIT OF REGRET, ALL MIGHT! EVEN AS A SENSEI, IT'S YOUR LOSS." They clash dust and debris fill the air.
"Impact reversal" AFO counters "All the power you released; I'll turn it back to you…"
"That's right" All Might says "As Sensei… I can't be scolded by you…!"
"I see." AFO grumbles "How unsightly!... the feeble embers… so dim that it's about to go out…" 'you're fighting against it? Until you carry out your duty to avoid dying out… you intend to desperately fight against it?'
"if you feel yourself hitting up against you limits, remember…" 'Just like what my master did for me… not just as a symbol… I too, until I'm done bringing him up'
"To go to such unsightly lengths to fight against it… I miscalculated." AFO states.
"I will not die" "UNITED STATES OF SMASH".
notes:
I know Shanks sounds pretty pathetic in this but, he is essentially quirkless against AFO. Haki only works against those that have a weaker will the you. So AFO has a stronger will then Shanks. All Shanks can really do is defend and block attacks.
Next time:
will be a lighter chapter towards the end I am changing the Layouts to the dorms to suit Izuku's wolf form and Puppy Piles. The beginning of the chapter will be light aftermath, AFO still goes into the Iron maiden and taken to the High security prison i am not going to write it though since nothing is actually changing
Until next time
Kats_1x
