Chapter 21: The Case of Izuku Midoriya

"Glad you decided to surrender yourself; saved us a wild goose chase. Choosing to cooperate?"

Izuku sat at the interrogation table, green eyes downcast as the Hero Eraserhead stood across from him, one hand on the table as he loomed. Izuku's hands were shackled together on the table while an inhibitor collar was around his neck. The erasure Hero was there not simply for appearances—after the prison break the authorities weren't chancing him using any Quirk. Eraserhead was extra insurance.

"I just want to make things right... I know there's a lot of questions and I'll try my best to answer them."

Eraserhead quietly regarded him, though the man was hardly known as being talkative even from what little available public info existed—Izuku had dug for it all years ago. Silence fell over the room, Izuku resigned and the Pro Hero watchful like a hawk despite his tired and disheveled appearance.

"Good morning, thanks for waiting Eraserhead-san." A familiar face emerged though the door following a brief knock.

"Detective." Izuku greeted with a polite nod, glancing up as he recognized the voice.

Naomasa Tsukauchi hesitated, taking in his appearance, silently noting his eyes before coming closer. The man sat down in the available chair, leaving Eraserhead to hover though he looked like he might fall asleep standing up.

"Our last meeting was cut short. I have a lot to discuss with you, Deku-kun."

Izuku's hands tightened and uncurled after a moment. "You can use my birth name. I just want this over with."

Naomasa had half a mind to wonder if it was the same kid he had met with multiple times. The complete one eighty was a bit jarring if not suspicious but the truth that saturated the words, along with the contrast in body language from before, was all he needed. "There are things you can't tell us and others you simply won't, correct? That's in part why you've been evasive."

Izuku nodded, brow kneading together as he looked at his hands, curling and uncurling them.

"De-... Midoriya-kun, do you presently have your Quirk activated?"

"No." He lifted his head, meeting Tsukauchi's gaze, offering a ghost of a smile. "Can see it in my eyes, right?"

"Are you presently under the influence of a Quirk?"

Izuku fidgeted, looking worried and thoughtful. "You know about my Quirk—doesn't that count?"

He was avoiding dropping All For One's name casually, to outright reveal he had been bestowed a Quirk—maybe even multiple. Also it was a truth, so long as the speaker believed it was so even if they themselves had been fed misinformation—it was one flaw of Naomasa's Quirk, purely dependent on perception much like his younger sister Makoto's Quirk.

"Midoriya-kun, was a Quirk used on you to influence you in some shape or form? Are you presently suffering from the effects of one?"

"I-I..." The green haired teen looked at the detective and back at the palm of his right hand, "I can't say."

Another truth.

"Write it down." Eraserhead proposed in a dry curt tone, weary of any coddling. "Or just nod."

Izuku shook his head, "I can't! No indications! Anything that... If I do..." A petrified look came over him before turning to guilt and he grew quiet. "Maybe it's what I deserve... but it won't give you any answers and that'd be the easy way out for me. You deserve the truth."

Naomasa let out a sigh, "I had a hunch that was the case. For one to be strong enough to affect even motor control or subconscious response..."

It was a strong and rare Quirk.

One that All For One possessed, past or present.

"You expect us to play a guessing game and fill in the blanks?" Eraserhead's tone was serious, annoyed and tired but full of authority.

"There's stuff I can tell you unhindered but there's... a lot." Izuku's eyes were glued on the table and when he spoke again his voice wobbled as if stuck in his throat, "Some... is just hard to talk about. I... I want to but..." His eyes squeezed shut, as if trying to shut out some bad memory which was likely the case.

Given how many years the boy had been with the League there surely wasn't enough hours in a day to unpack it all at once. Who knew what psychological trauma he had as well, let alone physical though the scars on his arms seemed from battle rather than defensive wounds. Regardless, Midoriya was a minor with a clear heavy mental burden that needed to be addressed first before they got anywhere, even if the Hero Commission was demanding results and just about threatening to send their own Heroes to squeeze out information.

They were lucky the media hadn't released his name thanks to his civilian identity being long buried and probable informants staying silent, unlike some unfortunate cases regarding minors some years ago.

Ironically part of the saving grace was likely because Midoriya had never had his Quirk registered as a child so the National Quirk Database could not betray him to the masses, thus ruining any privacy for him and his family. It was a small mercy that many would say he didn't deserve simply for being a villain despite his age—something Naomasa felt conflicted about and heavily disagreed, though he kept his professional opinion to himself.

Naomasa gave a nod before offering a calm smile, "I think I have a solution. I'd like you to meet a colleague of mine whom I asked for help regardless if a gag order Quirk is in effect." He looked toward the door and Eraserhead moved to open it, still watchful.

The door opened and revealed a woman perhaps around the detective's age. Her violet hair was cut to a short professional bob down to her jaw. The top part of her face was covered by a dark visor, hiding her features though a professional smile was on her lips.

"Morning!"

"Thanks for waiting." Naomasa thanked as she entered the room, Eraserhead shutting the door.

"No worries! Happy to help! Plus it's my job." She waved her hand, maintaining her calm but friendly demeanor. Next to a stony Eraserhead she was practically an eager dog to his impassive cat though both radiated different forms of control and professionalism.

The detective rose from the chair and offered it to the newcomer, signifying a shift in authority and perhaps preparing to take his leave.

"Thank you, Tsukauchi-san." She slipped into the chair, leaving him to step back and observe. She offered a reassuring smile to Izuku with no pretense. "Hello, my name is Aino Shinsuke. I'm a psychiatrist who sometimes acts a consultant for the Police Force."

Izuku nodded, puzzled but listless.

Shinsuke continued, gesturing lightly at him, "I'm here to help. My Quirk, Memory Reader, allows me to see the memories of others. Given your circumstance we're hoping to get some answers this way without triggering the gag order Quirk. It's purely consensual, I cannot forcibly look."

"You're still not sure what to do with me since I'm a minor and because of my crimes and affiliation." Izuku summarized with an understanding nod.

"Kid's sharp." Eraserhead muttered and no one knew if his deadpan was serious or sarcasm. There was caution in his tone, noting danger despite the fact Izuku was legally a minor he should be held accountable given the severity of his charges—after all villain designation and registry was typically reserved for repeat offenders charge with Quirk-base crimes. However to be recognized as a villain was a rare exception given his age and seemingly first offense, though the teenager had confessed to prior crimes he was not yet charged with.

Or perhaps the Hero was noting merely yet another problem child though this one was on a whole other level.

"Do it." Izuku said after a few long moments, looking up to meet Shinsuke's unseen gaze. "I dunno if it'll work but it might be the only way... I have to be held accountable. Just, there's some stuff that might put you under the scrutiny of the Commission, even the government..."

"I have plenty of nondisclosure policies, including patient confidentiality. If something is top secret, well, it's my secret too now. Need to know basis."

"Will you be alright?" Naomasa asked, concerned for his well being rather than a loss of a lead. Midoriya's worry about the government was surely for the secrets around and about All For One, something that was kept tightly lidded which meant knowing parties faced monitoring and more. It was an aspect of thoughtfulness that had been unknown before, hidden under the apparent persona Midoriya wore when acting the villain's part.

Izuku offered a dry smile that didn't reach his eyes. "If I stop breathing or convulse you'll know."

"I rather not have to administer first aid." Eraserhead pulled out a small bottle and squeezed some drops into his eyes. "We'd best have a medical responder on standby so we don't push our luck. Better safe than sorry."

"Got it covered." Naomasa gave a nod toward the one way observation mirror, signaling to them to be prepared.

"Alright." Shinsuke reached up and removed her visor, revealing pale blue eyes that seemed almost blind, "It'll be like a dream you are aware of, like watching a first perspective movie with your sense of time distorted. Also, I need to be touching your hands and maintain eye contact for it to activate. Don't worry about blinking, the link will break only if I end it or we lose eye or physical contact for more than four seconds. However if you put up mental walls I won't be able to view certain things, which I encourage for more... intimate memories."

Naomasa let out a muffled cough while Eraserhead let out a faint hum that either signified in noting the fact or expressing disinterest.

"In your case it'd be whatever you fear might trigger the Quirk. Let the memory go or pull away of you feel anything strange okay?" She continued, maintaining professionalism despite the faintest hint of blush from perhaps memory of a first time incident. "Also I'm not speed reading you like a book, we'll be experiencing it together. I'll know emotions relating to the memory and impressions of thoughts but that's it."

"Are you okay?" Izuku nodded and nervously swallowed while watching her squint slightly, seemingly adjusting to the room now that her darkened visor was removed.

"Yes, thank you. I'm just a bit light sensitive. Eyes being the window to our soul and all, it has some drawbacks." Shinsuke offered a warm smile that reflected in her eyes, "Shall we begin?"

Izuku nodded, keeping still and letting her rest her hands gently on top of his balled fists resting on the table. He felt his pulse increase and he fought the urge to watch his hands, afraid and curious while guilt crushed him beneath its weight, making his breath catch.

"Deep breath and relax, like you're in a comfy bed. Think of where you want to start and we'll go from there. It'll act as our first link in a chain of memories you want to share. Some stray memories might overlap if there's a strong emotion tying them to others."

He closed his eyes and inhaled, trying to calm down as his heart thundered in his chest. He had to go back to when it all began, to what had driven him.

White flashed before his eyes as soon as he reopened them and the room was as gone. Everything was black for a moment before he latched onto a memory and slipped into it, Shinsuke's presence undetectable.

He had to test the memory.

Images of an all too familiar park went past though Izuku could recall them as plain as day. The memory of the sunset, his despair and dark thoughts were unmistakable as he sat on the swing isolated. Then a large silhouette entered the memory—words were spoken and a hand extended and a young Izuku took it.

The memory distorted, changing to an interior environment and Izuku braced himself as he watched everything through his eyes once more.

"I am a generous man but my services generally involve an exchange since I can't be handing out Quirks like candy. However you are young, I don't mind delaying seeing what you have to offer. Usually it's allegiance or repaying the favor when the time is right."

Sensei, the man yet to reveal himself as All For One, sat comfortably in a large chair that still seemed sizable despite his size—like a king in his throne. A fist propped his chin up at he regarded Izuku, smiling at the young boy as shadows fell over him, obscuring his features.

Nine year old Izuku shook his head, fists curled and eyes stinging with the threat of fresh tears, "I have nowhere else to go, no one wants me. I'll join you. B-but I have some conditions, if that's okay."

The man tilted his head, hinting amusement before letting out a chuckle though his deep rolling voice was calm, "Oh? Well, it depends on what you propose."

"First, I'll only collect specific information and compile it for you to use as you see fit. Notes or observations that are applied to a hypothetical strategy. I'm really observant and I sorta have a thing for Quirks."

"Information is suitable, I have countless individuals to do footwork. However the quality and accuracy must prove itself if you're essentially to be our in-house broker." Sensei gave a nod with a smile, indicating to continue.

"Second... I won't kill anyone. I don't want to be on the front line but I'll be useful behind the scenes!"

"Oh? Sometimes things get messy in our line of work but killing isn't the only option, Young Deku. We're outcasts, not monsters. However, we can deal with that, everyone has their part."

"And lastly..." Izuku paused, gathering his nerves. He had been thinking, sleeping on the opportunity offered yesterday at the park that he'd accepted without checking conditions first due to his emotional state. "When your main goal succeeds, I'll be free to leave if I want. You can take back whatever Quirk in exchange."

"So young yet so methodical." The man praised as he watched. "Very well. However I have my own conditions, regarding keeping your word."

Izuku nodded, unsure if he could protest or if he should. He was being offered a place to belong, to call his home...

The thought of home made his stomach twist with longing but he swallowed it down, determined to not back out like a wuss. He was Deku through and through now, he couldn't cower.

"I have a handy Quirk that ensures information doesn't casually slip and stops betrayals. However you must agree to swearing an oath for it to active." The man extended a hand toward Izuku, his voice patient and without a hint of condescension. "It will remain activated until I release it or die, understood? It is a bond between us alone."

"Understood, Sensei." Izuku nodded, taking a step forward to show his resolve.

"Also, you will train so your body will be able to withstand holding a Quirk. Physical and mental exercises to build up endurance and mental resilience understood?"

"Yes."

"Very well."

Sensei stood up from his chair, looming over the small boy with a presence unlike any other though Izuku felt no fear. He extended his hand and grasped Izuku's much smaller hand firmly though careful like holding a fragile bird without letting it escape. It was warm and comforting, much like how it had felt in the park though a sense of restrained power was within the grasp.

"Do you swear not to reveal information about me or the League to outside parties? That you may not betray what others do not know, and our agreement is unspoken? Your tongue and your hand will be stayed upon attempt, your heart stilled and your life forfeit if you intentionally break this oath. A black spot will declare judgement for breaking your oath."

Izuku swallowed but nodded, heart pounding in his chest at the real danger of death as the price of betrayal. But really was it a horrible exchange for a place to belong, to keep secrets of his savior? "Yes, I swear."

Sensei smiled though it was different than before, a secret satisfaction that turned professional. "Then this oath is complete for in the end: Dead Men Tell No Tales."

Izuku's hand tingled and the grip was released. He blinked and looked at his hand in time to see what looked like a dark round smudge disappear into his palm, leaving no trace. The image seared itself in his mind, seeing a phantom spot where nothing remained.

"Welcome to the family, Deku-kun." Sensei smiled once more, his voice full of warmth as he extended his hands in grandeur. He bent down and hugged him gently; warmth bloomed in Izuku's chest at the comforting and welcoming gesture. "You're home."

"Th-thank you."

The tall man paused, attention shifting as if noting a presence before speaking, "Ah, there's someone I'd like you to meet. Tomura? Do come out and meet our newest member."

The room was dark, dimly lit by various medical equipment that periodicity beeped and hummed.

"Sensei… who did this to you?" His voice wavered as he stood next to the bedridden figure whose presence was unmistakable unlike his now disfigured face.

"All Might."

The memory skipped and a large warm yet heavy hand rested on Izuku's head, lightly teasing his messy hair. A tingling sensation flowed through him, his veins briefly feeling as if on fire but quickly subsided. Izuku was bewildered, sensing a hum in his veins while a seeming presence now rested in his chest, an unknown void within suddenly filled.

"I passed onto you an endurance enhancer Quirk and a strength enhancer Quirk. They should be suitable starter Quirks to help build up your Quirk nerves as you hone your body more. I would have liked you to have had more time to prepare, ideally a year, but we must increase your training starting today."

"I… I have a Quirk? I'm not Quirkless anymore?" His voice shook as he stared down at his hands, still gripping his notebook as he trembled, his vision swimming with the threat of tears. "I'm not… useless?"

"Yes, Young Deku. However you were never useless before, no matter what others say or what you think. That mind of yours is a superpower of its own. In a few months we'll revisit the loan but for now you have to learn to adjust to your newfound strength."

"Yes, Sensei… Thank you." He felt elated, relieved. A deep sense of indebtedness settled in his chest as there was a sense of completeness, some missing part of him restored and he didn't want to let it go—despite his conditions and private promise to himself.

More memories were skimmed, bits shown in clarity—All Might breaking into their home, the manifestation of his combined Quirk, Toga joining and the various pranks pulled on Tomura, to Dabi joining and the various shenanigans the group conducted that weren't truly in a villainous manner.

The next memory to arise, teeming beneath the surface as his emotions pulled it closer, was the one Izuku wanted to bury forever, to throw behind a wall as shame and guilt told him to do so. However he fought back the years of doing just that and grasped at the memory, desperate to own up.

No more running.

He woke up on the ground, panicking as he tried to remember where he was. He scrambled to sit up, his body aching from hitting the pavement given he was outside in the middle of the deserted street.

"Wha-" Izuku rasped, his throat raw and head pounding. He was in Naruhata but everything was fuzzy.

Last he remembered was his veins on fire and a dark purple, almost black, blocking out the world. There had been screaming, his screams, looks of shock and concern through the darkness—

"No..." He scrambled to his feet, staggering as he felt as if he'd been hit over the head. He hadn't been alone. Panicked he looked around only to have his heart jump into his throat.

"K-Kibun-san! Tomoko-chan!" He tried to shout, his voice cracking. He rushed over to where they lay near the sidewalk. Kibun had a protective arm around her daughter, attempting to shield as she had tried to usher her away from the epicenter. Tomoko was curled against her, clearly frightened though she was utterly still and quiet. They both were.

Red pooled around their still forms, various spatters covering their bodies. Tomoko's stuffed bunny lay off to the side, a splatter of blood on it while one of her yellow rose burettes was nearby. Their mood betraying hair looked dull as if the color were slowing draining from it.

"No, no, no... please! No, please!" He begged, dropping to his knees as he drew near. It had to be a nightmare, he was still unconscious. This was just a fever dream, brought on by his Quirk—

His Quirk.

Numb he looked at his hands, seeing no sign of the dark aura. The sleeves of his shirt were shredded but there wasn't a sign of blood on him. He looked back at the bloodied forms of the two, covered in what looked like dozens upon dozens of cuts and abrasions, their clothes shredded as if caught up in a razor sharp whirlwind.

Because of him.

It was all his fault.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't..."

How long had he been out for?

"I-I'll get help." He stammered, feeling cold and as if he were no longer in his body, everything in a fog. "J-just hold on." He fumbled for his phone but found it was no longer in his pocket. He cast a frantic look around and spotted it on the ground some feet away.

He rushed over, scooping it up with his thumb brushing the home button. As he caught a proper look at it his heart stopped—the screen was shattered, chunks missing. Evidently it had fallen out of his pocket in the chaos and been caught up in the onslaught.

He teetered, mind racing as he felt as if he'd been plunged into ice water, his movement slowed and mind numb from shock. He turned back to the motionless bodies and staggered toward them. He removed his suit vest and laid it over the two with shaking hands—forgetting the generous amount of money from Kurogiri that was in its pocket. "I-I'll be back."

He turned and ran, knocking on doors and calling for help but no one answered. Minutes became a blur and panic set in. He ran toward town, desperate to find anyone who would help. He dashed into an alley, attempting a shortcut to cut back to the shops when something in him snapped and a dark voice inside took center stage, breaking through the chaotic thoughts and adrenaline.

Why you acting like a Hero? It's all your fault. You did this.

"I-I have to get help-" He babbled, tears stinging his eyes as his vision blurred. He swayed in the alley, knees weakening. "If I don't-"

What help? No one can help them now.

"N-no, it's... they're..."

You killed them.

"N-no! God, no!"

They had to be okay. It wasn't too late. He just needed to-

Murderer.

The two bloodied forms appeared clearly before his eyes. He could smell the blood, see the innocent stuffed bunny and barrette laying nearby like the perfect shot of a crime scene.

Izuku lurched to the side and threw up, gagging while his eyes and throat burned. Sobs racked his throat as he gagged, trying to breathe but kept retching. He attempted to hug himself, rolling up his sleeves nervously as he did so but doubled over once more, continuing to empty his stomach. Bile soon burned his mouth while tears blinded him and he choked on everything.

It couldn't be, this was a nightmare.

Just a nightmare.

He swore he would never... he even made a condition-

Even if I'm not directly involved it's still my fault if it leads to someone's death. How's it different than this?

Now the blood was literally on his hands, unable to be denied.

The truth he'd ignored for years hit him like a ton of bricks that sent him to his knees.

"I'm s-so s-sorry." He gasped as he braced himself against the wall, curling tight into himself. Time was lost in how long he was curled up and sobbing, still retching with dry heaves as he rocked back and forth.

I'm such a screw up I can't handle what Sensei gave me. It's my fault. I am a defect, I'm just Deku.

A hand clamped down in his shoulder, firm. "Hey, you. Are-"

"Don't touch me!" He screamed and whirled around, fist flying while tears streamed.

No one was safe.

Next he knew he was sitting in a police station, sounds muted with a faint buzzing overlaying as he was lost in a fog. He dully noted the handcuffs on him though he had simply been parked on a bench like a package awaiting pick up. Nearby some officers were talking, seemingly ignoring him until a newcomer appeared and broadcasted the conversation.

"What happened to your jaw?"

"That kid punched me."

"What, out of the blue? You're not seriously going to book a kid, are you? Sounds like it wasn't even a Quirk violation."

"It's an offense."

"He's clearly a minor. Don't tell me you already started the process."

"Took a photo for now, letting him cool down and I'll finish once we're done with the other perps. Had an attempted kidnapper brought in not too long ago; citizens' arrest though no one was there when we arrived—the suspect has a history."

"Get the kid's name?"

"Just 'Deku.' Not very talkative."

There was a pause. "You sure he's even a Japanese citizen? Could be a foreign exchange student who doesn't know the culture too well."

"He was crying and curled up when I found him. Almost mistook him for a lost child until he clocked me."

"Hey who's to judge if he's having a panic attack if he's homesick or school woes?" The lighter, more lax voice paused, thoughtful, "Ya know, if he has a host family we'd probably should release him to them. Though, do we want an international incident over something that's not even Quirk related? Arresting a possible foreigner minor?"

"He assaulted an officer."

"Please. Wasn't it technically self defense? Gonna have to give all the details for your report! And we all love pushing papers, right? You really want to make it official that a what, juvenile, got the better of you?"

There was a grunt and a mumble.

"Tell you what, you go take care of your paperwork so you can get back out on the street like the dutiful officer you are. I'll take care of the kid. You might want to ice that but honestly I think purple looks good on you."

"You're too easygoing for this job."

"So they say, yet here I am. I do my work, you do yours."

"Fine."

The conversation ended and Izuku remained in the mind-fog, feeling as if he were simply tuning out a TV show. Nearing footsteps caught his attention faintly and he lifted his head, unable to focus on any details.

"Hey, kid. You're free to go." The friendly voice informed, reaching down and releasing the handcuffs with a click. "Sorry about that, we have a general policy not to book minor first time Quirk offenses. Kids will be kids after all, accidents happen."

What?

"Non-Quirk offenses are treated lighter, though I'm sure my bud's jaw would be far worse off if you'd used a strength Quirk though he's pretty tough. No sweat, we don't record names officially as a villain without multiple quirk-related offenses. Just once doesn't count—well unless it's something really bad but that's rare!"

Izuku faintly caught a glimpse of perhaps red hair but the world was swimming into a spiral of colors and out of focus. The figure stooped down in front of him, voice low, "You're lucky I'm on duty so I can bail you out—though I'm sure our mutual benefactor would have given me hell once he found out. Part of our deal, ya know? Good thing I recognized you, try to be more careful next time."

Benefactor? Who...? Wait, no...

Izuku found himself nodding as if someone else were in control. Slowly he stood up, thoughts scattered as he struggled to remember how he'd gotten there, why everything was as it was.

"Later, Deku-kun!" His savior called and Izuku was out the door without a second glance nor scrutiny from anyone, not remembering even walking towards it.

Somehow he managed enough sense to locate a pay phone after some time of wandering in a haze and dialed the number instinctively though it took a few tries as his movements felt confused and slow. There were precisely three rings before the line was picked up.

"Hello?"

"Kurogiri-san." Izuku breathed, his voice sounding far away as if it weren't his own.

"Young Deku? Are you alright? Why aren't you using your phone?"

"I-it broke." He stammered, swaying as he thought of the shattered device he'd somehow managed to pocket. Emotion crawled into his voice, tired and scared, "P-pick me up, please."

"Where are you? I can't track your phone coordinates."

"I-I don't know... the street... I... a phone booth, near a green building."

"Hold on."

The wait seemed endless, seconds excruciatingly passing by. He clung to the phone like a lifeline, feeling cold and numb as he leaned against one side of the booth, barely holding himself up.

Soon he felt the familiar cool mist around his body and surrendered, stumbling into it and disappearing from Naruhata forever as he entered the welcoming darkness, leaving the phone swinging and beeping from disconnection.

More memories came in and out of focus, his mind chaotic. He tried to maintain focus but felt it slip as years upon events played in his head, switching in and out as guilt crushed him, his throat closing up. Thoughts pelted him as memories rushed up at him and he relived them as clearly as when they'd occurred.

I don't want to be useless.

I just wanted to help.

I'm not defective.

I don't want to be defenseless.

Please keep Mom safe.

She doesn't deserve this.

It's my fault.

I'm so stupid.

I just want to make it right.

It was an accident.

Everything's a mistake, like me.

If only I could start over.

There's no hope for me after what I've done.

I'm a monster.

Izuku gasped as his mind snapped awake, blinking rapidly as tears rallied at the corners of his eyes. The memories were fresh as if he were still reliving them, phantoms before his eyes. His stomach twisted as he felt cold sweep over him.

"T-trash..." He barely uttered in time and Eraserhead, with lightning fast reflexes that contrasted his tired disheveled appearance, shoved the trashcan over across the floor. Izuku twisted and hurled into it, gradually entering a series of dry heaves before choking on his own spit and tears as he pulled his head back up.

"S-sorry." He managed, using his shoulder to wipe his face given the restrained state of his hands.

"It's alright, that's not the first time that's happened. I should have warned you vivid memories can cause a strong reaction, though I suppose the cause was multiple factors in this case." Shinsuke had removed her hands from his and reattached her visor though she seemed a bit shaken.

"Are you alright, Shinsuke-san? You were at it for over two hours." Tsukauchi inquired, looking at the two seated at the table with a worried though professional expression.

"Yes. It was a lot but I think that's it. If it were every recalled memory we'd be here for days if not weeks. I'll prep a report so you're filled in."

"Midoriya-kun? How are you feeling?"

Izuku stared at the palm of his right hand, solemn though nothing was visible on it. "Looks like it worked. I'm surprised he didn't think of this loophole."

He let out a tired laugh, ducking his head to hide his face as he fought the urge to cry, stray tears dripping into the table almost silently. Self-loathing had been summoned anew and wasn't about to let him go without wrecking him inside and out; yet a strange sense of liberation settled over him, the secret, the guilt he'd carried for years finally made clearly known.

There was no more hiding. Finally he'd owned up to what he had been afraid to voice for so long. It had nothing to do with Dead Men Tell No Tales. He was simply afraid, a coward and disgusted with himself while still in limbo of denial and acceptance.

He deserved whatever was coming.

"Midoriya-kun," Shinsuke's voice was gentle, no hint of disgust if judgement. "As a wise man said: 'you can't go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.' Past mistakes will affect you but don't let that define you for the rest of your life when there is so much than that; you can always keep growing and changing."

Izuku replied with silence, not bothering to look up as his hands tensed and shook.

"Hang in there." She smiled before leaving, exiting through the door.

"Guess I'm babysitting some more." Eraserhead droned after a bit, watching the subdued suspect at the table.

"Thanks, Eraserhead-san. This is a rather complicated case." Tsukauchi gave the Hero a grateful pat on the shoulder. "A Hero's job is never done, right?"

"You're telling me."

"Let's review the case of Izuku Midoriya, better known as Deku of the League of Villains."

"This is who infiltrated U.A. last year!? Crazy, yo! What a brazen kid!"

"Yes, though he wasn't working alone. I've confirmed that much."

"Making us Pros run around like chickens with their heads cut off! Then he just up and turns himself in? I hate to say it but he's no joke."

"He's got no priors though I got a hit for 'Deku' in the police database regarding being wanted for questioning but it was years ago—he had to be thirteen." Tsukauchi informed while Present Mic stared with folded arms at the recent mug shot on the table along with an assortment of other photos.

"We can't treat this lightly given he breached our security protocols and seemingly instigated both attacks on our students. Plus his association with the League." Midnight folded her leg on top of the other, looking at the others gathered in the room. "It's just sad to see such youth be wasted. Beautiful potential that's been misused."

"You're forgetting he was confirmed to be the one who held three of our students hostage before they escaped!" Mic jabbed a finger at his colleague before looking back at the evidence with a mixed expression. "To think he could be one of my little listeners..."

"The whole thing is rather complicated." Tsukauchi sighed in his seat, scratching his head lightly. "I'd hope things could move forward swiftly but recent revelations are tying that up. Plus if U.A. wants to formally press charges rather than leave it up to the government alone-"

"Now, now. Let's take things one at a time!" The mouse-dog-bear creature at the table called out, raising his paw to gain attention. U.A.'s rather unique principal smiled at the various members gather around. Nedzu pressed his paws together thoughtfully, "Perhaps we should all drink some tea first to clear our heads. This is indeed a complicated matter that involves a youth—though his crimes are hardly misdemeanors. I doubt the police will take matters lightly, especially since he's been in Tartarus once already."

"Yeah and that didn't stop him. This kid is something else." Hawks, the current Number Three Hero eyed the photos with subdued interest. He shrugged, ruffling his iconic red wings. "He's a minor but I'll tell you now the Commission isn't exactly lenient. And your boy here has done some significant property damage—plus illegal use of a Quirk and of course affiliation with the League. He's been labeled a villain, it's hard to go back from that."

Tsukauchi's head lowered as things seemed to only worsen for Midoriya. The detective was trying to find the next thing to say when Eraserhead leaned forward in his chair, shattering the impression he had fallen asleep.

"He's also responsible for capturing a lot of villains." He slid a few photos over from the pile, spreading them out for others to see. "I'd been investigating for a while based on the reports from my students who were taken. An anonymous tip came in a week ago, giving the location of a building that held over twenty people who all have priors. Along with them we recovered reports for each of them detailing what they had been up to upon to capture, including photos and a flashdrive containing various videos of their crimes before cutting off upon intervention. This matched a similar style to an unknown vigilante who's been dropping off and restraining various preps over the past three years."

"Oh?" Hawks leaned forward, attention piqued though the Hero Public Safety Commission's Hero representative maintained his lax expression.

"None of them were killed or tortured, just sporting various bruises and for some they were slightly dehydrated—it seems the primary intent was to detain them. My students have confirmed this was the same location and recognized some of the people."

"Whoa, hold the phone! A member of the League of Villains has been doing vigilantism!? And not some Stain schtick!?" Mic threw his hands up as he energetically jabbed at the documents, his voice pitching, "What's this kid's game?"

"This just complicates things even more." Midnight signed sadly, shaking her head. "Whatever his intent, vigilantes are illegal even though they might have noble motives. What I don't get is why he showed himself in that last Noumu attack if he's been with the League this whole time, unknown to anyone. What changed? He only incriminated himself."

"This is true though there are special exception laws, such as a citizen's arrest and notifying the authorities immediately—though given they're old laws there are some loopholes. It makes it hard for an average citizen to use their Quirk out of self-defense, even if there's no Hero around." Nedzu informed, taking a sip from his teacup that had appeared from somewhere. "It seems Midoriya-kun was staggering releases though turnaround appears to be within a day except for this bunch."

He patted the report Eraserhead had set on the table. "It would be easier if we could interview him for ourselves but I understand he is under the influence of a Quirk?"

Tsukauchi nodded, frowning slightly, "He's been very cooperative but the Quirk threatens his life if he discloses certain information on top of suffering from emotional trauma that hinders him. We found a solution that seemed to be a reliable workaround." He looked over to the quiet figure who sat observing, "My colleague, Shinsuke-san was as able to look into his memories. She can provide better answers and with that we can hopefully all figure out a solution."

Shinsuke stood up from her seat and bowed to the others, "Thank you for having me. I've complied a report regarding everything I learned, though I'm afraid some of you will have to share copies." She slid a packet forward, a stack of papers stapled together. "However in my professional opinion a second session should occur eventually."

"Oh, solid work." Hawks noted, eying his copy with a lopsided grin though his gaze was discreetly calculating, scanning the top page with interest. "The top brass is going to love this. Mind if I take a copy for my report? Save me some time."

"Go ahead. There's a lot you should know about Midoriya-kun so this will take a while. I tried to formulate a coherent timeline with bullet points."

Nedzu nodded at his copy he was sharing with Midnight and folded his paws patiently, "Please, take your time to explain."

"It seems everything began the day he was declared Quirkless..."