It was midnight out, a dark office being illuminated by a single computer with the one noise piercing the silence being the sound of rapid clicking, along with the occasional sigh coming from a middle aged portly man.

The office worker rubbed his eyes in a show of fatigue. He was being forced to spend yet another night going through paper work, slaving away at his dead end job. The rest of the younger employees were either relaxing at home, or out partying in the prime of their lives. This fact frustrated him, yet he never raised any complaints. Why? Even he didn't know.

Of course, it wasn't as though he was just working the whole day. He'd watch shows, particularly anime, to pass the time when he finished early, not wanting to go back to his tiny apartment. For the most part though, he was made to work extra hours without overtime.

He was being exploited, and the worst part was that he was entirely aware of it. He just lacked the spine to fight back, and it only seemed to get worse over the years.

The regular man ran a hand through his hair, hating how thin it felt. He'd be bald in a few years time, not that his appearance was anything you'd look twice at in the first place.

His fingers stung from exertion, but if he wanted to do his job then he needed to continue. If he didn't, then he'd cause unwanted trouble. He'd be unproductive, people would think less of-

"Hey, you wouldn't mind sorting those papers out for me. Great, I knew I could count on you!"

The normal man's fingers froze, suddenly unwilling to touch the keyboard. Waves of disgust and fire were washing over his head, and his breaths were becoming heavier and more laboured.

All of a sudden, he couldn't finish it.

He was feeling something foreign, but what it was eluded him. Maybe he was having a medical problem of some sort, the doctors did say his blood pressure was getting high.

"Look, I know you're swamped, and nobody appreciates what you do more than me, but I got drunk last night and forgot to do this late assignment. You're practically superman when it comes to this stuff, you wouldn't mind doing me a solid, right?"

The office worker leaned back, his hands shaking for some reason as lightning struck outside and permeated through the office's windows. Why couldn't he stop frowning? Why was his head hurting?

He wasn't getting enough sleep. That must have been it... only it wasn't, was it?

"Get your act together or you can kiss your job goodbye! I don't care about your high blood pressure, that's no excuse to slack off!"

The overworked man felt his fists clench so tight his knuckles were pure white and dots started to cloud his eyes, his grip on reality faltering as a shuddered breath escaped his lips.

Why did he suddenly feel so angry? Why was his blood boiling-

A shattering crash met his ears, causing him to snap back and find that he'd somehow punched a hole through the screen of his computer, damaging it beyond repair as he felt his fist sting and leak crimson.

That was strange, he wasn't the type to lash out like that.

Pulling out his fist, the ordinary man heard thunder from outside as he cradled his bleeding hand. It hurt less than he expected, honestly. There was a warm sting sure, but a deep sense of satisfaction overshadowed the pain.

He'd definitely get in trouble for this, but strangely enough he didn't find himself caring at all. In fact, all he wanted to do was get some air and clear his head. It was drizzling outside, but the rain never bothered him anyway.

Feeling his body ache, the pains he'd gained over the years from little movement and poor health weighing down on him, the normal man left his office and started to wander up a flight of stairs.

Each step was pain on his bad knee, but he was used to it. What he wasn't used to was the way everything seemed to be rushing back to him, all the years of unrewarded work. They just didn't seem to stop.

Every time he put his foot down, another memory was dusted off.

"What the hell are you even doing with your life?!"

Each one made his head burn brighter.

"Grow a fucking spine!"

He wasn't sure why, but he couldn't stop glaring at the steps of the floor as he picked up the pace, knowing he was glaring into space. Why couldn't he direct that aggression at others?

The taunts continued.

"Oh my god, what are you even watching?! Anime is for young people, grandpa!"

Something dark and stormy that made his vision red got deeper, and each passing second only made it worse.

"You're only thirty four! Wow, do all office losers age like bananas, or is it just you?!"

He felt like screaming, but held it in as he finally reached the top and found a plain steel door. It was his way out onto the roof, where he could hear rain downpouring in droves.

He was always putty in other peoples hands, changing to their whims and catering to their needs as he lost a part of himself with each hand he shifted towards. Be it his family, his friends, any lovers he might have come across... what made him so desperate for their attention? Why did he have to bend like that?

Opening the door, the regular man didn't flinch at how bad the rain was as he welcomed nature to drench him from head to toe. His shirt soaked through as he closed the door behind him, thick mist obscuring his vision of the city's other buildings, yet he couldn't help but seek comfort from it.

He used to think that being helpful, that altering himself for others, was a noble thing to do, he thought himself kind for it... but in truth that was a lie. It was as much about him as them, if not more so, and he hurt himself as much as they did.

That wasn't a good person. It wasn't a bad person. It was just... not really a person at all.

The ordinary man didn't hear the thunder above, his eyes distant as he tuned the world out and contemplated his life choices. The cold didn't bother him, in fact it only made his head clearer as he came to one conclusion:

He hated the way the world worked.

If only he could shed his humiliating past.

If only he could have the power to resist.

If only he could do something with his rage.

If only the world weren't so twisted.

If only he could stop being so calm.

If only he wasn't so cowardly.

If only the world didn't label him a failure.

If only he had the chance to prove them wrong.

Different phrases ran through his head, yellow electricity cackling above, as the hateful man screamed into the night with all his heart and lightning struck him head on.

If only he could pay them back!

Mugen felt a sigh pass through his lips as he opened his eyes, rain and thunder he vividly recalled a moment earlier fading away into the morning sky. The burning in his skull replaced by a mild ache, far more tolerable, and his undiluted rage was replaced by a clear head. He was awake again, snapped back into reality. There was no gasp. No dramatic awakening. He simply stared up at the moving clouds without blinking for a few moments.

"Nine, are you awake? Can you hear me?"

A soft, feminine voice caused him to sit up and notice the blanket draped over his form as it hung loosely over his suit. It wasn't much, especially considering it was winter, but he wasn't as cold as the night before.

Mugen sat up straighter, trying to ignore how his body protested him, as his grey eyes landed on Slice. Her back was also against the wall of the truck they were moving in, her long red hair nearly forming a curtain over her face. Her blue eyes and expression reflected a hint of worry, but there was strength and stoicism in the way she held herself. She never was one easily scared, flustered or otherwise.

"Of course I can." Mugen replied quietly through his mask.

Slice nodded. "Good, we'll need you at 100% for what'll happen next. How do you feel?"

"My body doesn't hurt right now, if that's what you mean." Mugen held a hand up placatingly. "As long as I can get Cell Activation, I'll be able to survive as I am now. My body hasn't failed me yet, and if all goes well then it won't."

The red haired woman didn't speak immediately, a comfortable silence descending on them. That was fine with him, the fact so many memories were mixing in his skull were leaving him drained trying to sort them. It wasn't that he didn't like Slice, but he needed some time to think.

Mugen found himself staring at a gloved hand, wondering what he'd do from now on. Whilst he was certainly taking Cell Activation, because without it his demise was inevitable, there was the question about what he'd do afterwards. Would he still create a new world like he planned?

If Nine were to answer, it would be a certain yes, but Mugen wasn't just Nine anymore. He was someone else entirely, and he couldn't help but ponder on his new goals. Before, he would have just unleashed the full power of Weather Manipulation to destroy and rebuild this cursed society in his image. He would rule over every corner of the earth, he'd be it's Emperor and ruler in a world where the strong lorded over the weak and lazy.

Now he wasn't so sure about that.

"We'll be arriving in the city soon, they'll be a lot of Heroes in the area with good Quirks to choose from." Slice began, breaking the steady silence between them as she reached into her pocket. "You said that taking a few Quirks is your priority, so I took the liberty of putting a list together for you." She finished explaining as she presented him a phone, which he readily accepted.

Tapping the screen, fumbling with it slightly to make it power on, Mugen was greeted to the face of an unknown Hero with two Titles above, showing their Hero name and Quirk name.

Looking into the file further, Mugen raised an eyebrow at his female comrade. "You put all this together for me?" It wasn't too terribly in detail, considering that most Heroes kept their civilian names private, but he could see some fine research on all their Quirks; even their weaknesses, strengths and usual patrol routes.

Slice rubbed the back of her head, glancing aside bashfully. "It's nothing really. When you were undergoing that operation, I decided to do some research on Heroes with good Quirks. I figured that you'd want to take some, so I prepared a little."

'I wouldn't call this a little.' Mugen internally remarked as he breezed past the candidates one by one. From his memories of his time as Nine, Slice was a reliable woman, that much he could say with certainty and her loyalty towards him was unquestionable.

Mugen stopped when his eyes met a familiar Quirk. 'The Hero Orochi, Quirk: Hydra. The user can summon snake-like constructs from their back which can split themselves off. The more they split, the weaker they become, but can increase the mobility of it's user significantly. This is familiar.'

Moving on, he found the other Quirks that Nine held in Heroes Rising. Air Wall and Laser Bullet, which he planned on obtaining for himself. All for One let him use Quirks, but he didn't receive any proficiency in using them, so taking Quirks with simple but strong effects would be the best move.

He marked them for taking, each coincidentally residing within the same city near the coast, and limited his scope to Heroes solely within that area. Taking any detours would be an unnecessary risk, especially with his declining health.

Mugen swiped through them rapidly, only to pause. 'The Hero Illuminate, Quirk: Pathfinder. The user can think of a person and track them down, the range and conditions of this Quirk are unknown.'

Taking a moment to ponder on what he should do, Mugen decided to add it. Nine never took this Quirk, but he wasn't Nine and didn't plan on following in his footsteps. If he did, then he'd meet the same fate: beaten by two short sighted teenagers and left for dead? No thank you.

Having picked a good amount of Quirks, Mugen smiled with satisfaction as he handed the device back to Slice. "Thank you, this will speed things along quite nicely."

Not waiting for a response, Nine sat up to see that Mummy was sleeping in the front seat whilst Chimera had gotten behind the wheel.

The wolf man noticed he was awake at last, casting an eye over his shoulder to meet Mugen's as he reached out a hand with a tablet it hand. "Chimera, we've found our destination. Make course for this city, I've found some good Quirks."

Barking out a single laugh, the mutant proclaimed. "Alright, you're like a damn kid on his birthday. If that kid was asking for Quirks and not presents that is." Chimera grabbed the fragile device with surprising care and speed, the car not losing an inch of balance meanwhile, before nodding. "We should be there in about three hours. Try and sit tight until then."

Mugen almost voiced his impatience, but decided not to push it. They were making good time overall, the best they realistically could, and complaining wouldn't solve anything.

The Quirk he needed to become omnipotent was insultingly close, he just needed to reach for it.

'Just a bit longer.' Mugen reassured himself, only to grimace when a familiar flash of pain stabbed through his body and a shot of dread built up in his guts. He knew it would get worse, but he didn't think the side-effects would start to appear so randomly now!

Angry purple veins began to break out, crawling up his skin as iron faintly lingered in his mouth. He fought back, like usual, but had to withhold a curse as a shiver of pain ran through his core. It was even more painful than usual.

Slice was upon his when he fell forwards, catching him with practiced ease as she patted his back in comfort. It made the pain a little more bearable, so for that he was grateful.

"These look worse than usual." Slice remarked, her eyes laced with worry evident. "I knew it would get worse, but this..." She trailed off, offering what little ease she could grant him in a moment of weakness. But, Mugen hated that she had to worry like that.

Mugen pulled out another syringe, his hand shaking as breathing became harder. That was the one of the negatives of cellular deterioration, your body's cells lose the oxygen they absorb to function, resulting in splitting headaches that make him want to pass out. Taking breaths is also a labour, since even the most shallow of breathing made it feel like there was glass in his lungs.

Stabbing it into his arm, Mugen used up another of his limited syringes. The purple lines on his skin began to fade, the injected substance doing it's job as the burden he carried was lifted momentarily and he felt himself able to breathe easier.

Still though, his discomfort didn't disappear with the pain. And it wouldn't, not until he stole Cell Activation.

The sky above the isolated island of Nabu was completely blue, not a single cloud to dilute the sun as it bathed the peaceful population in warmth. It was the perfect day for summer, with the ocean breeze keeping the air slightly cool.

Just outside a modest harbour, a man with brown hair stood outside a boat with a suitcase. Shimano never did get used to saying goodbye, he hated leaving them on their own, but he had to provide somehow and his job demanded it; so he had no choice.

Neither of them looked overly emotional about it, they were used to not seeing their father at all for weeks on end afterall, but they obviously weren't happy about it either. Katsuma was hiding his face behind a straw hat, whilst Mahoro had her arms crossed as she pouted to the side.

"I'll be back in just a few weeks. I've done this before, and I'll be back before you know it." He tried to reassure them. "I hear that some U.A students will be visiting for their work studies starting tomorrow. You'll have some fun talking to them in the meantime, won't you?"

Katsuma nodded, some excitement present in his eyes. "Really? We'll get to see real life Heroes?!"

The sudden change in his son's demeanour made him chuckle. "No, just students, but they'll be Heroes in a few years so it kinda counts."

That didn't dampen Katsuma's mood one bit, with the young boy's eyes seeming to sparkle. It was always nice to see this side of his son, he'd gotten quite skittish after his mother passed away.

Maybe meeting some Hero students would get Katsuma to come out of his shell.

Mahoro, on the other hand, didn't seem nearly as enthusiastic. She used to gush about Heroes much like her brother, but now that was replaced with a silent resentment of sorts. She was very protective of her brother and, whilst it was usually harmless, he still worried for his only daughter. He hoped she wouldn't cause any trouble.

Shimano finally turned to walk away, a smile present on his face as he said a final goodbye. "Take care of each other."

The sibling pair watched as their father climbed into the boat, knowing they wouldn't see him for a while. Mahoro frowned whilst they watched the boat's engine hum before it sped away, grumbling. "We never get to see him anymore."

Katsuma raised his head, defending his father on instinct. "Come on, you know why dad does this."

"Yeah yeah, he's got to earn money and stuff." She waved him off. "But, it's just us most of the time. It was never this bad, even when mum was-" The girl nearly clamped her mouth shut at the mention of her late mother, trying to push down the incoming waves of loss. "I mean you and me, we're kind of-"

"I know what you mean." Katsuma cut her off, arms held up placatingly. "It can get kind of boring. But come on, there's gonna real Heroes around here tomorrow!"

Mahoro gained an irritated tic on her brow. "You shouldn't pay them any attention."

Katsuma tilted his head in confusion. "Why?"

"Because Heroes are dumb." Mahoro spat out, her face darkening as she turned away. "They're all just massive idiots. It's not like this place has any crime anyway, so why the heck do we need them here? They're useless!"

Katsuma merely sighed, giving his sister a look, before stating. "Come on, just give them a chance."

Mahoro didn't give a response, simply crossing her arms and refusing to listen.

He sighed once more, turning away towards town when he saw this conversation was going nowhere. "You want to go get an ice-cream? It's really hot, and I'm thirsty."

Mahoro cut her sulking off the moment her brother mentioned his thirst. "Alright, as long as you promise not to go near those fake Heroes though!" She proclaimed, though they were already walking towards town. His answer wouldn't matter.

"Okay." Katsuma lied. His sister wasn't a fan of Heroes, sometimes it felt like she despised them evem, but he had a feeling that it came less out of hatred and more out of concern.

She was always taking care of him, since their father was always away for work, and he knew how much of a burden he was. That was actually part of why he wanted to be a Hero, so that she wouldn't have to worry about him anymore; even if his Quirk wasn't really Hero material.

Katsuma glanced at his other hand, a faint green glow emanating from his palm. Cell Activation wasn't a very good Quirk. He could heal people, but it was so draining for him, and wouldn't really help him if he was up against some big Villain. Still though, he really wanted to be a Hero, and his dad always said that he could do anything if he set his mind to it!

Katsuma hardened his eyes, determination growing in his chest. Yeah, he'd be the best Hero ever!