At UA
All Might's pov
"Can you take down the video quickly?!" Nezu asks Powerloader (Quirk: Iron Claw) who is in the process of taking down the video of the battle between Garou and Gunhead's team. "I can, but it will take time." Powerloader says while typing. "This is bad. This is really bad." Nezu says, pacing back and forth.
"It will be alright Nezu. Powerloader will be able to take down the video and it will all be okay." I say to try and calm him down. "No, you don't understand! The damage has already been done!" Nezu says in a panicked voice. "Look at the comment section. The people are turning against us!" Nezu says as held up his phone to me and I look at the comment section.
*I can't believe the heroes did this.* *I know Garou is a villain, but what the heroes did was worse.* *This makes no sense. The heroes are supposed to protect us and yet the person who saved the guy filming is a villain. What's going on in our world?* *I knew the heroes had a darker side.* The people are turning against us. While what Gunhead and the others did was wrong, they didn't know a kid was in the shack.
"They're making us look like villains all because of one mistake." I say. I understand where they're coming from, but don't they see that Garou is the villain. He attacks the other heroes and yet the people are calling him the hero. We need to fix this and fast.
"And done!" Powerloader says as he deletes the video, but the damage is done. "What now, Nezu?" I ask. "We…uh…need to…make a press conference! You will be the one speaking and trying to get the people back on our side." Nezu says. "Yes sir." I say. "I will have it ready soon." Nezu says, running out of the room to call for a press conference.
On a roof in Hosu, Japan
Stain's pov
I'd just finished off another fake hero when I see the news being broadcasted on a bill board in the streets. The video they showed finally brings the lies of the hero society to light. All thanks to a civilian recording the fight and the Hero Hunter, Garou.
When I first heard of Garou, I thought he was just a cheap rip off of me. That he just wanted to fight for fun. However, the video has shown me a new side of him. While killing the heroes would be better, I know what he's trying to do. He's showing just how pathetic heroes are against a strong opponent who holds back. And now, he has shown that he has more of a heart than the fake heroes. Perhaps, we work together to achieve our goals together.
"However, Garou has gone missing, but I will find him so we can speak face to face." I say to myself, looking out in the city. While we share different views, we have the same goal. To improve society. And I know many others will follow him. But I must find him first.
A few hours later at a press conference
All Might's pov
Nezu set up the press conference and now I'm in my best suit and in my buff form. I have to get them back on the hero's side. If we don't, then eventually many pro heroes will retire. I walk the podium and see a lot of reporters ready to ask me questions.
"Alright, to keep this from getting out of control, I'll answer a question one at a time." I say this because they always throw their questions at me at the same time. "All Might, was the video posted real or fake?" A reporter asks. "The video was 100% real." I answer with many now gasping. "So it is true that Gunhead nearly killed the civilian in the shack?" Another reporter asks. "I assure you, Gunhead had no idea there was a civilian in the shack. If he had, I know he would not have opened fire." I say.
"Why defend him if he stated that he hates you?" A reporter asks. "Well in the hero industry there will always be those who are jealous of one another." I say. "Due to events shown on the video, do you truly believe Garou is a villain?" A female reporter asks. I am silent for a moment. "…While Garou defending the civilian is noble, he is still a villain at heart. You must understand that any villain will try to justify their actions, but in reality they just want to cause chaos." I say as many nod in agreement.
"Please, I employ you to stand with us heroes and not against us. Because without your support, we will fall. Garou will be brought to justice and he will face his crimes. Why? Because I will be there to bring him in!" I yell as the reporters clap their hands. I've gotten some back on our side, but we must be careful for now on
The Izumi household
Kota's pov
Tsk! Damn you heroes! I try to show the people the truth and now you continue with your lies. But, at least some people are on Garou's side. I hope he's alright. Wherever he is.
"Kota!" My Auntie yells, bursting through the door. "Did you do this?" She asks, showing me news on the video. "Uh…" I don't know what to say. "Kota, please tell me." Auntie begs me. I stay silent for a few moments before answering, "Yes."
"Why, Kota?" Auntie asks. "Because…I wanted to show everyone that the heroes weren't the good guys in that fight." I say. "Kota, while what they did was irresponsible they were just trying to stop the villain—", "GAROU ISN'T A VILLAIN!" I yell at her as she backs off.
"Kota he's—", "He saved me. When Gunhead was about to use his ultimate move, Garou told him I was in the shack and would be caught in the crossfire, but Gunhead didn't listen. He thought Garou was lying and opened fire at him. Those bullets would've killed me, but Garou redirected the bullets so they wouldn't hit me. A villain would've run off and left me to die, but Garou saved me. So you're wrong Auntie. Garou isn't a villain. He's a hero. He's my hero." I say, tears leaking out of my eyes.
"Kota, he's hurt other heroes, attacked students at UA, and nearly bested All Might. Does that sound like a hero to you?" Auntie asks. "No, but do you call the heroes who knocked you unconscious heroes?" I ask her. She doesn't say anything after my reply for a few seconds. "What they did was wrong and they will pay, but they are still heroes at the end of the day." Auntie says.
I scowl at this statement. "So when a criminal does something bad they get arrested, but when a hero does something bad they are just let off the hook?" I say. "No that's what I—", "Garou is right, you're all hypocrites." I say. "Wait, you spoke to Garou at the shack?!" Auntie asks. "I talked to him before I went to the shack." I say. "Why didn't you say anything?!" Auntie asks. "Because he's the person I look up to. And I will not betray his trust." I say.
"Kota, you shouldn't look up to villains!" Auntie says. "Then who should I look up to?! My parents?! They left me alone in this world!" I yell. "That's not true! Your parents sacrificed their lives to protect people!" Auntie yells. "Then what about me?! I'm their son! The one person that they're supposed to be there for! And they got themselves killed! SO WHY SHOULD I LOOK UP TO PEOPLE WHO ABANDONED ME—"
SMACK!
I look at my Auntie in shock that she hit me. "Kota…I'm…I'm so sorry. I…I didn't—", "Get out." I say in a low voice. "Kota—", "GET OUT!" I scream at her. She simply backs up and I shut the door after she leaves and I jump on my bed, crying. That was the first time she hit me. And it hurts more on the inside than the outside. I didn't mean to sound harsh when talking about my parents. But it is true.
They were heroes known as the Waterhouse Duo. They weren't strong, but they always tried their best to protect people. Yet they never found any moment to spend time with me. They would always say that it's because they have a job to do as heroes, but what about me? Their own son. Then…they died. They were killed by a villain. The public said that my parents sacrificed their lives to save the citizens, but I don't care. I just wanted to spend time with them. Instead, they died saving people and left me alone in the world.
That's why I hate heroes. They prioritize the safety of people they don't even know over their families. Because of that hatred, I never saw the heroes as role models. Not even my own Aunt. But then Garou came.
At first, I thought he was just some random psychotic villain, but then I noticed a pattern. He never kills his opponent, he makes sure no civilian is hurt, and even when faced with a challenge, he never gives up. I became a fan of his because I felt like there is finally someone showing these heroes that they aren't gods and that they're just as human as the rest of us. And then I met him.
I was a little scared at first, but he turned out to be kind. He may be tough and rude, but he has a kind heart. And when I eventually met him again at the shack, he gave some advice and taught me that if I want respect then I have to be strong. Then the heroes came to capture him and I got scared for him because of his injuries. But, that wasn't the case. He still kept going, even when injured and poisoned. And best of all, he beat them all and saved me from Gunhead's ultimate move. I wanted to thank him, but my Aunt grabbed me and ran. Apparently, she was knocked out by the other heroes and only woke up after the fight.
Because of what Garou did, I want to try and help him in any way. That's why I posted the video. Not only to show the people that he is a good guy, but to hopefully get him allies so he won't be hurt again. I hope he is okay. Wherever he is.
In a secret location in Hosu
All for One's pov
I walk into Dr. Ujiko's office to see him treating Garou's wounds. When did he get Garou back from Gyoro Gyoro? "Oh Master, you're here." Ujiko says, noticing my presence. "I see you are treating Garou's wounds." I say, pointing at the unconscious form of Garou.
"That damn monster finally finished whatever he was doing to Garou and delivered him to me." Ujiko says. "What did he do?" I ask. "No idea. I looked him over and there's nothing out of the ordinary. Besides the obvious monster fication going on." Ujiko says. I then notice Garou's new red hair. "Is his hair color a part of his monster fication?" I ask.
"Yes and no." Ujiko says as I look confused. "You see, his hair changed because he used his own blood to dye it red, but no matter how much scrubbing I do to his hair it isn't coming off. It's like it's fused with his hair" Ujiko explains. "I see." I say. "When should he awake?" I ask. "Could be a couple of weeks. His body is badly bruised and he lost a lot of blood. He's gonna be out for a while." Ujiko said. "I see. Carry on with his wounds. I will check on you tomorrow." I say, leaving. "As you wish, my master." Ujiko says, continuing his work.
"Oh! And Gyoro Gyoro said he will begin remodeling our base soon. I looked over the blueprints and it looks like he'll add a few more floors below the building." Ujiko says. "Interesting. Thank you for the information." I say as I walk away. What are you planning, Gyoro Gyoro?