Over the next ten months, Izuku Midoriya's life transformed into a whirlwind of relentless training and soul-searching. The words All Might had spoken to him on that fateful day echoed in his mind, serving as both a guiding light and an immense burden.
"You have to be strong, not just for yourself, but for everyone who believes in you."
All Might's training regimen was unforgiving. The legendary hero's plan to prepare Izuku for inheriting One For All revolved around clearing the shores of Takoba Municipal Beach Park. Once a popular spot for families, the beach had become a dumping ground for trash and debris. All Might's logic was simple: the physical labor would build Izuku's strength, while the symbolism of restoring the beach would remind him of his duty to uplift others.
The first few weeks were grueling. Izuku's body ached in places he didn't know existed. His hands were blistered from hauling discarded appliances, and his muscles burned with every lift. Yet, he pushed forward, driven by a mix of determination and fear of disappointing the man who believed in him. Each night, he returned home exhausted but oddly exhilarated, the satisfaction of visible progress keeping his spirits high.
His training wasn't limited to physical endurance. All Might drilled him in basic combat techniques, emphasizing the importance of strategy and adaptability. "Raw power is useless without control," All Might often reminded him. Izuku absorbed every lesson, scribbling detailed notes in his ever-present notebook.
Meanwhile, the Revenants continued their crusade against corruption in hero society. Over the months, their actions became bolder, targeting high-profile figures whose crimes had been swept under the rug. Each attack was meticulously planned, leaving behind evidence of their targets' misdeeds. The media dubbed them "The Revenant Vigilantes," a name that both condemned and romanticized their actions.
Public opinion was sharply divided. News outlets buzzed with debates about the Revenants' methods and morality. Some viewed them as necessary disruptors exposing the rot within the system, while others saw them as dangerous radicals undermining societal order.
"The Revenants are nothing more than criminals masquerading as heroes," declared Ryukyu in a televised interview. "Their actions endanger lives and tarnish the reputation of real heroes."
Conversely, independent journalist Maika Takano argued, "The Revenants are holding so-called heroes accountable for their actions. Isn't that what heroes are supposed to do?"
The contrast between the public's perception and the Revenants' internal dynamics painted a complex picture. Within their lair, the group often discussed the impact of their actions.
"We're not here for fame or glory," Akio reminded them during one of their meetings. "Every target we take down is another step toward dismantling a broken system. But we must be precise. Collateral damage is unacceptable."
Stain, however, was less reserved. "The world needs to see the consequences of idolizing false heroes. Fear is a powerful motivator."
Lady Nagant intervened, her tone measured but firm. "Fear only works if it's justified. If we lose sight of the people we're trying to protect, we're no better than the ones we fight."
Akio nodded, appreciating her balance of pragmatism and principle. Despite their differing philosophies, the group remained united.
Throughout the next months The Revenants continued to solidified their presence as both heroes and villains in the eyes of society. Their shared mission brought them closer, transforming them from a disparate group of outcasts into a tightly-knit family.
In their hidden lair, nestled in an abandoned warehouse outside Musutafu, the group gathered frequently—not just to plan their next moves but to bond over their shared pain and purpose. Despite their grim work, moments of levity broke through the tension.
One evening, Gentle Criminal brewed a pot of his signature tea, pouring cups for everyone. "A mission well-executed deserves a civilized celebration, don't you think?"
Toga grinned as she grabbed a cup. "Tea's nice and all, but I could really go for some blood right now."
"You and your blood," Twice muttered, shaking his head. "You're like a walking medical emergency waiting to happen. Nah you're good, have some of mine!"
"That's rich coming from the guy who talks to himself more than I do," Toga shot back playfully.
Twice laughed, but his mirth didn't quite reach his eyes. Over the past months, his struggle with his identity had grown more intense. The constant fear of being just another clone gnawed at his psyche, and though the others supported him, the doubt never fully left.
Later that night, Akio found Twice sitting alone, staring at his hands.
"Something on your mind, Twice?" Akio asked, his voice gentle.
Twice hesitated before speaking. "Do you think… I'm real? Like, the real me? Or just another copy pretending to be him? What are you talking about? Of course I'm the real me."
Akio knelt beside him, his expression serious. "You're real to us. Real enough to fight, to bleed, to care. Isn't that what matters most?"
Twice looked up, his eyes brimming with gratitude. "Yeah… I guess it does. Not it doesn't."
Lady Nagant often found herself observing Akio during these moments. His ability to connect with each member of their group amazed her. He wasn't just their leader; he was their anchor. She respected his unwavering sense of justice, but lately, that respect had deepened into something more.
One night, as the group dispersed after a mission briefing, Lady Nagant lingered behind, watching Akio as he studied the map on the table.
"You're always the last to rest," she said, leaning against the wall.
He glanced up, a small smile playing on his lips. "Someone has to make sure everything's in place."
"You carry too much on your shoulders," she said softly, stepping closer. "Even the strongest need someone to lean on."
Akio met her gaze, the usual determination in his eyes softened by something unspoken. "And what about you? You've been through just as much, maybe more."
She hesitated, then reached out to place a hand on his arm. "Maybe we can lean on each other."
The room seemed to shrink around them as the moment stretched. For the first time in years, Lady Nagant felt her walls begin to crumble, and Akio saw in her a strength that matched his own.
Their budding connection didn't go unnoticed. Toga teased them relentlessly, while La Brava watched with quiet approval.
"They're so cute together," La Brava whispered to Gentle Criminal one evening.
"Indeed," Gentle replied, adjusting his cravat. "Love, even amidst chaos, is a testament to our humanity."
The group's bonds extended beyond camaraderie; they were a family forged in hardship. Stain's gruff exterior masked a deep respect for Akio's leadership, and despite his ideological differences, he often acted as a mentor to the younger members.
"You've got potential, Toga," Stain said one day during training. "But you need focus. Chaos without purpose is just noise."
Toga pouted but nodded, her admiration for Stain evident. "Fine, but only if you let me stab something afterward."
Gentle and La Brava were the heart of the group, their unwavering loyalty to each other serving as a reminder of what they were fighting for. Gentle often shared stories of his past failures, turning them into lessons for the others.
Despite their differences, the group functioned like a well-oiled machine during missions. Each member had a role, and their trust in one another was unshakable.
Akio's ability to inspire unity didn't mean he was immune to doubt. Late at night, when the others were asleep, he often found himself replaying old memories—of the day he supposedly died, of the sister he left behind. One night, as he sat staring at an old photo of his family, Lady Nagant approached him.
"You're thinking about her, aren't you?" she asked gently.
Akio nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wonder if she even remembers me… or if she'd hate me for what I've become."
"She'd be proud," Lady Nagant said firmly. "You're doing what you believe is right. That's more than most can say."
Her words struck a chord, and for the first time in years, Akio allowed himself to believe that he wasn't entirely alone in his struggles.
Through their shared mission, the members of The Revenants grew closer, their bonds tempered by fire and forged in steel. They weren't just a team; they were a family, each member bringing something unique to their collective strength. And though their paths were fraught with danger, they faced each challenge together, united by their shared pain and unyielding resolve.
Late one night, during a grueling training session, Izuku overheard a news report about the Revenants' latest operation. He paused to catch his breath, his ears perking up at the description of their leader.
The footage showed Akio in combat, his movements precise and unrelenting. Something about the way he fought tugged at a distant memory. Izuku squinted at the screen, trying to place the familiarity.
"Where have I seen that before?" he murmured, his mind racing.
But the thought was quickly pushed aside. All Might's rigorous schedule left no time for distractions. He returned to his training, though the nagging feeling lingered.
Elsewhere, Yu Takeyama, better known as Mt. Lady, sat in her apartment watching the same footage. When the Revenant leader's fight with Bladestorm appeared on the screen, she gasped, her heart skipping a beat.
"That quirk… those moves…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Her mind raced back nine years to the day she lost her brother, Akio. His courage had been a beacon in her life, and his death had left a void she couldn't fill. But now, watching the leader of the Revenants, doubt crept into her heart.
"No," she told herself firmly, shaking her head. "He's gone. He's been gone for years."
Yet, the resemblance was undeniable. Memories of Akio—his fiery determination, his unwavering sense of justice—flooded her thoughts. Could it really be him?
She buried her face in her hands, the uncertainty gnawing at her. If her brother was alive, why would he hide from her? And why would he fight against the heroes they had once idolized together?
By the ninth month of training, the beach was nearly spotless. Izuku's physique had transformed, his once frail frame replaced by lean, defined muscles. All Might beamed with pride as he surveyed the cleared shoreline.
"You've done well, young Midoriya," All Might said, clapping him on the back. "You're ready for the next step."
"The next step?" Izuku asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
All Might held up a strand of his hair. "To inherit One For All, you'll need to ingest some of my DNA. A hair strand should do the trick."
Izuku's face turned pale. "I—I have to eat that?"
All Might laughed heartily. "It's a small price to pay for greatness, don't you think?"
Summoning his courage, Izuku took the strand, swallowing it with a grimace. The sensation that followed was unlike anything he had ever experienced. A surge of energy coursed through his veins, both invigorating and overwhelming. For a brief moment, he felt as though he might explode, but the sensation quickly subsided.
"Congratulations," All Might said, his tone warm. "You're officially the ninth holder of One For All."
Tears welled in Izuku's eyes as he looked out at the now-pristine beach. He had come so far, yet he knew this was only the beginning.
Elsewhere, the Revenants gathered in their lair, reviewing footage of their latest operation. The mood was tense; La Brava had intercepted a report indicating heightened surveillance on their activities.
"The heroes are closing in," she said, her fingers flying over the keyboard. "We need to be more careful."
Akio's expression hardened. "Let them come. We'll show them what true justice looks like."
Lady Nagant placed a hand on his shoulder. "Careful, Akio. Recklessness won't serve our cause."
Akio sighed, nodding reluctantly. "You're right. We'll lay low for now, but we can't stop. Not until the world knows the truth."
As the group dispersed, Akio lingered, staring at the screen displaying Izuku's image. He couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again, though he wasn't sure whether as allies or adversaries.
"Stay strong, Midoriya," Akio muttered under his breath. "The world's going to need you."