Syndicate

by InuKagomeLuver4Eva

The powerful Yakuza clan, Uraraka, has ruled Musutafu with an iron fist for hundreds of years. Now, when the first female heir is born, Ochaco Uraraka must take a stand as rightful ruler of the clan. A fateful encounter with a stranger who saved her life seemed nothing more than a one time event...until he shows up at her door looking for an in. Ochaco x Deku.

11. Collapse

Bodies everywhere. Blood projected high onto the walls and ceilings. Scorch marks from an uncontained fire that raged for hours. And last but not least, a giant, gaping, fucking hole in his hideout. Hawks had managed to get the coordinates out in the few brief moments of freedom it seemed. A persuaded member fell for his charming nature and suave appearance; what woman wouldn't? She was the reason the explosion happened during the Uraraka broadcast sending the signal to someone on the outside. A once clean, white rag now soiled with warm blood flopped to the floor as Kuroi tossed it aside. One problem down.

"They've certainly made a mess of things here,"

"I'll be the first to admit their tenacity is strong; just not strong enough. Are we ready to move to the next step, Chisaki?" All for One barely turned to acknowledge the masked man standing a few feet back, hand pressing against his mouth in disgust.

"Yes. Leave it to me. We've got plenty of ways to flush out the forest vermin." Chisaki bowed with a gloved hand against his heart. An averaged height man sporting a high-level surgical mask against his mouth, brown eyes staring anywhere but the stained structure. A black suit donned with a silver tie, typical of Yakuza apparel, though a dark green jacket with a pouf of purple fur classified as his outerwear. Pristine white gloves prevented sullying of flexing fingers. "With resources tied up right now the U.A. Special Police Force won't be able to handle the overload of poisonous gas. Don't you have a guy for this?"

"He's currently occupied in another prefecture. Get it done, Chisaki; I won't tolerate disappointment like your father."

"Of course."

Kuroi gave an exasperated sigh though lips turned upward into a smile. The Uraraka clan thought they'd had him, and his plan figured out. What they didn't know was the countless other clans he had awaiting in the wings of his cloak. They all had their specialties; poisons, arson, breaking and entering, disappearances. One by one they would be utilized until he could finally narrow in on the Uraraka mansion. Then? Then it would be time for well-deserved payback. But for now he'd wait patiently. Maybe entertain Keigo a bit more before he finally slit his throat open, spilling steaming blood across the sullied concrete. Patience, Kuroi, patience. All good things come to those who wait. Speaking of Doctor Garaki, the man mentioned finally completing the little experiment regarding enhanced regeneration abilities. Technology sure had advanced leaps and bounds in his lifetime.

Shined black shoes echoed loudly against the tiled floors as he made for the lab hidden within his base. Behind every good Yakuza leader was an even better physician. Doctor Garaki had been loyal and diligent since day one; always concocting new medical treatments, ensuring his health remained at top performance, treating Tomura's wounds as the child grew. Surely not even the Uraraka clan could compete, though that Shota Aizawa always seemed to be at the heiress' beck and call with medical supplies. Botched decoy mission through downtown. Failed assassination in the mountains. Failed attempted murder in the Kinsai Gardens. He was a major thorn in his side that needed to be discarded. Take out the knight guarding the queen and it's game over.

That brought the question of how soon Kenji Uraraka would return to protect his daughter. Though taking out the knight the king would soon return to reclaim his throne. In order to crumble the Uraraka lineage and wipe the next in line from existence, her father needed to be out of the picture. Seems Aizawa spilled the beans about the factory being a ruse and now the angry father was making his way back home early. Nothing to fear, he assured himself, for there are countless roadblocks to prevent such a terrible thing from occurring.

He'd make sure of it.

A ringing from his pocket momentarily halted the casual stroll to the deepest dungeon of his den. "Speak."

"Sir, it seems Chief Yagi has aligned himself with him. Enji Todoroki."

"Such incredible luck! I've taken down the former number one and now another appears before me to accept the same fate? How fortuitous," Kuroi laughed heartily in the empty corridor, palm raising to the ceiling as he celebrated. "How desperate my former rival must be to invite the brawny, brainless man who once clambered to free himself from the towering shadows of perfection."

"Fortuitous indeed. Although, there seems to be other agencies getting themselves involved in the matter. Other highly accredited heroes seem to be willing to fight with the Uraraka clan despite their oppositions. Even Rumi Usagiyama. Heard she's tearing through the rankings outside the city faster than we can replenish. I'd expect her to arrive within six hours."

The smile on Kuroi's face faltered slightly yet his optimistic charm remained. "Fear not. A one woman wrecking machine won't be enough to derail my plans. Despite the Uraraka clans feeble attempts to overwhelm our forces with sheer power, believe in the plan put forth to lead us down the road to success. By crumbling Shield Industries servers, our victory is all but assured."

"Of course, sir."

The line disconnected. Kuroi shoved the device back into his pocket without a worry. Try as they might, the 'heroes' of society wouldn't be enough to derail meticulously drawn plans by merely showing a presence within the city. The lines of darkness ran too deep to be purified by the lights of saviors. All was going according to plan save for the gaping hole exposing his hideout to normal citizens. Though when the sunlight hits the creatures scurrying in the darkness, they cower into the shadows of comfort. Those brainless enough to venture forward soon meet their demise. Until the time came to slay the Uraraka heiress, Kuroi would lurk in the darkness.

A single metal door at the end of the dauntingly long hallway painted with a bright red medical cross meant he'd arrived. Garaki tended to hide away in his office in order to get some peace and quiet for his experiments. Only when emerged did the experiments be revealed to the overlord. Without bothering to knock Kuroi pressed down on the handle and pulled the door open, stepping into the sterile environment with a tingling of excitement. Only two beds filled the small infirmary; one for himself and the other for Tomura. Yet there was more to the room than the eye could see. What was disguised as a supply closet was in fact a secondary room that held the countless experiments. Though as soon as he stepped up to the door, it swung inward and revealed the doctor. In the dim lighting his goggles illuminated brightly by the glow of countless computers and machines filling the room. A wide grin on his round face.

"It's ready,"

"Excellent news. Have the tests been successful?" Garaki motioned his beloved leader into the room, minding the thick tubes running across the dirty concrete floor like tree roots. Burbling tanks of green liquid held suspended victims, naked and attached to life support ventilators. Mostly men were the targets of the experiments as their bodies held up much longer than women. "I can tell you've been busy, doctor. That's good to see."

"Thank you, Master! I grind against the stone day and night to prove my worth so the Shigaraki clan may prosper into the future! Yes, yes, the tests have been very fruitful and promising. In fact, my special test subject has proven to be the most successful of the latest grouping! It's a good thing Chisaki had such a generous offering."

"I'm almost feeling a bit nostalgic about it. Just like little Tomura," Kuroi grinned as they reached a solid steel door with a twelve by twelve window on it. Inside was a light that pierced the darkness of the lab. Garaki peeked briefly through the window before pulling a key from around his neck then sticking it into the keyhole. A loud clunk and it unlocked. "Tell me, does this one have a name?"

"She goes by Eri. Chisaki is technically her uncle. Something about her parents being taken out years ago and the Hassaikai clan took the poor girl under their wing. He's been a guardian ever since then alongside Boss. Eri isn't much of a talker I'm afraid."

The door swung open to reveal a white, sterile room with a single bed and a few scattered toys atop a circular pink rug. A small child trembled against the far corner of the mattress, pressing herself against the metal framing and looking at the two newcomers with wide eyes. A simple grey dress that nearly reached ankles, two buttons at the top and slightly ragged sleeve ends. Bandages upon bandages wrapped around both arms and legs, even nearly touching the top of her neck. Silver hair with natural waves flowed to elbow-length. Piercing cherry red eyes darted nervously between the two men as the door closed firmly behind them.

"Eri, this is Kuroi Shigaraki though you can call him All for One." Garaki introduced the girl to the stranger standing in her safe space. There was a heavy pause before the girl nodded meekly. "Forgive her, sir, hasn't spoken much since both parents were killed in an accident years ago."

"That's quite alright. There's no need to be afraid, child, you're safe here," Kuroi soothed while crouching before her bed, giving a reassuring smile that seemed to have the girl recoiling. A hand held out to the young human invitingly. "Would you like to go somewhere with me?"

Eri rapidly shook her head no, silver tendrils flaring out. A small chuckle released from Kuroi as he rested both arms against bent legs. Not surprising that she didn't trust him; he often had that effect on children as they had heightened senses compared to adults. Ah well. She certainly reminded the Yakuza of Tomura when he was a child, found wandering through the streets with a scarred up face and creepy smile. But who was Kuroi Shigaraki to deny a helpless child a saving hand?

"Girl, when Shigaraki addresses you, you respectfully answer!" Garaki barked at the now quivering girl. He lashed out and grabbed onto her arm forcefully, yanking the fragile child to her feet. "Try again with your words—"

"No need to force the poor thing into going against her will. I've found it only worsens the bad habits down the line. Now," Kuroi smiled at the girl once more, offering the hand again. "Why don't I take you for a walk, Eri."

Eri pursed her lips hard, glancing between the hand, the doctor, and the man giving off evil vibes unsurely. He was dangerous…even with the helping hand and reassuring smile. But it was his eyes; they reeked of evil intent. Resisting would only makes things worse, so Eri swallowed the creeping fear down and shakily took his hand. Shigaraki smiled warmly. "Now, Eri, let's go for a little walk, hm? Get you some fresh air and out of this sterile environment."

"Sir, t-there are still more tests to be run—"

"Not now, Doctor Garaki." Kuroi answered chillingly, a smile still plastered on. The doctor bowed apologetically and allowed the two to leave his lab. "Eri, why don't we go watch your dear Uncle Chisaki get to work, hm?"

---

The Uraraka household seemed more like a busy street market rather than a high-ranking Yakuza clan. Servants, Yakuza, maids; they all scurried around in preparation for the arrival of the former head, Ishikawa Uraraka. Even Ochaco seemed tense as she sat idly on the throne of marble and wood, eyes watching the chaos with an almost faraway glaze. Whenever her grandfather showed up it usually meant business. Sure, the old man would come by for holidays every year, but the heiress confidently knew it was a council issue. They were going to challenge her ascension due to the state of the city, lacking in solid leadership to return fire against the offenders.

A leg bounced nervously. She loved her grandfather, who was ecstatic to have his first granddaughter, but he would have to forgo the familial friendliness and do what he needed to for the sake of the throne of control. It wasn't going to be an easy conversation.

Aizawa was barking orders while nit-picking over the smallest details; whenever former heads showed it was like a whole new side to the mentor. Every single spec of dirt and dust had to be erased from history. Not a wrinkle on a shirt, not a hair out of place, not even a foot misaligned when bowing to the man. Ishikawa Uraraka was known for being a ruthless leader in his prime. Right now he was directing members with firm authority and directional points. During the occasional moments to breathe, he'd run a hand over gelled back locks out of frustration. No ponytail would suffice for the council; all needed to be one hundred percent presentable and that meant long hair back into a tight braid.

"I've never seen Mr. Aizawa looking so stressed out. It's like he's afraid of your grandfather," Mina quietly slid up to the heiress in an onyx dress and matching heels. The bottom hem went down to her knees while the arm sleeves stopped just shy of three-quarter. A high scoop neck kept the dress modest alongside dark stockings. Around her neck was the necklace given by the heiress and earrings to match. Just a hint of makeup complete the look as instructed personally by the heiress.

"Because he is. My grandfather was known for entering battlegrounds and not leaving until he was soaked head to toe in blood. There are folklore about his fights; many younger Yakuza across Japan looked up to him." Ochaco replied quietly, briefly glancing at the pinkette. "You look nice. Are the others on their way?"

"I can't remember the last time I wore something so modest, it's a bit strange to be honest. Toru went to find Ojiro in the dojo, Kirishima and Bakugo got wrapped up in moving some heavy furniture, and I think Midoriya was helping that blonde guy, the one who runs the cameras?"

"Hizashi Yamada. He handles the telecommunications division of the Uraraka clan. Aizawa won't say anything about it, but they're best friends." Ochaco whispered behind a hand, yet the aforementioned man turned to stare at them for a few seconds before resuming his commanding. Both girls shared a small giggle. "And he has the senses of a bat."

"Ah, no wonder they seemed close when you and Mr. Aizawa did that broadcast. How did they end up working under your family?" Mina asked, now curious to the duo. They were complete opposites. One broody and dark, one bubbly and bright.

"I know they were brought in together nearly twenty years ago, but other than that…I'm really not sure. Neither will talk about their past to anyone either than my father." Ochaco responded honestly, a small shrugging of her shoulders. "I never really bothered to ask about it since I was kept busy with training and studies."

"At the end of the day, they're still family even if a bit dysfunctional." Ochaco looked up to see the pinkette smiling brightly. An amused sigh slipped out in response.

"Yes…one big, dysfunctional family whom I love dearly."

"Inbound! Fifteen minutes!" Shota announced abruptly to the chaotic room, stilling the flurry for all of five seconds before it erupted into a frenzy. Ochaco felt the smile slip from her expression as even Mina became uneasy. "If you're unpresentable, get the fuck out of sight! Don't forget the Council is also showing up! Finish your duties and get ready to line up!"

"Your guard dog is scary, Ochaco," Mina said lowly to which Ochaco gave a tired smile.

"That's why he's the best. You should go get the others."

"I'll be right back!"

Mina scurried off with two guards in tow to get the others and inform them of the situation, leaving Ochaco to slump just a little further against the throne. Fifteen more minutes until her grandfather and the Council appeared to seal her fate. She'd never wanted her parents by her side more than ever right now. Deciding to walk a bit before the inevitable dethroning, she slipped from the room in the disarray and made for the garden leading to her friends. A few guards attempted to follow though she promptly waved them off. She was safe in her own household. The morning air was chilly as puffs of air slipped out with each breath. Despite the layers of kimono wrapping around her frame, an unsettling chill seeped down to the bone. Life was reaching a breaking point; the war, the Council hounding her position, a city falling apart with blood constantly flowing through the gutters…and a lack of parents standing by her side in desperate times. Stepping across the smooth, nearly polished stepping stones in the garden, Ochaco made for a familiar bench nested beneath a once floral pergola. While she had her own small slice of heaven attached to her quarters, this one had a sense of tranquility that couldn't quite be described.

The surface was cool as delicate fingers ran over it when the heiress perched softly, a palm pressing against the flawless bench. A chill ran up her arm and down a stiffened back. Winter was shifting to a full swing. Auburn noted how the leaves seemed to all but completely drop from the branches of the trees, colorful leaves littering the ground like puzzle pieces. Bare branches, gnarled and scrawny, twisted towards the overcast skies. Thick trunks with their jagged sheaths of bark appeared dry, fracturing in the winter air. The cycle was to begin anew in the spring when rebirth began. A new year without bloodshed. Sans hundreds of bodies littering the street corners. Free of the constant fear citizens lived under. Safe from tyrant Yakuza. A year where the turn of a century for the Uraraka clan would progress into the future. Ochaco watched as a few lone straggling leaves detached from the little axil that held the stem down. They fluttered about gently, swaying back and forth until a breeze kicked up and violently blew them off course.

Deterred from the path life had set for it.

A chilly breath slipped out. There wasn't any other choice. She had to win this war…no matter the ultimate cost.

"It's pretty cold today, isn't it?"

Auburn blinked then looked up to see Izuku standing before her. Donned in a black suit, white button-up, and dark green tie, he almost seemed like a different person; especially with the slicked back hair that barely contained the unruly locks. Though his voice and kind eyes remained the familiar same despite the formal appearance. "Mind if I join you?"

"Go right ahead," Ochaco gestured briefly at the open space beside her. Izuku nodded his thanks while sitting, resting his forearms against his thighs. The hand that had rested against the frigid bench slipped into the opposite sleeve; fingers numb. "You are well-dressed today. Must feel strange to be so formal."

"Yeah, it's certainly not part of my normal wardrobe," Izuku laughed, clouds floating in the air. "Especially my hair. Mom had to wrestle with it for the better part of the morning just to get it to stay down. Your kimono, it's the one from the first announcement, right? It's really nice."

"I can see the strands struggling now," Ochaco teased lightly. "Yes, this is one mainly for official business. I appreciate the compliment."

"Hey, they're trying their best right now. You should see Kaachan's hair; no matter how much gel was applied it kept popping right back up into spikes. I think he just gave up on trying to wrangle it."

"Hm. I don't think my grandfather will care all too much; it's all formality at the end of the day," Ochaco mused, auburn shifting to look at the gray clouds threatening to unleash flurries. "Besides, the Council may not even bother to acknowledge your presence here. They only care about supporting the future of the clan and voting on whether or not I'm fit to lead."

"You're thinking they may prevent you from ascending the throne." Izuku spoke softly as he vocalized her turbulent thoughts. Ochaco closed her eyes briefly, breathing in deep before shifting to face him. "What grounds do they have to potentially overthrow your status?"

"The state of Musutafu is enough for them to consider denying my lineage claim. If my father were here…this would be an entirely different scenario where we would be discussing retaliation plans. But he's not. This will have to be done on my own."

"Will your grandfather support you?"

"Yes. I'm thankful he's on my side completely, albeit he cannot do what he solely wishes. It has to be a unanimous decision from the Council regarding my ability to lead the clan. Right now with Shigaraki running rampant it's not looking favorable on my end. I'll be lucky to even keep my title after the meeting." Ochaco replied honestly, eyes shimmering the slightest as her friend listened intently.

"Despite the city being in a state of complete collapse, you've prioritized the citizens safety first. You've set up shelters for all outside the city for people to survive. Even though the Shigaraki gang is running amuck in Musutafu, countless more lives would've been lost had you not reacted the way you did. That has to account for something," Izuku remarked. The heiress merely shook her head slightly, indicating those actions weren't enough to save her. "What else could they be judging?"

"Strength. Resilience. Morals. How well the clan has been prospering. There are dozens of reasons for them to judge me on my worth. Appearance is also a major factor. I have to be dressed for the title, act as if I hold the whole world in my palm. If I show an ounce of weakness…it's over. They'll strip me of my title and either force my father to continue his reign or have another member of their choosing take over the main branch."

"I may be acting bias in this situation, Ochaco, but who are they to decide your worth? Have they even met you before or are they making assumptions solely on what's happening to the city? If they've never even met you and know little of your life, why should they get a say in how you lead the Uraraka clan?" Izuku sat upright, fingers interlocked, looking at the ground in deep thought. A small, discouraged laugh had him darting his gaze back up to the brunette as she threw her head back.

"Because to them…I'm a worthless woman who—"

"You are not worthless," He interrupted firmly. "It shouldn't matter if it's a male or female leading the clan; all that matters is doing what's best for the family, not appeasing the strict, outdated procedures from hundreds of years ago. Compared to your predecessors, you've done more than any other leader to protect the citizens of Musutafu. While others cared more about turf wars, bloodshed, and profits, you prioritized those who needed help the most. Your father was the turning point for the clan. He's the one who started the path for you and now it's your turn to keep on the straight and narrow, Ochaco."

"You make it sound like it's the easiest thing in the world, Izuku," She whispered into the air with blurring vision. Ruining her makeup now would garner a strict lecture from the makeup artist. "How do I turn my back on generations of heritage, tradition, and family? It's all I've ever known."

"Look, I'm not saying to ignore that aspect of your life. I'm saying maybe things need to change for the future…and that you're the one to start that change. That triggers with you taking a stand on what you firmly believe in." Izuku hesitated, hand partially raised out to her. It rested gently against the swell of her shoulder. "I understand this is a difficult time for you, Ochaco. I'm here for you. Everyone else is too. We'll work together to secure a better future for Musutafu. I promise."

"You do so much for me and in return ask for nothing. Why?" Ochaco suddenly asked after a light dabbing against makeup covered eyes. Izuku gave her a quizzical look, tilting his head slightly. "Why go to such lengths for someone whose family causes nothing but trouble for the city? And the fact that my men were involved with your fathers passing…"

"What happened with my father was nothing more than the wrong place and time. After hearing about the research you did on his case, and how your men tried their best to save him, I've come to terms that your family wasn't involved in his death. I'm okay with it. As for why I do so much for you…" Izuku stared down at the scarred up palm before clenching it resolutely. "You were someone in need of a helping hand. It doesn't matter what your background is…everyone needs help sometimes. Besides, it's what friends do. They risk everything to protect the ones they care about."

Auburn stared at the beaming face of Izuku Midoriya, entranced by the shimmering kindness that never seemed to cease. Heat brushed at both cheeks as he locked eyes solidifying the connection. It felt like the air had been knocked from her lungs with how he looked at her with a tender expression. Whether or not he was aware, she didn't know; all she knew was that in this moment, his presence was the light saving her from drowning beneath the waves. The hand that had slipped from her shoulder now rested against the bench. Without breaking eye contact Ochaco slid hers atop his. Though his eyes widened and face tinted pink, Izuku said nothing as she leaned in.

"Thank you for everything, Izuku. You have my eternal gratitude." Ochaco whispered against his ear, tilting her head slightly before pressing her lips against the burning heat of his face. Only a few seconds then she pulled away, blush matching his own. Fingertips slid from the back of his hand as the heiress stood, now facing away from him. "I need to get back."

"S-sure…" The former detective stuttered out, the touched hand raising to the tingling spot against his face. With a slight head nod Ochaco headed back for the house and left Izuku alone with his thoughts. It wasn't until she'd fully left from view that he crumpled within himself, curling up with both hands slapped against his face.

A kiss? On his check? The first time a girl had ever shown any semblance of affection!?

Did that count as affection or just gratitude? But the way she looked…seemed more than just thanking a friend. The way she'd rested her hand over his…leaning in to whisper in his ear…then k-kissing his cheek…that was normal, right? How girls thanked guys? Surely, surely, there wasn't further meaning that that…

Right?

Right?

RIGHT!?

"What the fuck are you doing?" Izuku shot up to see Bakugo standing there with a disgruntled expression akin to disgust, a matching sneer plastered on. Appeared out of thin air as if magically summoned. "And what the fuck is on your face?"

"M-my face?" Izuku stuttered out as he frantically reached for his phone, angling the camera then snapping a picture. Once it loaded, a soft outline of red lips appeared. Heat burned brighter on his face as he stumbled through an explanation. Bakugo merely stood there with a look of disgust and hands shoved deep into black suit pockets. Despite the scrunched face and foul attitude, somehow he pulled off the suit well.

"The fuck are you doing out here with the heiress? Trying to swoon for the damn princess like that stupid drama show?"

"N-n-no! I-it's not like that, Kaachan! Ochaco j-just thanked me for helping, is all! There's nothing weird going on! I SWEAR!" A disbelieving scoff slipped out as the blonde turned around, heading back for the house.

"Whatever. Get that shit off your face; her grandfather just showed up. They're expecting us to wait in the West wing as witnesses. Aizawa is about to lose his fucking mind if you're not in there."

"R-right! I'll get this cleaned off!"

Ochaco fidgeted anxiously at the main doors, twisting her fingers open and closed, open, closed. The men and clan staff were lined up and ready to greet the former head without a single word of gossip spilling. Like a switch went off in their heads and they turned into emotionless robots. Unlike Aizawa who seemed more animated than ever by narrowing in on the slightest mistake, eyes scrutinizing every decorative vase for dirt. But it didn't stop there. He even began to fret over how she looked, presented herself, even when she protested he ignored it and continued preening the heiress.

"Aizawa, I'm fine! Stop fretting!" Ochaco finally snapped once he messed with the back of her hair for the tenth time. A daintily painted hand slapped his away, a finger pointing at him when he tried to adjust the kimono collar. "Enough. It's fine, everything's fine. My grandfather isn't going to care that much about a hair out of place."

"It's not just your grandfather, Ochaco, it's the entire Council showing up. Even those who recently retired are arriving to give their opinion. Including Ohara Kinnojo." Shota responded tersely. That man was known for his old fashion views of women staying in the shadows, quiet and unseen. His influence would be a major swing when the voting began. "You're aware of his old-fashioned views on women and their place in the shadows. He holds a major hand if voting is called today. Ishikawa can only do so much to deter them."

"…would they really overthrow me?" The heiress asked quietly, turning to face her mentor with evident fear. A hand softly tucked a persistent hair behind an ear. Shota gave his best reassuring smile though it quickly fell flat at her expression. Even he didn't know the outcome of what would happen.

"I don't know. Right now they can't afford to have a missing figurehead with Shigaraki rampaging around. Your father could be days away still. Worst case is you remain a temporary head until Kenji returns, or the war is over. Best is they greenlight you to continue leading until ascension. There's never been a situation like this before, Ochaco. I can't even tell which way they'll swing."

"Can my friends vouch for me since they're witnesses?"

"…if deliberation reaches a standstill or slot for questioning, possibly. They'll have to be careful in their wording; a single indication that you're failing in the line of duty will veto their opinion."

Ochaco nodded sullenly. Shota sighed silently. There wasn't anything more he could do in this moment to help her prepare for the Council. She'd have to face them head-on.

"Incoming," Hizashi called out as the guards snapped to attention.

Guiding the heiress to stand at the greeting position in front of the door, Shota dutifully stepped two feet away and dipped into a low, rigid bow. Swallowing the bundle of nerves down the heiress took one last glance back at her friends. Most gave an encouraging nod then followed suit of everyone else; Izuku made sure her attention was on him before mouthing you can do this. Ochaco pursed crimson lips and turned to the doors as they creaked open.

I can do this…

"Welcome home, Lord Ishikawa Uraraka." All chorused strictly the moment both doors swung fully open, a harsh cold breeze forcing in. "We are pleased to see you once more."

"You've a tight ship here, Shota Aizawa. Impressive." Ishikawa Uraraka ignored the mindless chattering of the lower ranking to address his sons favored Yakuza member. The dark haired man remained frozen in a deep bow until both sandaled feet stopped just before him. "Rise."

"Yes, Oyabun. Welcome back home. How was your journey?" Aizawa asked warmly as he straightened, hands reaching for the outstretched one. He clasped firmly onto the scar-ridden appendage while making direct eye contact. Ishikawa was known for strictly following protocol of the old ways.

"Turbulent with these winter winds though thankfully over for the time being. Has Kenji returned?"

"No, sir. Shigaraki members are delaying his return by interfering with flight plans and overwhelming both he and Fumi with men. The latest update indicates an arrival within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours, Oyabun." A disgruntled noise from the former leader had chills running up the spines in the room. Never a good sign.

"I have no doubt my son will utilize years of diligence in order to persevere against this plague of rats. Now," Ishikawa turned his attention to the bowing heiress, shuffling to stand before her with an intimidating stature. "Why don't you raise yourself and greet your grandfather, Ochaco?"

"Yes, grandfather. It is an immense pleasure to see you once more. How have you been?" Ochaco obediently raised to address her grandfather.

The deep lines carved into aged skin seemed to have deepened over the past year, sinking like dried riverbeds. Scars crossed through the age lines in varying depths; light, medium, heavy. It only added to the intimidation factor of the over six foot man. Groomed wiry grey hair rested thick upon his brows, nearly concealing the piercing blue eyes that shone brilliantly. A set pair of lips gave the impression of zero-tolerance. Steel grey kimono with a haori place precariously over the top and a haori himo draped across his midsection. Such an outfit worn only for special occasions as internal meetings.

"My, how beautiful you've become my little mochi bun." Ishikawa praised in a murmur as he cusped the side of her face gently. Ochaco slid a hand over his, pressing the warmth against her clammy skin. "You have done well these past few months, Ochaco, be proud of yourself. The shoes you must fill are deep and vast with treacherous traps, sharp thorns. Kenji has not stopped boasting about your accomplishments; like a little sparrow chattering to anyone who will hear."

"I am pleased to hear my accomplishments have reached even your aging ears, grandfather." Ochaco replied lowly to which her grandfather let out a boisterous laugh, easing the high tension of the room a few degrees. Ishikawa pressed his forehead against Ochaco's, still chuckling while looking at his only granddaughter with tenderness. She gave in with a wavering smile.

"Just like Kenji when he was young. Such a sharp wit! Yet it makes such a beautiful young flower bloom that much sweeter. Do not fret yourself over this Council; I will be sure to stand against their egregious claims of irresponsibility. It is nothing more than a bunch of old farts drinking sake and playing Gomoku. Do you have your witnesses prepared?"

"Yes. They are all waiting just over here for the meeting to begin." Ochaco shifted to aim a palm at her bowing friends. Allowing her grandfather to take the lead, the brunette followed right on his heels with hands clasped against her front. "Grandfather, I would like to introduce those willing to accredit my actions. Ejiro Kirishima. Katsuki Bakugo. Ojiro Mashirao. Mina Ashido. Toru Hagakure. And Izuku Midoriya."

"You certainly have an odd bunch, Mochi," Ishikawa remarked, stroking at his chin thoughtfully while studying the group. What caught his interest the most was the spiky haired blonde oozing attitude. Despite the formal posture and appeasing aura, he knew for sure this one was a wild card. "Katsuki Bakugo, was it? Raise your head so I can get a better look."

"Yes, sir." Katsuki responded, raising his head to stare at the former head Yakuza. A wave of intimidation washed over like a storming sea. This man, though now elderly and probably weakened, remained strong spiritually. It wouldn't take a single glance for others to tuck tail and run. Ishikawa latched onto his jawline firmly to tilt his head left and right, inspecting the demolition expert closely. Out of the corner of an eye he could see the heiress growing nervous at the sudden examination.

"Tell me."

"Demolition and explosives expert. Three years. Former alliance of the U.A. Special Police Force. Twenty-two years of age." He responded immediately sans further prompt.

"Quick to trigger, I like that. Yet it also means so in a vocal manner, no?" Ishikawa smiled when the blonde nodded firmly, the slightest hint of shame in red eyes. "What alliance do you hold?"

"I hold no alliance to any Yakuza clan; I'm merely supporting the actions of a friend. I strive to eliminate the Shigaraki gang for the destruction done to my hometown."

"What are you expecting to receive from this temporary alliance? Protection? Money? Fame and glory?"

"I wish for nothing more than to support a friend and protect my hometown, sir. Miss Uraraka has proven her strength, so I wish to support her journey."

"A tough one to crack. Commendable. Eijiro Kirishima." Ishikawa turned his attention from Bakugo to Kirishima, the former remaining at attention looking forward. Ochaco gave a small nod to approve of his response, shifting her attention to Kirishima.

Down the line her grandfather went to interrogate the newcomers stepping through his previous home. It wasn't until he reached the last one, Izuku Midoriya, that he actually took longer to stare down the green haired man. The air thickened as the minutes ticked by, yet the former detective remained locked into his bow, eyes barely cracked open to stare at the positioning of his feet. A hand thumped down on his shoulder heavily. "Rise."

"Yes, sir." Izuku replied though the hand remained on his shoulder. After not moving during a pregnant pause, Ishikawa lowly cleared his throat. "Forgive me, sir. It's considered disrespectful to move as your hand is on my shoulder."

"Where did you find this one, Ochaco?" Ishikawa kept his grip on the young man while turning to his granddaughter, wiry eyebrow raised.

"In the alleyway." She replied evenly. The man let out a small chuckle, turning back to the detective with an amused expression. Ah. This was the one. "Izuku Midoriya was the one who rescued me from a denied member a few months back, when he was working as detective for the U.A. Special Police Force."

"Interesting. Your mannerisms are certainly top-notch, Izuku Midoriya. And…I suppose I owe you gratitude for saving my granddaughter."

As soon as the hand lifted Izuku straightened up, widening eyes watching as the former leader gave a respectful bow. The room fell dead silent. Izuku quickly darted to look at Ochaco who seemed just as baffled, her mouth briefly opening and closing before a quick nod confirmed to accept it.

Acceptance from a higher-ranking Yakuza is an honor! The heiress signed quickly, shoving both hands into the kimono sleeves as her grandfather released the bow.

"Now, enough of the formalities. I will need to join the others in the grand hall. You will be summoned when your sentencing is upon, Ochaco. Enjoy the time with your friends." Ishikawa gently tapped his granddaughter on the forehead with a finger before making his way towards the conference room, his own men flanking all sides with precision.

"That was scary," Toru breathed shakily once the tension sliced in half. Both hands fanned at her face frantically. "Your grandfather seems really sweet, Ochaco. I was expecting that to be much worse."

"Midoriya got the special treatment," Mina slyly sidled up to the two, eyebrows wiggling mischievously. A painted fingertip tapped against puckered lips in thought. "I wonder something…say, Midoriya, how did you get that mark on your cheek again?"

"W-what?" He asked in a panic, hand instinctively covering the area. Cover blown.

Oh, but Mina wasn't done yet. Rounding on the heiress who looked like she'd rather be elsewhere at the moment, the pinkette got nice and close to her face.

"Nice shade of red, Ochaco. I wonder though; did your makeup artist remember to apply the sealer on top of the color to prevent bleeding? Or…staining?"

"I do not understand what you are getting at, Mina," Ochaco lightly warned with a friendly smile and eyes aflutter in innocence. "Surely your eyes must be playing tricks. Perhaps too much Love without Boundaries?"

"Hm, maybe, maybe. Orrrrrrrr…" Mina drawled out with a finger flicking back and forth between the heiress and former detective. "You got all emotional in the back garden talking to Midoriya and planted one right on his face! Your innocent act won't fool me, Ochaco; I'm the Queen of romantic drama. And right now you both reek of flourishing, romantic auras. Spill! What happened out there? Who witnessed it?"

Both young adults flourished bright red while avoiding eye contact with one another. Mina cackled quietly as Toru tried to interrogate them further, practically latched onto the heiress begging for an answer. The attention was enough to draw Aizawa over, the man promptly separating the heiress from the group claiming she needed to mentally prepare for the trial and continue greeting members, not gossip of love affairs. Ochaco gave an apologetic wave as her mentor veered her towards the front door once more.

"Your grandfather appears to be in a good mood today. Let's try to keep it that way." Shota reminded softly, smoothing out the wrinkles in the top of the elaborate kimono. "Your friends may have passed the first test, but the real challenge begins in that room."

"Grandfather seems confident in his ability to sway the other members of the Council. So far he seems pleased with my friends, that should be enough to boost his argument." Ochaco replied quietly. A feeble attempt to argue with the personal assassin that fell flat from his raised eyebrow. "I know, I know. Focus. Got it."

"When this is all over," Shota started as Hizashi announced the next arrival. "I'll make sure Kenji gives you an extended break."

"Will you go to the cat café with me?" The heiress asked abruptly, throwing the man by surprise. It took a few seconds before a natural smile emerge through the rugged exterior.

"As many times as you want."

Each official that strode through the extravagant doors immediately set disapproving eyes to the heiress despite the practiced and warm greeting provided. Their thoughts conveyed through hardened gazes attempting to pierce the carefully crafted protective shield of two decades. No matter the clipped tones of their words, the icy stares, the stiff, brief handshakes given. Their disapproval was immediate and felt throughout the main entrance. Once all members of the Council had arrived, guided personally by her staff to the conference room, Ochaco finally let out a strained breath.

Things weren't looking good right now.

"There she is! How is the little mochi ball handling the big, bad responsibilities of a man?" Came the sudden grating of a nearly forgotten voice from Ochaco's past. Already she could hear Aizawa's jaw clicking from gritting. His least favorite person right up there with Shigaraki and AFO. "Tired of sitting pretty all day? How about I take that heavy load from your shoulders—"

"What a pleasant surprise, Moto Haruki. Last I heard you were nothing more than the son of a mid-level Yakuza. Why such an arrogant tone from the start?" Ochaco replied coolly, dropping the formalities to address the troublesome young man. His cocky grin and wandering light blue eyes could curdle milk in a second flat. Though he held a hand for greeting, she merely layered both hands against her kimono. A scornful gesture. "I must advise that while under my roof, you shall mind your manners and tongue. This is not an occasion for you to jest around, Moto."

"Sure, sure. Hey, pretty ladies! Don't you two look fine as fire today?" Moto flapped his hand arrogantly in the heiress' face before turning his attention to Mina and Toru. Ojiro and Kirishima swiftly stepped forward as the Yakuza correlated man attempted to sweep in. Apparently their intimidating advance was enough to deter the unnaturally dyed blonde, both hands going up in defeat. "Easy, boys, no harm in taking a gander, is there?"

"Actually," Ochaco intervened from his side, drawing attention back to herself from the hard tone. He made to shift his hand when she latched tightly onto his wrist, pinning it behind his back tightly in submission. "I do have a problem with you taking a gander. You will respect my authority, my home, and most certainly my friends. I dare you to take another step out of line, Moto; I have enough pent up anger to break all two hundred and six bones in your body. One. By. One. And if that isn't enough to deter your lecherous mannerisms, I'm sure Aizawa would love to—"

"Okay! I concede! Just keep that freaky guard dog of yours away from me!" Moto pled as the arm twisted hard enough to creak. Only once she was confident he spoke the truth did she release sending the man stumbling away with a shaking of the nearly broken arm. "Can't you all take a joke?"

"I'll show you a real funny joke, pretty boy," Katsuki threatened with a creepy grin and clawed hand raised. "It involves a dozen pounds of napalm and duct tape. Wanna see?"

Moto paled, shaking his head no before quickly making his exit. Hardened auburn watched the taller, somewhat lanky man scurry away. Why was he here? He wasn't on the approved list of members to arrive. Something wasn't sitting right with how he mentioned taking the workload from her shoulders…

"What's with the lecherous loser?" Bakugo asked while also eyeing the man disappear around a corner down the hallway. Like he already knew where to go. "He doesn't seem to be an active part of the Council."

"Because he isn't." Ochaco replied tartly, eyes narrowing as an uneasy feeling settled. What was Moto getting at? "His father isn't even high enough ranking to get near the Council member for that branch. There's no real reason for him to be here yet I have my suspicions about what he mentioned. How he would take the load from my shoulders."

"Fucker thinks he's going to swoop in and save the day?" The blonde scoffed with crossed arms, shaking his head in disbelief. "Yeah, right. Dude can't even keep his mind or eyes out of the gutter. Throw his ass out on the frontline and see how fast his tail tucks. He ain't got the guts."

"Yet he has the tactical skillset of a General. I've heard whispers of his impressive battle tactics, despite his grotesque behavior. He's highly regarded in that area such as you are with explosives. We'll just need to keep an eye on him for now and if all else fails, he's terrified of Aizawa due to an incident years ago."

"What happened all those years ago?" Kirishima piped in, now interested as he threw an arm on Bakugo's shoulder.

"For me to know and you to never find out." Came the sharp reply of Shota, the man looming behind the heiress menacingly. Ochaco merely rolled her eyes lightly. "I saw that. Watch your language around these older guys; they hold mannerisms and speech higher than the younger generation. Curse words aren't thrown around freely with them. There's food set up in the dining room if you're hungry. It's going to be at least an hour before they're ready to convene. Catching up and all that."

"There's something I need to do first. Izuku?" Ochaco addressed the green haired man. "Could we go see your mother? I never got to thank her for the hair piece."

"Oh! That's right, you didn't. Sure. With everything going on right now she'd be happy for some company." Izuku replied with a smile and hand gesturing towards the temporary housing. Before he moved, though, a questioning gaze turned to Aizawa. "Is that alright with you, Mr. Aizawa? The guards make my mother a bit uneasy…with your permission, of course."

"I'll tell them to back off a bit, go enjoy your visit. Armed?" Shota inquired. Izuku nodded with a hand gesturing at his lower back. "Go. The rest of you can eat and hang out in the dining room until they're back. Don't make a mess."

"Don't have too much fun, you two!" Mina loudly whispered before falling into a tittering mess with Toru, the two excitedly gossiping. The guys bid their farewells with thumbs up, sans Bakugo who gave Midoriya a warning glare, and followed the two women to the opposite end of the house.

"So…about this Moto guy. Seems you two have a turbulent relationship." Izuku quickly brought up to divert from the aforementioned love gossip. Was it getting hot in there? Ochaco snorting caught him off guard.

"More like his father tried to arrange a marriage when I was ten in order to 'strengthen' the bonds of the clan branches. My father shot that right down seeing as a stipulation had to be marriage by eighteen and childbirth by nineteen. Keep the lineage strong," The heiress scoffed at the memory. "Moto has what Aizawa calls a fuckboy personality. I'm not entirely sure what all that entails as he wouldn't explain further, but it seems to suit him perfectly. Unfortunately, I do not believe there is a cure currently."

"Ah, yeah, I guess that works as an explanation…" Izuku chuckled against his hand earning a curious heal tilt. "Essentially it means that Moto has a tendency to go after women in hopes of…uh…intimate relations. Doesn't matter how many—you look a little murderous right now."

"Believe me, I am." Ochaco replied darkly to the cold expression donned. "I am about to remove that piece of filth from existence if he even thinks about going after Mina or Toru. I have no problem staining my hands for that."

"I-I don't think you need to go that far!"

"If he does not keep his hands nor eyes to himself, then yes. I will be going that far, Izuku." Ochaco let out a sharp breath then took a deep, calming breath. Fingers swept back a stray hair that had shifted from its place. "Despite his expertise when it comes to battle, an attitude like that shall not be enough to earn higher graces in the Uraraka clan. His father has no sway. As far as I am aware, there is no other blood family left for him."

"What if he found a way to increase his rankings? Is that even possible?" The former detective questioned with now piqued interest. Ochaco apparently hadn't considered that possibility as tinted lips partially parted then closed, ultimately pursing in thought. Auburn narrowed at the doors to the back garden. "There is, isn't there?"

"Possibly, yes. The only event that would be considered for a ranking increase would either be through the branch Council or he was adopted by an elder. Adoption usually only occurs in the younger generations that lose all family members…though not impossible considering the circumstances. I'll look into this later; I want to forget about business for a little bit and enjoy some green tea with your mother." Ochaco dropped the Yakuza façade to give her friend a smile promptly returned by the green haired man.

"I'm sure she'll love to share some tea with you."

-B-

Moto watched as the guards stood diligently in front of the main office of the Uraraka manor. There was no way he'd be getting inside without a distraction or secondary route. Luckily for him, exploring the halls as a child gave him the opportunity to find every secret nook and cranny. Including the one for emergencies from the big bosses office. Slipping back the way he came the Yakuza casually made for an isolated section of the hallway. While it seemed to be just another section of the ever sprawling mansion, it actually contained a hidden panel just big enough to fit a person through. Ensuring the area was cleared of the swarming security details, Moto lightly tapped against the edges of the panel until an audible thunk hit. Bingo. Pressing fully against the spot had a door popping open silently. While a few spiders had overtaken the passageway, it wasn't enough to deter the young man who ventured through after securing the panel. Lights dimly illuminated the thick wooden bracing that held back the hefty stone. No signal was going to get in or out of the isolated tunnel.

A smile crept onto his face.

"What secrets are you hiding, Uncle Kenji?"

-B-

Hizashi heard an alarm go off on his phone while taking a smoke break with Shota a little ways from the main entrance. A thumb swiped up on the already held device to verify the notification. Tired eyes skimming over the alert suddenly shot open wide, scanning multiple times to confirm as the cigarette resting against lips wobbled and hit the ground. "Ain't no fucking way…"

"Security breach?" Aizawa paused halfway to placing the newly ignited cigarette to waiting lips. He could almost taste the sweet nicotine he'd been depraved of for weeks. From his friends shocked expression he could tell it wasn't good news. "Shield Industries? Property sensors?"

"Worse…" Hizashi all but whispered while turning the phone to demanding eyes. "The emergency tunnel leading from Kenji's office has been opened. Someone's infiltrating us at this very moment."

"Fuck!" Shota shouted, throwing the cigarette down and barely stomping on it before taking off with the blonde right on his heels. "Lock us down!"

"Already on it!" Yamada replied harshly. Was it one of the Council elders? Ishikawa? Or was it one of the men they brought with them? Everyone had been background checked, he'd made sure of it! "How the hell does someone know about that tunnel?!"

"There's only one person who frequented the mansion from a young age,"

"Think he's working for All for One?"

"High possibility. He wouldn't be just casually strolling in there without a reason. That's where all the highly classified documents about the clan are held, but he'd need the override codes. When did you last change them?" Shota nearly barreled over the guards monitoring the front door, shoving them roughly out of the way and slipping past. Immediately someone shouted to support the two running down the hallways. Servants and lower ranking Yakuza practically dove out of their pathway. "Hizashi!"

"Everything should've been changed after the Shield server attack! I swear I changed everything!" The blonde snapped back while frantically scrolling through his phone for the codes. Shit, where was that fucking code change? "It gets changed practically hourly on an automatic schedule! Fuck, I can't find it right now! I can lock up the internal system but I need a few minutes to get it going!"

"Ochaco's out in the back garden; head to the office while I alert Ishikawa and pull her back in. Protect the Council members!" Shota barked at heavily armed guards running towards them after word got around.

"I've got the traitor, bro. Be safe." Hizashi flashed a radio smile, snapped a fast salute against his temple, then took off with phone in hand. Multiple Yakuza split off to aid against the unknown threat. Shota briefly watched his best friend depart before turning to head towards the elders.

"Be safe."

A knock on the door of Inko's abode interrupted the warm conversation and soothing cups of tea being enjoyed, a silence falling over the trio. Ochaco, being the closest, raised a hand to settle Izuku who had jumped up to answer. She could handle someone knocking at the entrance. Turning the handle downward and swinging it open, the heiress could barely blink before a fist collided roughly against her cheek; the force sent her to the floor in surprise, one hand pushing her body up as the other pressed against a throbbing cheek. A large Yakuza forced the door all the way open, standing above the heiress with the barrel of a gun aimed for her head. Three gunshots rang out before the brunette could fully slide out of the way and the man stumbled back a foot though remained upright, gun shifting to aim towards the offender.

Ochaco let out an angry scream, launching herself at his midsection and tackling him through the doorway and into the cold air. They tumbled across the lawn for a few lengthy seconds before flopping to a stop. Yet the heiress had begun pummeling him in the face even prior to the stilling of bodies, forcing every ounce of strength behind the punches. Crack. Spurt. Groan. Even though his face began to look like a bloodied mess she didn't stop until two strong arms pulled her up and away from the bastard. Furious auburn swung back to see Izuku staring hard at her; such an unusual and foreign expression donning his face. A few more haggard breaths before the sea of red flooding her vision ebbed and the heiress glanced back at the motionless body staining the meticulously groomed lawn.

They could've been injured or killed…

"Let me look at your face. You were hit pretty hard." Izuku wasn't asking. Ochaco nodded tightly while continuing to scan the area. There'd be more to come considering the sewer rats always travelled in swarms. Fingers gently grazed against the skin causing a hiss of pain to escape. While the cold air helped slightly with the growing swelling, it was creating a sore spot against her cheekbone and jawline. "I don't think anything's broken, but you're going to be in pain for a bit and it'll bruise badly."

"It's fine. Stay and protect your mother, Izuku; if there's one then there's more bound to be lurking around. Use the gun to protect yourself—"

"I'm not leaving you alone!" He protested fiercely, grabbing her arm as she began walking back to the house. "You're the main target here, Ochaco, not me or my mother. He knew you were in here from either intel or watching us head this way. We need to wait for Aizawa to show up—"

"If we've been infiltrated then we need to protect the Council! My life doesn't matter right now!" Ochaco snapped harshly enough for a few seconds of hurt to flash across his face, though the boiling blood racing through her veins didn't allow for remorse. "If they get killed the clan could crumble. They are the ones who work tirelessly to maintain the foundation of who we are today. There can always be another head—"

"But there won't ever be another you!" Izuku shouted while grabbing onto both shoulders securely, forcing her to focus on him. "You act like your life doesn't matter to anyone, Ochaco! It matters to me! I care about you! I don't want to see you get killed because the people who oppose you determine the fate of your existence! Why can't you see the value of your life?"

The heiress just stared at him with a slackened jaw, auburn wide as he retracted his hands and apologized. His frustrations were read loud and clear despite the nagging urge to rush for her grandfather. Both hands ran over his slickened back hair before interlocking at the base of his skull, the man turning away while trying to take calming breaths. Realization struck when she noticed the tinting of his ears that burned harsher than the winter air. He was…oh.

Oh.

"Izuku…do you…have feelings for me?" Izuku stiffened, slowly turning to face her sporting a guilty and flushed expression with shimmering emerald eyes. Ochaco's breath hitched as he nodded slightly then averted his gaze, hands now unfurling at his sides. "That's why you're so upset…because you care for me that much?"

"I…think it just happened over time," He let out accompanied by a nervous laugh, a hand instantly switching to clasp at the back of his neck and rub it. "In the beginning I didn't understand what it meant; I've never really interacted with girls before. But there was something special about you that kept drawing me in, even after the escorting contract ended. And when it came out about your true identity…I'll admit I had my doubts until we met again and you proved you were still, well, you. There's more to you than being the heiress of a Yakuza clan, Ochaco. You're kind, caring, empathetic, and your smile lights up the night sky. You care about your friends and put their needs first above your own. The bonds you've created with people are strong and true; they can't imagine a life without you and neither can I."

"Izuku…" Ochaco breathed out as heat rushed the entirety of her face. Both hands began fiddling together against her chest, watering auburn focused on the twisting fingers. All of her emotions were swirling around like a whirlpool and it became hard to focus. "I never knew…though…to be honest, I believe my feelings are mutual. I don't quite understand what I'm feeling, but I always feel happier when I'm around you. And I don't want to stop being around you. Yet I've dragged you into a life full of dangerous situations such as this. There's a chance you'll lose your life, Izuku. I couldn't bear if that were to happen."

"Then let me fight by your side, Ochaco. We'll do this together."

A hand appeared in her vision so she looked up. There he stood with that tender expression again with emotions on his sleeve. An unwavering gaze that relayed honesty, determination to be a pillar of support in her time of need. The same hand that reached out to her that fateful day now reached out as a solidified promise to always be there for her. Untwisting both hands, Ochaco locked gazes while extending one out. Just before gently taking the appendage, she yanked it back to quickly wipe off the blood accrued from the beatdown given.

"Apologies, that was disrespectful to take your hand with blood." The heiress quickly murmured as Izuku stifled a laugh. Readying herself once more, she extended her left, clean, hand for him to take. His larger fingers lightly clasped over the side of cool skin.

"The bunker beneath the house should be sturdy enough to protect mom from any major attacks, but I don't want to leave her out here alone. Let's get her safe inside." Izuku led the way back into the house without releasing the brunette's hand, keeping a firm grasp on it. Whether it was for his support or her own, it was unclear.

Moto plopped himself down on the plush office chair, giving it a full, slow spin to test out its comfort. A little worn in though that made fine Italian leather that much more wonderous. Both hands tapped against the desk to stop the go-around. There was little time before a guard noticed activity in the office. What he needed was a very specific file correlating to the opposing gang burning the city to the ground as the elders drank and reminisced about the old days. A file that contained an itsy bitsy piece of information about a certain leader that Kenji Uraraka kept under a tight lock and key. Even if the file was found, there would certainly be high security protocols preventing just anyone from accessing the drive. But that's where his friends in high places came into play.

A small thumb drive slipped from his jacket pocket. The marvels of technology nowadays involved portable code hackers that could unlock even the toughest of algorithms. Though the downside remained a time factor. Some codes could crack in minutes, some could crack in weeks to months. He was reassured that this one would take less than fifteen minutes at the maximum. Plugging it into the laptop resting off to the left side of the desk, Moto turned on the computer and waited for it boot up. If anyone had seen him enter the office then he only had a few minutes to get the information he needed. Of course, seeing as the Uraraka clan had some of the strictest server and IT regulations, it was possible he'd already triggered some sort of silent alarm. Nothing he couldn't handle if it came down to it.

Afterall, he'd found his loyalties elsewhere.

"Do your thing, Skeptic."

"If you're going to hack into the Uraraka network, at least make sure you don't set off the silent alarms first."

Hizashi spoke from the doorway of the office with both thumbs tucked into pant pockets, leaning casually against the door. The kid was a bit oblivious to his sudden arrival; that or he couldn't give two fucks. He'd heard of Moto's tactical expertise when it came to fighting. His father, a lower ranking Yakuza, constantly bragged how their branch had won skirmishes thanks to his son planning everything out to overwhelm the opposing gang. But the hacker couldn't see beyond the arrogant smile and playboy attitude. Even though he seemed to be supportive of the Uraraka clan, it was obvious his intentions were for selfish reasons.

"Yamada! Long time no see! Well, apart from the entrance, though you know what I mean. How's it going?" Moto smiled brightly with a stand, arms outstretched as if to greet a long lost friend.

"Explain yourself. Why are you snooping around in Kenji's office?" Dawdling. Whatever he was doing to the laptop needed time. "What files are you looking for? Maybe we can come to an agreement that doesn't end with brain chunks staining Kenji's favorite chair. You should know the situation you've gotten yourself into isn't going to end well no matter what direction we go. The elders won't forgive a traitor such as yourself." Moto let out a haughty laugh.

"Why should I align myself with a clan run by a female who's done nothing more than allow the city to collapse? How many hundreds have died waiting for help that isn't going to arrive? All Ochaco is doing is biding her time until Kenji returns to take on Shigaraki. There's no way she can beat him in a Kenjutsu match! She couldn't even survive against him in the garden—"

"You will not disrespect the Uraraka clan heiress." Hizashi threatened lowly, pushing himself from the door and shifting forward. One hand shoved deeper into a pocket, fingers attached to his phone as a signal scrambler powered up. He needed to be within range to scramble the laptop in order to render it useless. The movement didn't pass over Moto's head. "If you know what's good for you Moto, then you'll remove the thumb drive from the laptop and surrender. I'm sure you can guess how happy Aizawa will be when he arrives. Should be any minute now."

"Sending the guard dog to do the dirty work, eh? Too weak to handle it, Yamada? Shame. I figured since you've been with the clan such a long time you'd be able to defend yourself. Don't tell me; you're not even armed right now." The junior Yakuza laughed mockingly. Hizashi didn't respond and kept moving forward. "What's in your pocket there? Weapon or scrambler? The only way to stop this is if you completely destroy the servers you so desperately rely on. Shield Industries fell due to Melissa getting captured, her credentials crucial to bypass the countless firewalls. I've got an inside informant that gave me access to a back port for your system seeing as you still rely on that useless company. It won't be hard to take down the Uraraka clan from the inside."

"What's your end goal? Why go through all this trouble for that snake of a Yakuza? He only gives out false hopes and promises." He still thought they ran on Shield servers after the attack? Or was this a ruse to trick him into admitting there's a separate system? How much did this kid know about the intricacies of the main house? "The promise he made, what was it?"

"This is beginning to turn into a cliché villain, hero scenario. Seriously. Killing my vibes," The artificial blonde sighed dramatically with a hand against his forehead. "If you must know, I was offered a generous positioning much higher than I'd ever achieve with the Uraraka clan. No more being low on the tandem pole or groveling at the feet of the elders. My father couldn't ever make anything of himself in the clan; that meant I could never hope to achieve such a luxurious life of actually being someone. When I saw the power All for One held over the city and even dear little Ochaco, I knew it was my chance to become something, someone. No more living in the towering shadows of those who could care less about the peons beneath their sandals."

"You sold out just for status? If anything that only reveals how weak you are, Moto. All for One will toss you aside once he gets what he wants. What of your father? Does he know his son is a traitorous rat?" Hizashi had reached the exact point he needed to in order to trigger the scrambler. A thumb held down the start button and a barely audible high-pitched noise filled the air. It would take a few seconds to reach full effectiveness so he needed the brat to keep talking. If all else failed…the EMP in his pocket would wipe everything within 50 foot radius. While difficult to contain it to such a low range, the thick walls surrounding the office would buffer most of it and only temporarily knock out local communications on the grounds.

"As far as I'm aware…I'm merely an orphan," Moto shrugged nonchalantly, turning to face the window and throwing open the curtains wide. What a nice, gloomy day for a coup. He wondered where little Ochaco was and if she enjoyed the gift he'd sent. Other frustrated and scorned members would soon be rushing the members of the mansion in order to overthrow the weak link, allowing All for One to reign supreme. "Father was such a weak, pathetic man who always groveled at the feet of the elders. Sucking up like his life depended on it. Wasn't hard to get rid of him, of course. In this line of work you tend to know a few people willing to get their hands dirty."

"You had your father killed?!" Hizashi shouted with an arm thrown out, the anger within beginning to slip out. "How could you do that? He raised you, saved you from a life in the streets after your mother passed!"

"Easy," He shrugged, turning back to face the fuming blonde Yakuza. "He was a pawn in the path to the queen."

"Your goal is to take down Ochaco. You're trying to expose her by leaking Kenji's restricted documentation to the world. Hate to break it to ya, but unless you manage to get those documents, I'm afraid it's a moot point. Funs over, kid." Shota interjected darkly. Appearing from another side panel like an apparition, stealthy and silent. Hizashi was used to the ghostly antics of his friend yet Moto nearly shot through the window in surprise. The barrel of a pistol aimed directly for his head, locked on and a breath away from firing. "I've had enough of your bullshit. You gave yourself away with that arrogant attitude and bold declamation of taking over the responsibilities of the Uraraka clan. Put your hands on the back of your head and this will go a lot easier."

"Fuck, anybody ever mention you appear like a haunting spirit?" Moto nervously stuttered out with a racing heart. Both hands slowly raised in the air though one palm seemed to curl in more than the other, something the assassin took immediate notice of. A gunshot rang out. "Holy shit! Why the fuck did you just shoot through my hand?!"

"Because you're holding a trigger to what I can only assume is a bomb. You're trying to take us out with you." Shota replied coldly. "Next one goes for your head. Try me."

"F-fine! Just stop fucking shooting! Jesus, you're a damned monster!" The blonde cried while coddling his hand close to his chest. "I surrender!"

"Move away from the laptop." Hizashi ordered while shifting around the desk, eyeing Moto carefully. The blonde did as asked though kept a good distance between him and Aizawa. A message on the laptop popped up as he tried to intercept the upload of an unknown file.

Nice try, Hizashi Yamada. There's no stopping Skeptic. Hope you enjoy a gift that's bursting with appreciation. Merry Christmas!

"IT'S RIGGED, MOVE!"

Shota had just enough time to blast a round through Moto's head and throw his friend into the open side panel when the laptop exploded. Heat singed his clothes as the force shot Aizawa through the heavy doors and into the hallway. The doors slammed against him into the opposite wall with enough power to crack the solid wood support beams down the center. He slumped to the floor as debris rained over, large sections of the wall crumbling atop. Members began shouting for medics while others began digging frantically through the mess calling out for help. The chaos caught the attention of the Council who rounded the corner soon after. Ishikawa shoved himself to the front of the gathering, dropping to his knees and hurling chunks of solid rock as if they were made of feathers.

"Shota, answer me. I need you to stay awake right now," The former leader demanded while unearthing the barely conscious Yakuza. Blood trailed from his hairline down a dirt covered face, yet it was the heavy flow from his right eye that had the man worried. He'd seen injuries like that before and it often meant a total loss. "Get me a wet rag! He's got a head and eye injury! Lock down the premises, I'm taking full command right now!"

"Sir!"

"And get my son on the line now!"

"Ishikawa…" Aizawa grunted out with a cracking of his left eye. Damn. Dark on the right side. Must've gotten a shard of glass through it. Did Hizashi make it? "Moto…was a damn…rat…Shigaraki…coup…Hizashi…"

"Easy, boy. I shall handle things from here. We're going to get you freed. Do not worry about a single thing, Shota. I vow to ensure the continuation of the Uraraka clan and protect Ochaco at all costs." The leader reassured while unearthing the rest of his body. The rest of him seemed alright though pinned beneath debris. A section of the solid door saved his legs and abdomen from being crushed. But his eye…unsalvageable. Shota was down and out. "I'm going to get Ochaco, you men take care of him and do not let him die."

"Sir!"

The sound of the explosion reached the heiress before she could fully step outside of the house, head swiveling immediately to the plume of smoke reaching the skies. Izuku was double checking everything was secure and his mother was quickly packing an emergency bag. A horrible sensation washed over Ochaco as she stumbled towards the house, heart pounding like a hammer on stone. The attack had only just begun. Her grandfather…Aizawa…Hizashi…her friends and family…the location of the explosion was—

"The office…!" Ochaco breathed out, hand clasping against the front of her kimono tightly. It felt suffocating to wear. "That's the office!"

Both feet moved despite the urge to give in to trembling knees. Step by step until she was sprinting through the doors and towards the growing noise. Multiple members attempted to stop her though she pushed past hastily with auburn scanning for the horrible scene she was about to encounter. A voice shouted from behind to stop yet the thrumming heartbeat drowned out most of it.

Who was it?

Who was injured?

Who was killed?

Where was Aizawa?

Hizashi?

Mina? Toru?

Bakugo, Kirishima, Ojiro?

Her grandfather?

Ochaco bounced against an opposite wall as her sandal slipped on a turn, slamming her shoulder against it before using it to push herself straight. Close. She was getting close to the scene. There were countless men shouting for medics, to clear the way, pieces of debris rolling across the floor. Nearly on top of the scene until a hard force stopped her immediately by the shoulder.

"Ochaco, do not look." Ishikawa spoke lowly as the heiress anxiously looked between him and the scene, craning her neck for a look.

"Who…who is it…" The heiress forced out between heaving breaths. Auburn finally shifted up to his face…only for his eyes to tell the truth. "No…no, no, no! Aizawa! Please! Anyone but him!"

"He will survive, Ochaco. He is strong enough to overcome his injuries, but you will be unable to rely on his strength for a while. Come with me, I do not wish for you to see them being unearthed." Ishikawa gently began leading his granddaughter away until she rooted to the ground, expression alarmed.

"What do you mean them? Who else is caught up in the explosion?"

"Hizashi Yamada. Both he and Aizawa went to confront Moto who had entered your father's office. We have yet to find Yamada. A coup has begun."

"Oh, Kami…tell me they're okay, grandfather." Tears overflowed. A hand lightly grazed against the reddened cheek, tracing over the barely noticeable knuckle points. A look of silent fury took over the concern on the old man's face.

"What happened to your face? Who has struck you?" He demanded lowly. Ochaco sniffled hard, swiping at the tears though more gently on that side. "Mochi, I need you to tell me who has harmed you."

"A man in the gardens. I answered the door to Mrs. Midoriya's house when he struck without warning. Izuku shot him and I beat him up pretty good."

"Is he still there?" A simple knowing nod. If that man was still alive he'd better pray for a fast death once her grandfather got a hold of him. "I will see to it. Your friends have been relocated to your quarters, head there for now. I have taken command of the branch and will see to your protection."

"I can still fight!" Ochaco protested confidently. Losing her title, though temporary, felt worse than the knuckle sandwich she received. The other Council members would see this as weakness and surely prohibit her ascension. "I will defend my home—"

"This is not your fight, Ochaco. A coup within the Uraraka clan is the failure of the elders, not of a young head reaching ascension. You are not at fault. Go. I will right the wrong that has been committed. Escort her from the area and to her quarters." Ishikawa ordered to someone over her shoulder. Before she could look back to see who it was, the old Yakuza gently placed his hands against hers to keep her attention forward. "You have pushed yourself to the point where you believe all is your fault. The burden of running a powerful clan has taken such a toll on you, my child. This mess is ours to correct; your father and I made decisions that led to this war. You should not be punished for our mistakes."

"…yes, grandfather." Ochaco resigned with a heavy heart, avoiding eye contact and shifting to move away. A hand against the back of her head halted the departure until something warm pressed against her temple.

"I love you, Ochaco. To the stars and back."

"Even when they hide in the day." She finished softly, lips pressing together as emotions surged. "Come back to me."

"You have my vow."

Izuku gently escorted the heiress away from the destruction with his mother in tow, eyes darting back to meet Ishikawa's. The old Yakuza stared heavily for a few seconds before nodding, turning his attention to the issues at hand. He was entrusting the former detective to protect his only granddaughter. The walk was silent save for occasional sniffling and the somewhat discreet steps of the armed guards following a few feet behind. The situation was getting worse by the hour, not even by the day anymore. Shigaraki was infiltrating the main Uraraka branch to eliminate Ochaco from ascending next month. Kenji still hadn't returned home. Aizawa and Yamada were now down for the count. And Ochaco was meant to fight All for One tomorrow. With the heavily emotional state she was currently in, it was going to be a fast, one-sided fight.

"You guys! What's going on? We were suddenly forced to come back here," Mina exclaimed in relief as the remaining two familiar faces appeared in the doorway, albeit that relief quickly turned into concern at Ochaco's wavering expression and Midoriya's disturbed one. Inko quietly settled herself to the side, taking a chair that was quickly offered by Toru. "Are you three okay? What happened to your face, Ochaco?"

"Nothing," The heiress mumbled as the pinkette rushed to help. "A small skirmish."

"Bullshit. Don't start that 'woe is me' emo attitude. Either tell us what's going on or we're going to force it out of you." Bakugo called out the averting behavior in a harsh tone. Kirishima smacked him hard on the shoulder, quietly shouting to be more respectful. A hand flicked him off. "Deku, spill."

"I…a coup has begun in the Uraraka clan. We were infiltrated and attacked by someone…which resulted in Aizawa getting critically injured and Hizashi is still missing." Ochaco started before Izuku could. A wavering breath in before she continued, eyes watering. "My grandfather has assumed temporary control over the clan to deal with the problem. I have a feeling Moto was behind this. He…I should've…this never would've happened if I'd…"

Ochaco couldn't stop the tears this time as a tidal wave of guilt washed over and sent the heiress dropping to her knees. Both hands clenched against her frame, digging into the silken fabric like her life depended on it. Her head dropped low as the tears landed softly on the hardwood floors. Shoulders shook in silent torment, the brunette painfully squeezing her eyes shut to stem the flow. Warmth surrounded her on both sides in a comforting embrace, only it had the opposite effect and caused the heiress to cry harder. She'd failed. Failed Aizawa, Hizashi. Her father, mother. Grandfather. The Council. The Clan. Friends. Musutafu. She wasn't strong enough to save the city she loved and cared for; now it was a burning battlefield that took countless lives hourly.

Shigaraki had won.

"There has to be something we can do," Ojiro suggested softly after watching the heiress break down completely, her body curling in out of defeat. It was wrenching to see her is such a state of despair. "But if what she said is true, without Aizawa we don't have a standing chance since he was our main tactician. He had everything planned out until the very end."

"The U.A. Special Police Force is still working with the clan, right? Can't we just ask them where to go from here?" Kirishima added hopefully.

"Deku," Bakugo suddenly swung his attention to the former detective as he gave the girls some space. The tormented expression didn't slip his gaze even as it switched to a hardened one. "Call Chief Yagi and explain what's happening. We're going to need every resource to counterattack Shigaraki. The longer we wait, the faster he's going to crumble the Uraraka clan. Get ahold of that icy-hot bastard, too. He should know what Enji Todoroki is planning since the arrogant asshole likes to one-up Chief Yagi. No doubt he's gotten himself involved to take the credit."

"I'll get ahold of Todoroki. If we're going to involve the rest of the class then it needs to be now." Ojiro began dialing Todoroki's number, placing it to his ear. "Kirishima, start calling the rest of the class, get them together. Whatever contacts they have to support get them involved too. Make sure they're armed and ready to fight."

"Got it!" The redhead quickly pulled out his phone and began making calls, walking away towards a quiet corner.

Izuku stepped away from the girls to dial the familiar number still residing in his phone. He'd never had the heart to delete it even after being fired for the Yakuza affiliation. A finger hesitated. Would he accept what he was about to announce? Should he even be doing this without approval from her grandfather? There could be serious repercussions if information leaked to the media or worse, Shigaraki. Glancing back at Ochaco, whose once silent cries now became vocalized once his mother offered a motherly hug, he strengthened his resolve. She needed all the help she could get now. There was no trusting a single soul within these walls; those they could trust were down and out for the count. The dial button pressed harder than necessary before the device rose to his ear.

Rang once. Twice.

"Midoriya, I'm a little busy right now. Can I call you back later—"

"No. You can't. Chief Yagi, the Uraraka clan has been infiltrated by Shigaraki and a coup is in progress. Aizawa is down, critically injured. Ishikawa Uraraka has taken temporary command of the clan. There's reason to believe we'll be attacked soon on the property. We need the support of the U.A. Special Police Force right now, possibly even the military. Can Detective Tsukauchi still call in that favor he owes?"

"What happened to Aizawa?"

"An explosion in one of the rooms. They had an Uraraka member turn, Aizawa and another member got caught up in the blast. I don't know his current condition; they were still digging him out of the rubble. The rest of us are safe for the time but we need to stop Shigaraki here and now."

"…we have a gameplan given by Aizawa, we'll go ahead and enact it now with the support of other agencies. Do you need evac?"

Izuku hesitated. Would the police station be safer than the Uraraka mansion? "…no, sir. We're safe where we are."

"What of Miss Uraraka?" An odd thing to ask out of the blue. "I only ask because she's close to Aizawa, Midoriya. Is this going to affect her fight with All for One tomorrow?"

"I don't entirely know, sir. Things are bad on this end right now…possibly with Aizawa down. We're awaiting Kenji Uraraka to return to the city. I need to make a few other calls, I'll try to keep you updated the best I can." Izuku needed to call Melissa and make sure she was still fine. Last he'd heard, she was working with Hizashi Yamada on getting some semblance of the Shield servers back up and running. Maybe she was helping him with the Uraraka network.

"Alright. Be careful, young Midoriya."

Being careful didn't work in the long run. Now was the time to get reckless. The phone rang once more and instantly connected. "Melissa? I have a favor to ask."

---

Chisaki stood in the thicket of the forest with a gas mask tightened against his face, protective clothing, and a special metal container sitting by his side. Rough coordinates drew him and his men into the thicket of the trees with no outside communications. All for One was putting blind trust in him to succeed, so succeed he would. A hundred gallons of carbon monoxide would assist with that. Toxic enough to cripple the entire force of the main Uraraka base and allow entry. According to his informant, Kenji Uraraka had yet to return home meaning it was just that child running the show with most hands protecting the city. Easy pickings.

"Let's get this over with, the air reeks of filth." The man ordered to his minions with a gloved hand. They began to pick up containers then unlocking them. Thick metal hoses were pulled from the inside and aimed forward. A large metal level controlled the output flow. "Release the gas."

An Uraraka guard patrolling the forest path to the main gates swiped at his eyes tiredly. They'd been going nonstop for weeks now with only brief periods of sleeping and eating throughout the long day. Ever since the premises had gone on full lockdown things had become rough. Others he worked with fared better or worse depending on years of experience. Older guys tended to thrive on less sleep while the newbies could barely keep their eyes open. Seeing as he was in between those two age gaps, he wasn't faring terrible but not great. A yawn was stifled in the face warmer tugged high up the bridge of his nose.

"Don't be starting that, Takahashi," His partner, Akoi, warned lightly. A yawn of his own soon followed and Takahashi snickered.

"Getting tired, Akoi? Shame. A young child like yourself should've stayed in school instead of ending up posted outside in the dead of winter. Could've had a warm bed right now." The young man scoffed with a head shake.

"Riiiight, like that life was so much better. Have you seen my grades? I couldn't understand half the shit they taught in school. I wouldn't have survived college. Besides, my parents already treated me like shit and you guys welcomed in such an outcast."

"Don't get comfortable yet. You haven't passed the initiation phase. Took me nearly eight months to be accepted and I had to do all sorts of low-level shit like grocery errands for the guards. You have to prove yourself, kid."

"Yeah, yeah. I…get it…man, I'm really…feeling…ti…red…" Akoi suddenly slurred heavily, stumbling back until he fell to the ground unresponsive. Takahashi became highly alert while grabbing the kid by the collar and dragging him close to the concealed guard shack. By the time he reached for the emergency phone, the dizziness had begun to hit.

"Chemical attack…need to alert the others…" A glass cover shattered as he broke it with the butt of his rifle before it was slammed down. The light flashed red as signal was transmitted to the main house. While he couldn't see any direct enemies, he couldn't take the risk of it being an ambush. Scrambling for the emergency supply box beneath the lone desk, Takahashi dug through until two gas masks appeared with newly fitted filters. "Come on…come on…"

His had been previously fitted so with ease it pulled over his head and secured snugly, the man instantly breathing in filtered air. Once a bit of the disorientation quelled it was Akoi's turn to be secured. Just as the mask was pressed against the young kids face, a sharp pain erupted in his side. A knife pulled back, raising to strike once more when a boot collided with the hand holding it. The blade lodged itself into the side of the hut as Takahashi staggered to his feet, rifle aimed and readied to fire.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. I've heard carbon monoxide is highly flammable." The intruder casually remarked while raising both hands in surrender. "Unless you want to blow us both into the sky…rethink your next choice."

"Seems you underestimate my ability to serve and protect. See you in Hell, motherfucker!" Takahashi let out a breathy, pained laugh before opening fire at the stranger. Neither were going to survive with the thickening air. Poor Akoi…maybe he should've stuck to school.

An alarm blared loudly inside the main house. Lights automatically dimmed to reduce detection. Window shutters immediately deployed, sealing off all visibility to the inside. Doors sealed with hefty locks. As the shutters began to seal in Ochaco's room, all cellular connection immediately cut off leaving the young adults without outside connection. The heiress pulled back from Inko to stare at the red flashing light just above her door. Auburn blinked a few times to clear the remaining tears. Total seal. No one was getting in or out. Swaying to a stand with the help of her friends, Ochaco began to undo the obi belt and kimono fluidly.

"Ochaco?" Izuku questioned with a bit of alarm. It was like she'd switched off her emotions, becoming a blank shell of a human. When she didn't bother looking over at him he knew she wasn't planning on staying in the room. He took a step forward. "You're going out there, aren't you."

"It is the duty of an Uraraka Yakuza to purge those who have trespassed upon sacred premises. Do not leave this room. Do not answer the door until the alarm has cleared. Remain armed at all times and do not trust those seeking to enter. I shall return." Ochaco replied in an even tone. The clothing dropped softly to the floor to reveal the tactical outfit beneath, sandals swapping for familiar flats. A finger discreetly pressed against a concealed button on the underside of the handle to release the lock and the doors swung open. Shouts and gunfire echoed loudly down the hallway, Yakuza running top speed to join the fight.

"Wait! Don't do this, Ochaco!"

"Forgive me, Izuku. I must." She finally turned her unwavering gaze to the one who professed his feelings in the garden not so long ago. He was upset; understandable in the situation. But after the close call earlier she could not bear the thought of him being killed because of her heritage. "To protect those I love."

The heiress slipped through the doors before anyone could reach her, the heavy lock engaging to seal them in. Izuku slammed his fist against the door the moment he reached it. It slid down in defeat, forehead pressing against the solid wood.

"What do we do now? Do we just wait here?" Toru asked fearfully, latched onto the pinkette who was equally shaken. "She's going to come back, right?"

"I…don't know. Ochaco isn't in the right state of mind and it could be her downfall. The skirmish and Mr. Aizawa getting attacked earlier pushed every emotion over the edge. If she gets involved then things could end badly." Izuku admitted unsurely to the door. Virescent cracked open. What was she thinking running off like that. They were going to get through it together, right? She was letting the Yakuza side take over almost like a split personality. "Ojiro, you were able to snap her out of the Yakuza side in the mountains. Is there anything specific that triggers this kind of response?"

"Fear mainly. When she turns into a Yakuza persona it usually means she's afraid. But to reach this level…" Ojiro crossed his arms in thought, eyes on the forgotten kimono. "What happened with the skirmish earlier?"

"Surprise attack from an enemy Yakuza. She opened the door to mom's house and he punched her hard enough to hit the floor. He aimed a gun at her, I fired three times, he aimed at me, then she just lost it. Let out an angry scream then tackled the guy out the door before beating his face into a crater. Sorry, mom." Izuku apologized quickly at the disturbed grimace his mother shot his way. "When the explosion went off she ran back into the mansion while I was helping mom grab a few things. Ochaco acted so panicked that she couldn't hear me calling out. She reached where Aizawa had been involved in the explosion with her grandfather stopping her from getting closer. He took command over the branch and now we're here."

"She that afraid of her friends being killed?" Bakugo asked seriously from his position on the bed bench. All eyes turned to him with misunderstanding so he sighed in slight frustration. Dumbasses. "It's simple. She's afraid of her friends getting killed yet there's also the fear of being dethroned due to failing to protect Musutafu. Overloaded the mind and now she's instinctively switched to a side that isn't afraid of anything."

"A self-defense mechanism." Kirishima smacked a fist against a palm as it clicked. "Like fight or flight response, yeah? Similar to how she responded in your apartment, Midoriya. She went into this weird trance that wouldn't snap until Aizawa spoke. So, how do we help her get back to normal?"

"If I may," Inko spoke up with timid hand in the air. "I've had the chance to talk to Ochaco for a good bit now, so the first thing I've noticed is that her parents are barely around. For a young woman such as herself, in the environment she grew up in, family means everything. While she may have a plethora of brothers or however they see themselves, no one can replace a mother and father."

"You're suggesting only her parents may be able to snap her out of this," Mina responded to which Inko nodded solemnly. "Wait, aren't her parents already on the way back? Can't we just give her a phone to talk to them?"

"It won't be that easy. Trying to get around her right now could be dangerous. We don't know if she'll see us as a threat instinctively. Kenji will just have to hurry up." Bakugo leaned forward over his knees. Talk about shitty timing. Yakuza heiress gone unhinged with a fight against the number one villain of Japan looming over the next sunrise. "With Aizawa down for the count for who knows how long, we have to assume Kenji is the only one able to snap her free."

"Melissa…I spoke with her before the lines went down. She was going to put out a broadcast about the intruders through the internal communications line. There's a chance he'll receive it, we just don't know when." The green haired man leaned against the doors as a plan began formulating. "Since we've covered that aspect of reaching out, it's time to think about what to do next."

"We're getting the hell out of here," The spiked blonde grinned widely as he held up a small homemade bomb. Everyone paled until he rolled his eyes, stood, then walked over to the door. With a single hand he pushed underneath the handle to disengage the locks. "Idiots, how did you think she got out? Mechanical security override to disengage the locks. Don't you people pay attention to anything?"

"No, dude, you're the only one that's paranoid enough to actively look for that stuff." Kirishima pointed out dully. Katsuki merely scoffed, shoving the device back into his pocket for safe keeping. "Shouldn't some of us stay here to protect the ladies?"

"Why don't you two go ahead, Midoriya, Bakugo? We can handle things here." Ojiro offered with a look between the two. "I know you don't always get along, but you're both the best shot we have right now to help Ochaco. Go. We've got it from here."

"Thanks, Ojiro, Kirishima. We'll be back as soon as possible." Izuku finally allowed a grateful smile to his friend. Maybe things would be alright. "Mom,"

"It's alright, honey. Go save a person who needs a helping hand. I'll be fine watching over these kids." Inko smiled tiredly to her son who seemed conflicted in leaving her abruptly. "Ochaco needs you."

"I'll bring her back,"

"Katsuki?" Inko inquired as the blonde followed suit of her son. He stopped, looking at her waiting. "Please, both of you be careful."

"Yeah, got it." He replied like a moody teenager without the bite. "I'll save Deku's ass again."

Morimoto sidled directly next to the heiress as she made her way to the throne room. The men were handling the sudden turning of sides with knives, guns, and even their bare hands with little issue. Those who showed signs of betrayal were immediately put down to eliminate the risk. The stench of blood was filling the halls, staining the aged wooden floors that greedily soaked it up like a sponge. Décor became shattered, slashed to bits as some of the fights exceeded their immediate areas; some members fought across the entire length of the main hall due to intensity. Those who got too close to the heiress were immediately forced away by heavily armed guards, their shouting piercing through the dozens of skirmishes happening. No hesitation in cutting lives short.

"Should you wait for your grandfather, Ochaco?" Morimoto inquired as guards stepped aside to allow entry into the sacred area, four more promptly falling in line behind them. Ignoring the advice of her advisor the heiress continued forward to reach the ceremonial blade resting within the dragon's claw. "Perhaps—"

"I will not stand by idly as my home is ravaged, Morimoto. While you may have served under my grandfather prior, as well as my father, you now serve under me." Ochaco replied coldly, stopping to look at the taller man with a hard gaze. He bowed immediately in submission.

"Understood, Miss Uraraka. I shall follow your lead."

"Good."

The ceremonial katana. Passed down for nearly three hundred years of Uraraka lineage, said to have been forged by the original bloodline in honor of the clans creation. It's beautiful white sheath decorated in gold stood stark against the darkness of her tactical suit. A blend of Yin and Yang, good and evil. The blade itself a polished silver that had seen numerous battles prior. Only during dire situations did the katana be removed from its ceremonial perch of the dragon to slice down opposing forces. A hand hovered lowly over the sheath. This symbol was to be used in order to stop the onslaught occurring within her home.

To lop the head of All for One from its perch.

"Ancestors, lend me your strength to protect my home from traitors who stain the Uraraka name. Protect me as I join the battle alongside those loyal. Pray for a victorious outcome so the clan may live to see another three hundred years." Ochaco chanted a prayer before the blade, grabbing the sheath firmly with both hands and lifting it slowly from its pedestal. "Morimoto. You are witness today that the sacred katana of the Uraraka clan is to be used solely for the protection of our home. If this blade were to be used in sole malice, you have the authority to strip it from my hands. Do you agree to such a high honor?"

"Wholeheartedly, Miss Uraraka. I shall fulfill the requirements of your oath in order to preserve the future of the Uraraka clan." Morimoto recited as his hands clasped onto the sheath. Ochaco released the blade for him to fully examine. A complete examination of the sheath and blade were to be completed prior to fully accepting the weapon as her own. "I hereby verify the structural integrity of the White Sakura katana and therefore pass it to the Uraraka heiress to defend her home, family, and heritage. Do you accept this decision?"

"Yes."

"Then you are hereby granted permission to use the White Sakura katana. Remember why you wield this blade, Ochaco." Morimoto held out the sheathed blade in a bow, the weapon now hers to control. Slender hands fluidly shifted the blade before her face, separating the katana from its sheath.

Auburn eyes appeared in the flawless workmanship of the katana. Cold. Calculating. Ready to burn the world around her.

"Time to hunt."

-B-

It was like walking through a foggy morning with how much poisonous gas had filled the air and Chisaki was hating every moment of it. Some of his men already got themselves killed, useless idiots, so now his forces were down to just six. At least these ones were smart enough to crank up the output to create a veil to travel through after strategically placing the machines. Compact versions were kept on hand in the event of a direct approach from enemy Yakuza. So far they'd taken down at least a dozen or two from the gas alone; the fools were unprepared for a chemical attack yet had enough ammunition to turn the earth into Swiss cheese. Some weren't willing to blow their comrades up which made them easier to strike down.

The pathway opened up from forest floor to a carved dirt road meaning they were getting closer to the main house. Like an angry wasp hive, he could feel their murderous intentions. Those who had switched loyalties were bound to be creating havoc inside the mansion and taking resources away from the grounds.

"Boss, there's someone up ahead." His right hand Shin Nemoto announced abruptly and threw his arm out protectively.

"You have made a grave mistake trespassing on my territory, associate of Shigaraki. State your intentions." An intimidating, deep voice commanded through the cloud of toxin. They seemed to be undisturbed by the lung ravaging gas.

"My business is my own. If you wish to understand my reasonings feel free to step a little closer." Kai replied evenly. Wasn't Kenji Uraraka supposed to be out of the city? Who was this guy claiming it was his property? The only response he received was a clicking of a lighter. "It seems you are pretty serious."

"I do not tolerate scum of the sewers tainting my lawn, stranger. Identify yourself or I shall incinerate you and your friends. A cremation would be the only act of kindness I am willing to show. Do not underestimate my abilities." The man replied harshly as the lighter lid flipped open and closed.

Chisaki remained silent as he contemplated what to do next. This was an unexpected wrench in his plans. Only the girl should've been here. Shin caught his attention with a wave, the gun in his hand specifically designed to shoot paralytic vials. One would be enough to take the man down for the entire day. With a nod he approved so Shin slunk off to find a better vantage point. "Fair enough. I believe your threat. I am Kai Chisaki, leader of the Shie Hassaikai."

"You are no leader of the Shie Hassaikai, boy. Boss is the only one truly deserving of that ranking; do not disgrace his name by claiming to be superior."

"Boss had to take an early retirement if you will. I am his adopted son. My title is legitimate, I assure you. I have introduced myself; I believe it is time for you to do the same so we can perhaps handle things amicably." Kai waited with bated breath as silence became his response. Debating or ambushing?

"The only thing you need to know, Kai Chisaki, is that you are not welcome in my home. Leave. Now. And take your obnoxious cloud of carbon monoxide with. If you believe this attempt will cripple the Uraraka clan then you are sorely mistaken." The man warned with enough promise behind the threat to send shivers up Chisaki's spine. He wasn't kidding. If he wanted to survive then retreating was the only option, yet All for One would skin him alive if he failed to bring the head of the heiress. The latter would be the worser death.

"Unfortunately, I have a job to do. You have been served warning." Chisaki raised a hand in the air, fingers signaling a command to an unknown.

Nothing happened for a few tense seconds.

Then the firing of muzzled guns began. At first it sounded like one or two firing off, nothing to worry about, yet the intensity increased with heavier firepower joining the fight. One of his men, Rappa, began launching a volley of poison dipped beads towards the mansion. A roaring of shouts came as the Yakuza rushed forward at the command of their leader, blades at the ready. Ishikawa deflected the nuisance beads with easy swings of his katana. A pathetic attempt to take down his force of near a thousand. Not much of a fight to begin with considering the supposed heir of the Shie Hassaikai sounded weak and cowardly. Hiding behind a cloud of toxic gas that would eventually float upwards? Mustard or chlorine would've been more effective. Perhaps, though, it wasn't an outright slaughtering. Perhaps he wanted to eliminate a good portion of the forces in order to sneak through enemy lines. Not on his watch.

"Avoid the pellets, keep low to the ground! If you feel disoriented then fall back to recover! Second squadron, begin ventilation procedures! Start pushing forward and protect your home!" Ishikawa boomed across the grounds. Morale flourished at the striking words of the former Uraraka head. The old man adjusted his katana before striding forward with one target in mind, neck cricking in anticipation of a good fight. "Kai Chisaki is mine."

Necks sliced open like warm butter spraying crimson into the air faster than the victims could respond. Down they went, one by one collapsing to the floor with strangle gargles. Ochaco moved with speed and precision to eliminate those daring to threaten her family, feet as light as feathers. Loyal members immediately stilled at her presence, signaling their continued dedication with a fist over their chest. Any who faltered or continued to strike had the life drained from their bodies faster than a blink. Uraraka Yakuza piled behind the heiress in support, cleaning up the ones who failed to perish right away with heart pierces. Morimoto remained right at her side with pistols tracking and eliminating larger opponents who couldn't succumb to limited strikes. Ochaco needed to keep the momentum up in order to remain steadfast and efficient; faltering now would result in failure.

"Where is my grandfather?" She asked while slicing through the traitorous veins of a man. His vying fingers were deflected by the butt of the katana smashing into his face.

"Leading the main assault in the courtyard. I have been informed of a toxic gas permeating the grounds. It is not safe to venture out until the ventilation procedure is complete."

"What is the status of Aizawa?"

"Critical."

"More detail than that."

"…his right eye is a total loss, minor injuries otherwise. No further word except surgery is commencing as soon as possible." Morimoto spoke quietly. Shota was a strong man, stronger than most in the clan. Not quite to Ishikawa's level though within the top twenty. His stealth and fast, calculated reactions earned him the spot beside Kenji. "Hizashi was found in a secondary tunnel leading from the office, unconscious and minorly harmed."

Ochaco felt her jaw clench tightly. They were alive. Injured, but alive. Yet the insatiable rage burning within failed to quell at the update. Shigaraki was behind the attack and they needed to pay. By noon tomorrow, All for One's head would be staked to her katana. The front doors were already forced open by the rush of Yakuza surging to protect the mansion and its occupants making it easier for the heiress to launch from the doorway down the stairs. The air had a thick weight to it the closer she got to the heavy fog hovering above the grass at the far side of the property. A sleeve pressed over a wary face. She could hear the sounds of battle yet the dense fog concealed their locations. Hundreds of small orbs lined the yard, black with some oozing after splitting open. One closest to her became a surgical experiment. The innards oozed like a thick, white sludge with a pungent smell of musty fish. "What is this?"

"Most likely toxic, I would avoid touching it with bare flesh and getting too close. I shall have some of them tested immediately in order to take the best course of action." He stooped down to collect one with a thick rag pulled from his pocket. It felt slimy through the cloth as it deposited into a readied hazmat bag.

"Poison gas and toxins? They must be trying to break through the barriers in order to reach the mansion." Ochaco determined while scanning the grounds. Trying to avoid the small orbs would be like dancing through a landmine. Something whizzed past her head, the brunette narrowly dodging. They were still firing? "We need to take down the gunman first then assist my grandfather."

"Of course."

Ishikawa followed his senses to navigate through the heavy fog that seemed endless. While bullets flew left and right, there was a certain area remaining cleared of the line of fire. A charcoal infused cloth was tied tightly over his mouth and nose to lessen the effect of the poisonous gas. No amount of obstacles would stop his hunt. Kai Chisaki would die by his hand. The air seemed to thin out as well, making it easier to stave off the symptoms slowly growing. Years of diligent training meant the infamous Yakuza leader could handle toxins for extended periods of time with lessened effects. While his men were succumbing faster due to inexperience or non-exposure, they still fought to defend Ochaco and the Uraraka legacy.

"Show yourself, coward! You shall not escape my wrath!" Ishikawa barked angrily with a swishing of sword to clear some of the air. A wintery wind picked up to blow the fog down the mountainside and away from the manor. The ancestors were guiding him to victory it seemed. "Your plans will fail, leaving you to cower before me in submission! I shall show no mercy to your pathetic life!"

Something dashed past, slipping into sight for only a moment. He stilled, tracking the movement paths in the fog with sharp eyes. Another behind him. Footsteps indicated only two enemies darting by to throw his senses off. Foolish tactic. As soon as he heard one running straight for him the old man bent low, katana angled down with the blade up. The fog shifted and a shadow appeared though vanished prior to becoming visible. Honed instinct had Ishikawa adjusting his blade and stance once a heavy presence came from behind. The blade swung upward with incredible speed and force to collide with flesh. A strangled yelp. Sharp metal cutting through layers of skin and organs in calculated precision. The body tumbled before him in two, perfectly sliced pieces.

"It seems you are worthy of the Yakuza title. Tell me. What is your name?" Chisaki's voice filtered through the air in an impressed, disgusted tone. Ishikawa flicked the blood from his blade sharply. There was one more still circling in hopes of striking while distracted; his mind mentioned to keep his eyes towards the tree branches for a surprise attack.

"Ishikawa Uraraka, twenty-eighth leader of the Uraraka clan. Your demise."

"Ishikawa Uraraka…I figured your retirement was permanent once your son Kenji took over. It appears I was mistaken." Damn. The most ruthless Uraraka Yakuza mere steps away thirsting for vengeance. He should've run when he had the chance; a putrid stench grew by the second.

"You were mistaken to think I would not continue to protect my family until my dying breath. Face me like a true Yakuza you claim to be, Kai Chisaki, or be struck down like the scum of the earth you are." Ishikawa threatened gruffly, tightening the grip on his tsuka. Trees distorted an exact location of his target yet it made little difference as he stepped over the sliced body. A manic laugh was the only response given. "What do you think is so funny?"

"The fact that you believe I will just roll down and die when I have an ace up my sleeve."

A shadow quickly rushed through the fog aiming directly for his head. Blade up ready to strike until a heavy push of wind revealed a small, petrified child flying towards him. Blue eyes widened. A child?! Blade diverted downward and a step back gave him the opening to grab the poor girl, keeping her close to his side. "You dare to use a child for your tactics?! A heartless monster like you does not deserve to live!"

"I do believe I can command my family in whichever manner I please. Would you truly harm her, Ishikawa? An innocent soul merely aiding her dear, old uncle?" Chisaki laughed hysterically from the direction the child came.

"Stay down," The Yakuza urged quietly, waiting until the girl was flat against the ground with hands over her head.

He surged forward like a predator pouncing its prey, eyes burning with fury and blade ready to taste the foul blood of a villain. A dampened gun fired to his right, angled from high above with a direct path. The blade destroyed a glass vial containing swirling green liquid. Its contents splattered against the ground though Ishikawa did not stop to investigate. Direct poisoning attempt, not surprising. He was a walking demon. Multiple targets closing in all around to overwhelm yet the Yakuza merely calculated out their steps before swinging his arm out. Steaming blood poured over the ground like broken wine bottles, sloshing loudly over the sandy earth with rasps of pain barely audible. He could practically smell the fear radiating from Chisaki while closing in.

"You shall not escape your judgement, Chisaki!"

"Stop saying that name! I am Overhaul, leader of the Shie Hassaikai!" He screeched manically through the trees. Birds took off from the bare treetops, cawing an alarm prior to fleeing the area. "I don't care who the fuck you are; you will not stand in my way of rightfully overthrowing the Uraraka clan!"

Ishikawa pushed himself from a large boulder into the only space sparsely containing the toxic fog. Chisaki began stumbling backwards, arms outstretched in panic as the Yakuza quickly closed the distance. The unfiltered fear in his eyes drove the old man to throw every ounce of strength he had into the swing, piercing blue widened in fury.

Shing!

The old man skidded to a stop, taking a moment to breathe then stood tall with head held high as blood dripped from his katana. Chisaki's panicked breathing suddenly quelled until two large thumps sounded against the earth; the pants turned into agonized screams of pain. Both arms severed above the elbow in one clean sweep. Blood spurted like an open fire hydrant staining everything in its path as the dark haired man frantically waved his stumps around. Around and around he ran spraying blood onto the trees, rocks, fallen leaves, until all was coated in crimson. Only when the blood loss hit did he stumble to the ground and land face up, gasping for air while the life drained out.

Ishikawa stood over the pathetic excuse of a man blade aimed for his throat. Only a mercy killing would end the suffering yet why rush? Why give the man such a satisfactory ending after the innumerable deaths of Uraraka men? "Kai Chisaki. Your life is mine to claim. For your crimes you shall suffer a slow, painful death here in the forest that is protected by the Uraraka clan for countless decades. You will tell me who that girl is and why you dare to toss her aside so easily."

"M-my arms! M-my arms…they're g-gone…" He moaned miserably, raising and lowering his stumps as if to see their potential regrowth. "What have you done…with my a-arms?!"

"Answer me. Who is the child?" Ishikawa began to grow impatient as the wailing continued. A sandal stomped down on his chest to silence the senseless noise. Wild eyes stopped darting around to focus on the looming man above. "What have you done to that girl?"

"The child is not of your concern, Ishikawa Uraraka. You should be more aware of your surroundings," A suave voice whispered against his ear prior to a sharp sting grazing across his back. Ishikawa swung his blade backwards at the intruder only to find no one was there. He couldn't sense his presence?! "My fight is not with you but your beloved granddaughter, Ochaco."

"Shigaraki. Rather…All for One. I should have known you would rear that ugly face of yours sooner or later." Ishikawa growled with a hand reaching back to touch the stinging wound, eyes tracking the thinning fog. His guard hadn't dropped in the slightest, how did such an attack land? Chisaki started up again though with whimpers and pleas of forgiveness…until a squelch silenced them. Killed. A blade through the heart. Backing away from the body with head on a swivel the Yakuza planned an escape route. "Here to clean up loose ends?"

"Here to reclaim what is rightfully mine. Chisaki failed in his quest to enter the premises and eliminate the heiress. Pity. Though, if consolation, he left behind a valuable asset worthy of my personal visit."

"…you mean the child. I will not allow you to corrupt such an innocent life!" Another sharp slice across his front as a shadowed mass darted by faster than he could respond to, katana swinging at air. A spittle of blood spewed from his lips from the force of his declaration. Shit. How was he bleeding internally? The grazes had been nothing more than that, just surface level as far as he could tell. Time was running out; he couldn't afford to keep being hit with ghost strikes. A haunting chuckle echoed all around making it impossible to pinpoint. "You shall not harm a single hair on the head of my granddaughter! Even if I must haunt you until the day you are dragged to the pits of hell, you will leave her be!"

"How do you think Ochaco would feel if she were to see her dear grandfather chopped to bits and left for the wolves to feast upon? Do you think she would scream in despair, beg for the nightmare to end? I can only image the haunted look in those infuriating auburn eyes—"

"ENOUGH!" Ishikawa roared, readying the trusted blade for a final fight. "You shall not receive the honor of destroying my granddaughter! Get out here and fight me like a Yakuza!"

"I have been waiting for you to say such a thing, Ishikawa Uraraka."

His blade swung fast, aimed for the neck though Ishikawa was prepared. Metal on metal screeched deafeningly in the winter air. Just as the Yakuza knocked the blade away it came back with the same amount of unrestrained force. Again and again they clashed expertly, All for One dancing in and out of the fog while Ishikawa remained rooted to a small perimeter in order to maintain control. The time spent in the fog was slowly beginning to catch up while the now burning wounds accelerated the symptoms. His sloppiness shone through as each strike wore down his steel shield until it was on the verge of cracking. More blood hacked up and the old man swayed, stumbling to maintain his balance. The blade was coming, the air shifting from the disturbance racing for his head. Not yet, he needed to end this monster here and now! This wasn't Ochaco's fight!

"Seems you are growing weary, Ishikawa. Allow me to give you a rest!"

"SHIGARAKI!"

A flash of black and white entered Ishikawa's fading vision. The blade aiming for his neck was violently knocked to the side, spinning until it embedded deeply in a nearby tree. Silence fell over the area as the newcomer shifted to a defensive positioning, sliding in front of the wavering old man. An amused chuckled escalated into a full blown cackle that sent chills down the spines of anyone nearby. Ishikawa dropped to his knees with a heavy pant, bracing against the ground as everything swirled. Everything…getting cold…

"My, what a pleasant surprise! I never expected you to gallantly come to the rescue, Ochaco. Such a strong familial bond. Truly you were taught by the best." All for One clapped slowly, stepping from the fog to properly address the heiress. Those eyes stared hard and unwavering, her stance solid. "No quivering this time? Have you changed so much in a short time?"

"Did he do this, grandfather?" Ochaco asked without turning away from the monster before her. Instinct yelled to run away, save herself, yet she was done running away from her problems. He was going to die by her hand even if the hunt lasted through the night. Even if it left her barely hanging to life.

"Ochaco…get away from him…" He rasped weakly, both hands now supporting against the ground. The blade…there was something coated on it. It was like his blood was burning up from the inside out. He'd been poisoned internally to speed up the process. A hand shakily ripped the tattered mask from his face. "Call for the others—"

"No. This is my fight now. You're done attacking my family. You're done attacking my friends. You're done ruining my city! I'll be taking your head, All for One!" Ochaco screamed furiously, launching towards the motionless leader blade swinging forward. Millimeters before the blade made contact he disappeared into the fog, narrowly avoiding a decapitation. The heiress took a step forward only for a fist to come flying for her face. A last second save by the flat edge of the katana continued the fight in the forest. "Stop hiding, coward! You claim to be a Yakuza leader yet you use sneaky tactics and deceitful words! You are no true Yakuza; you're nothing more than a fraud—"

A hand shot from the fog to clasp against her neck, the force shoving the heiress harshly against a tree trunk with a pained gasp. Blood plopped to the ground as All for One glared down at the katana puncturing through his shoulder; the same one she'd shot through that day. There was no fear in her eyes, just a burning rage to slice the head from his shoulders. Both feet slammed against his midsection like compressed pistons to knock the air temporarily from his body. He released to clear her swinging range in time to avoid the very pointed end of her blade. Right on his heels Ochaco pushed him back further and further to give him no time to recover, blade swinging precisely for major injury zones on the body. Tendons, ligaments, spots full of nerve bundles. The brunette nearly lopped off one of his fingers with how fast she swung.

All for One needed a distraction.

"They're over here somewhere!" A voice shouted as the sound of footsteps increased.

"Seems your backup has arrived, Ochaco. Pity. You were truly hoping to take my head as a trophy…though I will leave you with the corpse of your grandfather instead."

"I'll kill you! I'll fucking kill you as many times as it takes!" She vowed, voice becoming hoarse from intensity. "I'll personally drag you down to the depths of hell, you murderous cretin! You'll pay!"

"Och…aco…" Ishikawa rasped weakly as he collapsed fully.

"Not today, Ochaco Uraraka. I look forward to morning where I will not hold back." A Cheshire grin as the katana sliced the air where he was. Silence filled the forest, the sounds of machinery dying out with thunder trembling the skies above. Ochaco's hand shook so hard the blade scraped against the rocky terrain.

"I won't hold back anymore, All for One."

Abandoning her mortal enemy Ochaco rushed back to aid her grandfather. Sticking the katana in the ground she gently rolled him onto his back, cradling his head up, tightly grasping his hand. Breathing was shallow accompanied by wet squelches. Blood in the lungs. Intense blue eyes were hooded, focusing only on her even as rain began to patter down. The other hand shakily reached for her face, fingertips grazing then cupping the freshly damp surface. Blaming yourself will not help, he thought with a slow shake of his head. You did the best you could, Ochaco.

"No…not when I need you…" Ochaco sobbed against his palm, tormented auburn blurring heavily. "You said you would come back to me. You promised."

"Indeed…I promised you. I never mentioned…when…" Ishikawa let out a weak laugh, a cough quickly taking over. Ah, so the light at the end of the tunnel was true. Warm, beckoning. Like a sunny summer day shining rays against his skin. When did he get so tired? "Mochi…I will always…always…be by your side. Maybe not physically, but spiritually. You will make…such a…fine…strong and confident leader. I love you to the stars and back."

"E-even when t-they hide…" Ochaco trailed off as the hand fell from her face, landing softly against the blossoming crimson abdomen. A constricted breath in, head tilted back as the skies dumped their sorrows.

Haunting screams filled the forest.

---

I was literally bawling writing this ending to the chapter. Like. Damn. I don't know why I torture myself like this. Was I too hard on Ochaco? AFO is a major asshole though…he'd go this far to break someone down. Hope you enjoyed the extra-long chapter!