Chapter 37: Intended Targets
Each arrow you shoot off carries its own target into the decidedly secret tangle."
― Paul Celan, Glottal Stop
Izuku
"Don't…Don't harm my friends." Izuku hisses in warning.
Tomura's grin merely widens; teasing. Testing the waters of how far to push him here and now.
"Or what? Midoriya, you're definitely not in the position to be giving me orders right now." He emphasizes back. To prove his point he taps a single finger against the tree just inches away from him. Decay instantly activates, branches sifting into a mottled gray, evaporating in seconds to dust that crumples at their feet.
Gone, just like that.
Izuku shifts his stance, words aren't going to work though he has to find someway to stall him.
"Why now? Why to me specifically?" He pursues.
Tomura's smile fades quickly, sharpening into annoyance and bemusement. "It's always been about you Midoriya. The first moment you came on our radar was the day you inherited One For All and the second was when you first decided to use Infliction in a public setting. Using it though that one time on your bullies, on your so called 'best friend' Bakugo felt good though; didn't it? It's a shame none of it pushed you enough to join our cause."
His eyes widen a fraction, Tomura arching a brow.
"What? You thought we wouldn't look into you fully Izuku Midoriya? Learn everything about how you got to where you are now?" He asks.
"If you know all of my backstory and know I'm not going to join the League, then why continue to pursue me..." Izuku trails off.
Tomura shrugs. "Not necessarily me, but All for One is a collector of quirks. And how lucky for you, you have one of the rarest quirk mutations he's come across." Tomura beams.
He points then to behind him, darkness slipping back into his scarlet orbs.
"I suggest if you don't want me to continue using my Decay that you just end this game/training exercise now. Unless you're okay with me killing your classmates; killing her?" He notions and he instantly knows who he's referring to.
Ochako.
"Everything okay over there Midoriya?" Awase asks from a few feet away, worry slipping into his tone at how long he's taking to return.
"It's...It's fine! I thought I heard Kuroiro trying to close in!" The lie comes out sourly.
He can hear his approaching footsteps, the mix of concern and curiosity in his voice to want to help aid him.
"Oh, are you sure? Because I have an idea for countering him since I've seen him in action more than you! Don't worry, I know people have spread some nasty rumors about you, but I trust you."
And Izuku feels his chest tighten hearing that trust, the belief that he doesn't just cause trouble or darkness wherever he goes...
The branches and vines are thick enough here for him to not immediately see them, but that will all change in a minute.
"Tick Tock Midoriya. Make a decision, one that can alter everything." Tomura mentions behind him.
At his silence he goes on, voice turning manic when doesn't immediately do an attack.
"Come on! Aren't you going to stop my heart? Give me a brain bleed?! Then all your classmates can see you as a murderer!" He goads, pressuring him. to do something; anything.
Izuku looks back at him fully, choice made as his eyes start to glow.
'Paralyze his legs.'
Awase comes into view just as Izuku yells for him to get down.
Because it won't activate yet for a minute, a painfully long minute where Shigaraki can rush forward.
"Meld a shield Awase; anything! Don't let him touch you!" Izuku yells out.
Alarm crosses Awase's face as Shigaraki closes in, scarlet eyes bright and wild.
"Oh too slow Midoriya. Too slow." He grins, sweeping low knocking Awase off his feet instead.
The snapping of bone rings out, roots and blades digging into his leg, blood trickles out into the grass staining everything in red. Awase's scream pierces the air, staring at his leg in horror.
He looks up to see Shigaraki's manic grin as he hovers over him, laughing at his misery.
"This is the end for you." He whispers just loud enough for everyone to hear.
But just before his hand can strike his face is Shigaraki frozen, gritting his teeth before sighing in resolve. They could truly use that quirk of Midoriya's and one day soon they'll have it and him, whether he wants it or not.
An alarm blazes out above them, Aizawa's voice.
"Everyone, stop where you are; now!"
"Well, looks like our fun is over for today! Best do something about that leg of his Midoriya before it gets infected or worse, requires an amputation." Shigaraki advises with a head nod to how pale Awase is getting, skin turning a sickly grayish-white.
'Infliction's effect isn't over; I can't let him get away!' Izuku steps forward only for his fist to strike a barrier now between them.
"Next time. We'll fight each other again properly in the war." He promises.
Shigaraki waves him goodbye before twisting and disappearing again into the shadows where the last rays of sunlight don't go. Decayed trees and crumpled grass withered to dust remain in his wake.
'This was real. It truly happened.'
He grits his teeth, stomach churning.
And then Awase's low groan snaps him back to attention.
Izuku places himself beside Awase quickly, ignores the questioning of Komori and Kuroiro rushing up behind him on what's happening.
They push forward to their classmate, challenge forgotten seeing the pain and panic in Awase's expression.
"I know it hurts, but I'll straighten it back into place." Izuku explains in a rush.
"What's going on? This isn't an effect from my mushrooms." Komori whispers, earlier excitement over this exercise vanished.
"Who...Who was that you were talking to?" Awase mutters and Izuku swallows dryly.
Should he lie? Make up an excuse?
At his silence Kuroiro steps forward, scowling.
"Tell us, we'll need to give a detailed report to Aizawa-sensei and Vlad-sensei once they get here." He pushes.
He's right; he just needs to be honest. Everyone of them are now all in danger even if he tries to withhold information.
"The League of Villains. They're planning a war."
Katsuki
'Of course something would fucking happen during Deku's round into the forest.' He grits his teeth impatiently.
Being on standby is not his damn forte!
Smoke singes at his nose, taking in the streak of black smog in the distance as it lifts up into rising twilight. The forest goes still, wind blowing in a low whistle through the trees, black birds and sparrows taking to the skies to get away from the scene.
Telling from the brief expression everyone caught of Deku before the cameras became hacked or disabled, he's truly pissed. It must be the League of Villains again, but how could they have known they'd be out here today of all days?
And then it clicks, balling up his hands to stop the rising sparks.
'Traitor. One of our damn classmates is working with them!'
He should go and ask Round Face if she can enlighten them all on what's happening. Their teachers aren't going to say squat for now until they get more information first, though time is of the essence if his hunch is correct. Midoriya must realize someone's betrayed their trust, though how many other people suspect the same?
'This could be something he's kept even from Round Face to stop her from worrying.' He briefly considers.
They constantly seemed to never want the other to have 'too much' on their plate much to the other's chagrin once caught.
A crowd of both Class 1-A and 1-B students have already formed around her as Katsuki approaches, expressions a mix of worry, concern, and uncertainty.
"So you don't know anything about the craziness that just went on down there?!" Mina questions rapidly.
"Someone hijacked those cameras for sure! They knew we would be out in this forest today!" That girl from Class B who can tear off her appendages points out, Tokage he thinks.
Shoda asks for calm at his classmates' growing rowdiness, they can't assume or play the blame game, but then he sees Monoma step forward from the corner of his eye and knows there's no longer hope for this to stay peaceful.
"I'm telling you guys I really don't know! However we all know the League has been targeting Deku for months now. This is them taking action again by infiltrating the school like they did months ago." Uraraka mentions, trying to get all this attention off of her.
"Not like this though. Getting through U.A.'s security a second time means this was an inside job, someone helped them get in." Honenuki he thinks is his name states.
A weariness splits across their classes then, each side looking to each other suspiciously.
Who was away for a 'bathroom break' too long one time? Who called in 'sick' the most?
Some quirks like the Invisible girl of their class can't even always be accounted for.
Maybe this is what the villains want. For them to rip each other apart first and then sweep in once they've thoroughly hurt each other both mentally and physically.
"Hey, instead of us arguing in circles, let's just get straight to the facts." Katsuki cuts in.
Monoma arches a brow at him attempting to play peacekeeper of all people, but it would be exactly what the villains want if they keep trying to accuse each other. They want to keep the subject away from them and their current actions.
"So, what do you suggest we do?" Monoma asks curiously.
Katsuki points towards the monitors and cameras where Aizawa-sensei and Vlad King were a moment ago.
"The cameras. We just need to find the footage and rewind through it to see exactly when they were hacked into and by who." He explains.
Monoma arches a brow, looking towards Class 1-B's representatives for their thoughts.
"I don't know Bakugo...can we really trust you when you're one of Midoriya's closest friends? What if you're just trying to cover for him right now?" He questions, blue eyes gleaming daring him to question him in front of everyone.
'This bastard! That could be exactly something a traitor would say.' Katsuki glares him down, sparks flickering through his hands.
Though he doubts it's him, Monoma doesn't have the guts.
And Kendo has her arm raised, at ready to karate chop if he keeps blathering on.
"Fine, all you need is proof, right?! I'll get it and wipe that stupid smirk off your face!" Katsuki grits his teeth, turning away.
But to do that, he'll need to do some sneaking around himself.
He waits for the crowds to disperse before catching Honenuki, Kamakiri, Kuroiro's, and Kirishima's gazes.
When he's sure nobody is listening, he asks what he's sure they'll agree to.
"You 4 are going to help me get in and out of where the records are kept; whether they're paper or online." Katsuki explains.
Kirishima gives him no pushback like he expects, more amused that he's declared himself leader of whatever plan he's just come up with.
Kamakiri arches a brow. "Are you asking or telling us?"
Katsuki scoffs, grin rising up.
"Telling. Now let's get this fucking done and over with while we have the opportunity."
They can go through the back hallways, the areas of the school most people avoid as of late. He's sure if they move quickly and efficiently they'll get to the records of all their classmates to find out the traitor is once and for all.
Honenuki looks at him uncertaintly, but doesn't try to walk away.
Everyone wants to move past this or have their name cleared as a suspect Katsuki knows.
"When?" He asks eventually.
Katsuki looks back at the cameras, the thin streak of smog still in the air. Most of the professors are distracted and will be for awhile scouring the whole area.
"Now would be best."
Izuku & Ochako
The last bits of sunlight shine in the corner of the window, sky now a dark purple-pink reminiscent of early spring nights. The moon rises in the corner, half crescent shining as the streetlights come on in succession.
Even though it's been hours now, the day still doesn't feel close to done.
"And you're not injured yourself; right?" Ochako finds herself scouring Izuku's body again for any injuries she didn't find the first two times.
Izuku laughs weakly, shaking his head.
Awase is the one that deserves all this worry. Because while his leg will survive, he'll need a couple of weeks of rehab before he can take any patrols, can do any proper hero work or even field assignments.
"I don't blame you Midoriya. It's not your fault he did this." Awase promises before he's rushed away by Aizawa and Vlad King. Recovery Girl monitors at this vitals, eyes fixed on his dropping pulse and blood pressure.
Komori looks between them both for a long moment, eyes flickering between him and the remnants of blood in the grass now a copper brown.
"How did this happen?" She whispers.
Kuroiro slides up beside her, equally alarmed and dismayed, gray eyes turning steely on him.
"Whatever truly did happen we'll figure it out soon enough."
It's his fault no matter how anyone tries to spin it, Awase's stuck in this situation because despite trying to heal his injury, all his effects are always only going to ever be temporary...
He should've done something to Shigaraki's arms, but then he still swept low with his legs, could've launched some device that would've harmed them all.
'Maybe I just need to leave U.A.' The realization slithers into his thoughts not for the first time.
Everybody will always be in danger as long as he remains...
He glances to Ochako busy fiddling with getting their dinner trays situated, reddening as he lands his hand on hers.
"I'm not really that hungry Ochako, don't worry about it." Izuku notes.
He himself really didn't even need to be evaluated by Recovery Girl, but Aizawa and Vlad King were insistent he'd be monitored and observed overnight just to play it safe. It's already late, just after 8:00 pm and part of him wonders if he should tell Ochako to head back to the onsite dorms or her godparents than stay here in a dull and cold room, air coated with the smell of antibiotics and cleaning supplies.
But then again, if she's here by his side he doesn't have to worry about The League of Villains targeting her at any random moment.
"I'm sure I'm not injured Ochako, but it is nice to have your company." He smiles, Ochako's cheeks burning a further cherry pink before shaking her head.
She leans close to him, lowers her voice a fraction.
"Bakugo has been saying there's a traitor among our class, you agree right?"
Izuku nods, dropping his voice an octave as well.
"Yes, though I don't know who it would be yet or if it's possibly more than one person. It could be anyone from our class, Class 1-B, or even one of the support or general studies classes." He considers.
Ochako hums, pulling out a notebook from her backpack, flipping to a blank page.
She clicks her pen, writing in bold black ink in at the top: Possibilities.
Izuku leans over to read it, arching a brow at her choice of words. Ochako grins at his confused look as she underlines the title.
"We don't want to make it too obvious what we're doing! Besides, we don't know for sure anyone is a traitor and if there is one, we need to find out the why, what's his or hers' motive for doing this and how does it benefit them in the long run?" She explains.
He accepts the pen she tosses him as she tears out another clean sheet to hand to him.
Both sit in silence, not sure where to start.
Who would want to do this? Who would breach their trust?
"I...I well I don't know anyone in Class 1-B that well to accuse them of being a traitor." Ochako starts gently.
Izuku readily agrees, though he considers the angle it's somebody who keeps under the radar to avoid attention.
"Or, it could be someone loud and always wanting to be the center of attention to not look suspicious!" Ochako counters.
A sharp knocking at door stops Izuku from answering, spiky blond hair coming into view.
"Round Face, you better not be implying that it's me!" Katsuki snaps as he comes into view having overheard the last bits of their conversation.
Ochako and Izuku share a bemused look, only furthering his irritation.
"I wasn't Bakugo unless you've been up to something suspicious we don't know about." She answers dryly in return.
Katsuki scoffs, roughly scooting up a chair.
"You nerds will just be going in circles without me! Plus, you're going to need these folders that I borrowed." He emphasizes, tossing a collection of files onto the bed.
They both peer down to see what exactly he 'borrowed', Ochako's eyes widening taking in familiar names and pictures.
Their school records; for both Class 1-A and 1-B.
"How did you get these?" Ochako breathes out, panic lacing her voice at Katsuki's lack of immediate response.
He shrugs, gesturing vaguely back outside into the hallways.
"Had some help from Honenuki getting through the vents and Kuroiro ensuring the cameras stayed covered." Katsuki explains away like that's an answer.
"Izuku pushes them back as if it's fire, verdant eyes darkening.
"You got other people involved?!" He frowns.
Bakugo ignores his anger, attention on Ochako instead pointing to the two top files.
Tsuyu Asui and Yuga Aoyama.
"You think there's two traitors? Both from our class?" Izuku questions.
Katsuki shakes his head. "I've narrowed it down to these two. If you glance through their files, you'll see even some of our own professors have had their concerns about them as of late."
Ochako bites her lip, bubble of blood coming up.
'Tsuyu? Aoyama? I don't really understand what Aoyama could've done to be considered the traitor. Even more so Tsuyu, why is he suspicious of her?'
Her mind flickers through lunchtime outings to grab snacks at the nearby convenience stores, whispered secrets after hours of their dreams once they graduate, of their families seemingly endless worry over them...
All of that can't be faked.
"Did you know about what's going on with Asui's family? Her Father has been having loan problems apparently that's been affecting his income and job. For Aoyama, his family might've done some shady practice years back involving his quirk." He asks bringing her out of her spiraling thoughts.
Ochako shakes her head, peering to Izuku who looks equally as wary.
"Read it and see then." Katsuki gestures and when neither move to do so he opens it himself, causing a cascade of photos to tumble out.
Photos of Tsuyu and Aoyama meeting with a man who stays in the shadows; a man who's smile both Ochako and Izuku can only think of as cruel; scheming.
"They could be being blackmailed like my Dad was." Izuku mentions, fingers tightening on Ochako's arm to keep her from floating off.
He forces her to meet her gaze, rubs at her arms gently trying to get her breathing to steady, trembling from head to toe. When none of that works he lightly cups her cheeks, presses their foreheads together.
"Let's not rush to conclusions." He reiterates.
Katsuki rolls his eyes, it's no wonder Pinky is always gushing about these two's mushy behavior.
Ochako slowly nods, gathers her scattered thoughts.
"Right." She murmurs hoarsely.
These photos prove nothing yet.
She forces herself to not assume the worse, not until they get more information.
U.A. Teacher's Lounge-Toshinori
'I can't be of much help.'
The thought pains him, still not fully adjusted to having to be more on the sidelines since his retirement, role as support than one at the front of the battle.
"We head out tonight, waiting any longer risks Kyudai Garaki and Tomura Shigaraki escaping. Based on everything we've gathered, we'll split forces into those going straight into Jaku City and those who will break into the Gunga Mountain Villa which is the base of their operations." Endeavor announces from the front of the room, half listening to him, half mulling over how he'll need to watch over Eri and ensure the basement of the school is stocked with enough food, water, and emergency supplies.
Tsukauchi catches his eye, gives him a supportive smile he can't manage to return.
"It takes some getting used to no longer being the 'Symbol of Peace', huh?" Naomasa smiles, passing him a coffee. The sun hasn't come up yet, but he finds himself here at U.A. every morning so early before classes start, simply staring at the vacant classrooms, studying the cameras, reviewing documents over and over...
His breakfast as of late have been mainly a yogurt or power bar, stomach resisting anything with more calories. Today, he's actually managed to get down a sandwich and some fruit without feeling like it's just sitting on his stomach like rocks.
Perhaps that's because the official announcement of war has been made, he can't afford to keep punishing his body in worry.
Toshinori chuckles weakly, nodding. "Everyone's developed so fast. Seeing how young Midoriya, young Bakugo, really how all of their classmates were at the beginning of the school year to now is amazing. And I feel like I've...stagnated, there's nothing else I can do to really be of help to them besides go through training sessions. I can no longer actively spar with them."
Naomasa pats at his shoulder before taking the seat opposite him.
"Now you know that's not true. Your students still look to you for support and advice. Keep giving them that bright smile, believing in them. The next generation always wants to be stronger than the last." He relates.
Toshinori takes a sip of his coffee, cream and sugar stinging at his lips and teeth.
"I've gathered information on One for All's past users. It's...concerning how many of them died so young, the strain it put on their bodies'. I don't want the same to happen to Young Midoriya." He mutters.
Naomasa holds up his hand before he can go on. "Don't look at it from a negative perspective. I'm sure it's something he can handle, despite your concerns."
He tacks on a weak smile; nodding.
"Right."
"-Dealing with Shigaraki's Decay quirk will the be hardest part. We'll be dealing with him, the high grade Nomus' released upon the cities, and all his associates. Our top priorities will be on taking out Shigaraki before his body gets infused with All for One and the proper imprisonment of as many of his colleagues as possible. We'll additionally need teams whose focus will be on rescue operations of civilians and care of the injured." Endeavor continues to report.
He stops for a moment to see if anyone has any questions before going on.
"The best way we currently feel to stop Shigaraki will be to use the serum developed through use of Eri's quirk and how One for All works as well as-"
Toshinori stares into his coffee absently tuning out the rest, takes in the dullness of his blue eyes staring back at him before his eyes roam slowly around the room, bitter thought coming to mind.
Not all of them are going to make it out of this alive.
Gunga Mountain Villa-League of Villains
The air in the room is stale, reeks of sweat and alcohol.
News cycles drone on in the background, quieted to a low thrum, covered by the sound of metal clinking into place, equipment and soundboards being straightened into place.
"Where's our starting point at again?" Dabi asks with a barely suppressed yawn.
It's sometime past midnight, most up them have been up off and on in shifts since 2:00 am yesterday. When will this meeting if you can call it that be over? He's been ready to unleash his flames upon the city watching everything crumple to black, but even more so, reveal his identity to the world and watch the fallout to the Heroes and his family...
'I'm sure dear old Dad will be happy to know I'm alive and well!'
He grins, jolt of alertness rushing down him picturing his stunned expression before it would warp into annoyance.
There will be confusion, denial, and then finally once he sees the DNA results what he wants to see the most: despair and pain.
Endeavor got what wanted in becoming the No. 1 Pro-Hero, always having desired to surpass All Might and now the public will get to learn all about what he did before he reached that spot.
"You could stand to take this a bit more seriously, you know this is the big event!" Spinner grunts under his breath at his apparent laziness, pointing to the blueprints once more.
Himiko meanwhile sharpens at her blades beside him, golden eyes gleaming lifting them up to the dull lights of the villa.
"I can't wait for these knifes to get some blood, there's going to be such a variety of options to choose from!" She purrs.
Twice dutifully watches her, neatly lining up her needles and knives beside her as she finishes cleaning each one.
"I'll make sure I have one of my copies with you Toga for protection!" He promises, Himiko grinning at him in return with a nod.
"There's no time for rest Dabi. This begins right at the crack of dawn, when people are just getting ready for work, still trying to fight off last bits of sleep. Besides, I'm sure you're ready for your debut on the morning news to everyone." Tomura announces from the front of the room.
Dabi nods, straightening his posture.
Outside light begins to settle on the horizon, a pinkish orange covered in a soft mist. The city being overcast helps, people won't immediately see the danger before it's too late...
He turns his attention back to Atsuhiro, nodding.
"All the bombs are set?" He confirms.
Mr. Compress nods, pulling up the switch device.
"Just say when!" He smiles, ready for the magic to start.
Tomura heads outside, nods to Skeptic to switch on all the cameras to give them a view of the city from above and below.
The cameras near the train/bus station pinpoint on a boy who reminds him of himself from so long ago, brown hair tangled and messy, despondent look in his eyes and his mother tugs him along towards the Jaku City Train terminals.
"We'll be late for the train Ryuji if you don't start moving those legs of yours faster!" His mother scolds.
Ryuji wrinkles his nose, charcoal eyes focused on the pavement. A girl who might be his sister comes up beside him, locks hands with him on his opposite side.
"I don't want to go to school. I hate it here!" He scowls.
His chest lurches taking in the girl's pigtails, she looks like Hana...
"Don't worry Ryuji! Big sis Haruka won't let you go in alone!" She states, trying to defuse the situation.
Tomura grits his teeth, even their names are similar.
'No, stop thinking about her; about them. They're all dead.'
"Don't talk like that! Your father and I worked hard to save enough to get you into this private school!" She snaps, losing her patience when he freezes in place refusing to follow her commands.
The train whistles in approach, pair meters away from one set of bombs Sako planted near the entrance.
Tomura watches their arguing, clicking his tongue. His head throbs and then he sees it, a flash of his younger self crouched low in the family garden out of sight where the moonlight doesn't fall. He recalls the scent of the gardenias and lilies his Mother planted, the way the vibrant pinks and reds of the flowers always made his Grandmother smile.
And then it's replaced with his Father's sharp yelling, the rage in his eyes for snooping in his office...
He rubs at his head as the migraine tries to spread, re-burying the memory.
'Get out of my thoughts. Get out of my thoughts!'
"Do it now." He orders Mr. Compress who nods, clicking at the device.
'It's starting.' Tomura muses, grin widening.
And try as the Heroes might, they won't be able to stop their plans this time.
An explosion of white takes over each camera as the bombs start going off at the train station, at the hospital entrance, and near the police station, spreading like weeds across the cityscape.
Blocks of cement and falling ceiling debris crumples around Ryuji, scream erupting from his lips seeing blood pooling out around his mother and sister's head wounds before that camera too goes to static.
-x-
I wanted to change up what's done with things in regards to the U.A. traitor considering I don't really like how it was done in canon lol. It was interesting enough and I won't spoil it for anime-only watchers, I just felt it was so quickly resolved that it didn't change much.
The current final arc of the manga has felt all over the place in this final fight against Shigaraki, I feel more confident now though at least for this story how I want to take him out in a way that hopefully feels realistic. Thanks as always for those that stick with me through this mess of a story as I get to the finish line! (I have to always go back and read previous chapters and my editing notes and even then I know I make mistakes).
Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!