The first thing that All for One noticed was a sudden change in his awareness.
As someone who had spent the last five years missing most of the sensory organs a normal man would have, he had become rather reliant on his own stolen collection of Quirks to remain aware of the world surrounding him. It hadn't actually been that hard, if he was honest.
Infrared Vision, Emotional Detection, Increased Hearing, Tasting Touch.
It was easy enough for him to replace any function with the right Quirk, but that still meant he needed to use those Quirks day in and day out. Even a man such as him had limits, and once the Quirk Exhaustion came and he fell asleep, he was alone in the darkness. In the dreams and hauntings.
But this time was different. He could 'see' around him, as if there was nothing wrong with him at all.
'Is this… one of those dreams?' All for One thought curiously. 'Have the vestiges of those I've stolen from come back to bemoan their fates once again? No, this feels different.'
Looking around he could only see a blank white void. He was seeming standing on a platform of nothingness, standing in the bleached abyss by himself. But then there was a shimmer, and the figure that haunted his dreams appeared beside him.
"What-?!" All Might shouted as he materialized from nothingness, form flickering like static. "What just happened?"
All for One was prepared with a catty reply but found himself stopping as he truly saw the man in front of him. Instead of the hulking mass of muscle that had nearly ended his life, there was a skeletal, broken man. The familiar costume hanged off the man's body like a suit that was too large, under which a great scar could be seen.
He had known that All Might had sustained serious injuries in their battle. While not as severe as his own, they still should have killed a lesser man. It was clear through careful analysis that the Symbol of Peace was slowly crumbling, but this state was beyond even his greatest estimates. If this was somehow real, then maybe his plans were ahead of schedule.
"Where am I? What did-!" All Might's rambling was cut off as he finally glanced up at All for One. His face hardened, and he suddenly lunged forward. "You!"
All for One tried to call upon his Quirks to defend himself, only to find that they did not respond. All Might, likewise, found his fist slammed into an invisible barrier between them, and he looked at it in confusion.
"I can't use One for All?" All Might said in horror, his form flickering again before glaring up at him. "What did you do, you bastard!"
"I didn't do anything, honest!" All for One said in an unconvincing voice. He truly had done nothing, but he couldn't resist the look of rage that it caused his nemesis. Inwardly though, he had begun to panic. None of his Quirks were working as they should. He could feel them stored within, but any attempt to actually activate his namesake Quirk and use them produced nothing.
"How are you still alive?!" All Might shouted.
"Am I? Or is this just another visit to your dreams? Should I find some other memory to dig up instead?" All for One mocked. While he wasn't sure if the All Might in front of him was real, he would prefer that if he was, that the man wouldn't be sure if… whatever was happening was even real.
'Is it One for All? Did we resonate somehow? But that shouldn't be possible without direct contact!' All for One began to think.
"No! I… I was at U.A. High. Everything was fine, and then I blinked, and I was here." All Might said, sparing a glance at the white void around them. "This is clearly some trick of yours! Is this place even real?"
All for One couldn't help but sigh. This buffoon clearly had a one-track mind. It was an embarrassment that he ever lost to him. "Honestly, All Might. You should take a breath. Those injuries seem rather severe. Maybe you should retire?" He said soothingly.
"You-" All Might's face contorted in annoyance, but his retort was cut off as a single red star appeared in the spotless abyss above them.
Both turned suddenly as the star began to expand, forming a wireframe of blood red in the vague shape of a human. It then began to fill in and refine itself, until there was a glowing red human floating in front of them. It lacked any facial features, instead a single bright light shone from within its holographic skin where it's brain should be.
This body floated down so that it stood between the two of them, before bowing stiffly.
[Greetings.]
'… What?' All for One glanced at All Might, who looked at him equally stumped. Neither dared move at the bizarre newcomer, who's robotic voice spoke seemed to speak directly in their heads.
There was a pause before the figure decided to move again. It stood back up at attention, and All for One could see the light in its head slowly blink. It then waved a hand, and the void around them changed suddenly.
[You are uncomfortable with the current surroundings.]
[Let me attempt to simulate a proper meeting area.]
Walls, ceilings, and floors suddenly came flying out from nothing. They found themselves standing in an empty room. With another wave from the figure, a rather luxurious seat appeared underneath him and All Might, as a desk appeared in front of the figure. Other accessories and details formed until a typical office had propped up within the void, as stark white as it.
The figure sat behind the desk and gestured to the chairs that it had seemingly conjured.
[Please, sit.]
All for One continued staring for a few more moments, before shrugging and following the figures suggestion. He lay back in the chair, crossing a leg as he got comfortable. All Might looked wary but followed suit a moment later. The man at least seemed convinced now that he had nothing to do with their current predicament.
The Hero's form continued to flicker again, as if he wasn't entirely there. All for One wasn't sure what it meant, but between that and the way the figure manipulated the world around it, this place wasn't quite in the real world.
'How fascinating.' There was another pause while the figure stared at them. All for One let out another sigh. It was quickly becoming clear that whoever this was, they were unfamiliar with social interaction. 'I guess I'll have to step in. Maybe I can steer this conversation in a productive direction.'
"Perhaps some introductions are in order? I'm afraid you have the two of us at a disadvantage." All for One asked the figure.
[That would be acceptable.]
[I am a techno-organic construct created to facilitate and analyze the development of extraordinary powers in other sentient beings.]
[I believe the term used by your species for my being is an Alien.]
"An… Alien?" All Might echoed dumbly.
[Correct.]
"Huh." All for One grunted. That was… not where he expected this to go. He had not thought of aliens for decades. He remembered the craze of extra-terrestrial beings back during the dawn of Quirks, but it had entirely died off as society shifted to that of the extraordinary. He didn't quite buy that the being in front of him was truly an alien. "So, Mr. Alien, where exactly are we? Your spaceship?" He asked jokingly.
[Negative.]
[Your bodies are currently being held in an organic storage unit.]
"A what's it now?" The figure looked over to All Might, pulling up a hand and holographically displaying a device of truly unknown design.
[It is a device that modifies a body with sufficient extraordinary energy into only said energy and storing them in an organized system.]
[The exact genetic structure is stored along with the energy, allowing a being to be frozen and later reformed with the proper equipment.]
[Due to the digital nature of this system, it is possible to link the beings within a virtual environment to allow for communication without release.]
All for One gripped the arms of his chair in increasing worry. He knew enough about old-world Pop Culture to know where this was going. "So, the two of us here to be experimented on?"
[Negative.]
[You two have been brought forward out of the others contained due to a certain issue that has presented itself.]
"Wait, others?!" All Might cried, noticing the beings wording. He let out a growl. "How many other people do you have captive here?"
The 'Alien' gestured to the globe on its desk, and a red pulse encompassed the entire sphere.
[The Energy Detector/Converter's last activation had a radius equal to the planet it is currently situated on.]
All Might gasped. "But that would mean-"
[Current capacity of system has surpassed 10 billion units.]
Every person with a Quirk. This being claimed to have most of the world contained within its own computer. A kidnapping on a global stage. If All for One hadn't been taken along with them, he'd be quite impressed.
"H-How?! What even is the purpose of such an action? What do you want?" All Might demanded.
[Data.]
"Data?"
[Data on powers, and how they react upon reaching critical mass within an organic body.]
'Critical mass within an organic body? Could he be talking about the Quirk Singularity Theory?' All for One was surprised that even an alien would be concerned with such a theory. But if that was the reason for this talk, then he could only think of one reason why they specifically were called upon.
[Which brings us to the reason for your summoning.]
The figure pointed to All Might.
[The power held within your body reached the prerequisite for initiating the recall operation, but once brought into the storage unit, somehow left your body and entered a new host.]
So, it was about One for All. It sounded like his brother's Quirk pulled the same trick on this alien that it had on himself numerous times. It took considerable effort not to laugh at its misfortune. Though he was surprised it took this long for it to be passed along, in all honesty.
[As it is the only power that met the prerequisite level, returning it promptly to storage is of the utmost importance.]
"Can you not just use the same method to capture us the first time?" All for One asked, probing for information.
[The power required to use the Convertor at such a scale takes a significant amount of time to charge.]
[A rough estimate of your species capabilities suggests that the current host would pass before another charge can be used, thus a direct capture must be initiated.]
[You two have been summoned due to being the previous user or having similar genetic power-sequencing found within you, meaning a high likelihood of knowing the new host of the power.]
'So, he can detect the relation between One for All and All for One? They were from my brother and I, so the base genetics must be similar.' He realized. But to be able to tell such a relation implied impressive understandings of genetics.
"Forget it! Like I'd tell you anything!" All Might spat.
That was understandable. The users of One for All have always been protective of their students, in order to prevent the Quirk being stolen. Whether the one doing the stealing was a Demon Lord or an Alien, they would rather die than surrender knowledge about their successor.
He had different priorities, however. "What would be in it for me?"
"What?!"
[Elaborate.]
"It's just that you haven't given me many reasons to help you. Say I provide you with information on the one you are searching for. Are you just going to put me back in storage afterwards? It's all about give and take, you see. A trade." All for One explained.
[Your logic is understood.]
[Then an even trade for the capture of one person would be the release of another, yes?]
"I help find you the current holder of One for All, and you let me go? Those are more than acceptable terms." He said happily.
"Don't you dare-!" All Might leapt out of his chair to lunge at him, only to be blocked by the same invisible wall.
The thought of there being no people left with Quirks was saddening, but it was likely that children who had yet to develop their abilities were spared. And with the increasing strength of each generation, there will be plenty Quirks to take again eventually. Not to mention whatever chaos the world was likely in due to the mass disappearance would easily allow him to regain his seat as the shadow ruler of Japan.
Nobody left but those without Quirks, looking to him for guidance and power. It'd be just like the good old days… but that would mean giving up his brother's Quirk. It was unfortunate that he wouldn't be able to take it for himself, but to have that thorn removed would still ease him greatly.
Besides, it didn't have to stay that way forever…
[There is one condition to your release, however.]
He gripped his seat arms, already predicting what such a condition would be. "And that is?"
[Your power, this 'Quirk', must stay for research.]
[It will be transferred elsewhere, and you will be released without it.]
"Heh." All Might let out a laugh, and All for One couldn't help but sigh at the predictability.
"That might prove complicated. As I'm sure you can see, my body has been heavily injured. Without my Quirk, I wouldn't be able to function properly." All for One said, gesturing to his deformed face, courtesy of the man to his left. "It defeats the purpose of being released if I'd likely die soon after."
Not to mention his breathing equipment may not have come with him. He truly might die minutes after leaving without his Quirk.
[That shall not be an issue.]
[We possess a biological machine to manipulate genetics and can use it to shape your body to the state it would be in its prime by reading the information within.]
"You… You can completely read and rewrite genetic information?" He asked in true amazement. If it was a biological machine, then that must mean it was a Quirk of some kind. The possibilities of complete Genetic Manipulation would be incredible.
[It cannot create completely new information and requires references and samples in order to introduce new elements to a body.]
[But to change a body to its ideal form would be a simple measure.]
[Do we have a deal?]
All for One sat and thought for a moment. The pro's and con's seemed to bounce around in his head, but he kept getting drawn back to what the being in front of him had revealed. He hated giving up such power, but he clearly wasn't the one in position to make demands. But just because the power was no longer in him, did not mean it wouldn't still be his.
"When you say my Quirk will be transferred, what exactly does that entail? Will you give it to someone else?" All for One asked.
[Your 'Quirk' carries a significant amount of energy, and the chances of damaging it if moved into an already existing user carries risk.]
[Our system possesses extra 'Organic logic processors' that can be loaded with powers as needed.]
[It will be stored within one of those until a suitable host can be found.]
'Then perhaps there's a chance…' He put a hand to his chin. It was a longshot, but there may be a path out of this where he didn't have to lose anything at all. During his musings, All Might finally spoke up again, addressing the alien.
"You're wasting your time. This… monster loves one thing and one thing only. Quirks. There's no way he'd give up something like that. He'd value it more than his life-"
"They're at U.A. High." Both All Might and the figure turned in surprise at his answer. "All Might said he was there before this, and if he's passed on his Quirk to someone, then they were likely taking the Entrance Exam when you did your little planet-scale abduction."
"All for One…" All Might's face paled. "Why? Why would you accept such a deal? You're the most Quirk obsessed person in existence! Don't tell me you're willing to get give it up to get back at me-"
"Don't kid yourself, All Might." All for One laughed as he got up from his seat. "I'm a centuries-old Supervillain. You don't think losing my Quirk wasn't the first contingency I planned around?"
"What are you scheming now, you monster." All Might asked, trying his best to pass the unseeable wall between them.
"I'm afraid you'll never know." One for All walked over to the figure, raising a hand. "So, let's shake on it?"
The alien looked at the hand for a moment, before finally understanding the gesture and raising a hand of his own in response. They shook, and suddenly it was just the two of them present.
[An agreement has been reached.]
[Preparing transfer and genetic editing.]
The world around him seemed to bleed away, and the red figure melted away as tendrils reached into All for One's own body. His awareness began to slip away, but in his final moments he felt as if some part of him had removed.
'So begins the gamble. Let's see which of us truly get what we want in the end.'
When All for One next became aware, he was blinded by a light. He brought a hand up to shield his eyes, only to realize a moment later what he was doing. Lowering the arm back down, he slowly began to open his eyes for the first time in five years.
He was met with blue and yellow. There was empty sky all around him, and the ground was of some sort of desert, filled with nothing but sand and whatever tiny plants could survive. Hills in the distance could be seen that reminded him of American post cards.
Enjoying the return of his senses, he took a deep breath. The air was dry and the heat was scorching in his suit, but he had never felt more alive. Looking around again, he noticed that he was standing at the side of a long road, with a couple abandoned vehicles sitting along it. There was a highway sign with a two-digit number on it.
'95'
"The States? How did I get here?" He asked himself.
[You were released here by me.]
"What?!" All for One glanced around, trying to find the red figure again, only to find himself alone.
[I am not physically with you.]
[You are being monitored using a power given to you.]
"You gave me a Quirk? Why?" All for One asked in confusion.
[Your continued freedom is reliant on the accuracy of your information.]
[Until then, this power will be used to ensure you make no actions that could sabotage my efforts.]
"Oh? What are you going to do if I do something bad? Summon your UFO and probe me?" He laughed, only for a killer headache to suddenly come on. The pain was so bad he wanted to collapse but his body didn't due as he ordered, instead standing still.
"This power allows for more than watching from a distance." His own voice said, but not by him. "If you do something to compromise my work, the copy of Genetic Manipulation implanted within you will activate and break down your body. Are we clear?"
"I get it, I get it!" All for One cried, finally regaining control. He collapsed to his knees as the pain lifted, and he cursed under his breath. 'My plans might prove more complicated to execute than initially thought in this case.'
[There is a major settlement approximately 40 kilometers Southeast.]
[It is recommended that you commandeer a nearby vehicle for transportation.]
"I could figure that out myself, thank you very much." He grumbled as he walked towards a nearby truck. It appeared that its previous owner had turned the vehicle off before they disappeared, likely to take a picture, meaning that it had plenty of charge left. They were also stupid enough to leave the keys inside and doors unlocked. "Perfect."
He hopped into the driver's seat, gripping the wheel nervously. It had been five years since he had any form of hand-eye coordination, and he honestly couldn't remember the last time he drove for himself. Being an uber-rich crime boss along with having a teleporting butler made such matters unimportant. He was also in America, and everything was mirrored.
He honestly hadn't driven anywhere in almost a century.
"Oh well, no time to learn like the present."
Not like there was anyone on the road to hit. As All for One started up the truck and began to slowly make his way towards what remained of civilization, he began to form his plan. Even if his Quirk was gone, the Empire he had formed still existed. Sure, most of his followers and underlings within it had vanished, but the material and money gained were still around. And that was a form of power that didn't disappear so easily.
There might have been a concern of whether his money would be worth anything still, but such systems were strengthened rather extensively after the Dawn of Quirks and the Collapse, to prevent a repeat of total anarchy. His money would still be good, and that was all he'd need to get to where he needed.
Japan. Specifically, to Jaku Hospital and the Doctor's lab.
There was just the matter of his identity. All for One wasn't as well known a name in America, and even if it was, without the ability to use his Quirk, it was only a matter of time before the authorities got to him. He did not need to deal with the American military in his current state.
That meant he needed to use one of his alter-egos.
He had cultivated many over the years, across multiple countries. They mostly just existed as public faces for the various activities he cultivated over the years. Something to put in the record books in case someone snooped too closely. But there was one that he held fondness for, and it seemed appropriate to use considering his lack of Quirks (from humans, at least).
For the foreseeable future, he was no longer Mugen Shigaraki, Demon Lord of Japan and wielder of All for One. Now, he was now Reiji Shigaraki, the Quirkless Billionaire Philanthropist who had recently returned to the public eye after an experimental Quirk Healing treatment in America. A man interested in Quirks, who has loads of money and connections, and is more than willing to spend it to get Japan back on its feet… for a price.
'And so I go from having everything to nothing.' Shigaraki said to himself. 'I suppose this is karma catching up to me. But if the world thought removing my Quirk would keep me down, then they are sorely mistaken. After all, isn't it a common saying that if something is truly important…'
'Then be sure to keep a spare handy.'
Next Chapter: Working Your Way Up