Hey folks! Welcome back to "Through the Rough"! Last time we left off, the League of Villains was up to something as they were transporting a man who's gathered with other villains and the Dark Stars! Meanwhile, Class 1-A is on Nabu Island, working as heroes for the time being! But what'll lie ahead for them?

Let's find out!

THROUGH THE ROUGH

"Those wannabes were useless, just like I thought," Mahoro noted from the sidewalk by a small corner store as she and her brother were walking by, holding onto a popsicle and an ice cream cone respectively, "If they can't hack it on a little island like this where there's basically no crime, what good are they?" she wondered as Katsuma licked the vanilla soft serve on his cone, "UA must've scraped from the bottom of the barrel when they were deciding who to send out here…" she grumbled. Her little brother turned to look at her.

"They looked for me when you told them I was missing though…" he pointed out, "That boy who found me was so nice…" he mentioned in remembrance, "Just like a hero would be," he added. His sister was surprised.

"Hmm…" she huffed, puffing out her cheeks in frustration.

'I guess I'll have to show you the truth about this so-called hero…' she inwardly realized before chomping off a piece of her blue popsicle… which she instantly regretted. She stopped as a chill went up her spine from how cold the icy treat was.

"You okay?!" Katsuma asked worriedly upon noticing. Snowflakes lightly fell over U.A. High as All Might looked out the window from the administration offices. He wondered how the Class 1-A students were doing on their assignment at Nabu Island. In fact, he was somewhat worried.

"I wouldn't be too concerned," Shota suddenly said, catching his attention, "The worst of crimes ever committed on the island was just petty theft," he pointed out, having noticed the worry in the former hero's expression, "I'm sure the students'll do just fine," he assured to him.

"Heh," he chuckled, "I suppose you're right," he concluded. He knew the students were certainly capable of handling themselves. They had already gone through a lot through their first year. But there was still this underlying feeling he had of something lurking in the darkness…

"The whole situation in regards to Witch and the other Shining Star Heroes does make things a bit more complicated," the Erasure Quirk user admitted as he filed away some paperwork.

"I know Witch especially has had to deal with a lot," All Might added, remembering how broken up the Sorcery Quirk user was over telling the truth of her upbringing, as well as Sister and Hermit's, "But there's also the fact that those androids are still out and about," he recalled on.

"There've only been so many that are confirmed," Shota pointed out, "Deadend Crow being one of them," he mentioned.

"Right…" All Might responded, narrowing his eyes in thought.

'I wonder how you're faring in that investigation, Holy…' he said to himself out of curiosity.

X

Back at Iogi Heights on Nabu Island, the twenty-four students were all lounging about after a hard day's worth of work, now wearing casual clothes or their P.E. uniforms.

"I'm exhausted…" Rikido complained, leaning his head back in his chair.

"Yeah, ditto…" Weisz agreed as he was resting his head against a table. Practically everyone in the room was spent…

"We've gone Plus Ultra beyond what's allowed by the Labor Standards Act…" Denki remarked bluntly.

"Hey, how 'bout fewer small jobs?" Hanta suggested with a wave of his right hand towards Tenya and Momo.

"No can do," the class representative answered after sipping his drink and writing something down on a pad of paper, "All jobs are equally vital!" he stated firmly. The class deputy then stood up after setting down her purple beverage.

"It may be true that we came here as heroes," she began to her classmates, "but remember we're still just students," she pointed out, "We have to work hard and prove ourselves to earn the islanders' trust," she told them as they listened intently.

"Hey, uh, does that go for all of us?" Minoru suddenly asked as he raised his right hand, followed by letting off a devious grin, "'Cause I know someone who hasn't done anything since we got here…" he noted, pointing towards Katsuki, who was sitting at a table in a nearby room with Eijiro and Homura.

"Well somebody's gotta stay behind and watch the office, moron!" the explosive teen argued, "What are you gonna do if a villain shows up while all you geniuses are out doing stupid crap?" he inquired sarcastically, "Huh?!" he exclaimed for emphasis, flashing a thumbs-down.

"Oh, come on, there aren't any villains on this island," Eijiro assured as he rested his head against the table.

"Even if there are, we can take 'em, no problem!" Shiki declared, standing up with clenched fists.

"Of course, for those that either didn't or feel as if they need to work more, you will be placed on night shift duty," Witch confirmed as she approached alongside Pino.

"Based on today's performances, the only student that is required to perform nightly duties would be Katsuki Bakugo," the little android mentioned, causing the Explosion Quirk user to grimace.

"F-Fine, whatever…" he growled out, while some of his classmates chuckled at his misfortune.

"It must be nice for you and the Shining Star Heroes to get some off time from having to work at school," Mina commented.

"I suppose," Witch responded, "We still need to do our evaluations, of course," she pointed out. At that moment, the Acid Quirk felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind.

"And make sure to heal up any little cuties who've been hurt…" Sister mentioned, blowing a breath into the pink-skinned girl's ear as she shivered.

"Sister, please stop that," Witch advised, making the Heal Atomizer Quirk user laugh. Just then, a large white hand set down a drink in front of Rebecca at the coffee table she, Izuku, Tsuyu and Ochaco were sitting at. They looked over in surprise to find Mosco there, as he was wearing a suit and tie.

"Moscoy," he squeaked out. Those at the table blinked.

"AAAAAHHHH!" they all shrieked in surprise, getting everyone's attention.

"Oh yeah, forgot to mention…" Sister chimed in as she stood up, "Mosco's gonna be helpin' out around here, too," she confirmed, "He'll be my and your personal servant," she mentioned with a grin.

"Uh… don't you mean sidekick?" Toru questioned.

"Anyway, you better get going in the kitchen, Mosco," Sister advised, not bothering to answer the Invisibility Quirk user's question as she sweated a little, "We got twenty-four hungry mouths to feed," she pointed out.

"Yes, mistress!" the heavyset man responded with a salute.

'Mistress?' most of the class repeated inwardly in confusion and concern. At that moment, everyone heard the door open.

"Sorry for barging in," a voice apologized, catching their attentions as they turned to the doorway. Standing there was a spectacled, middle-aged man amongst a group of the islanders the students had been helping today.

"Mister Mayor!" Tenya exclaimed in surprise.

"It was so sweet of you to carry Granny to the hospital earlier," one woman noted as Tenya approached, taking the glass-covered tray of food from her, "Thank you," she said in gratitude to Momo as she had come over.

"And thank you for fixing that old bike of mine!" the old woman added graciously to her.

"And our battery!" Mr. Matsuda chimed in.

"And for keeping the beach safe, too!" the two girls from earlier in the day mentioned as they passed by. All of them were carrying food, whether it was in coolers or on trays.

"Freshest fish on the island, right here!" one man added as he carried in two big plates. A few moments later, both tables were set entirely with a buffet of food. And it was enormous.

"Just a little something to show you how grateful we are that you're helping us," the old woman pointed out to the twenty-four students.

"ALRIGHT! LET'S DIG IN!" most of them exclaimed excitedly, readying for a wholesome and big dinner.

"We're heroes!" Tenya suddenly shouted, waving his arms crazily to his classmates, "People, show some restraint!" he implored of them. About a minute later, he was outside with Momo and Witch to send the islanders on their way.

"Thank you for your hospitality," the class deputy said in gratitude to them.

"Please!" the mayor pleaded, "Considering how hard you've been working, it's the least we could do," he pointed out.

"And I'm sure we can continue to count on you," the old woman added confidently. Both Tenya and Momo shook, humbled by the kind words of the islanders.

"Of course!" the latter replied in assurance.

"Absolutely!" the class representative agreed, "We'll keep doing our best!" he promised firmly. Witch giggled at how happy they were. A while later, practically every item of food on the buffet table had been eaten.

"That was delicious!" most of Class 1-A exclaimed after finishing their hearty meal.

"Oh… wow, man, I'm so full!" Izuku said, wrapping his arms around his stomach as a wholesome smile was on his face.

"Same…" Rebecca agreed as she sat beside him with Mezo.

"You could really feel the love they put into their cooking…" he pointed out with crossed arms.

"Moments like these remind me why I wanted to become a hero!" Tsuyu chimed in happily.

"Yeah!" Ochaco wholeheartedly agreed.

"Hmph," Katsuki huffed from afar with a scowl on his face, while Mosco gathered the finished plates of food and silverware.

"As a reminder, Sir Katsuki," Witch began, getting the Explosion Quirk user's attention as he saw her approach, "you are responsible for the night shift since you were not working during the day," she told him.

"Yeah, yeah…" he mumbled repeatedly in understanding, looking away out of annoyance.

"And while you're doin' that, we'll be takin' it easy like you did!" Denki confirmed to his chagrin.

"Hey, don't go poking the bear…" Weisz advised seriously in a whisper, "Especially when he's already angry…" he added.

"Wonder how UA's doing without us around…" Shiki commented as he sat on the couch with Momo and Fumikage.

"I'm sure they're fine," the Dark Shadow Quirk user affirmed, "If anything, we've saved our teachers from more stressful times, at least for now," he mentioned.

"True, I suppose…" Momo concurred, "But I'm grateful to get the chance to spend this time with you all," she confessed, "We all get to work together to be the best kinds of heroes we can be," she pointed out with a smile.

"Yeah, definitely!" Shiki agreed as he grinned widely. The Creation Quirk user blushed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear cutely. Noticing, Fumikage awkwardly coughed before standing up and walking off. Ochaco also noticed, giving off a blank, jealous stare.

'Hopeless as ever…' Kyoka commented through her thoughts.

"So, anyone up for game night?" Rebecca inquired, holding up her Switch in her left hand, "I got enough controllers for four!" she confirmed.

"Ooh, I'm in!" Mina declared as she raised her right hand.

"Samesies!" Toru squeaked.

"Oh, what the heck…" Kyoka muttered as she chuckled, "Winner switches with whoever wants to play next?" she presumed, getting a nod in response from the Cat Leaper Quirk user. As the others mingled, Katsuki glanced over at her curiously for a moment. He remembered when he confessed that he liked her in the wake of what happened in Camino. He scoffed, shaking his head to rid himself of those thoughts as he went to prepare for the night ahead.

X

It was well into the evening in Kyushu at the Hero Safety Commission. Hawks was inside a conference room, crossing his arms as he looked up at the map display on the screen. It showed three red markings scattered throughout Japan, each indicating the location of a pro hero. Inside the room as well were Yokumiru and the commission president.

"The heroes you see here were all attacked recently," the latter of the group said as more images came up of news reports surrounding the incidents, "In addition, they've each lost their Quirks," she mentioned.

"What?!" Yokumiru exclaimed in surprise as he stood up sharply, while Hawks blinked.

"None of them were able to identify their assailants," the president added, "but it's quite strange that these attacks occurred after the pursuit of the League's cargo…" she pointed out, glancing over at the Wing Hero. He put his hand onto his chin.

'Missing Quirks, huh?' he inwardly uttered, 'The only groups that could be responsible are either the Shie Hassaikai with their Quirk-destroying bullets or All For One with his own Quirk,' he noted to himself, 'But both of them are in custody…' he recalled, narrowing his eyes, 'The League definitely has a hand in this,' he concluded through his thoughts after a moment.

"Hawks," the president said, getting his attention, "we'd like for you to look into this," she insisted of him, "It may lead you to the League," she mentioned.

"Don't worry, Prez," he remarked, heading towards the door, "I'll be quick as I can be," he assured, grabbing the door handle and pulling it open. He blinked in surprise to find none other than Feather standing there.

"Hello, Hawks," she greeted.

"F-Feather," the Fierce Wings Quirk user stuttered, "Thought you were on leave…" he commented.

"I got back a few days ago," she confirmed in reply, "You're investigating the League's latest exploits?" she presumed, walking over to the interactive displaying the few heroes who had been attacked.

"Yeah," Hawks responded, "Aside from that cargo vessel, we've got stolen Quirks from heroes," he pointed out.

"Hmm…" Feather hummed, "These Quirks are all emitter-types," she pointed out.

"Do you think there's a connection?" the Wing Hero asked.

"Perhaps," the Eye of Venus Quirk user responded, "I'm more concerned with the androids that were a part of the League's group during the pursuit," she mentioned to his surprise.

"Oh, right…" he uttered in remembrance. Moments later, they headed outside the building. "So you think they're with the pair we saw in Kyushu, right?" he assumed.

"Yes," Feather replied, "It's possible that with All For One imprisoned, the manufacturer of the Nomu is resorting to other means of assisting the League for the time being," she explained.

"Which is why those androids were on the scene," Hawks realized, putting a hand onto his chin. He then noticed that they were heading towards Holy's car, as she rolled down her passenger window.

"Got a report from Justice about another person of interest who lost his Quirk," she noted to her colleague.

"Then let's hurry," she insisted in response, opening the passenger door and getting into the vehicle. Hawks blinked twice.

"Uh… you want me to follow you or…?" he tried to ask, only for Feather to roll up the window as Holy sped off, "Of course…" the Wing Hero grumbled, flapping his wings before soaring after them. Elsewhere within a mountainous range lied an old warehouse shed. It was drab and dusty, along with the people inside. It was the temporary base of operations for the League of Villains.

"What the hell was that cargo we were hauling?" Spinner asked with crossed arms.

"I'm curious as well," Compress admitted, "Our grand act caused quite the stir…" he pointed out.

"Don't tell me the heroes ended up getting it…" Himiko Toga muttered.

"No, our source confirmed that it's not in their possession," Dabi assured.

"That's a relief!" Twice exclaimed, flashing a thumbs-up, followed by… "This really sucks!" he yelled, "The doc said that cargo was super important, and we lost it!" he pointed out worriedly, "Shigaraki, you gotta forgive me for screwin' up!" he pleaded, "It was their fault!" he accused, pointing at Spinner and the others.

"Hey!" the lizard-like man shouted. Sitting amongst the group's chatter was a red jacketed Tomura Shigaraki. He seemed exhausted.

"Don't argue about stupid crap like that," Maria insisted as she removed her lollipop from her mouth, "What I'd like to know is who else was in the truck with us…" she muttered, narrowing her eyes.

"Yes, that is cause for concern…" Compress admitted, "It was only supposed to be Spinner, Dabi, you, and I," he listed off in remembrance.

"You know somethin' 'bout it, Shigaraki?" Fie inquired of Tomura.

"What about Shura?" Daichi questioned, "He's been awfully quiet lately…" he pointed out with a chuckle. The Satan Gravity Quirk user scoffed, standing at the other side of the room.

"I'm taking a walk," he decided, heading out.

"Same here," Tomura said, standing up from the couch, "Look, just forget about the cargo and whoever else was involved," he advised of his comrades, "It's none of our business anymore," he affirmed.

"But—!"

"Zip it," the Decay Quirk user insisted, silencing Twice. He and Shura went outside, with the former shutting the door.

"Sheesh…" the latter muttered, "They're all a bunch of A-Class a-holes…" he grumbled out, "That makes them perfect for you, right?" he presumed of his leader, who pulled a hand out from his jacket pocket.

"What, you wanna crawl back to your daddy?" he inquired back to his surprise before letting off a smirk.

"Touché…" he said, looking up at the partly cloudy night sky, "I'd take this life any day over living under that monster's thumb," he affirmed, "At least this feels like a real family," he mentioned on.

"Hmph," Tomura scoffed, putting the hand on his face. Prior to the cargo transport and prior to his eventual ascendance to power, he had a conversation with the doctor, who he only knew as Daruma Ujiko.

'The test subject should not be of your concern, Tomura Shigaraki,' he had told him through a video call, 'As I promised, you will receive the power you so desire,' he assured, 'but only after I've concluded my business,' he mentioned firmly. The Decay Quirk user took a deep breath through his nose and exhaled.

"Whatever that cargo is, it's part of the doc's plans before we get started," he told Shura, "So for the time being, let's just forget about it," he insisted.

"Hm," the Satan Gravity Quirk user huffed, "You're the boss," he said, walking off with his hands stuffed into his pockets. The League's leader wasn't going to intervene with whatever the doctor was doing. But at the same time, he wasn't going to just sit back and watch…

X

"Left… right…" Mina muttered aloud as she furiously clicked the buttons of her controller, "Come on… come on…" she grumbled out. She, Kyoka, Toru and Rebecca were playing a video game together in the girls' room, while Ochaco and Tsuyu watched on curiously. Momo was reading a book as she sat upon her bed mat, while Homura was swinging a wooden sword about ferociously, sweating all the while.

"Kogetsu, shouldn't you take a break?" the Creation Quirk user inquired of her classmate, "You've finished up for the day, haven't you?" she questioned on.

"No, I must get stronger!" Homura proclaimed in response, remembering how tortured she felt from the heat on the beach earlier in the day, "Only then will I be able to conquer my intolerance to the heat!" she yelled, swinging her weapon even faster as she roared.

"You should at least take a bath when you're done," Tsuyu advised from afar, while Ochaco nodded in agreement.

"Oh, not again!" Mina exclaimed with frustration, while Toru sighed. The two of them had just lost their tag-team game against Kyoka and Rebecca, who high-fived and chuckled.

"Hey, I'm gonna take a break for a little while," the Cat Leaper Quirk user decided, tossing her controller over to Tsuyu.

"What's up?" Toru inquired out of concern.

"Just… wanted to check in with Witch and the others," Rebecca responded, "I remembered that we're gonna all be working in the field tomorrow," she pointed out, getting up from her seat and leaving the room, "Later!" she exclaimed. As she headed downstairs, she heard grunts coming from outside. Curious, she looked out and smiled. Her boyfriend was in the front yard, practicing his kicks as he swung his legs again and again. He stopped for a moment, putting his hands onto his knees as he panted heavily.

'In my current state, I can only use One For All at twenty-five percent,' he noted to himself, looking at his hands as he held them out, 'I max out after that…' he added inwardly, closing his hands into fists. Sweat was trickling heavily down his face. He had been practicing all night.'I need to work even harder! So I can make this Quirk my own someday!' he stated firmly through his thoughts.

"Working hard as ever, huh?" his girlfriend's voice chimed in, getting his attention as he turned to see her walk out from the temporary agency.

"Rebecca…" he uttered out.

"How's it going?" she asked as she approached.

"Doing fine for the most part," her boyfriend replied, looking at his crooked right hand, "I'm still not there when it comes to One For All's true strength, though…" he admitted.

"You'll get there," Rebecca assured as she smiled, "Just don't go forcing it," she insisted. Izuku grinned.

"I won't," he promised. The two of them then looked towards the starry night sky. "It's beautiful out…" the One For All inheritor noted aloud.

"Yeah…" his girlfriend agreed, going over to take his right hand into her left, intertwining their fingers. She blushed cutely, looking away for a moment. "I know… Mister Aizawa said to stay focused on hero work for the project…" she pointed out as Izuku looked over at her, "But… while we've got time off…" she continued, "maybe we can—"

"Oh, great…" a familiar voice muttered out, getting their attentions. It was Katsuki, dressed in his costume as he was still on his patrol. "Of course you two are gonna be all lovey-dovey whenever you're not on duty…" he grumbled. Rebecca puffed her cheeks and glared at him.

"Hey, uh… how's the patrol going?" Izuku asked, trying to change the subject.

"Hmph," his rival scoffed as he approached, "Looks like you've been getting better with One For All," he pointed out to the couple's surprise.

"Ah, hey!" the freckled teen yelped, "We can't go talking about that here!" he pointed out quietly, "What if someone's listening?!" he inquired as he glanced back at Iogi Heights.

"Honestly, you're no better when it comes to keeping secrets…" Rebecca muttered in admittance.

"I'm not a big fan of waiting, you know," Katsuki grumbled as he walked past her and her boyfriend.

"Huh?" she uttered, arching an eyebrow in confusion.

"Oh, trust me, I think I know that better than anybody…" Izuku muttered in response with an exhausted look on his face, "You haven't changed much since we were kids…" he pointed out with a slight shrug. Katsuki stomped his left foot down, coming to a stop.

"So hurry up and make that Quirk your own instead of his," he insisted firmly, "Then we can finally have a real fight," he pointed out, turning to face his rival as he perked up and looked over at him in surprise, "I'll prove it to you once and for all," he remarked, holding out his left hand, "I'm gonna be the number one hero, and you're gonna be in my dust," he declared firmly. Izuku fully turned to face him.

"Yeah," he responded, raising his scarred right hand and closing it into a fist, "I'll work as hard as I have to until this power is truly mine," he promised, "And then I'll be the greatest hero in the world," he stated to his rival.

"Yeah, whatever…" he muttered back in response, "I'm gonna be greater than the greatest," he remarked confidently.

"Hm," Izuku chuckled as he grinned.

"Ergh…" Katsuki growled with a scowl.

"Oh, you two…" Rebecca sighed out, "You can settle your little rivalry after this project," she affirmed as she approached, "And shouldn't you be on patrol now, Kacchan?" she inquired cheekily of the Explosion Quirk user, who grimaced before growling.

"'Scuse me…" a familiar voice uttered, catching their attentions as they turned to see Katsuma standing at the gateway.

"Katsuma…" the freckled teen said in surprise, "Why are you here?" he asked. The little boy looked very anxious.

"Um… to tell you that…" he started to say as his sunhat veiled his eyes, "there's a villain!" he exclaimed frightfully.

"A villain?! Wher-?!"

"Alright brat, start talking!" Katsuki demanded, shoving Izuku and Rebecca aside while also interjecting the former's shouts. Stopped at a stoplight in a flatbed white truck on the mainland was a middle-aged man with light brown hair and brown eyes. His smartphone was mounted onto a stand in his vehicle, playing a video message for him. On the video itself were Katsuma and Mahoro in front of a field of foliage.

"Hi there, Dad! I hope you're having fun at work!" the little boy exclaimed as he waved his hands.

"And don't worry about us. Everything's just fine here," the little girl next to him assured with a wave of her right hand,"I'll take real good care of Katsuma until you get back," she promised.

"Hm," their father chuckled, "I'm sure you will," he noted confidently, now recording his own message to send to his children, "Well kids, you be good," he advised, "Maybe when I get home, we can all- Huh?" he uttered, interjecting himself as he noticed something approaching. Rather, charging towards him. It was Chojuro. He rammed into the stopped truck head on, shattering its windshield as it blew back. The brown haired man fell onto the pavement with a grunt, rolling to a stop on his stomach. As he tried to push himself up, he glanced over to see three more figures. They were Kiruka, Hoyo… and Nine. The latter approached, now wearing a blazer and dress pants of a pale lilac color over his suit.

"I've finally found it…" he remarked as his eyes shined a bright yellow, scanning the man his colleagues had attacked.

"What…What do you mean?" he asked weakly, sweating all the while. His eyes widened with fright.

"Don't worry… I won't kill you," Nine assured, reaching down and latching onto the man's head with both of his hands, "But…" he continued, "I will take your Quirk…" he said as a greenish light flowed up his body from the man's.

"A-Ahh…" he grunted out, becoming strained by the process. Dark clouds suddenly formed overhead, shrouding the night sky entirely. Nine lifted his captive, continuing the process as the purple lines streaked over his eyes started to disappear. Once he finished, he dropped the now unconscious man to the floor. Thunder boomed overhead. Lifting up his right arm, Nine swung it down. And with that, bolts of lightning rained onto the city one after another. Several blocks were torched by the resulting explosions. The city itself immediately went dark as fires spread about, with Nine and his cohorts at the epicenter.

"We finally have everything we need…" Chojuro noted, balling his fists.

"Our dream… will become a reality!" Hoyo exclaimed, admiring the surrounding chaos.

"The new world we fought to build…" Kiruka began as she outstretched her arms, "I can almost see it!" she proclaimed. It was a sight to behold. A sight that Nine longed for. But suddenly, he buckled over onto his knees, clutching his stomach.

"Nine!" Hoyo screamed as he and the others went over to him. He was trembling.

"No…" he uttered out, feeling weakened all of a sudden, "This is wrong…" he realized to the surprise of his colleagues, "This Quirk… it only works for Type-A cells…" he noted. Everyone gasped.

"So then…" Chojuro began as he grit his teeth, "everything we did was for nothing?!" he inquired angrily. Hoyo growled in frustration. It seemed all the work they had put in for their plan was all for nothing. But at that moment, Kiruka noticed something.

"There's a still a way," she said, catching their attentions. She had gone over to pick up the smartphone of their victim. Still upon it was the paused recording of Katsuma and Mahoro's video message. "These must be his children," she realized, showing it to Nine.

"Of course…" he uttered in realization despite the sweat trickling down his face and the purple lines forming on his skin, "And Quirks… are hereditary…" he recalled.

"We need to find out where they are," Hoyo concluded. A few moments later, he and Chojuro were rummaging through the pockets of the victim's pants and jacket.

"Found his wallet," the wolf-headed man said, holding up the object in his left hand. He opened it up and pulled out the man's license. "Nabu Island, huh?" he read off of it.

"Then that's where we're heading…" Nine declared as he attempted to stand up, only to falter forward as Kiruka caught him, holding him upright. Elsewhere in the city atop one of the nearby buildings, the Dark Stars watched on.

"Nabu Island, hm?" Wizard repeated.

"Sounds awfully far…" Clown remarked with a giggle.

"Hmph," Killer scoffed as he smirked, "We're in luck," he noted, getting the attentions of his fellow androids, "That just so happens to be where UA's Hero Course is stationed, according to their schedule…" he told them, viewing a holographic screen that projected over his right arm, "And it so happens that the Shining Stars are there as well…" he mentioned.

"Including Valkyrie's student…" Brigandine realized, clenching his fists. Rain started falling over the destroyed city.

"Guess we'll be killing two birds with one stone…" Killer remarked as he chuckled.

"And as such, both our goals will be fulfilled," Wizard affirmed confidently.

X

"What are you tagging along for, you idiots?!" Katsuki shouted angrily, shooting out blast after blast from the palm of his right hand, propelling himself forward along the road. Katsuma was held in his left arm, looking obviously panicked from carried in such a manner. Chasing after them with green sparks crackling over his form was Izuku, while Rebecca tailed behind him as her markings shined a bright blue.

"'Cause if there really is a villain, you might need backup!" the former yelled, responding to his rival's question.

"Like I'd ever need help from you!" he roared back, blasting himself into the air, causing Katsuma to lose his hat, "Hey, where is the damn villain anyway?!" he asked the little boy.

"Um, over there in those castle ruins…" he replied, pointing towards the mountain-like landmass connected to the island by just a straight path of sand.

"You could've told me that sooner!" Katsuki pointed out in frustration, blasting towards the location speedily.

"WWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Katsuma screamed with tears of fright flying out from his eyes.

"Oh man…" Izuku muttered as he tried desperately to keep up with them, catching the little boy's hat.

"He's gonna end up getting that kid killed…" Rebecca grumbled worriedly from behind. Meanwhile, the little boy and the explosive teen had arrived at the scene. The villain was a giant praying mantis, who noticed the new arrivals and glared at them.

"That's it…" Katsuma said.

"Go hide," Katsuki advised, tossing him aside.

"KATSUMA!" Izuku screamed as he ran hurriedly forward. It didn't seem like he was going to be able to catch the boy, but thankfully, Rebecca hurried forward as activated her Overdrive, donning a leotard-like outfit as her hair turned white while also gaining a tail and expanded markings. She reached out and grabbed Katsuma before he could hit the ground.

"Are you okay?!" she inquired to him as they landed down. He merely nodded, staring at her in amazement as she transformed back to normal. In the meantime, Katsuki blasted himself up to the beastly mantis' eye level in a couple of flips.

"STUN GRENADE!" he bellowed, firing off a large scale flash of light into the creature's eyes. However, it didn't seem to flinch, let alone get blinded as it raised its front legs to attack. Katsuki ceased his upon noticing. "Wait a second…" he muttered, starting to realize something. The mantis swung its front right leg down fiercely.

"Kacchan!" Izuku cried out, seeing his rival land down and… do nothing as the leg appeared to strike him.

"Huh?" Rebecca uttered in surprise. She expected an explosive burst of dust and dirt from such an impact. But there was nothing. All of a sudden, she and the others saw Katsuki walk out through the leg, completely unfazed. He reared his right arm back before slamming his palm against the ground, firing off an explosion that created a shockwave of wind. As it blew about fiercely, it ended up knocking back a hidden Mahoro.

"Ah!" she gasped, falling onto her rear end, "Ow…!" she grumbled in pain. The mantis then faded away into thin air.

"It's… gone…" Izuku noted, evidently astonished.

"Was that just an illusion?" Rebecca guessed as she put Katsuma down onto his feet, allowing him to reclaim his hat from the freckled teen.

"Hey, that hurt…" Mahoro grumbled, still holding onto her hat while rubbing her sore behind, "No fair!" she complained, "That thing was way scary and you just stood there!" she yelled in frustration. Izuku blinked in surprise.

"Her again…" he recalled aloud as Rebecca approached beside him. While Mahoro was adjusting her hat to keep it firmly atop her head, Katsuki stomped up to her.

"So, I'm guessing you're the idiot who made that illusion?" he guessed. She audibly gulped in fright.

"Um… how did you know that it was an illusion?" she inquired as she put her pointer finger onto her cheek and glanced off to the side, hoping he wouldn't have an idea… But he did.

"'Cause I'm not stupid!" he shouted, "It didn't have a shadow!" he recalled, having noticed after using his Stun Grenade, "So you little brat…" he continued in an infuriated tone, "is taunting heroes a hobby of yours?" he guessed, "Well?!" he yelled.

"Huh? Eeep!" Mahoro yelped, crawling back out of fright. She could feel the explosive teen's rage burning off of him.

"Your cheap tricks won't work on me, 'cause I'm not like any hero you met before," he pointed out with gritted teeth, "You're looking at the next number one, the guy who'll be better than All Might was in his prime!" he declared firmly, "The name's Katsuki Bakugo!" he exclaimed, "I'm telling you right now, kid, you picked the wrong person to mess with!" he roared angrily. His expression was devilish if anything now. But being somewhat courageous, Katsuma jogged over to him.

"Um… please don't yell at my big sister, sir…" he pleaded to him.

"HUH?!" he yelled back.

"AH!" Kastuma yelped in fright, shivering.

"You were in on it too, weren't you?!" Katsuki inquired with blood vessels bulging at his neck and face, "Come here!" he ordered angrily.

"Stop! They're just kids, Kacchan!" Izuku pleaded as he grabbed his rival from behind, pulling him away.

"Get your damn hands off me before I break 'em!" he shouted back, elbowing him in the face repeatedly.

"Izu!" Rebecca yelped, worried for her boyfriend's safety, "Hey, cut it out!" she shouted to the Explosion Quirk user.

"Just be glad it wasn't a real villain!" Izuku pointed out desperately, all while Mahoro went over to a flabbergasted Katsuma, grabbing him by his wrist.

"Gettin' away with this crap is exactly why kids are such brats these days!" Katsuki noted angrily before noticing the two children jogging off, "Where do you think you're going, huh?!" he roared, crawling speedily after them… only for Izuku and Rebecca to pull him back.

"We told you to leave them alone!" the former of the couple cried out, still wrestling with his rival.

"Yeah, just knock it off!" the latter pleaded.

"You think I care?!" Katsuki shouted back at them, "I don't take orders from either of you!" he stated angrily as the two children were heading off into the distance. As the trio of student heroes wrestled, the Explosion Quirk user managed to accidentally grab hold of Rebecca's tank top. She noticed and gasped, feeling him tug at it.

"W-Wait!" she stammered out desperately as a blush appeared on her cheeks. But it was too late. Katsuki reflexively pulled as he pried himself out of Izuku's grasp, ripping the article of clothing off of the Cat Leaper Quirk user. Her eyes widened in abject horror. Both boys gasped in realization, blushing brightly. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Rebecca shrieked in embarrassment, covering her barren chest with her arms.

X

By the time the Shimano children made it back to the main island, they were too tired to make it back to their house. They ended up finding themselves sitting in a clearing amidst a field of stalks. Katsuma started up at the stars in wonder and shame. He felt awful about tricking the aspiring heroes, especially Katsuki after how he reacted.

"Those heroes aren't just useless…" his sister started to comment, "they're really mean, too!" she complained with a huff of frustration. Her brother clutched the strap of his bag tightly.

"But… they still came to help," he pointed out, catching her attention, "That girl saved me from the mean one…" he recalled, "And he wasn't scared to face the villain you made," he added to her.

"Hmm…" she hummed in frustration, puffing out her cheeks. Her plan had failed yet again. She wondered if she could ever succeed now…

"Whatever is wrong, Katsuki?" a curious Pino asked as the Explosion Quirk user stomped into Iogi Heights, pulling his mask down as his blush had yet to subside, "Did something happen during your patrol?" she presumed. The student hero scoffed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Nothing you need to worry about…" he affirmed in reply, looking away. Outside the building were Izuku and Rebecca, with the former now shirtless as he lent his shirt to his girlfriend. It didn't ease her embarrassment much, however, considering how red in the face she was.

"I can't believe that happened…" she mumbled with tears pricking her eyes. Her boyfriend was still a bit flustered himself. After all, he saw her bare chest. He shook his head, regaining his composure.

"Well, I'm just glad we didn't have to deal with a real villain…" he admitted. Rebecca looked over to him, still blushing.

"I guess you're right…" she concluded, letting out a sigh, "Can you please not tell anyone about this?" she requested of Izuku.

"O-Of course," he stuttered in response, "Although… I don't know if Kacchan's gonna say anything or not…" he mentioned nervously.

"I'm sure he won't, considering he didn't have to actually fight a villain…" Rebecca affirmed confidently, taking a deep breath, "Okay, I feel a bit better…" she confirmed, putting her hands onto her hips.

"That's good," her boyfriend responded with a grin. She smiled back, but then took notice of something. She saw how crooked his right hand was, remembering the events of the Sports Festival. But along with that were the scars along his arm and the burns around his shoulder from the training camp, the latter being hidden under the compression sleeve he wore. She reached her left hand out to grab his arm, causing him to blink in surprise. "Rebecca?" he uttered out. She gave off a sad look.

"Sometimes… I still think about what happened in that last universe," she confessed, "Even though I managed to change things with Cat Leaper…" she continued, tensing up a little, "I wonder if there'll be a time where I can't do that…" she said to the shock of the One For All inheritor, "Uh, sorry…" she apologized, giving off a sheepish grin, "It's the first time I've gotten a good look at your injuries from the summer camp and—" Her boyfriend suddenly embraced her warmly, causing her to blink. "I-Izu?" she stuttered.

"That won't happen again," he said, holding her close, "I promise," he vowed. The Cat Leaper Quirk user smiled a little, nuzzling her head into the crook of Izuku's neck.

"Thank you, Izu," she said gratefully. She still had her worries, especially when it came to the fact that she technically had One For All like him. She could only use it for so long, but it was still something that she would perhaps need to rely on someday. For now though, she would be happy just to be in her boyfriend's kind arms. Just then, a hand gripped his shoulder tightly.

"Izuku…" Witch's voice growled darkly, much to the couple's shock as they turned their heads slowly to meet the gaze of the Shining Star Hero, who seemed less than enthused, "Tell me, why is Rebecca wearing your shirt?" she questioned, narrowing her eyes behind her helmet's visor. Both students paled with fright.

"W-Wait! It's not like that!" Rebecca stammered pleadingly.

"I swear, we can explain!" Izuku affirmed in panic. By morning, the attacked city was quickly in recovery. Heroes were spread about with the police and firefighters, taking care of the heavily hit areas. Amongst them were Holy, Feather, and Eraser. They helped with putting out fires and evacuating people. All while that was happening, Justice and Hawks were overlooking the scene from afar.

"What a mess…" the latter muttered out, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"If there's a silver lining to all this, we now know that there are four assailants involved in these attacks," the Interstellar Hero pointed out to him.

"The man they attacked… he wasn't a hero," he noted curiously. The brown-haired man had already been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. And he had yet to regain consciousness.

"Have we identified him yet?" Justice asked.

"No," the Wing Hero responded with a shake of his head, "We couldn't find any form of identification for him," he pointed out, "I'm guessing our suspect doesn't want us to know what Quirk he stole…" he inferred.

"So we're at a dead end," Holy realized as she approached, crossing her arms over her chest.

"For now," Hawks responded, "But why would he want to hide what Quirk he stole?" he wondered. As the heroes surveyed the destruction amongst the others, watching them from afar were Tomura and Shura. They too were curious about this new villain that was stealing Quirks…

END

And that's another chapter in the books! I think there'll be differences with this adaptation in the coming chapters. We've got a long way to go, but we're getting there!

Thanks for reading, everyone!