Chapter 25: From the Beginning
The meeting had gone as expected, a sense of satisfaction nestled in his chest as he sat in the back of the car, chin lazily resting in his hand as his arm was propped up against the door. A smile pulled at his lips as he could feel the new additions to his collection crawling under his skin, begging to be tested. He could have simply warped back but had decided to take the casual businessman routine, playing the part by in addition to his icon suit having a chauffeur; Kurogiri made an excellent driver, probably due to his Quirk being about precise coordinates as well as his dutiful personality, curiosity of the reliable Doctor.
If he simply appeared at the meeting it would have completely change the tone. His presence alone spoke volumes even without flashy appearances or sudden manifestation; his name sent ripples of fear and respect through anyone with enough brain cells and who keep their ear to the ground. Yet some took him as a boogeyman, a man known merely by his alias who used intimidation as his power and thus underestimated him—especially when he appeared as a seemingly normal businessman with no flashy Quirk. After all, he could be pragmatic until pushed or an all too interesting Quirk caught his eye; it was frustrating to see someone undeserving, unintelligent, ungrateful if not lazy possess such a fascinating ability he had to try for himself.
He had to get some source of entertainment aside from just Quirks or punishing those who earned his ire. Simply warping everywhere did get tiresome at times, sightseeing was a change of pace—it allowed him to people-watch behind tinted glass without use of cameras and still remain anonymous.
And with people came Quirks. It was merely window-shopping until he saw something that piqued his interest. Then it was merely a matter of five finger discount, a simple touch and he had what he desired to try on for size.
But it was sundown and there weren't many people around, most having already ambled on home for dinner or still stuck in commuter traffic. And he couldn't always raid secret unground fighting rings that he may or may not have a hand in creating, sometimes it was slim pickings and others he had to restrain himself to prevent himself from overdoing the Quirk nabbing and missing persons. But he was content, for the moment.
The meeting was a success, his potential rivals brought to heel and even buried. They had been stripped of their abilities in part due to a demonstration. Some would receive their Quirks back in time, after they proved obedient and competent, and when he felt like it. If he ever felt like parting with what he had taken; if so perhaps someone else could benefit like other countless deals. No one dared challenge him and if they did their surviving comrades learned per example.
Except for one sizable thorn who continued to make a dent in his empire.
The reason why he had to make connections and maintain them as what he had built for over one hundred years had been splintered thanks to the interference of one man for decades. The latest inheritor of his brother's Quirk, his selfless gift, had done more damage than his laughable predecessors whose names weren't worth recalling save the pitiful woman who came before him.
All Might.
The blond gorilla who was the government's puppet, their poster boy for the people, the shining boy scout. The pain in his backside he swore to finally put in the ground and take back what was rightfully his: One For All. It was only a matter of time which he had plenty of thanks to Life Force granting him immortality. He just had to rebuild his empire, lay his plans and topple the so-called Symbol of Peace that shone so irritatingly bright while he kept in the shadows, free to do as he pleased out of the government's eye.
Yet, the brighter the light the deeper the shadows.
He would exist long past All Might's time. It was a matter if he could wrestle One For All from him before it passed on to yet another irritating successor. But he couldn't simply challenge the Hero publicly, not when he was a well kept secret of the government, a whisper of the underworld. It was all about timing, planning…
A backup legacy of his own would strike All Might's very core and aid in drawing the public's eye. Someone who could shoulder the tiresome duties he couldn't bother with anymore yet needed attention… he had his own project to attend to.
Entertaining his thoughts while feeling the Quirks inside of him, he lazily looked out the window, half paying attention to the empty streets. Kurogiri was taking a detour that would allow him to create a large enough Warp Gate that would swallowed up the car and return them back to the safe house without prying eyes seeing. As his focus shifted he noted they were passing a park.
Keen on what Quirks would be laid out neatly for him to see, he activated Detect, a handy Quirk he had procured in recent years. While it couldn't identify the capabilities of the Quirk being sensed it helped sort through those who possessed unactivated emitter or passive Quirks from those who merely possessed mutations or who were in fact Quirkless; mentally he noted to get his hands on a better identifying Quirk to make his window-shopping easier.
"Stop the car."
The car slowed and stopped as Kurogiri complied flawlessly. From the back seat he gazed out, finding the playground was empty except for one figure on the swings. A thoughtful hum escaped him as he watched, Detect seemingly doing its job.
Hmm, interesting."
"Sire?"
"I'm going to stretch my legs for a minute."
The door opened and he got out, drawing up to his full towering height. Slowly he made his way over to the bent figure, his keen hearing thanks to an amplification Quirk picking up bits of a one way conversation. He couldn't help but smile as he put pieces together, a plan forming.
Perhaps he would be able to procure a subject for the Doctor, an intriguing specimen: a Quirkless. A nowadays unicorn when years ago, as a boy, those with Quirks had been the anomaly. Yet also it was a potential customer, young and moldable unlike those older who catered to favors thanks to their positions in power and capabilities. He couldn't be hasty and regret it later. Besides, the Doctor was capable of procuring his own subjects, especially with his connections to organizations and even orphanages.
All he had to do was engage like the businessman he was. Besides, aside from his analytical approach, there was a faint sense of nostalgia as he looked that the slumped figure, no Quirk glaringly distracting his gaze. There was something that drew his attention more intensely, a faint feeling he couldn't place aside from curiosity born out of boredom. That sad figure, reminiscent of his own little brother long ago when they were boys…
His long shadow cast over the preoccupied boy who was crying to himself, speaking dark thoughts that would make anyone with a sense of empathy feel cold.
"It would be a tragedy to lose such potential. Such a waste in fact that it'd be practically criminal."
The boy startled and turned around, revealing watery green eyes and a red face with freckles that was streaked from tears. His hair, green, was wild and curly. He wore various bandaids that were nauseously themed All Might and he stared, squinting slightly as the sun shone from behind the man. He was clearly younger than Tomura and lacking in the destructive rage the other held toward his clear mistreatment—but his frustration and sorrow was apparent.
That he could use
"Sorry to startle you. I was driving by and noticed you all by yourself and thought you might need help. Are you lost?"
If anything it would entertain him for the moment. Yet if turned promising it would be his personal pet project to oversee until it grew tiresome. If that time came the Doctor could do what he wanted.
Fate would see how the encounter would pan out, if he had a new ward under his wing thanks to neglect and lack of supervision—he didn't see nor detect any others nearby. If the boy was indeed Quirkless it would be like working with a blank canvas, a brand new jar waiting to be filled like in the early days of Quirks. Surely an offer could be made to tempt this pitiful soul who indeed for a moment reminded him of his little brother, before he got ridiculous notions and grew stubborn, becoming yet another sheep following the corrupt government.
After all, he had all time to kill.
He was the one and only All For One.
He sat comfortably in his chair as he waited, lurking the shadows though for the moment he wasn't the feared Emperor of Villains. He was merely Sensei to the boy he had procured the day before—he would be known by his alias soon enough. The boy, Izuku Midoriya who wished to be called Deku, was before him now, better rested after a night's sleep. He wasn't weepy, pleading to return home after second thoughts, rather he looked determined with hints of tears in his eyes that were caused by frustration.
Surely there were countless possibilities Deku could offer. The boy showed incredible willpower, not cursing out those who had obviously hurt him unlike Tomura who was a wounded rabid dog he simply had to keep fed and point at his foes to unleash that fury and impulse for destruction. Tomura came as damaged goods, something easy to twist to his purpose with a Quirk not even he wanted for himself; the irony of what would come from the foolish woman Shimura's bloodline. And that intellect—how amused All For One had felt when Deku had begun drilling him about the Quirks he had shown to him once in the car, fascination and analytical abilities evident.
Deku was so different. Perhaps it was because he was older than Tomura had been when he was taken in but something told All For One it was deeper, something primal.
He was so much more.
What luck Quirk had he forgotten he had snatched to stumble upon this possible golden goose? He had been wise to not destroy the bandaid he had removed, thinking better on it despite wishing to incinerate it like the Hero it was shamelessly marketing. He had turned it over to the Doctor via Kurogiri with instructions to analyze the blood on it once they were back at the safe house. The results would be in soon enough, the Doctor would contact him once the tests were completed to reveal the hidden potential trapped in genetic code, what possible Quirks were part of the bloodline—the Doctor would have to run a proper background check as well though All For One could order anyone to investigate. Glee tingled through his body, nearly as satisfying as when he took a new Quirk for himself.
Young enough to be groomed, molded, but old enough to display critical thinking skills.
So much potential.
So many possibilities.
A plan had hatched while the boy slept, All For One not one to waste resources. No matter the agreement reached, what exchange was determined, it would be according to his will. Contingencies were accounted for and loopholes carefully thought out. He had the perfect Quirk to ensure a tight lid on his dealings, choosing rarely to use it as he had other ways of dealing with loose lips and those foolish enough to turn traitor, but something told him to use it, a whisper deep inside. Even when dealing with a child he couldn't lower his guard—especially one of seemingly promising intellect.
Dead Men Tell No Tales was indeed a handy Quirk he needed to exercise more, Quirk instincts only getting him so far. The echo of its former owner helped a bit in figuring out its functions though he kept them trapped in a mental vault when he couldn't bare to part with a Quirk and thus be rid of the so-called ghosts.
His hunch proved right as the boy proposed his own conditions after admitting he had no where else to go. He couldn't suppress a chuckle, amused the newcomer was so bold and that his instincts had been right to prepare. The boy had even thought of an out, a final trade to ensure the debt was paid with interest by willingly becoming Quirkless again; All For One smiled wider, having nothing but praises to sing though he held back.
"So young yet so methodical. Very well. However I have my own conditions, regarding keeping your word."
It was merely a matter of bartering, reassuring and sealing the deal before welcoming the youth. Once that was settled came the rather painless transaction as he gave everything to a boy who had seemingly lost it all. A favor for a favor. He possessed a keen eye for talent and a commodity that he needed for himself like a dragon and its hoard. Yet he could be afforded to share, if properly compensated.
"Welcome to the family, Deku-kun." He spoke warmly, offering a kind smile as he extended his arms. He bent down and hugged Deku, gentle as one would be with a duckling, after the exchange, drawing attention away from the boy's hand. Both were getting what they wanted, he merely had to sell the reassurance, contentment blooming in him at the promising child in his clutches. "You're home."
He was a man of his word.
But first and foremost he was a businessman.
"Mmm, excellent."
"Thanks, Sensei."
It had been a month and the boy was making progress with his training in both mental and physical aspects. All For One carefully went over an appropriate workout plan though he provided ample challenges to push Deku. Sparring would have to wait but he had the perfect candidate to be a living training dummy—someone whom he had personally plucked from the underground fighting rings. For now weights and running exercises were a start, improving cardio and muscle tone per the Doctor's recommendation.
He stood looking over Deku's shoulder, examining the notes the boy was scribbling while watching a showcase on a low ranking Hero on the Billboard Chart. Quirk analysis was a natural thing for the boy who took to it like a duck to water. Even with the dullest of Quirks the boy seemed able to pick out the subtler points, theorize application and note techniques to the finest detail that he himself missed in part from fantasizing how he could use the Quirk if it were his, to feel it in his possession. Next to the notepad were various files containing Quirks that did not belong to Pro Heroes but still had potential use.
After all, one man's trash was another man's treasure and such was present society.
Deku was proof of that.
All For One's hand twitched and he couldn't resist placing it on Deku's head, heavy but gentle. The green curls were soft but his focus was on the boy. He gave a soft pat of approval, a thoughtful hum escaping as his eyes roved over the present notes that were flying out of the pen in the boy's hand. "Hm… interesting combination. That would indeed increase mobility if not durability. Perhaps another could be added…" He reached over and moved one of the files nearby, displaying the Quirk and its known abilities.
"There's a natural draw back from overuse that has to be compensated by equipment. But even equipment can only go so far or even fail." Deku responded, not acknowledging the touch as he was dialed in, scribbling furiously—normally he would flinch to some degree out of reflex. "At 3:46 there's equipment failure that they have to quickly compensate for, but their sidekicks provide support so no one is injured. But if they modified the equipment, perhaps reinforced and a backup—"
"Quirks, Young Deku." He calmly reminded and the boy halted his muttering.
"Sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for. You and I both get carried away when we see something of interest. It's a trait we share, for better or for worse. Quirks are truly marvels taken for granted." There was a smile in his voice despite him not remembering doing so, feeling the corners of his mouth turned upwards only after.
If he spent too much time with his new charge Tomura could grow jealous and lash out. That wouldn't do, not yet anyway; he needed to continue to channel that frustration at society so Tomura wouldn't turn into a dog that bit the hand that fed him. Deku seemed to steer clear of the irritable teenager who had to share his Sensei suddenly outside of business dealings. Kurogiri was ordered to keep a close eye to prevent any "accidents" though Tomura, albeit moody and anti-social, was smart enough to not incur the wrath of his savior and foster father. However, teenagers could be rather impulsive and emotional—something Tomura had been since childhood per example of his family's fate at his first major outburst.
Yet their little arrangement was business related and thus Tomura knew not to interfere.
He was technically working when spending time with Deku, monitoring the fulfillment of the conditions. He could wave it off as an investment, merely ensuring proper fruition through guidance and moderation. After all, Deku was a sprout that needed nurturing so he could best cultivate the desired results. Tomura would endure and if not he would deal with it one way or another—that bridge would be crossed when they came to it.
Thoughts shifted away from the older boy back to Deku, watching him work diligently. They would have to sit down and properly go over the notes later. A true bonding experience though presently it gave the impression of a parent minding their child's homework, something All For One hardly experienced as despite light tutoring with Tomura he mostly left it to Kurogiri.
The attention to detail was admirable, the amount of focus a child his age could channel into studies while others older and younger preferred activities such as video games. If he watched closely he could imagine the wheels turning in the boy's head, especially when hearing the muttering as Deku processed and dissected the Quirks. Only the greatest mental facilities gave such capabilities, brain power not everyone possessed.
His fingers twitched against the green hair as he restrained himself but curiosity nudged, his Quirk whispering and coaxing, urging him to use it and be satisfied if only for a short while. He pushed the feeling down, telling it to be patient as well himself though the question was ever present as he watched with intense interest.
Just how many Quirks could the boy handle?
He'd forgotten how much he hated things that reminded him of hospitals: the sounds, the smells, the sights—not so much the last one anymore. It was a scenario he had never imagined himself in. Visiting experimentation labs was a different matter than winding up a patient yourself, especially not for a mild "procedure" or "check up" that he walked away from after a few minutes. Yet he, the Symbol of Evil, was confined to a hospital bed, surrounded by beeping machines that managed to still be piercing despite the state of his ears.
Mortality didn't suit him. It was why he had obtained Life Force, to ensure a long life without being hindered by something as bothersome as old age and the inevitable death that came with it. Yet it was called Life Force, not Immortality. Outside forces other than his body wasting away could be his undoing and that had been proven.
He had died.
It was an undisputed fact of being officially declared clinically dead, though he didn't recall the time between seeing his nemesis closing in and then waking up in utter darkness, no sense of feeling as morphine drips were hooked up to him. Had death been like that? Utter darkness? A great emptiness with no company, despite beliefs of the hereafter in some way? No events to retain memories of? Or simply had it been wiped away when he had been revived?
Something within him said yes and no; there was a sense of incompleteness, like a fraction was missing. His Quirk was still with him, his mind intact while he was aware of the sense of loss of limbs and sensations. Yet that wasn't it; the unknown whittled away at him as he was bedridden.
The Doctor's little experiments with corpses over the years had proved useful beyond creating soldiers and experimenting with Quirks. An investment that was worthwhile—lifesaving. He had been wise to have precautions in case of such an event, that which he thought impossible. One For All holders perished by his hand one way or another, why should the latest one be an exception despite being the longest possessor?
Yet that wasn't how it happened.
Rather than take down the blond gorilla with hardly a scratch he had received grievous wounds. But All Might hadn't gone unscathed; he had made sure even if the Hero clung to life a little longer. Yet he had been the one to receive death's embrace after trading blows until science wrenched him from it and brought him back to life once more. Albeit as a literally broken man.
But he still had his mind, his Quirks. Yet even with the Quirks still in his possession there were some he could never use again with a broken body, no longer in his prime. Ability to use some of his treasures was forever stripped away least he chance his own health—the state of his lungs alone negated use of a few Quirks.
It would take time but he would still have his way, his final revenge on All Might if the tenacious brute lasted long enough. The final knife to plunge into the Hero if physical force wasn't enough to kill him. Surely the emotional and mental attack would be the ultimate weapon to bring the latest holder of One For All to his knees before he took the Quirk back for himself and finished the blond once and for all.
All Might would end the line of holders; if he couldn't take back the Quirk it would be a tragic loss that ate away at him, much like the deeply rooted urge he couldn't ignore. But how many headaches would it save him if he simply killed the buffoon, Quirk reclaimed or not, especially after the damage All Might had done as his personal natural disaster? If the brute managed to find a successor it would continue the feud but also increase his chances to once more finally wrest One For All back into his rightful possession. And with All Might gone there would be a void, making way for what he had planned, society having their legs swept out from under them before being made anew.
That was Tomura's purpose after all, revenge against All Might and a wild card unleashed on society like a rabid dog strapped with a nuclear bomb. Details for Tomura's destiny could be easily tweaked though he was well on the path of destruction as All For One was precise with his coaxing and nurturing. Small adjustments were nothing, he had improvised and adapted countless times over his long life. His current predicament was yet another setback that he would overcome.
He had lost his sight, the ability to breath on his own, his overall looks, limbs and suffered extensive internal and external damage. He would never be what he once was, at least not until some Quirk could be obtained to fix it all—the Doctor constantly reminded him of that fact through apologizes and ramblings of current Quirks in his collection, assuring he would continuously check the Quirk database of all patients and clients. The Regen Quirk had finished its work on one arm, fully regrowing it while the other was mangled, flesh knitting itself together as the bone shifted back into place where what remained of his arm was still intact; it would take at least half a day to reform even with the boosted effects of Trigger. He was fortunate he hadn't completely lost both arms.
Despite his disfigured and debilitating state one thing was in his favor: All Might thought he was dead as did whatever pitiful allies he possessed. He had beaten death and now had all the time in the world to recuperate while only a few of those who knew of his confirmed existence believed he had been defeated. But the underworld would simply rely on rumors and think he was biding his time in the shadows like the enigma he presented himself to be, a revered cryptid.
Besides, he had obtained a precious resource that had fallen conveniently into his lap—fate had a sense of humor and even karma seemed to be dual sided.
Yet everything had almost been spoiled by All Might. All For One's permanent death meant much would have gone to waste through the Hero's success. He had underestimated and paid for it dearly but now he knew and had survived. Plans would have be moved up, contingencies accounted for to ensure maximum success, better countermeasures put into place. Opportunity would not slip through his fingers again.
The timetable would be adjusted to ensure his legacy while he was still drawing breath, whether through a breathing tube or his own healthy lungs. It had only further proved he needed better precautions to protect his investments. It wouldn't do if he died before he could see his plans come to fruition—even if he lacked eyes to witness it. At least with the newly acquired Infrared Ray combined with Detect it gave him a sense of "sight."
"He has only delayed the inevitable." He murmured to himself over the noise of the machines, breathing in the oxygen being fed to him. It wouldn't be long now, he had sent word to Kurogiri and once he arrived per instructions the real work could begin. Meanwhile the Doctor had been instructed to vacate until summoned which the old man obeyed though not without fussing.
A matter of minutes went by before the faint sound of air being disturbed caught his attention over the machines' noises. New heat signatures appeared out of the apparent Warp Gate, bright colors among a sea of black and he smiled to himself in the darkness, feeling the Quirks nearby. He reached for the Quirks he had carefully been considering and mentally closed a fist around them, letting his smile slip away as the newcomers approached, waiting.
It was merely the beginning of a new era.
Since losing his vision his hearing had naturally grown better to compensate or his enhanced hearing Quirk was merely amplified given his state. Perhaps it was something else, a primal part of him hyper vigilant for sounds his ancestors learned to be attentive to for survival, not only for themselves but their kind. Sounds that caught his attention in the middle of the night, drawing him to the source. It was a few weeks after sustaining his injuries but he had made progress to get around on his own for a short while.
It wasn't the first time he had heard such sounds though it had been a while. This time however it was slightly different.
He found the room with ease and slowly opened the door, careful to not to make a sound. The sound became more audible: faint sobs from within the room of probable pitch black darkness. Evidently his arrival was not yet noted despite the faint hissing of the oxygen tank he had in one hand. He lingered for a moment, Infrared Ray giving him a sense of what was before him.
"Young Deku." His voice calmly rumbled in the darkness and the soft sobbing stopped for a moment as a few sniffles took its place. There was a squeak from the bed as weight shifted around before another sniffle. A shaky and small voice called out.
"S-Sensei?" There was confusion in the boy's voice as well as pain, perhaps even shame. There was a shaky breath as he grappled with understanding. "What are you doing here?"
"Checking on you."
"Y-you should be resting." The voice wobbled, pinching with emotion.
All For One couldn't help the smile that teased the corners of his mouth. "It's only a short while. Besides, I heard you and it would be irresponsible of me not to investigate."
"S-sorry. It's n-nothing."
"Hm, I don't think so." He edged closer to where he knew the bed was and sat down, watching the heat signature of the body in it. The body tensed and curled tighter into itself. "There's no need to apologize, sometimes I can't sleep either. Though it has been a while since I visited you in here."
It hadn't been long after the boy had joined that he had payed his first nighttime visit. Prolonged sobs had alerted him that matters needed attending to and he had entered the room to check on his newest charge, ensuring no harm had befallen him. Some homesickness was to be expected but intervention was called for rather than let the boy drown in his own tears. Tomura had always been one to rage when upset and was best left alone to ride out a tantrum, but Deku needed another kind of handling—a different sort of parenting.
The boy needed a father figure there for him, one that he could remember unlike the biological one who was never home; the one whose memories of were almost non-existent, which was further aided by the severe lack of photos. Deku had admitted as much perviously after gentle coaxing and it explained some things. Most of all: it gave All For One an opening.
There was another sniffle before a shaky voice emitted from the heat signature. "I… I'm upset."
"Upset? About what? Did Tomura do something? What to do with teenagers…"
"No! N-no… It's… thinking about you Sensei… What happened… I…" There was a choking sound as a sob swallowed up the words and Deku curled tighter, evidently burying his face into his pillow. The sounds of quieted sobs and the oxygen tank filled the room for a few moments.
"Do you wish to go home?"
There was a hiccup of surprise before Deku shook his head. "No, I… I'm not going b-back on our deal. I n-need to… I just…" More sniffles before another sob broke through. "I just…" His voice was becoming squeaky and the words jumbled together.
"Young Deku." His voice was low as he tried to coax him back to calmness. However the boy was rambling half into his pillow, proving even enhanced hearing was nothing without proper enunciation. "Young Deku."
"Mmm hhnn hmm…" The illegible words were sobbed into the pillow.
"Deku-kun."
The mangled and muffled words continued in a steady torrent, unrelenting as if a dam had broken.
"Izuku."
The sobbing startled to a stop as the boy froze, seemingly debating if he had heard correctly. He shifted slightly, a tremble coursing through his body as he let out a sob.
"Izuku, I'm here." He coaxed, reaching out and laying a hand on the boy's small shoulder. "Right here. I might not look the same but it's still me. We had a deal and I'm going to fulfill it, I'm not going anywhere." He felt All For One hum beneath his skin, almost like a shark skimming the surface for a chance to bite at unsuspecting prey as he touched his charge; he ignored it like a diver in a shark proof cage. Detect did little to subdue the underlying urge as he felt the Quirks he had given away so close and clearly out of his possession.
Now wasn't the time.
"S-sorry, Sensei." Deku apologized once more after some sniffles and the sound of blowing his nose. "It's not just that… I… sometimes I feel alone but then it's almost like something inside me is trying to tell me something—not like my conscience, it's different. There's… this feeling… and sometimes I think I hear voices in my dreams… words that aren't mine but it's my voice? And I can't sleep…"
All For One kept his hand on the boy's shoulder, restraining himself. "Oh?" Had he any eyebrows left they would be betraying his curiosity. Was it possible…? "When did this start?"
"A bit after you gave me the Quirks…"
Perhaps the Quirks had been tainted by his time of being treated with Trigger. He had thought the boosted effects only lasted if he extracted the Quirks while the host was actively using the drug, but perhaps because of the amount of his doses, the specifications, it had affected his overall DNA. And if so it had tweaked the Quirks in his possession as he was receiving medical care. If that was the case, then he had given enhanced versions of what he had intended, though clearly not the fully tricked out Triggered versions—if that were so the boy probably would be breaking things with his enhanced strength due to mishaps.
Or it was simply another matter.
The reason why he hadn't detected a Quirk in the boy. Why the boy had been originally diagnosed as Quirkless.
There were multiple possibilities but for now the boy needed reassurance. All For One was no stranger to telling others what they wanted to hear, to offer some comfort as a means of business. He was a master at poker and would betray nothing until it suited him and hunches were proven. But now was not a time for theories but nurturing.
"You have Quirks now and for some they act like a separate entity rather than a mere ability to be used on and off like a light switch. Your body is getting accustomed. Sometimes your conscience reflects our inner most thoughts and feels foreign. If you are feeling down it gives room to the whispers of your mind, even ones we didn't think existed."
He suffered from hearing echoes of past holders at times, some Quirks worse than others. But that seemed a trait specific to All For One, especially after how many Quirks he had handled in his life time. If one got too loud he simply got rid of it and the pesky voice in his subconscious was gone. No one else complained of such a thing. Some people's personalities remained the same while others seemed to change with the new Quirk he gave though it was the likely result of projection and confidence in their new found Quirk.
The Doctor would want to conduct research.
"Really?" Deku was looking at him, surely expectantly as he imagined the boy's expression. Neither could see as both refrained from turning on a light, only allowing what filtered in from the open door.
"There is nothing to fear. In time they will quiet down; if not I'm sure I can think of something." He assured, lifting his hand and resting it on the boy's head, giving him a pat. "No need to worry. Call it an adjustment period, just one of the first your body will go through as you get older."
He made a mental note to have Kurogiri confirm if the boy had heard the talk on puberty as a preemptive teaching or that was something for the future. If so, it would be the mist man's duty per his role as teacher and sitter and stand-in guardian. He was never much into the birds and the bees, not when science could recreate efficiently without old fashioned ways such as eugenics through Quirk marriages.
"Oh… Okay." There was a slight nod and All For One smiled, a puff of oxygen sounding.
"Good. Now, you need your rest." He began to rise from the bed. "We'll see how you feel in the morning."
"S-Sensei?"
"Hm?" He paused his retreat, watching Deku's multi-colored silhouette.
"C…could you stay until I fall asleep? If it's not too much… it's okay if not."
A full grin formed, the oxygen tank puffing with a hiss. "Of course. Anything within my power."
Surely it was a certainly worthy investment.
"Thank you, Sensei… for your faith in me."
"Of course. Now, I'll let you head off to clean up. I'm sure you want to get out of your training attire."
"Right! Excuse me, Sensei!"
He let out a laugh, amused at the clear embarrassment, "Take your time. I'll be here when you're done. We need to go over your Quirk Analysis after you rest a bit."
"Understood."
Sounds of retreating hurried footsteps as well as the heat signature told All For One his charge was making a beeline for his bedroom to freshen up. The notable stench of sweat faded once the source vacated the room. There was the sound of a door opening and closing, leaving him alone in silence and with his thoughts.
"Two years and so much progress in that time." He mused aloud to himself in his chair, the only reply being the oxygen tank nearby letting out its usual puffs and hisses. The anniversary of his escape from death was drawing near though his mind wandered to the other anniversary that had passed: his acquisition of Deku. Since that day the boy had been showing promise, improving and displaying diligence that Tomura generally lacked save when it suited his interest. Yet both were making auspicious strides, Tomura indeed improving in part from competition as well as Deku's benign influence.
Deku was further proving his training was fruitful, both in physical and intellectual aspects. His physicality had improve from the scrawny child he had found and his emotional state had improved as well, the boy clearly carrying himself with a sense of pride and certainty. He was ever vigilant about his Quirk studies and provided analysis daily, taking his role as consultant and strategist seriously. Yet there was a softness about him that was endearing as well as concerning. He had expressed his desire to not have direct hand in bloodshed, clearly hoping for alternative means per his usual advisements. And his present Quirks reflected that: merely a means to protect himself through enhanced strength and endurance.
But that softness was reminiscent of his little brother and that caused concern as he dwelled on it. It could potentially be a problem if left unattended no matter if, unlike his little brother, Deku shared his intelligence.
Perhaps the boy was due for a new Quirk or two soon. He had been restraining himself on gifting the next too quickly in case it proved too much but with Deku's progress surely he was ready. Now it was a matter of choosing what to give, a defensive or offensive Quirk that would synchronize well. A Quirk that would benefit from the preexisting Quirks and work well on its own…
"Hm… so many choices… I hate to let them go but my condition limits my use. Besides, my old friend has copies if I don't reclaim the original." His fingers lightly drummed on his chair. It was a matter of careful consideration, so many variations to be had as he mulled over the possibilities for complimentary Quirks.
Despite his own recovery compared to the mound of mangled flesh he had been, he needed to stay in the shadows and remain in hiding for possibly four more years—per the Doctor's advisement. His prolonged prime was gone and with his need for assistance to breathe it was best to not trade blows with All Might again so soon. It was very likely he would not escape alive again even if the Doctor attempted to bring him back. Yet he was making preparations, his mind going to the stylized helmet he had ordered: a source of intimidation that hid his affliction from those he wished to formally greet in person. Perhaps the second worst affliction caused by All Might was the loss of his eyes but having to relinquish Quirks that now posed health risks was unforgivable.
He sat alone pondering for some time, mulling over the choices. Time slipped by as he sat alone, lost in thought until he caught the faint familiar sound of air stirring, signaling Kurogiri's use of Warp Gate. Tomura's multi-colored silhouette of a heat signature emerged first, letting out a grunt before Kurogiri followed. The teenager paused as he realized All For One was in the same room and the man gave a nod of acknowledgement.
"Sensei."
"Tomura, I take the meeting with the elusive Phoenix Brigade went well?"
"I suppose." Tomura shrugged, clearly in an irritable mood. His hand reached up for his neck but paused, looking around, "Where's the squirt?"
"Cleaning up after training."
Tomura let out a grunt while Kurogiri joined All For One's side, standing dutifully at attention. "Workaholic. Squirt's always doing something."
"Concerned?"
"Hardly. Just stating the facts." Tomura's attempt at disinterest, seemingly offended, made All For One's mouth shift ever so slightly into a tease of a smile. An interesting affect indeed on his chaos incarnate who still hated the world but tolerated the younger boy. Perhaps it was a weakness, that sense of mild interest that could turn into caring—but given Tomura's upbringing, his trauma, it was unlikely he would stop his desire to lash out at society and the Heroes who failed him. Besides, Tomura needed to learn to be a team player as there was no leader without followers and right hands and that was what the League needed.
The sound of approaching footsteps alerted the trio to Deku's return and their attention shifted to him. All For One was taking in the infrared silhouette when Tomura appeared perplexed, his body language shifting.
"What are you wearing, dweeb?"
Despite the jab Deku stood fast and a sense of pride bloomed in All For One's chest, a sense of delight growing as Kurogiri whispered to him that the boy was wearing a suit much like his own. Certainly things were coming together. Indeed he would be ready soon enough.
Infrared Ray had alerted him to unusual movement with barely a minute to spare to act. He had faintly made out concerning sounds and instantly knew what was coming. They had to move fast, his legacy had to escape while he did all in his power to eliminate the threats to those who would carry out his will in his place unhindered. He had made a plan for this very reason, if their safe house was compromised and his survival discovered. If the Heroes were going to split open Hell to get to him he would rise to meet them.
He passed one last Quirk to Deku, arming the boy with something more than raw physical ability. All Might was prime example of what could be done with such and he wanted the boy to be further removed from that likeness. It wasn't his first pick but he had to make do with what he had on hand and it was a top candidate—it was enough like one of One For All's past holders that Deku surely could figure it out based on their past discussions. If he escaped he would supply the boy with more or exchange but for now it was a precaution and it complimented the other gifted Quirks well.
After all, his last bout with All Might left him dead despite being in peak form.
Now he had to delay the Hero and throw him off the trail with a broken body using what Quirks he had, ideal or not for use against the Symbol of Peace.
Yet Tomura was making a scene as Kurogiri warped the two away, screaming his hatred as he was pulled into the Warp Gate by Deku. "GO TO HELL, FALSE HERO OF PEACE." The teenager hurtled the venomous proclamation at the Symbol of Peace who was rushing toward him, ready to snatch him out of the portal. "Sensei! Sens-" His voice was swapped up, leaving All For One alone with his nemesis while chaos erupted around them.
"You failed again, All Might." He taunted from beneath his mask, levitating as debris around him began to stir, summon by the Geomancy Quirk he had tucked away. "It's time you learned you can't save everyone—let's crush that ridiculous notion like your ego. I'll remove the thorn in my side once and for all."
"That's a lot of talk from a corpse!" All Might boomed as he launched forward, arms swinging. "Thought you could hide from me, faking your death?"
"Says the dead man walking. Besides, it's hardly an effort to fool a muscle-bound idiot like you. Tell me, did they give you an estimate for how long you have left?
"I won't rest until I put you away forever! Justice will have its day with you behind bars!"
Horrid. It was like reliving the comics his little brother used to adore, the utter corniness and shallow, idealistic justice minded heroes killing his interest except for the flashy and powerful villains. All Might was nauseatingly like comic spawn and it only served to be another irritation.
"How did a bumbling oaf like you find one of my safe houses?" He demanded, using the rubble around him to hurtle at the Hero's heat signature as he floated away thanks to Levitation. "I doubt you did it alone, you're a colossal meathead, the worst of any of my brother's successors."
"Ha, an off duty Hero spotted a suspicious looking character and used their Quirk to learn more. Turns out said character had ties to you and lead us straight to your doorstep!" The infuriating interloper boisterously laughed as he dodged the chunks of debris and even punched through them, surely grinning.
"Nighteye." All For One seethed, surmising who was responsible for deducing their location. He knew of All Might's so called sidekick, the brains to the brawn, and had given thoughts on taking the man's Quirk for himself once he obtained more details on it and opportunity presented itself—though there were rumors the two had parted ways. If he had done so earlier the Heroes would not be kicking in his front door, dirtying his fine carpets and trashing his furnishings as they clashed with his underlings.
Yet Sir Nighteye had merely taken advantage of a situation before him, acted upon what flagged his attention. Someone "suspicious" who knew All For One, someone who could lead the Heroes straight to him without being followed thanks to Sir Nighteye's future-sight. Someone who had been out recently and wasn't well practiced in stealth.
Tomura.
Tomura had slipped up.
He must have encountered the Hero after reaching the rendezvous spot by leaving the Warp Gate to be escorted to the nearby final location. That certainly had been absent in his debriefing and details were preferred if not vital such as the present situation demonstrated. But what was done was done; it was only a matter of time until All For One's path crossed with All Might though he preferred putting it off a few years more for sake of better preparation.
All Might was not alone in the raid, no matter how many blows the two threw at one another unhindered. He could feel the multiple Quirks around him with Detect, their presence teasing as a part of him was dying to know just what abilities those Quirks had. Perhaps Sir Nighteye was among them but he seemed more a cerebral type Hero, the perfect foil to the muscular All Might.
Yet Sir Nighteye's Quirk could only go so far with predictions according to intel. There had to be another Hero whose help he employed to carry out the ambush, to keep tabs on everyone who dove into the metaphorical rat hole. Heroes were stupid but generally methodical. He could feel Quirks all around him and thought of one possible one from the list of Heroes—one that would suit his plan.
"This time I'll be dragging your carcass to prison to ensure you stay where you belong!" All Might declared, thrusting his fist forward, generating a gust of wind. "Texas Smash!"
"Heroes aren't meant to kill yet you intend to put me in the ground? What a laughable symbol you are, just another one of the government's puppet soldiers." All For One dodged the blow and wind pressure, unable to take on the Hero's direct punches in his current state. His strength enhancing Quirks could only go so far even though he had multiple copies. As for defense he only had one copy of Shock Absorber thanks to the copy from Kakashiro. He activated Multiplier, duplicating his arms before unleashing multiple punches with Armor Skin as his skin hardened with a protective almost shell like substance.
"You are the one addling youth's minds with your lies!" All Might threw another punch, colliding with the duplicated arms that grabbed at him, attempting to restrain him.
All For One activated Rivets and metal burst from the multiple arms. All Might let out a grunt as a few managed to catch him unaware, surely drawing blood. The Hero jumped back to get out of range to avoid being impaled further. All For One sneered beneath his mask, a chuckle rising up in his throat as he felt a familiar presence through Detect and heard a sound almost like distant thunder.
"MY LORD!" Gigantomachia's voice bellowed and the ground shook as the giant bodyguard was unleashed upon his master's foes. The gigantic man rampaged through nearby buildings as had he burst out of the holding room the Doctor had for him in the next city, his speed rivaling a bullet train. Various cries of surprise were heard as Gigantomachia continued to plow through buildings and swatted at the gathered enemy forces as he approached. "I will eliminate all who threaten my master! Begone, ants!"
A bull in a china shop was what he needed to buy time, chaos among the enemy forces. Gigantomachia was a juggernaut with only one thing on his mind: Protect and serve All For One and he would continue to do so until told otherwise. Despite his lingering injuries he was rushing to his master's aid, aroused from his healing hibernation perhaps by the Doctor who was keeping tabs or simply detecting his master's endangerment.
"What—?" All Might was confused by the earthquake caused by the mountain of a man who was heading toward their location. He pressed a hand to his ear for perhaps a com link as he stared down his nemesis. "Don't tell me it's a mountainous brute!"
"Keep the Heroes busy, Gigantomachia!" All For One shouted, certain of the giant's acute hearing and affirming All Might's assumption. The Hero had done a number on Gigantomachia years ago causing the giant to retreat after All For One's orders not long before the two traded mortal blows. Both had suffered by the hand of the Hero and retribution was in order. "Wipe them out until further instructions!"
"Understood! I do what my master bids!" The loud voice thundered, penetrating the walls. Various voices were heard faintly through All Might's ear piece, clearly in a panic.
"What!?"
"Look out!"
"We need backup!"
"He's enormous!"
"Call All Mi—"
There were shouts from outside and loud crashing, the ground trembling though All For One was unhindered thanks to Levitation. Amidst the chaos he let Detect do its work, reaching out and pinging the various presences around the building.
"Ah, there you are." He smiled as he felt multiple presences in the distance, seemingly monitoring the area. All Might was preparing for another attack, rushing toward him when black liquid formed beneath the masked man's feet. "I have far more interesting matters to attend to." He remarked before deactivating Levitation, dropping into the portal Warping created. He heard All Might shout followed by a curse as the Hero attempted to catch him but the liquid vanished.
Some distance from the safe house the liquid reformed and All For One emerged from it, noting he was outside as the sound of a helicopter, perhaps from the news, flew overhead. Around him there were shouts of surprise as he caught whatever responding persons off guard as they were out of the range of Gigantomachia's rampage. He stood before the various heat signatures, splaying his hands in a pleading gesture as Detect told him how close he was to each Quirk. "Afternoon. I have business with the possessor of Search. It's only logical they're around here since that's what brought me."
"Fall back! An unknown figure has appeared! He seems to be a villain!"
"We need more Heroes over here!"
"Ragdoll, get to safety!"
"I'm getting on it right meow! Be careful!"
The name pinged in his brain with recognition and his attention snapped toward the source of the voice. He lunged forward, punching aside the other heat signatures with his multiplied arms before one fist reached out and caught the one he desired around the neck.
"Nothing personal, my dear. I would rather like to have a closer look at and I can't resist. It's rather handy after all, I'm a big admirer." Ragdoll let out a strangled sound as she gasped for air while All For One ensured he had the correct prey. With a free hand he reached up and place it over her face, activating his Quirk. "It was kind of you to lend your services for this little operation, be sure to blame All Might for putting you in my crosshairs."
"Nooo—gurk!"
Ragdoll struggled in his grip, kicking at his chest and swatting at the hand that clasped her neck with her clawed gloves, drawing lines of blood that swiftly healed. After a few moments she let out a gasp and twitched, going limp as he felt Search join his collection. His vision changed from a sea of various heat signatures to overlapping spots of light. He stiffened at the sudden change and released the Hero, letting her slump to the ground gasping for air. He became aware of the various Quirks around him and their owner's weaknesses—there were so many bright lights to beheld, to be snatched up for his own—
"All For One!" All Might's voice carried on the wind. All For One turned and saw a bright light that made his Quirk claw inside his chest as it tried to leap out and seize what had once been a part of it. He registered the incoming Hero as the light grew bigger, almost blinding and he activated Levitation.
"California Smash!" The Hero bellowed as he completed a frontal somersault and slammed into him like a meteor. All For One felt his body twinge at the impact, Shock Absorber dulling some of the blow but he was blown back by the force, twisting midair. As he rightened himself All Might was upon him again, a bright light that sent his senses into confusion as Search remained active like a shiny new toy one couldn't put down.
"Detroit Smash!" The punch connected with All For One's head and he heard his helmet splinter beneath the force. He found himself plummeting toward the ground, All Might's punch having enough force to negate Levitation's effects. Quickly he unleashed Rivets, attempting to spear whatever was near him to slow down his descent as well as distract the Hero to save those who were in the way.
"Carolina Smash!" All Might flew at him head on, arms crossed in front of him before delivering a cross chop to All For One's head, completely shattering the helmet. All For One couldn't help but utter a sound of pain, stunned before All Might had the audacity to kick him in the chest, pushing off to create space between the two.
All For One hit the ground in a resounding crash, the sound of crumpled metal emitting as his helmet hung around his neck in pieces. Shock Absorber negated some of the impact but All For One felt his world spinning as he tried to get up but a wheezing breath escaped him. All Might landed square on his chest, the force knocking what air remained in his lungs out of him as his ribs threatened to crack even with Regeneration and Shock Absorber at his disposal.
"It's over, All For One!" All Might shouted from above, a blinding light amongst the darkness, his foot still pinned against the villain's chest. "Your reign has come to an end!"
All For One laughed despite his state, his chuckle deep and raspy while the oxygen pumped through his now smash helmet hissed out. "It's too late." He grinned up at the Hero surely glaring down at him. "You have no idea what you let slip through your fingers, that which you can't possibly fathom. The means to your end is still out there. The end with me captured? This is merely the beginning!"
"You're all talk. We're rounding up your minions as we speak, that giant of yours will be subdued as well. Soon there will be no one left, this is it."
"Hardly. I have something you want but will never have. Who is the real winner? The one standing after this battle or who is left with more come the end of the war?"
All Might hesitated for a second, giving All For One the moment he needed. Rivets exploded from his arm in a mess of spikes as he thrusted it towards the Hero, aiming for his abdomen as the ground warped with Geomancy and rock clamped around All Might's legs. "You'll never know the true tragedy of Shimura's legacy! You failed that foolish woman one last time!"
"Toshinori!" Something that felt like a foot collided with All For One's head before another one of All Might's punches followed and blackness began to envelope his consciousness, thoughts growing distant. However one last thought crossed his mind, a grain of satisfaction despite failing to impale and kill the Symbol of Peace.
They would persevere in his stead.
After all, birds had to leave the nest once they were equipped to face the world.
On the edge of unconsciousness he ordered with his last breath, "Gigantomachia… go home." There was nothing except for the satisfaction nestled in his chest as the world faded away. His plan was unconventional but he had time and resources on his side as well as patience.
The world had no idea what was coming. Least of all the fool named All Might.
The presence was unmistakable behind the observation glass even without sight or hearing a voice. The brilliant light that taunted, seared his soul, as he gaze in its direction, taking in the infrared silhouette before him. He grinned and his restraints creaked ever so slightly as he shifted, tilting his head back against his so called chair. There was a beep from within the room, warning him that the guns trained on him 24/7 would go off if he continued movement, no matter how miniscule.
"Feeling sentimental?" All For One's grin widened as his attention shifted from One For All's light that Search revealed and took note of the point of weakness on the left side of the large heat signature.
"All For One." All Might's deep voice acknowledged through the speaker that filtered into the room though All For One's enhanced hearing allowed him to catch a bit of the voice behind the thick glass.
"It's been… what? A few months? It does get hard to tell time in here, this being one step away from solitary confinement and all." All For One felt his Quirk urging him to bolt out of the restraints and seize One For All for himself; deactivating Search and Detect did little to soothe the compulsion, the itch. He continued to smile knowing the Hero wasn't there simply for appearances unlike one of his casual no-show drop-ins like Search revealed over the years. "Surely you can't be so bored as to seek my company or really has the outside world gone to hell and you're left all alone? Your visits are so unpredictable. Yet, you are a desperate, pitiful man."
"What are you planning?"
"Come now, that again? After all this time? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, you are limited on originality."
"You've never been shy on talking, it's simply a matter of what you say." All Might was tense, guarded, not his battlefield self nor so enraged and seemingly bloodthirsty like that day that All For One had temporarily met his end. "I thought you'd rather a familiar ear leant to you. After all, as you said, it has been a while."
"Ever so thoughtful, the esteemed All Might." He mocked, his deep voice rolling. "Let's not project, shall we?"
"The League of Villains has been active even with your imprisonment, are they following your orders or acting on their own? What is their agenda?"
"As I told you before: I am a business man. If you want something, I must get something in exchange. It's not fair of you to be so selfish, All Might. Especially with you as society's role model, though I do wonder how much longer that will last."
"You're in no position to negotiate."
"Yet I have all the time in the world, a curse in here yet a luxury compared to you, isn't that right?"
All Might was silent for a few moments, silently debating. "That day in Kamino, there was someone else wasn't there?"
"You're going to have to be more specific than that, after all I am practically blind. There were a lot of people that day between both our forces and it was, what, five years ago?"
"Someone aside from Shigaraki and Kurogiri."
"You never did figure out what I meant, did you? Shimura's legacy?" All For One chuckled, seeing the other tense. "You were aware that foolish woman had a child. Yet you went about saving people, capturing villains, being the iconic Hero who shone above it all while ignoring that fact. Well, time passes and people get older, typically. Some even go on to have a family… just like he did… let's see how old is Tomura now…? You've seen him more recently I assume, did he come for your head?"
"That wasn't the question. You were hiding someone."
"Tell me, did he seem familiar at all? Though I suppose not, there is little resemblance."
"There was another person." All Might was attempting to stay on track, ignoring and avoiding provocation.
"Sounds like you've come to your own conclusion. I know a dying man full of regrets when I see one." All For One would have shrugged if it didn't mean a rainstorm of bullets. "Tell me, how does it feel to know your mentor's grandson is a villain? The child of a child you ignored and I took in! I was there for him and you weren't!"
"Wha—"
All Might couldn't hide his shock as he went rigid. All For One continued, knowing they were being observed, that others would witness the mighty Hero falter and learn of his failings. "Tomura Shigaraki is Tenko Shimura! Nana Shimura's grandson! And you had no idea he existed! And he is out for your blood and despises you!"
"This isn't about Shigaraki." All Might managed after a few moments, clearly fighting his emotions as his tone grew more pointed. "The other one. You know exactly who."
So he had discovered Deku's existence and link to All For One. The boy who was now within Tartarus for the past week or so, though All For One was not supposed to be privy to such information—something the fools failed to account for with his web of connections created years before some were even born. Yet clearly All Might was at a loss about the younger boy as well as the officials to throw a minor into literal Hell; he would have to get further details on what the youth had done to get into Tartarus as surely it was all according to plan.
All For One couldn't resist the chuckle that rose up. He let it out, feeling true delight for the first time in years at how clueless the Hero was. "How helpless you must feel to fail someone right in front of you that you didn't even know existed. You who boasted of never losing a victim! Certain there weren't more who were simply swept under society's rug, those undesirables everyone is quick to bury and forget about? But I can find a use for anyone."
"What did you do to him? To both of those boys?"
"I thought this wasn't about Tomura? Can't keep track can you? Not like me nor Search's owner… Did you ever ask her what she saw with that handy Quirk of hers, if she perhaps saw what you missed and took so long to discover? It is a true lifesaver, I appreciate its capabilities, especially since you robbed me of my sight—though I took a piece of you as well."
All Might was asking because he couldn't get answers from Deku even if the boy wanted to. He was stuck and frustrated he couldn't predict All For One, couldn't understand just what was in store except for his downfall and reclaiming of One For All. The Hero was attempting to not give All For One room, standing fast like the good soldier he was, playing the boy scout.
"You won't win. Whatever you have planned, it'll end in failure. Even if I won't always be around to stop you, there always will be someone until the day your have your final breath."
"If you don't believe me about Shigaraki, I'm sure there are ways to get a DNA test done. Though he is a lost cause, your destruction incarnate. All because of your negligence." All For One continued to dig, his smile growing wicked. "Everything that has happened is your fault. Your failings will only increase and pass on to whatever poor successor you rope into this war of ours. You have one in mind, don't you? Hopefully it's not too late, I do wish for a reunion very much so—it would be tragic if that which I gave to my brother is lost."
"We're done. Conversations with a madman can only reveal so much." All Might rose and started to walk away to exist the observation room. He was fighting to control himself, his body tense, fists clenched though he still posed as the proud, powerful Hero who had taken down the secret Emperor of Villains the public knew only whispers about except for the apparent televised fight in Kamino that turned him into a mere nameless villain.
All For One watched, grinning before calling out, "You may be the one walking away now, but for how much longer? This may be the last time we chat, All Might. I suggest you get your affairs in order."
The wheels of fate had long been set in motion.
It was the most lively it had been since he had been sent to Tartarus though the prison was still ignorant to what was transpiring rapidly inside. All For One grinned as he let Detect and Search provide him a front row seat as he tracked movement through Tartarus, Infrared Ray useless through the thick walls and floors. Search could only do so much without eyesight and if the previous owner hadn't seen a Quirk but had its uses.
He simply waited, smiling to himself while those watching him through the cameras were surely sweating bullets trying to figure out what was going on in his head. Yet as it had been years since his imprisonment they had grown lax, still vigilant and prepared but no longer twitchy over what little movement he made, minus the motion activated guns. Surely they got bored staring at the screen all day, especially when they cut the audio feed when he decided to monologue out of boredom and attempt to get into his guards' heads.
The presence was getting closer, familiarity like a warmth he hadn't felt in years. His fingers twitched slightly beneath their restraints, his Quirk humming beneath his skin and anticipating like a shark. He had waited years, he could spare a few more minutes as the presence drew closer, zigzagging. He had been anticipating for weeks though he made a mental note to acquire a telepathy Quirk to make private conversation easier in case of future separations. For now he was getting well acquainted with the virtue of patience as he tried to keep his mind sharp while his body threatened to wither away if not for his body modification Quirks and Life Force preserving his muscles that would otherwise be far too atrophied. It was only a matter of moments.
There was a muffled metallic thud that experience told him was a metal door being destroyed. Detect confirmed the approaching lone presence and All For One smiled. With his attention on the observation room he calmly muttered, "Anarchy itself is a cryptid."
Though he could not see it the light on the camera in his room shut off a few seconds after the key phrase. He knew what time he had until the system rebooted back to live feed rather than the looped footage his contacts had in place. It would grant him some privacy, something denied to him since entering Tartarus as any eavesdropping simply wouldn't do.
Even behind the thick glass he heard the click of the door opening and he fought to not jump out of his restraints toward far more enjoyable company. Through Infrared Ray he took in the figure that approached the observation glass, noting the height and body language while Detect confirmed the familiarity despite difference. There was no denying it and All For One felt pleased.
Deku had certainly grown. His apparent escape and venture through Tartarus proved he had advanced in his technique and still possessed a keen intellect. All For One cursed All Might silently that he was unable to see clearly the scene before him.
"It's good to see you again after how long. How long has it been? You've grown, your Quirk too I see. What a display you've been putting on. Best watch your wrist strain and elbows; have to know your weak spots or else they can be exploited." He greeted, smiling at the young man before him, imagining what the youth looked like. His excitement, the nostalgia, was hastily buried under pleasantries as if they were two ordinary people meeting on the street and not two convicted felons conversing in a high security prison.
"Sensei."
Deku's voice sent a tingle up his spine as All For One couldn't help the delight at hearing that after years. The boy certainly was taller, more muscular, and his voice deeper than when they had last seen each other. Yet in that word alone All For One sensed that little boy he had picked up on the playground all those years ago, the marvelous gift fate had put in his path. That boy who had come up with terms for their deal, who was on par with his fascination and appreciation of Quirks, the analytical mind that the Doctor couldn't understand aside from a scientific standpoint. The boy who had landed himself in Tartarus for this moment and alluded his keepers so far.
Truly the boy was a marvel, a rare kind of specimen.
Like him.
"No time it seems for chitchat, so let's get down to business." He smiled at his ward, staring at the hue of colors and basked in the comfort of Detect. Despite whatever loneliness and obsessive curiosity he felt it was a matter of professionalism. Each had their cards they kept close to their chest but All For One was no stranger to Deku's intent—there had been whispers earlier that day. "You're here to fulfill your conditions after all."
A prison break was far from the boy's agenda save his own escape. It was only logical he had come to confirm fulfillment of the terms of their agreement. All For One felt no malice at being left in Tartarus; he was after all biding his time and had made that clear for Kurogiri to relay. He had his plans and couldn't fault the boy for having his own after diligent service to the League—it was surely well earned and a reward was deserved.
He would simply have to be content to muse over the two's following conversation until the day he decided to prove no Hell, metaphorical or literal, could hold the Symbol of Evil. Especially with All Might finally no longer a thorn in his side.
Then the true work would begin.
"Truly it is a marvel. The capabilities—"
"Indeed. While I share your admiration and shall allow you to make a copy for your collection, let us talk overdue business, my friend."
"My apologies, Sensei." The short man with perhaps as many aliases as he, if not more, bowed, the lights from his various monitors casting a glow on his bald head. He lifted his head, his unique goggles seemingly shimmering with emotion while his bushy mustache quivered. "Again I must profess how glorious it is to witness your return. To see you as you once were, whole again…"
The Doctor was getting emotional, distracted. It was true his return was miraculous, awe inspiring and even fear invoking but there were long overdue matters to attend to.
"It does feel good. Like years have been wiped away. It is good to see again. I had almost forgotten what having hair felt like." All For One smiled as he fixed the cufflinks on his new suit that he had obtained following his recent escape and mayhem in Tartarus. "Now, what of the arrangements?"
"Gigantomachia is ready for your command, Sensei. He's been in hibernation on and off during your absence to drown his sorrows since his recovery after that skirmish in Kamino—the injuries he obtained that day on top of the precious ones from All Might took a toll on him. Sometimes the recordings of your voice weren't enough to soothe him and he'd cry himself to sleep. It took everything to prevent him from busting you out of Tartarus without your approval—I had to keep it a secret though it was agony for both of us."
"Hm, perhaps he could benefit from the wonders of Overhaul. It truly is a wondrous Quirk whose previous owner wasn't properly utilizing it."
An owner who wouldn't be missing the Quirk. It had paid off to use it on the handless criminal to test its capabilities before said former owner, now reunited with his hands, found himself as a splatter decorating his cell repeatedly before finally taking up permanent resident as such. It would have been far more enjoyable to further the man's suffering but there was a schedule to be upheld and he had to take the sense of pleasure when he could.
There was catharsis in dishing out punishment to the one who had endangered his investment albeit delayed—oh to have ears everywhere to learn of things otherwise unknown.
All For One shifted his gaze toward the Doctor, grey eyes watchful without a hint of emotion despite the thoughtful smile. "I could use it on you, if you wanted. You did well to send Gigantomachia to lend aid in Kamino. I got a nice souvenir thanks to his distraction."
"Sensei is certainly a cunning and thoughtful man! I am honored by your patronage! But I could never ask such a thing, this old man is content to be by your side!"
All For One let out a thoughtful hum as he regarded the Doctor, last known as Kyudai Garaki from his recollection. "Then perhaps a copy will be enough for you to do as your please. However I have reservations of equipping a Noumu with it unless it is one with enough brainpower to utilize it properly."
"But of course! Such a precious Quirk wouldn't be wasted! It is precious resource fit only for the High End! Even an earlier product such as Kurogiri would be suitable given his caliber and programing! Heroes and Hero candidates truly are a desirable base."
"Speaking of Noumu," All For One's gaze turned sharp. "What of my request?"
The short man sprang to attention, scrambling towards his chair and typed at the keyboard. "Splendid! A masterpiece all according to your specifications! It took some time to get it just right, the balance between Noumu and the specimens I acquired from the so-called Villain Factory before taking over that research completely." He pressed a button and various photos appeared on the monitors, revealing the specimen. "Unfortunately, it was captured during Shigaraki's unleashing of Noumu on the city a few years ago after I deployed it to ensure its charge's safety. However I fitted it with a microchip tracker; it seems they merely detained it and not destroyed! It's a shame it was captured on its proper field-test…"
"Indeed, a waste though so long as it did its job that's all that matters. It couldn't hurt to find a way to release it in the future." He gazed at the images of the creature that the Heroes had dubbed the Guardian, taking in the skull face and bushy mane. The green shade to it was a fitting touch as well as its more animalistic appearance in comparison to the various humanoids and odd sorts the Doctor tended to make. "I believe there should be some logs from Kurogiri? He had explicit orders."
"Yes!" The Doctor slid open a drawer and pulled out a stack of various journals. He offered them to All For One in full reverence. "Dabi would deliver them; I kept my distance, per your instructions. But, Sensei, really was that for the best? The results… Surely the potential—"
"You were to refrain from contact unless it was to provide assistance, such as with your creation. Your role was an observer and to continue your invaluable research. You are after all the genius behind the Quirk Singularity theory and only you are capable of the work you've spent your life on." All For One soothed after the mild reprimand, careful to give the man what he needed to hear. "It was why I came to you."
"O-of course! Forgive me for questioning you!"
"What is a simple conversation between old friends?" He dismissed with a wave as he opened the first journal and scanned over it, taking in the various notes Kurogiri made about daily life and progress following All For One's imprisonment. He took his time poring over the journals, his smile growing with each photo that was included with the meticulous report.
The journals spanned years, detailing what he was unable to witness. Various photos had been included, allowing All For One to take in the appearance of his wards now that he possessed eyes once more. Gradually he watched the two mature, the younger growing taller and slowly more serious—the lively innocence was gone from his eyes though in snapshots of him poring over Quirk Analysis revealed the enduring intense fascination and dedication. He turned the page and faltered, taking a moment to register what he saw.
Staring back at him was a photo of an older Deku but the boy had spiked black hair and red eyes, his iconic freckles no where to be seen. He was wearing a U.A. uniform for the mission Kurogiri detailed on the opposite page and looked awkward but determined. Underneath the photo were the words "Alias: Akatani."
All For One stared at the page for a few moments before a chuckle escaped. Soon a full laugh came tumbling out of his fully regenerated lungs, reverberating inside the lab. The sudden mirth startled the Doctor who jumped at the noise and swiveled his chair toward the laughing, towering man.
"Sensei?"
"Merely being reminded of the past. Truly fate cannot be denied." He answered once the laughter subsided but the feeling of deeply rooted delight remained. He smiled down at the photo, a sense of nostalgia emerging like an animal out of a prolonged hibernation. "There is much to be done from the time of my absence. Years of catching up to do after putting things off for far too long."
He closed the journal with a snap and placed it with the others on the nearby table. The Doctor was watching him in part fascination and concern. All For One held out his hand, "Phone."
There was immediate compliance as the short man riffled through the desk, pulling out a box and handing it over. All For One extracted the phone that had been put away for safe keeping and skimmed through the contacts, ensuring everything was in order. Seeing what he was looking for he tapped the name and pressed the phone to his ear, a strange sensation after years of being unable to do so.
The line rang for a few moments before there was a click and a voice spoke, sounding male and professional.
"Hello. You've reached—"
"It's been a long time, Hisashi." He rumbled into the phone and he audibly felt the person on the other end stiffen. He grinned, imagining the other's expression as there was a short gasp, perhaps a tremble, and delight coursed through him. "Thought I'd forgotten you? Well, I had a DNA test done some time ago and you'll never guess what I discovered…"