Welcome back readers! Here's to another chapter, a huge thank you to reviewers Psy-Kick, cxmgamingKR2, and Villainsfan101. You guys help a lot with writer's block and push me to continue strong!

Enjoy :)


Chapter 9 The Old Ways

"Come on and hit me with everything you got, no one is coming to save you."

The little girl backed away as the Yakuza took a menacing step towards her, the ground threateningly cracked around them. Fear racked her body as past memories assaulted her with that reawakened gold gaze that was full of rage and disgust. She shook her head; he was trying to force her to use her quirk – he was a terrible person, but he had protected her to get here, this was a desperate attempt to redo what was broken. To erase all that had become, to give her the chance to take the initiative on taking that first step to do something, to stop being useless, and to not let anyone dictate her.

"S—Stop it." Eri stuttered out, hitting her back to the wall as he continued to step towards her. The reconstruction shot out around her, trapping her against the wall and his towering stature continued to entrap her.

Eri winced closing her eyes, the past fears and pains rushed through her as the sound of his quirk at work triggered the memories. No, I don't want this! Eri gasped as a rush of power exploded from her horn, she shivered as the man before her fell to his knees a foot away from her.

Overhaul sneered, taking in the pain as he took the hit of the Rewind. He dropped to his knees as the rough rewind racked through his whole body. He could feel the changes in his body as it reverted through time. Remembering when he first discovered Eri's quirk, marveling over its potential – terrified what she could do if she wasn't under his control. All those times he had cut through her skin, marring her delicate white skin and had eagerly watched the skin rewound itself from the damage until he completely exploited her limit. He had experimented on how far he could push the girl until he found the highlight of her ability – the ability that could affect one's time, physically and genetically. He gritted his teeth as he felt the burning awareness in his arms – screaming through his clenched teeth at the sensation. "Listen Overhaul, a guy spouting off about getting rid of all quirks shouldn't be relying on quirks, right? Hehe, now you're a useless, helpless, quirkless wonder!" He was reliving the Decay, Shigaraki's mocking laughter echoed through him again, spitting in his face and ridiculing his hard work. "All that hard work you put in – It's mine now! You should just sit back and watch! Have a nice life." Just sit back and watch… Just sit back and watch… Those simple words haunted him for months – those exact words.

Eri slid down the wall, wincing through her quirk as she witnessed her nightmare recoiling in pain as he fell to his knees further. Her eyes were wide with fearful tears as she watched him scream, his forehead pressed to the ground as he screamed through clenched teeth. Eri squirmed deeper into the wall as he was nearly leaning into her, determined to push her over the edge to fulfill the deed. She watched in horror as he screamed again, the sleeves on his shirt seemed to fill.

Overhaul attempted to seize the screams, but the sensation was nauseating in pain – he had been too disorientated the first time around when his arms were Decayed, but right now, he was fully conscious and aware of everything. With the Rewind, he could feel the burning Decay – it was like being cremated alive – feeling the skin rotting and festering away before the bones turned to dust. The Decay had dried up skin, ligaments, and bones – progressing the body as though it was going through the process of death, the different stages of the decomposition of a corpse. To feel that process in reverse was even more nauseating as his bones and ligaments reformed – fleshing out the empty sleeves. He opened his eyes through the pain, feeling slight waves of relief through the Decay as the remanence of the quirk disappeared just as his hands fleshed out with tendons and skin. He fisted his hands into the ground feeling the sensation of his finger tips brushing the rough edges of the floor. His gold eyes stared back at tearful red ones that were inches from him, both of them glowing in a dull gold as she continued to rewind him.

He gritted his teeth as another pain racked through his body as though he was getting torn apart. He kept his gold eyes on her and remarked humorlessly, "I figured."

Eri stared at him fearfully seeing the man giving her a sobered expression as it grew in pain. Her breath hitched in desperation as she willed herself to stop, begging herself to not kill another person. She gasped out in pain as her quirk cut off – the glow dismissed from both of them. Shakily, she watched as the Yakuza fell to his side. When he hit the ground, the floor's spikes shattered. Eri breathed frantically, noticing him not moving – Check if he's breathing. She crawled towards him, pushing him onto his back to see if he was still alive. Her red eyes caught the slight rise of his chest, she rendered him unconscious.

The little girl exhaled shakily; a wave of self-appreciation filled her with her ability to stop herself without someone's help. Her eyes shifted to her grandfather that still snoozed in his bed, unaffected of what had transpired right in front of him. The worry of rewinding someone out of existence again had lessened. Just now, she had prevented herself from being consumed by powerful emotions while rewinding the man that brought her the most pain and fear. Being able to control herself from not killing him with all those emotions wrapped around in her quirk, showed her that she was capable of controlling her quirk if she put her mind to it.

She winced feeling dizzy as exhaustion kicked in from using her quirk extensively. Eri stood up on shaky legs as she moved towards one of the chairs in the room to gather her bearings.


"…Chisaki, I get that you are trying to repay me from getting you off the streets, but you take things a little too far… I can't have you straying so far from our way of doing things."

That overwhelming feeling of being a disappointment had weighed heavily on him, the constant attempts of finding ways to have the Yakuza get its respect back was exhausting and tedious. Constantly getting into fights to put people in their place, attempting to take on more projects through drugs behind the old man's acknowledgement just to get the Yakuza some leeway in the underworld… But time and time again, the old man had found out and scolded him for it.

Didn't the old man realize his old way ideals had doomed them to almost extinction…? Kai had wanted the Yakuza to take back the underworld – make it into a reality. He had been so excited to share his plans of the quirk destroying product and serum, to truly show that he had thought of a profitable project that would benefit the clan. He was practically grinning like a proud child when he presented it to Pops, telling him this would bring the Hassaikai in control of Japan from the shadows – But…

"Haven't I told you no already? The child, really? How little do you think of people…? If you don't want to follow our ways… then you should leave." The old man's words had shattered him, it was as though a knife was twisted into his chest at the realization that Pops was disgusted with him.

All he ever wanted was to repay the debt to the old man, all he ever wanted was for his wellbeing – to restore his pride and joy of an esteemed Yakuza clan. It had all been the sick and fake heroes that had pushed Pops into a corner of fearing a disbandment – he just wanted to bring it all back, like in Pops' prime… Like what he had envisioned when the old man told him of his past stories – he wanted to create something that the Boss would love…

The look of pure shocked betrayal that had crossed Pops' face when he realized the movement of Chisaki drawing closer to him… Overhaul jolted awake with the faint dream of his own words whispering in an empty voice, "I just want to repay the debt I owe you, so please just sit back… and watch." He breathed heavily feeling an overwhelming sense of dread wash over him as he gathered his bearings, noticing he was on the floor of the old man's hospital room.

Subconsciously, his hand went to his head, gripping at the side of his face. His eyes widened, realizing his hands were back – That's right, she rewound me… She was too afraid to fix Pops. Overhaul stood up, his gold gaze went to the old man, I can restore him. He noticed the little girl had dozed off on the chair by the bedside. He didn't know how long he was unconscious for. Attentively, he listened for any sounds of boots or metal from the other side of the wall – hearing nothing, his full attention went to Pops.

His hands shook slightly, getting déjà vu of towering over the old man's unconscious form. Emotions were eating at him, everything he had gone through – a mere rewind apparently couldn't heal the mental turmoil. His body felt refreshed and relaxed, the most it had ever been for as long as he could remember, but it was a façade due to the physically erased time on him. Mentally, it was like nothing had changed, the hardships and the ghost pains of recently erased damage still hit him. He gave a weak smirk, fine with the burden – it was a reminder of what had truly transpired, something that can set his mind straight on what was important. The Boss was important, and his wellbeing should be the only thing that should matter – his own past beliefs aren't going to matter, he will finally heed the old man's ways.

After he pulled the breathing tube out of Pops' throat, his hand stopped short from the old man's forehead, he felt nervous – it had been a long time since he had conversed with Pops… There was so much to say, that needed to be said. He took in a sharp inhale; he was prepared for the old man's fury and he deserved it.

The little girl stirred, sensing someone near her. She tensed in the seat noticing it was Kai that was standing before her with his back to her, too focused on her grandfather. She silently listened to him take some hesitant breathes with his hand hovering over the bedridden man.

"I thought I needed to do this… I just wanted to make you proud. I'm sorry Pops, for everything." Overhaul closed his eyes, willing himself to just do it – face the consequences. His palm pressed onto Pops' cold forehead; he felt a stab of emotions by the unsettled feeling. He concentrated; it had been so long since he had complete control over his quirk – the ability to reconstruct something so delicate. His quirk from his feet was more sporadic, making it difficult to precisely overhaul a singular thing. He took a shuddering breath, repairing what he had destroyed that prevented the old man from coming out of the coma.

Under his palm, the old man shuddered with a gurgled cough. He backed away, averting his eyes to the ground and bent his body in a slight bow, waiting for the old man to come to his senses.

Eri watched everything, seeing Kai's mixture of relief and guilt that crossed his face as he healed her grandfather. How his expression became solemn as he stepped away and bowed in an almost 90-degree angle. Her eyes went to her grandfather as he coughed heavily, his grey eyes fluttered open – confusion and disorientation took root, unsettled in the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Sir…" Overhaul stressed, lifting his head slightly to see the old man gazing around in shocked confusion. His heart stopped seeing those grey eyes fall on him, seeing the same look the old man had given him the moment he put him into the coma. He fell to his knees, bowing on his hands and knees, "What I've done could never be excusable. I am prepared for whatever you decide, but I will be devoted to everything you would ask of me."

The Boss took in his surroundings, his body felt heavy as he lifted his head and took notice of his granddaughter and the boy he had raised. He flinched as memories rushed through him of what had transpired that must have brought them to this point… Seeing Chisaki on his hands and knees asking for servitude for something that even the boy felt was inexcusable. He knew Chisaki was very ambitious and would overstep if he felt things were beneficial… and for him to be asking for forgiveness – unsettled the old man.

"Chisaki… What more have you done?" Pops asked, he remembered the younger man's proposal on revenue for the clan.

Kai's blood ran cold, knowing what he will say would surely disappoint the old man, "The Shie Hassaikai compound was raided – I destroyed the clan." The gold eyes swelled up in dread seeing the horrified expression that crossed Pops' face. "I disregarded your wishes; I went through with the experiments on your granddaughter. I thought – I just wanted to put the Yakuza back on top, and it blew up in my face. I'm so sorry sir." Gold eyes diverted to the floor again as he bowed once more.

"You –." The old man's voice raised before it went into coughing fits. Kai avoided looking at the old man, knowing he deserved whatever was thrown at him. Pops yelled once more, "How could you?!"

Kai closed his eyes, numbness radiated through him, "I just thought I could prove to you that I was able to revive the clan's respect and stability with more operations… I wanted to give you a clan that you would be proud of –."

"By making it nonexistent?!"

"I never would have thought – I figured I had enough power to prevent anyone from going against us." The younger man muttered, nitpicking himself of his failure to avoid problems with the League of Villains and heroes. All the months of scrutinizing every action he had done that ultimately brought this failure erupted to the surface again – causing him to shake and hyperventilate slightly.

Pops sat up glaring at the man who seemed to make himself smaller, "I had warned you about your arrogance."

Kai winced, attempting to collect himself as he grew more with desperation, "I had reaped the consequences with dishonor, imprisonment, and amputation. I only look like this due to your granddaughter restoring my arms. Everything that had transpired can never be forgotten, but I will devote my whole being to you… Use me at your disposal – let me regain some use to you, please."

The Boss stared at Chisaki, seeing the genuine dread and turmoil in his expression – a flicker of desperation and hope was also in the gold eyes as he held the gaze. The old man glanced at the little girl by his bedside, "Child, be honest with me of what had happened."

Overhaul felt dread run through him, knowing all too well on the torture and trauma the girl went through by his own hands. It was over, Pops would rather go into this dangerous world alone than having him of all people be by his side for protection. His gold gaze fell to the floor, allowing the dread to consume him more, knowing this was the point to all of his anxiety of reuniting with Pops alongside her. It was stupid for him to think the old man would simply overlook someone who had twisted the request to look after his own flesh and blood.

Eri nervously looked between her grandfather and her tormentor. "He hurt me and made me feel like I was responsible for the people he hurt and killed…" She noticed Kai had stiffened and winced, realizing she was in control of his life as well. "He got locked up, but had been broken out with the rest of the villains in prison… right now cities are destroyed and villains and heroes are fighting. Even though all of this is happening, the first thing he wanted to do was to go back to you."

Gold eyes widened in disbelief, baffled that the child he had tortured would put him in a better light. Why is she doing this? She has the opportunity to make Pops hate me more…

Pops stared at his granddaughter then back to the man, "Is this true?"

"Hero society has fallen; villains are running amuck and civilization is behind hero-mandated walls. I didn't want to leave you undefended – right now there is a destructive mob and authorities flooding the streets… If you allow me, let me show you how I can protect you. Let me be the obedient soldier that I have failed to prove myself to be." Overhaul stressed bowing further with his heart pounding in his throat by the uncertainty. Whatever Pops decides… he will abide by it.

"Boy, I never wanted you to be a mindless soldier." Pops sighed, feeling Chisaki still doesn't understand humanity. Like the boy couldn't grasp his own moral compass of making righteous decisions.

"I will be whatever you want me to be, sir. I already strayed away and I will solely be a body at your disposal. Please let me be useful, that is all I want." Overhaul pleaded. For months, he had to live with the guilt and destruction of everything he knew, completely driving him to the brink of insanity – he didn't deserve his own opinions or rights, he would gladly become a blank body if it would be of some use to the old man.

Pops gazed towards the window, noticing plumes of smoke in the distance within the city. "What do you plan to have us do? You've stated that the clan has been destroyed and the country is in chaos. Do you expect us to run from authorities?"

Overhaul peered down, unsure if he should suggest anything, "The decision solely falls on you, oyabun."

Pops shook his head, "Expecting others to fall from your own consequences? You forced my hand on the options that are laid out for me, Chisaki."

"Whatever you decide I will obey. If you want me gone, I will abide your decision." Overhaul remarked lowering his eyes to not meet his grey.

"You would leave now?" Pops asked.

Overhaul nervously gazed up at Pops, "I would rather stay by your side, but the decision should not be made by me. That decision should have never been mine to make and I apologize for overstepping that."

"You will not get the easy way out. You have too much to atone for than to just leave everything that I have done into the disarray that you have managed to create all by yourself." Pops scolded, the audacity of the boy thinking he would get away from the destruction he had caused. He had suggested exile before Chisaki could cause more trouble, but now with everything destroyed? He will not let that boy leave with nothing but his seemingly guilt. He will not let Chisaki get away with nothing to show for, without rebuilding something.

Overhaul felt different emotions hit him, "Yes, I understand sir, I will graciously be in your service –."

"Seize the pleasantries, boy."

Overhaul lowered his eyes, biting his tongue to prevent anymore words from escaping him.

Eri stared at what was transpiring in front of her – shocked how a man that would never feel guilt stricken with his ease of just slaughtering people for solely disrespecting him, would allow the old man to scold him. How this physically powerful man would bend to hierarchy and allow the older man to put formative shackles on him.

"Grandpa, I want to go back and help."

Pops peered towards the little girl, his expression softening on her, "Go back?"

"I want to help the heroes –."

"Heroes? I would think the people would be more important and are in need of help if society is in such disarray…" Pops remarked, pondering on how far off their territory had become since the fall.

All three of their attentions were brought to the commotion on the other side of the concrete.

Overhaul tensed hearing the authorities on the other side of his makeshift barrier.

The old man shifted out of the bed, nearly dropping to the ground if it weren't for Kai's quick reflexes.

Eri nervously looked at the barrier to the two men, "Please don't hurt anyone."

"Sir?" Overhaul peered at Pops waiting for an order.

Pops studied the desperate look on his granddaughter's face and that of his willing bodyguard, "Chisaki, get us out of here."

Eri froze as the ability to help the heroes slipped away as Kai grabbed her under his shoulder just as he hauled her grandfather nearly over his other shoulder just as his quirk erupted the whole side of the building. The contents of the building overhauled under them as the floor shot down towards another skyscraper.

The little girl gripped tightly onto the strong arm that held her just as he moved them through buildings, reconstructing the area to make way for their escape. She glanced around his arm, noticing he simultaneously closed out the overhauled destruction to prevent any tails from forming and constructed a clear pathway ahead of them. He was literally constructing their stairway to freedom… but ultimately, she felt the fleeting moments of self-expression slipping away as her reach for the heroes was cut off by a slab of concrete.


See you all for next chapter "Rebel" let me know what you all think and if you have any ideas for the future progression of this story.

If you are familiar with my other Overhaul-centric stories, I tend to write similar personalities for characters. There might be some similarities on dynamics between Eri, Overhaul, and Pops but there will be differences due to the severity of their situation because of the fall of the Shie Hassaikai so stay tuned...