Chapter 3: Topsy-Turvy
"Very good. Again." All For One instructed, watching the scene before him through Infrared Ray, the heat signatures his only form of sight. The man sit in an imposing chair, relaxing while the tubes in him pumped needed oxygen and nutrients. While he was nowhere near full recovery he'd made tremendous strides in the past two years from being on the brink of death—in part thanks to his newest charge's talent for research and analysis. Doctor Ujiko constantly reminded him that he probably wouldn't be near full power for another three or four years, emphasizing the need to remain in the shadows to heal before he dared to debut in society once more to remind the world who they should fear; not to mention also take care of that accursed All Might if he was still kicking despite his grievous wound. In fact the anniversary of that day was coming up...
Deku, recently turned twelve, was in front of the scarred man, panting as he squared off with his opponent, sweating profusely despite his endurance enhancement Quirk. A loose white shirt sporting a large "T" clung to him, drenched from perspiration. His opponent was fairing better, a hulk of a specimen sporting a wide smile he couldn't control; the white humanoid didn't seem pleased however, gripping his side as he staggered.
"Focus on your technique when delivering the blows. Effort is for nothing if you can't control the full force, you waste energy. Use your strength but also your opponent's against them, you know this."
"Yes, Sensei." The green haired boy gritted his teeth and charged again, swinging at his human punching bag. His opponent was ready however and swung at him, aiming at his head. Deku ducked just in time, sliding between his legs before popping up behind him and delivering a well aimed punch to a kidney.
The humanoid let out a bellow, clutching his side before falling into one knee. Taking advantage of the momentary crippling Deku leapt up behind him and executed a punch to his face, knocking the brute to the ground, dazed.
"Excellent, that is all for now. You may stop, Young Deku."
"Yes, Sensei!" Deku panted, feeling sweat roll off of him and his muscles tingle from hint of fatigue. He wiped his brow with his well toned arm, the training from past two years and some months adding up well for his physique. While he still had somewhat of a baby face and big bright eyes his body showed he was not some helpless child, definition in his arms and legs enough to rival a star athlete of his age if not a bit older.
He looked over to his dazed opponent who was slowly getting to his feet, shaking his head. An apologetic smile formed on the boy's face, "Sorry, Kakashiro. Better luck next time?"
The large humanoid let out an intelligible grumble as he got up, the most he was able to convey thanks to his physical mutation, perhaps a secondary side effect from his Quirk. He gave the boy a heavy but well meaning pat, fond of his smaller sparring partner despite the punishment he was dealt; however given he was basically a living muscle scarecrow he bounced back fairly well. He proceeded to sign he was fine and good job before lumbering off slowly toward his permitted quarters, leaving Deku alone with All For One.
Deku stood in silence before the man he called Sensei, slowly coaxing his panting breaths to calm, wiping his face off with his drenched shirt though it didn't help much. Though Sensei could not see he knew through the heat readings he detected he could tell the boy was an overheated sweaty mess. He probably didn't smell so great either, but then again he'd been training for hours on end with a short water break to help build endurance and ready him for real conflict where a break would not be possible.
"Tomura Shigaraki should be getting back soon with Kurogiri. Let's hope business dealings went smoothly given his methods are a bit… tumultuous still." All For One informed, propping a hand under his chin, his face slightly tense.
"I'm sure it went well. He's gotten better, right?"
"Indeed… You are the competitive push he needs to improve. If you were not here I fear he'd act like a spoiled brat and chance being identified as a man-child. Hardly befitting for the future leader of the League or someone acting in my stead, I fear, even if he is rather passionate."
"Shigaraki-senpai is doing his best, he has his own challenges like I do." Deku hastily defended, not meaning to talk back but wanting to make sure the other party had a voice in the conversation. He was a teenager after all who'd suffered a traumatic early childhood that obviously left deep psychological scars on him; even after over two years Deku only got bits of information about his past from what the shaggy haired teen had offered, as well as whatever Sensei and Kurogiri decided to share. Which was fine, Tomura didn't know his backstory either save that he was seemingly abandoned or just a runaway.
"Hm, true. You both could take a page out of each other's books. Him, your sharp analytical mind and you, his ferocity to be merciless… then again you don't have to worry about that, per our deal's conditions."
Deku nodded, his mind going to that day he was brought to the League's headquarters. He had proposed three conditions to the imposing man, the man whom he soon learned was the villain emperor All For One; surprisingly the powerful man had agreed, per his own terms regarding Deku's stay. However, remembering his teacher relied heavily on sound, unable to properly see him nod, he spoke, "Yes, understood, Sensei."
"You've made great progress yourself, Young Deku." All For One smiled, seemingly relaxing. "I can see your body is becoming honed, and I can tell your mind is as well through your studies and application of your observations. You're not defenseless anymore, are you?"
The words Deku had spoken the day the two had met range in his head, the memory deeply embedded: I'm useless. I'm defenseless. I don't have a Quirk, no buddy likes me. It'd be better if I didn't exist, if I just disappeared. His fists clenched as he stood steadfast, a serious expression on his face as he felt his strength and endurance Quirks hum through his veins, his muscles tightening. "No, no I am not."
"That's right. Your mind and body are now your weapons." All For One gave a chuckle, amused and perhaps a bit relieved at the slow character change of his youngest charge, confidence slowly but surely building despite some softness remaining. "You've always had your naturally keen mind, it just needed some special attention to allow you to flourish to your full potential and you still have much further to go. "
"Thank you, Sensei… for your faith in me."
"Of course. Now, I'll let you head off to clean up. I'm sure you want to get out of your training attire."
Deku promptly remembered his gross state, snapping out of his firm resolve, his sense of confidence suspended. He gave a quick bow, slightly embarrassed for just standing before his mentor fermenting, "Right! Excuse me, Sensei!"
A chuckle escaped All For One once more, "Take your time. I'll be here when you're done. We need to go over your Quirk Analysis after you rest a bit."
"Understood." Deku gave a nod before hurrying away, realizing how the stench of his clothes bothered him alone, which meant Sensei had been enduring it as well. How thankful he was that he did not have a sensory enhancing Quirk that boosted his sense of smell; such a Quirk must drive its users crazy at times given they couldn't simply turn it off despite times of encountering a horrible stench that was repulsive to even a normal nose. With that thought in mind he hurried off to the bathroom and stripped off his reeking clothing.
When he finally reemerged it was nearly forty minutes later, having let the warm water soak his taunt muscles and ease what little fatigue he felt thanks to his Quirk and then scrubbing at his thick unruly hair for some time. Noting that lengthy process for hair alone, he thought perhaps it was time to get a haircut; Kurogiri had proven rather skilled in replicating his desired hair length without cropping it too short the past few years. Once he left the bathroom he diverted to his room for a few minutes to fetch his notebook. However as he gathered up what he needed he thought for a moment regarding his apparel before making his decision and moving toward his closet, knowing exactly what to pick out.
He returned to the room he had left All For One, notebook in hand and sporting a new look. As he entered he saw that Tomura and Kurogiri had both indeed arrived, perhaps not too long ago as the teenager was still wearing his long hooded black jacket; as nearly always he had his mask on, the dismembered hand that was an obvious safety blanket as well as point of intimidation.
Both turned their attention toward him, taking in his appearance. Kurogiri's glowing eyes seemed to widened slightly before curving upward, trying to mask his pleasure. Tomura gave him a look over before reaching up and removing the hand, revealing a serious yet somewhat perplexed if not disgusted expression as both his red eyes roved over the younger boy for better appraisal.
"What are you wearing, dweeb?"
Kurogiri let out a cough at the name calling though at this point it seemed more of a rude yet fond pet name than an outright insult. The mist man felt pride at Deku's appearance, having bought the ensemble just a few months ago as one gift for the boy in celebration of his birthday and in part belated anniversary since he'd joined the League. It looked like he'd got the measurements down perfectly.
All For One looked curious, as much as a nearly featureless man could emote, given he could only make out the outline of his returned protégé. He had a feeling as to what was going on which was quickly confirmed as Kurogiri used a Warp Gate to whisper near his would be ears. A wide smile formed on his face, wishing he could take in the sight for himself but thankfully had a plentiful visual memory library to imagine what the boy looked like in his new outfit.
"A suit, obviously." Deku retorted, feeling a bit cheeky given the nature of the jab and also proud of his current appearance. Rather than change into fairly comfortable casual clothes per the usual he had opted for a black suit that was coupled together with a black vest overlaying a white dress shirt and black tie. On his hands were half palm gloves, a touch he thought tied everything together without completely copying his mentor's look. He tried to remain serious despite his glee which resorted in a rather mischievous smile that could be mistaken as devious.
"Excellent choice." All For One praised, thoroughly pleased. "Both of you have progressed well these past two years. Sensei couldn't be more proud as you two are carving out a place for yourselves in the world."
"Yes, Sensei, thank you." Deku bowed, beaming at the praise while Tomura actually dared to smirk before swiftly replacing his mask, obscuring his expressions once more. The teenager however could not hide his excitement as he squared his shoulders in confidence, unlike his usual hunched self.
"Now, if you excuse me for a few minutes, Young Deku, Tomura Shigaraki was just about to go over the results of the meeting." All For One explained, gesturing to the hooded teen who took that as his cue to come forward. "I take it no one was needlessly disposed of?"
"Nobody, Sensei, though the boss I met with had a little brat tagging along that irked me. Unnerving boy, going to be something to worry about in the future I think if left unchecked."
"And the negotiations?"
"Said he was open but would like to revisit after some time. He acknowledged combining the League with his organization could prove to be a fruitful enterprise if the timing was right."
"Then we must seal this deal as soon as possible. I do not like the idea of this… organization running around without some coalition in place, even if their hold is in the West."
"Agreed, Sensei." Tomura nodded, taking a hand out of his pocket, keeping his pinky tucked out of habit before lightly scratching at his head. "Maybe some show of force would work as persuasion. That kid looks like nice leverage but we don't have details on their Quirks, might be a bad thing to jump straight to that option."
"Sounds like perhaps Young Deku should join you for this project. Put your heads together to resolve this, him using his analysis and perception skills to better your game plan and expose their weakness, and you showing your fortitude. It will be a good team building exercise, dare I say bonding time."
Tomura let out a low groan, displaying his annoyance as he attempted to curb some teenage rebellion. "Yes, Sensei."
"If you give me permission, Sensei. I'll do my best." Deku declared, green eyes shining at the chance to help with an active project aside from most of the theory and studies he'd been doing, with a few occasional side projects regarding the League's own members and their known opposition. He glanced at Tomura who seemed begrudgingly resigned to the passive order. All For One smiled at the clear excitement the boy was exuding, his eagerness unbridled.
Suddenly All For One's grin faltered he seemed to tense, despite the lack of upper facial features, apparently concentrating. At first Deku thought it was because he was displeased at Tomura for whatever reason but something told him that wasn't it; Sensei didn't react that way to the older protégé, he simply let him figure things out on his own while offering his insight once in a while. What had him looking displeased?
"Sen…?"
Before Deku could finish Kakashiro came flying through the room, slamming into the nearby wall. The huge humanoid let out a grunt as he dropped to the floor, probably more for effect than actually feeling pain. The plastered grin on his face looked tense, somehow broader while his almost blank dark eyes flashed intensity as he glared in the direction he had come from, dust clearing around him.
"Looks like we have uninvited company." All for One informed, his face tense as he began to rise. From his side he reached down, grabbing an intimidating navy blue helmet shaped into the upper half of a skull that was attached to a wide black metal collar with multiple pipes extending to it, wrapping around the back. He slipped it over his face, the collar clicking into place as he removed the other thin tubes from himself to disconnect from the machines nearby, his portable life support system now in place. "Our enemies have sniffed us out. I had hoped to put this day off for some more years, but that fool is sentimental, of course he'd do it so close to the anniversary."
"What? How'd they find us?" Deku exclaimed, his heart thundering in his chest as he took in the appearance of Sensei and the angered Kakashiro, who apparently was gathering energy before charging forward, disappearing back from where he came, ready to clash with whoever his unknown foe was. The boy looked on in horror as the devoted brute went out of sight. "Kakashiro!"
"Sire, do we retreat?" Kurogiri inquired, waiting orders though he seemed nervous. "Sensei?"
All For One remained facing forward toward where Kakashiro had come, not sparing a glance at the mist man. "Go Kurogiri. You know what to do. The contingency plan."
"Yes, Sire. But what about Gigantomachia?"
"He's still hibernating after attempting to assist me during the fight two years ago. The good doctor isn't quite finished with him or the developing specimens."
"Go? Go where? Sensei?" Tomura demanded, looking tense as he looked between Kurogiri and his mentor. "Who's attacking?"
"Someone you very much so despise." All For One informed as he strode forward, bracing himself despite his still fragile state. Who knew how long he could last given he only had a few Quirks at his disposal and the toll of his body weighing him down with its limitations; if only this were happening years from now. "Now go with Kurogiri, both of you."
"Come with us! This base is compromised, we can find another one easily! Don't stay and fight!" Deku insisted, stepping in front of the man he greatly admired but deep down feared. He screwed up his face, determined to persuade. "Please, Sensei. Don't get hurt more."
All For One let out a low chuckle despite the sounds of battle that were now erupting around the base, the walls shaking and shouting being heard as well as explosions. He reached forward and placed a reassuring hand on Deku's head, rubbing his hair gently. Regardless of the intimidating mask Deku could only think of the man who had reached out to him that day at the park. "Ah, Young Deku. You still have much to learn, things don't always go as planned. We must adapt and overcome. Sometimes moving things up is for the better. Do not worry."
"Sensei…" Deku began, his green eyes wavering with emotion as he silently pleaded with the man.
"I was waiting to give this to you, perhaps as a Christmas present but it looks like once more I have to modify my plans. I do hope you're not spoiled."
Instantly Deku felt a familiar tingling sensation run throughout his body but this time his nerves didn't feel like they were on fire for even a moment. His Quirk nerves seemed quiet save the tingling that seemed to remain a bit longer, foreign yet some how at home. He blinked and looked down at his hands, unsure what had been passed down to him, feeling his strength and endurance Quirks well active and undisturbed by the apparent new Quirk.
"Make the Quirks your own, amalgamate them. They didn't help me in my last fight against that oaf, but they can aid you. You'll figure it out, you're a brilliant mind. I leave everything in your hands." All For One informed, lifting his right hand from the boy's head, turning his attention back to the impending conflict. "You two must go. I will see you again, after all: dead men tell no tales."
"I… yes… Sensei." Deku bowed, clenching his fist before turning away and walking toward Kurogiri, trying to hide his face and fight back the tears. He had to believe in Sensei, he would be all right. Sensei was the mighty All For One, even at perhaps his lowest he was still in control; he'd made it this far in the world though it may have forgotten the man from nearly two hundred years ago.
"Sensei…?" Tomura seemed dazed, staring at the tall man who, even through his business attire, could easily be assessed as well toned. He thought of the day he'd looked up to see the broad shouldered man offering a hand to him, unafraid and promising everything was alright for he was with him, that he unlike the world saw him and cared for him. "Wait, don't! Sensei!"
"Knock, knock, anyone home? Justice is calling." A voice boomed and there was a thud, a dust cloud bellowing and filling the chamber. Instantly a boisterous laugh reverberated and in the gaping hole in the wall stood a tall muscular hero sporting iconic blond hair with bangs that were swept up into seeming wings. "Looks like you could use a little housecleaning, All For One. Thought you could play dead and get the drop on me? Surprise!"
"All Might." All For One spoke, not addressing the intruder, merely instead stating fact that the Number One Hero was currently laying waste to his domain. Had his face been visible a clear scowl would be seen but instead displeasure dripped from his voice. "Now, Kurogiri!" He ordered, his tone controlled but it bit with urgency.
"Yes, Sire." Kurogiri affirmed, swiftly opening a Warp Gate that began to swallow him and his two overwhelmed charges as the dust gave them cover, All Might clearly not aware of their presence as he had his eyes on his swore adversary.
"Sensei!" Tomura screamed, suddenly snapping out of his seeming trance, trying to get to the man. He reached out, his voice pitching in desperation as he tried to escape the portal. "Sensei! With that body, you'll- NO!"
"SENPAI!"
Suddenly something was gripping his arm and pulling him back into the Warp Gate which nearly swallowed him whole. He resisted, reaching through the black mist toward his mentor, his eyes wide with desperation as he stepped forward.
"You'll get caught too! We have to go! Sensei's orders!"
"Let. Go. Before I turn you into dust, Deku!" Tomura snarled, whipping his head toward the younger boy who was being pulled back through as well as the teen resisted. However he faltered when he saw the expression on Deku's face despite the black mist swallowing him.
"It's… Sensei's orders." Deku repeated, his voice shaking while his face pinched, clearly trying to control his emotions as his voice dipped to above a desperate whisper. Never had he seen the little twerp look so broken yet determined; it caught him off guard. "Tomura-senpai… please. I won't let you go. Not you too."
"What's this, a fanboy of All For One's? My how the youth has been bamboozled." All Might's voice called out, snapping Tomura's attention toward the grand hero as the dust was settling. He could see the blond smiling at him, "Fear not, for I am here. It's alright now."
"You." Tomura seethed, seemingly seeing the Hero clearly for the first time, beginning to shake with fury as years of loathing started to bubble to the surface like a waking volcano. Bile seemed to rise into his mouth, red flashing before his eyes as memories slammed together; the Hero who had failed him, the Hero who had maimed Sensei, the Fake Peace, was here. "You did this."
"Tomura Shigaraki, go!" All For One ordered, never shouting for he was a man who did not need to raise his voice. The room alone seemed heavy with his presence and his will, his killing intent nearly suffocating. Deku had already disappeared into the black mist, only Tomura left to witness the scene though his desperation and fury compounded together as he knew he had to obey Sensei.
"I hate you, All Might! I hate you!" Tomura screamed at the Pro as Warp Gate started to swallow him completely, Deku still holding his arm and pulling him through; how he hated letting the boy grab him. "I'll destroy you and everything you stand for! You and your false peace and your broken society! Your so called justice! If Sensei doesn't kill you, I will!"
"Hold on, young man! I'll save you! You've been deceived!"
"GO TO HELL, FALSE HERO OF PEACE." Tomura screamed as black mist swallowed him up, his eyes on All Might as the hero seemed to be reaching for him though was too far. As his vision grew black he quickly looked over to the man he worshiped, "Sensei! Sens-" He promptly disappeared, leaving the two archenemies alone in the room as battles resounded around them.
Last the two boys saw of their mentor he was squaring off against the Number One Hero who claimed he would save them—or Tomura at least. The seemingly single-minded hero hadn't even noticed Deku in the black mist as his attention divided between All For One and the screaming teenager. Now they were in deafening silence in a nearly empty building, a bare-bones safe house, as it seemed. Kurogiri stood nearby, looking sorrowful but attentive as he watched over the two in his care. No matter how much they begged, ordered, threatened him to take them back he could not comply.
How did things get to be so topsy-turvy in a blink of an eye?
Deku didn't have an answer, he simply sat on the ground defeated, so shocked that not even tears could form. Meanwhile Tomura was kneeling on the ground, slamming his fist before letting out a heart wrenching scream. His screams escalated into strangled cries that seemed not only his but Deku's as well as the younger couldn't utter a sound as his mind was a blank.
How did things go so wrong?