Author's Note: This story takes place in the same alternate universe as "The Devil's Double" where Yoichi was originally a villain working with his brother before he defected to join Second and Third. However, this fic is set back when Yoichi was still a villain, and follows a different timeline with a different first meeting for the trio. I think the story stands decently alone. All you need to know is that Sanzou is the Third One for All holder, Kaiji is the Second One for All holder, and Yoichi Shigaraki is a villain.
Sanzou did not resist as All for One's people shoved him into a chair. Even when they briefly took off his handcuffs to swap in new cuffs and fasten his wrists to the chair, he did not seize the moment of freedom. Now was not the time to attempt an escape. They outnumbered him, and he did not know where he was. He'd been blindfolded after they shoved him into their van. Judging from the stairs he'd been taken down, he must be underground. Even if he made it out of this cell, he would not get far. He'd been captured relatively uninjured, just a few bruises he'd gotten running into a tree during the chase. Then he'd surrendered because he'd been surrounded by fellow metahumans with much better firearms. Since he'd preserved his strength, he could wait for a better opportunity to escape. Fa Jin could let him break cuffs later.
Sunrise, the vigilante organization where Sanzou served as second-in-command, was not currently in direct conflict with All for One. Both groups had been distracted fending off attacks from the metahuman-hating government. Sanzou had not intended to pick a fight. Alas, he'd been trying to steal guns from a government caravan at the same time All for One's people launched a raid. If he'd known, he never would have been there. He would have been happy to watch two of his enemies fight each other.
Perhaps All for One would let Sanzou go rather than provoke a war with Sunrise. Or perhaps All for One would kill Sanzou because he was a crazy crime lord. The most likely third option would be All for One ransoming Sanzou back to Sunrise. The vigilantes were not rich monetarily, but they had a wealth of information gathered from their extensive network of civilian contacts and a handful of government sympathizers. All for One hoarded information like gold. Kaiji, the leader of Sunrise and Sanzou's boyfriend, would hate to help All for One. But he'd give just about anything to get Sanzou back. Sanzou hoped All for One didn't know it. They'd been discrete about their romance. The two of them had an open relationship, seeing other people casually, which also helped them maintain the appearance of being single to their enemies.
The blindfold was yanked off, distracting Sanzou from his musings with a sudden, painful blast of light to his eyes. He blinked rapidly. By the time his vision had recovered, his captors had already left, locking the door behind them. Not as if Sanzou could move with the chair bolted to the floor.
He sat in a simple room painted white. It looked like it had once been an office room, going by the outlets in the walls and the faded coffee stain on the grey carpet. The room had a small table and one other chair, a plush navy-blue armchair that looked a lot comfier than Sanzou's seat. Strangely, a poster from the anime Captain Hero hung on the wall.
There was no torture equipment. Sanzou had considered they might use that option for getting information out of him. He took deep breaths, calming his racing heart. He could curse himself for getting caught later. Right now, he needed to focus on survival.
The door opened. Sanzou's head shot up.
A handsome young man with white hair strolled in. He wore a brown turtleneck with a black vest and tight-fitting blue jeans that showed off the muscles on his slender form. Those features…they looked familiar. Sanzou had only ever seen All for One from a distance, but the confidence and charisma radiating off this man made him certain. He wet his lips and spoke sarcastically: "All for One, I'm honored that you would deem me personally worthy of interrogation."
The man threw back his head and laughed. A warm, friendly, and slightly mischievous smile lit up his whole face and made him even more handsome. "Oh, I'm not All for One, though I can understand why you would think so. We do look alike, don't we? I'm Yoichi Shigaraki, All for One's brother." He met Sanzou's gaze with those intoxicating green eyes. "I'm afraid you're not important enough to meet with my brother, so you'll have to settle for little old me." He placed a hand on his cheek. "I'm the cuter one, though." He winked.
Sanzou gaped. All for One had a brother?! They looked so much alike, Sanzou had no choice except to believe it. Surely this must be a secret, so why had Yoichi casually revealed himself to an enemy? Yoichi could not possibly be as sweet and naïve as he was trying to seem. He was All for One's brother, after all. Gruffly, Sanzou demanded, "Why are you telling me this?"
"Oh dear, I just dropped the big secret!" Yoichi placed a hand over his mouth to cover a fake gasp. "Mmm, since I shared some of our confidential information with you, I think you should share your secrets with us. In particular, I'd love to know how Sunrise knew where to find that weapons shipment. We've been hitting the government with random attacks left and right, and it's so much less efficient, you know?"
The perky valley girl tone made Sanzou suspect the villain was screwing with him. "I never asked you to tell me anything, so I'm not agreeing to that deal."
When Yoichi moved, Sanzou startled warily, but it was only to place a glass of water on the table. Yoichi said, "Before we talk business, let's have a drink. You look tired, poor dear."
Sanzou glared. "My hands are tied."
"Silly me!" Yoichi chuckled. He took a sip of the glass. "Not drugged, just regular water, see?" Then he held the glass to Sanzou's lips.
There was a tiny chance that Yoichi had been taking small doses of poison to make himself immune for years. But if his captors wanted to drug Sanzou then they could just inject it straight into his veins. Water would help him retain his strength to escape. Sanzou drank deeply, then sighed as it soothed his throat. He'd been thirsty from running around.
At this close range, Sanzou could kick Yoichi. But there did not seem any point, since he'd still be cuffed to the chair with the door locked. Also, Sanzou did not believe for one moment that Yoichi was as silly as he pretended to be. The villain moved like he'd had combat training, and there was the outline of a knife up his sleeve.
After drinking, Sanzou said, "So you're the good cop, huh?"
"That's right!" Yoichi giggled. "I'm so charming that people just want to tell me things." He leaned forward, close enough to caress Sanzou's ear with his hot breath. "I can be wicked too, if that's your preference."
It must be the suspension bridge effect, to make Sanzou's pulse race. He preferred good, heroic men, like his beloved leader. This was not the moment to lose his head over a villain. Keeping his tone level, he asked, "May I know how long I have with the good cop before the bad cop shows up? It's hard to relax when I'm in a state of suspense."
"You have nothing to fear." Yoichi sat down in the arm chair and crossed his legs. "I've asked my brother to allow me to handle you personally, and he gave me full discretion." Cupping his hands to his mouth, Yoichi whispered, "My brother can't say no to me. Even he thinks I'm the more adorable one, not that he'll ever admit it. He's got his pride. But I'm pretty sure he goes around wearing a mask over his face because he doesn't want people to compare us."
Sanzou snorted in laughter, then tried to cover it up with a cough. Judging from Yoichi's smile, he hadn't succeeded. Ugh, how did he keep getting sucked into a villain's pace? Sanzou asked, "And why would you take such an interest in a lowly vigilante like me?" He was fishing for information, wondering if All for One knew about his high rank within Sunrise.
"Let's skip the games. I know exactly who you are, Sanzou, wielder of Fa Jin and second in command of Sunrise." Yoichi smirked at Sanzou's surprised jolt. "I asked for some time alone with you because…I love heroes!"
"Excuse me?" Sanzou blinked. "I think I misheard you."
"I've been a huge Captain Hero fan since a young age."
"Yes, I saw the poster," Sanzou muttered, still trying to figure out if the water had been drugged, causing him to hallucinate.
Eyes sparkling, Yoichi bounced in his seat. "I think Sunrise is cool. You put your lives on the line to fight for freedom for metahumans and keep people safe in an increasingly chaotic world. The government declared martial law and suspended elections, but still can't restore order. Right now, people need heroes. I like you. I'm not merely after a bit of information. I have my eyes on the bigger prize. I'd like to work together with you in order to save Japan. Let's join forces."
The room didn't seem blurry and Sanzou's head felt clear, so probably the villain was just talking crazy. Sanzou cleared his throat. "My leader won't work with All for One. Neither will I, to be clear."
"Oh, you won't need to work for All for One," Yoichi said. "You'll be working directly under me. I'm a better boss. We'll have donuts every Friday and casual dress every day. Just between you and me, my brother doesn't share my appreciation for heroes. I promise to be far less insufferable than him." Pushing his hair behind his ear, he smirked. That smile did things to Sanzou's stomach.
Sanzou groaned. "Look, just because you're handsome doesn't mean—"
"So you think that I'm handsome," Yoichi said smugly.
"—that I'll sell out Sunrise to you." Sanzou flushed. He'd intended the handsome line to be mocking, how he ended up being the one embarrassed? "We don't work with villains, period."
"In the eyes of the government, you are villains," Yoichi pointed out. "Just like me and my brother. You were at that caravan to steal weapons."
"To prevent them from being used on innocent metahumans!"
"It doesn't matter to them that you think your crimes are more noble than ours. It doesn't even matter to them if you have a power or not. You've got blue hair, I have white hair. We're both meta-scum in their eyes."
Quietly, Sanzou said, "But it matters to me if I'm using my power for the right reasons."
"And I respect that." Yoichi smiled, and this time it looked less flirtatious and more sincere. The switch in attitude was so abrupt it left Sanzou disoriented. There was no trace of silliness in Yoichi's tone as he continued. "My brother started his organization after a hate group bombing nearly killed both of us as children. He wants to be safe. Me, I want to build a world where everyone is safe. In the long run, a stable society will benefit all of us. I have influence with my brother. If you and Sunrise were to put your force behind me, then together we'd have even more influence. I won't pretend my brother cares as much about right and wrong as me. But he wants your military force and your information network. You have negotiation power, to push him down the right path. And I'll be your negotiator. Look at it this way: you're in a war with two sides. You lack the strength or desire to rule Japan on your own. You can pick the government—who hates you for existing—or me." Yoichi's voice dropped to a purr. "I'm more fun."
That…was a surprisingly convincing argument. In truth, Sanzou and Kaiji had discussed long-term plans together. They wanted to do more good than just holding off the violence of the military police against metahumans, but they had no ability to take on the military in a straight fight. All for One had the power to change Japan. But they didn't trust that villain.
Nor did Sanzou trust Yoichi. His speech had made it clear Yoichi was much more than a pretty face. He had made a very clear assessment of Sunrise's goals and a strong sales pitch. But that didn't mean he was telling the truth. It would be a mistake to forget this cheerful, friendly man was related to All for One. And clearly Yoichi was high-up in the organization, to have been able to get Sanzou alone.
"Will you destroy us if we refuse?" Sanzou asked. "Starting with killing me?"
Yoichi shrugged. "Nah. I'm not that kind of boring, stupid villain. You're more useful to me free and continuing to harass the government. This is an offer, not a threat. As a show of good faith, what if I set you free?"
Sanzou stiffened. His mind raced, trying to think of how this might be a trap. What if Yoichi wanted to use Sanzou to lead him back to the vigilantes' safehouse?
"You're so cute when you're concerned." Yoichi laughed. "It's not a trap. I'd like you to carry back a message to your leader, to arrange a parlay. Surely he'll be more amendable if I return you safe and unharmed." Yoichi placed a hand on Sanzou's shoulder and leaned in. "But I see you'll be too suspicious if I don't ask for anything in return. Hmm, what about a kiss?"
"A k-kiss?" Sanzou gaped. This definitely had to be a trap. What if Yoichi had poisonous lipstick? Or was this all a façade to pretend to All for One that the prisoner had been harassing his brother? Yoichi couldn't possibly mean it. "Are you trying to get your brother to kill me?"
"I told you, I love heroes." Yoichi placed a hand on his chest. "You're under my protection. I won't let my big, bad brother touch you, my hero."
"I think he'd be more likely to hurt me if you kiss me," Sanzou grumbled.
"Then it would have to be our little secret." Yoichi winked.
Sanzou's mind turned rapidly. He had no real reason to refuse, nothing to lose except his pride if Yoichi turned out to be just joking. Even a tiny chance of being let free in exchange for a kiss would surely be worth it. He didn't actually think Yoichi had poisoned lipstick. (Those soft, kissable lips did not seem to be wearing lipstick at all.) He knew Kaiji wouldn't mind. Even if they hadn't both agreed to kiss whoever they pleased, Kaiji still would have said the deal would be worth it for his freedom. Perhaps Sanzou hesitated because he wanted the kiss a little too much. He had a feeling that if he kissed the villain, then Yoichi would steal away a part of his heart.
Yoichi's shoulders sagged. "If I'm that repulsive, then you needn't. I'll free you anyway." He started to turn away.
Sanzou blurted out, "I'll kiss you."
Yoichi turned around, his eyes sparkling with a mischief that betrayed his earlier hurt had been entirely faked. "As long as it's no hardship…" From the teasing edge, he knew it wasn't. This man was entirely aware of his own beauty. He tossed back his hair, then leaned in for a kiss.
Up until their lips touched, Sanzou still hadn't quite believed this was happening. He was too stunned to react as Yoichi pushed him back in the chair and took what he pleased. The first kiss stole Sanzou's breath, the second his calm, and by the third his mind was completely gone. When Yoichi drew back, Sanzou actually whimpered in disappointment.
Yoichi chuckled, exuding smugness. "I kept my promise, hero."
Sanzou realized his hands were free. He hadn't even noticed when Yoichi unlocked the cuffs, or heard them hit the floor. He flexed his fingers. Odd, was there a sticky residue to his index finger? When had that happened?
Yoichi tossed Sanzou his phone. "Follow me."
Then Yoichi unlocked the door and led Sanzou down the hallway and up the stairs. They passed numerous guards, but no one challenged them aside from a few curious looks. Yoichi clearly held authority in this place. Perhaps he had the power to make good on his promise. (Was Sanzou seriously considering allying with a villain? That kiss must have stolen his mind instead of his heart.)
Outside, Sanzou realized he'd been imprisoned in one of All for One's many office buildings. He'd guessed right about the room being a former office. Everyone of any political importance knew that All for One owned this business, so no wonder Yoichi didn't care if Sanzou knew where he'd been held. This also suggested that Yoichi had been planning to free Sanzou from the very beginning.
Yoichi gestured at the taxi on the road. "I called you a cab." He leaned in as if about to kiss again. Sanzou instinctively closed his eyes. Yoichi whispered into his ear, "I gave you one kiss as a freebie. If you want another one, then you'll have to come find me again and bring something useful to offer, my adorable hero. Now, leave before I change my mind and decide you'd be more fun tied up in my bedroom."
Then Yoichi departed with a flash of white hair and the scent of amber cologne in the air. Sanzou touched his lips, his heart fluttering. He realized he ought to get into the cab before anyone changed their minds about letting him go. Yoichi's parting remark had obviously been spoken in a joking tone—Sanzou was more worried about All for One not feeling as generous as his brother.
Sanzou ordered the cab to a public restaurant, a neutral location where his comrades could check him for tracking devices. As soon as Sanzou unlocked his phone, he saw that a bunch of his files pertaining to government information had been sent to an unknown email. The sticky residue must have been from a certain someone borrowing his fingerprint while distracting him with flirting. Not that the deception had even been necessary—All for One's people could have held him down and used his finger—but Sanzou had to give out points for style.
Dammit, Yoichi had gotten him good. But…Yoichi had also let him go.
Kaiji was going to insist Sanzou get checked out for brainwashing powers when Sanzou told him that it might be worthwhile to arrange a meeting with All for One's brother.
OMAKE TIME!
Omake: The Nerd
Yoichi: Actually I've slowly building up an immunity to all kinds of poisons ever since I saw The Princess Bride as a kid.
Sanzou: …
Yoichi: But your water is fine. I'm just avoiding my brother's attempts to drug me whenever we disagree about literally anything.
#
Omake: The Phone Call
Sanzou: It's me, I'm safe.
Kaiji: Thank goodness! I was going out of my mind with worry. Did you escape?
Sanzou: He let me go. Not All for One—I met All for One's brother, Yoichi.
Kaiji: On first name terms, eh? I heard how you said Yoichi's name. You sly dog, you seduced All for One's brother to escape.
Sanzou: More like he seduced me. Then he decided he didn't need me after he got the data he wanted off my phone.
Kaiji: You're entirely too honest, love. You should have gone with my story. Now I'm obligated to tease you relentlessly.
Sanzou: I'm definitely setting up a meeting with Yoichi so I can watch you go gah-gah over him too. Then you'll have no room to talk.
#
Omake: Back in the Villainous Lair
All for One: Brother, when you volunteered to interrogate the prisoner, I didn't expect your method would include letting him out.
Yoichi: I'm fishing, which requires patience. If all goes well, we'll obtain far more than a bit of information.
All for One: You're gifted at information gathering, so I'll let you play out your plan. I must admit, you seem to have a knack for intimidating prisoners. The vigilante emerged extremely red-faced and breathing heavily. You must have terrified him.
Yoichi: We'll go with your explanation since I'm sure you're happier thinking that.
#
Omake: If Second Got Captured Instead
Sanzou: Leader, why is your neck covered in hickeys?
Kaiji: I might have kinda agreed to work for All for One's brother. He was very persuasive.
Sanzou: Leader!
#
Omake: Meanwhile in Family Business Metaverse
Sanzou: Go on, get it out of your system.
Kaiji: HAHAHAHAHAHA! You gave me such a hard time about kissing villain Yoichi in "The Devil's Double." But as soon as you meet him, you're all over him in five seconds.
Sanzou: He was all over me, and unlike you, I didn't mistake him for All for One.
Kaiji: Don't try to lie to me. You were head over heels from the moment he touched you. No shade, I'd have done the same in your place. Just like how if you'd been in my place in "The Devil's Double," then you would have kissed villain Yoichi and lost your phone to him too.
Sanzou: You're probably right. Now can we move on and focus on seducing Yoichi to the hero side and into our trio?
Kaiji: Yes, absolutely.
Author's Note: The rest of this AU probably follows a similar path to "The Devil's Double." This time Third gets teased relentlessly for losing his phone information to All for One's brother, until Kaiji meets with Yoichi and is also love-stricken. Yoichi still clashes with his brother over the fate of the vigilantes and gets vaulted. The main difference is that Kaiji and Sanzou break into the vault specifically looking to rescue Yoichi, and the three of them become a trio much faster.
Chaosverse's beautiful Villain Yoichi/Third art on tumblr inspired this fic. It sent me down a rabbit hole wondering what if Villain Yoichi from this series had met Third before Second? I immediately concluded that Third would simp just as hard as Second even if he pretends otherwise. Delete the spaces to get the links to the art:
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST: I'm excited to announce that I'm hosting a new event called Three Weeks of Trioholders, dedicated to shipping the first three One for All holders in fics and art. There's an announcement on tumblr, delete the spaces to get the link:
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