Garaki

Chapter 4: I Shall Inspire Fear

Jaku General Hospital in its entirety was fine; it was the left wing of the building that bore the brunt of the damage. A fire had been started during the fight between Shigaraki and Andeddo and my work had been engulfed in flames. I was allowed to return to the smoldering heap of rubble that was my lab, and I saw nothing remained. I almost wept as I smelt the burning chemicals that I had used last not even hours ago. It truly was a monumental loss for science. Kickstarting my quirk cloning again would require at least a year before I could even begin– if I could even start again! The only positive from losing all that evidence was just that. There was zero evidence on what I was performing behind closed doors. Of course there were questions, the area of the fight started from my lab after all. It became very easy to deflect the questions by asking what the police are doing to find the monster responsible for my near death. I described Andeddo in full detail, though I omitted what Shigaraki looked like, purposefully misleading the authorities on his character.

During the emergency, I had been a vital part of warning everyone and helping people escape the building. I had been expending a lot of energy, but it was certainly worth the recognition I was receiving for my efforts. The media clung to every detail, painting the scene with a brush of heroism and horror. I, too, played my part, a calculated figure in the aftermath, ensuring my image as a dedicated doctor remained pristine.

The questions continued for days. The authorities were relentless in their pursuit of the truth, but I had learned to navigate their inquiries with practiced ease. Every time they pressed too hard, I would redirect them to the devastation, the loss of innocent lives, and the desperate need for justice. It worked like a charm. They were so eager to catch the monster that I had embellished that they never thought to look deeper into what had been lost in the lab.

The hospital administration had been quick to begin plans for reconstruction. I had already been approached about the possibility of rebuilding my lab, with even better equipment and funding. The whole thing was better than I expected. The administration was trapped now. They could hardly fire me after such a publicized event in which I was the hero being portrayed, but I also suspected the influence of Shigaraki. He promised to take care of my employment problem, though I hadn't realized how quickly he would handle it. How much power does he possess?

Intrigued by my inquiry, I further pursued the truth. It hardly mattered to me what kinds of activities Shigaraki was up to, but as someone who would be working under him in the near future, I think my curiosity was justified. As I delved deeper into my work and the circumstances surrounding Shigaraki, I realized just how meticulously things had been orchestrated. The administration's eagerness to rebuild my lab, the sudden outpouring of support, and the seamless way in which I was being reintegrated into the hospital's hierarchy—all of it pointed to a larger hand at play. Shigaraki's influence was subtle but unmistakable.

My curiosity about Shigaraki's power grew, but so did my caution. It was clear that he was not someone to be underestimated, and I needed to tread carefully. Yet, the more I learned, the more I found myself drawn into his world. It was a dangerous dance, but the potential for advancing my research was too great to ignore. His quirk which he left unnamed for me, was the most powerful tool a leader could ask for, and I understood its full potential. Quirks were becoming more mainstream, and people without one would kill for the chance to have a quirk of their own. With his power, hundreds would doubtlessly flock to his banner.

I've been going back and forth for the last couple days negotiating what kind of remodels would be made to my lab and to my pleasure, I was being accommodated for every request I made. A larger workspace, with every up to date, state of the art technology I could get my hands on. I received a larger salary, which would also end up going towards my experiments, though I wasn't entirely financially illiterate, and put plenty in an emergency fund for a situation in which Shigaraki's support isn't guaranteed.

This all came to an end when I finally received a call from an unknown number. Though I couldn't describe it quite right, I knew in my heart as I began the motion to pick up the call that I was descending further into a very dark hole that I would be unable to escape even if I tried my hardest. Despite this creeping feeling I had in my chest, I brushed it off and answered the call.

"Hello, Dr. Garaki. This is Shigaraki. I wanted to congratulate you on your achievements during the evacuation. Very impressive." Shigaraki's voice was amused, a hint of satisfaction laced through his words.

"Thank you, Shigaraki," I replied, keeping my tone measured, though I could feel the tension creeping up my spine. His tone was different the other day at our first meeting. It was friendly and approachable back then. His tone today was entirely different, befitting that of the crime lord I was almost positive he was. His compliments here seemed double-edged, and I knew better than to take it at face value. "I did what needed to be done."

"And you did it well," he continued, the amusement in his voice growing. "You've proven yourself quite useful, just as I expected. The way you handled the authorities, the media—it was masterful. You've ensured that no one will be looking too closely at what was really happening in that lab of yours."

I exhaled, a mixture of relief and apprehension. "It's all part of the plan," I said, choosing my words carefully. "The lab will be rebuilt, better than before. We won't miss a step."

"Indeed," Shigaraki said, his tone sharpening. "But remember, Garaki, this success comes with expectations. The work must continue, and it must advance. We can't afford any more setbacks."

His words hung in the air, a reminder of the delicate balance I was walking. Shigaraki's power and influence were undeniable, but they came with a price. I had to deliver, or risk everything crumbling around me. He believed in me, and that's what had to remain.

"Of course," I responded, my voice steady despite the unease gnawing at me. "The progress will not stop. I'll ensure that our work reaches new heights."

Shigaraki paused, and I could almost hear the gears turning in his mind. "Good. You've done well so far, Garaki. I have taken action with your problem at Furonto, so don't worry about your position. You are now in the clear. Remember Garaki—this opportunity you have now is because I wish it. Keep that in mind as you move forward."

It was a subtle threat, one that didn't need to be spoken outright. I knew what he was capable of, and I knew that my continued success was tied to his satisfaction in my performance. "I understand," I said simply.

"Excellent," Shigaraki replied, his voice lightening again. "I look forward to seeing what you accomplish next."

He paused, and as I thought the conversation was at its end, he continued.

"About Andeddo…" He paused leaving room for my response. I stiffened before replying with jumbled nerves.

"I am deeply sorry that I was caught so off guard. If not for Moto, we would have been able to contain the beast before he could escape." Silence remained on the other side. I could hear him shift over the phone.

"Don't worry about Andeddo anymore, I will be on it. When I catch him, I want a detailed rundown of what went wrong and how we can correct this in the future."

The line went dead, leaving me standing there with the phone still pressed to my ear, the weight of his words settling in. The call had been expected, but the reality of it was no less unnerving. Shigaraki's praise was fleeting, and his expectations were ever-growing.

I lowered the phone, my mind already racing with what needed to be done next. There was no room for error. Not anymore.

I grinned as he got off the call with Garaki. These games are very amusing, I don't get laughs like this often. I would never actually let him go no matter how many mistakes he might make. It is a part of the learning process, and I am not so stupid as to kill someone with that much talent because of a few slip-ups this early in their career. His Life Force also made him all the more valuable. He will be a mind that will soak up experience for hundreds of years and still be able to contribute more to science.

The little games and warnings I gave to him were to only boost his progress and bolster my importance as a pivotal figure in his mind. In the meantime, I had other matters to attend to. The police's investigation into the recent chaos had intensified, but their focus remained diverted. They were too busy chasing shadows and wrestling with the media frenzy to probe too deeply into my operations. It was the perfect cover for me to execute my plans.

I glanced at the monitor displaying the latest updates on Garaki's lab reconstruction. The progress was impressive. The new facility was shaping up to be a state-of-the-art research center, just as I had envisioned. The additional funding and resources I had secured for him would ensure that he was well-equipped to continue his work, and his sense of obligation to me would only deepen.

I leaned back in my chair, considering my next move. The current situation presented a unique opportunity to expand my influence. I needed to find a way to integrate Garaki's research into my broader plans. His quirk cloning research had the potential to revolutionize the landscape, and I intended to harness it to further my own goals.

My thoughts turned to Andeddo. While Garaki had been less than successful in containing him, the information from our encounter was valuable. Andeddo's escape was a setback, but it also provided insights into the creature's abilities. I planned to use this knowledge to refine our strategies, ensuring that future encounters would be more controlled and less chaotic. Andeddo itself could prove to be a valuable asset. The beast was a tank, and could deal back just as much damage. If it could be controlled, I would have myself a new enforcer.

I tapped a few keys on my desk console, bringing up the file on Andeddo. It was time to analyze every detail, every anomaly from the recent clash. I needed to anticipate its next moves, to predict where it might strike next. Despite it being an animal relying on its base instincts, I had a feeling it wasn't completely mindless. Garaki had sent me every bit of information he used to make the monster, and it was completely human, albeit not something natural.

As I worked through the data, my thoughts were interrupted by a knock on my office door. One of my operatives entered, a man by Migite Uragirimono, with a file in hand. He handed it to me with a nod.

"This is the latest update on our ongoing operations," Uragirimono said. "I thought you'd want to review it."

I took the file and began skimming through it. It contained reports on our various assets and their progress. Everything seemed to be running smoothly, but I always preferred to keep a close eye on every detail. It was crucial to ensure that all pieces were in place and that there were no unexpected disruptions like the one with Saba.

The operative lingered, clearly waiting for further instructions. I looked up from the file, meeting his gaze. "What's the status on finding Saba?"

"Not good sir," he weakly replied. "We have been searching where you told, but we have found nothing. No former hideouts of the Cherry Blossom, or any signs of activity at all. We are dealing with a ghost."

I grimaced, my frown on my face deepening. "Nothing at all? You talked with the locals? They have seen no strange activities from men in masks or any vigilante activity whatsoever?" I asked him in disbelief.

The agent looked faint. "Yes sir, I am deeply sorry. We have found a temporary replacement for Saba, though he is less experienced and prone to being talkative." The agent rushed his statement in a fit of nervousness.

I could feel my impatience bubbling out of my head. "Uragirimono." My voice cut through the air of tension that had been practically solid. "If I hear, one more time, that not a single hint of Saba or Cherry Blossom has been found in Jaku, I will personally take your head." I snarled to him slowly and with a sharp edge. He trembled, taking the threat ultra serious.

"Understood sir." He manages to compose himself, and deliver the confirmation with a tact and confidence I hadn't seen in him before. Maybe I underestimated his resolve? He then leaves and quietly closes the door.

I returned my attention to the file, deep in thought. The intricate web of manipulation and control I had woven was coming together beautifully. Garaki, with his brilliant mind and his now-fully equipped lab, was a key player in my grand design. His success was intertwined with my own plans, and his advancement would only serve to enhance my own position.

As I continued to review the documents, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the future. Despite the small road bump that is Cherry Blossom, the path I had laid out was clear, and every step was calculated to ensure that my influence would only grow stronger. Garaki's role was just one part of a much larger scheme, and I was eager to see how it would all unfold.

With the pieces in place and the plans advancing smoothly, I felt a surge of satisfaction. The games I played were not merely for entertainment; they were strategic maneuvers designed to ensure my supremacy. And as long as Garaki remained useful, as long as he continued to push the boundaries of his research, he would remain an integral part of my grand vision.

The future was bright, and I was at the center of it all, orchestrating every move and every outcome. All would become mine.

Uragirimono returned to his home from another stressful day of dealing with his boss. Shigaraki was someone he needed to deal with. He remembered when he was not only eager to be working under him, but excitedly embraced the potential consequences of building the now vast empire, because the man had proposed a vision, a chance for change. For progress. That initial thought of him that I had is now gone like the morning dew. The man is pure evil.

Uragirimono needed a way to pay for the sins he had committed during his tenure as a servant of All for One, and he knew exactly how to do it. He once again went to the phone that sits by his computer and dialed the familiar number. It rings twice before it picks up.

"Cherry, this is urgent." Uragirimono says once the line is picked up.

"What happened?" Cherry's voice was flat as always, not betraying an inkling of worry of annoyance.

"He said that if I brought him no news of your whereabouts by my next report, he'll kill me!" Uragirimono lets out in a rush.

"So, tell him where I am." Uragirimono chokes when he hears the baffling response.

"W-what!?"

"I mean what I said. I'll be gone by tomorrow morning. I'll leave traces so you don't die. Good luck." Cherry ended the call right then.

Uragirimono put the phone down in frustration. Cherry was always like this. Very serious, and disliked small talk to an unhealthy degree, so much so that it made it difficult to build a relationship with the man. Uragirimono knew it was out of a desire to do good as effectively as possible though, so he didn't put that against him.

Uragirimono's quirk was called Intention. It was a simple quirk that was unnoticeable. All it allowed him to do was discover the true intentions of someone through extended contact or conversations. This is how he can feed Cherry with the information vital to be a step ahead of Shigaraki. If he didn't possess such knowledge, Uragirimono has no doubt that the vigilante's days would have been over from the start.

Due to Cherry's kidnapping of Saba, Shigaraki has been the most on edge I've seen ever. Shigaraki may not feel too threatened by the vigilante, but he was certainly getting under his skin. Frankly that's all that is necessary as of now. If Cherry can keep chipping away at his armor, eventually Shigaraki must respond, and that is when he will get careless. Cherry once asked Uragirmono why he didn't give information about Shigaraki to the press or the police, it was a very in character response for Uragirimono:

"Because then I would die. He would know I was the leak. I don't think the police have the resources to take him down yet. Once that day comes, I will do it."

Cherry looked unsatisfied but understood. He wouldn't push Uragirimono to do something that would get him killed or worse, tortured for information, that would lead Shigaraki to him as well.

"Then continue feeding me information. I'll expose Shigaraki enough so that he can be taken out by the armed forces or the police. You are doing good work Migite, I trust you."

That pact they made way back then was the foundation of their relationship, Migite would trust Cherry to dismantle the evil empire that he had unfortunately helped build. Migite sighed as his stress levels would undoubtedly double as he made the email to Shigaraki about a potential location for the Cherry Blossom.

In a shipping container heading for Vladivostok, a beast lies in hiding. The giant container had momentarily stopped in Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, due to a giant storm that necessitated repairs be made to the ship. By pure chance, Andeddo was tired and looking for a place to rest, hidden from both the sunlight, and the dangers that mankind represented. It managed to sneak aboard the ship, an incredible feat considering its size, open one of the containers, and stow away for the night.

Inside the dark and cramped confines of the shipping container, Andeddo lay low, concealed among the stacked cargo. The container's metal walls and the muffled sounds of the storm outside provided a temporary sanctuary from the chaos and pursuit it had left behind. The beast's breath came in slow, deliberate motions, its senses heightened as it adjusted to the confined space.

The ship had eventually departed Hokkaido, its engines rumbling steadily beneath Andeddo's resting place. The storm that had halted the vessel was now a distant memory, but the beast remained alert, waiting for the right moment to emerge. Andeddo had no clear plan, only the instinctive drive to seek refuge and a place where it could regroup.

As the days passed, the ship's crew made periodic checks on the containers. Andeddo remained perfectly still, blending into the background as the container was inspected, occasionally rattling or shifting as it settled into its new position. Each time, it held its breath, counting on its ability to remain undetected.

The journey was long, and Andeddo's patience wore thin. The confines of the container were stifling, but its endurance was formidable. Finally, as the ship approached Vladivostok, Andeddo could sense the vibrations of the dock and the increased activity of the port. The container doors creaked open, revealing the bustling docks and the bustling activity of the harbor.

The beast waited for the right moment. As the container was unloaded, Andeddo seized the opportunity. With surprising agility for its size, it slipped out of the container and into the shadows, blending with the cargo and equipment scattered around the docks.

The air was crisp and thin. A cold wind blew over the beast, whose skin resisted the cold temperatures, but desired warmth and some relief from the constant chilling that accompanied the lack of warm clothes. It scavenged through a clothing store and equipped itself with the largest pieces of clothing that were in stock. Due to the plenty of new body types that came with quirks, clothing in sizes befitting Andeddo were not as rare as they used to be.

Andeddo donned a navy-blue cotton turtleneck, hiding the scars upon his neck, and providing much needed comfort. Over that, he wore a large black trench coat that descended all the way to his knees, and gloves to match. His pants looked like those of a snowboarder, though they were much looser to provide mobility to its dominant lower body. Upon also taking some winter boots, Andeddo then jumped away from the city of Vladivostok and went further north.

It preferred the silent solitude of the wilderness, and in the Far Eastern Republic, such a thing was in abundance. The former territory of Russia was one such area that broke away during the first quirk war. Due to its sparse location, difficult terrain, distance from Moscow, and the several other breakaway states that separated them, Russia was never able to reclaim the Far East. Another thing that helped the Far East was the presence of Abominable Snowman, a resident of the Far East that was promised plenty of land for himself if they were able to call upon him in times of domestic troubles. He agreed immediately and has since kept the Far East in peace with his reputation alone.

That reputation of his would not solve this problem.

Harsh winter conditions were a familiar sight in this barren land. Through all the snow swirling around, the ice that tipped every small peak, the icicles that became like spikes that would impale any normal animal, was a man that was rather like a rabbit in a snowstorm. A man with hair as white as snow, a pale complexion, and deep blue eyes that reflected the light like ice. He was the ruler of this white wonderland, the king of frost, the protector of the Far East, and all knew him as the Abominable Snowman.

He really looked nothing like any abomination people believed him to be. They were simply afraid of the power he wielded. His real name is Viktor Moroz, though the people that know him well simply refer to him by Viktor.

The Abominable Snowman, the protector of the Far East, stood alone at the edge of a frozen cliff. His white hair billowed in the icy wind as he surveyed the vast, snow-covered expanse below. This was his domain, a land of relentless cold and unforgiving wilderness. He had lived here for as long as he could remember, a solitary figure in a world of ice. The people of the Far East respected him, feared him even, but they also knew that he was their guardian, their last line of defense against any threat that might arise.

He had heard whispers on the wind, rumors of a beast that had crossed into his territory. It was not uncommon for strange creatures to wander into his domain, seeking refuge from the outside world, but this one was different. The stories that reached him spoke of a monster with incredible strength and resilience, one that has been terrorizing the locals, stealing food, and attacking anyone who dared get close enough to attack it. The Abominable Snowman knew that this was something he could not ignore.

His blue eyes narrowed as he focused on the horizon. He could sense something out there, something powerful and dangerous. It wasn't just the rumors that concerned him; it was a feeling deep in his gut, a sense that the balance of his world was about to be disrupted. The creature was not like anything he had encountered before. It was a being of immense power, and if left unchecked, it could threaten the peace he had worked so hard to maintain.

The Snowman adjusted the fur-lined collar of his coat and began to move, his steps silent and sure on the icy ground. He would find this monster, and he would either drive it out of his land or destroy it. There was no room for compromise. The Far East was his to protect, and he would not allow anything to challenge his authority.

As he descended the cliff, his mind wandered to the events that had led to this moment. The world had changed so much since the rise of quirks, and with it, the balance of power had shifted. Nations had fallen, new ones had risen, and the Far East had carved out its own place in this chaotic new order. He had seen it all, watched as the world around him transformed into something unrecognizable. Yet, through it all, he had remained steadfast, a constant presence in an ever-changing landscape.

The Snowman reached the bottom of the cliff and continued his journey through the dense forest. The trees were coated in a thick layer of ice, their branches creaking under the weight. He moved with purpose, his senses attuned to the slightest sound or movement. He knew this land better than anyone, every hidden path, every frozen stream. There was no place for a monster with as little tact as this one to hide.

As he ventured deeper into the wilderness, the Snowman's thoughts returned to the creature he was hunting. The monster was noted as a giant man, one that adorned itself in human clothing. It sounded to Snowman that it was more than just a mindless beast; it had intelligence, a spark of humanity buried beneath its monstrous exterior. That made it all the more dangerous.

The Snowman's breath came out in misty clouds as he pressed on, his determination unwavering. He had faced many challenges in his long life, but this one felt different. There was something about this monster that unsettled him, a sense that this was more than just a simple hunt. This was a test, a trial that would determine the fate of his domain and perhaps even the world beyond.

Hours passed as the Snowman tracked the beast through the wilderness. He could sense that he was getting closer, the creature's presence growing stronger with each passing moment. The trees began to thin out, the landscape opening into a wide, frozen plain. The Snowman paused; his breath steady as he scanned the horizon.

And then he saw it. A dark figure moving in the distance, clearly visible against the white backdrop. It was large, much larger than any human, and its movements were slow and deliberate. The Snowman's eyes narrowed as he focused on the figure, recognizing it immediately. This was the creature that had invaded his land.

The Snowman began to move again, his pace quickening as he closed the distance between them. He could see the monster more clearly now, its massive form hunched over as it trudged through the snow. The creature looked much more human than he had been expecting, though that might have been just due to the clothes it was wearing. The heavy things made him look like any other soul trying to survive the harsh wilderness.

As the Snowman approached, the monster stopped and turned to face him. The two beings stood in silence, staring at each other across the frozen plain. For a moment, neither of them moved, each one assessing the other. The Snowman could see the signs of intelligence in its eyes, the awareness that this was no ordinary encounter.

"You've come a long way," the Snowman said, his voice carrying over the wind. "But this is where your journey ends."

It didn't respond with words, but the low growl that emanated from its throat was answer enough. The beast was ready to fight, and the Snowman knew that this would not be an easy battle. He could feel the tension in the air, the anticipation of the clash that was about to unfold.

The Snowman's eyes glinted with determination as he prepared for the fight. He had faced many foes in his time, but this would be one of the greatest challenges yet. The Far East depended on him, and he would not allow it to fall.

With a final, icy breath, the Snowman had begun its attack on the fiend.

The battle had begun.

Andeddo escapes Japan and terrorizes the Far East, Shigaraki further entraps Garaki into his web, and Uragirimono is in danger of discovery.