Shigaraki glared at the man standing before him, his irritation growing with every second. His fingers twitched instinctively at his sides, as if eager to disintegrate something anything to release his frustration. Kurogiri stood beside him, ever calm and watchful, as he usually was.

Chimera:Hey, Shigabro, nice to meet you

the individual said casually, completely unfazed by Shigaraki's hostile glare.

Shigaraki hated the nickname. Despised it. He barely tolerated the man in front of him, let alone the disrespectful familiarity that came with the name. His red eyes narrowed dangerously, as his lips curled into a sneer.

Shigaraki:Don't call me that

he snapped, his voice low but laced with venom.

The man in question, Chimera, simply grinned lazily. His sharp fangs glinted under the dim light, and his crimson eyes shone with a dangerous glint. Chimera had an air of complete relaxation around him, as if nothing in the world could rattle him. Even standing in front of Shigaraki, who could disintegrate him in seconds, didn't seem to bother him in the slightest. His silver hair fell into his eyes, but he didn't bother pushing it away.

"Relax, man," Chimera replied, waving his hand dismissively.

Chimera:You're way too tense, Shigabro. Life's too short to be angry all the time, you know?

Shigaraki clenched his teeth, his hand itching to wrap around Chimera's neck and turn him to dust. He couldn't stand the man's laid-back attitude. Even more so, he couldn't stand the fact that their master his master held Chimera in such high regard. It gnawed at him, day and night. Ever since their master had spoken those words... that Chimera could potentially be stronger than All For One himself, it had been eating away at Shigaraki's pride.

Kurogiri, sensing the tension rising, calmly stepped forward, his deep voice cutting through the silence.

Kurogiri:Chimera, you should be more respectful toward Shigaraki. He is, after all, our master's chosen successor.

Chimera shrugged nonchalantly, clearly unbothered.

Chimera:Yeah, yeah. I know. The big bad villain, Shigaraki. I get it. No offense meant.

He smirked again, baring his fangs.

Chimera:But I'm just here to help, man. Ain't that what master wanted? He said you'd need me for this whole USJ attack thing, with that kid Subject 13, right? I heard they're supposed to be a real problem.

Shigaraki's eyes flared with anger, and his fingers twitched again at the mention of Subject 13. The idea that their master believed he couldn't handle some UA student on his own was infuriating

Shigaraki:I don't need your help

he spat.

Shigaraki:I can handle Subject 13 myself.

Chimera chuckled, leaning back lazily against a wall as if he had all the time in the world.

Chimera:Oh, I don't doubt that you can. But master thinks otherwise, doesn't he?

There was a teasing lilt in his voice, and it was clear that he was enjoying pushing Shigaraki's buttons.

Shigaraki's jaw clenched tighter. How dare he? How dare Chimera, this... this lazy, smug bastard, talk down to him? The fact that their master even sent Chimera, as if he couldn't handle something as simple as a UA attack, was humiliating. He was the one All For One had chosen. He was the successor. Not this arrogant fool.

Chimera raised an eyebrow, noticing Shigaraki's growing anger.

Chimera:Look, man. I don't care about all this rivalry crap between us. I'm just here to do my job. Master says jump, I ask how high. If he wants me to watch your back, then I'll do it. Simple as that. No need to get all worked up over it.

Shigaraki:Worked up?

Shigaraki growled, stepping closer to Chimera, his fingers twitching dangerously close to the man's arm.

Shigaraki:I'm not worked up. I just don't need a lazy, worthless idiot getting in my way. Especially not someone who thinks he's better than me.

Chimera didn't move, didn't flinch. He simply smiled, a slow, infuriating smile that made Shigaraki's blood boil.

Chimera:I never said I was better than you. That's your own insecurity talking, Shigabro. But if you want to go there, I mean...

He gestured to himself, his crimson eyes gleaming.

Shigaraki:It's not like I haven't earned the praise, right?

"Shut up," Shigaraki snapped, his voice sharp like a blade.

Shigakari;You're only here because the master wants you to babysit me. Don't think for a second that makes you special. I don't need you. And once this is over, I'll make sure you know your place.

Chimera let out a soft laugh, completely unfazed by Shigaraki's threat.

Chimera:Yeah, yeah. You can try, man. But I'll tell you what...

He leaned forward slightly, his lazy demeanor shifting ever so slightly into something more serious, more dangerous.

Chimera: Subject 13 really is as strong as master says, then maybe, just maybe, you'll want me around after all. Wouldn't want you getting hurt, right? Can't be a successor if you're dead.

Shigaraki's glare deepened, his fingers twitching as if he were seconds away from attacking. But before he could say anything, Kurogiri spoke again, his voice calm but firm.

Kurogiri:That's enough, Chimera. Shigaraki is fully capable of handling this mission. You are here as support, not to challenge him.

Chimera shrugged, the seriousness fading away as quickly as it came.

Chimera:Fine, fine. Whatever you say, Kurogiri.

He stood up straight, stretching his arms lazily.

Chimera:I'm not here to fight with anyone. Just here to help.

Shigaraki sneered at him.

Shigaraki:Help? More like you're here to be a nuisance. Stay out of my way, Chimera. I don't need you, and I don't want you.

Chimera chuckled again, as if the entire confrontation was a joke to him.

Chimera:Sure thing, Shigabro. Whatever you say.

He gave Shigaraki one last grin before turning to walk away.

Chimera:See you at the USJ, then. Try not to get too banged up before I show up, okay?

Shigaraki watched him go, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He hated Chimera. Hated the way their master spoke of him. Hated the way Chimera acted like nothing could touch him. And most of all, he hated the idea that their master might actually think Chimera was stronger than him.

But Shigaraki wasn't going to let that stand. He was All For One's true successor. And when the time came, he'd prove it-both to Chimera and to their master.

Kurogiri glanced at Shigaraki, his expression unreadable.

Kurogiri:It would be wise not to let him get under your skin, Shigaraki. He is... a tool, just like the rest of us. Nothing more.

Shigaraki didn't respond at first, his eyes still locked on the space where Chimera had been. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and dangerous.

Shigaraki: I don't care what he is. When this is over, I'll make sure he regrets ever looking down on me.

Kurogiri didn't say anything further, merely nodding. He knew better than to push Shigaraki when he was in this mood. The USJ attack would be the true test-not just for Subject 13, but for the tension building between Shigaraki and Chimera. And in the end, only one of them would emerge as the master's true successor.

As soon as we entered the bus, that familiar knot of unease began tightening in my chest. I could feel it-something was off, like an invisible weight pressing down on me. My senses were screaming, sending out warning signals I couldn't easily dismiss. Every time this feeling came over me in the past, something bad always followed. This wasn't just some random anxiety or my imagination running wild. No, this was something more, something real.

I sighed heavily, trying to shake off the creeping dread that had settled in. It was almost suffocating, but I had to keep it together. I didn't want to worry anyone else, especially not Ochaco, who sat right next to me. She noticed it anyway, as she always did.

Ochaco:Izuku, are you okay?

Ochaco asked, her voice soft and full of concern.

Her hand was resting gently on my arm, and she leaned in just slightly as if trying to get a better look at my face. Tooru, who was on my other side, nodded in agreement.

Tooru:Yeah, Izuku, you look tense

Tooru chimed in. Even though I couldn't see her face, the concern in her voice was clear.

I forced a laugh, trying to sound light-hearted, though my nerves were anything but. "I'm fine," I replied, scratching the back of my head awkwardly.

Izuku:I guess I'm just a little anxious about where we're going.

"Really?" Ochaco smiled, though her hand lingered on my arm, the warmth of her touch a quiet reassurance.

Ochaco:You've never seemed nervous about training before.

Momo, sitting behind me, leaned forward and added,

Momo:I heard this is a special training center. I'm surprised to see you worried about something like this, izuku.

Lida:Izuku's always overthinking things

Lida said from the row ahead. He gave me a glance over his shoulder, pushing up his glasses as usual.

Lida:It's not like you to get worked up over training.

I smiled weakly at that, trying to play along. But deep down, I knew something wasn't right. I couldn't put my finger on it, but this sense of impending danger was only growing stronger. I tried to brush it off, at least outwardly, but inside I was on high alert. This wasn't the usual nervousness I got before training. No, this was something else-something bad, something coming straight at me.

As if sensing my unease, Ochaco gently squeezed my hand when no one was looking. The gesture was small, but it was like an anchor, pulling me back from the spiraling panic I felt creeping in. I didn't say anything, just gave her a small nod. I didn't want to alarm anyone, especially her, but inwardly, I was still drowning in that ominous feeling.

"I'm sorry, Ochaco,"

I thought to myself.

"I'm sorry, everyone... something bad is coming. And I have this awful feeling that whatever it is-it's directed at me."

To take my mind off things, I shared an earbud with Ochaco, the two of us listening to some music Jiroh had lent us. Her taste was surprisingly good, a mix of calming and upbeat. At the same time, I was flipping through a comic book with Tooru, trying my best to focus. But the music, the comics-none of it was really helping. My mind kept drifting back to that gnawing sense of danger.

Aizawa:We're here

I heard Aizawa's voice from the front of the bus. The bus slowed, and everyone started looking out the windows, curious.

Sero:Where exactly are we, sensei?

Sero asked, leaning forward in his seat, trying to get a better look.

"The USJ," Aizawa responded, his tone as dry and blunt as usual.

Izuku:The Universal Studios Japan?

I asked out loud, scratching my head in confusion. There was no way we were going to a theme park for training, right?

Judging from the looks I got from the rest of the class, I could tell that wasn't it. Even Aizawa gave me a side glance, and I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment.

Ochaco chuckled beside me, squeezing my hand again.

Ochaco:I don't think it's that USJ, Izuku

I gave her a sheepish grin.

Izuku:yeah, I figured...

As the bus pulled up, we all filed out, gathering around outside to take in the sight before us. It was a massive structure, much larger than I had anticipated, with large domes and various areas sectioned off, like different disaster zones.

Kaminari:Whoa, this place is huge!

Kaminari exclaimed, eyes wide as he took in the sight.

Sero followed up, equally impressed.

Sero:I know, right? It's like an entire city for training.

Jiroh, standing nearby, nodded appreciatively.

Jiroh:Looks like we'll get to practice all kinds of scenarios here.

Aizawa stepped forward, leading us toward the entrance, where a hero was waiting for us.

13:Hello, everyone! Nice to meet you all. I'm the Space Hero, Thirteen!

The voice that greeted us was warm and welcoming. Thirteen waved, looking like they were in a good mood, despite the seriousness of the place we were standing in.

The hero's introduction washed over me, but I could barely focus. My mind was still spinning with that terrible feeling. Subject 13... Why did I suddenly feel like I was going to have a panic attack? The words echoed in my head, almost like a warning, but I couldn't make sense of them. Ochaco squeezed my hand again, bringing me back to the present. I shot her a grateful look. She didn't say anything, but her presence was grounding, calming.

Thirteen continued, explaining the purpose of the USJ.

13:This is the ultimate space for training, where you will face simulations of real-life natural disasters. You'll be learning how to conduct rescue operations and save lives in extreme conditions.

Aizawa crossed his arms, his gaze stern as usual.

Aizawa:Shouldn't All Might be here for this?

he asked, his tone not as harsh as usual but still firm.

Thirteen tilted their head slightly before responding.

13:Oh, All Might was doing some hero work this morning. He exhausted himself and is currently resting in the break room back at UA.

"Man, this place looks so cool!" Kaminari said, his excitement barely contained as he looked around.

Sero grinned, nudging him with an elbow. "Right? This is way beyond what I was expecting."

Mina chimed in, her eyes wide. "I can't wait to see the simulations! I wonder if we'll get to face some really intense stuff."

Todoroki, as usual, remained quiet, but even he seemed intrigued by the training facility. He was scanning the area with a critical eye, no doubt thinking about how to apply his quirks in each of the disaster zones.

I wanted to join in on their excitement, but that gnawing sense of dread wouldn't go away. It was like a heavy cloud hanging over my head. My instincts were screaming at me, louder than ever now.

"This feeling..." I thought, my heartbeat quickening. "Oh no, something is definitely wrong."

Without even realizing it, I activated One Above All, my senses heightened. My mind expanded, scanning the area around us, searching for something-anything-that could explain this terrible sensation.

"Midoriya, what are you-" Aizawa's voice cut off sharply, and I snapped my focus back to the present.

Then I saw it. Out of the corner of my eye, a swirl of dark, purple mist began to form in the center of the USJ, slowly expanding. My heart sank as I recognized it instantly.

A purple mist...

A man stepped out of the swirling purple mist, his entire body adorned with disembodied hands, one covering his face like a grotesque mask. His pale skin contrasted sharply with the red, ragged eyes beneath the hand on his face. He looked almost lifeless, yet there was something unsettling about the way he moved, scratching at his neck with a jittery motion.

Shigaraki:Oh, this is exciting...

The man's voice was a low, gravelly drawl, filled with unsettling enthusiasm.

Shigaraki:I see the hero Aizawa and No. 13... but where's Subject 13? And where's All Might?

He tilted his head in confusion, the hand on his face twitching slightly as if trying to tighten its grip.

Shigaraki:Wasn't he supposed to be here?

I felt my chest tighten. My heart pounded wildly in my ears. How did they know? How did they know about me?

Aizawa's sharp eyes caught my reaction immediately, narrowing in suspicion. He was already piecing together what was happening.

Katsumi:Who the hell is this freak?

Katsumi's voice rang out, her tone dripping with disgust as she glared at the man with the hands.

"Izuku..." Tooru's voice wavered. Even though she was invisible, I could see her form clearly using my quirk. She was terrified, her entire body trembling. Ochaco, seated next to me, squeezed my hand again, her grip much tighter this time. Everyone was scared-they weren't ready for this.

Then, without warning, more figures emerged from the purple mist. Villains. Dozens of them. They poured out from every corner, each one more menacing than the last.

Aizawa:Everyone, stay together! Now!

Aizawa's voice boomed over the growing chaos, commanding immediate attention.

Aizawa:No. 13, protect the students!

He shot me a quick glance, his expression unreadable but firm. I knew what he was asking. I was the strongest one here. I was the only one who could turn the tide. But there was something else. I could already sense it-something darker, something powerful.

The man with the hands spoke again, his voice filled with twisted excitement.

Shigaraki:I mean, we went through all this trouble for this little get-together, and the Symbol of Peace isn't even here! I wonder how many kids we should kill to make him show up?

His words cut through the air like a knife, sending a chill down my spine.

Chimera:Shigabro, calm down.

Another voice joined in, younger, more composed. A boy stepped forward, cloaked in dark fabric. He had silver hair, gleaming horns, and eyes that burned a deep, bloody red. His claws glinted under the dim light of the USJ. He looked our age, but his aura was far beyond anything I'd ever sensed before. He was strong-terrifyingly strong.

Standing behind him was something worse. A hulking monstrosity, its grotesque body covered in pulsing, dark muscle. Its exposed brain throbbed, and its massive frame radiated pure, brute strength. The Nomu.

Izumi:Aizawa-sensei... what do we do?

Izumi's voice was small, laced with fear as her gaze flickered nervously between the villains and Aizawa.

"Hold on," Aizawa barked, his eyes glowing red with determination.

But I wasn't waiting. The second I saw the silver-haired boy, I knew. He was dangerous. More dangerous than any of us could handle. I could feel it in my bones. My mind was already racing, planning, calculating. We didn't stand a chance against these odds without some sort of strategy.

Izumi. With One For All combined with her Shockwave quirk, she should be able to hold her own against the Nomu at least for a while. She'd need Katsumi and Katsuki backing her up, their Explosion and Flame Ignition quirks providing the raw power needed to keep that beast at bay.

Shiori and Shoto could handle the lesser villains, their Frost Fire and Half-Cold, Half-Hot quirks working together to create an impenetrable wall of offense and defense. But the silver-haired one? He was mine. His power was immense-maybe even more than I could handle-but I had to try. No one else could go up against him.

Then I turned to Lida. He had to be the one to get help.

"DARK WHIP!" I shouted, summoning energy tendrils from my body. They shot out, wrapping tightly around Lida's torso.

Lida:izuku! What are you-

Izuku:RUN AND GET HELP, LIDA! WE'RE COUNTING ON YOU!

I didn't give him time to argue. With all the strength I could muster, I launched him toward the exit, propelling him with a forceful push. He sailed through the air, his eyes wide with shock.

A flash of purple. The mist. It was moving-swirling toward him, trying to cut him off.

Kurogiri:I can't allow that

the mist said, its form shifting with an eerie calmness.

But I was ready. BOOM! The energy wisps I'd planted on Lida's feet exploded, rocketing him even faster toward the exit. He shot through the air, far out of the mist's reach.

No. 13 moved quickly, her voice rising above the chaos. "Black Hole!" she cried, her quirk activating in full force. A swirling vortex appeared, pulling everything in its path toward her. The mist began to distort, its edges bending and curling under the immense gravitational force.

But the purple mist-this villain-he was no ordinary opponent.