Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia. Original characters are in a sort of grey area but whatever.

Issue 45 - Shigaraki has Come to make an Announcement!

Izuku had to admit, I-Island was already shaping up to be something special. After a boring time at airport security, the excitement ramped back up when they finally made it to the main building. Several posters of I-Island's biggest supporters decorated the main foyer, Izuku squealing internally when he saw All Might standing proudly with his oldest American friend, other politicians and scientists occupying pride of place.

Still, he had to have some self control.

Then he spotted a familiar vehicle in a display case and all self control left him. "Oh my gosh, that's the Allmobile!" He ran over as quickly and politely as he could, staring at it with longing.

All Might and David Shield had had so many adventures in this, it was unreal! A true historical artifact!

Mei's eyes stitched themselves to it. A thin line of drool came from her mouth. "Such a beautiful Baby…"

"Always happy to see fans of my older work," a familiar voice said from behind them. Whirling around, Izuku gaped as his science and Quirk analysis idol rubbed the back of his head. "This was one of my biggest projects back in the day."

"D-David Shield?! Oh wow, oh wow-" Izuku fumbled over himself. "Can I - uh - autograph?"

Mei grinned beside him. "Make it two! Oh, I never imagined meeting David Shield without any proper Babies to show him but this will have to do!"

Laughing, Shield signed a pair of autographs, handing them back. Izuku immediately pulled out a plastic sleeve to house it properly, Mei following suit. "It never matters how many of those I give out, it always feels magical." He gestured. "Come, we've got a lot to do."

As they walked down the hallway, Izuku looked up. "Mr. Shield, I-I have so many questions about your analysis of Quirks! I-you wrote the book on breaking down Quirks!"

Mei ran after him. "I have so many Babies to show you, Mr. Shield! Too bad the security team didn't allow me to take anything here to show you my greatness!"

David Shield turned to them. "You don't have to worry too much about that, Hatsume. Since my daughter was competing in the U.A Sports Festival, I was watching it pretty closely - it was the reason why I asked for the pair of you!"

He leaned over to the door, raising his glasses to scan his retina. "Your ingenuity and technical skill with machines was a big reason!" David grinned at Izuku. "And Melissa told me about your work with her invisible classmate."

David Shield has heard about my work! I'm so happy!

The laboratory inside was everything Izuku had ever dreamed of. Next to him, Mei wiped a tear from her eye. "It's beautiful…" they chorused.

"Now, Power Loader advised me to, quote, 'not let Hatsume work with nuclear materials.' Which is a pretty reasonable request." David Shield grinned. "Your Internship here will be spent working with my team."

Mei cackled. "Oh, I'm going to make so many Babies here!"

"You remember the terms of being here, Hatsume?"

Mei grumbled, but nodded. "Don't take any Baby back home, as it could be a security risk… Such a waste, though!" Science needs to be free!"

David nodded solemnly. "I agree with you, but the Board has to be careful with anything we make." He managed to smile."Now, Midoriya, since you have an interest in Quirk analysis, would you like to work with me on that front?"

Izuku blinked. Work on Quirk analysis? With David Shield? His knees grew weak at the thought. "I-I would - yes! Yes please!"

All I have to do is not embarrass myself in front of my idol! If I can analyse more Quirks… then I can make my work as Mastermind even better! It's perfect!

The day went by seemingly in a flash, Izuku working on various scanners and breaking down Quirks with pen and paper and Mei working hard in a team with other engineers. At the end, they went to their dorms, tired yet triumphant. Izuku stared up at the ceiling, mind running at a million miles a minute.

Of course, he was worried about his League of Super Villains, but while he was here in I-Island he was effectively cut off from them. Still, he had faith that they could manage without him.

—

Minoru glanced over to Iida as they started on the paperwork. "So, why'd you sign up for Mount Lady? Are you a man of culture as well?"

That was part of the reason why he had come. After dealing with his issues, Minoru had hit upon a brilliant idea. He was going to go to whichever heroine would make an offer and deal with his issues by being surrounded by attractive women in spandex.

Iida shook his head. "A man of culture?"

"Uh, you know…" Minoru shook his head when he saw Iida's confused expression. "Never mind."

Mount Lady walked past with a stack of papers. "Keep at it, kids! You're gonna be doing a lot of this when you become Heroes." A piece of paper dropped. "Ah, whoops." She bent down to grab it, and Minoru shuddered.

Instinctively he dropped into a pushup to try and banish the thoughts. Sweat beaded on his brow and he grit his teeth. She did things like that a lot. Admittedly, it wasn't really a sexy or flirtatious thing, Minoru's eyes kept drifting over to her assets before he wrenched them back.

Please, God. Stop sending me your toughest battles!

Mount Lady gave him an odd look, before shrugging. "Eh, personal fitness is always good." She gave them all a level look. "Now, we're going to be patrolling with Kamui Woods soon, so try to get as much done as you can."

She left, Minoru grumbling slightly as he filled out another form. There seemed to be a lot of them, most for some kind of property destruction. "Are you having fun, Iida?"

"Of course! This is an important part of being a Hero!"

Minoru cracked his knuckles. "Now that we got a kind of quiet moment, I'm kinda curious. What other Heroes did you apply for?"

Iida hesitated. "I applied to Manual, but unfortunately he had already taken on a student."

Minoru hummed. "Manual, huh?" He racked his brain, before he slapped a fist into his palm. "Oh yeah, the water guy in Hosu! Didn't he fight Mastermind before he escaped?"

Iida nodded stiffly. "Yes. I felt that his well balanced approach could have really benefited me as a Hero. I was looking forward to working with him."

"And Hosu was where Ingenium got attacked by Stain." Minoru looked up. "Sorry to hear about that."

It was one thing to know that Heroes risked their lives. It was another to hear that one of your future classmates had a relative who got attacked by a deranged serial killer.

The taller boy frowned. "Thank you for your condolences. But I will be fine."

That made Minoru pause. That hadn't sounded much like the Class President at all. "Yeah… and you signed up with Mount Lady… a heroine who is mostly famous for fighting Mastermind. The guy who kidnapped Ingenium."

Iida's face went curiously blank. "Is she? I… suppose she is. But there is still a lot she can teach me about being a Hero."

Iida turned back to his work but Minoru was onto him. "Are you trying to hunt Mastermind or something?"

The taller boy looked away. "N-no."

Minoru pointed a finger at him. "You are! You want to go Villain hunting!" Iida was supposed to be the smart one, wasn't he? "I mean, I know Mastermind isn't exactly a killer, but what would make you think this is a good idea?"

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "I am not chasing him-"

"Well, at least it isn't the freaking Hero Killer you're hunting, that would be insane-" Minoru paused when Iida looked away. "The Hero Killer too?! Really?!"

Iida slammed a fist on the desk. "Yes! Even if it's a small chance, I want to pursue him! I-I can never forgive the man who hurt my brother! And though I know Mastermind just kidnapped Ingenium, I-I can't rest until my brother is safe!"

Minoru slapped a hand to his face. "And you want to chase two Villains who have both evaded experienced Pro Heroes when you haven't even finished your first year?! Oh God."

He had thought that Iida was the only sensible guy in 1-A. How could he have known that the madness was just beneath the surface? Why didn't he say he wanted to go into 1-B?! Was it too late for a transfer?

Iida stared at his hands. "I know it's a long shot, but if there's any chance of finding my brother… I'll take it."

Minoru sighed. "Look, he's with Mastermind. It's not like the guy is dangerous-"

Iida glared at him. "That fiend… His evil knows no bounds. Who knows what fiendish tortures he has in mind?! He could… He could be putting aluminium cans in the glass recycling! Or-or misfiling paperwork!"

Minoru stared at him. "Iida, that isn't torture at all." You would have to be a straight laced guy like Iida to think that was torture.

—

Tensei looked at Gentle Criminal as he carried in a plate of breakfast. The Villain chuckled as he pulled out a can of grapefruit juice. "Now then, young man. Are you willing to consider our offer of joining the League of Super Villains yet?"

"I'm not just going to abandon my career to play Villain." Tensei stuck his jaw out defiantly.

Gentle Criminal shrugged, cracking it open and taking a swig. His eyes immediately screwed up and his cheeks bulged. With as much decorum as he could, he ran over to the sink and spat the juice out. "You - you voluntarily drink this?!"

"I like grapefruit juice. It gets my engines going!"

The Villain wiped his mouth daintily with a napkin. "Well…" He poured it down the drain dramatically, Tensei shuddering slightly and looking away. Seeing something be wasted like that set him off.

The Villain then turned to the bin. 'Oh, I should put this in the proper receptacle…" The can hovered over the aluminium bin, then it went in the glass area. "There!"

Tensei shook his head slightly. "Is that the best you can do?"

Unfortunately, it was getting to him. Much as they acted differently, he and his brother both had similar OCD problems. The can sat there, taunting him.

Gentle Criminal shook his head. "No, there is far worse in store for you." He looked over to the painting that hung on the wall opposite Tensei. Chuckling, he tilted it slightly. "Enjoy your breakfast."

He closed the door, Tensei staring at the painting. Gritting his teeth, Tensei turned to the admittedly nice breakfast he had been given. The painting niggled in his mind. If he could just stand up and adjust it…

Shuddering, Tensei tried to put it out of his mind. He could only hope that his brother was alright. He took a bite of his food, and his eyes widened, checking with the other items to confirm. The cook had made the fish and miso soup ever so slightly oversalted - not enough to be inedible, but enough to put his teeth on edge. Not just that, but Mastermind has served him natto and green tea to drink, both foodstuffs that he hated.

Truly, Mastermind was a foul and despicable Villain!

—

Gentle Criminal looked over to La Brava. "I feel a bit bad doing this to him, but… It could be worse."

Stitch shrugged, cracking open a beer. "It is part of the plan."

Kouro sighed. "Right, the plan." He cracked his knuckles. "I'm going to do some practice."

The League nodded, going about their various businesses to get ready. Unlike the last time they had kidnapped somebody, this time they had a plan. Hopefully it would be enough.

Earlier…

Izuku grinned at his comrades. "Alright, everybody! I call this plan 'Heroic Kidnapping, Take Two!' Unlike last time, this one will be aimed at making some extra cash!"

A projector showed a Powerpoint behind him. "The plan is simple! A few days from now when I am on my internship at I-Island, we will strike! La Brava!"

The short Villainess looked up. "Yes?"

"We shall need you to hack into every broadcasting network to spread our message across Japan. Can you do it?"

"Practically in my sleep, Mastermind!"

"Excellento! Now," Izuku gestured to the camera showing the sleeping Ingenium, "We will show that we have Ingenium, alive and unharmed! Then, we shall broadcast our demands for his safe return!"

He chuckled maniacally. "We shall call for… Five million yen and a signature from him, devoted to me!"

The other Villains stared at him. Mr. Compress raised a hand. "Uh… why a signature from Ingenium?"

"Simplicity itself!" Izuku grinned. "A signature like that will be one of a kind. We can sell it to a discerning collector and make huge money! Not just that, but since it is such an easy item for him to procure, we are guaranteed to get it!"

"What if he doesn't sign it?" Inkblot pointed out.

Izuku sighed. "If he doesn't, then we will have to use the fake death trap to spur donations. At the time, we will not give out our location, instead letting the Heroes do the hard work in tracking us down. Even if we get a regular signature, the infamy associated with it will make it legend and worth more!"

He laughed, thunder booming. When he calmed down, he gestured to the mechanical figure. "I repaired my Diabolical Electronic Kickass Unit, and with the new A.I it should be able to mimic me quite well. La Brava, Stitch," the pair of Super Villains looked at him, "Your role will be to help manage it. Pilot it if the A.I doesn't work properly - it should, but I am leaving nothing to chance."

Izuku paced around the room. "Gentle Criminal, Inkblot, Golden Grin, your role will be to help fight off any rescuers. If the worst comes to worst, activate the other DEKU units if you need muscle."

Gentle Criminal smiled. "Hopefully it does not come to that. Will La Brava be able to boost us if things go awry?"

Izuku hummed. "She should be able to. Now," his attention turned to the rest of the League. "Mr. Compress, Kouro, your role will be to make sure Ingenium doesn't try to escape. I know that his wounds are almost too serious to allow movement, which is why he must be restrained. "

Mr. Compress saluted, and Kouro looked down. Izuku noticed, walking over. "Are you alright?"

Kouro looked up. "I-I'm still a bit nervous. What if I screw up like last time?"

Izuku blinked. "Why should you be worried?"

"I left Shinji to fight Stain, and-"

He was cut off by Izuku putting a firm hand on his shoulder. "Bushijima." When the Villain looked up at him, Izuku gave him a smile. "You didn't mess up on the last mission."

"Shinji died-"

Izuku sighed. "Much as I wish it never happened, it-it was going to happen sooner or later. I'm still not okay with Doubles being made as sacrifices, but…" He turned to the last member of the League. "Twice, as I said earlier, if there is no other option, you have my permission to make a Double."

The other Villain faltered. "You-you got it, Mastermind! I don't wanna make another one! Be quiet - I'm sorry, he's rude."

Izuku gave him a comforting smile. "Everybody knows what their role is?" With everybody answering, he cackled. "Then make everything ready for our big day!"

There had been a couple of additional meetings to finalise everything before Mastermind left for I-Island. Without Mastermind here, they were going to be at a slight disadvantage.

Mr. Compress chuckled as the group checked their equipment. How could he not? Mastermind, after all, was going to be witnessed by various Heroes while the real deal was overseas, witnessed by one of the most trusted scientists in the world. And nobody would be any wiser.

—

Enji could only stare at the corkboard in despair. Ever since the Sports Festival, Shouto had been working on this… thing. He was half tempted to burn it, only that would probably undo the progress his Masterpiece had made in controlling his flames.

Ever since he had started at his agency, Shouto had worked hard, but then he would start mentioning lizardmen conspiracies to the other sidekicks. They didn't take it seriously like he did - they thought it was funny! Burnin' had mentioned that Shouto seemed to have a great sense of humour.

Next to him, Fuyumi looked at the board anxiously. "...At least he's passionate about it?"

"It's insane." Enji stared at the board. At the centre of it was a picture of Mastermind. Pieces of red string connected this to a picture of the Midoriya boy. There were photos of the boys' shoes comparing them to Mastermind's boots.

Fuyumi shrugged. "He's interested in it. And it's nothing new, it's just the first time that he's really gotten invested in a conspiracy." She paused. "Well, apart from that time he was really interested in All Might and his secret love children."

Enji massaged his temples. He could feel a headache coming on. Soon, he would have to go on patrol in Hosu, searching for the Hero Killer. It hadn't been so bad - his son was looking at him with slightly warmer eyes as he taught him about using his fire properly. "Why conspiracy theories?"

Fuyumi gave him a tired stare. "If I had to guess, it started when you paid two of Natsuo's girlfriends, three of my boyfriends and two of my girlfriends to talk about how using your fire is 'mondo cool.' That, or the time when you paid for ads on his phone to encourage using your Fire Quirk. Maybe he got it into his head that there are people really out to get him?"

He growled. "Okay, in hindsight those were mistakes."

"That's one way of putting it."

Enji glared at his daughter, trying to put it into words. "But what was I supposed to do?! Let him freeze to death in a fit of pique?" Like Touya?

Surprising him and probably herself, Fuyumi glared right back. "No, but you shouldn't have kept trying like that when it clearly wasn't working!"

Fuyumi took a deep breath after that outburst. "I-I'm sorry. That was-"

"Enough, Fuyumi." Enji's fire flared around his face once more. "I've got to go on patrol with Shoto. I'm searching for the Hero killer in Hosu, Shouto's far from the action. He should be safe."

Her face closed off once again. "Of course, father. Dinner for you and Shoto will be in the fridge."

As he left, he paused. "...Am I a bad father?"

Fuyumi winced. "You're… not the worst?"

Enji froze at that.

To try and fill the silence, Fuyumi started babbling. "I-I mean, you financially support us, you've never been physically abusive to any of us outside of training, you didn't completely abandon Natsuo and me, we know what you look like-"

"Alright, I get it!" Enji shouted, stomping out. Hopefully dealing with the Hero Killer would be less frustrating.

—

Stain stared over the precipice down at Hosu, brooding. "Hosu… a diseased city, filled with corrupt and false Heroes. So many who run from the path of true Heroism to sell themselves for money and fame."

Next to him, Spinner looked on with excitement, carefully mimicking his posture. Only a couple of days of work and it seemed like he was making progress, which Stain had to admit was reassuring. "S-so, who's next on the list of false Heroes to purge?" He panted.

Stain scowled. "Native. The man is a chronic gambler, wasting his time on horse racing and other activities. He spends most of his paycheck and wastes his time as a Hero-"

"All a purge does is make martyrs of them!"

Stain growled. Once again, Mastermind was trying to chip at his resolve. Spinner looked at him with concern. "Master? Are you alright?"

A warping sound behind him pulled him out of his thoughts. His katana came out, aimed at the dark, misty figure who came through. He held up his hands placatingly. "Now, now Stain. I am not here to fight."

The portal shifted, showing a bar. The Villain - Kurogiri - bowed politely. "The leader of the League of Villains wishes to talk to you."

Stain briefly tensed, before realising that this was the other League. "The manchild?"

Kurogiri sighed. "Indeed. We have a business proposition you may wish to listen to."

Stain stared at him, then sheathed his sword. Spinner stared across at Kurogiri, eyes wide. "Whoa…"

He levelled a stare at his apprentice. "Stare into the murky abyss and firm your resolve, padawan."

Spinner saluted with both hands. "You got it!"

Taking a deep breath, Stain stepped forwards.

—

Tomura grinned behind Father. Everything was set as Stain came through. In his lap, Mon stared attentively at the Villain, who seemed slightly put out.

He pet Mon, focused on the man in front of him. "Hello, Stain. Have a seat. Kurogiri can hit you up with whatever you want to drink."

When Stain made no move to the bar he chuckled. "Why invite you here to kill you? Not when my League of Villains has much bigger plans."

Stain leered at him. "Get to the point, Shigaraki."

Rude.

Still, Tomura shrugged it off. "I want you to join my League of Villains. See, I reckon that we could use a Rogue of your skill level. We're kind of low on guild members and a big name like you'll attract other high level players to our cause."

Stain glared at him. "You want my reputation to work for you. Fine. What's your goal then, Shigaraki?"

Tomura grinned. "Why, I want Mastermind and his inferior League of Supervillains dead! Then, I want to tear down everything I hate in this world, leave it crumbling and in ruins. And I want those hypocritical Heroes dead."

When Stain's frown turned more neutral, Tomura grinned. He'd found the perfect dialogue choice. "I've got a plan to accomplish that goal, see."

He leaned over. "We're not that different, Stain. We both want to get rid of things we hate."

Stain seemed wary, then stalked forwards. "Tell me more."

Tomura grinned. All those hours grinding relationship values were paying off! "Sure, Stain. The plan's simple at the core - I'm gonna cause a shitshow so massive that little twerp will have to come to me! Once he's out, we can gut him as we please."

The Rogue leaned forwards. "What role do I serve in this?"

"Oh, just do what you always do - kill some Heroes. Thing is, we're gonna be travelling a lot for this plan - we're gonna hit Tokyo, Hosu, Musutafu… Really cause a bloodbath."

Stain paused. "...And why are you doing this? What's the purpose of all this bloodshed?"

Tomura's smile slipped. "Because Mastermind thinks he's so much better than everybody else. He's a moron who acts like this is just a game to him. Like killing is pointless."

"...But we know differently, don't we?"

Tomura grinned. "Exactly! So today, we're gonna kill Mastermind. Tomorrow… we kill All Might! That piece of garbage and this society that acts like the sun shines out of his arse-"

Stain glared at him. Then there was a pair of knives in his hands and everything seemed to go wrong. A few seconds later, Tomura was pinned to the ground, Kurogiri unable to move after being stabbed by Stain, the Villain licking his blood before he could summon another portal. Mon barked at Stain, the Villain seemingly unperturbed.

Goddamnit, he'd picked the wrong dialogue tree.

Idly, Tomura looked at the knife in his shoulder. "Ow, ow… that really smarts, you know?"

"A psychopath like you with no conviction… That's what I hate the most," Stain rasped. "To think I was actually considering your offer for a second…"

Tomura stared right back at him as Stain got his knife closer. "Fake Heroes in a society that's forgotten its meaning, and deranged murderers killing without a cause… All are targets of my purge-"

His knife hit Father, and Tomura growled. "Stop right there, asshole."

He reached up, gripping the knife and uncaring of how it dug into his palm. 'Conviction, huh? Well, here's mine."

Tomura focused on his bloodlust. "See, if you'd asked me before the USJ what I hated, it would be All Might and those stupid Heroes. But now… I have to say what drives me is Mastermind. Him, his League of Stupid Villains, this insane society that thinks they're menacing… I just want to crush them to dust."

He clawed up at Stain, Stain darting backwards as his hand passed through empty air. Tomura picked himself up. "And we don't have a healer in our party… How are you going to compensate for that?"

"You're psychotic. And our goals couldn't be more different." Stain glared at him. "My sword is a tool of justice. You're just another madman."

Tomura glared at him as Stain paused. "Still… You have a warped will. I shall deal with you once I see what that seed yields."

"So we're done, then? New party member get? What do you think, Mon?"

Mon yipped. Tomura sighed. "Get outta here!"

As Stain left, Tomura glared at Kurogiri. "He's not joining, is he?"

"He may yet-"

Tomura flopped back, practically uncaring of his wound. "How annoying. Still… his name will be good."

He grinned into his drink. With one fell swoop, Mastermind would be history.

—

All for One rubbed his temple. "It's immensely frustrating to think that Tomura actually has a working plan."

Garaki nodded. "True. Then again, Tomura is quite good at video games and strategy when he puts his mind to it. It seems that Mastermind has been good for his development."

"And it clears out some of your old warehouses as well."

The old Doctor smiled. "To think, all that raw material, just waiting to be used."

When Shigaraki had presented a plan to him, All for One had read it, privately expecting to get a good laugh out of it. Instead, he had been slightly disconcerted to see a solid plan. And all it needed was older Noumu from the VIllain Factory.

It had a dark sense of style to it. Of course, Tomura was still puerile and refused to change his speeches, but… It would work.

Since Tomura had learned from the USJ fiasco, All for One had authorised some more Noumu to be used. That didn't mean he had to like it.

He sat back. "Any luck with finding Mastermind? What does that rat Giran have to say?"

Garaki looked over. "His words were, 'why would I sell out Mastermind? He's a Villain who actually understands proper money laundering schemes', master. Should I send a Noumu to interrogate him?"

All for One shook his head. "No. Giran's still too useful to get rid of right now."

Much as he hated to admit it, Giran was a major source of help in finding the numbers for the USJ attack. All for One would never admit that Giran had also helped with some Support technology sources, and properly equipping existing Villains. For now, Giran could live.

But sooner or later, Mastermind would be brought down. All for One hoped that Mastermind would be defeated and stop ruining his plans. Did he even know how selfish he was, ruining All for One's carefully laid plans?

—

It was a regular evening in Tokyo. At least, at first.

The first sign that things were wrong came from screens flickering across the city. Channels warped and faded, replaced by a lanky white haired man, a human hand clasped over his face.

Shigaraki glared out from the screens, Mon on his lap. "I have come to make an announcement! Mastermind is a bitch ass motherfucker! Japan seems to be obsessed with him and his League of Stupid Villains! You seem to think that he's a real Villain!"

His voice rose. "Well, I'm going to disabuse you of that idea. Mastermind is not based, he is not poggers! He is cringe!"

Across Tokyo, despite the seriousness of the situation people started laughing at the phrasing. At Tokyo Square, Shigaraki seemed to be looking down at the people on the street. "It's worse than that! He is, dare I say it, worse than a script kiddie in Team Fortress 2! He kicked me in the fucking dick and ruined my plan! Now, the League of Villains has a new member - Stain!"

Suddenly, chaos blossomed. Purple smoke billowed forth. Black, birdlike creatures ran forth, people ran screaming as they lurched forwards. The Heroes panicked as the creatures moved at nearly inhuman speeds, some Heroes managing to catch them

His voice rose in pitch. "Mastermind, you aren't a Villain! Now you get to watch as a real Villain works!"

The first of the creatures exploded.

AN: Finished.

Explanations and Character Development Ahoy! Honestly got a lot done. I actually wrote an outline for this chapter!

How will the League of Villains respond to this flagrant challenge? What will Stain do? Find out next time on VIllain Notebook!

As always, thank you Banchoking for editing.