Author's Note: This chapter has everything to do with the main bad guys, the U.A. Spy, and some origins.

Author's Note: Take-2: Also, the ending of the manga (no spoilers) sucked. So I'm hoping that my fellow MHA writers will endeavor (pun intended) to continue with their own versions of the story...and come up with an ending that better than...that...por favor 😑

8: X-Treme Measures

Doctor Kyudai Garaki, as he was currently known, was not overly fond of Heroes. How could he be? He himself was considered a Villain, even though his experiments were meant to strengthen Quirks. What did it matter to him if some of his test subjects expired during the augmentation procedures? He could still collect valuable data from the corpses they left behind.

However, some of the best Quirks he had seen were produced by Heroes.

The idea sent a shiver of disgust through him. Truly he hated Heroes that couldn't see the need for his brilliance. Which was why he had kept his research secret for the better part of two centuries. It helped that his Quirks allowed him not only to live a long life, but also kept him from being recognized.

Yes, Kyudai Garaki had more than one Quirk. It was quite a feat to accomplish considering what had to go through to obtain them. Now, thanks to his centuries of long, grueling work, he was functionally immortal.

Yet, it wasn't enough.

He wanted so much more.

Which is why, when his master had appeared before him all those years ago, he had regarded him akin to a god. Now, so many long years later, they were almost ready to see the product that the doctor had been waiting for since the days of his youth.

"I heard that two of your old experiments passed the U.A. exams recently," the voice of his master said from a staticy screen off to the side of where he was working. "You must be quite proud of them?"

The doctor snorted, "Hmph," he turned to the screen, "I'm not so proud of their chosen careers, Master," he said with frown of disapproval on his face, "One of them I knew was going to be a lost cause considering how much he idolized that hulking buffoon, All Might," he heard his master chuckle from the screen, "However, I thought the other one would be more inclined to walk the darker path, considering how aggressive he's become."

"There's still time, my old friend," the master said with a hint of amusement in his voice, "After all, my spy within this year's crop of students recently informed me of his acceptance into that idiotic school." The master began to chuckle more loudly, a wheeze entering his voice, "If all goes according to plan, you may yet have one or both of your experiments back."

Kyudai gave out a breathy sigh, "I certainly hope so," he pinched the bridge of his nose, "I would do most anything to have them back, of course, but that one boy is dead set on becoming a Hero," he sat back with longing entering his voice, "His powers are only going to get stronger from this point on. It was blind luck that his Quirk hadn't activated before meeting with me the first time."

"Quite powerful, is he?" The master asked. "I remember you telling me over tea that his parents had the potential to produce quite a unique offspring?"

Kyudai gave a very wide, sickening grin, "Oh, my dear old friend," the doctor said in amusement, "I think you'll find that this boy has quite the surprise in store for us all." He chuckled, "Speaking of surprises, did you happen to receive the documents I forwarded to you about Chisaki and his Anti-Quirk Bullets?"

"I did, indeed," the master said, "My young apprentice and I found them quite an interesting read," his voice hardened, "I involuntarily sucked the life out of my mother the day I was born, but I never actively harmed children."

The doctor waved his hand dismissively, "Which is why I'm only working on the refinement," he said, "I know you don't care for the butchery of children, so I would rather keep my hands clean, so to speak."

"A wise choice," the master said, "Let us speak more of our coming operations at U.A.," he suggested, "How go the enhancements for the Nomu?"

Kyudai hummed in thought for a moment, "Quite well, honestly, the physical enhancements have all been completed to the point that even if the creature didn't have a Strength Augmentation Quirk, it would still be far stronger than anyone at that school save for All Might," he said rather fondly as he continued on about the experiment, "Initially, I had planned to only integrate three separate Quirks, however, I thought that a few more couldn't hurt."

"My apprentice will be pleased to hear that," the master chuckled, "He's rather looking forward to commanding the beast."

The doctor smiled proudly, "As he should," the man said, "Along with the Hyper Regeneration, Shock Absorption, and Super Strength, I've also taken the liberty of integrating a variation of Spear-like Bones into the creature: Bone Claws." He grinned widely as he laughed, "Getting close to this creation of ours will be a tremendous mistake for any Heroes that dare to fight it."

A dark chuckle came from the screen, "Well, we did design this creature with All Might's death in mind," the master laughed, "Speaking of design, I was thinking of rewarding our little spy for his efforts at the entrance exams."

"Oho?" Said the doctor in a pleasant tone, "What did you have in mind?"

The screen crackled for a moment, "You are aware that the Navel Laser and Optic Blast Quirks are twin Quirks birthed from that Plasma Blast Quirk I obtained some time ago, are you not?"

The doctor chuckled, "But of course," he said, "The subject we extracted that particular Quirk from was rather..." the man trailed off on another round of soft laughter, "Shall we say more than a little perturbed about losing his powers." He said rather fondly.

"Wasn't he, though?" The master chuckled, "As you are aware, the original Quirk allowed the body to metabolize ambient energies such as gamma, x-rays, and stellar energies, into a powerful plasma blast that emanated from all sides of the body?"

Kyudai nodded, "Yes, quite a magnificent Quirk," he said, "As I remember, you had me make copies of it so that we could potentially reward our underlings." He looked at the screen curiously, "Your spy has a limited control over it, considering that little kickback you worked into it." He chuckled, "That truly was a cruel trick you played on the boy, especially after his parents begged you to help him."

"Oh, yes, I know," the master chuckled darkly, "But I really couldn't resist," he admitted with no hint of shame in his voice, "However, since the boy did so well in this first test, I thought about rewarding him with the original Quirk."

Kyudai gave the screen a frown, "Are you certain?" He asked, "Should he turn against us, that particular Quirk could prove quite the annoying thorn in the side."

The master chuckled gleefully, "I understand your concerns, my friend," the master said, "However, you must remember that not only do we have the boy's parents under constant surveillance...but the boy is also a sniveling coward."

エックスメン

One Week After U.A.'s Entrance Exams...

"I'm telling you, Deku, the sooner we do this, the better!" Katsuki said with his arms crossed in front of his friend/rival. "You don't need to be a fucking baby about it!"

Even behind his ruby quartz glasses, the ashen blond could tell that the boy's eyes were watering to extreme levels. "Bu-But I've had them for years!" The verdette whined, "I can't just give them all up!"

Katsuki sighed in exasperation, "You want the bike, don't you?" He asked while his friend nodded slowly, "Auntie Inko doesn't have the money for it, so if you really want it, then you gotta bite the bullet and get the money yourself," he gestured around the room, "And that means selling your All Might merch!"

Izuku hit his knees, "I can't!" He threw his head back in despair, "It's all mint! First edition!"

"Valuable!" Katsuki yelled at him, rubbing his fingers together, "Worth a lot of money! Enough money to buy that bike!" He reached down and hoisted Izuku to his feet, "Now stop being a total bitch, and help me pack some of this shit up!"

"It's not shit, it's my treasure!" Izuku shouted back heatedly, starting up a whole new argument.

In the living room of the Midoriyas' little apartment, Inko and Mitsuki were listening with great amusement, "Wow," the ashen blonde woman chuckled, "To think that Li'l Izzie's seriously thinking about selling his All Might collection?" Her lip twitched as she saw her son with a box in his arms while Izuku was being dragged across the floor whilst holding onto Katsuki's leg. "I never thought I'd see the day!"

Inko nodded somewhat sadly, "I know, and I feel terrible about the reason he's doing it," she sighed whilst listening to her son's forlorn wails. "I mean this wouldn't be necessary if I had pushed for more money during the divorce."

"NO! NOT THAT!" Izuku suddenly roared, "THAT ALL MIGHT BUST IS ONLY ONE OF FIVE IN THE WORLD!"

"OH GET OVER IT YA PUSSY!" Katsuki roared back, "IT'S THE SAME STUFF THEY MAKE TOILETS OUT OF!"

"IT IS NOT!" Izuku yelled, completely outraged.

"BULLSHIT IT ISN'T!" Katsuki fired back, "NOW GIVE IT HERE!"

"NO-O-O-O!"

Mitsuki glanced at her friend, seeing her cheeks puffed out in silent laughter. "Terrible, huh?" The woman grinned at her friend while Inko shushed her, "I think it was pretty mature of him, though," she went on while their sons continued to argue back and forth about what to take, "I mean, sure, he could keep it, but what good is a bunch of posters, toys and whatnot going to do him?" She reasoned, "Now that motorcycle he's wanting, that's an investment!"

"Just so he doesn't have to take the train home when he wants to visit me," Inko said with a sniffle, "Oh, my baby boy really is leaving, isn't he?" Mitsuki reached for the box of tissues on the coffee table and plucked a few out for her, "This is so hard! Where did all the time go?" Inko blubbered before blowing her nose.

Mitsuki snorted, "I hear you, but I can't help but think of this as an opportunity," Inko looked at her curiously, "Well, think about it: after my brat was born, Masaru and I couldn't even think of having another kid since Katsuki's Quirk is so..." she trailed off, her thoughts bringing up bad memories of when her boy had hurt her nephew so badly, "Erm, ahem," she coughed, "Let's just say that we're starting to think about child number two." She gave a small mischievous grin at her friend, who giggled.

"It had better be a girl, this time," Inko said, "You were so disappointed when you found out Katsuki was going to be a boy."

Mitsuki rolled her eyes, "Thank god we picked out a unisex name," she muttered, "We spent months trying to think of a name for the ki before he popped out."

"NOT THE TRADING CARDS!"

"HAND'EM OVER YA DAMN UBER NERD!"

Mitsuki hung her head as the boys' shouting rose in volume, "But instead of a beautiful little girl, I got saddled with that," she pointed her thumb in the direction of the arguing boys before raising her eyes to the ceiling, "Lord, if you're listening, please bless me with a baby girl!"

Inko giggled quietly, "Oh, come now, Katsuki's come a long way these last few years and you know it."

Mitsuki frowned at her, "Duck."

Inko ducked her head down just as an action figure sailed over her. "Well," the woman muttered as she straightened back up, "It's still an improvement."

"HEY! THAT WAS MY FAVORITE ACTION FIGURE!"

"YOU'RE TOO FUCKING OLD TO SLEEP WITH DOLLS!"

Mitsuki's brow rose as she looked from the fallen toy to the squabbling boys, "He's...just being a brat...right?" She asked as she pointed to the toy, "He doesn't really sleep with any of them, does he?"

Inko shook her head, "Oh, no, he hasn't done that in..." she trailed off, her brow furrowing.

Mitsuki snorted, "Had to think about that one, huh?"

"Honestly, I'd rather I caught him in bed with a girl," Inko muttered while the sounds of scuffling continued. She shook her head, "I swear, Mitsuki, it's been murder! That boy of mine is such a ninny around girls that I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever be a grandmother!"

Mitsuki belted out a laugh, "Oh, I know what you mean!" She laughed holding onto her stomach, "My boy likes girls well enough, I can tell from all the magazines I found under his bed," Inko grimaced: she knew boys would be boys, but she nearly cried when she found a full body spread of Midnight tucked under her son's mattress. "But the only girls he would actually be interested in would be one that could literally kick his ass in a straight up brawl!"

"You know, I think I'd like to see that," Inko giggled goodnaturedly, "Little Katsu getting beaten up by a girl half his size!"

Both women laughed as said ashen blond boy came out of Izuku's room with several boxes in his arms, "DEKU I SWEAR TO GOD!" He snapped at the boy still clinging to his leg, "MAKE UP YOUR FUCKING MIND! BIKE OR USELESS MERCH!"

"BUT MY TREASURES!" Izuku whined as he was dragged along toward the front door.

"I ALREADY SOLD MINE!" Katsuki reminded him, both boys being avid collectors of All Might memorabilia and Hero merchandise in general, the blond bomber had sold his collection the previous day when they had gotten their acceptance letters. Now he was all set to purchase his own motorcycle.

And he hadn't shed a tear. Not Katsuki Bakugo. Nope, not a single tear (Izuku would forever keep the picture of his best friend crying over his lost treasures).

Both women chuckled and giggled as the two boys bumbled their way to the front door. Katsuki was extremely determined to even up to score of them selling the merchandise at this point, and there was nothing that was going to stop him since both boys had agreed to sell their collections. But as he reached for and opened the door, it was to find their blond-haired trainer standing on the other side, his hand raised poised to knock.

"Oh," the man said in a jovial tone, "Perfect timing, Young Bakugo!"

Katsuki's sneered turned into a friendly (for him) grin, "Oh, hey, Yagi!"

The man nodded at the greeting before he was startled by Izuku from his spot on the floor, "Mr. Yagi!" The boy yelled tearfully.

"Whoa'kay, Young Midoriya is on the floor!" Yelped the man as he stumbled back, "Er, why is Young Midoriya on the floor?" He asked Katsuki, more calmly this time.

"Kacchan's making me sell all of my treasures!" Izuku wailed as Katsuki looked down at him with disgust, "Please! I don't need the bike! Make him stop!"

A vein pulsed on the ashen blond's head, "Oh, no you don't!" He snapped, barging passed their trainer whilst dragging the sobbing teen along, "I had to sell mine! You're gonna sell yours!"

Toshinori chuckled as the pair vacated the complex, and let himself in. "I seem to always catch this little home in an uproar," he said by way of greeting to the two women, "What was that all about, anyway?"

Mitsuki just chuckled while Inko's face visibly brightened when she saw the man, "Oh, the boys had their eyes on a couple of beat up motorcycles," the blond woman explained flippantly, "And poor little Izuku went on one of his muttering sprees and suggested selling off some of their collections...or all of it in my boy's case, so of course he wanted to keep things fair between them and...convinced Izuku to sell his, too."

"Convinced is a very strong word at this point, Mitsuki," Inko giggled as she invited the man to sit with them, "It was all fine and dandy when Katsuki sold his things the other day, but my poor boy went completely bonkers as soon as they started boxing things up!"

Toshinori had a good laugh at that while he seated himself, "I can imagine a huge fanboy like him never wanting to sell off any merchandise like that," he chortled, "Anyway, I wanted to drop by today and let you know that the boys can start moving into the dorms as early as today!"

"What?!" Inko squawked forlornly, "So soon?!"

Toshinori looked to Mitsuki for an answer, and the woman shook her head with a shrug, "No looking forward to having an empty nest."

"Ah," the man nodded before turning his attention back to the petite woman, "Never fear, Ms. Midoriya, Izuku will surely visit you as often as he can!"

Mitsuki nodded, "If for nothing else than to have his favorite meal prepared," she grinned while Inko glared at her.

エックスメン

Yaoyorozu Estate...

Momo was absolutely giddy with excitement as she packed the few belongings that she wished to bring with her to U.A. Finally...Finally she would be free of her stifling life in her family's mansion! Of course, she couldn't let such happiness show in front of her family maids or butlers, no. They would more certain inform her father of her elation and eagerness to get away from him.

"Young Miss," one of said employees said from the door, not even bothering to knock, "The furniture that you requested be moved to the dorms has been transported." The maid said with a bow.

"Thank you, Sakurai," the young woman said in her false tone, "Have my luggage transported next." She then instructed, "I wish to familiarize myself with the school and its curriculum as soon as possible."

"At once, Young Miss," the maid clicked her fingers, prompting to young men in black attire to attend to Momo's luggage. "Also, Young Miss, the master wishes to speak with you before your departure."

Momo suppressed a feeling of dread, "I will see him now, then," she said and followed the maid out of her room.

As they walked along the halls of the huge mansion she had called home for the last fourteen years, she felt no remorse in the thought of leaving it behind. How could she? She was as much a prisoner in her own home than she would be at Tartarus.

The maid opened the door for her, announcing her to her father as she entered his study. As always, she found him sitting at his desk, pen in hand, signing away on one document after another. He looked up at her as she entered, "Ah, good, you've come," he gestured to the seat in front of his desk where she quickly and gracefully sat, "I'm told that you wish to leave this evening to familiarize yourself with the campus and its inner workings?"

"I thought it prudent, Father," the girl said in a flat tone, "However, if you wish for me to delay my departure...?"

Her father shook his head, "It is of no consequence," he said dismissively, "However, I must remind you to conduct yourself properly as befits a member of this house."

"Of course, Father," Momo nodded.

Her father looked up from his documents, and placed his pen down, "Make no mistake, dear daughter," his eyes were cold and dark, "I have spared no expense for your education. And U.A., while hailed as the finest educational facility in the country, is not my first choice for you."

"I understand, Father," she replied, fear of his change of heart rising in her chest.

Her father continued speaking, "Yes, as you should, however, this is business it requires that you attend that ridiculous Hero School," he laced his fingers together and sat back in his chair, "And while I find the business itself somewhat distasteful, I would remind you that your efforts to sway the Todoroki boy will have to be exemplary. I will not have that second-rate Hero ruffian looking down on us."

Momo's brow creased in determination, "Of course not, Father," she said, not willing to let the giant of a man see her in an unfavorable light...for a while. "Father, could I pose a question?"

"Which is?" Her father inclined his head.

"Do you not care for the Heroic profession?" She asked with a straight face while the man's eye gave a barely noticeable twitch. "Forgive me if the question is out of line, however you've been in a foul mood whenever you bring up Endeavor, or any of his colleagues.

Isshin furrowed his brow, "I care either way, as it so happens," he said with a lift of his shoulders, "Though, as you know, Heroes can be an irritation for some of our family business ventures, they are merely an annoyance that can be easily rectified by lining the proper pockets."

Momo made a mental note to remember which Heroes her father had in his pockets when she had the chance. It would be good for her to have some form of information on them if she needed it.

"I see," Momo nodded in understanding, "As we are speaking of my betrothed," she went on with a small look of distaste that she knew her father would forgive, "What if he should remain disinterested in me?"

Isshin shared her look of distaste, "I have been assured that his disinterest will not be a problem when the time comes," he said with assurance that made Momo's stomach drop, "He will perform his duties without difficulties...though if he is violent toward you - "

Momo's eyes hardened with pure malice, "He will not remain a man for very long."

Isshin seemed pleased with her answer, "That should go without saying." He said with approval. "Now, as you are about to embark, I will only remind you to remember your manners, and mind your grades." He said with a hint of warning, "Just because you are in the Hero Course does not mean you should neglect your other studies. U.A's Business Course is the best in the country after all, and should this business venture of mine not pan out, that course should be open to you."

Momo rose with determination and bowed, "I will not fail you, Father."

"I'm certain that you will not," her father said, dismissing her. She turned and started out of the room, "Oh, and Momo?" She turned, "Stay away from that Tokage girl," he cautioned her, "That child is obviously a bad influence, and I will not have her actions taint your time in that school."

Momo offered him a smile, "Of course not, Father," she said, tongue in cheek, "I shall not let anyone divert me from our family's goals."

エックスメン

Jakku Hospital...

"Now you're going to feel a minor amount of discomfort as the Quirk takes root, young man," Kyudai said to the prone boy strapped to the examination table, "But it will only last for half an hour or so."

"Bien sûr, monsieur," the young man said through grit teeth, "I cannot thank you enough for ridding me of that horrible sideffect my dazzling beams caused." He said with true gratitude, "I truly did not expect mon bienfaiteur to be so pleased with my recent work."

The doctor chuckled, "Oh, but he was very pleased," he said jovially, "And he is looking forward to your continued cooperation during the next phase of our plans."

"Mais bien sur," the boy said, "Are my maman and papa doing well?"

The doctor smiled at his worry, "Oh, they are quite enjoying their stay, my dear boy, make no mistake," he leaned down over the boy with a sneering smile coming to his lips, "Mistakes, my dear boy, are what decide if your parents continue to enjoy my master's hospitality."

The boy shivered, "O-oui monsieur," he mumbled fearfully, "What is to be my next assignment?"

The doctor straightened and plucked at his mustache, "For the moment, simple continue on as a student would, though try not to draw too much attention to yourself," he said with a hint of caution in his tone, "It wouldn't do for you to be pinned as a spy, would it, Mister Aoyama?"

"Non, it would not," Aoyama said, tears coming to his eyes as he silently vowed to free his parents...somehow.

エックスメン

Author's Notes: I left plenty of easter eggs in this chapter for you all to find, and I hope you enjoy them, amigos! Now, I didn't like that Aoyama was the spy all along and didn't have very many rolls to play other than the...sparkling personality...in this fic he will have a much broader roll. Also, how many of you guys hate Momo's papi at this point? Show of hands.

Also, hoping very much you like the comedy routine with Izuku and Katsuki, I figured that both of them being Hero fans, they'd both be huge wine bags about their collections (if cannon Katsuki had one) when it came to potentially selling it all off. Si, both boys are going to get motorcycles...for reasons yet to be written.

Wanna see more? SMASH that Review Button, and bid farewell to the manga that inspired so many writers! Adios Amigos!