Part 4: The Spider's Web
Tomura Shigaraki paced the dimly lit room, his hands twitching erratically. The shadows cast by the flickering fluorescent light seemed to close in on him, amplifying the suffocating silence. His mind was racing, spiraling into chaotic thoughts. He replayed the words of the anonymous caller over and over again, each repetition like a shard of glass piercing his composure.
"Someone's looking into your past, Shimura. You know what to do."
His crimson eyes burned as he scratched at his neck, his nerves raw. The weight of the call felt like a noose tightening around him. Who could it be? he wondered, his thoughts clawing at every possibility. Who would dare dig into the past I've buried so deeply?
The air shifted, and Tomura froze. The oppressive presence of All For One filled the room, a palpable force that seemed to press against his very soul. Tomura turned slowly, his movements stiff, to face his master. All For One sat in his throne-like chair, his imposing figure casting long shadows across the room.
"What troubles you, Tomura?" All For One's voice was calm, almost soothing, but it carried an undertone of command that brooked no defiance.
Tomura hesitated, his fingers brushing against his sleeves in a nervous tic. "I received a call," he began, his voice tight. "Someone knows about Tenko Shimura. They're digging into my past."
All For One leaned forward slightly, his masked face tilting as though intrigued. "Interesting. And this caller… they gave no name?"
"No," Tomura replied, his frustration evident. "But they knew too much. If my past is exposed, it could ruin everything. I can't—" He cut himself off, his fists clenching as he fought to steady his breathing.
All For One's voice remained calm, almost fatherly. "Tomura, calm yourself. Panic will solve nothing. Think. There are only a few who know the truth of Tenko Shimura. Your mother, Sakura, and your uncle, Hisashi. Neither of them is likely to expose you."
Tomura's mind raced, latching onto the logic in his master's words. Hisashi and Sakura wouldn't dare. They're too entrenched in their own schemes to jeopardize their secrets.
"That leaves someone else," All For One continued. "Someone outside your family. Tell me, Tomura, who else knows the truth?"
The question lingered in the air, heavy with expectation. Tomura's thoughts flickered to the only other possibility, his breath catching as a name surfaced.
"The Alchemist," he said slowly, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. "He visited me recently. We… share a past. He knows things."
All For One's masked face tilted slightly, his interest unmistakable. "Ah, The Alchemist. An intriguing individual. Tell me, Tomura, why would he call you anonymously? If he sought to warn or threaten you, why not approach directly?"
Tomura's mind churned with possibilities. Why wouldn't he tell me himself? His trust in The Alchemist was deep, forged through a bond that had survived the fires of their shared suffering. But this call… it didn't fit. Was it part of some larger scheme? A manipulation he couldn't yet see?
"I don't know," Tomura admitted, his voice laced with frustration. "But if my past is exposed, so is his. We're connected. He has as much to lose as I do."
"Precisely," All For One said, his tone almost approving. "Which makes this situation all the more intriguing. If he is involved, his motives must be carefully considered. And if he is not…" He let the sentence hang, the implication clear.
Tomura's crimson eyes burned with determination. "I'll deal with it. Whoever's behind this, I'll make sure they regret digging into my past."
A faint chuckle escaped All For One. "Good. But be cautious, Tomura. If The Alchemist is truly involved, tread carefully. His intellect and resources make him a formidable ally—or a dangerous enemy."
Tomura nodded, his resolve hardening. "I'll find out the truth. And if necessary, I'll deal with him."
As he turned to leave, All For One's voice stopped him. "One more thing, Tomura. Your mother, Sakura… she may hold answers. Perhaps it is time you paid her a visit. If she proves useful, excellent. If not…" His voice dipped, laden with quiet menace. "You know what to do."
Tomura's lips twisted into a grim smile. "She'll talk. Or she'll crumble."
The Connection to The Alchemist
Later, alone in the dim light of his quarters, Tomura sat in silence, his mind a tangle of memories and suspicions. The Alchemist's face lingered in his thoughts, a reminder of a time when things were simpler—and infinitely more complicated.
Why wouldn't he tell me directly? Why the anonymous call?
He thought back to their last meeting, the ease with which The Alchemist had moved through the League's hideout, the air of authority he carried like a second skin. Their bond, forged in childhood mischief and shared pain, had always been unshakable. But now, doubt crept in like a shadow, whispering of betrayal.
If my past falls, so does his, Tomura reasoned. It makes sense. But what's his game?
His thoughts turned darker, more calculated. If The Alchemist was behind the call, there was a purpose—a strategy he couldn't yet see. And if he wasn't… then someone else was playing a dangerous game.
A Plan of Action
Tomura rose, his movements sharp and deliberate. His path was clear. First, he would visit Sakura. She knew more than she let on, and if she had betrayed him, she would pay the price. Then, he would turn his attention to The Alchemist. Whether friend or foe, he would uncover the truth.
As he stepped into the shadows, his resolve solidified. He would protect his secrets at all costs. And anyone who threatened to expose him—be it family, friend, or stranger—would be reduced to dust.
The Weight of a Decision
The air inside Manual's agency was heavy, the fluorescent light flickering faintly as Elias stood near the window. The map of Hosu lay on the table beside him, dotted with markings and hastily drawn circles. Hidori sat across the room, his injured arm cradled against his chest. His expression was tense, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"You can't go alone," Hidori said, his voice strained but firm. "If you run into her—"
"I won't," Elias cut him off, his tone sharper than he intended. He softened his expression when he saw Hidori flinch. "Look, I'm just going to track down Stain's location. That's it. No confrontations, no risks. I'll stay on the move, keep my guard up."
Hidori shook his head vehemently. "You don't get it. She could be anyone, Elias. Anyone. She doesn't just kill—she takes. She'll wear their face, their voice, their memories. And you won't know it's her until it's too late."
Elias turned to face Hidori fully, his jaw clenched. "I'm aware of what Toga can do. That's why I'm not engaging anyone unless I'm absolutely certain."
"But you can't be certain!" Hidori's voice cracked, his frustration bubbling over. "That's the point! My quirk—Kindred Spirit—I'm the only one who can see through her disguises. If you leave me here, you're walking blind into her trap."
Elias sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Hidori, I need you to stay here. Manual will keep you safe, and if Toga's after anyone, it's you. If I take you with me, I'll be putting you in even more danger."
Hidori stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "And what happens if you don't come back? What happens if she uses you to get to me?"
The question hung in the air like a dagger, its weight pressing down on both of them. Elias met Hidori's gaze, his eyes steady. "I'm not going to let that happen."
"How can you be so sure?" Hidori demanded.
"Because I have to be," Elias said quietly. "For your sake. For hers." His voice faltered on the last word, and he turned away, staring out the window. The city lights twinkled in the distance, their glow a stark contrast to the darkness that seemed to permeate every corner of Hosu.
Manual entered the room then, his calm presence cutting through the tension. "Elias," he said, his tone measured. "Are you sure about this?"
Elias nodded without hesitation. "I am. I'll only be gone for tonight. If I find anything, I'll report back immediately."
Manual's gaze shifted to Hidori, who looked on the verge of saying something more. "You're leaving him here?" Manual asked.
"For his safety," Elias replied. "If Toga's out there, Hidori's the target she's after."
"And if you're wrong?" Manual's question was pointed, his brow furrowed.
"I'm not," Elias said firmly. "I'll keep my guard up. I won't trust anyone."
Section 1: Blitzstrike's Search for Stain
The City of Shadows
Hosu at night was a city caught between life and decay. Neon signs flickered like dying embers, their sickly glow reflected in the puddles that lined the cracked asphalt. The scent of rain lingered in the air, mingling with the acrid tang of exhaust fumes and the faint aroma of street food from vendors who braved the twilight. Buildings loomed like silent sentinels, their windows fractured with shards of light from within—some warm and inviting, others cold and forbidding.
Elias stood on the edge of a rooftop, his sharp gaze sweeping over the sprawling maze of alleyways below. From this height, Hosu was a symphony of contrasts: bustling streets where laughter and music echoed, and darkened alleys where shadows moved with a life of their own. The city breathed uneasily, as though it too was waiting for something to happen.
He adjusted the straps of his gauntlets, the faint hum of energy coursing through them a familiar reassurance. His super-speed had brought him here in mere moments, but now he slowed, taking in the city's pulse. Somewhere in this labyrinth, Stain was hunting. The infamous Hero Killer, who had once struck terror into the hearts of heroes across the nation, was on the move again.
But Elias wasn't just worried about Stain. He couldn't ignore the gnawing thought that had been with him since the start of his investigation: If Stain knows about my past, am I his next target?
The World at Speed
With a deep breath, Elias activated his quirk, his body vibrating with raw energy. To move at super speed was to see the world unravel in exquisite detail. The cityscape blurred into streaks of light and shadow, every droplet of rain frozen midair as though suspended in time. His enhanced senses drank in the world around him—each sound amplified, every texture magnified.
The wind roared in his ears, carrying whispers of conversations, the screech of car tires, and the distant wail of a siren. He could taste the metallic tang of the city's smog, feel the vibrations of a subway train rumbling beneath his feet. The world slowed as he accelerated, revealing nuances hidden to ordinary eyes: the nervous twitch of a man's hand as he passed a shady deal in an alley, the flicker of recognition in a hero's gaze as they patrolled a nearby rooftop.
Elias pushed himself faster, the ground beneath him a blur of motion. He searched for signs of Stain's handiwork, his mind racing as fast as his feet. Stain didn't leave bodies in plain sight; he worked in the shadows, striking like a phantom and disappearing just as quickly. If Elias wanted to catch him, he needed to think like him.
The Hero Killer's Trail
He stopped abruptly in a quiet district, the sudden stillness almost deafening after the chaos of his movement. The faint scent of blood reached his nose, and he turned to see a faint smear on the ground leading into a narrow alley. Kneeling, he studied it closely: a crimson streak that glistened faintly in the dim light.
His gaze followed the trail, leading to a pro hero slumped against a wall. Their uniform was torn, their breathing ragged, but they were alive. Elias approached cautiously, his senses alert for any sign of Stain. The hero's badge read "Steelshot," a mid-level hero known more for their endorsements than their rescues.
"Steelshot," Elias said, his voice steady but low. "What happened?"
The hero groaned, clutching their leg where a deep gash oozed blood. "It was him… Stain. He—he came out of nowhere."
"What did he say?" Elias pressed.
Steelshot's eyes darted nervously, shame flickering in their expression. "He said… he said if I didn't confess my crimes by morning, he'd come back and finish the job."
Elias's brow furrowed. This wasn't Stain's usual modus operandi. The Hero Killer was known for leaving corpses, not warnings. "What crimes?" Elias demanded, though he already suspected the answer.
Steelshot's voice trembled. "I… I took bribes. From the Yakuza. To look the other way. I didn't think anyone would find out, but… he knew. He knew everything."
Elias stepped back, his mind racing. This was new. Stain wasn't killing—he was sending a message. Why the change in tactics? And what did it mean for his mission?
The Hunter Becomes the Hunted
As Elias moved deeper into the city, the pattern became clear. He found two more injured heroes, each with a similar story: Stain had attacked, crippled them, and left a warning. The victims were all corrupt, their secrets laid bare by Stain's relentless sense of justice. It was almost surgical in its precision, as though he was dissecting the rotten core of hero society one piece at a time.
Elias felt the weight of his own secrets pressing down on him. If Stain knew about Steelshot and the others, it was only a matter of time before he uncovered Elias's past. If he hasn't already.
His thoughts were interrupted by a faint sound—a crackle of static, followed by a voice. It was coming from a nearby rooftop, where Elias spotted a faint glow of light. He moved swiftly, his speed carrying him to the source in an instant.
Crouching behind a vent, he peered around the corner and saw Stain standing in the shadows, his scarred face illuminated by the faint glow of a communicator in his hand. The Hero Killer's posture was rigid, his presence as commanding as ever. But it was the voice on the other end of the line that made Elias's blood run cold.
"You were right," the voice said, smooth and familiar. "The Yaoyorozus are hiding something. I think I've found a way in."
Elias's breath caught in his throat. Natsumi?
Stain's voice cut through the static, low and sharp. "Good. Keep digging. If you're right, this could change everything."
Elias's heart pounded as the conversation continued, every word a dagger to his resolve. Natsumi was working with Stain. But why? And how much did she know? The communicator crackled again, her voice taking on a determined edge.
"I'll send you the details soon. We need to move quickly before they suspect anything."
Elias clenched his fists, his mind racing. The revelation was a blow he hadn't anticipated. As the conversation ended and Stain disappeared into the night, Elias remained frozen in place, the weight of what he'd just heard pressing down on him.
Natsumi.
The name echoed in his mind, a storm of emotions swirling within him—betrayal, confusion, anger. He didn't have all the answers, but one thing was clear: he needed to confront her. And he needed to do it now.
With a burst of speed, Elias launched himself into the night, his destination clear. Natsumi's apartment wasn't far. He would get his answers—no matter what it took.
Section 2: Confrontation with Natsumi
The Race Through Hosu
Elias moved like a streak of lightning through the labyrinthine streets of Hosu. Every step was a calculated burst of power, propelling him forward at blinding speeds. The city unfolded before him in a kaleidoscope of distorted lights and muted sounds. The neon signs stretched into glowing ribbons, their colors blending into a surreal spectrum. Rain droplets hung suspended in midair as if frozen in time, each one reflecting the faint luminescence of the city's glow.
His heightened senses absorbed everything: the distant hum of electricity coursing through power lines, the faint metallic taste of the city's pollution, the sting of the cold wind against his face. He could feel the vibrations of life beneath his feet—the rumble of subway trains, the hurried footsteps of pedestrians, and the faint tremors of distant voices. Yet, his mind was locked on a singular goal: Natsumi.
The voice he had heard on Stain's communicator echoed in his head, laced with a conviction that left him reeling. She wasn't just tangentially involved—she was instrumental. And if she was working with Stain, she might have been the reason he had changed his ways. Stain, the man who had killed countless heroes in pursuit of his twisted vision of justice, had started leaving them alive. That wasn't a coincidence.
But why? Why had she turned to someone like Stain?
Elias felt a knot of dread tightening in his chest. He didn't want to believe it, but the evidence was damning. You could have trusted me, Natsumi, he thought bitterly. Why didn't you?
Natsumi's Apartment
Elias arrived outside Natsumi's apartment in seconds, his feet skidding to a stop on the wet pavement. The building was modest, blending into the quiet neighborhood like an unassuming secret. The soft glow of her window on the third floor stood out against the darkness, a beacon drawing him closer.
He scaled the fire escape with ease, his gloved hands gripping the cold metal as he ascended. Reaching her window, he peered inside. Natsumi sat at her desk, her back to him, the dim light casting long shadows across the room. Papers were scattered around her, along with her ever-present notebook. She was on her communicator again, her voice steady but urgent.
"I know," she said, her tone measured. "But we can't afford mistakes. If the Yaoyorozus catch wind of this before we're ready, everything falls apart."
Elias's jaw clenched. He pushed the window open and stepped inside with a rush of air, startling her. Natsumi spun around, her eyes wide with shock.
"Elias?" she said, her voice trembling slightly. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"You tell me," he snapped, his voice low and dangerous. "Why were you talking to Stain?"
Natsumi's expression flickered, a mix of surprise and defiance crossing her features. She stood, squaring her shoulders. "You shouldn't be here."
"Answer the question," Elias demanded, taking a step closer. "Why are you working with him? Do you have any idea who he is, what he's done?"
"I know exactly who he is," she shot back, her voice rising. "And I know what you've done too, Blitzstrike."
The name hit Elias like a physical blow. He froze, his heart pounding. "What are you talking about?" he asked, though his voice lacked conviction.
"I did some digging," Natsumi said, her eyes narrowing. "You think your past is a secret? It's not. I've seen the footage, Elias. I know about the people you've killed. So don't you dare stand there and lecture me about Stain."
Elias felt his hands curl into fists at his sides. "That's not the same," he said through gritted teeth. "What I did… it wasn't like him."
"Wasn't it?" Natsumi countered, stepping closer. "You took lives, Elias. You made yourself judge, jury, and executioner. That's exactly what Stain did—until he met me."
The revelation left Elias stunned. "What do you mean, until he met you?"
Natsumi's gaze softened, though her resolve remained unshaken. "I convinced him to stop. To see that killing wasn't the way to bring about change. He listens to me, Elias. I showed him that justice isn't just about punishment—it's about accountability. That's why he's leaving them alive now, giving them a chance to confess. Because of me."
A New Perspective
Elias shook his head, trying to process her words. "You're the reason Stain stopped killing? You… changed him?"
"Yes," Natsumi said firmly. "Because I see the bigger picture. The hero society is rotting from the inside out, and people like Stain are the only ones willing to do something about it. The Yaoyorozus, the commissions, the so-called heroes—they're all corrupt. Stain is a weapon, Elias. A weapon I can aim at the heart of the problem."
"And you're okay with that?" Elias asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "Using someone like him, knowing what he's capable of?"
"What choice do I have?" Natsumi shot back. "I called you earlier. I asked for your help, but you brushed me off, said you were on some 'classified mission.' So I turned to Stain instead."
Elias felt a pang of guilt, but he refused to let it show. "Natsumi, you're playing with fire. Stain is dangerous—he'll turn on you the moment he thinks you're in his way."
"Dangerous?" she said with a bitter laugh. "So are you. Don't act like you're some noble hero, Elias. You're not. I know Sakura Kodai has been threatening you, keeping you on a leash. I've seen the list of heroes she has leverage over, and you're on it. But it doesn't have to stay that way. You can be free, Elias. Help us."
"Help you do what?" Elias demanded.
Natsumi stepped closer, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "Take her down. Take them all down. You could be our way in. Sakura will let her guard down around you—she trusts you. You could be the key to exposing everything."
Elias stared at her, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, betrayal, guilt, and something he couldn't quite name. He wanted to trust her, but the stakes were too high.
"Meet me and Stain tomorrow night," Natsumi said, her voice pleading. "8 PM at the docks. I need you, Elias. Please."
For a moment, silence filled the room, the weight of her words hanging between them. Finally, Elias turned away, his expression unreadable.
"I'll think about it," he said, and before she could respond, he was gone—a blur of motion disappearing into the night.
Section 3: A Warning from Hidori
The Return to Manual's Agency
Elias moved through the city with purpose, the streets of Hosu a blur of rain-soaked lights and muffled sounds as he dashed back to Manual's agency. His mind was still racing, trying to make sense of his confrontation with Natsumi. Her words echoed in his head: "Meet me and Stain tomorrow night, 8 PM at the docks. I need you, Elias."
He came to a stop just outside the agency's doors, the world snapping back into focus. The faint buzz of fluorescent lighting greeted him as he stepped inside, his boots squeaking against the tiled floor. Hidori was sitting in the common area, his injured arm cradled in a sling, his expression tense as he flipped through a notebook.
When he saw Elias, he immediately straightened, his sharp gaze filled with concern. "You're back," Hidori said. "What happened?"
Elias hesitated, glancing around to make sure they were alone. "We need to talk."
The Revelation
The two retreated to the small room they shared, its sparse furnishings providing little comfort. Elias leaned against the door, his arms crossed, while Hidori perched on the edge of the bed, watching him intently.
"I found Stain," Elias began, his voice low. "Or rather, I found someone working with him."
Hidori's brow furrowed. "Who?"
"Natsumi," Elias said. "She's… she's the reason Stain stopped killing. She's been working with him, trying to take down the Yaoyorozus and other corrupt heroes. She called me earlier to ask for my help, but I didn't pick up. So she turned to him instead."
Hidori's eyes widened in shock. "Natsumi? Are you sure?"
Elias nodded. "I confronted her tonight. She told me everything—or at least enough to confirm she's deep in this. She even asked me to meet her and Stain tomorrow night at the docks."
Hidori's face paled, his fingers gripping the edge of the bed. "This is bad, Elias. Really bad. You don't understand how dangerous this is."
"What do you mean?" Elias asked, his voice tense.
Hidori hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Toga's looking for Stain too. She's obsessed with him—always has been. She admires him, sees him as some kind of kindred spirit. If she finds out where he is, she'll use it to get to you, to get to me. And if Natsumi's involved…" He trailed off, his voice trembling. "She's in even more danger than she realizes."
Elias's Decision
Elias frowned, the weight of Hidori's words sinking in. "That's all the more reason I have to go. I can't just ignore this."
"Then I'm coming with you," Hidori said firmly, his voice filled with resolve.
"No," Elias said immediately. "You're still recovering. You've got a bullet wound, Hidori. You can barely move your arm, let alone fight if things go sideways."
"I don't care," Hidori shot back. "You need me. I'm the only one who can tell who's Toga and who isn't. You can't risk going alone."
Elias sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I get it, but it's too dangerous. I can handle myself, Hidori. You know that."
Hidori shook his head, his expression desperate. "Elias, you're fast, but Toga's cunning. She'll use Natsumi against you. She'll play on your emotions, twist them until you can't see what's real. If she's there, you won't stand a chance without me."
Elias crouched down, meeting Hidori's gaze. "I won't let her get the drop on me," he said, his voice steady. "I'll keep my guard up. And as for Natsumi… I'm not sure if I can trust her yet. That's why I need to confront her—to figure out whose side she's really on."
Hidori's hands balled into fists, his knuckles white. "You're making a mistake," he said, his voice strained. "Going alone is suicide."
"I don't have a choice," Elias said softly. "You're not ready for this fight, Hidori. And I can't risk you getting hurt again."
Hidori glared at him, his frustration evident, but he didn't argue further. He knew Elias was as stubborn as he was fast. "Fine," he muttered. "But promise me one thing."
"What?" Elias asked.
"Don't trust her," Hidori said, his voice deadly serious. "Not completely. Even if she's telling the truth, you don't know what she's capable of. And if Toga's anywhere near that meeting, you need to get out of there. Promise me."
Elias hesitated, then nodded. "I promise."
The Weight of the Mission
As Elias stood to leave, Hidori grabbed his wrist, his grip surprisingly strong despite his injury. "Be careful," Hidori said, his voice laced with worry. "You're all I've got left."
Elias placed a reassuring hand on Hidori's shoulder, his expression softening. "I'll be fine. Stay here, rest up. I'll handle this."
With that, he turned and left the room, his heart heavy with the weight of the mission ahead. As he stepped into the cool night air, his thoughts raced alongside his movements.
Natsumi, Stain, Toga—they were all pieces of a puzzle he couldn't quite see. But one thing was clear: tomorrow night at the docks, everything would come to a head. And Elias would be ready.