(A/N: There are a few pov changes between Izuku and Shiggy so we can see what each of them are thinking.)

...

It was a bright sunny day when Izuku arrived at the mall. Kiyashi Ward Shopping Mall was huge and it was his first time coming here. With friends no less! As he converged on the entrance, he saw Hitoshi riding up on a bicycle.

Oh, so that's what he was talking about.

His brother had texted him that he had something to show Izuku when they got to the mall today. This had to be it. A present maybe?

"Nice wheels," Izuku commented as he approached the bike racks.

"Thanks," Hitoshi smiled softly as he locked up his bicycle.

"What's the occasion?" the greenet asked as they walking into the mall together.

His friend looked away shyly for some reason and replied, "…birthday."

"Birthday?" Izuku parroted with a questioning tone. "Wait, when was your birthday?"

"It was on July first," Hitoshi answered, still not looking at him.

"Hitoshiiii~!" the shorter boy whined as he gripped and then shook his brother's arm. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"It was in the middle of finals," he replied with a shrug. "I didn't want to bother anyone and this was kind of the first time celebrating my birthday in years. I didn't even really remember until I was attacked with confetti."

The Quirkless teen snorted at the mental image before asking, "Yamada?"

"Yup," Hitoshi confirmed. "Complete with balloons, banners, streamers, and party hats. Sho-Aizawa actually wore one too."

He hadn't meant to let the first name slip out like that. Not to others at least. It would take time to get used to saying them to his guardians' faces. Izuku noticed anyway but didn't say anything. Internally though he was pleased that they were progressing and getting closer as a family. He wouldn't mention his friend's birthday to the others since he hadn't mentioned it before. But that wouldn't stop him from getting Hitoshi a present while they were here.

The mall was crowded since it was a weekend. Regardless they were able to find some of their classmates already converging. Not everyone could make it from 1-A but they were able to meet up with those who could. Tenya of course had come early and was quick to wave them over to their meeting spot, able to easily recognize Hitoshi and then Izuku beside him despite the habitual beanie he wore to hide his hair.

Ochako was also there along with a handful of others. Momo and Jirou greeted them as they joined the group before returning to their conversation. Shouji and Tokoyami offered a nod his way which he returned. They didn't have to wait long for the rest of their group to trickle in with Eijirou, Kaminari, Hagakure, and finally Ashido joining them.

"Oh, I love this place!" Ashido exclaimed once they were all together. "There are tons of stores! And they've got the coolest and trendiest stuff!"

It was really cool. The mall was an open-air outdoor building with four floors of different shops. It was like they had everything! Even specialty products and clothing for all kinds of Quirks. Such as shirts for people with multiple arms like Shouji or bigger calves like Tenya. It was all so fascinating that Izuku accidentally fell into a muttering hole analyzing everything like he always did. A flick to the arm from Hitoshi helped get him out of it while Tokoyami let out a huff of amusement nearby.

"Hey, aren't those UA students?!" a voice called out from the crowd.

"Yeah, I think that purple guy won second place," another said.

"Wow, it's so cool to see them in person!" yet another squealed in excitement.

The group of young Heroes turned to see those around them recognizing them from the Sports Festival. It was a bit unnerving to be honest though Izuku unfortunately had been subject to a lot of attention since he started at UA. The festival and then Hosu…it was a lot. Which was why he had developed the habit of wearing his beanie all the time in public. A sort of protection to his identity as his hair was the most recognizable thing about him. The rest of him was just plain which had allowed him to go unnoticed for years.

Now, not so much.

Izuku knew he would have to get used to it eventually. The attention. It unfortunately was a package deal with challenging social norms, but he also wasn't alone and was surrounded by friends. He knew they would support him and his closest friends would defend him if need be. So, somewhat reluctantly but knowing this was the best time as any to ease into his own portion of spotlight, Izuku carefully pulled off his beanie and revealed his green curls for all to see.

There was a slight hush from those who were admiring the students of Class 1-A. An overall shock that the winner of the Sports Festival and the young Hero-in-training who was credited with capturing the Hero Killer stood among them. Then the silence filled with whispers. Nothing bad that he could hear though he did notice some people scoff before walking away. The rest were essentially curious wonderings.

The greenet rubbed the back of his head bashfully while Hitoshi took a step closer standing guard. His other friends also surrounded him like a protective bubble. There were some in the crowd that looked at him with contempt but the Quirkless teen paid no attention to them. He was too distracted by the growing whispers from those who instead looked at him in awe.

"Is that really him?"

"Yeah, I think it is."

"Woah, I never thought I would meet the Hero Edge in person."

"He's shorter than I thought he would be. Hard to believe it's the same person who took down the Hero Killer."

"I dunno. He was pretty badass during the Sports Festival. Winning first place without a Quirk? Damn, dude!"

"I didn't really think a Quirkless Hero could be a thing, but now? I think the kid can do it."

"Yeah, me too!"

Then the supportive ones of the crowd seemed to ban together as they cheered out, "THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK, HERO!"

Green eyes stared in shock at their reaction to him, not having expected that level of positivity. Those who had given him the stink eye either sneered in distaste and walked away or scowled in what looked like discomforted shame. But the rest were smiling and literally cheering him on. Him, Quirkless little him. Izuku couldn't help the beaming smile that their words brought to his face.

"I'll do my best!" the aspiring young Hero replied with earnest and gave a bow.

The crowd cooed at the sight and some snapped some pictures before the little meet-and-greet broke up. Izuku turned back to his friends still smiling as bright as the sun which prompted Hitoshi to pull out his sunglasses. That had been so much better than he ever expected. Maybe he shouldn't hide while out in public so much. He still would for now because he didn't think he could handle that kind of attention alone just yet. But here with his friends he was glad he plucked up the courage to proudly show the world that he was here.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Izuku asked now that they could start their day at the mall.

Turns out they all needed different things like a duffle bag for Jirou or outdoor shoes for Kaminari. The latter which led to a short reprimand from Tenya that it was recommended in their supply list to bring well-worn footwear but did a typical one-eighty muttering about focusing on utility. It was so in character of their speedster that Izuku couldn't help the snort that snuck out. In the end they decided to divide and conquer before meeting up again for lunch.

Jirou and Momo paired up to look at bags. Kaminari left with Hagakure and Tenya to get some shoes. Ochako decided to join Eijirou and Ashido on their own mission. While Shouji and Tokoyami went their own way. Leaving Izuku with Hitoshi which he did not mind in the least bit.

"So, what do you want to do, Hitoshi?" Izuku asked his friend.

"First, coffee," Hitoshi replied already turning in the direction of the nearest café.

"Ew, gross," the greenet commented with a cringe. "I can't even stand the smell of that stuff."

"Then stay here, you ninny," the brainwasher shot back as he walked away. "I'll get it real quick and then we can go hunt for Eraserhead merch or something nerdy you like."

"I'll be here!" the Quirkless teen replied back cheerfully but then suddenly realized that left him all alone, green hair fully exposed.

Well, I guess getting used to attention on my own starts now.

Not two seconds later Izuku found himself under some random person's arm as a raspy voice said, "Well, if it isn't the Quirkless winner of the Sports Festival. How cool. Can I get an autograph, Little Hero?"

Huh?

Izuku was uncomfortable for many reasons in that moment. One, this guy was seriously invading his personal bubble. You can't just up and go touch someone like this, but when Izuku tried to wiggle out of his grip it only got stronger. And two, there was something about the way the man said 'little hero' that sounded…off for some reason.

"You also took down the Hero Killer in Hosu too, right?" his captor continued, still too close for comfort. "You're something else, aren't ya?"

"Yeah, um, that's me," Izuku answered, very much wanting this to be over with already. When was Hitoshi coming back? "What is it that you want?"

"Just a friendly chat. I am a big fan of yours," the man replied before letting out a chuckle. "I can't believe I finally got to meet you. I was just passing by and here you were, all alone. It's almost like fate."

As the interaction went on, Izuku was getting more and more uncomfortable. The weirdo wasn't letting go and kept talking to him. Was he one of those weird stalker fans? Izuku had enough problems with Villains left and right becoming interested in him. He didn't need any others.

"Who are you?" Izuku asked as he forced himself to look up at who was holding him.

The hooded guy had shaggy light blue hair and had some kind of skin condition that left him looking dry and crusty. Or did it have to do with his Quirk? He also had some scars on his face like on his mouth and his right eye. He also had a beauty mark below his lower lip on the right side. But green eyes were drawn in by contrasting red that stared down at him with what felt like maddened glee.

Who is this guy?

"You might have heard of some of my work," the man said as he withdrew his arm. "The attack on UA. Oh, and the Noumu I let loose in Hosu."

What little comfort Izuku had from getting some space from the creepy guy was short lived as the retreating hand reached for his throat instead.

"I'm Shigaraki Tomura," the decayer greeted with a manic grin. "It's so nice to finally meet you face to face, Midoriya Izuku. I've been looking for you."

It was in that moment Izuku finally realized how much trouble he was in when he connected the man next to him with the leader of the League of Villains himself. He had never gotten a good look at his face before since he wore that creepy hand over it, but it was him. The man who attacked the USJ and who could decay anything with a touch of his hand. Said hand that was now wrapped around his very throat.

I am so fucked.

"…Sh-Shigaraki…Tomura," Izuku breathed out, too scared to do anything else. The crusty man's grin widened.

...

Tomura was ecstatic. He had no idea that he would run into his potential recruit on the same day Giran offered him such crappy ones. Well, maybe not so crappy. They had some fighting skills and instincts at least. Guess he could give them a try, but he would think about that later. Right now, he literally had the 'Little Hero' in the palm of his destructive hand.

This is going to be fun.

Maybe he could finally figure out if Midoriya was also the admin as well. He didn't think the kid would outright admit it or anything if he asked, but maybe he would let something slip. And it's not like Tomura would necessarily recognize his voice having only heard it once, but if some of that intriguing Quirk analysis were to come out, well, that would be enough proof for him.

"Why don't we go sit and get to know each other better, eh, Midoriya?" Tomura suggested while at the same time already steering the teen away.

...

Izuku was freaking out. Seriously, what was up with him and meeting Villains? Chizome was right, he is a trouble magnet. Or rather, in this of many cases, a Villain magnet. And this one wanted to recruit him for some reason, but why? What would a Villain like him want with an aspiring Hero like Izuku? The greenet had no idea how this little chat would turn out. All he knew was that Hitoshi was nowhere to be seen and he currently had a hand that could decay anything wrapped around his neck. Only the single lifted finger prevented the Quirk from destroying his windpipe in seconds.

With that thought in mind, Izuku made no move to fight as he was led to a nearby bench. No one gave them a passing glance, unaware of the Villain amongst them. They sat down side by side as the ignorant masses continued about their business.

"I'm surprised you came so quietly, Midoriya," Shigaraki commented as they settled. "Any particular reason for that? Fear of me or fear of my Quirk? Not that you know what it is, right?"

The Quirkless teen's eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Was he fishing for something? But why? Answer was Izuku did know what his Quirk was and how it worked, but he wasn't going to say anything about it. Any of his analysis, whether of friend or foe, could be dangerous in the wrong hands. And right now, he was indeed in very wrong hands.

"Cat got your tongue?" the Villain teased with a chuckle. "No matter. Probably for the best. Wouldn't want to make a scene here, right? Relax, breathe. I only want to have a friendly chat with you. But, if you do try to run or fight me, well…"

The decayer silently threatened by brushing his last finger across his skin. Barely enough contact to activate but enough to make Izuku's brain freeze up in fear. His sole attention on the hand around his neck and what it could do.

"…if I touch you with all five fingers…"

Izuku was scared shitless right now. One moment he had simply been scared of the Villain next to him and the next he was terrified as he felt said Villain's hand wrap around his neck. Now Shigaraki was actively threatening him with his Quirk, tapping away at his throat. A hand that was capable of turning anything it touches into dust with five finger contact. A hand that could...

"...decay."

Red eyes snapped to him wide in shock. While Izuku clamped his mouth shut to prevent any more unintended words to slip out. He chanced a glance up at the Villain holding him to see a creepy crusty smile grow on his face. On par with Chizome's own but this one sent a more intense shiver down his spine.

"Now how would you know that?" Shigaraki sneered with glee. "Unless..."

The Villain leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"...you've seen it before. Isn't that right, Admin Midoriya~?"

Another shiver shot down his spine at the new nickname. That was what Shigaraki had called him during the USJ attack, an admin giving out cheat codes when he warned All Might about his Quirk. In reports following the incident, there hadn't been much stated about the Villains who had escaped or what their Quirks were. Probably due to it being an ongoing investigation as well as to not cause panic. But that also meant that he had no way to explain how he knew what it was.

Fuck.

"…yes," the Quirkless teen let out quietly, seeing no sense in denying it especially with the deadly appendage on him right now.

He swallowed nervously and could feel each digit flex around his neck. The last one stopped tapping and drew away but still hovered threateningly in the air.

"Ah, so you are the admin," Shigaraki chuckled with a pleased tone. "I had my suspicions but didn't think someone could be that smart without a Quirk. Guess I was wrong. There really is a big brain under that green mess you call hair."

Fuck this was not good. This was the whole reason why he didn't want to talk about Shigaraki's Quirk. Didn't want to reveal that he could analyze Quirks and pick them apart on sight. Thank the gods he didn't have any of his notes on him. The leader of the League would be the worst person to get a hold of any of them. But now said Villain had a hold of him, the source of his analysis. Not good at all.

"Sensei is eager to meet you," Shigaraki continued, causing another shiver of fear. "He likes Quirks too. Has a lot of them on…hand that you could analyze to your admin's delight."

The Villain chuckled to himself as if there was a private joke there, but Izuku had no idea what it was. Unless it was some lame jab at his creepy abundance of disembodied hands. But the greenet paid no mind to it as his brain was freaking out learning there was someone else interested in him.

This guy has a sensei?

That could mean there was someone even worse than him out there, but who could it be? Pieces of information rapidly clicked into place in his mind. Shigaraki, the League, Noumu, Quirks. The picture was very clear as Izuku remembered something All Might had said the day he offered him One For All.

'The Noumu had multiple Quirks as you and that Villain, Shigaraki, had revealed during the attack. Naturally that is not possible which leads me to believe that All For One may still be out there somewhere. As to where I don't know but if he is alive, he may have connections with the League of Villains.'

Shit. All For One was 'eager to meet him'. Fuck.

"As I said before, I've been looking for you," the decayer said, breaking Izuku out of his internal freak out to remind him of the crap hole he was currently in. "A Quirkless boy rejected by a society oblivious to your talents. Idiots, all of them, but I see your worth. You're smart, strong. All without the help of a Quirk. We could use a player like you in our party."

What?

Chizome had said that Shigaraki was interested in him but it was entirely different hearing that straight from the Villain's mouth. He wanted him. The leader of the League of Villains wanted him, a Quirkless teenager, to join him. Had recognized how some treated him for something out of his control and acknowledged the hard-earned talents he had. Much like the Hero Killer had but instead of wanting him to become the Hero he dreamed to be, this man wanted him to become a Villain. Two differing sides of the same coin.

Green eyes cast down not knowing what to say and was distracted by the color red. Izuku loved the color red. It was why his favorite pair of shoes were red, but right now that same color that typically filled him with joy now filled him with fear. Because the Villain next to him with his life literally in his hands had shoes the same color red as his. The color of blood. Similar shoes that walked down two very different paths.

"You don't have to answer now," Shigaraki offered with a shrug as he removed his hand to again sling his arm around the younger's shoulders, deadly hand dangling casually. "Think about it. For now, let's just talk."

The Quirkless teen let out a slow sigh of relief. He was still terrified being so close to the Villain, but at least the decayer wasn't grabbing his throat anymore. However, he was far from out of the woods. Shigaraki essentially had him pinned even though his hold was more casual. Izuku was still in danger of the young leader laying his hands on him at the first sign of resistance.

Okay, what did he need to do in this situation? Shigaraki was interested in recruiting him so that must mean he doesn't intend to harm him, right? But that didn't mean he wouldn't hurt others. Any one of the blissfully ignorant around them could fall victim to the unknown Villain. Also, Hitoshi would be looking for him soon. Surely, he would be able to see that this situation wasn't right and alert the proper authorities. Izuku just had to buy some time, keep him talking and the man wanted to do just that.

Time to get a Villain monologuing.

"What do you want to talk about?" Izuku asked as he glanced up at the man.

Shigaraki grinned, pleased that the Quirkless teen was playing along. Thinking possibly his plan to convert the kid was already starting to work. All while Izuku was playing around with the idea of the little black tracker he's made a habit of carrying. It was there, right in his front pocket. If only he could get an opportunity to reach for it, but for now he would have to wait being under the decayer's scrutiny. Shigaraki gave a grateful squeeze to the younger one's shoulders before he spoke.

"Ultimately I hate everything," the Villain began with a scowl. "Everything and everyone in this messed up society. You would know growing up that not all are treated equally. The weak and the 'born' Villains. Pushed down constantly until there's nothing left to do but fight back. All while the sheep stand around and do nothing."

His initial rant finished in a snarl only to ramp back up as he gestured towards the crowd around them.

"Just look at them, walking around as if nothing is wrong. Smiling like a bunch of idiots while any one of them could start a massacre at any given moment. All because the laws and rules of today's society are assumed to be built on their shared morality. That nothing bad could ever happen to them because 'no one would ever do such a thing'."

Izuku looked out at the scene as he talked. It really was just like any other day. Friends were laughing, families chatting. He spotted a couple with a young child and the mother clearly had another on the way. All blissfully unaware of the danger Izuku was in while they continued their happy shopping day.

"But even though they piss me off, there's someone else that I hate more right now," the Villain continued, giving a squeeze to the boy's shoulder to get his attention. Green eyes peered up into red as a sneered grin grew on the decayer's face. "The Hero Killer Stain. He's a real thorn in my side. And who better to talk about him than with the 'Little Hero' himself."

A shiver shot down his spine fast as lightning despite the lack of a deadly hand on his neck. Only one person ever called him that and he was in police custody. How did Shigaraki know it? He thought it was just a coincidence earlier.

Wait, Chizome said that the League had tried to recruit him. Did Chizome tell them about me? No, he wouldn't do that. Maybe it was a mistake.

Izuku had taken much from the man after their talks. Perhaps Chizome took something from him as well?

"Who the fuck is Chizome?" the Villain spat in confusion.

Crap, I said that out loud, didn't I?

"Yeah, you did," Shigaraki replied with a hint of amusement.

"Fuck," Izuku whispered, he really needed to do something about his muttering.

"You've got quite the potty mouth for a perfect little Hero," the decayer teased.

"Obviously you've never met Bakugou," the greenet muttered with a grimace.

"Bakugou...isn't he that explosion one?" Shigaraki asked, thinking over what he had seen in the Sports Festival. The violence, the yelling, and the prideful attitude. First place, my ass! "Heh, guess he does seem the type if all that screaming is taken into account. If he wasn't in a stupid Hero school, he would make a powerful Villain."

"Bakugou is not a Villain," Izuku snapped but immediately regretted it. What was he thinking with a Villain holding him hostage?! However, regret or not, he needed speak his mind. "He's strong and brash, but he will be a Hero."

Someday anyway though the blonde had a long way to go until then. But even though Bakugou had been his own personal villain growing up, he hadn't known better so Izuku didn't entirely blame him for what happened. And now he had a chance to change. There was no way in hell he would let Shigaraki see him as another recruit. The man considering himself was bad enough.

The Villain let out a hum at that, putting a pin in that subject for now to instead get back to the topic at hand.

"If you say so," Shigaraki said with a shrug before moving on. "Anyway, the Hero Killer is pissing me off. We're not working together even though the media made it look that way. But I'm sure you know that already, right, Little Hero?"

Izuku did not like being called that by him. The meaning was so different coming from Shigaraki. No admiration or encouragement. More like an insult like Deku had been growing up. Admin was more like the decayer's version of Chizome's nickname for him. An intrigue in his abilities and a sort of respect for his skills.

The greenet merely gave a nod in answer to his question.

"Now everyone thinks that the League is associated with Stain and yet he's getting more attention than us."

Wait, seriously? He's unhappy he's not getting attention?

It was like the complaints of a child.

"That's my problem right now. Everyone is so obsessed with that damned Hero Killer all of the sudden. But what about the League? Our attack on UA, my Noumu in Hosu…that griefer Stain upstaged us at every turn."

Shigaraki was tense in anger and Izuku was having a hard time focusing on any one given thing. The Villain holding him, the crowd around them, and the decaying hand so dangerously close to him. He seriously hoped the young leader would remember his interest in him and not lash out in frustration.

"No one is paying attention to me. Not me or my Noumu. But why? He boasts of cleansing this world of corruption, but in the end, all he does is destroy whatever he hates, just like I do. And yet he's the one everyone is watching and not me."

Well, I guess that's one way to look at it.

But there's so much more as to why Chizome did what he did. As for Shigaraki he didn't know anything about the reasons behind his actions. All Izuku knew was that he wanted to kill All Might and cause chaos.

"Why is that, Midoriya?" Shigaraki asked, the sound of his name drawing the teen's focus up to the Villain's face. "What makes us so different? Come on, Little Hero, tell me what's so gods damn special about the Hero Killer Stain."

Oh so much, you whiny man-child of a Villain.

Izuku made sure to definitely not say that out loud.

What was the difference? He thought back over all of his encounters with the man who told him 'yes'. Chizome always treated him as an equal, listening to him and seeing his potential with no care about him being Quirkless. Though he did show care for Izuku's wellbeing. Checking on him from time to time to make sure he was alright and see how he was doing on his path to become a Hero.

Shigaraki on the other hand wanted him to be a Villain despite all the effort Izuku has put into becoming a Hero. Saw him has a hurt child who should hate the world that had rejected him so many times. Perhaps in another universe the Quirkless teen could have fallen to Villainy. Taken the rejection and turned it into fuel for his hatred. Either tearing down the world with calculating accuracy or just burning it all down in a mad frenzy. But this Izuku didn't nor would ever do such a thing. He was a Hero and that was that.

Another difference was that Chizome had never threatened him while Shigaraki did so upon their first meeting. He wasn't exactly now, not as much as before, but there was still the possibility. One refused to attack children while the other had no qualms in trying. Stain being one to meticulously investigate and observe his targets before he struck while Shigaraki seemed to commit violence on a whim. Unleash some Noumu and see what happens.

There were other differences between them but all pertained on how Izuku saw them personally. However, that wasn't what Shigaraki was asking about. He wanted to know what society saw as different between him and the Hero Killer. And the difference was obvious, to him at least.

"What's the difference?" the boy replied finally, looking up into curious red. "You're both Villains who have committed acts of violence in order to reach your goals. I can't accept what either of you do…and for you I don't understand it either. But the main difference is that Chizo…Stain, while I also can't accept what he does, I can understand him."

The decayer let out a contemplative hum as he quirked a brow in question. A quick nod of light blue hair prodded the teen to continue.

"He and I…we have something in common. We were both inspired by All Might."

Shigaraki scoffed in disgust at the mention of the Symbol of Peace. Unsurprising since he hated the Hero enough to try to kill the man, but Izuku would press on even though he himself didn't like All Might as much as before. He was still a part of the story.

Partially distracted by his own distaste, Shigaraki didn't notice that someone was watching them, but Izuku caught a blip of purple in his peripheral vision. He subtly turned, green eyes connecting with purple and Hitoshi tilted his head in silent question. No words were used but the action paired with the concerned look on his face and a quick message using the sign language Aizawa taught them spoke volumes.

-Are you okay?-

Izuku did his best to carefully shake his head in 'no' while playing it off as a need to clear his throat. Purple eyes firmed in determination and gave a nod before disappearing in the crowd while taking out his phone. The moment took only mere seconds but it was enough to give Izuku hope that soon he would be able to get away from his captor.

"We actually met because of All Might," Izuku revealed, not going into detail but pressing on to stall for time. "After meeting him I learned that Chizome wanted to be a Hero, inspired by the same event I was when All Might saved so many people from a disaster by himself. But he came to see that Heroes were changing. It wasn't just about helping people anymore. Instead, Heroes became seekers of fame and money, letting corruption infect their Hero duties. Those are the ones he calls 'false Heroes' and to be honest he has a point."

The Quirkless teen looked up to the League leader who was watching him with rapt attention.

"The Hero Killer I understand," Izuku said, brows furrowed and tone serious. "He's not a Villain out to simply destroy. He has reasons behind his actions, wanting a better class of Hero. He even saved me that night from the flying Noumu, showing his heroic instincts from deep down even though he's resigned himself to being a Villain. He can be manic and single minded when it comes to his goals, but he doesn't destroy things just for fun."

...

Tomura listened with mixed emotions. Annoyed that the admin was giving that irritating Stain an odd sort of praise but also intrigued to hear a different outlook on the Hero Killer's mission. Their motives were different but not as much as he thought. Attacking Hero society to expose the corruption hiding within. Though Stain's method seemed to more target the symptoms of the problem while Tomura was aiming for the root.

Hero society was perched precariously on the shoulders of a single Hero. Knock that down and the rest would fall. He thinks he was starting to get what Stain was talking about when ranting about convictions. It wasn't that Tomura didn't have them, he did, but the concept hadn't solidified in his mind yet. Until now.

They were different and now he knew why. All thanks to the 'Little Hero' himself. Stain was a man on a mission and to society that mission was clear. But for Tomura, they didn't know his mission or the reasons behind it and so they didn't see him for the Villain he truly was. The young leader was going to take down Hero society, the one that had failed him. Then when the dust settled, he would rebuild a new world where no one would be left behind. Destroy the world to save it.

Today's society was infected. Heroes were relied upon to take care of all the wrongs of the world. Civilians leaving anything dirty or difficult for someone else to clean up for them. Whether that be crime or leaving a lost child alone because a 'Hero' would come along eventually to help. Only they don't, not in his case, and instead the inaction of the sheeple and the absence of Heroes leads to those left behind to sink down to the dregs of society. Leads to people like him.

And who was the root of this problem? The one that always boasts 'I am here!' even though he isn't. Not where and when he was needed most while preening and posing for the people. The one who worked his way into the position of Symbol of Peace to be a source of hope to the populace. While at the same time inspiring complacency and laziness as others believed that they didn't need to do anything 'cause someone else would deal with the issue. Civilians passing responsibility onto the Heroes who in turn pass it along to the Number One Hero. Because if he is there, everything would be okay.

But everything was never okay.

Everything was wrong. Flashes of his lost memories sparked in his mind. The pull of his sister's hand, an offered treat from his grandfather, kind words from his grandmother, and comfort from his mother. Only to be overwhelmed by a flickering image of a disembodied hand in a pool of blood.

Each hit him with a twinge of pain that he was long used to and he ignored the itch that always came when he tried to remember more. Those memories weren't important enough to him to dig through his subconscious. He didn't need them to fuel his drive to destroy. Besides, even if they were dead, they were still lending a helping hand by reminding him daily of the hate that filled him with his own brand of conviction.

That was all he ever wanted, for someone to reach out to help him, but they never did. They allowed a child to walk down the street with no shoes and the blood of his family still on his hands. Such a sight drove most away in disgust and even those who did approach him left quickly to leave the matter to a cop or some Hero. But they never came. An itch grew with every passing rejection. That was until…him.

Sensei. He saved Tomura. Held out his hand and took him in. Taught him all he needed to know and told him to embrace the hatred within. To not let it fester or else he would suffer unnecessarily. That it was his right to do as he liked and destroy what he didn't. Which was what Tomura was going to do and he knew exactly who to start with…

"…All Might," the decayer said with a tone of relief and revelation.

...

The Villain let out a sigh as he slumped back against the bench, taking a confused Izuku with him with the arm still slung over the younger's shoulders.

"It's so clear to me now," Shigaraki said, letting out a chuckle. "Why the Hero Killer pisses me off, why I hate everything…it all makes sense now. It's all connected to All Might."

Um, what? How? Huh?!

The Quirkless teen looked up to see a super creepy crazed smile on the decayer's face. He looked like a creature from a horror movie. Wrinkled skin pulled taunt, dry lips threatening to crack and bleed, and shadowed red eyes glowing with manic joy in his revelation. Just the sight of such an expression on a very powerful Villain while in said Villain's grip made the air grow tense and the rest of the world fuzzy and muffled. All Izuku could do was look at Shigaraki and nothing else.

"Yeah, that has to be it," the decayer ranted. "How could I have not seen it before now? It's so simple. Him and that stupid grin on his face are the reason these morons can smile so thoughtlessly! Believing in that there's no one that garbage Pro can't save all because he's smiling! Such idiots!"

Shigaraki pulled Izuku closer to him forcing him against the Villian's side. Meaning he would be able to feel the shaking of the greenet's body terrified to be this close to him. The hugs Izuku had shared with Chizome had been unexpected but ultimately welcomed in the end. But this…it was never expected or wanted. He just wanted to get away from the man clutching him as soon as possible.

"Ah, I'm so glad we had this chat, Midoriya," the Villain said quietly right into Izuku's ear. Green eyes glanced up into red ones that were full of contentment and creepy fondness. "It's all thanks to you, admin, that I know my way now. How ironic that the Little Hero himself has helped me realize that I am the opposite of the Hero Killer. And now, thanks to the media, I can use his ideals and convictions as stepping stones to destroy all this corrupt society holds most dear."

Shigaraki giggled, legit giggled at the thought of twisting Chizome's morals and message to cause more destruction and chaos. That pissed Izuku off because he knew for a fact Chizome would never do whatever the decayer had in mind. But in this moment, there was nothing he could do about it, not with the potential threat of being decayed.

In the distance, they could hear sirens coming closer. To Izuku it brought a wave of relief knowing help was on the way. But for Shigaraki it brought irritation for having his moment with the admin come to an end so soon. He would have liked to chat some more but this was his cue to leave.

"Consider my offer," Shigaraki said, whispering in his ear again. "I want you to join the League. You'd be a good fit and a real buff to our intelligence score. We want you and will accept you as one of our own. So when you get sick of this Hero gig, know that we'll be waiting for you with open arms."

Finally, the decayer let him go as he stood up from the bench. Izuku was too surprised by the sudden freedom to even try and reach for the tracker in his pocket. There was no opportune moment and the pale blue haired man was already out of reach. Any move he made now would be too conspicuous.

"Well, I'm off," Shigaraki said while he reached into his pocket to signal Kurogiri to be ready to pick him up. "I'll see you around, admin. Don't die out there before you can join us, got it?"

The Villain was already walking away when a question suddenly popped up in the greenet's mind.

"Shigaraki, wait," Izuku called out, causing the man to pause and glance back at him. "What does All For One want? What's he after?"

"Ah, so you know of Sensei," Shigaraki responded in amusement as he turned more toward the teen. "Very impressive, Midoriya. You're just full of hidden easter eggs, aren't ya? As for your question, who knows, really. Perhaps you can ask him yourself when you meet him."

With that, the Villain smirked as he gave a farewell nod of his head before just walking out of the mall. No one around them none the wiser that the leader of the League of Villains was among them.

...

Tomura was in such a better mood as he left the mall than when he first arrived. Before he had been frustrated and confused, but now his path was clear. He's had ideals and convictions from the very beginning. Still muddled in his mind when Stain questioned him but the talk with the Little Hero did wonders in helping him straighten them out.

Nothing has changed from before. Well, sort of. Guess he would let Giran know that he would accept the recruits he had brought. Better than nothing as of now. Their numbers were too small but he still had to be more selective than he was for the USJ attack. Quality over quantity and all that. Staples and the school girl were a start with a knack for violence. The broker should be able to scrounge up some other useful players.

Once together they would complete this mission. Take down All Might and show the world how fragile their sense of safety really is. Tomura grinned as he entered an alley and pulled out Father from his hoodie pocket. A portal opened as he fixed the appendage on his face. With Father and the extra pair of hands from his new recruits, they would destroy the current status quo. Burn it down and build again from the ashes.

All starting with All Might, Tomura thought as he disappeared into inky blackness.

...

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Notes extension: ja0-s-blank-canvas-fic/part-3-chapter-12-lets-go-to-the-mall/1c12fldodoai