"Izuku!"

The Quirkless teen let out an oof as he was tackled by someone. From the stress of it all, Izuku must have passed out again on the couch. Now he had a girl glomping him and nuzzling against his cheek.

"Himiko-chan!" he exclaimed trying to push her away. "A little space, please?"

"Boo, you're no fun," she pouted but did get off of him and sat down next to him on the couch. "Oh, before Shiggy gets back."

As he sat up, he watched her dig something out of her pocket. He couldn't see what it was when she pulled it out as she kept her fingers closed around it tightly. But once she put it in his hand still covering it with her own so Kurogiri wouldn't see, he knew exactly what it was.

No…no way.

"Himiko-chan," Izuku muttered, staring at her in surprise.

It was the knife from Chizome. He couldn't see it but he could feel it. Wrapped up in a piece of cloth as added subterfuge but there was no mistaking the shape. Izuku didn't know what to say. He thought he had lost it. Again. But she had it and was giving it back to him. Again. One of the only few things he had left from Chizome. This meant so much to him.

"It's yours, isn't it?" Himiko said, pushing the knife gently into his hand. Her smile was more genuine and softer than usual.

The Quirkless teen simply nodded as he breathed out, "Thank you."

"What are friends for?" she replied, still smiling.

After a quick check of Kurogiri who was currently looking at something in their opposite direction, he slipped the cherished knife deep into his pocket. Izuku was determined to not lose it this time. Which was good timing as the other League members started to filter into the room.

Izuku and Himiko were on the couch. Mr. Compress and Spinner were leaning up against the back wall. Magne stood off to the side with one arm propped on her hip. Twice was next to her staring down Katsuki who glared back from the chair he was still chained to. Dabi was standing by the tied-up teen with his hands in his pockets. Shigaraki was the last to arrive and took his typically place at the bar. Kurogiri was quick to whip up a drink for him unbidden.

"Well then," Shigaraki spoke up as he grabbed the drink and swirled it around in his hand. "Now that we're all here, there's a little something I'd like us all to see."

He reached for a nearby remote and for the first time turned on the TV on the bar. The screen lit up and showed a live stream of what looked like a press conference. There were cameras and reporters, but most of all there were their teachers. Nezu, Aizawa, and Vlad King from Class 1-B were sitting behind a table and were making statements to the press.

Izuku cast a glance at Katsuki who gave him a look as well. The blonde looked as surprised as he was to see Aizawa, the Underground Hero Eraserhead, dressed up and allowing himself to be seen on camera. The young analyst knew how much effort he put into avoiding the media. To actually do so willingly…well, it honestly meant a lot to them both. Though Izuku was more likely to say that than Katuski.

It was difficult to watch their teachers, their Heroes, being blamed for everything. From themselves as well as the reporters. Because it wasn't their fault the training camp was attack and they were kidnapped. That was all Shigaraki and his obsession with Izuku. Which also made it his fault as well though he very much didn't want or intended to get kidnapped.

I should have gone back to the teachers sooner, Izuku thought, though he also didn't regret running off to make sure his friends were safe.

"We will be increasing patrols of the school grounds," Nezu said on the screen. "As well as review the security measures of the school. Rest assured that our priority is the safety of UA's students."

The reporters started talking over each other with deriding comments and accusing questions. Talk of endangering the students, that the Heroes should be ashamed, and what that meant for the rest of them. Did UA plan to only protect those in the school?

"Strange, isn't it?" Shigaraki commented as he turned the stream on mute and moved to face his recruits. "The Heroes are now becoming the bad guys. So much criticism."

He tutted as he shook his hand covered face. Again, Izuku and Katsuki traded looks not liking to see their teachers like this one bit. They knew the press putting all of the blame on them was unfair. But then again, life wasn't fair.

"But why so much judgement," the decayer continued after a sip of his drink. "Everyone makes a mistake or two, right? No one's perfect. Not even Heroes. They sure do have it rough in these modern times. Don't you think so, Izuku?"

It was clear Shigaraki no longer had much interest in Katsuki as his sole attention was on him. Which was both good and bad at the same time. Good that he wasn't getting as much pressure to join as Izuku was, but also bad because that meant he was a 'less valuable player' and could be in more danger as collateral damage.

Spinner opened his mouth to speak only to shut it without a word. Before he would have commented on how Heroes were no longer Heroes once they received payment to protect people. However now he wasn't so sure. Not after the kid had adamantly claimed that had never been Stain's message after all. He still had some things to reconsider but he knew this kid was a Hero through and through. What could he say against the boy chosen by Stain?

"In this current system, a Hero only cares for money and glory," Shigaraki stated, mirroring the lizard man's former beliefs. "And today's society soaks up the glamour and theater of it all. Glorifying the favored few while shunning those deemed unworthy of their attention."

The Villain's tone had hardened as he spat out every word. Izuku unfortunately couldn't help but agree. People had become obsessed with the ranking system and limelight Heroes were always reaching for the top. The higher the rank the higher the pay and the higher the chance of advancement. Always wanting more. Which Izuku did not want to deal with at all though he would still have to to a degree.

"But what makes them so much better than any of us?" Shigaraki questioned as his anger was replaced by curiosity. "What is a Hero? What is justice? Is our society truly fair? Once people start asking themselves these questions, it will be a sign that we've won. Don't you want to be on the winning team, Izuku?"

Izuku watched as the decayer stood up from the bar and started to approach him.

"Join us, admin," Shigaraki said as he walked. "You could be my Player Two. Our backgrounds may be different, but I know you've seen the rotten underbelly of this world. The suffering and corruption. All of us here have experienced it. Whether because of people, rules, or Heroes holding us back."

By the end of his little speech, the Villain was standing in front of Izuku on the couch. He held out his hand in offer with the gloves still on. A sign of good will and that there was no danger from his Quirk. If Izuku wasn't who he was, he may have been tempted to take it. But he didn't. Couldn't. Wouldn't. Not in a million years would he take that hand and become a Villain.

There was only one way that Izuku would take Shigaraki's hand. The young leader wasn't born a Villain and instead seemed to have been raised to be one. He was a victim of All For One among countless others. Izuku was determined to try and save him from this hellhole he had been forced into. Hoping that one day the Quirkless teen could reach out his own hand and that Shigaraki would take it. Only then would Izuku take his hand.

"Join us, Izuku," the decayer offered again. His tone was again oddly soft. "Help us change this world."

Izuku stared at the hand for a moment before looking up at Shigaraki. He couldn't really see his face with the hand covering it, but he could see one red eye peeking through the fingers. That same softness was in them along with a yearning for him to say yes. It almost hurt him to have to disappoint, but there was just no way Izuku would become a Villain. He did want to help change the world, but as a Hero instead.

"I can't," Izuku answered with a shake of his head. "I won't."

Shigaraki let out a disappointed sigh as he lowered his hand. He kind of figured that would be the admin's answer but he still had to try.

"You still need time," the decayer replied as he turned and walked back towards the bar.

The young leader said nothing more as he sat down and turned the sound back on. They all quietly listened as the press conference continued. The reporters were merciless especially the one guy who took hold of the room. Izuku felt bad for their teachers being grilled on live television. All because Shigaraki decided to attack the camp and kidnap him. It all just kept coming back to Izuku.

Curse his fucked-up life.

Izuku hated when the reporter put Katsuki's future as a Hero into question. Of course he was going to be a Hero and on the screen Aizawa agreed and defended him. Saying all the things that he too believed to be true. Then the reporter turned to the topic of Izuku himself. Every word out of that man's mouth was like venom.

"It could explain how someone Quirkless could even get into UA. Perhaps he had a little help from his friends in the League to con his way into the Hero Course. Perhaps he is a spy and simply has been reunited with his fellow Villains. Because someone becoming a Hero while Quirkless is impossible."

Con.

Izuku sat there silent and in shock.

Spy.

The League members all turned to him and gave him various empathetic looks.

Fellow Villains.

Himiko next to him gently pulled him into a hug which he didn't fight.

Quirkless.

He was too out of it to even care.

Impossible.

The physical contact did help ground him though. It was enough to bring him back to the moment and force himself to not break down in tears. He saw Katsuki watching him with concern.

Kacchan.

The Quirkless teen took a deep breath to calm himself as his mentors defended him on the screen. He needed to be strong here. Not just for himself but for the both of them. At the mention of Stain from his teacher, Spinner and Dabi glanced his way before turning back to the conference. Himiko herself gave him a gentle squeeze in support. Then Nezu spoke of the police working on breaking the case of their kidnapping. Izuku hoped it would be soon.

"The police are working earnestly on this case and I have no doubt they will be able to break it soon. We will not rest until we are able to return our missing students to UA."

Please, sensei. Please come soon.

Izuku didn't know how much patience Shigaraki had left. Considering last time, he didn't think very much. At the very least he seemed calm for now but that was probably because Izuku was here with him. He needed to get away from here and Katsuki too. Izuku was honestly more worried about his childhood friend than himself in this situation. They wanted him specifically and Katsuki was here by accident. They seriously needed to find a way to get away from the League of Villains. As Heroes they had to.

"Hmm, considering the Heroes said they'd continue investigating us," Shigaraki said as the TV screen turned to black. "It would be better for us to not just stand here and talk. Sensei…"

His voice trailed off as he turned back to the screen that now said 'sound only'. Izuku stared at those two words in horror knowing exactly who was on the other side. He still had no idea how to feel about All For One being his father. It was way too soon and there was too much going on for him to properly process it. He could only watch as Shigaraki talked to his master.

"…lend me your power, Sensei."

A pleased hum came through the sound system at the request. Izuku was worried what sort of 'power' All For One would give him. Quirked? Noumu? Or something else entirely. They just didn't know and the unknown was terrifying.

"A wise decision, Shigaraki Tomura," All For One said. "Yes, I will lend you my power. Use it well."

...

Hitoshi and the others followed Yaoyorozu through the dark streets of Kamino. The tracker said they were close to the place the Noumu was located that she had tagged back at the camp. The area was mostly empty with only some people walking about. She stopped just at the corner of a building and they followed suit.

"Okay, that building over there is where the tracker is broadcasting from," Yaoyorozu said, double checking the self-made device in her hand.

"So that's their hideout?" Kirishima asked, standing next to her and covertly looking at the building. "Not so bad, I guess."

The building was unassuming. Not run down but also not upkept. There were no lights on and judging by the buildup of weeds by the front door no one has been through there in a while. Just your standard abandoned warehouse that was potentially a Villain's lair hidden in plain sight.

"Perhaps but we don't know that for sure," Yaoyorozu replied, again looking down at the tracker then back up at the building. "According to the tracking history, the one I tagged hasn't moved from this location for the past day or so. Other than that, we don't have much more information. What we do know is that one Villain is hiding here, but that could be it. Bakugou and Izuku might not even be here. We're going into this practically blind. Please try to proceed logically from this moment forward."

'Logically.' She sounds like dad.

Hitoshi resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her overprotectiveness even though he was kind of grateful for it. She was like the class mom and Tenya the dad continuing with the family metaphor. Which also fit with his determination to stop them at the first sign of trouble.

"I don't like this," Tenya said, not surprising. "No one here has experience sneaking around. We need Hagakure or Jirou."

"Speak for yourself, Tenya," Hitoshi interjected with his arms folded defensively. "I've interned with Eraserhead. Stealth is a big part of his deal."

They traded hard looks until Mei stepped in.

"Boys, focus," the pinkette ordered sternly. "Now is not the time for this bullshit."

The swearing caught them off guard. Mei didn't necessarily not swear. He's heard her a couple times in the lab when a baby went particularly wrong, but Hitoshi had never heard her say one so pissed off before. It was plenty to get their heads out of their respective asses and back in the game.

Right. The rescue mission.

"Sorry," Hitoshi muttered, feeling a little ashamed of himself. The stress and anticipation were affecting his spite levels and he took it out on his friend. All while trying to save his best friend.

"Of course, Mei, my apologies," Tenya conceded as well. "But I am serious about stopping you if things become even a little bit dangerous. I will not hesitate to call the police if I have to either. I merely want to make sure my friends are safe."

The class rep looked all of them in the eye and lingered a little once he turned to Hitoshi. The brainwasher didn't like it but he let it go for now. They had more important things to do than butt heads over a disagreement.

"Fine, whatever," Hitoshi relented, not happy but also very much done fighting with him right now. "No fighting with the Villains, I got it. So, what are we going to do?"

None of them were as experienced with strategy as Izuku was, but he wasn't there to help them. They'd have to analyze the situation themselves and figure out how in the hell they were going to help the two that were kidnapped. If they were even here or not.

"Let's start with reconnaissance for now," Yaoyorozu suggested.

They all agreed and proceeded to survey the area in hopes of coming up with a plan. They really were going in blind and needed all the information they could get.

Hang in there, Izuku. We're coming for you both.

...

The meeting room was packed. The Heroes and police were split into two teams. Hizashi was with the group assigned to raid the bar they suspected to be the League of Villain's hideout. With him were All Might, Endeavor, Kamui Woods, Edgeshot, and a retired Hero named Gran Torino. The others had been skeptical of him but All Might vouched for his mentor. Most accepted him after that except for of course Endeavor but he mostly just ignored the older Hero and instead spent most of the meeting glaring at All Might.

"Why am I wasting time cleaning up UA's mess?" Endeavor complained, arms crossed and the showy flames on full heat. "I'm a very busy man, you know."

"Get off your high horse," Best Jeanist scolded over the conference call between them as he fixed a loose strand of his hair. "One would think you would jump at the opportunity considering you're a UA alum."

The fiery Hero clicked his tongue in irritation.

"We need as many hands-on-deck without alerting the Villains of our plans," Tsukauchi said, standing next to a computer that had the window showing a video call with the other team prepped across town. "Think of the bigger picture, Endeavor. This could potentially be the beginning of the end for Hero society. Regardless, we will stop at nothing to resolve this successfully."

Honestly, he had hoped to not have Endeavor involved in this considering he was under investigation. But as always, the Hero Commission got its way and ordered for him to be included. The detective would have much rather worked with Akaguro but unfortunately yet understandably, he was not allowed to come. It was too soon and too risky. Too many unknowns of how the former Villain would react, but at least he actually cared about Midoriya unlike this self-absorbed jerk.

On the screen, the second group watched them and nodded in agreement to what the detective said. Their team consisted of Best Jeanist, Gang Orca, Tiger, Mt. Lady, and X-less. They had the assignment of raiding the second hideout they located thanks to Yaoyorozu's quick thinking. Both teams were prepped and ready to take simultaneous action at the two locations.

"Midoriya is strong in his will to become a Hero," Tsukauchi continued. "I have no doubt he will resist any attempt at recruiting him."

"And I know Bakugou from the time of the internships," Bean Jeanist spoke up, having specifically chosen to insert himself into the boy's suspension. "He is stubborn and prideful but he is strong as well. Regardless, we need to hurry and get them back."

"And Ragdoll," Tiger chimed in, determined to take this chance to get his friend back. "She was taken too."

"With the help of the tracking device made by one of the students, we were able to determine two separate locations to strike," Tsukauchi said, addressing both groups. "The bar is the main target where we believe the kidnapped victims are located. This is the priority and has the bulk of our forces. The focus is retrieving Bakugou and Midoriya. Then the others are to gain control of the second hideout to cut off paths of retreat and we'll arrest them all at once."

Easier said than done but they were Heroes and would do their very best. Even though Hizashi was not at all thrilled that Endeavor had been invited along. Abusive asshole. But he knew why they had brought his ungrateful ass along. Even though he was a terrible person, he was a powerhouse that they would most likely need considering the enemy they were about to go up against. Beggars can't be choosers and all that.

Beside him, Hizashi overheard Gran Torino ask, "Toshinori, if they're recruiting old geezers like me, then…"

"Nonsense," All Might cut him off. "You are still Gran Torino. And considering the staggering stakes at hand, we can be sure he is involved."

"All For One," Gran Torino replied slowly.

All For One…

Hizashi had heard that name before but didn't know a ton about it before this meeting. Not like his husband did anyway. At the very least, he knew that name was associated with a sort of cryptid considered the Number One Villain, but one so hidden deep down in the darkness of evil that it was almost hard to believe he was real. However according to the Number One Hero, his mentor, and one of the organizers of this raid, he very much could be. Warning them that he could be the architect behind it all and would be crafty, cautious, and only reveal himself if his safety was guaranteed. The thought of having to potentially face such a monster sent a shiver down the Voice Hero's spine.

"We have the element of surprise here!" Tsukauchi stated with passionate determination. "The Villains will not succeed! Nezu feigned ignorance for us during the press conference as if we didn't have any leads. All to throw the League off so they wouldn't expect a raid on the very same day. This is our time to retaliate and counterattack! Remind the world what you can do as Heroes!"

The two teams were pepped up and ready to go. After the detective's motivational speech, they moved out to their respective set locations. Hizashi felt the thrill of the fight buzzing under his skin. Like a deep bass in a club that vibrated you to your very core. The DJ allowed the adrenaline to fuel him as he readied himself until the bass dropped and the rescue track played at full swing. They were so going to get those boys back no matter what happened.

...

Hitoshi stood in front of the brightly lit vending machine appearing to be making a choice but was actually eyeing the building behind him. The others were standing beside him doing the same. This was as close as they had gotten but there's been no sign of movement inside and still no lights. They had no idea what was going on inside but there was no way they would just walk in blind. It could be a trap. But they still needed to know in order to figure out what they could do.

"What's our next move?" Hitoshi asked, mindlessly 'deciding' between the buttons.

Shouto took a look around before saying, "It isn't too crowded, but there are people around."

"We can't draw attention to ourselves," Yaoyorozu added, surveying the area before spotting a gap between the fence separating their target and the building next to it. "What if we tried around the back? We might get a better chance of seeing inside and getting more intel on this place."

It was better than nothing. Hitoshi nodded and took the lead just itching to do something. Mei followed with Tenya behind her along with Shouto, Kirishima, and Yaoyorozu. It was a tight fit and they had to basically crab-walk just to move. A glance back had him feeling bad for the girls who were doing their best being bustier than the rest of them. Despite that, they kept going. About half way along, Hitoshi spotted a window.

"How about there?" Hitoshi offered, moving far enough so they were centered under it. "We should be able to see what's inside through the window."

"I've got it!" Mei exclaimed in an excited whisper.

She then proceeded to climb Tenya like a koala until she was perched on his shoulders. The whole time the speedster was as red as a tomato but did his best to support her weight. Hitoshi again noted the odd little interaction as Mei peered through the window.

"Nope, I don't got this," she openly admitted though she still tried to look around. "It's too dark in there. I can't see anything even with Zoom."

"Give me a moment and I can make a night vision scope," Yaoyorozu offered only for Kirishima to stop her.

"Don't bother," the red head said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair. "I already have one with me."

"Well, you're prepared," Hitoshi commented as they were all surprised.

"Shut up," Kirishima replied, expression hard with anger and determination. "When I thought about us doing this, I figured we might need them."

"Oh, you picked a good one!" Mei chirped though quietly as she eyed the baby in his hand. "I'd say that's one of those that cost up to 50,000 yen. Quality stuff. Great choice."

"Whatever," he said, brushing her off.

Carefully Shouto helped Kirishima onto his shoulders so he could reach the window better. Mei helped steady him until he could do it himself by holding on to the top of the wall. Once he was set, Kirishima lifted the scope to his eyes and looked inside.

"It's pretty trashed," the red head commented as he scanned the room. "But I don't see any…"

His words trailed off with a horrified gasp as his face contorted into disgusted shock.

"What happened?" Tenya questioned with worry. "Were you seen?"

Kirishima didn't answer him and instead shakily offered the scope to Mei as he said, "The back left corner…"

The pinkette took them from him and scanned the room. She noted the trash, crates, and overall messiness. They were all in shades of muted green. That's when she spotted the vats with tubes sticking out of them. They were glowing bright green in the scope and she used her Quirk to zoom in on what looked like exposed brains?

"Why are there weird brainy things in there?" Mei asked, confused having never seen a Noumu in person before.

"Brainy?" Hitoshi responded, just as confused. "What are you talking about?"

"There are weird vats in there with things in them with exposed brains," she answered, casting a look down at him and gestured with her head.

Hitoshi took a moment to think about it. They were dealing with the League of Villains and there were things with exposed brains. Which most likely meant one thing. Hitoshi turned to look at Tenya and Shouto as he remembered the Noumu from Hosu.

"You don't think those are…Noumu?" Hitoshi asked hesitantly.

The shaky confirming nod from Kirishima was not the answer he wanted.

...

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