Re: Destro looked over his city, with a wine glass in his hand. "Skeptic, have I been a good leader?"
Skeptic paused his constant typing and looked up at his leader. "Of course sir. We've had a few…unfortunate incidents. But that's not a fault of your leadership."
"...I'm not so sure." Re: Destro said as he looked at his reflection in his glass. "I should have stopped antagonizing Midoriya after the first attack failed. He's become too powerful, and It's all because of me."
"Sir, there's no way you could have predicted-" Skeptic was cut off.
"That attack was an omen, Skeptic." Re: Destro continued. "Even if he had not increased his power and influence, I still wouldn't have been able to justify continuing to go after him. It simply wouldn't have been worth the time and resources. And especially not worth bringing us to public attention. I allowed myself to lose control. And that was unacceptable. But that's not all. You see, I've been wondering about the traitors."
"Pah, you should not concern yourself with such a spoiled brat- '' Once again Skeptic was cut off.
"Don't call them that." Re: Destro said softly but sharply. "They've been far from spoiled. I found that they were treated quite…unfittingly. Did you know that they were both forced into our young operatives program? And that the rewards that should have gone to them, were instead being given solely to their parents. Parents who in fact, were treating their children like tools despite their children being superior to them."
"Tch. That would explain things. Damn traitors." Skeptic growled. "But again, that's not your fault."
"If it were just those two, I might have agreed." Re: Destro continued. "But about half of the children in our young operatives program have gone through the same thing. Being used as tools when their parents should be the tools. How could I have overlooked this? If I had been a more attentive leader, these children wouldn't have betrayed me. And perhaps Midoriya would be dead by now."
"That's…" Skeptic paused. "Sir, where are you going with this?"
"...I'm going to step down as leader, and participate in the next fight against Midoriya, myself." Re: Destro revealed.
"WHAT!? BUT SIR! There's no going back from this!" Skeptic shouted, standing up so fast that his laptop fell to the ground.
"I know. This is the end for me." Re: Destro said, in an oddly light tone. "You know. I thought I would be angry. Like I had been all this time. But I feel relieved. And I can't for the life of me figure out why.``
Skeptic went quiet. It was clear he couldn't talk him out of this. So, he had no choice but to accept this decision and try to move forward. "So what next. If you step down our leadership will likely be fractured."
"I know, but perhaps that is for the best. It was my unquestionable position that led us here after all." Re: Destro. I hope so. "But enough of that. I'd like to enjoy these few days before the attack. Come, join me for a drink won't you?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"I'd say it's nice to see you again Cold, but as you can see, my eyes are a bit missing." All for One chuckled.
The evil overlord was currently sitting down, having dinner with another notable villain. The head of the Cold Clan. The villain is known as King Cold.
"Yes, it's unfortunate what that brute did to you, my old friend. The fact that I didn't kill him when I had the chance will forever remain my biggest regret." King Cold said as he cut his steak. "But to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Ah, as you are likely aware, there will be another raid on the Midoriya Foundation. One on a much larger scale." All for One revealed.
"Yes, I was wondering when you'd invite me. I would love to get my hands on their technology." King Cold said. "And I know my oldest has been aching for it as well. Perhaps with it, he can do something worthwhile."
"Well I did want to invite you, but it's not quite what you would expect." All for One told him. "You see, Midoriya has been acting rather strangely."
"Do you mean that party he's throwing?" Cold asked. "Yes, I have to say that is some of the most obvious bait I've seen in my life."
"That's exactly what I was thinking. And that little accident with the sky beam only makes it more obvious." All for One frowned. "I think Midoriya expects us to attack him on those days."
"Oh?" Cold urged him to continue.
"I think Midoriya might be doing this as a way to buy him some more time. To lead us into a real trap." All for One speculated. "After all, the days we have until All Might returns are limited. And that party limits the days to merely two. Two days are far easier for Midoriya to set a trap, and get things in place."
"So we can't be certain if the most likely trap is the real trap." Cold surmised. "How vexing."
"With Midoriya's resources, having a battle on his terms will be risky, to say the least." All for One revealed. "But, that does come with certain advantages. For example, Midoriya likely won't risk having his children or resources in harm's way. Meaning that he will likely hide them away from the battle."
"And if we can find them, while the majority of Midoriya's forces are away fighting the main battle, we can find the real treasure." Cold chuckled deviously. "So regardless of the result of the overall battle. We still come out as the winners. As expected of you old friend."
"Exactly. I'd like our forces, to work together, and while the other two organizations keep Midoriya busy, we can reap the rewards." All for One said. "It's perfect. With our combined power, we can overwhelm any defense Midoriya will have for the children."
"Will we be using those Nomu creatures?" Cold asked as he took another bite of his steak.
"No, those will be busy filling out the ranks for the main attack." All for One said. "Not to mention they aren't the greatest at retrieval. I'd rather have human minions take care of this. Fortunately, thanks to Stain I recently acquired some rather useful ones."
"Oh? Did Stain join your ranks? I never thought someone that wild would ever bow his head before us." Cold remarked.
"He didn't. But since he technically was a part of the attack, a rumor that Stain was part of the League of Villains has spread. And since Stain is Stain and is not one to make public statements, I've been able to capitalize on that rumor." All for One explained.
"Ah, that makes sense. Well personally. I'll be going all in on this attack." Cold said. "This is the chance of the century, and I have no intention of passing it up."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Happy birthday Yami!" All the kids cheered, as they gathered in the background of the Midoriya Foundation.
The backyard had been transformed into a party space, with of course all the children and staff around to celebrate the young lad's special day.
Yami himself was at the center of everything, sitting on a chair with a black and red birthday cake in front of him.
Around all of them, were the guests.
Pro Heroes, high-ranking and hard-working members of the Midoriya Foundation, as well as family members of the staff.
Amai was also present, although not in person. Much to her chagrin she was once again forced to participate via video call.
"I wish I could be there to give you a big hug!" Amai lamented.
"Don't worry. I'll give super hug next time I see you." Yami told her, causing her to blush.
"Now now! Today is a day for celebration! As is tomorrow, and the next day!" Kiba cheered.
Yami nodded. "I want everyone to be happy. Party!"
"Alright, first let's see who can eat the most cake!" Ken shouted, getting all the gluttonous kids hyped.
"I'm glad I and Izuku made so much cake," Fuku muttered to herself.
As the kids descended down on the cakes, Sai was off to the side, awkwardly eating cake, alongside her mother, father, and daughter.
"Man, those kids sure are rowdy. Must be nice to have a dad." Konashi said shooting her mother a dirty look.
Sai's mother shot her a cold look, and she immediately shut up. Sai's mother was a very imposing figure. Who could be described as Sai, but bigger. In every way.
"Let's relax everyone. No need to cause a stir, today's a day of celebration." Sai's father said. The man was a far departure from the rest of his family. With short red hair and a much softer look, you'd have never guessed he was Sai's father.
"Of course Father," Sai said.
"Pah." Konashi huffed.
God, I wish there was alcohol. Mt Lady thought as she ate some cake.
"Sorry lady, no drinking on the job. Or at kids' parties." Hawks said as he looked over at Mt. Lady.
"How did you know what I was thinking?" Mt Lady pouted.
"Everyone knew what you were thinking. It's written all over your face." Hawks said. "You'd think with all the money you're getting paid, you'd be happier."
"I'm not a lady that enjoys being bored with Hawks. Why do you think I became a hero?" Mt Lady sighed.
"For money?" Kamui Woods answered.
"Because you're an attention whore." Death Arms added.
"Oh shut it!" Mt Lady shouted, before angrily stuffing cake into her mouth.
In a different corner were Mai and Uchi, looking at the kids who were stuffing their faces with amusement.
"They're so adorable." Uchi chuckled. "Honestly I'm kind of jealous of you dear. I wish I could spend more time around here."
"I don't spend THAT much time around here. Although I did start mentoring a few of the kids." Mai said sheepishly.
Uchi giggled. "And my envy only grows. I'm going to have to start making more excuses to visit you more."
Mai frowned. "You need to see kids in order to want to see me more?"
"Huh?! Wait, no that's not what I meant!" Uchi rushed to clarify, only to stop when she saw her girlfriend smiling, and she pouted as she realized she was being teased. "I told you to stop doing that!"
"I just can't help it, my girlfriend is too cute." Mai giggled, taking a second to enjoy the moment, before getting serious again. "But really, do you want one?"
"Want one?" Uchi repeated, confused by the question.
"A kid," Mai explained, with an intense blush.
Uchi blushed just as intensely. "Wha-now?"
"I-If that's what you want, then I wouldn't be opposed to it," Mai said.
"Well, I'm not necessarily opposed to it either but I don't think now is the time. We have so much to deal with. I doubt we'd have enough time for them, and we're still both too young." Uchi explained sheepishly.
Mai breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you said that, because I REALLY wasn't ready to deal with a kid on top of all this."
"Then why did you even ask?" Uchi asked. Although she had a feeling she already knew the answer.
"Well you were looking at the kids, and you said all that, so I thought you'd maybe want one," Mai said, her voice getting smaller and smaller the more she talked.
"Dear, if you agree to have a child when you're not ready, you will be sleeping on the couch for the rest of that year," Uchi told her sternly. "Having a child is a massive commitment, and I won't have you doing that half-heartedly, just to please me. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am," Mai said, half mesmerized and half scared.
Don't worry this isn't the end of Yami's birthday. We'll focus on that in the upcoming chapters.
Please review and have a nice day.
