Chapter 14: Criminal's Conclave
"So this is the notorious League of Villains. Kinda disappointing to look at if I'm honest."
"Chill, man! No need to be brutal! You're the one who wanted to meet." A man clothed head to toe in a black bodysuit with gray accents announced, seemingly glaring through his mask that completely covered his head and face, the upper part gray with white eye sockets and the lower black. Instantly he took a step back, his voice going up an octave as he promptly finger gunned at the speaker, "Damn straight it is! Stealth 101, yo!"
A man with short auburn hair and wearing a metal tipped magenta plague mask embroidered with gold stood before the gathered members of the League, regarding them cooly as he kept surgical gloved hands loose at his sides. He absently brushed something from his shoulder, apparently spotting some speck of dust falling onto his dark olive-green bomber jacket with a collar liner with purple fur.
"I expected more impressive accommodations, it's barely above being sanitary. Is it wrong to voice my disappointment? Especially if I'm going to probably catch something from this den of filth."
"It's a rendezvous point, what do you expect? Think we got revolving open doors or something? We meet on neutral grounds." Tomura rasped as he barely resisted scratching his neck, thinking of the last incident where they had foregone mediation in order to bag a potential new key member for the League. He leaned back in his seat inside the near bare building, glaring at the newcomer through "Father's" fingers. "Here our privacy isn't compromised and you don't need to worry about being at a disadvantage on our home turf."
"Smart, I am surprised." The man informed with hooded gold eyes, his tone dry. Toga let out a giggle and instantly slapped a hand over her mouth, eying Tomura who clearly was debating if to continue talks. Nearby Dabi rolled his eyes, hands in his pockets as he was unfazed by the masked man's insults.
"Your organization has been fairly quiet after that fiasco at USJ and that whole debacle in Hosu with Stain a year ago. I'd begun to wonder if you'd all simply disbanded. Though, I know it must be hard clinging to the ways of your old boss following his capture all those years ago; word does get around in the underworld. I can relate trying to uphold a standard."
Tomura bit back a growl at the mention of Stain. The fact he had been stabbed by the psycho when extending an invitation to the League still irritated him. How was he supposed to know Stain didn't mind using his blade on anyone, not just Heroes he saw as corrupt? So much for the nut's apparent hatred for needless bloodshed and having it out for just Heroes. Deku's hunch had been right to not engage the serial killer though Stain had shown interest in the young strategist.
No one stabbed him and got away with it.
Unfortunately even with Tomura sending Noumu after Stain following Kurogiri's warping, the nut job had survived thanks to the interference of some U.A. students though Stain wasn't exactly unscathed. At least they'd avoided association with the maniac by releasing a video declaring who the League was, denouncing Stain but welcoming society's outcasts to work together, not rampaging solo. Still, it didn't stop some scrubs drawn to Stain from trying to join; even as space filler NPCs they would drag the League down to street gang level.
Honestly, the loss of one Noumu over taking the Hero Killer down a peg wasn't a huge loss, even if it seemed like a rarer aerial type; the Doctor hadn't been happy to lose yet another one of his creations to the Heroes—not that Tomura cared as the elusive man continued to deliver per Sensei's old mandate that was still being honored. The world had been reminded such monsters lurked in the shadows and shown the monstrosity from USJ was not a fluke. It had sent a tremor through the underworld and the message that though hidden the League was watching.
In the end they had managed to declare Stain just as much as a hazard and hypocrite as those pushing unwanted individuals into the shadows or snuffing them out. If Stain got away from a physical death, a social and theoretical one would have to do. The League did not need Stain-wannabes running around, driven by a crazy ideology that would not further Sensei's vision, getting underfoot and acting like loose cannons. They spring boarded off the publicity Stain caused and thanks to that Twice, a handy wildcard, was now part of their ranks.
"Oh hey, it's my anniversary!" The black clothed man announced in surprise before suddenly pumping his arms, "HELL YEAH! One year Leaguer!"
"Can it, Twice. And just who are you? Waltzing in here with a demand we talk business? You know more about us than we do you, that's unfair. You even suckered Twice into relaying your message to meet a day ago with no hint as to who you are."
"He's Yakuza." Dabi informed, tilting his head to regard the man as his turquoise eyes watched closely. "The young head of the Eight Precepts of Death."
"Oh, you know who I am? You can call me Overhaul."
"Huh, a what? He special or something?" Toga inquired, tapping a finger to her bottom lip as her eyebrows bunched together.
"Basically a more powerful gangster on level with the old school Mafia in the U.S. Big scary underground organizations with criminals following a code. They're practically endangered thanks to the time of Heroes. All Might alone made them practically extinct, we're looking at a miracle really."
"Blunt summary but you seem to know a lot." Overhaul seemed mildly impressed though his collected expression remained the same.
"Depends, I just like keeping my ear to the ground." Dabi gave a slight wry smile as he pulled one hand out of his pocket and gave a dismissive wave.
"So, what do you want?" Tomura demanded, unrelenting as there was a slight buzz in his ear from the hidden comlink. "Seems like an odd time to be coming out of the shadows."
"I believe we have a common interest that would be more profitable as a joint enterprise."
"And what would that be?""The demise of All Might and fall of Quirk society as we know it."
"Quirk society?" Toga repeated, tilting her head as she glanced at her comrades. "I thought we were here just to have fun and make friends, live life how we want and be who we are. Take down a few Heroes who make life too hard and be free."
"All For One's fall nearly five years ago sent a shockwave through the country. A vacuum of power has been left in his absence though you've been feebly trying to maintain his organization in the meantime. But let's face it, you're not the Emperor of Darkness. The guy was like an urban legend to my generation, a cryptid who is very much real and still alive." Overhaul lightly shrugged, eyes locked onto Tomura, "Yet here we are while he's locked up nice and tight presumably in Tartarus. In all these years you haven't even dared to try to break him out? Maybe you just want the League for yourself or… you're not the one really calling the shots."
"What?" Tomura rasped, the question flat with disbelief that dripped with irritation.
"Yo, you're talking in circles." Twice informed as he stood with the others, gesturing wildly as his voice went up, "SPIT IT OUT! IS YOUR QUIRK BEING A WINDBAG?!"
"I'm saying there's another in the shadows helping you with all this. Well, most of it. Given how you presented yourself in Hosu my guess is you were acting on your own. Reports about USJ was that you were much more organized yet you regressed. Clearly something's missing."
"First you demand to meet with us, then you tell us you want to combine forces, then you insult me? The League that Sensei lay the groundwork for?" Tomura grounded out, rising up from his seat like a cobra preparing to strike, ignoring the buzzing in his ear.
"You blatantly have a target on All Might's back; who can blame you after he did your boss in like that? However, once he's out of the way like All For One there will be a bigger void to fill. It's just a matter of time until someone rises to the top while those lesser fight amongst themselves. Who will lead?"
"Cut the crap, is this a challenge? Sensei left me in charge of the League in his stead. He will return, don't think you can hold a candle to him nor compare him to All Might."
"Then in the meantime let's talk business. What if I can help you take out All Might and other Heroes? See, society needs to be remade and I have the means to turn the tables on the Heroes. On anyone diseased by Quirks and the society they have created. To remake society, no the world, as we see fit through fear and power."
"Really? And what means is that?" Tomura tensed, his comlink crackling slightly as his irritation increased, letting out a raspy breath, "Sounds like the same old agenda."
"Ah, sorry, that is a secret only for my allies. But, my plan requires a ton of cash and no one will fund some small-time Yakuza throwback. But you?" Overhaul gestured mildly at the group. "The public knows your name, you've had exposure! Plus you have connections and access to your boss's funds, am I right? Even if I just use your name, your faces, I could secure funding."
"Sounds like we hold all the cards yet I don't see any kissing up." Dabi observed, his eyes narrowing slightly as one hand hung loosely next to him, the other still nestled in a pocket. "You want us to be your poster boys for free. What do you have to offer besides talk?"
"But I hold the experience and the qualifications as leader. Uniting the two, society couldn't stop us. Not All Might, not anyone. We can remake this world to what it once was before Quirks and its disease that has poisoned bodies and minds. No All Might, no All For One."
"Get out." Tomura rasped, hands curling slightly as he glared at the Yazuka leader. Toga grinned at his tone, her gold eyes snapping toward Overhaul as she whipped out a knife and twirled it playfully. Dabi let sparks ignite in his hand, showing off his iconic blue flame in little threatening spurts. "We're through with the insults."
"I can see now's not the best time. Tempers and amicable decisions don't mix well." Overhaul held up his hands in mild defeat, half shrugging. "I did hope for a resolution today but it is a lot to process. Best end it here before any regrettable actions are made."
"Smartest thing you've said."
"Can I break my foot off in his ass?" Twice inquired, earning a giggle from Toga as the Yakuza leader showed himself out.
"Not to rush you but the sooner the better about your decision. Pool our resources and get a better chance in achieving whatever goal you have, or keep struggling on your own." Overhaul called, flicking what looked like a business card in Twice's direction over his shoulder. "Gimme a call once you've thought it over properly."
Even after the door had shut the League waited a few seconds, listening for any noise that might signal danger. When nothing came Toga let out a disappointed sound and Dabi barely shrugged while Twice fetched the card, debating with himself if to shred it or not.
"I say we dodged a bullet, no way a Yakuza head came here all alone. He's been in the game too long to chance it." Dabi scratched at his jaw, eyes locked onto the door. "Probably has some intel on us."
"Well?" Tomura turned toward a small hidden camera that was mounted on the wall, overlooking the room of the warehouse. His comlink hummed as a familiar voice calmly spoke.
"If he's giving us a few days we should take our time to weigh our options. A team up might be beneficial as long as we're not thrown under the bus. What do you think?"
"I don't like him but he's sharp. Seemed to know about us having a strategist." Tomura grumbled, scratching his neck. "He doesn't seem radical like Stain, he's a different sort, plus he has his own group to command. Twice, next time try to get a name first so we can run it by Giran or something."
"Or lucky guess, Shigaraki does like to go off script sometimes." Dabi added, looking deadpan at the camera as he guessed what was being discussed.
"That was one time!" Tomura snapped, glaring at Dabi for alluding to Hosu and his petty crusade against Stain. The scarred man shrugged his shoulders and said nothing else. "Whatever we're heading back, tell Kurogiri to open a Warp Gate. I know he can see us." Tomura glared up at the camera that ran feed to a TV monitor back at their hideout in Kamino.
Instantly black mist appeared in the middle of the building.
"Ride's here!" Twice called, gesturing while Toga skipped over to the Warp Gate. "Ladies first!" Toga smiled widely and let out a giggle, doing a playful curtsy to which Twice bowed deeply as if the two were performers onstage.
"Glad you're all in one piece." The voice nearly murmured over the comlink, Tomura barely hearing it thanks to Twice and Toga's antics; Dabi thankfully knew when to keep his mouth shut as he waited to enter the portal.
"Of course." Tomura nearly chided, glancing at the camera one last time as he drew close to the Warp Gate. "Who do you think we are, Deku? We're the League of Villains, Sensei's legacy."
"Right." There was a slight pause perhaps due to a breath. Deku's voice came again, stronger with a hint of relief, "See you on the other side, Tomura."
"Got that right, squirt."
"I must admit, I'm relieved you got back to me after only two days. Meeting on the third, that's not so bad," Overhaul sat on a couch leaning forward with his hands clasped together while next to him sat a black miniature mascot-like figure with a plague doctor mask face, counting money. "Shows initiative."
"Figured the sooner the better so we didn't waste anymore time once we did proper talks." Tomura responded, barely resisting scratching his neck as he had been for the past fifteen minutes as he wandered the underground passageways for thirty minutes if not longer. He stood clothed in a long black jacket inside a room that made the rendezvous warehouse look cozy. "Kinda barebones for a HQ, you a minimalist?"
"I'm not one for clutter, besides this is a reception room for VIPs but that aside…" The dark haired man slouched forward more, eying his company. "I didn't expect you to be bringing someone… this is between leaders. Unless…"
"You get to have your flunkies around you, why can't I have a plus one?" Tomura demanded, irritation spiking as he regarded the hooded man who shut the door behind him and the apparently sentiment full-bodied puppet. "Had us wandering around like ants and you're complaining?"
"You have a point, but understand that was a precaution to ensure our survival. There are many routes connecting to one another to throw off any unwanted guests and maintain our privacy."
"The Eight Precepts has survived to this day because of these measures." The puppet suddenly piped up, pausing its thumbing of the cash in its hands. "You'd do well to learn from your elders."
"If we're supposed to be honest with one another in this would-be-equal-footing-partnership I've got to just say: that's the creepiest thing I've ever seen." Tomura bluntly admitted, glaring at the puppet with mild disgust despite his own gruesome accessory. "I was talking to that on the phone? Really, a hand piece used as a mouthpiece? You Yakuza have interesting tastes or is it Quirk specific?"
"Hello, Overhaul-san. It's an honor to meet you." Deku spoke from beside Tomura, giving a bow to the Yakuza leader. The green haired teen was sporting a white business shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showing of the various scars that marred his arms while also wearing a black tie and black half palm gloves. His hands were firm against his sides, brushing against his black pants as he attempted to redirect the conversation.
"And who might you be?" Overhaul inquired, watching him with masked interest.
"This is Deku. And if you have something to say about the League he stays." Tomura informed, unceremoniously dropping onto the couch next to him and looking opposite at the opposing party. "The League's future is both of our business."
"Oh? Then you must be the shadow strategist. A bit younger than I expected but I can't judge, I joined the Yakuza at a young age. You seem mature enough anyways."
"Thank you, sir." Deku replied, straightening from his bow and looking at Overhaul with hooded red eyes as he remained impassive. "I do what I can."
"I'm surprised you brought your hidden weapon with you but I guess it's your gesture of goodwill, Tomura Shigaraki. Though you do look a bit familiar... got a wanted poster like the others, Deku?"
"Partly, however it doesn't hurt to have both the brains and brawn present. Not that we're lacking in either department personally." Tomura interceded as he intertwined his hands over his knee and placed a foot on the coffee table between the two parties, saving Deku from answering. "After all, that's what you're doing, right?" He cocked his head at the miniature bodysuit mascot who seemed to be glaring back despite its hidden features.
"Put your foot down. It's dirtying the table." Overhaul instructed, his tone level but clearly bothered.
Absently Deku made a note of the spotless room, the leader's mask as well as his actions back in the warehouse and even now; the Yakuza leader was beyond a germaphobe. However the remark about the posters had Deku on edge, the back of his neck pricking; but he remained stoic as he faced off with a dangerous figure surely waiting for a reason to wrench the League from their grasp.
"If I may." Deku slipped in, sitting down next to Tomura and lightly bumping him to put his foot down. Tomura let out a low hiss and complied, instead sitting in a messy crosslegged position. Deku was certain Overhaul was going to burn the couch as soon as they left given the look in the other's eyes. "Shall we discuss matters regarding our pending partnership?"
"You were for real on the phone? That depending on the conditions you'll side with us?" The miniature figure butt in, pointing at Tomura.
"Funny you say that, I do believe your leader called it a joint enterprise, a team up. Why does it sound like we're submitting to you? We hold all the cards you want." Tomura replied with mock surprise.
"Fine, what are your conditions?" Overhaul's gaze was intense, evaluating though his tone was lax.
"That's more like it." Tomura grinned behind "Father" as he held his ground. He kept his gaze on the Yakuza members as he acted at home. "Care to start, Deku?"
"First, we have three conditions."
"You're part of the League, right? Ya strong? Let's brawl!" A large muscular man with long light brown hair and buffed arms demanded, his face covered by an mask like the other top Precepts members: the Eight Bullets. He punched together his knuckles that were bound with leather straps covered with metal, letting out a resounding sound. "Tengai, don't interfere."
"Not now, Rappa. Deku here is staying with us to oversee how we operate and provide his expertise. We can't afford any infighting since we are partners after all." Kai Chisaki, preferably known as Overhaul, dismissed as he led the small group through the maze like hideout. It was a day after the meeting between the two organizations on the Precept's turf and presently two Leaguers once again graced them with their presence. "This is the first day of our joint venture. I can't have you beating up our esteemed allies."
Rappa let out a huff, glaring down at the two League members. The green haired boy didn't look like much but there was an air about him that hinted danger despite appearances to seem inconspicuous. The black clad man next to him clearly was some grunt but the kid was reportedly up in the Leagues ranks. Surely the teenager had the power to back up that position.
"Sorry, I don't do duels." Deku apologized, giving a light shrug as he looked at the bigger man with hooded red eyes. "Only sparring matches with those I know. And I don't know you guys well enough yet to chance a thrown down."
"Control yourself." Tengai, a tall slim man with short, spiky straw-colored hair, reprimanded his muscular counterpart who in turn tossed his head as any rolling of the eyes went unseen. His own eyes were seemingly closed, as if in constant prayer for patience regarding his belligerent partner whom Overhaul had assigned him to babysit.
"If you want to fight you can use one of Twice's doubles later." Overhaul informed the disappointed powerhouse, causing the black costumed man to give a thumbs up.
"Of course! Made to order! PREPARE FOR THE HURT."
"I'm still surprised you figured out those Quirk-Killer Bullets came from us." Overhaul admitted, tilting his head slightly toward the young Leaguer as he ignored Twice's eccentrics. "Most think our trade is in Trigger."
"They appeared in public a few months ago though we could never snag a batch. However considering the notoriety of your organization in the past and your ideology it seemed logical the source was you." Deku admitted, giving a light shrug. "Personally I haven't witnessed them firsthand but I heard accounts. Plus now that you've told us about your plan, our interest is hooked."
"I do believe a demonstration is in order then. So you know just what your funds and name are being used for."
"That would be appreciated."
"Hm, a volunteer..." Overhaul paused, glancing over his entourage who, while utterly devoted to him, were not looking forward to being a guinea pig to showoff even if the effects were presently temporary. But if it was for the sake of Overhaul...
"Actually, going with your earlier proposition," Deku spoke before turning toward Twice. "You up?"
"Aye, aye, captain!" Twice declared, giving an enthusiastic salute. "Who's coming to dinner?"
"Hm, how about someone who can show off their abilities easily? Clear visual display without needing a medium or touch."
"Order up!" Twice declared and threw an arm out. Within seconds a blob formed and fell from his extended hand.
"This way we know your members are not faking and also the volunteer is basically from our side. No loss to you." Deku explained as Twice's Quirk continued its work, gaining a humanoid shape.
"A sign of good faith?" Overhaul inquired, his interest rising at the intelligence of the teenager. Surely he would be a valued addition to the Precepts; he had even insisted as part of their conditions that he oversee things for a few days along side Overhaul. It was a power move yet the green haired boy had been fair more polite and resourceful than their apparent head, Shigaraki.
A thought crossed his mind as he regarded Deku.
All For One was out of the picture and Shigaraki was currently leading in his stead yet the Emperor of Villains had been an enigma for years, evading the spotlight. There had been groups who claimed they met him as recent as seven years ago but he never had been as public as Shigaraki since the duel between All For One and All Might; for many it was the event that proved the boogeyman of the underworld existed, though the world for the most part was still ignorant of just who had emerged that day.
The ragged man was polar opposite to his mentor in being vocal and even showing his face on TV yet there was practically nothing on the apparent current strategist. Perhaps…
His thoughts were interrupted as the humanoid figure was complete and spoke.
"If I'm suddenly here that means I must be one of Twice's clones." Dabi observed, looking as thrilled as his real counterpart as he stood before the group. "So, what do you need me for?"
"Mind showing off your Quirk? Just a small display." Deku explained, gesturing to the Precepts members who stood watching.
"Boss's orders." The clone shrugged and lifted a hand, allowing blue flames to ignite in his palm as he appeared bored at his summoning. The flames licked up his arm as he regarded his audience cooly.
"Kurono." Overhaul called his subordinate who sported a white rain jacket and a plague doctor mask that completely obscured his face, the one codenamed Chronostasis. Wordlessly Kurono pulled out a gun, pointed it at Clone-Dabi and shot him in the shoulder.
"Ooo, shots fired!" Twice exclaimed, acting surprised.
"You could have been more polite about that." Clone-Dabi remarked dryly as a small needle ended bullet pinched through his jacket. Immediately the blue flames died away and he attempted to conjure more, fingers flexing but none came. "Well that's fun. Trigger's opposite."
"As you're aware the effects are temporary but we're working on a permanent dosage. For those who want a cure we offer a steep price after we let society flounder for a bit." Overhaul explained while the clone pulled the needle cartridge out from his arm and regarded it before passing it to Deku who examined it before letting it roll around in his gloved hand.
"You have a cure?"
"That's one thing we have to develop as well. It's taken time to get the present results though with the League's backing efficiency will only increase. Mass production will be ensured."
"Results take money and robbing banks isn't our style. Too time consuming and a degenerate thing for the Yakuza to do. Plus the cops would know, we need more discreet means." Mimic added, the small black mascot pointing a finger as it stood next to its leader. "We're not street punks."
"So we're basically your cash cow, with perks." Clone-Dabi summed up, eying Mimic with perhaps a hidden desire to incinerate the small creepy bodysuit if given the excuse.
"How long is this thing going to stick around? They only disappear after receiving a certain amount of damage, right?" Kurono inquired, nudging Clone-Dabi with his gun only to have it backhanded away as if an annoying fly.
"Right-o~ How much depends on the person! TRY IT YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!" Twice declared the last bit with some elaborate gestures toward a rather stoic Clone-Dabi.
"Perfect! Let's go!" Rappa exclaimed, punching his fists together in enthusiasm. "Haven't fought a fire user before!"
"You do realize I'm presently Quirkless." Clone-Dabi held his hand out for emphasis as no sign of blue flames formed. "One hit and I'm gone, unlike my real self."
"Rappa, curb your bloodlust." Overhaul's tone was controlled, as if daring the large man to defy him in front of their new partners. Kendo Rappa, the man whom he had beaten seven times with an instant KO and was presently considering reassembling a bit differently the next time to maybe cull some of that meathead tendency—even if his desire for a fight kept him at Overhaul's side as a formidable tank.
"When the effects wear off you can borrow him." Deku gave a nod to Clone-Dabi who shrugged in resignation to his inevitable fate. The green haired teenager turned his attention toward the Yakuza leader. "Now regarding your plan you graciously shared with us, Overhaul-san. You said it hinged on a Quirk, the source of the erasure; might I be privy to whose? Your organization has some impressive diversity as it is from what I can tell."
"Well, I suppose you've done me a solid lending us Twice. A mutual agreement to build trust."
"Of course. One can't just keep taking and expect to get nothing in return, even if we're lending you our name and finances."
"Fair enough. Follow me, though perhaps you could leave your men here along with some of mine. I prefer this being need-to-know only. Confidentiality and all that."
"Understood." Deku turned toward his comrades or rather his single comrade and the currently defanged humanoid support item. The youngster seemed intelligent enough to take a hint Overhaul did not want Twice anywhere near the source incase of any funny business. "I'll catch up with you later."
Overhaul closely watched as Twice promptly crossed his arms into a "x" as he declared his protest before giving a thumbs up. Full knowledge of the Quirk-Killer Bullets was a dangerous thing. While mass production through the unhinged criminal's doubling Quirk was ideal it gave the League too much of an advantage. If the League got their hands on the formula they could burn the bridge before Overhaul had used them throughly. Plus Twice seemed devoted to the League, he would be a bit harder to win over especially when he seemed keen on Deku.
He had to find out what made the kid tick. Perhaps then he could extract him from the League as Shigaraki was hardly impressionable except for his destructive Quirk; though his own Quirk, as diseased as it was, was superior in its dual destroying and reassemble capabilities.
Overhaul smiled internally as he remained his cool persona. He would destroy society and remake it to be whole again, rid of the blight known as Quirks. The world would receive a redeeming overhaul and he would be its leader with the empowered and resurrected Yakuza behind him. Boss would finally be paid back in full and understand his vision, embrace him as Overhaul and not just Kai. He would be a revered pioneer for putting things in rightful order.
"If you would?" Deku smiled politely as a keen intelligence glittered in his almost apathetic red eyes. He was certainly one to watch out for, though Overhaul had drawn people to his side plenty of times. The young strategist was no exception to his plan to convert the League's members for their useful Quirks and talents.
"Right this way." Overhaul gestured as he kept his gold eyes trained on Deku. He would join the Yakuza and become one of the important figures under Overhaul's guidance where he could be of better use in the sizable organization; the others would surely follow if they held respect for the youngster. The kid could make a fine replacement Bullet for any of the present members that proved needing of retirement once properly evaluated and lured to Overhaul's side.
If not, he had no qualms about another red splatter covering the interior of their hideout.
He wasn't sure what to expect when Overhaul promised to show him the one providing the Quirk for the bullets. His mind had been busy with theorizing how one could harness a Quirk into dosages ever since it had been revealed the source was in fact a Quirk and not some chemical or nano-tech—the owner perhaps secreting some substance like a venom that was harvestable or it was some toxin released from their body through a quill or something. The possibilities seemed endless pending the reveal.
He was not prepared however for the truth as it promptly slapped him in the face while simultaneously punching him in the gut.
"Say hello, Eri." Overhaul spoke to the single horned girl dressed in a plain cream colored dress standing next to Kurono, who had gone to fetch her. The group of four stood in the empty hallway of the Precepts' hideout, no others in sight though Mimic was surely lurking in the walls observing if possible.
"H-hello." The girl meekly replied, her red eyes on the ground as she fidgeted. Her voice was so small, a tremor in it that did not sound like the result of mere shyness. Apprehension radiated off her as she bit her lip, acting as if she were about to be scolded for something.
"It's nice to meet you, Eri-chan." Deku calmly greeted, his heart pounding while his gaze went from the bandages on her arms to the ones on her legs, to her unkempt long bluish, off-white hair. She had to be no more than seven, maybe eight but it was hard to tell with her thin figure and small stature. He forced a smile though the kindness in his eyes was sincere, "I'm Deku."
"Nice to me you, Deku-san." She echoed, shifting slightly as she looked up at him for a moment. The look in her eyes sent a chill up his spine and he barely suppressed the beginnings of goosebumps, maintaining his polite smile. He could feel watchful eyes on him.
He couldn't lose it on the spot over a girl he didn't know while trying to gain the Yazuka's trust despite suspicions. He pushed back the crawling he felt up his back, his stomach churning with suspicion and guilt as he remained impassive. "So she's…?"
"Yes, it's thanks to my daughter that my plan can be made real. You can understand why it's such a guarded secret. She's very special to me." Eri seemed to cower at Overhaul's words, fists tightening as she remained silent. The back of Deku's neck prickled but he remained composed, knowing this was a test of some kind like dangling a carrot in front of a horse while a club, rather than a stick, was ready.
"Your daughter?" Deku raised an eyebrow, glancing at Overhaul who was regarding him carefully.
"What?""You just don't seem like the type." He admitted with a shrug, not daring to elaborate on exactly what points made up said type. Not to mention Eri looked nothing like Overhaul, but who could say she didn't completely take after her mother like—He pushed the thought away as he continued with a casual wave of his hand, "But who am I to judge?"
"I'm sure we both surprise people." Overhaul offered, tilting his head slightly with interest. He turned his attention back toward Eri. "Time to go back to your room, Eri. Be a good girl."
The girl clutched at her dress, her head bowed in submission as Kurono ushered her the opposite way to wherever her room was.
"Rather obedient isn't she?" Deku dared to point out, crossing his arms as he physically and mentally restrained himself from demanding the truth of the clearly fishy situation. He cocked his head slightly to sell his thoughtfulness, "Must make parenting easier."
"For the most part. After all, children should listen to their parents. Though not all of us follow that logic, given our professions; imagine where we'd be if so?"
"That's a thought. But it seems you have nothing to worry about."
"Eri can a bit naughty at times. A bit clumsy too, she does hurt herself so."
"Kids will be kids." Deku encapsulated, turning his gaze away from where Eri had disappeared to feign disinterest. "Everyone was a kid once. Kids make mistakes and so do adults."
"Guess you're in an odd place in life, aren't you? Not quite a child and not yet an adult. Yet you are so mature and responsible.""I am what I have to be, as I'm sure you are Overhaul-san."
"Indeed. What a pair we are." Overhaul began walking the way they had come, a sign for Deku to follow.
"How so?"
"My boss and mentor is currently out of commission due to being bedridden. I had to take over in his stead to keep the Yakuza going. I'm indebted for all he's done for me. Took me in at a young age, gave me a home.""He sounds like a caring boss."
"He is though sometimes that blinded him… but he's resting now and doesn't have to worry about affairs for the time being. As for you your boss is locked away in a maximum prison and someone's had to uphold the League."
"Are you fishing for backstory, Overhaul-san?"
"You can be rather direct, can't you? At least you've got more tact than Shigaraki."
"Generally I can polite about it. And it's a fair question."
"A conversation piece, so we can better understand each other besides our alliance." Overhaul shrugged, glancing over at the intelligent teenager. "You're high school aged yet you help run the League. Makes me wonder how Shigaraki got ahold of you."
"You have to ask him yourself." Deku evaded details, his red eyes once more retaining their dead look. "But I suppose both the League and your organization have been hindered similarly. Both our bosses, our founders, are presently out of the limelight. Wonder if our bosses ever met each other."
"Older members spoke about yours like he was the boogeyman of the underworld. Now that is power. That is a man of formidability."
"Sensei certainly is a man of many things." Deku agreed, silently adding, And Quirks.
"I want to bring the Yakuza back to its golden days for my boss. You want revenge on All Might for yours; surely the League isn't going to take that humiliation laying down. It's common ground." Overhaul stretched out a gloved hand and clenched it. "With All Might gone it gives both of us an advantage. He won't be breathing down our necks and we can stretch our wings while the other Heroes scramble to regain order in his absence."
"Something like that."
"Imagine if we rendered the Symbol of Peace Quirkless. That would strike fear into society and leave room for us to step in. It would be the first step in setting the world back on track without the tainting of Quirks. We would hold the market over both sides, those who want the power to kill Quirks and the Heroes trying to fix things. The power we both would have with our combined efforts."
Deku didn't respond immediately, thinking about the prospect of being All Might truly powerless and what Sensei would think. Was a death of a Quirk just as valid as the individual's actual demise?
Would that even work with the type of Quirk he has?
There were least seven generations of power before All Might, could a bullet made from a Quirk snuff them all out? Besides, he had been clearly slowing down as of late, perhaps his wound from Sensei all those years ago was reaching its critical point. Sensei had said it was only a matter of time before he fell, but the One For All holder had to be taken out and end the feud before a new successor was chosen. After what All Might had done to Sensei he didn't want to chance a ninth holder.
It might be a waste of a bullet at this point… but Quirkless…
"What do you think about the Quirkless?" Deku inquired, causing Overhaul to halt. Instantly he knew he had hit a nerve of the Yakuza leader as he turned toward him, both hands extended as if grasping at something unseen.
"The Quirkless are perfect. They managed to stay the same despite this disease taking hold of nearly the whole world. They're like unicorns in our society yet treated as if they're the ones with the disease. They should be the highest members of society, not Heroes with flashy Quirks."
"Then what about if someone could take or give Quirks? If there was an anomaly like?"
"They'd be a god or a demon," Overhaul's eyes were intense, clearly irritated. "To take is making things as they were before, to give adds to the blighted."
"So, is Eri like your god?" Deku watched the man's reaction carefully. "Since her Quirk is what can stop the Quirk trait in people's DNA. A gene fix, if you will."
"Presumptuous are we?" Overhaul's hands fell back to his sides, showing no hostility. "Eri's ability is a means for scientific progress. I make do with what life has given me, including my own Quirk. Sometimes undesirable means are needed to yield desired results. What about you, Deku?"
"I just wonder what a Quirkless person would think. Someone who has been living powerless their whole life in comparison to someone who's always had a Quirk, flashy or not. Kinda feels like royalty saying the peasants have it easy." Deku shrugged, maintaining some distance as he still lacked details on Overhaul's Quirk except for reports of him "remaking" or "destroying" whatever he touched, including someone Twice personally witnessed.
Sensei would surely be interested in such a Quirk; if he took it Deku would feel no guilt given Overhaul made his skin crawl in a way close to how the Doctor did. First Sensei would have to get out of Tartarus though.
One step at a time, Deku.
"Ever play Shogi?" Overhaul's hardly subtle shift in topic surprised Deku but he went along with it.
"A little bit, not too much since Shigaraki isn't a fan. Neither are the others except Kurogiri-san. Sensei taught me."
"Care for a game?"
"If you insist, though I'm sure you have the advantage given your experience, Overhaul-san."
"No need to act so modest." Overhaul insisted, continuing to lead, watching the teenager through his peripheral vision. "I'm sure you're a quick learner."
"I appreciate the vote of confidence, I hope I don't disappoint. I look forward to you teaching me." Deku gave a slight bow as he tagged along, keeping his eyes on the Yakuza leader. Even from his angle from behind he could see a smile in the man's eyes.
Things were going well.