Author's note : I am going onto another break, related with the last one : I found a new job but I need to move to another city. as a result, I won't be able to write anytime soon.
Sorry.
Especially as next chapter is the beginning of Eri's arc.
Final thing. Balor is the Western Equivalent of AfO. If AfO and him fought at peak conditions, it would be a draw.
Chapter 47: I-Island Crisis: Aftermath.
Yagi was still coughing some blood, as David joined him in the meeting room. Nedzu wanted a debrief of what happened, and everything else. They clearly lacked the time and were on the defense each time All For One launched an attack. This one, especially, had dire consequences: One of their students had been kidnapped. Granted, the kid wasn't under the school's supervision at that moment, and their responsibility wasn't on trial, but it was still a direct attack on them.
"So. What the flying fuck happened?" Nedzu asked while All-Might was the first to volunteer.
"Triple attack, and clearly, considering the timing and what the young Sako said, they worked together on some level.
Thus far, we have confirmed a few groups:
-All For One, with his Noumus and Wolfram.
-The Inhuman Supremacy Party, as their new leader, Terraformars, is confirmed to be the one who kidnapped Monoma.
-Desperados, as their leader, Nine, tried to kill some of our students and Serafina, and we managed to capture Mummy. Chimera was almost detained, but Slice managed to get him out before that.
-The Architect, but considering he actually provided help during the crisis, we can safely assume he wasn't on their side."
David nodded at that, having a chill down his spine. What if he hadn't asked the thief to go with his plan? What would have happened if he accepted Samuel's idea, back then? He didn't want to think about that, especially after Samuel got killed, in front of Melissa.
"Very well. How were the losses?"
"We were actually very lucky. We had enough heroes to fight and protect the civilians. Not to mention Star Stripe and Armstrong's timely arrival."
The rat nodded on screen, before staring at Yagi, and asked:
"And why didn't you move during the issue?"
"They put a bomb on civilians during my speech. If I tried to move from the scene, they would blow it up immediately."
Even All-Might seemed more tired than usual when he said that. He had to explain why he couldn't do something. It hasn't happened since a long time ago.
"Not only the duration, but One For All itself is becoming weaker. I lost 15% of speed since the last check-up."
"All according to our graphics. All-Might needs to retire." David confirmed their worst fears. If they wanted to have All-Might as their ultimate secret weapon against All For One, they needed to make him actually rest. He literally couldn't continue working as a hero.
"... Now, onto other questions. Who were the targets, and why?" Nedzu wanted to have all of the facts, before devising a new plan.
Both of the men inside the room nodded and showed a few figures on the screen. Melissa, Serafina, Izuku, Monoma and Wolfram, in his new form.
The supervillain was kept highly sedated. Some were actually speaking of cryogenie in fear he would finish his ascension as either someone with an extremely powerful magnetic quirk or worse: a Living Quirk.
"We don't know why Izuku and Monoma were targeted… Well, rather, we think Izuku was a secondary target because of his father. However, according to all who assisted at the scene, Wolfram tried his best to not harm him. Hence why he actually had a chance, and why Wolfram didn't just… Well… Kill him." David explained, not being as close to the kid as Yagi, clearly, but understanding the feeling.
"So, something about Izuku is of particular interest to All For One. David, I want you to run an analysis on his blood. We need to consider everything, even the possibilities such as All For One ran a eugenic program to breed super soldiers." It was a very likely possibility after all. If you were immortal and with the hobby of collecting interesting/strong quirks, quirk marriage was definitely something you would do.
"This still leaves Monoma. Why was he targeted specifically? The clients confirmed the criminals were only after him, and he alone." Enji was in the reunion too, as he was officially part of the "Destroy All For One" Alliance now. He had a firepower and an intellect they couldn't pass up.
"My only bet is the fact Monoma's quirk is really close to his own, and he doesn't want it to spread in the wild. I think he actually hunted down any possibilities in the past centuries of any other possible Thief Quirk like him."
"... And as for Serafina?"
"Well, she disrupted a lot of Balor's operations lately. Enough to have some echoes about him going to Amazonia to deal with her personally."
Nedzu didn't know how far All For One's crime empire stretched, but most of the international law enforcement liked to say that the East belonged to All For One, and the West to Balor. Astonishingly, both were on good terms and probably communicated a lot together. As a result, any attempt to make them fight failed. Everyone knew Serafina was most likely a target to help his… Friend? That was a big word, especially considering their organization actually clashed a few times.
Each time, the casualties could reach double or even triple digits.
"I hope she prepares adequately. As for the Crown, do we have any idea of the reason?"
"You mean, why would All For One want an item that would boost someone's quirk to the next level?"
"... True. I didn't think he still had that many resources after All-Might cleaned his empire the first time. His ability to grow a new empire is truly frightening."
All heroes stayed silent. They knew dealing with All For One wasn't the only thing they had to do. The aftermath would be a long one too.
"And Melissa?" Nedzu was curious, since until now, the Shield was never on AfO's radar, "You planned to… You know."
"I came clean to David about One for All. Melissa too. When I asked her to be my new heir… She tried to accept, but the event of the day traumatized her. I think it might be what All For One was after all along, since, according to all kids, the villains kept saying they didn't want to kill her, but disable her."
Everyone stayed silent, as they knew the truth. Even if All For One lost a lot of resources in this fight…
He ultimately won the day, and they still didn't know what his plan was.
—--
Monoma woke up, after a hand gently reached for him, before shaking him softly. He didn't know how long he was knocked out, but the blond boy was ready while still sleepy, trying to analyze the place.
He was, according to the lack of windows, either in a cave or inside the heart of a building. Both were bad news. His hands were glowed, most likely to prevent him from stealing a quirk and… And he wasn't in his normal clothes.
The simple thought made him shudder. He was a teen and of course, he was sensitive about things like that.
Also, it also means they destroyed the set of hairs in his pants. He liked to have some to quickly get a quirk during exercise. Now, it was his main opportunity to escape and he already lost it.
"Kurogiri? Is the boy awake?"
The voice. Monoma didn't know why, but the voice was deep and mechanical. Probably someone who needed life support or some gear to even breathe.
"He keeps his eyes closed, Sir, but he is clearly awake."
Kurogiri? Monoma was fairly certain it was the name given to the one guy in the LoV that could make portals. If he could touch him, Monoma could escape easily.
"Bring the boy to me."
Suddenly, the blond teen was pulled up by the undead bartender. Only his eyes were visible, and they seemed sad about what was happening. Was he under duress?
"Yes, Sir," and then he added in a whisper to the boy, "Don't be impertinent, don't be a smartass and speak only if he asks."
Neito could feel the concern in the voice, and he nodded quietly. He didn't know why he was here, and who had the influence to send criminals to capture him, but he highly doubted it was to play chess.
Correction, there was a possibility it was to play chess. There was a set in front of him, and next to it, a man who lacked a face. Hell, he pretty much lacked most of his face and seemed to only breathe thanks to a huge machine modelled as a throne.
"Sit, boy. We shall play."
Monoma swallowed his saliva back inside his throat. The man had an aura that screamed death and bad news and if Monoma could, he would already be running.
However, he followed Kurogiri's instruction and didn't speak, for fear of provoking this monster. However… If he could take off his gloves… He could copy everyone's quirk and run. Ok, that was his plan. Take off the gloves, steal quirks, and teleport to UA. He could do that.
"Your move, boy."
… The man could see the board. It meant his vision wasn't based on his obviously missing eye. Maybe a quirk based on sensing everything around him?
Anyway, Monoma quietly opened the game. It was going to be the most nerve-wracking game of his life, wasn't it?
"So, young Neito, how is life in UA?" The man asked while moving his own pawn.
Neito quietly nodded his head, "I can't complain. Very good school, good teachers…"
Apparently, the answer made the monster in front of him chuckle… Fuck, the man was easily as large as All-Might.
"Good, good. I even heard you challenged Midoriya as your rival. What do you think of his quirk?"
"... Isn't his name Sako, now? I mean, his mom remarried."
All For One stopped his hand for a second… Then he resumed it.
"Oh right. I keep forgetting. To me, it is still Midoriya. Do you want anything to drink or eat?" He was evil, not rude, after all.
"A coke would be nice, sir, and possibly a sandwich?"
"Kurogiri, you heard the young boy."
The undead stared at them for a second… Before walking through the door. Monoma was alone in the room with the monster.
"So, you didn't answer my question. What do you think of Izuku's quirk?"
"Complete bullshit and overpowered." Monoma said honestly, "He slapped me with a goddamn otter."
This made openly laugh All For One, which was Monoma's goal. If the monster was laughing, his attention lowered. Monoma was, like Izuku, a huge Compress fan. His own suit was also an homage to the man, and he practiced his sleight of hand too. So, he took his left glove from his hand, leaving it on his knee.
"This is hilarious. Your move, kid."
Monoma smiled, scared shitless nonetheless. When will Kurogiri be back? He needed his quirk. Either way, Monoma looked at the set… and moved his bishop, so he would be in a weak position from All For One's queen, allowing him to take it with his knight next turn.
The man was greedy and while he knew how to set some traps, he actually had trouble planning too far. Interesting.
"So, you might have some questions, such as who am I, I guess?"
This actually surprised Monoma when they played, but he managed to force himself to speak.
"I am, actually. But I would say you are some kind of hidden overlord of crime or something like that… And you got injured some time ago, forcing you to delegate more."
Monoma had his brain going overdrive, when analyzing the man, and remembering everything he knew. Everything that happened. It made him even paler than before.
"Oh, god, you are the one behind the ISP's rise. However, you aren't a mutant… And you also finance the LoV which is pretty much a vigilante movement."
All For One groaned at that mention.
"Yes, they were actually supposed to be more unstable, I have to be honest, and be more "Let's destroy the society to be anarchist" or things like that. Them fighting to establish a better society and targeting bad heroes was a miscalculation from me."
"... And considering what you just said, I think everything is… A game or something. The only way to complete the board would be to have a third player. The CRC?"
All For One stopped for a second, and clapped his hands, happily.
"My, my! You actually have a good brain, boy! I have reported on you, but they were clearly underestimating you. Well, I better present myself then. All For One, pleased to meet you. I hope you will forgive Terraformars for his methods. The little kid always liked to see the light go in his victim's eyes. We bonded over that."
This… Creeped Monoma out. Really. This man, polite and everything, was telling him he taught this mutant how to kill. He followed his orders… Despite being in an organization that put power above everything. How strong was that man?!
"Strong enough to scare All-Might." All For One said with a smug smile, looking at the young teen who had serious bladder control to not piss himself.
"...Am I that easy to read?"
"Ahahahah! No, I am just good at reading smart people's reactions. Don't worry, this is a perfect answer, you know? It proves your survival instincts are top-tier. Breathe out, kid. If I wanted to do anything to you, you wouldn't have woken up at all."
Monoma swallowed and forced himself to smile.
"Unless… Unless you wanted to give me some false hope I would get out alive, before crushing my dream in front of me? You painted a portrait of yourself appreciating your victim's pain and suffering."
All For One smiled even more widely.
"Oh, I like you, boy! I think I will keep you! Let me tell you something. If you win this game, I will not kill you today."
This made Monoma put his rook somewhere and say immediately: "Check."
All For One irked a non-existent eyebrow. Though to be fair, he wasn't that great at chess anyway.
—--
When Kurogiri came back, with some wine, a coke bottle and a sandwich, All For One was heavily sighing, as Monoma had just put him in a checkmate.
"Fine, kid. A deal is a deal. You get to live one more day."
All For One was a man of his word after all when he gave his word outside of one of his schemes. Monoma sighed with happiness, though his ticket to escape was here and now.
Kurogiri lowered his plate of food near Neito, and the young teen took the opportunity to touch his wrist, not covered, from under the plate. Blind angle for the win! If he wanted to have the time to understand Kurogiri's quirk he…
Monoma didn't feel anything when the contact was made between his hand and Kurogiri's skin.
"Something wrong, kid?"
All For One had his smug smile again on his face, and looked at him, before exploding in laughter.
"YOU SHOULD SEE YOUR FACE KID! I have to admit I was impressed by your nerves of steel! You actually tried, very well, to copy my Kurogiri's quirk!" All For One stopped his mad laugh for a second, while Monoma was trying to comprehend what was happening, and why he didn't feel… Even some of his stocked quirk. He didn't use everything against Terraformars.
Why couldn't he feel his quirk?!
"You… Suppressed my quirk?!"
Erasing quirk was extremely rare! Eraser was a huge exception in Japan after all!
All For One stared at him sympathetically.
"Oh, no, nothing so crude. I took your quirk, Monoma. That's not the same."
Neito stared at All For One, who asked Kurogiri to come closer, and … He copied his cloud face for a second.
"See? Your quirk. Mine."
The blond student screamed, when he realized he was being played from the beginning, and remembered… What he said a moment ago.
"Also, you were correct. I do love giving some hope to my victims, before breaking it in front of him."
All For One appreciated Monoma's breakdown, as he followed his sentence.
"Here is your deal, boy. I keep my word. I won't kill you, as long as you win against me in the games I choose. I wonder how long you will live?"
—--
"Inko, I need you to tell me right now if Katsuki is fine!"
When Mitsuki learned I-Island was attacked, her first reaction was to call her best friend. She knew Inko, and she had faith in her. However, she was a mother before anything, and she needed to know that her son was fine.
"Katsuki… Is alive." Inko was extenuated as she was working for more than 24 hours, helping everywhere she could. Help was coming to deal with everything, but until they were organized and there, she was one of the leaders to take care of everyone.
However, she saw how Katsuki was, and she didn't want to announce the news to Mitsuki. Mitsuki, though, wasn't an idiot and waited for the rest of her explanation.
"Inko… Tell me what happened."
"Katsuki lost his right arm during a fight against one of the most dangerous villains. It isn't possible to reattach it."
Mainly because the arm was in Moonfish's mouth when he got pulverized by Godzillo and Yui, but it wasn't the point.
Mitsuki stayed silent, before speaking: "But he is alive and ready to kick some ass?"
"We had to sedate him so he wouldn't break the suture. He will live, and apparently, some people on the Island want to give him a new arm. Saving people from a mad cannibal tends to make them grateful."
Mitsuki sighed in relief, but she still was terribly terrified by what was happening. She was almost remembering the time when the Night Nurses were necessary because the villains were rampant.
"I hope we get those who did that, darling. Sorry for your honeymoon too."
Inko sighed before someone called her. It was time to go back to work. her break was over, and she managed to get some sleep.
"I will call you back later, Mitsuki. Don't worry, Katsuki will be back. The scientists said they would need, like, a few weeks to make him something." Though Katsuki would suffer hell through it, Inko knew the teen enough, and he would be angry enough to rehabilitate despite the pain.
—--
Compress was tired as hell too. He was pretty much certain the Knight actually discovered who he was, but kicking butt together created some kind of friendship between them. However, he was worried about the voicemail he received from La Brava and Gentle. He left them for one day, what could have happened to make them break the silence?
Then Compress listened to the voicemail. He listened to it a second time, to be sure he didn't mishear it and called back right after.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, THE HPSC KNOW WHO WE ARE AND THEY GAVE US A LIST OF TARGETS?!"
Gentle answer made Compress want to drink a whole bottle of the strongest whisky he could find.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, SHE IS YOUR AUNT?! WHY THE FUCK YOU DIDN'T TELL US THAT BEFORE?"
Oh god. Compress felt sick. Everyone knew his identity. UA, All Might, Endeavor, and the HPSC. Well, he had to ask one last thing.
"Do you think we can manage to get a pardon after all of this?"
…
"That seems more than acceptable. However, I will prepare some backup on my own. However, Gentle, we will talk about everything that needs to be disclosed. You don't have any other family secrets I need to know?"
…
"Good. Stay safe, kid."
Compress was tired, and remembered why he used to work alone. Sometimes, teammates were troubled too.
—--
I-Island, thanks to the Architect's heist and the insurance, was actually overflowing with money. Besides, most of the Island was mainly intact. As a result, David takes his time, helping the various people clean the top of the Tower… He found a few interesting things, including the one thing he was trying to power up with some cable. He hoped the power source was universal, but he had big hope.
Then the lab power went down, and David yelled against this apparent failure. Now he was in the dark until the power was restored…
Wait, what was that blue light in the room?
"NO FORCE IN THE UNIVERSE CAN STOP ME!"
"Except for a lack of body."
Optimus, newly powered, saw in the darkness of David's smug smile, and indeed… That he lacked a body.
"... Except for a lack of body, indeed."