With Deku having rejoined UA in the aftermath of the Paranormal Liberation War, him and Todoroki were sent out on patrol, not only to look for survivors, but to keep some semblance of order in this maelstrom of decay. It wasn't easy, what with most pro heroes having resigned in the chaos, but they had each other, so that was a start.

"How are you feeling, Deku?"

Deku frowned. "Not gonna lie: I still have nightmares about the war and what I did after leaving UA, not to mention all those people protesting my return to UA." His smile returned. "But…on the other hand, having experienced those lowest of lows, I feel like we're at a point where things are gonna get better from here."

Todoroki smiled. "Well, I'm glad you're feeling optimistic, Deku!" She frowned. "Having said that, I still can't shake people being all judgey of me just because of my relation to Toya, but still…" Her smile returned. "…as long as I have you, then I know I'll be all right."

"Glad to know you still think highly of me!"

"Hello…Izuku Midoriya and friend."

Deku and Todoroki turned around, only to see Stain right behind them. Immediately, they got into fighting stances.

"You…you're supposed to be in prison!" said Deku. "Don't tell me you broke out of Tartarus!"

"I did, but before you jump to any conclusions, please, hear me out."

Deku nodded. "OK, we're listening."

Todoroki put a hand on Deku's shoulder. "Deku, are you sure we can trust him?"

Deku smiled. "Hey, who's the one with the people-reading skills?"

Todoroki took her hand off of Deku. "Fair point."

Deku turned back to Stain. "OK, what's up?"

"I have some information for you: Shigaraki's healing is nearly finished. Him and the rest of the Paranormal Liberation Front are planning something big. I don't know exactly what they got in mind, but I do know that they're planning to take advantage of the chaos going on in Japan right now and striking when hero society is at its weakest. I'm not too sure of Shigaraki's location, but from what I heard, he's supposed to be holed up somewhere in Shizuoka."

"Then we better act fast. Anything else we should know?"

"The US is sending their greatest hero, a woman by the name of Star and Stripe. However, she's gonna need all the help she can get. Don't give up, OK?"

Deku and Todoroki pumped their fists. "OK!"

"Just one question…" said Deku.

"Yeah?"

Deku scratched his cheek. "Why are you helping us?"

"I originally started doing what I was doing because I wanted to show people what hero society should be. After Shigaraki and his crew started wreaking havoc, I decided I didn't like the way things were going, and I figured maybe I could salvage what was left of my sorry life. Anyways, I've talked enough. Good luck, you two."

And with that, Stain left for parts unknown, leaving Todoroki to wonder about the whole thing:

"What now, Deku?"

Deku put his fist over his heart. "We'll do what we've always been doing! We've come too far to give in to the forces of evil now, so let's work hard and find Shigaraki!"

"Right!"

Deku and Todoroki kept up their patrol, wondering about the way things were going, but nevertheless hopeful that the forces of good would triumph in the end.

Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.