Chapter 19: The Third Degree

"I think you need to understand the weight of the situation you're in. Don't make this more difficult for yourself."

"I'm fully aware."

"Just because you're a minor, Midoriya-"

"It's Deku."

Deku sat at a table with Quirk Suppression Cuffs around his wrists, anchoring him to the table, looking across at the police officer attempting to integrate him. His expression was placid, completely detached as he calmly spoke without a hint of emotion despite the bandages on his face.

"Your birth name-"

"Izuku Midoriya has been dead for years." He corrected, tone even as he sat back on his chair, feeling it press into his shoulder blades as he folded his hands in front of him, lacking his gloves. He was sporting a dark green shirt from lost and found, have been permitted to change under the watchful gaze of Eraserhead who had come to give a report in person and oversee things once his students had been entrusted to other U.A. teachers. He had quickly shifted through the pile and selected a shirt without batting an eye at the print that read "RULE BREAKER."

It seemed morbidly appropriate given offering him a police department shirt as a first choice seemed ironic, even though he was formally being detained and not arrested; officially the cuffs were a precaution given his perceived affiliation and slugging it out with a trainee Hero. The rest of his apparel however had been seized and presumably submitted to evidence.

The officer sighed, tapping her pen against the notepad before her while her phone lay next to it. "Listen, Midoriya. This isn't a game. I'm trying to make sure you know just what implications alone mean for you. We know you weren't solely responsible, that there are others. If you-"

"Aren't I supposed to have a lawyer? Or, wait, given I'm a minor you can detain me for questioning up to twenty-four hours unless charges are pressed? Seems like an intentional exploitable loophole."

The officer tensed slightly, the tapping stopping. "Do you want a lawyer?"

A smile formed on his face, a flicker of emotion in his almost dead eyes.

"No. Honestly I'm curious about your due process—if you even have one given you seem to toss any sizable threats straight into prison without a trial first, never mind a special detainment jail. Seems a bit old fashioned, prison first then a trial? What century are we in again? Besides, I heard the police won't record your name as an official villain without multiple quirk-related offenses or a serious offense that can turn into a lawsuit. A slap on the wrist or issue a misdemeanor maybe?"

"Fine, if no lawyer then let's come back to you."

"I dunno, I'm a rather boring topic. How about we talk about you? Sorry, I didn't catch your name the first time. My ears are still ringing a bit. Lots of explosions. Close proximity."

On the table the phone buzzed faintly before he could get a response. The officer glanced at it before snatching it up and sliding her chair back. "Excuse me."

"Take your time, I'm not going anywhere." He shrugged his hands as his wrists were mere inches from the table. He eased back into his chair as the officer left the room and silence settled though as the door opened he heard the chaos in the bullpen just outside. Processing all the Noumu alone was going to be a paperwork nightmare and he didn't envy them given even he didn't know how many there were.

A few minutes passed as Deku lightly tapped the table to a tune from his childhood, stuffing his nerves down as a cold calm settled over him. It wasn't the first time he had been in a police station though that time had gone differently. He glanced down at his hands and formed a few signs, recalling basic ones as his gut twisted, a dark voice starting to whisper to him as guilt slipped through his defenses.

You're where you belong.

Cuffed like the criminal you are.

Stop arriving brave, you fake.

You're going to get your just desserts.

Karma is calling.

Your luck's run out, get it over with.

The door swung open and he stopped compulsively signing, glancing up with a guarded expression to see who it was.

Rather than the blue haired female officer a man stepped into the room, evidently finished setting a tan overcoat on a hook outside before placing his wide brim hat as well. "I've got it, Sansa, thanks." He called as a tabby cat faced police officer hovered outside, turning toward Deku as he closed the door.

The man had short black hair cropped close to his forehead and wore a white business shirt coupled with a teal tie. He gave a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes though his demeanor was calm and relaxed. He stepped toward the table and sat down, inching the chair forward. His black eyes locked with Deku's and he calmly spoke, "My name's Tsukauchi. I'm the detective taking over this case. You go by Deku, right?"

Which case?

Deku almost said it out loud, mind churning over the possibilities as the apparent good cop was before him. Instead he offered a polite smile of his own, "Pleasure to meet you, Detective."

Tsukauchi's eyebrow quirked slightly but he nodded, placing his phone on the table. "Mind if I record once we start? You are aware you're being filmed as well?" He nodded to the corner of the room where a camera was mounted, staring down at the interrogation table with unbiased lens.

"I'd have to be rather dense to not be." Deku shrugged, glancing up at the camera and flashing a fake wide smile. He turned back toward the detective, expression smug with cold eyes once more as he gestured lightly. "Go ahead."

"Thank you. Also a colleague of mine will be joining us shortly. Until then we can take it easy."

"If you say so." Deku shrugged, curiosity picking at him at who might be coming though he remained impassive to watchful eyes. "That officer won't be back, will she? She wasn't much fun, made a mediocre bad cop."

"No, she has other matters. Though, it seems you weren't being very cooperative. No respect for female authority?"

"I just don't like being treated like a little kid, being talked down to like I'm stupid. Treat me equally and I'll play your game." Deku clarified, frowning slightly at the presumption before gesturing lightly, "And I was being honest about not hearing. There's ringing."

The detective gave a nod without a hint of skepticism, folding his hands on the table, mirroring Deku. "Fair enough. Do you need me to speak louder?"

"Just a bit though I can lip read slightly. But I've got nowhere to be, and I know you're not going to be releasing me anytime soon so I can wait it out."

"You had your injuries inspected?"

"Mildly. Classic first aid since nothing's life threatening. I've had worse." Deku kept his eyes glued on the detective, curiosity picking at him like an itch as he tried to deduce his Quirk. The female officer had a minor physical altering Quirk that manifested in her eyes, which shifted colors as her mood changed—letting Deku get under her skin thanks to the physical cues. They probably assigned her to him so he would be at ease to let his guard down but that had failed. In the end her eyes had flashed purple as she left, betraying a shift in her mood once more.

Deku felt a stab of a memory—wide purple eyes looked at him, innocent and shocked—and bile rose in his throat as quickly as he swallowed it back down.

"Midoriya... I remember that name from some years ago." Tsukauchi tapped his finger lightly in thought as Deku slipped out of his own thoughts. The statement felt calculated, not a casual wonderment to spur on conversation, and Deku in turn opted for taciturnity, not betraying interest though anyone with enhance hearing would have detected his heartbeat quickening slightly. "Missing persons report for a young kid from Musutafu. Believed it was traffickers but we just couldn't pinpoint a motive or leads. Admittedly I lost track due to other cases and forgot about it until now."

Deku was silent, his gaze shifting to the phone on the table and noting it was now recording. His eyes slipped back to Tsukauchi who offered a small smile that seemed sad and disappointed; the man could be sly yet somehow genuine.

"You know, we hope for the best for such cases but have to be realistic, especially when it's been so many years. You're an exception, Deku-kun. You're here, grown up and alive. You can tell us what happened."

"So, what? I'm rarity that can actually fill in the blanks when other cases are guess work? Is that why I'm here rather than thrown in a cell or Tartarus? To tell my story that everyone thought had ended yet are now so interested in since I'm still breathing? The Curious Case of Izuku Midoriya? Sounds like a grab for exploitable movie material."

Tsukauchi's expression turned serious, a flicker of concern as his clasped hands tightened at Deku's defensive snark. "Yes, it would be nice to fill in the blanks accurately; there are a lot of unanswered questions. The basic fact is you got wrapped up in a high profile group, a real problematic one that's been evading the Police Force for years. It would be a disappointment to never hear it straight from the source, from someone who presumably was close to the ones running the show. The insight is invaluable. I for one think your story should be told, for multiple reasons. But, it is your story."

"The fact I'm alive is plenty disappointment in itself. Believe me." Deku shot back, unable to keep the edge out of his voice as self-loathing sunk its claws into him, telling him he wasn't special nor did he deserve to be alive unlike those who were unfortunate victims of Quirk trafficking. He clenched his jaw, feeling his well practiced facade crack under the tension as the police station sounds and flashes of memories chipped away at him, slowly dragging him back to the last time he had been in one—how he had ended up there.

Tsukauchi's eyebrows raised in alarm though he was silent. There was a pregnant pause as both seemed to collect their thoughts and gauge each other. Tsukauchi wordlessly slid a bottle of water, procured from a pocket presumably, toward Deku though the teen ignored it despite his parched mouth. Either it was a true gesture of goodwill or it was an attempt to obtain his DNA even though they had his bloodied clothes—perhaps even both.

Finally Tsukauchi let out a sigh. He leaned back in his chair, apparently resigning to wait for whoever his associate was. A few more minutes passed and Deku started to slowly reach for the bottled water with a guarded expression, having not had anything to eat or drink for a few hours, the fatigue of his battle pressing on his mental strain as his Quirk was suppressed, taking away the benefits of supernatural endurance.

As his hand grasped the water bottle Tsukauchi broke the silence, his voice quiet and curious, "I seriously doubt at least one person isn't disappointed that you are alive and well. Though, I have to wonder… were you kidnapped? Or did you runaway?"

"You're the detective, you tell me." Deku responded, heart thundering in his ears as he pulled his hands back, subconsciously withdrawing as he abandoned regard for the refreshing drink. His cuffs punctuated his statement as they tightened, the chain taunt as the table refused him to pull his hands back any further.

Thoughts began racing through his head as his heartbeat quickened, sweat breaking out as his breath caught in his throat, almost choking him as Tsukauchi watched. The ringing in his ears grew louder, drowning out all other sounds despite the thundering in his chest.

Just take me to Tartarus and be done with all this. Stop acting like I'm the victim, like you hope to save me.

You don't know what I've done. What I'm supposed to do. What I agreed to.

I'm not the one that should be alive.

It was all a mistake but I can't stop.

I have one last thing to do. Not for atonement, but because it's the right thing.

It's too late for me, but it's not for her. You don't know…

"Hey, Deku-" Tsukauchi's voice was distant but ripe with earnest concern as his brow pinched together and he slid forward. His chair squeaked loudly and it jolted Deku from his spiral as if he had been doused with cold water.

Deku's head jerked back as he recoiled instinctively, wild red eyes suddenly narrowing and becoming cold as his emotions were smothered once more. His attention snapped to Tsukauchi, tension rolling off his shoulders as his lax persona was gone, eyeing the man's raised hands with suspicion and distrust.

"It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you. You're safe here."

But you're not.

Deku let out a shuddering breath, unable to voice it as the fledgling panic attack slowly quieted. Something pressed at the back of his eyes, his brain aching and throat itching. Instantly his gaze went to his right hand, his skin prickling as he thought he saw a shadow on his palm.

"I'm sorry, I should have known it was traumatic. I didn't mean to push you."

Deku was silent, not trusting himself to speak. His hands curled into fists, hiding his palms as he looked up at the seemingly genuine detective. Instead he sat with a slightly defiant resting face, taking in a controlled breath to push the panic further away.

Through the walls there was faint commotion outside the room, the bullpen seemingly igniting with activity. Curiosity prickled at the back of his neck but he continued to stare at Tsukauchi with a level gaze, hiding any vulnerability as if it had been imagined.

The sound of loud heavy footsteps approached and Tsukauchi sat straighter though his eyes didn't leave Deku. The door swung open, noise from outside stampeding in as the newcomer stood in the doorway, ducking as one foot entered.

"So sorry I'm late! I am here!"

Deku felt like the bottom of his stomach had dropped, opening into an abyss of dread and nausea while the sensation of his legs being cut out from under him slammed him as well. A tight breath escaped his nose as he fought back the sudden urge to throw up, clearing his throat as he regarded the newcomer with fake disinterest, begging apathy to overtake him.

All Might.

The Number One Hero flashed a smile, his huge form sidestepping into the room that suddenly became cramped and suffocating. He shut the door behind him and grabbed the chair next to Tsukauchi, managing to barely fit as it seemed like mere children's furniture in comparison.

Why was he here?

Stupid, of course he's here. The League is connected to Sensei, the one All Might has been feuding with. Thought you'd get away with never having to face him?

"Glad you could join us." Tsukauchi stated professionally, glancing at All Might who was sporting his Golden Age outfit, the dark blue with red and white stripes unmistakable. The blond Pro Hero smiled once more, brightening the whole room like a human lightbulb despite the tension Deku felt.

"Wouldn't miss it. Sorry to keep you waiting as well, young man. I know you must want to get out of here as soon as possible."

Just not where you think.

"Now that All Might is here, we can proceed with the questioning, Deku-kun. It's just a few-"

"You mean interrogation?" Deku kept his gaze on Tsukauchi, his tone crisp as what smidgen of trust he had felt evaporated. He pointedly avoided looking at the elephant in the room, challenging the detective. "Thought I was clear about being treated dumbly. I know your proceedings, don't sugarcoat it and expect me to swallow it. If you're going to give me the third degree be upfront."

"As I said earlier, there are a lot of blanks we would like filled in." Tsukauchi met Deku's hostile gaze with patience. "How about we start with something easy? Something about you."

"I'm not that interesting, but fine. What?"

"When I was checking your case notes, I noticed something interesting." He tapped on his phone, accessing something while the recording was still on going. "It states you have some sort of emitter Quirk with strength enhancement? Multiple witnesses gave accounts of its usage. Yet the Quirk registry for you, for Izuku Midoriya, is Quirkless. It is the same for the filed missing person report."

Deku's skin prickled, the faint buzzing in his ears not able to distract him enough. He gave a shrug, "Would you believe I was a late bloomer? Though I suppose not, since lack of signs of a Quirk by the time you're almost ten now is what, one thousand hundred percent certainty you're a dud? A one in billion chance if not by five years old? The odds have never been in my favor."

All Might frowned slightly and Tsukauchi was silent, thinking.

"Deku-kun... what is your Quirk?"

"The unknown is making them sweat out there, huh? Can't record an unregistered Quirk except through observation and childhood Quirk counseling, which a supposed Quirkless person wouldn't get." He deflected, giving a devious smile as his gut twisted. "Seems you guys already have an idea about it."

"Is it yours?"

The question was unexpected though not unreasonable. All Might, and perhaps certain people within the Police Force, knew All For One could take and give Quirks; the Hero Commission surely had a gag order issued for the public while the government sweated bullets over their immortal foe. It was a logical explanation for the ability he lacked in childhood yet possessed now while being affiliated with the League—the organization All For One was behind.

"That's a funny question. But, sharing is caring, right?" He shrugged, gesturing before daring to look at All Might, his veins cold as he gave a coy smile. "One for all and all for one or something like that."

The mighty Hero visibly tensed at those words and Tsukauchi's demeanor changed. The detective reached over and tapped his phone, stopping the recording as he looked seriously at Deku. "Let's stop it here for now."

"What, already?" Deku smiled wider, knowing he had hit the nail on the head. Tsukauchi regarded him, seemingly weighing his options of how to proceed. They both were aware of the camera trained on them, of the eyes and ears currently tuning in while another host was waiting to view it once the interrogation was done.

There were things neither party wanted exposed to the world though it was hard to know what was merely a bluff or real threat in such dangerous waters.

"Young man, how long were you… how long have you been with the League?" All Might's voice was deep, commanding yet curious without its iconic jovial boisterousness as suddenly his very large hands were on the table, folded as his interest intensified. Despite the man's imposing demeanor the question itself was soft, as if afraid of the answer for the first question he dared to asked.

"Hmm… you sorta lose track after a while…" A light hum escaped him as he dared to meet All Might's unseen gaze hidden the deep shadows cast from his brow, ignoring his crawling skin and twisting gut. "Must be seven years now."

"Seven… You were with the League this entire time…?" Tsukauchi's eyes widened, a hint of mortification in his otherwise professional voice.

"Yes. It's not like traffickers would have held onto me if they had taken me. Worthless Quirkless, except for scientific material, right? Not like society values us, just a bunch of extras taking up breathable air."

"Then that means…" Realization seemed to hit All Might, earning a brief quizzical look from the already concerned Tsukauchi. The larger man fell silent, pensive as the corners of his mouth turned downward with no hint of his iconic smile.

Deku saw the flash of vulnerability and went for it, the Symbol of Peace shaken by some deeper revelation one could only guess. He could catch them off guard, trip them up and play to what he needed of them, "You know, I met your secretary once. I believe his name was Yagi?"

That got a reaction from both men, Tsukauchi's eyebrows shooting up and All Might startling out of his seemingly momentary melancholy.

"What…? How?"

Deku shifted in his seat, trying to get more comfortable to ease the restlessness that was settling into his bones, threatening to make his leg bounce in the presence of Japan's, if not the world's, most iconic hero. "Ran into him, almost literally. Polite man. Thought I was promising. Then again, given the circumstances I think it made him biased. He did tell me something interesting though: We can't decide where we will be in a crisis, only what we can do."

There was a flash of blue as All Might's head lifted, one iris visible for a moment as his piercing gaze pinned Deku to the spot though there was no trace of hostility from the Hero. Understanding radiated from him as he regarded the teen, seemingly getting a better look as he studied him closely, "You… You're Akatani-kun?"

"Oh, he told you? I suppose I feel honored he thought to mention a kid with a mere analysis Quirk to the mighty Symbol of Peace. I got to say, U.A. at least learned to improve their security measures after that fiasco. Then again the League hasn't tried to seriously get in since USJ."

"You were the one who infiltrated U.A."

"Bingo!" Deku finger gunned at the slack jawed Hero, channeling Twice to cover his dread and self-loathing as he hated every word out of his mouth."Not the best school experience I've had but not the worse. For sure the shortest, though."

"Are… are you admitting involvement in the attack on USJ?" Tsukauchi's hand hovered over his phone, his eyes locked onto Deku as his eyebrows knitted together.

"Involvement? Please, I was responsible for it!" He scoffed, regarding the two flabbergasted men as he kept up his persona, clinging onto it to give him fake confidence and sell his role before he cracked under pressure, "That and this last ordeal, your so called 'Noumu Epidemic' as one officer put it."

"Tomura Shigaraki is the apparent present leader of the League. Are you saying he isn't the one orchestrating the League's movement? That you are?"

"That's a poor impression, Shigaraki can think for himself; he's just receptive to input to a degree. He takes the spotlight while I'm preferably in the background, that is my role. After all, we're not Sensei. But yes, he's the leader in Sensei's stead."

"Deku-kun, what is your role in the League?"

"Mmm, I handle certain things, away from the field. I have more of a hands off approach, analytics and strategy."

Tsukauchi's expression turned grimmer while All Might seemed to be at a loss for words at the revelation. The detective's hands were folded once more, his phone presumably recording again, "So you admit had part in the USJ incident and the present crisis with the Noumu. The incident with Stain then…?"

"Not my call. He was a prospective recruit for the League that didn't work out. He got Shigaraki pissed enough to sick a private Noumu death squad on him while he watched." Deku frowned, still leaning back in his chair as he recalled the incident with the serial killer, feeling no fear for divulging such information. "I wouldn't say I condone Stain's actions, even if he was right that society needs correction and Heroes are part of the problem. But I digress."

"Did All For One order all this?" All Might's voice was tight as he broke his lapse of silence and the temperature of the room dropped, sending goosebumps across Deku's skin though he shrugged to hide his discomfort. The large Hero's hands tightened into fists on the table, a deep frown marring his features as fury tinged his tone, "Young man, were you coerced?"

"Interesting questions," was all Deku offered despite the fear that settled into his bones at the sight of the simmering anger of the Symbol of Peace. Memory of Sensei's bedridden figure flashed in his mind, of the mess of scar tissue that had become Sensei's face thanks to the power All Might wielded. The same power that sat across from him. The power he was challenging through testing patience, armed with only his words.

"Deku-kun, were you following All For One's orders to carry out his will?" Tsukauchi tapped the table lightly to gain his attention. "It's been five years yet it's reasonable to believe he laid the groundwork ahead of time before we captured him."

"I'd think All Might knows the answer to that one better. The two have history after all. I only knew the man for a few years before he was locked up."

Tsukauchi continued, ignoring the deflection and All Might's growing tension, "What can you tell us about All For One and the League?"

"Nothing you don't already know probably. This is formality, right? Though, it's fairly unanimous in hating the sound of popping gum and open mouth chewing. I don't recommend doing both."

"This is serious. You don't owe him any loyalty." All Might's tone was stern, professional, but there was a twinge of compassion that punched Deku in the gut.

Deku drew him self up as he took a breath, cocking his head as he tilted his chin as he regarded the duo with his cold persona. "You have bigger things to worry about than the League. It might be the biggest name the public knows but there are other groups out there fighting to take over the void left by Sensei."

"We are aware, but we're not talking about them. We're talking about the League and your involvement, Deku-kun."

"When the infighting stops society is going to be in for a rude awaking once the power grab spills out from the underworld. I for one would watch out for the ones behind Trigger; they're up to something far worse. Just saying. You know, if you want to do you jobs."

"What were you to All For One?"

He gave a shrug, waving a hand. "A cog in the wheel that maybe got some special attention early on as a pet project. In the end, I had my part to play."

"Had? Or have? What about the details of your expected duties? What did All for One expect of you? Why did he set his eyes on you? Kidnapping or not. Why not run away? What was your relationship?"

"You want to know? It's-" He felt his throat begin to tighten at the mere forming of the thought, his heart quickening. He snapped it shut, adapting a defiant look as ripples of panic danced beneath his skin. A grunt escaped him as he tried to discreetly clear his throat under the guise of well timed humored insolence. "None of your business."

"Young man, you are a victim in this as well. Despite whatever you claim to have done. We understand if it was under duress." All Might urged, face still grim as he steeled himself to be the charming and indomitable Hero the world knew.

But Deku knew better.

"You really have no idea." Deku let out a chuckle, dread clawing its way up his spine as he felt as if he were about to snap, the ground gone beneath him. "Really… this…" He shook his head, falling silent as he gave a disappointed look while silently fighting back the compulsion to vomit words. He had to sell it, he'd played the villain. He let out a sigh, attempting to expel his unease as he leaned back in his chair once more, a grin on his face, "I expected more."

All Might notably tensed slightly at the display, though his face remained the same; Deku was certain his jaw tensed which earned some curiosity. Tsukauchi let out a sigh, shaking his head. A few moments of silence passed before there was a light knock on the door.

Deku titled his head with interest as the detective rose to answer it. A playful smile tweaked his lips and without restraint he slipped out, "Oh, another guest? Aren't I popular for someone not under arrest?"

"Here you go, sir." A voice informed as the door opened, Deku's view to the outside blocked momentarily by the detective. The distraction let him slip further into the comfort of his persona, burrowing deep into the cold and snarky part of himself as the last form of comfort and security he had.

"Thanks, Sansa." Tsukauchi said to the cat headed officer, taking the manilla envelope before shutting the door. He made his way back to the table and sat down, earning a subtle glance from All Might who otherwise was studying Deku closely with renewed interest. The envelope went on the table with a faint slap as Tsukauchi drew himself up in the chair. "What is All For One planning?"

"Sensei? I couldn't say. It's not like we chat." The back of his throat tickled but eased and he returned to being impassive, keeping his gaze on Tsukauchi and not the mysterious file.

"So the attacks on U.A., USJ and the city, that was entirely up to your own volition?"

"I already said I was responsible. Though I guess not entirely since Shigaraki was in agreement and it was a joint plan for the most part. But he's not the one on trial, I am—figuratively speaking. Though I suppose I just tattletaled, he's going to be pissed."

"The Noumu, who is behind them? Who is making them?" Tsukauchi attempted to rein the conversation in, unrelenting with the new onslaught of questions.

"I couldn't say."

"Can't or won't?" Tsukauchi was completely calm, his voice devoid of any accusation as his hand was over the envelope.

Deku let out a hum and smiled though his heart quickened. He gave a shrug as he continued the game of hard to get as he danced on the edge of deception and truth. "Both?"

"See, Deku-kun. Despite the run around, you've been telling the truth when you do actually give an answer. I think you want us to know but can't. Or this is just a game to you since you got caught. You want us to guess the truth."

The phrasing got Deku's interest, his eyebrows furrowing together in confusion for a moment. He regarded Tsukauchi for a moment, the wheels in his head turning as thoughts to the web he was weaving grounded to a halt. The detective has said he'd been telling the truth? How could he know that-

"Ah, I get it." Deku snapped his fingers with realization, smirking at Tsukauchi though his interest piqued and the analytical part of his brain began going into overdrive; he bit down on the urge to gush and pick apart the Quirk with his verbal dissection. "Must be nice to have a human lie detector for the Police Force. The other kids must have loved you for truth-or-dare."

"You have excellent deduction skills. Could really use them on the right side of the law."

"I'd say you're BSing me but you're not that kind of guy, Detective. After all, Quirks usually compliment personality." He rolled his shoulders to ease the tension, "Though it's in part deduction and part know-how. Quirks interest me, just another thing to analyze. Though some people really hate to hear analysis of their Quirk and act as if you've mutilated some innocent creature. Sometimes retaliation turns physical."

All Might looked as if he had another epiphany but was quiet, lips pressed together as muscles tensed. The Hero straightened, clearly thinking something over and Deku felt his skin tingle in warning, Dark Aura sure to spring forth if not for the cuffs.

"Are you sure you're okay just sitting here and not out doing hero stuff? You have been noticeably absent from public." Deku jabbed, eying the man he had once idolized and now only invoked a maelstrom of emotions. "I mean, no show today, it's still the same day right? Or are you just slowing down? Thinking of retirement?"

"What can you tell me about this?" Tsukauchi cut in and the manilla envelope was flipped open in front of Deku. Inside was a report and various photos clipped to it.

It took only a glance to realize what the photo was of.

"A Noumu?" Deku managed to look disappointed though his stomach churned at the sight, knowing what he was looking at had once been someone before the Doctor got his hands on it—whether corpse or live victim. "I thought we were past those things. So what about it?"

"This Noumu doesn't seem like anything special compared to the others except for physical differences due to Quirks. However we got the lab work back-"

"Wow, that was fast."

"This thing isn't like others in the past or even the others in this latest attack. It's genetic makeup is different. This one has a mix of Quirks, more than the others, and non human DNA."

"And?"

"This Noumu was bio-engineered. Much like creatures that appeared some years ago, if you recall the Sky Egg Bombing. Beings we dubbed Next-Level Villains."

"I don't know anything about that." Deku's expression darkened, a sour taste in his mouth.

"Of course not, All For One was still free then plus we were investigating a group we dubbed the Villain Factory. Are the two related? Is the League the Factory?"

"Sounds like you want to tell me about it instead. But sorry, I've never dealt with those guys, the League has other rivals to worry about."

Tsukauchi let out a hum, pulling the file closer and taking out the sheet of paper, speeding the photos out. "In the report we received, during your fight with the Hero In-Training Onslaught you fell from a building at a great height. Before you could be secured or fatally injured this thing appeared and saved you."

A look of surprise seized Deku, having no memory of the event except for coming to on the ground with Kacchan having just finished battle with a Noumu—the creature in question. Tsukauchi continued, holding the paper as he skimmed it.

"While you were unconscious it specifically defended you rather then fight the Heroes on scene or attack civilians. Also it seems its primary function is not combat but rather healing and preservation."

"I'm sure there are a few self-healing Noumu. It's not like I have a checklist, it's more like a blind party bag." Deku's gaze slipped back into neutral as surprise left him, leaving confusion and curiosity. "One minute I was on the top of a building and next I woke up on the ground with that jerk blasting things to kingdom come. Have you been awakened by explosions?"

"This one can heal others, rather than itself. That alone is a rare ability—a highly valued Quirk in heroism, medical communities as well as the blackmarket. Onslaught reported that you were injured before the Noumu got ahold of you and after it licked you the head wound you'd sustained was gone. It defended you until it was rendered unconscious."

"You don't call my present state injured?" Deku gestured to himself, his wounds stinging slightly with memory of the fight. "Doesn't it make sense any Noumu would defend its leader? The one at USJ defended Shigaraki though you made short work of it from what I heard, All Might. They're basically like loyal dogs."

"This is not the same, young man. This creature's function and physiology is clearly different from that bruiser who was being a secondary bodyguard. This... this is a guardian." All Might tapped the picture gently though the table quivered as if it had been jarred with a greater force. "It's not a soldier, not entirely."

A guardian?

But why? Had Sensei ordered its creation years ago to ensure his and Tomura's well being? Why had it appeared now? Why not sooner? Was it the Doctor's sole doing, something he concocted on his own? What was its existence's true purpose?

It had saved him from certain death, healed his supposed wound.

It'd fought Kacchan for him.

It would have killed out of duty like the other Noumu while he was unconscious.

Without his orders, without his supervision.

Ice settled in his veins, all thoughts suddenly distant as if in a vacuum. He could faintly hear Tsukauchi's voice as he spaced out, "Deku-kun... did you order this... thing's creation?"

"I've never seen that thing before in my life." Deku vehemently denied as he snapped out of his thought haze, disgust curling his lip as his cold eyes stared at the photos of the creature whose brain was covered by is bristling mane in one photo and not in another. He inhaled to fight the urge to vomit, glaring at the detective as he fought for nerves of steel, his blood cold, "That's not my business. I don't make monsters. I am one."

"Young man, you are not a monster. Misguided perhaps, a victim of circu-"

The laugh that escaped him was ugly, just a step away from hysteria as he cut off All Might. Wasn't he a wolf in sheep's clothing to them? Were they really sold on the belief he was a doe eyed innocent despite his mannerisms, his actions? Did they think he was in fact the reverse, a sheep amongst wolves and forced to pretend in order to not be eaten?

They have no idea.

He was a sheep with blood on his hands and they acted like it was his own.

They weren't even giving him the third degree.

It was a pity party.

He slammed his hands on the table, feeling his palms sting as he looked at both men with a serious expression. "I helped plan the attack on the USJ training grounds. I infiltrated U.A. which counts as trespassing; you even have a witness, albeit I was in disguise. I was even part of an attack on the city that included attempted kidnapping, unlawful detainment, destruction of private and public property and probably various accounts of assault. Oh and illegal use of a Quirk. I probably missed something though."

Deku pulled his hands back, jingling the cuff's chain as he held it taunt for them both to see. "But I'm sure you know from the witness statements, especially Endeavor's kid; he probably knows procedures like the back of his hand. Besides, if I really wasn't a suspect or in trouble I wouldn't have these on, so we can stop with whatever this mental tactic is to earn my trust. I really wasn't expecting this version of good cop, bad cop."

"Deku-kun… Midoriya-kun, this doesn't look good for you. Regardless of your disappearance as a child and being a minor, the implications, your statements to incriminate-"

"It's not up to just the police, Detective. There's another party who holds more sway in this matter. In fact, you two are representatives of both parties: Police and Heroes." He smirked morbidly, "The Hero's Commission must be ecstatic to have a link to a big fish; I highly doubt they're going to turn me loose with a slap on the wrist even without my confession."

"Why are you so adamant about taking responsibility? Why act like the scapegoat?" Tsukauchi looked genuinely perplexed, the hint of pity still in his eyes despite his professional demeanor. "Even if you are affiliated with All For One, making you a person of interest, it doesn't have to bode badly for you."

"Self sacrifice is admirable, but All For One and his company are not people you should throw your life away for." All Might added, his piercing blue eyes glimmering with a fierce intensity though it was not directed at Deku. "You're young, there are still different paths open for you."

They were mystified why he'd be digging his own grave. Thinking that All For One had drawn out such self-sacrifice from him. That he was a blind follower—not that wasn't entirely wrong.

It's what I deserve. I'm not innocent, I was a willing party.

I'm guilty. I just want-

"Oh, I'm not a scapegoat. I know when I'm caught." Deku gave a devious smile before looking at the Symbol of Peace, the man everything revolved around, "Even you must have failures, All Might. No one is infallible. Don't you have regrets about people you couldn't save? Or who you failed to stop, permanently?"

There was a flicker of emotion in All Might's shadowed blue eyes though he remained stoic. The saving grace for him in sparing a reply came in the form of a knock before the door swung open. Sansa stuck his head in, eyeing Tsukauchi and the All Might, his gaze shifting to Deku for a moment before announcing in a low polite voice, "Time's up. The Commission is sending in their people."

"See? Looks like I'll be getting the third degree after all. Or just the book thrown at me." Deku waved his hands before folding them together, tilting his head at his two interrogators. "You really shouldn't be wasting any more time with me. Been a real fun chat. Wish we could have talked more about your Quirk, Detective."

"This isn't over, Deku-kun. We'll work out a deal, we just want answers and to stop anyone from getting hurt." Tsukauchi informed, gathering up the file and his phone before heading toward the door. "Hang in there."

"Sometimes, there are people you can't save." He called to the retreating backs as Sansa sidestepped to make way to exit. "No matter how much you want it, no matter how hard you try."

"It still has to be done, you never know until you try." All Might replied, standing to his full height and looking down at Deku with a broad smile though there was tension in his shoulders as he clenched his fist in front of him. A chill went up Deku's spine as he looked at the heroic looking man, the vibe causing his skin to prickle as he felt power radiate from the one who held One For All. "After all, I'm a Hero. That's what I'm here for."

Deku's face grew dark and his voice taunt, devoid of emotion, "Some people really shouldn't be. You can't save people from themselves."

"No, but what kind of Hero would I be if I didn't try?"

"You can't save everyone."

You can't even save yourself.

"No, but I can still reach for those in front of me. I'm for all whose who need my help, though I may not always reach them or know they are in need. As you said, no one is infallible. But I'll do everything in my power to make people feel safe, to know I am here."

"All Might." Tsukauchi called quietly, a hidden warning in the urging to go.

"A nice sentiment… too bad Sensei and you just couldn't get along. Always the argument about who it's all for. But, eighth time has to be the charm, right? Or will there need to be a ninth?"

A cough caught in All Might's throat, the Hero just barely biting it back as he covered his surprise. Tsukauchi's eyes widened for a moment but he wordlessly held the door open, pointedly not looking at the camera. All Might ran a hand across his mouth as he wordlessly stepped out and Tsukauchi glanced back into the room, his expression neutral.

"Goodbye."

The door shut, leaving Deku alone once more, his only company being the faint sound of air blowing through the vents. A breath escaped him and he looked down at his hands, flexing them as his nails had started to bite into his skin. He silently counted to five and drew himself up, poised and distant once more as he was left with no one but himself and his mind that could not be trusted as a rightful comfort.

A snort escaped him, covering the tremor in his breath as adrenaline set his veins on fire, nervous energy demanding to be set loose. He twisted in his chair, flashing a wide grin at the camera as he looked smugly at it while his red eyes silently challenged the unforeseen challengers.

"So, when is the real inquisition going to begin? It's not very nice to keep a person of interest waiting. "