Chapter 5: Change of Pace
When six months had passed since All For One's capture and both boys still showed little signs of improvement spirits wise despite antics here and there Kurogiri knew it was time he did something. The two were still limited with their interactions with members of the League, the mist man always being present as a buffer should things go south. However things had been set in motion and he had to take care of said business for fear of things getting out of control and not following Sensei's wishes. The holidays hadn't been any better, the void of Christmas gifts from Sensei clearly stinging both boys and New Years had been practically lifeless.
If the protégés slipped into further depression then their roles would suffer and the League with it; there was those gunning for the two seemingly vulnerable youngsters and it was up to Kurogiri to shield them until they could properly fend for themselves in the lion's den. The two at least did engage in some minor shenanigans suitable for their age—at lease that's what Kurogiri hoped—such as the destruction or rather disintegration of Young Deku's bed just barely four months ago, which showed they still had some spirit but it seemed to fizzle out not long after. Isolation was not doing Young Deku any favors while with Tomura Shigaraki it seemed to have mixed results, the latter having been raised with limited company for years before the younger boy's arrival.
So far there had been no major incidents, though some months ago Tomura did lost it at one particularly rude member who had been permitted to meet face to face. Deku had quickly scooted to the next room as the wild teen leapt at the member, hand ready before gripping said person's arm. Kurogiri had swiftly formed a Warp Gate near said person, warping the screaming decaying member away to somewhere discreet and far from welcoming. Tomura was like a wild animal in a cage and Kurogiri had decided sweeping up could wait as the vexed tiger paced before deciding to eventually retire. Younger Deku hadn't come out to eat that evening, Kurogiri having to warp his tray of food to him, respecting his space without further inquiry.
Something had to be done about them. But what?
"I shall be heading out for a bit," The mist man informed, standing near his charges as he watched them, gauging their responses. "Errands to run, might be a while."
"Yeah, yeah. We won't kill each other." Tomura responded, waving his hand dismissively, preoccupied and looking rather tamed compared to months ago. Question was how long that present mindset would last, an ever-nagging worry.
"No promises about burning down the house." Deku added in jest but there was no humor in his voice as he scratched away at his notebook while Tomura fiddled with the latest console Kurogiri had managed to procure for the teen to serve as a distraction and outlet for pent up emotions. Both were sucked into their own worlds, busying themselves to distract them from the hole that was at the center of their lives.
Did Kurogiri dare suggest counseling? Sensei wasn't dead; no, the powerful All For One couldn't die, All Might had tried once and failed, but it had been a traumatic loss this time around. Finding a discreet counselor, a psychiatrist, would be a challenge, especially one that could be kept in the back pocket and off the books… let alone the fact of trying to coax either one of the boys into going. Young Deku would probably be compliant but Tomura Shigaraki… that was one wild card he didn't wish to test in a non-hostile environment should it become the scene of a crime of passion with underlying thoughts of intent and premeditation.
While overall mood was still down and Deku continued to struggle with mastering his fused Quirk he had at least shown progress in other areas. Aside from his continued Quirk studies and physical training and application of his fluctuating Quirk, he'd taken to wearing formal attire once more surely in respect to Sensei, donning the ensemble he'd debuted the day Sensei was taken away. Tomura seemed to react to the decision with mixed reception but was enduring it; for Kurogiri he got misty eyed—not that anyone could tell.
Tomura… could use some hands on learning and direct coaching but Kurogiri was not tasked with such a thing. As it was the youth known as Tomura Shigaraki tolerated him as a glorified babysitter at most, his tone at times barely an inch away from the classic vibe of "you're not my mom." Sensei had believed in free-range rearing for the first protégé and the mist man was going to stick with it, save an occasional nudge or word here or there. The real saving grace was Young Deku seemed to rein him in, tethering him back to reality with things an apparent authority figure and assigned guardian could not hammer into that thick if not screwy head of his.
As things were, there really needed to be a change of pace. Problem was securing new members to keep the League alive and also create a trusted circle to surround the two protégés given how many members were arrested in the raid. At this point though it felt like sorting through lumps of coal for just a speck of something precious, everything undesirable clogging the filter set up to sift out worthy members. At least he had one thing in the reserves to draw upon thanks to Sensei's formidable gift for planning; well, he still hoped so given it had been some time. If luck would have it that well wasn't dry.
"Well then," Kurogiri began, seemingly lost as his charges were completely uninterested in what he had to say or for the fact he was busy with his own thoughts. "I'll be back."
"See you soon." Deku gave a wave that was more of a shoo as he glared at his notebook, an intense look on his face as he began mumbling to himself once more. One shouldn't interrupt a genius at work so Kurogiri wasn't offended, instead a sense of pride washed over him seeing the boy's dedication and drive. Sensei would be proud of such diligence.
"Hasta la vista, baby." Tomura snarked, earning an inward sigh from the mist man as he regretted letting the teen watch some of the older films in his arsenal; permitting knowledge on his wealth of pop culture was proving to backfire. Kurogiri cast one look at the two boys one more time before summoning a Warp Gate and teleporting to where he desired to go.
"Any progress?"
"A bit, leads keep going cold thanks to the offenders having limited information given any detained middleman seems in the dark as well." A flat male voice spoke from the shadows, a hint of youth to it but carried a heavy weight beyond apparent years. "Some have no idea how their Quirks suddenly went out of control as they did not obtain anything, this isn't even usual cases of snatch and grabs with force drugging. Meanwhile vigilantes are a mix bag of help and hindrance with the so-called Impromptu Villains. Trafficking's picking up again too."
"To think this... Factory would set its roots down here in Japan with such brutal force. Sensei tolerates many things for a time but if it spreads to our own members without monitoring... the League cannot be over run by junkies only to be detained by the police. If such a high end drug is lose Sensei will want it under his dominion, not some unknown organization."
"I wasn't aware it was turning into an elitist's club. Should I worry about being excluded or rather: 'pending' membership being revoked?"
"The League is not some run of the mill umbrella organization for all sorts of uncouth characters to join simply for an alliance that allows them to run amok. That is not what the League stands for, what Sensei stands for. Even if the… lesser members do serve as a distraction or police fodder so long as they're kept in the dark. All we do is for Sensei."
"You don't have to tell me that, I stand with you. I would like to think I'm not said fodder though."
"Indeed, thank you for your cooperation and loyalty."
"Hm. There's talk Trigger will be completely outlawed but it might take a few years, regardless of the legal doses. Not that making anything illegal ever stopped it." The voice was laced with bitterness while somehow maintaining its low energy tone, "You'd think more Heroes would be part of the crack down instead of doing events for profit or racking up rank points; so much false bravado and do-gooding."
"Indeed, but if the source is truly from a foreign country Sensei would be most furious. He likes his territory foreigner free if not set through the right channels. We do not have foreign affiliates for this matter at present. As for the heroes, they vary in lining up with our plans, we must always be flexible and adapt."
"Pft. Meanwhile the good doctor wants to get his hands on this high-end stuff for his experiments. I for one have no interest in boosting my abilities. I'm vindictive not suicidal."
Kurogiri was silent in thought as he engaged in the shady correspondence in the secluded alleyway nearby one of the safe houses. The mist man was at ease however despite his companion lurking in the shadows. "And your progress? Given how you were when Sensei..."
"Mended as much as allowed it seems. You know that was some years ago though."
"Yes, but if I may ask about your wellbeing given this is an all round check-in. While you may not be under my direct care Sensei did bring you into our ranks. He left you your tasks and I must know if you are able bodied. It's nice to see you are indeed alive."
"I'm aware, I'm thankful to the big boss for all he's done... more than my own family." The shadowed figure continued in his monotone though there was an edge to the last part. "I'm just peachy. How about your two current charges? Heard they're quite the handful in their own ways, but they're just rumors given you won't let anyone near them. Mother hen much?"
"Tomura Shigaraki and Young Deku both are... adjusting. They weren't expecting such a sudden… upset. Sensei told me the bare minimum of his plans just in case but no one expected the raid to happen so soon if at all. Besides their wellbeing is my top concern as Sensei left them in my charge, they are to keep the League afloat and I them."
"Nothing like shouldering a legacy, wanted or not... Find out how they discovered your location yet?" The shadowed man inquired, his voice low though faint distain could be heard. "Discover a mole?"
"No, I have a suspicion it was all on the heroes' part. They have Quirks at their disposal we are not privy to or rather missed given the chaos."
"Want me to smoke them out?"
"Not at present. If anything Young Deku can perhaps pinpoint a possible cause; he possesses a gift for analysis and observation that surely would rival a Quirk's gifted ability. He reminds greatly me of the Master, Sensei, in that regard."
"Well at least someone seems capable. Whisper on the street is the League is looking for recruits while others say it's done for. The public has no idea of the magnitude of the fish the Pros nabbed, only that they cast their net and caught a bunch of villainous fish apparently part of an unknown evil organization."
"They wish to avoid panic. Sensei has been a long time thorn in the side of most authorities. An ignorant society is one better controlled."
"It's laughable really at the government's censorship. Keep the sheep ignorant and passive, let so called heroes shine while being tainted themselves; it's all about public persona and deeds."
Kurogiri noted the hint of venom despite the controlled voice. He cleared his throat before returning to the main reason of their meeting, "Then the plans are still the same? Given the arrangements to follow in the next few months."
"Yeah, so long as this whole Trigger thing cools down since it's ramping up at the moment. Maybe I can finally get my hands on some considering others Doc has asked to obtain it have either died or disappeared. Might have to leave a few bodies here or there, but I've never been fond of those who can't think for themselves or act like they embody their creed without fault."
"Understood, be sure to present yourself to Giran-san when the time comes. No one is to know our previous connection per Sensei's orders."
"I know. Instead of fussing over a big boy like myself shouldn't you get back to babysitting? Sounds dangerous to leave two underage kids alone... kids do stupid things, speaking from experience."
"Fair enough though I trust my younger charge completely. What he lacks in years he makes up for in sensibility and logic." Even though Young Deku could be emotional at least he didn't explode or threaten erasure of one's existence every so often like a certain someone.
"Oh? And the other?"
Speaking of said someone.
Kurogiri was silent, trying to think of what to say in regards to Tomura Shigaraki. While the teen had made strides since Young Deku arrived to give a competitive push, he had undeniably regressed since Sensei's capture. Capability was there; it was just a matter of finding the right thing to push him back towards grasping it. "He is his own person, for better or for worse. He'll find his own way. They do say competition makes the best motivation. Iron sharpens iron."
Even if that meant Tomura navigated through circumstances like a bull in a china shop. Leadership skills were something to be desired as his default strategy was to rage-quit if it didn't involve lashing out at something physically. But he had shown promise before; surely it was salvageable if Sensei had the faith to hand the reins over him, even if temporarily.
"That's reassuring," came the dry reply, a slight smile heard. "Guess I'll see for myself eventually. They are my juniors after all. Feels weird to know they're calling the shots though."
"Indeed, but one must trust Sensei's plans. Now if you will permit me, I shall take my leave; I do have actual errands to run. Until we meet again..." The mist man paused, seemingly thinking as he realized his dilemma. "What do you wish to be called?"
"Hmm..." The other party mused for a moment, letting out a light hum that sounded unenthusiastic. "I'll let you know when I think if it."
"Please do."
"Not to worry." The man extended a hand only for it to be bathed in flames that shone a hot blue, their intensity immediately felt by Kurogiri who was a good distance away. From the light of the blaze hooded turquoise eyes glittered dangerously. "I'm sure I'll think of something."
As Kurogiri turned down an alleyway he normally took to use Warp Gate discreetly after running so called everyday errands he was not expecting it to be occupied. He had been startled, groceries in hand, by the presence and made to pivot on his heel to backtrack and find another spot. However something made him stop as he began to turn, a certain feeling he had come to know in the League that radiated off of certain members.
The figure looked his way, feigning innocence as they rightened themselves, looking bashful if not playful though the mist man was certain he smelled blood and saw a glint of something metal... a knife? It quickly disappeared into what looked like a school bag, a handkerchief swiftly pressed over it to avoid a mess.
A thought struck him and the words were coming out of his mouth as the plan formed in his head, something that surprised him. He never proceeded without a thought out plan beforehand but the groundwork was being laid in real time and it seemed too perfect.
"This might sound rude, if not presumptuous, but were you per chance interested in a certain League that was on TV? You might have seen the news story featuring All Might and a rather distinguished opponent-"
He was interrupted by a loud sound that could be mistaken for a tire screeching or perhaps a cat about to be hit by said screeching car. Kurogiri's yellow eyes widened as suddenly the figure raced over—more like skipped and bounded—and landed in front of him with sparkling cat-like gold eyes and a noticeable blush. Instantly the face was too close, invading what personal space Kurogiri prided himself over and he nearly went cross-eyed.
"You know Big Scary Man? Skull Mask-chan?" A giddy voice exclaimed as Kurogiri got a good look at whom he was encountering. He managed to disguise his surprise by mustering the neutral face he had practiced in response to Tomura's backtalk. He almost dropped the calm expression as his ears were assaulted by a different squeal as he gave a nod, "Iiiie! He's so cool! I got chills! I wanna be like him! I wanna be him! A League? More friends for me~ Can I join please, please, please!?"
Ah, an avid fan it seemed. Possibly a bit unhinged, but he'd seen worse. Tomura was his own brand of crazy even though he hated being called that and worse... as the most recent victim of his had learned. It wasn't anything Kurogiri couldn't handle and though he was a responsible adult, there were procedures to follow. Sensei could bring anyone off the street, he was after all Sensei, the Master. He was All For One, the mightiest of men and Emperor of Villains.
"If you would permit me just a second, young lady. Please grant me some patience for just a minute while I confer with an associate."
The girl nodded vigorously, eyes sparkling and hands curled with excitement near her face, the suspicious schoolbag hanging from her arm without a second thought. With one hand Kurogiri fished out his cell phone and selected his contact, shifting the groceries to one arm. In front of him the girl wiggled eagerly, almost like a fangirl waiting to see her favorite pop idol up close and personal. After about three rings the call was picked up.
"Hello? What can I do for you?"
"It's Kurogiri. Might I ask for a speedy info grab on a specific person?"
"Sure, but it'll cost you."
"Never a problem, though I must emphasize the speedy bit given I have the young lady in question with me at present."
"This isn't a dating app that provides background checks." There was dry humor in there somewhere but one could never be too careful in case there was a hint of seriousness in it.
"I understand, Giran-san. It is irregular but I have a prospective member here I would like to run past your expertise."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, a faint inhale as a cigarette was puffed. "Business is business. Give me a few minutes. What's the girl's name?"
Kurogiri shifted his gaze over to the seemingly harmless schoolgirl who had a huge toothless smile on her face, gold cat-like eyes glittering. "Your name, miss?" At that the smile split into a toothy grin followed by an excited giggle.
"Tomura Shigaraki, Young Deku, I have returned." Kurogiri called as he stepped through his Warp Gate, groceries snug in his arms as if they had never been bothered. The mist man cast a look around to see neither of the boys had moved from their spots, seemingly becoming part plant as they'd evidently set their roots down. He had half a mind to wonder if they could ever be uprooted from their fixed spots but decided to push the fascination over the wonders of youth's ability to fixate aside for the time being given present matters at hand.
"Congrats on surviving the outside and making it back to the save point. Have many meaningless NPC conversations?" Tomura quipped, attention still glued to his video game.
Deku, bless his soul, actually looked up from his writing to gaze at the mist man in acknowledgement. A thought seemed to cross his mind, his green eyes widening slightly at some realization before looking composed once more, "Welcome back, Kurogiri-san. Everything go okay?"
"Indeed, thank you for your inquiry, Young Deku." Kurogiri informed, the Warp Gate he'd stepped through still active. "Though I admit I did achieve something not on my agenda list for today. But I do hope you both will be receptive to it."
"Don't tell me you dared take up a sidequest. How unlike you to deviate from the main objective." Tomura paused his game and shifted his attention toward the mist man, intrigued.
"Well," Kurogiri began and stepped aside just as another figured emerged from the Warp Gate. A girl with ash-blonde hair tied up in messy twin buns grasped a schoolbag in both her hands, her golden eyes glittering with excitement as she took in the new sight while she seemed to almost bounce on the spot, smiling. "As you can see, I picked up a little something along the way."
Tomura and Deku stared at the newcomer. They seemed too stunned to speak or even blink, as if the scene would disappear by doing so. Had Kurogiri lost his mind, dragging some random soul to their hideout? Who was this girl who seemed a little too perky, almost unnervingly so? She didn't even bat an eye at Tomura's decapitated hand mask.
"What the hell?" Tomura barely managed to utter which seemed to signal the newcomer.
"Hi! The name is Toga! Himiko Toga!" The girl exclaimed, a wide smile on her face as she looked at the two, practically dancing on the spot, unable to keep still from excitement. "Wow, so this is the League? So small, but cute!"
"This is but the inner workings, Toga Himiko," Kurogiri clarified as the Warp Gate closed, indicating said newcomer was not here for a brief time. "Our other members are more spread out at the present."
Suddenly Toga let out a gasp that made all three Leaguers stiffen, never encountering before the ferocity of teenage girl excitement. Within a few moments she was bounding over to where Deku sat, eyes sparkling with a wide grin. "You must be Deku! Kurogiri-kun told me all about you~" She was within inches of the younger boy's face, a clear blush across her cheeks, "Can I call you Dekkun!? You can call me Toga-chan!"
"I… I-I guess?" Deku managed, unsure how to react to this whiplash educing person, feeling himself starting to turn red as he was flustered. Kurogiri had told her about him? How much?
"Don't people usually bring a pet home in times of a crisis or as a gift? Not… an actual person? It doesn't count it said person acts like an animal." Tomura demanded, completely baffled as he pointed at the seemingly antsy teenaged schoolgirl who was more like an over energetic puppy than a person. "Bringing a stray cat of a person here doesn't count, Kurogiri."
"I took it upon myself to decide you needed a change of pace. Himiko Toga is a refreshing addition."
"So you brought home this… wildcat?" Tomura glared at the teenaged girl who smiled, sporting her school sailor uniform so innocently as she grinned at the ever uncomfortable Deku. He rose from his spot, hands by his sides, game abandoned as he eyed the newcomer warily through his mask. He refused to address the sudden guest, the sensation of needles and pins all over his skin as he bristled at the unexpected presence.
Toga's head whipped toward Tomura, her smile abruptly pressed into a scowl as a disgusted look overtook her features, "Ew, you better keep your hands off of me, Handsy Man."
The older teen stiffened, his mind reeling at the insult that was scathingly accurate but also had a double meaning he was still trying to grasp. All of a sudden he felt tired and frustrated, "What…?"
As Tomura seemed to be suffering a mental malfunction Toga turned her attention back to Deku, her eyes bright once more with a broad grin on her face. She leaned against the counter, cupping her face in hands as she tilted her head at him, observing the younger boy with pure ecstasy. "Hey with your eyes we could play 'red light, green light!' All you got to do is close one eye and then alternate!"
"I-I… hwah?" Deku barely got out, blinking as he was mentally blindsided once more. Instantly he was self-conscious, gripping the pen in his hand as he fought the urge to cover the eye that remained stubbornly red as his Quirk was evidently halfway activated. Kurogiri seemed to be amused and moved to put down the groceries, watching on the youths with his peripheral vision.
Toga let out a giggle and poked his cheek, causing him to flush even more as he tried to figure out how to react, "We're going to have lots of fun, aren't we, Dekkun? Ah, I'm so excited to have a new friend! I get to be in the League~ As seen on TV!"
"Hands. Off." Tomura grounded out through clenched teeth, radiating a hostile aura radiating like a toxic waste dump as his mind flipped from shock to irritation. Kurogiri watched, ready to activate Warp Gate as the haggard looking teen took a few steps forward but halted, hand twitching. He seemed confused, unsure how to act given he wasn't the one on the receiving end of the harassment, silently stalling in deciding what to do.
"Aw, what? Hands off save for Handsy?" Toga seemingly pouted but the wild smile on her face gave away her amusement. She leaned closer to Deku who was blushing wildly, turning brighter than the seemingly ever-present red her face. She abruptly pressed her cheek against his, giggling as all sense of personal space evaporated, "Ah, you're so cute Dekkun!"
Deku didn't think it was possible to achieve the shades he felt himself turning, stammering as he was at a loss as to how to talk to a girl, the various older female members of the League not counting. What to do with one so bold and invasive?
Suddenly Toga's bright eyes slightly narrowed, her smile looking caught between thought and pleasure, "Hm, I wonder how your blood would taste. Will you let me try some, Dekkun?"
Deku felt himself being pried away from her grip and then pushed away within a matter of moments. His veins were like ice as he reeled over what had been murmured in his ear, in a daze. As he staggered back he saw Tomura in front of him, his back to the boy as he placed himself between him and the seemingly crazy new member.
"Don't. Touch. Him." Tomura snarled, his thin body ridged as he loomed over the younger girl. His hand gripped her neck dangerously, two fingers raised as he looked ready to choke her. Deku wasn't sure if Kurogiri had briefed Toga on their Quirks prior to joining as fair warning; he was even more uncertain whether she would be terrified or not despite knowing. "Sensei left him to me."
"Trying to throw hands with a thirteen year old?" Toga smiled wider, a dangerous tone to her voice. Tomura seemed to tense and Deku realized it was because he had a knife poking him, its point threatening to puncture his shirt as it brushed his skin. When had she gotten that out? Had it been in her hand as she'd asked such a chilling question, ready to cut him even if he protested? Or did she simply pull it out in self-defense? Deku's mind raced as his heart pounded, the first excitement in a long time unfolding before him and setting his adrenaline loose.
The two hostile teens in their standoff reminded Deku very much so of a dog and a cat. A dog jealous something of his, forgotten or not, was suddenly of interest to an interloping cat. In its way it was endearing, if not flattering, at the possessiveness but also frightening as Deku seemed the desired prize. Question was if he should jump in the middle or even could given the intensity between the two seemed too thick to try to dispel.
"If you are done making each other's acquaintance I should like to put away these groceries in some peace and quiet before getting Himiko Toga settled in." Kurogiri informed, slicing the tension with his matter of fact cool tone, clearly not worried.
"Settled?" Deku's voice almost squeaked as shock seemed to pinch his vocal cords. He stared at Kurogiri before looking back at the blushing yet formidable girl. Tomura seemed to tense at the notion but it was hard to tell it was because of that or the knife that threatened to stab him as his grip remained around Toga's throat, the girl looking hardly worried.
"Of course. She shall be living with us from now on. I shall begin preparations for her accommodations in a short while."
Deku blinked, wondering if Toga's Quirk had something to do with brainwashing for the ever astute mist man to even suggest such a wildcard such as her to live under the same roof as them. Already they were off on the wrong foot, literally at each other's throats and out for blood. Was this how nearly all initiations would occur? A headache started to form at the thought of it, the boy dreading the admittance of more members if it was so.
"You expect us to live with such a… hellcat?" Tomura demanded, fingers still around Toga's neck as he refused to relent, his voice taunt. "Can't you send her back to hell in a handbasket?"
"Indeed, so no. And yes, I did a background check as usual. Himiko Toga has a clean record but is very promising. As you can see she is quite talented and if my source is correct on her Quirk, she'll be a valuable asset for the League."
Toga let out a giggle, tilting her head as her blush seemed to deepen despite the hand around her neck, "Oh, Kurogiri-kun! You know how to make a girl's heart flutter! I'm just here to make more friends, friends like me! Have fun to my heart's content~"
"Clean record because you've never been caught or haven't done anything worthwhile?"
Toga giggled as her smile widened but her eyes narrowed slightly as she moved her knife ever so slightly, poking Tomura upon his snide remark. "What do you think, Tomura-kun? You don't seem to get out much so I don't think you'd hear about the mysterious slasher randomly cutting people on the street? No body count? Just bloody goodness?"
"A thrill seeker then?" Tomura grounded through his teeth, moving one more finger closer to her neck, his skin prickling. "We're not some hobby club for after school. This is the League of Villains; we mean business. Think we'd just accept anyone who has an interest for mayhem?"
"I'm in it for the blood! It's part of my Quirk, you see!" Toga announced, still smiling before abruptly pulling the knife away, clasping her face as she looked caught in a moment of ecstasy, seemingly not worried about the knife now being close to her face. "I follow my heart and my heart loves blood! And friends! And if you won't be my friend…" Her expression turned from glee to something dark, "I guess I'll have to make some elsewhere if you're such a big meanie."
"I'll be sure to cry a river of bitter tears." Tomura shot back, feeling braver now that a blade wasn't being pressed to his skin but the teenaged girl's look sent a wave of goosebumps across his skin. Still, he did not loosen his grip as she seemed to be daring him to unleash his Quirk.
"Uh, hey you two…" Deku attempted, looking between the opposing parties, his mind racing. He wasn't prepared for this kind of situation. Combat was one thing, formulating strategies against opponents was another, but a standoff between wills was uncharted territory as nothing in his analysis studies or physical training could prepare him for this: two teenagers having a heated quarrel. The analytical part of his brain was working, unfortunately however it was hyper focused on the tidbit Toga had dropped about her Quirk—something about blood?
"Tomura Shigaraki," Kurogiri called in a stern voice that was rarely used given his almost patented sense of calm and even keel. "The League cannot grow without new members. Remember what Sensei tasked you with. Himiko Toga is just the first step to starting your own band without outside influence, untainted by other members gunning for Sensei's position or only interested in getting in your good graces with shallow loyalty."
At the mention of Sensei Tomura seemed to tense, Kurogiri's logic appealing to him despite his irritated state. Toga's expression didn't falter, though she eyed her opponent with interest, still cupping her face while holding the knife. The wheels seemed to be turning in both party's minds, though Deku worried with a quick thrust the blade would soon be in one's brain via an eye.
"Senpai?" Deku managed almost helplessly, concern across his face. His eyes flickered to Toga then back to Tomura, briefly eying the knife and his foster brother seemed to understand where the concern lay. Silently he begged for the older boy to not kick the hornet's nest, given said hornet seemed passive for the moment.
"Grr, fine." Tomura relented, pulling his hand away from Toga's neck and taking a step back. Deku let out a sigh of relief, his heart thudding in his chest at the thought of seeing Tomura get stabbed. His stomach did a flop but he did his best not to show the queasy look he was feeling.
"Ooo, that gave me chills!" Toga exclaimed, rubbing her neck with her free hand while still grinning. A giggle escaped her as she eyed Kurogiri, waving the knife casually, "What is he, your Jiminy Cricket?"
"More like a gnat in my ear," The older teen snarled, glaring at Kurogiri who still did not seem the least bit concerned over the conflict. One would almost think he enjoyed the stand off like an old western movie; had he a partner one could swear he would have placed a bet. Adrenaline still coursed through his veins, threatening to given him the shakes once the emotional high ended.
"Perfect, if you two are done," Kurogiri informed with a crisp tone before turning away and proceeded to put away the groceries. The teens stared at the mist man's back, an awkward silence settling though tension was still felt as the situation had seemingly been paused rather than resolved. "Now, if you would be accommodating hosts and show Himiko Toga around."
"I thought that was your job, you invited her. Don't shove being a host on us, Kurogiri."
"You could take up the equivalent of aggressively watching paint dry instead, given I doubt you'll want to turn your back. It's your choice if you want to have another showdown via looks that could kill; and please only that I do not enjoy cleaning up."
Toga rocked on her heels, doing a tightlipped smile as she blinked mock innocently at the two boys, "Ooo a tour sounds fun! Or I could go poking around myself; that would be exciting! Wonder what your room's like, Dekkun~"
"How do we know she's not going to murder us in our sleep?" Tomura insisted under his breath and Deku nodded, eyes wide at the thought of a different kind of loose cannon living amongst them. Why was Kurogiri so calm when clearly she was a force to be reckoned with? He fretted over current League members being even a few feet from the two of them, why was this seemingly unhinged girl an exception? Because she was around their age, unlike others?
"That wouldn't be any fun! Besides, I don't cut my friends!" Toga assured, smiling, apparently not offended as her hearing seemed keen. She paused for a moment, her brow pinching with thought, "Well, not yet anyways. No promises on those I really like~"
Deku could not help but grimace. "That's… reassuring?" He tried to respond politely while Tomura's body language screamed hostility and disbelief, the older teen shaking his head as he muttered indistinguishably to himself, shuffling back to the couch. The two tried to get their bearings as they realized tropical storm Toga was not going to blow over any time soon.
Kurogiri kept his back slightly turned, watching out of the corner of his eye, ready to activate a Warp Gate if need be. Indeed this was the perfect thing to light a fire under both his charges, to shake things up. While none of them knew it he could sense they needed each other and as a mere guardian he could not give them that. If the League was going to remain strong its current leaders needed to first survive adolescence, even if that included the wild hormones of a girl to prepare them for tougher times ahead.
It's wasn't like he threw a stick of dynamite into a pond with unsuspecting fish; he merely shook the tank a bit that's all. And introduced a foreign species.
Kurogiri smiled secretly as he chuckled to himself inwardly.