It's been approximately a week. This story has garnered over a hundred followers and has been marked as a favorite a hundred times as well. Heck, it's even been registered within a community already! Thank you so much. Honestly, even though it's a fanfiction lost in the depths of the internet, it holds significant meaning for me.
But now, let's transition to the review corner! And to all of you, please keep in mind that I'm selecting my top three reviews, though I've read all of them!
From NyaNyaKittyFace
The review is a bit too long to include, but thank you! I'm aware you've been following since the first version—welcome back!
From Kouji17
I like how you made Inko know AFO beforehand as it makes more sense than her instantly trusting a complete stranger. I also LOVE! how you roped in the daughter of Nana theory smoothly like you did.
Going slightly more in depth of Izuku school life before the exam was a nice way to start the story off. The old kne where you constantly dud flashbacks was confusing and hard to read so kudos for learning from that lady time. It made sense that if she knew AFO then she would have gotten Izuku out of Aldera sooner in fear of Izuku accidently exposing himself before UA. Though that raises the quedtionnon wether or not you will do a time skip after describing his ten months of training in a little detail or not.
I can't wait fir the third chapter I loved the original and this one seems like it will be a much more polished version. That being said take your time as quality is always better than quantity. Also as a fellow writer I suggest Chapters that are at most 4K unless it is a finale to an arc or you need to reach a certain writing point before cutting off the chapter.
Thank you! I'll delve into more detail about Inko's past later on. I've provided a lot of facts so far, rather than information. I don't always consider every aspect of the story; I don't keep track of everything happening simultaneously unless it's essential. The next chapter will be more focused on the League and All Might's side of the story. You have a valid point, but I prefer to write until I sense I've achieved a certain amount of progress. On average, my chapters range between 4K and 7K words.
From Chronosign (Multi review I know ...)
I can imagine Izuku walking in on Inko cursing up a fucking hurricane level rant when he gets back from the USJ.
I think Nezu will have a blast trying to turn Izuku into a megalomaniac with plans for world domination. It's "GreenyThe Brain", like "Pinkythe Brain" but both of them are extremely intelligent. If you ever need a list of abstract quirks that could be useful, just ask, I have a big list, some that I have suggested to other authors and have actually used them.
Izuku walking out of USJ with PTSD? Nahhhh... unless-
Anyway, onto the next chapter!
"Are you sure you don't want to go tomorrow? You overused your quirk yesterday. It's Saturday; you could always just go tomorrow. He did say this weekend, not today."
Izuku turned to face his mother, feeling a mix of determination and nerves. "I feel better, I promise. And I feel like if I don't have the courage to go now, I might hesitate tomorrow. It's my chance. I have to seize it now." In truth, he felt a bit sick, but there were no headaches or signs of physical weakness—just stress.
"Don't get attacked on the way to U.A., alright? And if you do, you have all the right to steal their quirk if needed. The police will understand as long as you're only trying to defend yourself... And please call me as soon as you're done. I want to know everything!"
Izuku rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I-I will, I promise. I should go now."
As he headed towards U.A., the weight of the opportunity ahead settled on his shoulders. He had been officially invited by none other than Nezu, an exceptionally smart individual. Izuku wondered if this meeting was solely for publicity or if he was genuinely being offered a place in their heroic department.
Just as he reached the school grounds, it struck him that he hadn't mentioned All for One to his mother. He resolved to discuss it when he got back home. The massive gates stood before him, reinforced to withstand quirk usage. Scanning the area for an intercom or doorbell, he cursed his oversight in not noting down Nezu's phone number.
Just as he was about to call his mother to ask for a solution, the door unexpectedly retracted into the ground, revealing Nezu himself, waving energetically. "Izuku Midoriya! You came on such short notice. I thought you might call me back to set the arrival time."
"W-Well, sorry, sir. I-I actually just thought about it and—"
"No worries at all. I was getting a bit bored, and I truly enjoy using our security system. It's not spying, I swear; it's just observing what's happening around my home. Hahaha! Please come in! Let's head to my office, and I'll give you a short tour on the way." Nezu was already moving, his hyperactivity shining through.
"B-But sir, how—"
"Hmm?" Nezu turned around, maintaining the constant smile on his face.
"H-How did you know I want to be a hero?"
"Ah, I don't mean to jump to conclusions, but you did risk your life to save a fellow classmate despite the odds being stacked against you. Also, I may have looked into your school records a bit. You've consistently shown an interest in heroics until you were twelve. After that, you became more reserved about your future. Did something change?" Nezu continued walking, guiding Izuku along.
"There are consequences when you express a desire to become a hero but everyone believes you're quirkless," Izuku explained.
"Bullying, I should have guessed. You don't need to worry. Bullying is something that should never be tolerated in my establishment. It seems you haven't been discouraged. Now, tell me about this hidden quirk."
"H-How did you—"
"You said 'believes you're quirkless,' implying you do have a quirk—a power you aren't proud of?"
"N-no, it's just... it's not something that engenders trust. It's strong, and useful, but while using it, I might as well be quirkless, like Eraser Head."
"Oh, you're familiar with Shouta? It's rare for people to take an interest in underground heroes. While his quirk isn't flashy and he fights like someone without a quirk, he evens the odds, doesn't he? But back to the topic, what is your quirk?"
"It's called All—uh I-I mean, I call it Hijack. It allows me to interact with people's quirks." The principal's expression shifted from curiosity to shock. "I can take people's quirks and keep them for myself if I want. But I can also give them back; I swear, I've never stolen anyone's quirk. I've practiced a bit with my mother, and we continue to when I feel the need to use it."
The principal turned to face Izuku directly, his shock replaced by curiosity. "I can also 'hack' people's quirks if I want. That's how I disabled the sludge villain, for instance. It's very exhausting, though. Additionally, I can sense and perceive people's quirks around me, like a sort of sonar." Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "That's about all I know about my quirk."
Nezu's smile returned, reassuringly. "I understand why you might anticipate negative reactions. Your quirk is extremely powerful and unique. It's a precious gift in the hands of a good person. However, if it falls into the hands of a villain, it could become a nightmare."
"Y-Yes, that would be horrible." Izuku wished he had never crossed paths with All for One.
"Your quirk itself isn't villainous; it could be a great asset to us. Do you have any idea how many villains can't be imprisoned safely due to the nature of their quirks?"
"I... I don't want to take quirks. It feels wrong to remove a part of someone. If it's temporary, it's fine, but I wouldn't feel comfortable keeping a quirk in the long term. The longest I've held a quirk was a few hours at most, and it was only my mother's telekinesis quirk."
"You won't be compelled to do anything that makes you uncomfortable with your quirk, Midoriya. However, you should know your limits. If you have to take a quirk to save a life one day, I hope you'll be ready."
"If it's justified, I suppose it wouldn't hurt," Izuku agreed, though it went against his personal beliefs.
Arriving at Nezu's office, Izuku found it less imposing than he had expected. A couple of couches, a wooden desk with a computer, and a single shelf for documents—it was the oversized tea service that truly stood out. Nezu practically bounced onto a couch and gestured for Izuku to sit opposite him. "Ah, I love squishy things!"
"It's... really comfy, I agree."
"I'll get straight to the point. I'd like you to take the recommendation exam under my endorsement. This is a unique opportunity for you. It's not easier than the regular entrance exam, but with your quirk, it'd be more fitting to showcase your talents."
"I... I've never heard of the recommendation exam. How does it work?"
"Oh, it's not difficult at all. Occasionally, a pro hero identifies talented individuals and suggests their profiles. We then offer these young people the chance to join our program by taking a simple exam, scheduled before the regular entrance exam."
"I see... But what do you mean by 'more appropriate'? Couldn't I demonstrate my quirk during the regular entrance exam?"
Nezu tilted his head for a moment, deep in thought. "The entrance exam revolves around battling training robots in a mock city. A panel of judges, mostly pro heroes, evaluates the examinees' skills based on specific criteria. I can't go into more detail, unfortunately."
"I see... So, there's no disadvantage depending on one's quirk type."
The principal pondered for a moment. "The reality is, we can't customize the exam for each applicant's quirk. The goal is also to simulate a real hero intervention."
Izuku realized where this was leading. "So, you're essentially eliminating chances for people with 'unconventional' quirks."
"You can't expect us to—"
"I'm not asking you to change the exam. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but quirkless individuals can't become heroes because of people like you, people like All Might, who set and maintain standards that exclude certain quirk types." Izuku's frustration spilled out, unfiltered. "I understand that not everyone is born with the same advantages, but if you took the time to see what people can do, it could change everything."
Nezu appeared taken aback. For a moment, Izuku worried he'd gone too far, but he was somewhat relieved by the softening of the principal's expression. "You're not afraid to speak your mind, to confront our shortcomings. Fine, you've convinced me. I'll revise the selection process to level the playing field. I assume you won't be taking the recommendation exam, then?"
Izuku chuckled, feeling a mix of empowerment and responsibility. "I've come this far on my own. All my accomplishments are based on my efforts. I won't take anything for granted." He affirmed.
"Excellent! Now all you need to do is not let me down... and the other judges, of course." Nezu's nose twitched momentarily. "Speaking of which, why did you mention All Might specifically and not another hero?"
A surge of sickness washed over Izuku as he recalled the rooftop encounter. "I... I met him just minutes before the sludge villain attacked Bakugo. I asked him if I could become a hero without a quirk. I thought... I thought he'd be different from people at school—the bullies, the teachers who only care about their own fame and interests. But he outright said 'No.' and left immediately."
The principal seemed taken aback, but he was in no position to call Izuku a liar, given the teen's candid honesty. "Yagi said... What an insensitive response. He should be ashamed. And he probably didn't consider your emotional state before answering. It could have been far worse. However, you proved him wrong right afterward. The irony."
"I used my quirk a bit. Without it, I... I might've been able to distract the villain a little. No one could have single-handedly handled the sludge, but defeating it wasn't the point. Bakugo was in danger, and my priority was to free him." Izuku admitted, his voice tinged with intensity. "I might've been taken hostage as well, in the worst-case scenario. Nobody knew what the best course of action was. Was it better to wait? Was it better to take action, even if it worsened the situation?"
"I can't conceive of any outcome other than the one where you saved Bakugo. Why? Because you took action, and it turned out that way. Don't harbor regrets, and don't dwell on what they said." The principal gazed out of his office window. "Oh dear, it's getting late. You should head home. If you have further questions, feel free to contact me. Until then, focus on your studies and prepare for the entrance exam."
"I will, sir."
Around an hour later, Izuku was back home, recounting the detailed exchange with the principal for his mother. This was his chance to share the part of his encounter with All Might that the media hadn't covered—Katsuki's hurtful comment. At least that was in the past now.
He considered mentioning All for One once more, but ultimately decided against it. It felt like it didn't matter anymore, like he was moving forward.
"Is everything alright, dear? If you need to talk, I'm here," Inko reassured him during dinner.
Izuku was a terrible liar, so instead, he went with a half-truth. "I-I'm fine, just a bit overwhelmed by everything that happened. If I did need your help with something, I'd tell you, I promise."
His mother cleared his plate and planted a soft kiss on his forehead. "I trust you, Izuku. If there's something you don't want to tell me, I understand. I'll always be here if you need to talk." She persisted despite his reassurance. Was his poker face really that bad? At least she wasn't prying for answers.
Leaving U.A. left him with a really positive impression. Yet, he still contemplated his choice. There was no guarantee that Nezu would follow through with changing the exam. Izuku had to be realistic; his quirk was ideal for dealing with other people, but machines lacked quirks as far as he knew.
His physical strength was lacking, which was a sore point for him. Then again, his academic performance was more than impressive, so tackling the written portion of the exam shouldn't pose too much of a challenge. But when it came to his quirk, he had theoretical knowledge, yet he lacked real-world experience...
Disturbing ideas crowded his thoughts. He forced himself to consider them just to acknowledge how awful they were. Desperation drove him to his bedroom, where he tried to drown out his thoughts by delving deeper into quirk analysis. But even his intellectual pursuits couldn't suppress his hunger for long. How had the villain—no, All for One, referred to his quirk? He didn't want to attribute such a villainous aspect to his own power. That wasn't the point!
While Hijack sounded friendlier, it also carried a subtle connotation of thievery. Perhaps he could call his quirk All for One, assuming the villain didn't hold some form of copyright on the name. WAIT, WHY WAS HE CONCERNED ABOUT COPYRIGHT FOR A VILLAIN'S NAME?
By accident, Izuku activated his quirk out of sheer frustration. He stared at the red energy dancing around his fingers. He needed to master this quirk. With such power, he could become a legendary hero. But he couldn't expect someone to devote hours every day to helping him give and take quirks.
He required the villain's assistance. It couldn't be illegal, could it? He wasn't committing a crime; he was just seeking guidance and advice—a few pointers and suggestions.
It was challenging for Izuku; he scoured the internet tirelessly, yet nothing could direct him to the elusive All for One. He tried, but he kept getting redirected to peculiar passages in a French book about knights battling a cardinal. Oddly enough, the summary caught his attention, and he eventually bought the book.
Since his fruitless attempts to locate All for One online yielded little, Izuku considered an alternative strategy. He informed his mother that he intended to embark on an extended stroll outdoors. Although she didn't oppose the idea, her suspicion lingered, leaving Izuku feeling uneasy. He wasn't lying; he truly planned to explore outside and employ his quirk to sense any trace of All for One.
After all, it wasn't as if there were numerous individuals in his town with a multitude of quirks.
His theory was simple: All for One had been in the vicinity the previous day while searching for the sludge villain, for reasons unknown. Based on Izuku's sensing, they lacked a transportation quirk, suggesting a high likelihood that they remained nearby. Hopefully not within some clandestine subterranean lair.
Strolling through the city became an effective exercise, as Izuku had previously used his quirk to evade certain individuals. Now, he was transitioning from evading to locating. Eventually, he detected something—subtle, dormant, and frustratingly subterranean. Why couldn't villains opt for grand skyscraper hideouts instead of the stereotypical underground bases? Such clichés. The hideout happened to be in a populated city area, leading Izuku to speculate whether they possessed a quirk to render themselves unnoticed. He recalled hearing about such a quirk, previously held by a renowned European thief. He'd wish for that power too, albeit not for thieving purposes.
The sensation was close; following an alley, Izuku stumbled upon a staircase descending into a basement beneath a medium-sized residential building. With determination, he proceeded downward. Part of him wished it was all a coincidence, but the undeniable proximity of All for One persisted. He reached a door and, naturally, it refused to yield. So, he knocked—once.
No response.
With a sigh, Izuku accepted that he'd have to seek an alternative. He could always focus on enhancing his quirk at U.A. High School and, concurrently, work on his physical prowess. However, just as he was ascending the staircase, something yanked him back. How did he not detect the door's opening? Or anticipate the impending attack?
Thrust to the ground, the door sealed shut, causing the basement to plunge into dim illumination. As Izuku clambered to his feet, he recognized the space's unexpected tidiness.
"I assumed you'd exercise more caution," noted All for One in a polite tone, his voice a familiar sound. In the newfound quiet, Izuku also discerned faint, nearly inaudible beeping. Turning his attention, he discovered the villain tethered to an unfamiliar medical apparatus.
"You—You literally threw me in," Izuku stammered.
"Regrettably, the risk of an unintended bystander discovering my hideout was too great," responded All for One, the helmet absent from his attire, his appearance notably casual. "I apologize for the disorder; I hadn't anticipated your prompt arrival."
"W-Wait, what if I had been an innocent bystander?"
"Do you assume I would have resorted to murder? A tip: disposing of a body poses more difficulties than a minor form of mental control. No corpses, no investigations; disappearances, however, are an entirely different matter," the villain interjected, a cough punctuating his speech. Red liquid, presumably blood, tainted his palm. Concerned, Izuku reached for a tissue, only to have his gesture halted by All for One. "There's no need; I'm adequately prepared for this."
Guiding Izuku deeper into the hideout, All for One demonstrated a dwelling that encompassed a medical space, a rudimentary kitchen, and a living area. A wall of screens adorned the space, prompting Izuku to wonder how one watched screens without eyes. Absent was a bedroom, implying that All for One likely slept within his medical chamber—likely uncomfortable accommodations.
After tending to his mouth and hand, All for One leaned against a wall. "Let me assure you, I'm not on my deathbed. This is merely a temporary state—until I find an individual capable of rectifying it, provided they cooperate."
"And if they don't?"
"Are you assuming I'd resort to murder? Let me enlighten you: murder invites more complications than a simple manipulation. No bodies, no investigations. Though, it's true that vanished individuals often stir more trouble. But it's a reality—one must apply logic to circumstances rather than adhering to absolutes," expounded All for One, inadvertently quashing Izuku's inclination to dispute his perspective.
"However, I suggest you sit and make yourself comfortable," the villain continued, transitioning from his discourse to hostly concern. "May I offer you a refreshment? I must admit a preference for water or perhaps tea over soda."
"Oh—um, thank you, I'm fine," Izuku responded, finding a seat and complying with the invitation.
"It's been quite a while since I had a guest... Kurogiri is an exception, of course," All for One mused aloud, his reminiscence interrupted by self-awareness. "Pardon me if I'm prattling; it's a tendency I'm trying to curb. At times, I've intentionally murmured, or feigned curses—it's a quirk of mine. My helmet proves advantageous for concealing that."
"I—I don't mind. I tend to do that too, though it usually irritates people more than it frightens them," Izuku admitted, creating a momentary bridge of shared familiarity.
All for One promptly shifted subjects upon recognizing Izuku's discomfort. "I watched television yesterday; you've garnered significant publicity. With that, entering the hero school of your choice—U.A., I presume—seems well within reach."
"Yes, U.A. is my goal. Interestingly, Principal Nezu reached out to me for a special interview following my media exposure. He even offered to advocate for my enrollment through the recommendation exam, but I declined."
"The rat proposed an interview?" All for One rephrased, sensing Izuku's disdain for the principal's rodent-like comparison. "So, you relinquished the chance to participate in a recommendation exam that was practically served on a silver platter? An expedited route into Hero Academia."
"What's the point if it's easy? Sure, I'd get in, but I wouldn't be as strong as if I'd dedicated effort to preparation," Izuku justified his decision.
All for One nodded, acknowledging Izuku's perspective. "Then, what's your current plan?"
"I-I'm still mulling over that," Izuku admitted, the unspoken query hanging in the air.
All for One raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Are you perhaps considering asking me for advice regarding your quirk?"
Izuku's desire to scratch the back of his head was quelled; he couldn't afford to show discomfort before All for One. "Yes?"
The villain's frame twitched slightly. "You're requesting my assistance with your quirk?"
Suppressing the impulse to display vulnerability, Izuku replied, "Yes."
Another of All for One's coughs ensued, devoid of blood this time. "I don't know how much aid I can provide. My strength has diminished since my prime. If you're looking for practical insights, this endeavor could prove challenging."
"Even theoretical guidance would be invaluable!" Izuku implored, his enthusiasm unintentionally revealed.
Amused, All for One consented, "Very well, we can attempt this. Start by describing what you've discovered so far."
Thus, Izuku narrated his experiences with his quirk—his achievements, his recent ability to locate All for One, and his progress. "Your sensory abilities are truly remarkable; they offer a dimension I've never personally encountered. Admittedly, my emphasis was on our quirk's interactive capacities. Given your familiarity with these aspects, let's proceed to the next phase. You've yet to steal a quirk, correct?"
"I—well, I borrowed my mother's quirk once, but I promptly returned it an hour later. I understand the mechanics, I just haven't practiced."
All for One extended a hand toward Izuku. "Proceed."
"Excuse me?"
"Don't be obstinate. I'm affording you the chance to train with two quirks—minor water generation and a modest fire quirk," All for One explained.
"I can't accept your quirks!"
"Now you're merely stubborn."
"No, you—" Izuku's retort was cut short as All for One's hand encroached, urging the quirks toward him. "I—fine. But don't try forcibly bestowing a quirk again; it's ethically wrong." Surrendering, Izuku grasped the villain's hand, instantly experiencing shivers. Had his resolve been slightly weaker, he might have succumbed to nausea.
All for One promptly withdrew upon perceiving Izuku's discomfort. "Hold on, breathe... How far did you delve?"
"This is insane—nobody should have such power. The voices—" Echos or voices, he couldn't determine, yet they were unmistakable. "Was—was it only me?"
"No, certain quirks possess complexity beyond what's apparent. I've encountered sentient quirks before. The ease of acquisition depends on the owner's will to retain their quirk. The type of quirk factors in as well. Imitation quirks are immune to appropriation, and even if you could seize them, the process would likely prove fatal," All for One clarified. "The echoes are something you learn to disregard. Do you still wish to proceed?"
"Yes, let's—let's try again."
The subsequent contact transpired more smoothly; All for One initiated the contact this time, given Izuku's unfamiliarity with the process. Two quirks were transferred: water and fire manipulation. Though straightforward, the experience felt akin to using a hammer for tasks that required a screwdriver. "This should come naturally; avoid overthinking the application of your quirk. Just utilize it."
With time, Izuku grasped the concept. The next step, as All for One explained, was to blend the quirks. Using the analogy of overlapping transparent blue and red plastic sheets to yield purple, Izuku combined the two powers. What resulted was not water or fire, but rather a compressed surge of steam. "They're not permanently merged, right?"
"No, our quirk's flexibility surpasses your expectations. You've produced steam, yet with adjustments, you could yield boiling water or similar effects. The key lies in maintaining logical cohesion."
"It does feel more challenging; it consumes more energy, doesn't it?"
"Excellent observation. Achieving equilibrium between mental and physical energy is crucial. Loss of control during quirk fusion can lead to disastrous consequences," elucidated All for One.
They delved into discussions and exercises for nearly two hours, the exchange punctuated by thoughtful pauses and subtle gestures that bespoke their focus. Izuku began to sense the fading light, recognizing that it was growing late. "I should probably start heading home... and don't worry, I won't reveal anything about this place. You're not planning to brainwash me, are you?"
All for One's response was gentle, free of any sinister undertones. "No need to fear. Your honesty precludes any betrayal. But before you leave, if you don't mind sharing, what's your name?"
A reticent smile tugged at Izuku's lips. "I probably shouldn't give you my name."
"But you know mine," All for One countered, his demeanor marked by curiosity.
"I know your villain alias. Knowing your real name wouldn't—" Izuku's words tapered off as All for One disclosed an unexpected revelation.
"Shigaraki."
The syllables hung in the air, Izuku momentarily taken aback. "Uh?"
"Shigaraki is my true name. If you're contemplating sharing your name, it's only fair that you're acquainted with mine."
An internal battle raged within Izuku, torn between his instincts and his growing rapport with the enigmatic figure before him. "I still probably shouldn't tell you my name," he admitted, though his resolve seemed to waver.
All for One persisted, probing gently. "Or perhaps your hero name? Surely you've given it some thought? After all, you've been more focused on others' potential than your own. Half of your life pondering what you could become, and the other half wondering what you could take from others."
Inwardly, Izuku acknowledged the accuracy of All for One's assessment, but his voice trembled slightly as he revealed his self-designated moniker. "You can call me Deku."
All for One's initial response was a scoff, a sound that echoed with a tinge of amusement. "Deku? An intriguing choice."
"It's what the bullies used to call me," Izuku explained softly, his voice tinged with the resonance of old wounds. "It means 'useless'."
The villain's perspective shifted as he considered the implications. "And won't it be a splendid twist when you rise as a formidable hero, casting aside that very name?"
As Izuku shouldered his backpack, he prepared to leave. "Thank you for the assistance... it's strange, but I really needed someone to talk to."
All for One's response bore a touch of warmth, albeit carefully veiled. "It has been... an interesting conversation. Go back home safely. Refrain from any further entanglements with villains until you secure your place in U.A."
Izuku nodded in acknowledgment, a mixture of gratitude and newfound determination etched across his features. With that, he made his exit.
Izuku returned home punctually, his mother couldn't help but notice the change in his demeanor. His mood seemed lifted, his determination palpable. "Where have you been?" Inko queried, her curiosity piqued by her son's prolonged absence.
He exhaled softly, his satisfaction evident, even his posture seemed more upright. "Oh, I... I was just out and about in the town. It felt strangely fulfilling—just walking around, you know? Not constantly dwelling on Aldera. And, well, I'm going to get into U.A., no matter what."
Observing her son closely, Inko considered the possibility of his actions aligning with her suspicions. "I'm glad you had a good day. I'll let you know when dinner's ready." With a gentle smile, Izuku retreated to his room, presumably engrossed in his ceaseless quirk analysis.
Seizing the opportunity, Inko reached out to her newfound confidant.
"Kurogiri?" Her tone was assertive, seeking immediate attention.
"Responding. Is there an emergency?" Kurogiri's voice emanated with its characteristic professionalism.
"Perhaps. Did my son have another encounter with Shigaraki?" Inko's tone contained an undercurrent of certainty, suggesting she was already well aware of the situation.
"You mean All for One? I did receive a message from our master, instructing me to procure books on quirk counseling and what he termed 'teenagers' moods.' Whether these are related to your son or intended for Tomura is unclear," Kurogiri reported.
"At this point, I'm convinced they crossed paths once again. Determine if Shigaraki approached Izuku deliberately or if it was mere coincidence. My son doesn't have any direct means of contacting him, and I've ensured that my past is securely concealed within the house," Inko disclosed, her bewilderment growing regarding the unintended recurrence of their connection.
"I cannot overtly inquire about their interactions without raising suspicion, but I'll remain vigilant," the bartender responded.
"Then let's hope their egos prompt them to share their exploits soon. I know Shigaraki; if he's as content as my son is, he'll be unable to resist boasting..." Inko was about to end the call, but then her thoughts shifted to her nephew. "How is Tenko?" She found herself shifting the topic, recognizing it as an ideal opportunity to check on her nephew's well-being.
A trace of mild surprise colored Kurogiri's tone. "Oh, master informed you?"
"When a relative's family vanishes without a trace, one tends to seek answers from the devil himself. How is he coping? I'd like to hear your perspective," Inko inquired, her maternal concern manifest.
"Tomura has developed an infatuation with All for One, though it's a destructive fascination. Nonetheless, it seems to inspire him in a twisted way. As for Tenko, he's grappling with his place in the world. Motivation to seek out his purpose eludes him."
Inko's voice trembled slightly with worry. "Please tell me he hasn't developed a split personality."
"No, you misunderstand. Tenko and Tomura are one and the same, of course. I meant to differentiate between the villain Tomura and the young man grappling with his identity. Their brilliance is evident, but it's not solely about their family's fate; it's also about what their family did to him. I suppose it's up to you whether you've chosen to visit him yet."
Inko grappled with a twinge of guilt at her decision. "He might not take it well; my intrusion could do more harm than good. Perhaps... perhaps he's better off without his family disrupting his life. What do you think?"
"I won't contradict your choices. On that note, Tomura is returning, and I must attend to that. Goodbye." Kurogiri terminated the call, his responsibilities pulling him elsewhere.
With the conversation concluded, Inko was comforted by the knowledge that, to a certain extent, everyone appeared to be on an even keel.
"Welcome back," Tomura declared, his tone a mix of detachment and subdued angst. He and his companion returned to the bar, a subtle aura of disinterest cloaking him. "Your peculiar butter is missing, but aside from that, our errand is mostly accomplished." The bags landed with a thud on the bar counter, their contents soon to be appraised by Kurogiri.
"No worries; we still have some on hand—" Kurogiri began, his words disrupted as two additional bags were deposited before him.
"Apologies, mine are a bit hefty," chimed in Dabi, Tomura's comrade, whose preferred moniker now was Dabi, leaving the persona of Touya Todoroki in the shadows. His casual demeanor carried an air of passive yet amiable vexation. Kurogiri experienced the sensation of hands slipping into the bag placed before him.
Amidst the ensemble, the third presence within their unassuming establishment was Rei Todoroki, though her personal preference leaned towards being addressed as Rei Himura, akin to her son's inclination for autonomy. Through an inexplicable series of events, Dabi had somehow convinced Tomura—coupled with Kurogiri's tacit approval—to orchestrate Rei's liberation from a facility that dealt in obscure hero-affiliated matters. The term "mental hospital" flirted with Kurogiri's consciousness, though his expression remained stoic; a covert dumping ground for those deemed inconvenient by their previous patrons—namely, her spouse.
"Ah! It's about time our fridge received its overdue replenishment. Perhaps a fish-centric meal tonight?" Rei's demeanor exuded a maternal warmth, her offer infused with a familial intimacy.
"So long as he avoids the kitchen," Tomura interjected with a wry undertone, casting a sidelong glance towards Dabi, who careened unceremoniously onto a nearby couch.
"Do you have something against my culinary prowess?" Dabi's retort was delivered with playful indignation.
"You'd reduce your mother to tears."
"You—" The rebuttal died in Dabi's throat as Rei quashed any escalating banter.
"No wrestling inside the bar, boys." Rei's assertion carried a weight that transcended mere command; it was the resonance of maternal authority earned through raising four children. Though one child had relinquished her, another dismissed her as afflicted with an imaginary ailment, the third wrestled with traumatic scars, and the fourth presently voiced his objections to being denied the "privilege" of punishing a friend.
Rei's soothing words veered towards Kurogiri, who found himself grappling with a curious blend of flustered emotions, despite her lack of any romantic intent. "I'm grateful for your ability to maintain order. I wish I could muster more sternness."
"You'll get there. Shall I assist you?" Rei's request carried a genuine sincerity, tinged with the acknowledgment of Kurogiri's skillset. His demeanor fluctuated between unemotional barkeep and a man swept into something profoundly meaningful.
"I-I'll be of aid," he stammered, roused from his introspective thoughts as he set about the task at hand—tending to their "guest" alongside Rei, both orchestrating this makeshift family's unique dynamics.