Stain studied his surroundings with sharp, calculating eyes, noting the door's position and searching for any alternate exits like windows. His gaze flicked between the two men who had "invited" him, his body tense but poised, ready for anything.
"I see... So you're the ones responsible for the U.A. attack," he said, his tone cold and unimpressed.
Kurogiri gave a courteous bow. "Indeed. You may have heard the rumors, but we are the League of Villains."
Stain scoffed, his lip curling in disdain. "What's left of you, anyway."
"Oi, that's uncalled for," Shigaraki growled, his nails scraping against his neck.
A voice, smooth and commanding, cut through the tension from a monitor behind Shigaraki. "Now, now. Even with our modest numbers, we've made quite the impression on the world, wouldn't you agree?"
Stain scoffed, his tone harsh and unwavering. "You lost to a child. That's the mark you're leaving."
Shigaraki's jaw tightened as he shot Stain a venomous glare. Yet another reminder of his failure at the USJ-another reminder of Izuku Midoriya.
Stain's gaze shifted to the screen, his eyes narrowing. "And who are you supposed to be?"
"Oh, just a humble observer, here to guide Tomura. Think of me as a mentor in the shadows. Pay me no mind," the voice replied with a low chuckle.
Stain frowned. There was something about the voice-its confidence, its subtle menace-that set off alarms in his mind. A dangerous aura radiated from this unseen figure. He already could tell he was the puppeteer of this whole league.
Turning his attention back to Shigaraki, Stain spoke with quiet menace. "You've gone through all this trouble to find me. I assume you want to add me to your numbers?"
Shigaraki sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. "Yeah, you've got so much more experience as a villain. Why not join us?"
Stain's glare deepened. "Answer me this: What's your goal? How can you call yourselves an organization without a purpose? Without direction?"
"Huh?" Shigaraki replied lazily, scratching his neck.
"What is your objective?" Stain pressed, his voice firm, laced with disdain.
Shigaraki finally straightened up, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Our original goal was to kill All Might and destroy the things I hate. But now..." His lips twisted into a sinister grin. "Now, I want to destroy someone else."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a photograph, slapping it down on the table with force. The image of Izuku Midoriya, proudly wearing his gold medal, stared back at Stain.
"This brat," Shigaraki spat. "All Might's little successor. I want to snuff him out before he becomes a bigger problem."
Stain's eyes narrowed as he studied the photo. "Izuku Midoriya, right? The boy who foiled your plans at the USJ." His voice carried a subtle edge, as though unimpressed by Shigaraki's obsession.
Shigaraki stiffened at the reminder, his nails digging into his neck as if trying to scratch away the humiliation.
"And what makes you so certain this boy is All Might's successor?" Stain asked, his tone skeptical.
"Trust me, we know," Shigaraki snapped, his irritation palpable. "Why else would All Might be making fewer appearances? He started teaching at U.A. around the same time as that brat. He's grooming him to take his place."
Stain mulled over the words, his eyes dark and contemplative. There was truth in what Shigaraki said-All Might's reduced public appearances hadn't gone unnoticed by the underworld. Every villain worth their salt could sense a shift in the winds.
...
"He's like a damn itch I can't seem to scratch! He annoys me. Everything about him makes my blood boil. Going off about being the next Symbol of Peace, I hate him! Wanting to maintain this garbage society!?" Blood began to draw from his neck.
His eyes turned bloodshot, and Stain could feel the bloodlust coming from Shigaraki. He found himself going for his blades and taking a fighting stance. Shigaraki began scratching himself vigorously. His nails dug into the neck of his skin. Why did Midoriya Izuku irritate him so damn much?
"He's like a damn itch I can't scratch!" Shigaraki snarled, clawing at his neck until blood seeped through his fingers. His voice rose with manic fury. "He annoys me. Everything about him makes my blood boil! Spouting off about being the next Symbol of Peace. I hate him! I hate everything he stands for!"
Stain's eyes flicked toward Shigaraki's trembling form, watching as the younger man's eyes turned bloodshot. The room seemed to darken with the violent aura radiating from him. Instinctively, Stain's hand drifted toward his blades, his body tensing into a battle-ready stance.
"I'll kill him!" Shigaraki's nails dug deeper into his neck, leaving fresh trails of crimson. "That bastard's successor-I hate him so much! Every day, he gets closer to his damn goal, closer to becoming the second Symbol of Peace. I'm on a time limit! I have to stop him before it's too late! He ruined my plans at the USJ!"
Shigaraki's words came out like venom, his hatred a palpable force in the room. "I refuse to live through another decade of this broken system, watching people cling to their false sense of hope! No... I'll destroy him and everything he represents! Then this wretched society will finally understand how it feels to be me!"
Stain's glare sharpened as Shigaraki's rant devolved into a feverish tantrum. His fingers gripped the hilts of his daggers tightly, the blades faintly glowing red as if mirroring the heat of his simmering disdain.
"I was foolish to take an interest in you," Stain said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. His glare bore into Shigaraki. "You're the kind I despise the most."
"Huh?" Shigaraki tilted his head, confused, his irritation momentarily giving way to puzzlement.
Stain drew his daggers in one fluid motion, their edges glowing with a fiery intensity. The heat radiating from the blades seemed to pulse with his conviction.
"All you're doing is throwing a tantrum," Stain growled, his voice low and menacing. "No... it's worse than a tantrum. You're playing with lives out of nothing but childish rage."
Shigaraki's body stiffened, his blood boiling under Stain's scrutiny.
"Bloodlust without conviction is meaningless," Stain spat, his tone like a judge delivering a verdict.
Kurogiri remained silent, his normally calm demeanor faltering under the oppressive aura emanating from Stain. His voice finally broke through the tense silence, but before he could speak, Stain's next words sent a chill through the room.
"And as if I would let you kill All Might's chosen successor just to sate your pitiful thirst for destruction," Stain declared, his words laced with venom.
Shigaraki's blood boiled anew, his hands twitching as he glared at the Hero Killer.
...
"Achoo!" Izuku sneezed into his hand before Momo quickly handed him a tissue.
"Thank you, Yaoyorozu," Izuku said, dabbing his nose with a shy smile.
"Everyone has their costumes, right?" Aizawa asked, his tired gaze sweeping across the class. "Some of your costumes have been redesigned, thanks to Melissa Shield, daughter of David Shield."
Izuku's face turned crimson at the mention of Melissa's name, earning curious glances from some of his classmates. A few of the girls exchanged knowing looks, a faint pang of jealousy bubbling beneath their smiles-they were well aware of how often Izuku spoke with Melissa over the phone.
"She's made improvements to some designs, prioritizing functionality, comfort, and adaptability to your Quirks," Aizawa continued. "You'll be the first to test these modifications, so I expect detailed feedback by the end of the week."
"Yes, sir!" the class replied in unison.
"Remember, you're not authorized to wear your costumes in public yet. Don't lose them or misuse them."
"Wait," Kaminari interjected with a smirk. "So, technically, wouldn't Hagakure be breaking the rules just by wearing her old costume? I mean, gloves and shoes don't cover much!"
Hagakure's faint outline flickered as she stammered, "W-Why would you even bring that up?!"
"I-I'm sorry!" Kaminari chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head.
Aizawa gave him a flat stare. "Kaminari, stop talking before you dig yourself a deeper hole."
Izuku, meanwhile, placed a reassuring hand on Hagakure's shoulder. "Actually, that's an interesting question. How do the rules apply to someone like Hagakure? If her costume is just gloves and shoes, would that count as indecent exposure? Or would it only matter if she left one piece off? Hmm..."
As Izuku's muttering intensified, the class exchanged amused glances. Seeing him fall into his mutter mode was a sign he was recovering.
"Greenie!" Kyoka cut in, jabbing him lightly with her Earphone Jack to snap him out of his mutter spree. "Can we not analyze Hagakure's wardrobe? Like, ever?"
Hagakure's faint outline nodded vigorously as she turned fully invisible again. "P-Please don't..."
"R-Right, sorry!" Izuku said, rubbing the back of his head as Hagakure gave a soft laugh, her blush thankfully hidden.
"Focus," Aizawa said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "When you're at your internships, remember that you're representing U.A. This isn't just classwork; it's real-world hero training. Make a good impression and learn all you can. Now, get going."
"Yes, sir!" the class responded enthusiastically.
...
Iida was lost in his own thoughts, his expression hardening as he processed something Izuku had suspected. It made sense why he'd also accepted Gran Torino's offer-the opportunity to learn from the hero who had trained All Might was one that couldn't be passed up.
Izuku had seen this coming, though. He knew Iida's sense of justice and his anger over his brother's condition. Gran Torino must've seen it too, which was likely why he'd invited him. The old hero was experienced in dealing with people who sought vengeance, having handled such emotions before. Izuku considered asking All Might for advice, but Gran Torino had pointed out that Toshinori wasn't the best when it came to opening up, especially about his own past.
"Even if Manual were available," Gran Torino had said, "the Hero Killer has probably left Hosu City by now, and he's out there, free to hurt anyone who crosses his path."
Iida's frustration was evident as he clenched his suitcase tightly, biting his lip hard enough to draw blood. His anger surged as he muttered to himself, his voice low but filled with intent.
"Hero Killer, I will find you. One day, I will find you, no matter how long it takes. And I will end you." His eyes blazed with a determination that bordered on obsession as he walked toward his train to meet Gran Torino.
"Iida, wait!" Izuku called, rushing to catch up.
Iida stopped but didn't turn around. His face was hard, unwilling to show any vulnerability in front of his friends.
Momo spoke up first, her voice soft but sincere. "We heard that Ingenuim is doing better."
"We're glad to hear about that," Izuku added, his voice filled with warmth, "but we wanted to know how you're feeling, Iida. If you need someone to talk to, we're here for you."
Izuku's words were met with a long silence. The group exchanged quiet glances, unsure of how Iida would respond. Finally, Iida spoke, his voice steady but distant.
"Thank you... But I'm fine. These internships should help clear my head." He gave them a small, tired smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thank you, though. I'm glad you all care."
Without another word, he turned and walked away to catch his train.
The group stood there, watching him leave in silence. After a moment, Kyouka asked softly, "Do you think he's going to be okay?"
Izuku looked down, his brow furrowing with concern. "He's going to Gran Torino... I'm sure he'll help him. I'm just relieved he's not going to Hosu." He let out a slow breath. "I know Iida-he won't let his anger control him, not forever."
"You don't think he would've done something stupid, do you?" Ochako asked quietly.
Izuku looked at his palm, his thoughts drifting to the conversation he'd had with Gran Torino. "Someone once told me that when we lose someone close to us, we sometimes do things we wouldn't normally do. But given time, we can adjust. I think Iida will find his way. He's strong... I know he won't do something he'll regret."
The girls exchanged uncertain glances before turning back to Izuku, a gentle but firm tone in Jirou's voice. "Hey, you know that 'talking' stuff? That applies to you, too, y'know."
Izuku gave a small nod, his lips pressing together. He appreciated their concern, but a part of him still felt like he had to carry the weight on his own.
Before he could say anything else, a sudden voice called out, loud and frantic.
"MIDORII!"
Before Izuku could react, someone barreled into him from behind, wrapping their arms around him in a tight hug.
"Gwah!" Izuku yelped, barely managing to keep his balance as he felt the force of the unexpected impact.
...
Izuku stumbled forward but quickly regained his balance, only to turn around and see Mina hugging him from behind, her face buried in his back. For a moment, he felt the warmth of her embrace, and despite the unexpectedness, it made him feel a little better. This didn't go unnoticed by the girls, though Ashido herself seemed oblivious to the effect it had on him, instead snuggling into him more, bringing a faint smile to his face.
"Man, a whole week without you, Midori! I'm seriously gonna miss that adorable side of yours!" Mina said, her voice full of playful affection.
The other girls exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and curiosity. Ochako stammered out, "Wh-What are you doing, A-Ashido?"
"Just giving Midori a goodbye hug!" Mina replied, a cheerful grin on her face.
"Aww! Look how red he got! So cute!" Toru squealed, suddenly in front of Izuku and pinching his cheeks.
"T-Toru!?" Izuku squeaked, his face turning even redder as she tugged at his cheeks.
Mina finally let go of Izuku and stood in front of him with a smile. "Hey, when we get back, let's exchange stories," she said, a teasing glint in her eyes.
"S-Sure," Izuku stammered, his face still flushed. Mina and Toru waved as they headed toward their respective trains, Izuku still trying to collect himself.
As he stood there, a soft kiss landed on his cheek, causing his heart to race. His face immediately turned scarlet. He turned, startled, and saw Tsuyu standing there, her expression still calm but with a faint red hue on her cheeks.
"Bye, Midoriya-chan," Tsuyu said, her voice gentle but carrying an unexpected warmth.
As Tsuyu left for her train, Izuku could barely manage a response, his heart still pounding in his chest. From the outside, Tsuyu appeared neutral, but the moment she stepped onto the train, her knees wobbled slightly, and she sank into a seat, her own face a shade of pink as she buried her face in her hands, heart racing.
Izuku turned back to his friends, still flustered, but Kyouka was quick to make another teasing remark.
"If you're waiting for me to kiss you, keep dreaming, Broccoli boy," Kyouka said nonchalantly, twirling her earphone jacks.
"I-I wasn't..." Izuku stammered, completely caught off guard by her boldness, his face turning even redder.
Momo, standing beside him, smiled warmly. "I think I'll keep my lips to myself," she said, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Hope this will do instead."
Izuku's face was now as red as a tomato, and he was honestly surprised he hadn't fainted from the attention. The warmth of Momo's embrace, so close to him, made his mind whirl.
Ochako stood quietly by, blushing as she watched the scene unfold. She wanted to at least hug Izuku herself, but her nerves got the best of hesitated for a moment before chickening out.
...
"Izuku Midoriya! Izuku Midoriya!" A man in a suit called out, urgently running toward the class.
"I'm glad I caught you-"
Aizawa, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, immediately stepped in front of Izuku, raising a hand to halt the man.
"What's your business? My students are in a hurry. Don't waste their time," Aizawa said, his glare cold. He'd noticed the man when the class arrived at the station.
The man looked slightly annoyed but maintained his composure.
"Ah, yes..." He bowed. "I'm from the Hero Public Safety Commission."
The students perked up at the mention of the HPSC. Aizawa raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
"HPSC? What do they want?" Momo asked, her tone filled with concern.
Aizawa's eyes narrowed as he addressed the man. "That doesn't explain why you waited until now to speak with him. You've been here for the last twenty minutes. Were you hoping to approach him without a teacher present?"
"Of course not! How could you accuse me of such a thing?" The man chuckled, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "I simply didn't want his classmates to feel jealous about the purpose of our meeting."
Kyouka could hear the man's heartbeat quicken, a clear sign he was lying.
Aizawa glared harder. "Make your pitch, then leave. Miruko isn't a patient woman."
"Midoriya," the man continued, "we were disappointed you didn't accept our invitation. I'm sure you have your reasons, but-"
Izuku cut him off, his eyes sparkling with surprise. "H-Huh?! The Hero Public Safety Commission sent me a request!?"
The man seemed taken aback by Izuku's enthusiasm. "Ah, it seems our request never reached you," he said, turning to Aizawa. "You wouldn't have kept it from him, would you?"
Aizawa shrugged nonchalantly. "Seems it got lost in the mail."
The man's expression soured slightly. "Lost? How convenient," he muttered before refocusing on Izuku. "Midoriya, if you ever feel U.A. isn't... quite the right fit for you, I'm sure you feel your talents are being wasted there. The recent villain attack is proof that the school has clearly declined in quality."
The students exchanged surprised glances at the man's words. U.A., the most prestigious school in Japan, perhaps even the world.
"Just look at last year. Your beloved homeroom teacher expelled an entire class. In his career, he's expelled over 150 students for not having 'potential,'" the man continued, his voice growing smug.
Izuku thought about it, then recalled Fuwa. "I know Aizawa's methods can be... excessive, but Fuwa seemed motivated. And since they weren't really expelled, I don't think it was harmful."
Aizawa didn't deny the claim. He simply stared at the man, his disinterest palpable.
The other students looked at each other, concern growing, but Momo was the first to speak up. "Those were all bluffs. No one actually got expelled."
"True," the man admitted with a small smile, "but the marks still remain on the records."
Momo gasped, her eyes wide, before she turned away, looking down. Izuku, Ochako, and Jirou looked confused.
"How can one man judge so many students for their potential? It seems illogical," Izuku remarked aloud, trying to make sense of it all.
The man handed business cards to the four students, smiling all the while. "Thank you for your time."
They bowed in return before quickly heading to their train. Just before leaving, the man called out to Izuku.
"Oh, and Midoriya, if you ever decide to join us, rest assured, Katsuki Bakugou will receive the adequate punishment he deserves."
This made the group stop, confusion spreading across their faces. Ochako was the first to speak up.
"Adequate punishment?" she asked, looking puzzled.
Izuku turned around, his expression blank. "What?"
"We've heard about what happened to you at Aldrea. You can rest assured we're actively working to find Kevin Levin," the man said with confidence.
Izuku's face softened from confusion to relief. "You... you are?"
The man nodded, his expression serious. "I shouldn't take any more of your time. Good day."
He turned and left without another word.
As the class boarded their train, Izuku couldn't help but smile, knowing his friend was being searched for. It brought him some comfort.
A few minutes later, as his train approached, Izuku suddenly felt his tie tugged down. He blinked in surprise as soft lips pressed against his cheek. His face instantly turned red. After a few seconds, the girl who had kissed him lowered back down, letting go of his tie.
He turned, still flustered, and saw that it was Jirou, who dashed off to her train without saying a word, leaving a blushing and thoroughly confused Izuku behind.
...
Here's a rewritten version of the scene with some adjustments to highlight the personalities and dynamics between Izuku and Itsuka:
Izuku stepped off the train alongside a few other passengers, yawning as he stretched. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a familiar figure: a girl with ginger hair, tilted eyes, and a U.A. uniform, sitting on a bench and typing away on her phone.
"Itsuka?" Izuku muttered to himself, then made his way toward her. Hearing footsteps approaching, Itsuka looked up from her phone, straightened up, and stood with a grin on her face.
"Hey, Izuku!" she said, giving a little twirl as she greeted him.
Izuku tilted his head in confusion. "Uhm... what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at your internship?"
"I'm headed there now," Kendo replied, her grin unwavering. "I'm just waiting for someone I'll be interning with."
Izuku raised an eyebrow. "Really? Who?"
Itsuka gave another playful spin. "Oh, you might know him. Green hair, green eyes, kind of a dork?"
Izuku's eyes widened as realization hit him. "Wait, you're going with Setsuna?! Cool!"
Kendo's smile faltered, and her expression turned into a mock-annoyed glare as she karate chopped him on the head. "No, you idiot. I'm going with you!"
Izuku rubbed his head in surprise, processing what she just said. "Wait... you're going to Miruko's agency too?!"
Itsuka grinned wide, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Yep. This entire week, I'll have you all to myself," she said with a cheeky wink, her tone a mix of playfulness and teasing.
Izuku froze for a second, his face flushing as he processed the words. Itsuka's expression faltered as she realized how that might have come across. "Aah! I-I didn't mean it like that!" she stammered, her face turning red. "I just meant we're gonna be training together, okay?! Nothing weird."
Izuku chuckled awkwardly, holding up his hands. "Yeah, I got it. No worries."
Izuku chuckled, his awkwardness easing a bit. The two began walking toward Miruko's agency, the conversation taking a more casual tone. However, Izuku seemed a bit fidgety, clearly distracted by something.
"Hey, uhm..." Izuku started, his voice trailing off as he tried to find the right words. "I just wanted to apologize."
Itsuka glanced over at him. "For what?"
Izuku blushed slightly, feeling nervous as he fumbled for words. "I planned our date and... I even asked you out, but I didn't follow through."
Itsuka blinked, clearly surprised. She took a moment before answering, her voice softening. "Oh, no, it's okay. I know you've had a lot going on. I can't even imagine how much you're juggling."
Izuku sighed in relief, but then he looked at her hopefully. "Maybe... after our internships?" His voice trembled a little as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck.
Itsuka smiled and turned her head away, trying to hide her own flustered expression. "If you're up for it... I don't want to make you do anything you're uncomfortable with."
Izuku quickly nodded, now visibly calmer. "I won't be. It should be fun-less aliens, more just... us being friends." He gave a nervous smile, but then quickly panicked. "I-I mean, I don't just want to be friends, I-I just meant we could hang out, like... friends! Please don't misunderstand!"
Itsuka burst out laughing, unable to keep her composure. "Pfft! Oh my god, you're such a dork."
Izuku looked at her, bewildered. "Huh?"
"I missed this," Itsuka giggled, playfully nudging him. "The flustered doofus I know and love."
Izuku's face turned bright red. "I-I'm not a doofus! That's mean!"
"Aww, come on, you're adorable like this." Itsuka grinned, thoroughly enjoying herself.
Izuku tried to keep a straight face, but his embarrassment was clear. As they continued walking, the conversation shifted, and soon enough, they arrived at the building that housed Miruko's agency. The unassuming structure seemed far from what Izuku and Itsuka expected for a top pro hero.
"For a top pro, this is not what I expected," Itsuka remarked, eyeing the hotel-like building in front of them with a raised eyebrow.
Izuku nodded, glancing at the building with the same sense of surprise. "Yeah, I thought she'd have something that screamed, 'I'm a top pro hero, don't mess with me!'" He mimicked a tough-guy stance, making a comical impression of Miruko that made Itsuka snort.
"Pfft! Ahem. Well, to be fair," Itsuka continued, her expression shifting back to a more thoughtful one, "she's not about the spotlight. Miruko's all about the action, not the fame."
Izuku nodded in agreement. "I guess you're right. She's all about helping people, not being in the limelight. Kind of like us, huh?"
"Exactly," Itsuka said with a smile. "That's what makes her such a good hero."
Izuku's thoughts shifted as he remembered something. "Hm... Come to think of it, Miruko rarely does interviews. I think she once bolted out of one to chase down a villain miles away."
Itsuka chuckled. "Sounds like her. She doesn't care for the attention, just the job."
"Exactly," Izuku said, a small grin spreading across his face. "Well, let's head in!"
With that, Itsuka pumped her fist in the air excitedly. "Yeah! Let's do this!"
Izuku mirrored her motion, shouting, "Yeah!" as he grabbed the door handle.
The two of them confidently walked up to the door. Izuku turned the handle and, with a sense of enthusiasm, he called out, "Hello, Miss Miruko! We're here for the internship!"
...
Momo slowed her pace as she approached the Fat Gum Agency, taking in the sight of the impressive building in front of her. The structure stood proudly between two others, its rounded roof and bold design immediately drawing attention.
The main facade of the building was designed to resemble the hero himself, Fat Gum. The upper section of the building featured a black area symbolizing his signature mask, with two large round windows that mimicked his eyes. Below, a row of windows was carefully placed to form a grin, a feature easily recognizable by the public. At the base of the facade, the initials of Fat Gum's alias-an F and an inverted F-flanked the entrance, with a large "G" surrounding the door. Right between the initials, the words "Fat Gum" were displayed proudly, making the building unmistakable.
On the left side, a decorative element caught her attention-a detailed design of Fat Gum's arm holding a takoyaki ball, a playful and distinctive touch.
Momo paused for a moment, inhaling deeply, feeling the excitement welling up inside her. With a confident smile, she stepped forward and entered the building. Inside, the lobby was cozy and inviting, with a large reception desk where a cheerful, round woman was typing away at her laptop.
"Hello," Momo greeted, causing the receptionist to glance up. The woman's face brightened with recognition.
"Momo Yaoyorozu, we've been expecting you!" she said, standing up from her desk with a smile. "I'm Shinohara Madoka, the receptionist here. Let me get you set up." She handed Momo a badge and gestured toward the elevator. "You should head up to Fat Gum's office now. He's expecting you."
Momo couldn't help but smile at Shinohara's warm and welcoming attitude-it was impossible not to feel energized by her enthusiasm. As she accepted the badge, Momo bowed slightly. "Thank you so much!"
"Of course! We're happy to have you here, Yaoyorozu! Enjoy your time with us!" Shinohara called as Momo headed toward the elevator.
With a determined smile, Momo stepped inside, the doors closing behind her as she prepared for the next phase of her internship.
...
Kyouka couldn't help but think, 'They really go all in on the ninja aesthetic, huh?' as she made her way toward the elevator.
Kyouka Jirou stepped into the elevator, her nerves a mixture of excitement and unease. She was headed to the top floor of Edgeshot's agency, and the anticipation weighed heavily on her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts as the elevator made its ascent.
The doors slid open, and Kyouka stepped out, immediately taken by the traditional Japanese dojo ambiance. The room was silent, save for the faint rustle of movement in the corners. Tatami mats lined the floor, and wooden pillars and panel doors adorned the space, giving it an almost serene, martial atmosphere.
Her gaze lingered on one peculiar painting that stood out amidst the calm setting-a wizard holding a talisman around his neck, inscribed with markings Kyouka couldn't immediately decipher. She leaned in closer to inspect the inscription: Charms of Bezel.
Before she could ponder its meaning, a sudden rustling noise broke the silence, sending her nerves into overdrive. She focused on her surroundings, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. Suddenly, a kunai shot toward her. With a gasp, she barely managed to stumble backward, feeling the sharp tip graze her cheek as she fell to the ground with an "Ow!"
A voice spoke from behind her, calm and authoritative. "It seems you have more to learn than I thought."
Kyouka's heart skipped a beat. She turned around just in time to see a kunai aimed at her neck. Her wide eyes locked onto the figure before her-a man dressed in the traditional garb of a ninja. He was slightly shorter than Kirishima, maybe just as tall as Kaminari, with sharp, grey hair that framed his face in three spiked points, hiding one of his dark grey eyes.
A mask covered the lower half of his face, adding an air of mystery to his presence. His costume was a blend of red shinobi shozoku and a blue robe, with a thin cloth covering his arms and tucked into white forearm sleeves.
Red straps adorned his belt and robe, and his signature red scarf with a white patch hung loosely at the front. His yellow Zori sandals completed the ensemble, giving him a striking, almost mythical appearance.
"Welcome, Kyouka Jirou," the man said, his voice calm and collected. "I have been waiting for you."
...
"So this is the place, right?" Itsuka asked, stepping into the hotel.
"Uh-huh," Izuku said, pulling out his phone to confirm.
"Maybe she's on the upper floors?" Itsuka suggested, eyeing the building before noticing the absence of an elevator. Izuku spotted a staircase.
"Guess we're taking the stairs," Izuku said, and Itsuka groaned in response. The two started ascending, making their way to the third floor. As they looked around, Izuku's danger sense spiked. Reacting instantly, he activated Full Cowl and leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding a powerful flying kick. He looked up and saw Miruko crouched, her grin wide and challenging.
Itsuka stared, wide-eyed, as Izuku dodged the unexpected attack.
"Didn't see that one coming, huh?" Miruko smirked, her voice brimming with energy. "Guess you've got some decent reflexes."
Kendo was quick to sense the danger too. She turned to face Miruko, who still wore that confident grin.
"You're not fast enough, but we'll work on that," Miruko teased, shifting her focus to Itsuka. Without warning, she launched herself at her.
Miruko's movements were a blur, the force behind her leap making the air vibrate as she closed the distance. She aimed a powerful, spinning kick directly at Itsuka's chest. Itsuka tried to block, crossing her arms in an X to absorb the blow, but the impact was like being hit by a battering ram. The force sent her skidding backward, her arms trembling under the weight of the kick. The blow felt like it had punched the air from her lungs.
"Guess I'm holding back a bit," Miruko said, spinning mid-air and sending an axe kick downwards. Itsuka barely managed to react, but the weight of Miruko's leg caught her off guard. The speed and mass behind the kick forced Itsuka to grab it out of sheer desperation, her muscles straining with the effort as Miruko's leg cracked like thunder through the air. Miruko's kick sent vibrations straight through Itsuka's entire body, but she gritted her teeth and tossed Miruko aside, her legs burning from the effort.
Miruko landed effortlessly, twisting her body in a backflip to land on her feet. She looked almost playful, grinning like she hadn't just unleashed a storm of raw power.
Itsuka, panting heavily, rubbed her sore arms. "Those kicks... they feel like getting hit by a truck. And she was holding back?!"
Miruko winked, flipping her hair casually. "Well, you didn't completely crumble. Not bad. Had to make sure you could take a hit before I start interning with you." She then turned her attention to Izuku, her grin sharpening. "And you? Dodging my attack? That's rare. Most people don't even react fast enough."
Izuku smiled sheepishly. "Thanks. My instincts kind of kick in when I sense danger."
Miruko's grin widened, a dangerous twinkle in her eyes. "I like that. No hesitation, no second-guessing. You're quick on the uptake."
"This is just temporary digs," Miruko added, her tone casual. "No proper agency yet."
Izuku, caught up in his excitement, blurted out, "Right! You're a new breed of hero, hopping around all of Japan without a set jurisdiction!"
Itsuka nodded eagerly. "It's rare to see Miruko in action. She doesn't use sidekicks, so being around her is a real treat!"
Miruko clapped her hands together, giving them a thumbs-up. "You two are alright, huh? Good job keeping up. That was a solid intro!"
...
Itsuka and Izuku enthusiastically got in Miruko's face.
"So we get to help you with hero stuff during the week?!" Izuku asked, his voice full of excitement.
Itsuka nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah, I'm sure you have dozens of cases lined up, ready for us to solve!"
Miruko grinned, enjoying their enthusiasm before glancing at Izuku. She raised an eyebrow and started to circle him, eyeing him up and down with a thoughtful expression. Izuku looked at her in confusion, not sure what she was thinking.
""Hm," Miruko said, tapping her chin. "Are you sure you're the same wimpy kid I met last year?" Her voice was teasing, but there was an edge to it.
Izuku tilted his head in confusion, clearly thrown off. "What do you mean?"
Miruko raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corner of her lips. "For starters, you're not shaking like a scared bunny anymore. You're not stuttering, either. And you're carrying yourself with a little more confidence. Not bad."
Itsuka blinked in surprise, her eyes widening slightly. She hadn't really thought about it before, but now that Miruko pointed it out, she realized just how much Izuku had changed. Even Izuku was surprised, considering he still had moments of nervousness and self-doubt.
"I... I guess I've come a long way," Izuku said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
Itsuka's cheeks turned a soft pink as she thought back to when they first met. The kid who could barely stand up for himself, shaking with fear, was now confidently standing before the number 7 hero. She couldn't help but feel proud of how far Izuku had come.
Miruko let out a light chuckle, her posture relaxed but still predatory in a way. "Alright, alright. First things first-let's grab something to eat. You two look like you could use some fuel." She motioned for them to follow.
"O-Oh, right!" Izuku said, his voice still a little uncertain, but he was more at ease now. "Miruko, um, how come you offered us an internship? I mean, don't get me wrong, but... you don't like working with people, and you're one of the only top pro heroes who doesn't even have sidekicks."
Miruko's grin softened for a moment, her gaze sharp but oddly approving. "I respect strength," she said matter-of-factly, then grinned widely again. "And you two have it. The fact you both accepted me, even though I don't play by the rules, shows guts. Plus, you intrigue me. Not everyone gets under my skin like that." She turned her gaze on Izuku, her expression turning thoughtful, and then glanced at Itsuka, giving her a brief nod.
Izuku and Itsuka both stood a little taller at her words. The pride they felt was palpable, though a little nervous, considering Miruko's reputation.
Miruko let out a loud, carefree laugh. "And of course, the Hero Commission kinda twisted my arm into taking at least one intern this year." She said it so casually, it almost seemed like she didn't mind it, but the amusement in her eyes showed she wasn't exactly thrilled with the situation.
Izuku let out a chuckle of his own, a bit sheepish. "Well, that makes sense," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Alright, I can get Kendo's quirk-a mix of super strength and fist-enlarging," Miruko said, giving Itsuka an approving glance. Itsuka responded by demonstrating her quirk with a confident grin.
"But you? You've got me completely stumped," Miruko continued, her tone shifting to one of genuine curiosity. "First, you've got that Four Arms form-huge, muscular, and ready to throw down. Then, there's that form that shoots flames, and one with ice powers. And, let's not forget the other 16 forms, each with their own quirks." She leaned in closer.
"And to top it all off, you've got a secondary quirk with some crazy green electricity that boosts your strength and speed-without even transforming. Start talking, kid."
Izuku froze for a second. Miruko had clearly figured it out. She knows I'm Quirkless. He quickly composed himself and scratched the back of his neck, trying to think of how to explain it.
"Uh, well, my quirk... comes in two parts. One is the transformation, and the other is the body enhancer. The transformation lets me, uh, turn into different alien forms." Izuku hesitated, expecting Miruko to call him out on it, but her smirk only widened.
"Aliens?" Miruko repeated with raised eyebrows, her voice laced with amusement.
Itsuka immediately jumped in, flustered. "That's just what he calls them! It's... it's a bit weird, but it makes sense, okay?"
Miruko laughed, not missing a beat. "Alright, alright. Guess that's your thing. But you transform using that support item, right?" She pointed at the Omnitrix on Izuku's wrist, her gaze sharp and knowing.
Izuku nodded, relieved that she wasn't pushing the issue. "Yeah, I can transform into a total of 20 different forms now." He rubbed the back of his head nervously.
"20? I thought it was 19," Miruko said, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
Izuku slumped, a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I get new ones every so often. It's kind of unpredictable."
Miruko gave him an amused, half-smile. "You're a walking, talking surprise, kid." She leaned back, then continued, her voice softening with a more serious edge. "But the real kicker is your enhancer quirk. You said it boosts your body, right? Strength, speed-"
"Yeah," Izuku interrupted, "I can enhance my whole body, but I can only go up to 16%. If I push it higher than that, it becomes... a double-edged sword. My bones break."
Miruko clicked her tongue in thought. "The baggy clothes hide it, but I can tell you're stacked underneath." She grinned at him, impressed. "I saw it first-hand, actually. That quirk's got a major backlash, but it makes sense that it'd only appear once you could handle it. Not the first late bloomer I've seen," she added, her grin turning into something slightly more proud. "Still, good to see you've got a backbone now."
Izuku flushed a bit under her praise, still not used to receiving it. "Th-thanks, Miruko," he said, his voice shaky.
Miruko gave him a cheeky wink before straightening up. "Alright, now that we've got all that figured out... while you're here, there's a lot you'll learn. Since you chose my agency, I'm assuming you wanna improve those kicks of yours." She turned to Itsuka, her grin mischievous. "And you probably want to get stronger, right?"
Itsuka nodded with determination, a fire lighting in her eyes. "Absolutely."
Miruko's smirk grew wider as she looked between the two of them. "Good. I'll make sure you both get plenty of training-nothing easy, no shortcuts. If you're gonna be my interns, don't expect me to go easy on you. I don't do things half-assed."
Izuku and Itsuka exchanged excited glances, both eager to rise to the challenge.
...
Miruko started walking, and both Izuku and Itsuka followed closely behind. As they ascended a few flights of stairs, Izuku couldn't help but steal glances at Miruko's toned legs. He tried to distract himself, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the toned legs.
'Why am I even looking at that?!' He tried to distract himself, but his gaze kept drifting back to her athletic physique.
"Alright," Miruko said once they reached the top. "I don't run some big fancy agency. These are just my temporary digs, so don't expect anything flashy." She gestured to their surroundings before continuing. "You'll be spending your nights at the hotel. That's where you'll eat, sleep, and do all the boring stuff." She glanced at them over her shoulder. "Though, you'll be sharing a room."
Izuku froze mid-step, his eyes widening. "W-Wait, did you say room? Like... one room?"
Miruko stopped and turned to them, arching a brow. "Yeah, one room. Why?"
Both Izuku and Itsuka turned bright red, their eyes darting away from each other. "S-So... we're sharing a room?" Itsuka stammered, her voice cracking slightly.
Miruko let out a loud, sharp laugh, clearly amused. "What? Hell no! Are you kidding me?" She pointed at them with a sly grin. "You're teenagers, full of hormones and dumb ideas. You're probably bang one out first chance you get! Like hell I'm letting you share a room and risk you two doing something stupid."
Izuku's face felt like it was on fire, and Itsuka groaned, covering her face with her hands.
"You'll be sharing with me, Kendo," Miruko clarified with a shrug. "Figured that'd keep things under control."
"O-Oh," they both muttered in unison, awkwardly avoiding eye contact as their faces burned crimson.
Miruko smirked, clearly reveling in their embarrassment. "Anyway," she said, turning back to lead the way, "once we grab some food, we're heading out. I've got a few spots picked out to see what you're made of." She glanced over her shoulder with a wicked grin. "And if we're lucky, maybe some cocky-ass villains will show up and give us something to break."
...
"Sir, are you all right?!" Tenya Iida said, standing at attention, his body tense and ready to assist. "Do you require help?"
The old man chuckled to himself, wiping his hands on his pants. "Dropped my lunch, oopsie dazzy! Silly old me!"
Upon closer inspection, Tenya saw the old man was sitting in a puddle of ketchup and sausages, not blood and gore as he initially feared.
"Who are you?" The old man asked, seemingly confused.
"Tenya Iida, sir! You are Gran Torino, I presume?" Tenya asked, his back straight and posture as rigid as ever.
The man squinted, cocking his head. "Tentarou? Is that you?"
"No, sir! Tenya Iida!" Tenya replied, his brow furrowing. Was the man hard of hearing or just forgetful?
"I need to make a new lunch," Gran Torino muttered, ignoring Tenya as he scrambled to collect his food. He looked back up at the young hero. "Who are you again?"
Tenya paused, unsure of how to respond. Was this part of his training? Was the man truly senile? He fumbled for his phone, desperately searching for guidelines on how to handle an old teacher who might be losing his faculties.
Gran Torino wandered over to the case Tenya had brought along, inspecting it curiously. "Is this your costume, kid?"
Before Tenya could respond, the old man snatched the case with surprising agility and tossed it aside. "Put it on. Let's see if you can hit me."
Tenya blinked, now thoroughly bewildered. Surely, this man didn't expect him to spar in his school uniform. But before he could voice any concerns, Gran Torino's eyes glinted with mischief.
"Sir, I do not believe you should be-" Tenya started, his voice steady, trying to lecture the eccentric old man.
Then, in a flash, Gran Torino was upon him. A kick-faster than Tenya could process-landed square in his chest, knocking the wind out of him. His body slammed into the hallway wall with a crash, and he tumbled to the floor, gasping for air.
"Damn, for a kid whose family name Iida is as famous as Ingenuim's, you're painfully stiff," Gran Torino sneered, his voice dripping with disappointment as he stood over the wheezing Tenya.
Tenya struggled to regain his breath, his lungs burning as he tried to push himself up, but Gran Torino was already moving again. The old man's speed was unreal, almost like he wasn't moving at all but had simply appeared in front of him.
"It's been a while since I sparred with Tentarou's boys," Gran Torino chuckled, cracking his knuckles. "Hope you've got the same drive and determination they did."
Before Tenya could even raise his guard, the old man was a blur. Gran Torino's leg whipped out, a strike too fast for Tenya's mind to comprehend. The next thing he knew, a sharp pain exploded in his face, and the world spun. He hit the floor again, his head ringing.
Gran Torino stood over him, his eyes narrowing in a playful yet dangerous glint. "Come on, kid. Show me what you've got."
Tenya blinked rapidly, his vision clearing as he realized the man had referred to his grandfather, Tentarou Iida, one of the greatest heroes in his family's legacy. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Gran Torino had expected him to be like his grandfather-fast, sharp, determined.
"Ah, I see," Tenya stammered, trying to steady himself. "You were trying to get me to-"
WHAM
Gran Torino's foot connected with his face, sending him sprawling back to the floor in an instant.
...
[Centre of Tokyo Japan: Best Jeanist Agency]
lSure! Here's a rewritten version that keeps Tsunagu's Best Jeanist personality intact and adds more depth to the interaction:
Bakugou's fists were clenched, and his sharp gaze burned with anger.
"What..." He gritted his teeth. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
A man, impeccably dressed and exuding an air of elegance, stood before him. His hands moved gracefully, manipulating the threads that bound Bakugou, as if weaving some intricate fabric.
"Perfectly honest with you," the man spoke, his tone smooth, but firm. "I don't like you very much."
Bakugou's eyes narrowed. "Huh?"
"I know exactly why you chose my agency. It's because I'm one of the most popular pro heroes, isn't it?" The man continued, his voice carrying an edge of disdain.
"Hey! You're the one who offered me the spot!" Bakugou snapped back, his frustration mounting.
"Yes, yes, I did," the man, Best Jeanist, said, flicking a lock of his perfectly styled hair. "And I'm sure you expected me to teach you how to improve your strength, perhaps refine your quirk, maybe turn you into some kind of prodigy."
Bakugou scowled but didn't respond, his eyes flashing with impatience.
"But," Jeanist's eyes gleamed, "That's not why you're here, is it?"
Bakugou's anger flared. "Then let me go, you damn jeanist freak! I don't have time to sit here listening to some lecture!"
Best Jeanist paid no mind to the outburst, his expression remaining composed. "Recently, I've had the pleasure of working with disciplined individuals. But when I watched your performance in the Sports Festival... your arrogance, your brutality... I knew I was going to have to handle you personally." He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air before adding, "Your fight with Midoriya was the final straw. It disgusted me."
Bakugou's eyes flared with disbelief and fury. "What the hell are you talking about? That damn nerd won!"
Jeanist calmly replayed a video clip of the fight, showing Bakugou relentlessly blasting Midoriya with explosions, his face twisted with anger, his words incomprehensible but clearly venomous.
"The way you relished in inflicting pain on him," Jeanist continued, his tone unwavering. "The sense of entitlement you carry, thinking you can crush anyone in your path, it was all laid bare for me to see. And I couldn't turn a blind eye to it."
Bakugou's gaze was filled with contempt. "Tch. You don't know anything about me."
"But your true character was revealed with Midoriya," Jeanist said, his voice smooth as silk. He adjusted the threads he was manipulating with a delicate hand, his eyes fixed on Bakugou. "I took the liberty of reviewing his file-curiosity got the better of me. Turns out, you both attended the same school. At first glance, you might appear as rivals, but upon closer inspection, it's quite the opposite."
Bakugou scoffed, his glare intensifying, but Jeanist held his gaze, unflinching.
"You see, Bakugou," Jeanist continued, his tone almost poetic, "A rivalry is built on mutual respect and competition, but what you had with Midoriya was far from that. It was more a show of dominance on your part, a thread that twisted its way through your every interaction with him. You used him to validate your own ego. Pathetic. You should be ashamed of yourself. The fact you're standing in a hero school is appalling."
The pro hero took a step forward, his gaze unwavering. " You're someone who thinks they're above everyone else. That arrogance is your greatest flaw. And I'm here to correct that flaw."
Bakugou's fury only intensified. "Who the hell do you think you are?!"
Jeanist didn't flinch. "I'm Best Jeanist. And I've seen your potential. You have remarkable control over your quirk, Bakugou. It's nothing short of impressive. You could be a powerful combatant, no doubt. But a hero?" Jeanist's voice grew colder. "You don't yet have what it takes to be one."
Bakugou's glare turned venomous. "What the hell are you talking about? I'm stronger than anyone! I'm gonna be the best hero there is!"
Jeanist sighed, brushing a loose strand of hair back into place. "It's not just about power, Bakugou. Your belief that you are the best-that's your biggest limitation. You think the world revolves around you. And when someone dares to challenge that perception, you lash out. Like when you fought Sero. It wasn't about proving your strength-it was about proving your pride."
Bakugou's body tensed, but Jeanist pressed on. "And when Midoriya defeated you... it shook you, didn't it? For the first time, someone who you dismissed as 'Deku' put you in your place. Your pride has cracked, and now, you're starting to realize you're not the invincible hero you thought you were."
Bakugou snarled, veins bulging as his fury reached its peak. His fists trembled in the bindings.
"Since your pride is so fragile right now, it's my responsibility to teach you how to become a true pro," Jeanist said calmly, his fingers weaving the threads with precision. "How you speak, how you carry yourself, how to control those wild emotions-especially that unchecked rage. With the way you are now, you could lash out at your classmates just to prove you're the strongest, all to satisfy that fragile ego of yours. No, I won't allow that."
He leaned in slightly, his gaze sharp. "I will show you what it means to be a hero-the kind of hero people truly need, not the one you're trying to be now. The one you're straying so far from."
Bakugou's fists clenched, teeth grinding together as he seethed. Dammit, I came to the wrong hero! His mind raced, thoughts clouded by frustration as he remembered Kaminari's words about Miruko, that she was a battle-crazed heroine interning Dekum
'While that bastard gets stronger under someone like her, I'm stuck here, wasting my time with this... this jean-wearing freak!'
...
[Miruko agency]
The three of them entered the kitchen, and Izuku quickly took a seat while Itsuka followed suit. Both had removed their blazers, ready to settle in.
Miruko couldn't help but think to herself. I'm not sure they'll like this, but they're gonna need the fuel for the day. Guess they'll just have to suck it up and eat my terrible cooking.
She had prepared a simple rice bowl with light miso soup, the most basic dish she could manage. When it was done, she placed the meal on the table in front of her interns. Izuku and Itsuka sat down, both offering polite thanks.
"Thank you for the meal," they said in unison.
Miruko shot them a mischievous smirk. "Don't thank me yet. You haven't even tried it." She muttered under her breath.
Itsuka smiled as she set out her portion, and Izuku, though surprised, couldn't help but notice the calm demeanor Itsuka maintained. The first time he'd eaten All Might's food, he'd been fanboying for a week straight. But Itsuka? She was calm as a cucumber.
As Izuku took a bite, he chewed thoughtfully. "Mmm, this is pretty good," he said, looking up at her. Itsuka nodded in agreement, her smile widening as she continued to enjoy the meal.
Miruko was a little caught off guard but quickly masked it with a professional look.
She couldn't help but smile internally, pleased that they were actually enjoying it. She then flashed a smirk, taking on her usual confident stance.
"Alright, eat up. We've got a packed day ahead. While you're finishing up, let's go over a few things," she began. "Most people think being a hero is just about fighting villains, but it's a lot more than that. For most heroes, it's like being a civil servant-except it's commission-based. You get out what you put in."
"Wait," Itsuka interjected, looking up from her bowl. "So... we're not going to be doing much hero stuff? Like fighting villains and all that?"
Miruko arched a brow, then chuckled. "Oh, so you're eager to jump into the action, huh? Don't worry-we'll get there. First, we'll head out to a few training spots to see what you two can do in your costumes. Gotta know your strengths and weaknesses before anything else."
"Already?" Izuku and Itsuka said in unison, their eyes wide.
"Yeah, no time to waste," Miruko replied firmly. "But don't get your hopes up about villains. Ever since I got stationed here, the media's been all over the place, and villains avoid this area like the plague." She muttered under her breath, "Damn media."
"So... we probably won't be seeing any real villains?" Itsuka asked, her shoulders drooping slightly.
"Not likely," Miruko admitted with a shrug. "Top heroes like me scare them off. Crime rates in cities drop dramatically when a pro hero is around."
"That makes sense," Izuku chimed in. "The risk is just too high for most villains. Even if they somehow win, it'd just put a bigger target on their back."
Miruko's ears twitched at his comment, and she let out a sigh. "Exactly. It's one of the downsides of being on top. Back when I was still climbing the ranks, villains were everywhere, thinking they could take me out. It was fun proving them wrong. Now? They're too scared to even try. Gets boring sometimes."
Izuku nodded, understanding her frustration. Fighting a top pro hero wasn't just risky-it was practically a death sentence for most villains.
"Don't worry," Itsuka said with a grin. "With Izuku here, trouble's bound to find us eventually."
"Hey!" Izuku protested, his cheeks reddening. "I'm not a trouble magnet!"
Itsuka raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Really? Because every time you're involved, chaos seems to follow."
Miruko chuckled, clearly entertained by the banter. "Yeah, your homeroom teacher warned me about you. Told me to keep an eye on you, said you've got a knack for stirring things up."
Izuku groaned, glancing at Itsuka, who was biting her lip to keep from laughing. "Aw, man..."
"Alright, jokes aside," Miruko said, straightening up. "Hope you both enjoyed the meal because it's the last one I'll be making for you."
Both Izuku and Itsuka blinked in surprise. "Wait, what?" Itsuka asked.
"From here on out, you two are doing all the grunt work," Miruko said with a smirk. "That means cooking, buying ingredients, cleaning, washing clothes-the whole shebang. You'll figure out who does what between the two of you. Besides learning to be better heroes, you'll be my errand boy and girl."
Izuku and Itsuka exchanged a glance. Without a word, they nodded in agreement.
"Good," Miruko said, clearly impressed by their lack of complaints. "Now finish up. We've got a lot of work to do."
...
"To truly accomplish anything... one needs will. And conviction," Stain growled, his voice heavy with disdain.
The Hero Killer stood over Shigaraki, one blade buried in the man-child's shoulder, the other hovering dangerously close to his throat. The blackened steel shimmered faintly, its red edge radiating an oppressive heat.
"Those without it... the weak... they'll be weeded out," Stain continued, his voice low and venomous. "It's only natural."
Shigaraki grimaced, his lips curling in pain as he glared up at Stain. The Hero Killer's crimson-streaked armor gleamed ominously in the dim light, an unmistakable symbol of his relentless resolve.
"That's why you're about to die."
"Ow... that hurts. Too strong," Shigaraki whined, a petulant edge to his tone. "Kurogiri, get this guy off me."
Across the room, Kurogiri lay slumped against the bar, clutching a wound on his shoulder. His misty form flickered, unstable.
"I... I can't move," Kurogiri murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Could it be... the Hero Killer's Quirk?"
Stain ignored the comment, his focus unwavering. "This world has lost its meaning," he said, voice cold and deliberate. "It's plagued with false heroes who crave fame, and criminals who wield power without purpose." His eyes burned with intensity. "They should all be purged."
He pressed the blade closer to Shigaraki's neck. The weapon's edge brushed against the severed hand on Shigaraki's face, and his opponent's eyes widened in sudden alarm.
"Not... that one," Shigaraki growled, his tone shifting to deadly seriousness.
Stain's eyes narrowed in confusion, but before he could act, Shigaraki's hand shot up and gripped the blade. Blood seeped between his fingers as his Quirk activated. The metal corroded and crumbled under his touch, its decay spreading rapidly.
"I'll kill you," Shigaraki whispered, his voice trembling with restrained rage.
The blade shattered into dust.
"You sure talk a lot," Shigaraki sneered, his lips curling into a deranged grin. "Conviction? I don't need some lofty ideal like that."
Stain's gaze remained cold, unflinching.
"My reason for acting?" Shigaraki continued, his voice dripping with malice. "All Might... and that damn Izuku Midoriya." He spat the names like poison. "This world worships them, revolves around them, and I hate it. I'll destroy everything they stand for."
His hands trembled with anticipation, blood trailing down his wrists. "Midoriya wants to uphold this rotten system? I'll kill him. He wants to be the next Symbol of Peace? I'll crush him!"
Shigaraki's laughter erupted, sharp and manic, filling the room. "I don't need your ideals, Stain. I just want to destroy everything."
Stain leapt back as Shigaraki swiped at him, his decaying fingers narrowly missing their mark. Landing in a crouch, Stain held his remaining blade at the ready.
"So, that's who you are," Stain said, his voice steady, his smirk cold and knowing.
"Huh?" Shigaraki paused, his scratching slowing.
"We have different goals," Stain continued, eyes piercing. "Your chaos, my cleansing-they clash. But in one thing, we're the same." Rising to his full height, Stain's voice turned resolute. "This society must fall."
...
Shigaraki growled, his voice low and venomous. "Stop messing around... Just go home and die already. I'm the type of guy you hate the most, right?"
"Hmph." Stain sheathed his blade, his posture calm but his eyes as sharp as daggers. "I was testing your motives. People reveal their true selves on the verge of death." He crossed his arms, his tone unyielding.
"While I detest senseless violence, you do have a 'desire.' That desire is the seed of conviction. But will it grow or wither? That remains to be seen. For now, it may be worth letting you live... if only to observe."
"Heh, heh, heh..." A distorted voice crackled from the monitor. "It seems Midoriya Izuku has stirred something within you, Shigaraki."
Shigaraki scowled, glaring at the screen. "What do you want?"
The grainy silhouette of a man leaned closer, his tone laced with intrigue. "Apologies for the interruption, Hero Killer, but my curiosity has been piqued. Tell me, Stain-where were you these past two weeks? When you returned, your strength and speed had noticeably increased. You've slaughtered no fewer than forty heroes since then. Quite impressive."
Stain's expression darkened. "It's not as you think. I was ambushed... by a group calling themselves the Forever Knights."
"The Forever Knights?" Shigaraki halted his incessant scratching, tilting his head. "They sound like a bunch of nobodies."
"Don't be so dismissive, Shigaraki," Kurogiri interjected. "If they've enhanced Stain's abilities, they may pose a significant threat."
The voice from the monitor spoke again, thoughtful. "Forever Knights, you say? Doctor, doesn't that name sound familiar?"
Another voice, gravelly and amused, joined the conversation. "Ah, yes. The Forever Knights. They once valued my expertise-until they learned I was researching ways to counteract the Quirk Singularity. They exiled me."
Stain clenched his fist, his tone laced with rage. "They captured me, claiming my conviction aligned with theirs. But they deemed me too weak to fulfill my goals. So they tore me apart, again and again, breaking my body down only to rebuild it stronger."
The air grew heavy, the tension palpable.
"They subjected me to unimaginable torment," Stain continued, his voice brimming with fury. "But now... I'm faster, sharper, my body reforged. They've given me the means to carry out my mission." He unsheathed his blade, the steel glinting in the dim light. "With this power, I'll cleanse the world of false heroes. My blade will be baptized in their blood!"
The monitor flickered and then went dark, leaving only the black reflection of the screen.
On the other side, a shadowed figure leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled in thought. He turned to an elderly man seated beside him, the latter's portly frame framed by a bushy mustache.
"What do you think of this, Doctor?"
The doctor smirked, his eyes glinting with malevolent curiosity. "The Forever Knights may have been more thorough than I anticipated. This... could prove very interesting."
After a moment of silence, the video feed from the League of Villains' hideout continued playing, though the Doctor abruptly cut the outgoing communication.
All For One's tone dripped with malice as he questioned, "Doctor Garaki, is there a reason you severed the connection?"
Garaki adjusted his glasses, his expression serious. "The line was one-way, my lord. We can still hear everything they say. But I have concerns... about Shigaraki."
"Oh?" All For One leaned forward slightly, resting his arm to support himself. "Speak."
The Doctor hesitated before continuing. "You've pursued One For All for nearly nine generations, and we now know that Midoriya possesses it. Yet you allow Shigaraki to pursue his own vendetta against the boy. Why not rein him in? One For All is vital, but so is the Omnitrix. Allowing Shigaraki to kill Midoriya risks losing both. Such recklessness cannot be allowed, even to appease the boy's bloodlust."
All For One's deep chuckle resonated through the dimly lit room. "At Shigaraki's current level, his chances of killing Midoriya are laughable."
Garaki, recalling the boy's remarkable performance at the Sports Festival, nodded reluctantly. "That's true."
All For One continued, his tone calm yet sinister. "Once Shigaraki inherits my power and casts aside his mental shackles, his strength will surpass even my expectations. But even then, his desire to claim One For All will consume him. Killing Midoriya outright? Highly unlikely."
"I see your point," Garaki murmured as he typed something into his console. A question lingered in his mind. "But what of the Omnitrix?"
All For One's voice darkened. "For generations, I've devoted my life to understanding how to steal One For All. If it were just that, my plan would be simple: weaken the boy's will. Shigaraki's hatred will grow, his bloodlust sharpening with every failed attempt to kill Midoriya. In time, the boy's spirit will falter under the weight of isolation and despair."
The villain's amusement returned briefly before his voice turned cold and dangerous. "But the Omnitrix... That changes everything. Such vast power in the hands of a foolish child... The thought sickens me." His tone carried an edge of contempt, his expression twisted into what could only be described as a scowl.
Garaki nodded solemnly, recognizing the gravity of the situation. "The Omnitrix is indeed a threat... or an opportunity, in the right hands."
"The device on his wrist is undeniably powerful," All For One spat, his voice laced with disdain, "but it is also bound to him in ways we do not yet understand. No ordinary means can remove it-certainly not ours. It clings to that foolish child as if mocking us."
Garaki adjusted his glasses, his curiosity piqued despite the frustration in his master's tone. "Then... could we not simply sever the boy's arm?"
All For One chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "Do you truly believe a device as advanced as the Omnitrix would lack protections against something so crude? The creators would not be so foolish as to leave it vulnerable to such an obvious tactic."
Realizing the futility of his initial suggestion, Garaki frowned but proposed another idea. "Then perhaps we convince the boy to surrender it willingly?"
All For One scoffed, his tone laced with disdain. "The boy is nothing more than a novice with that device, fumbling through its power without any real control."
"Even if we were to subject his loved ones to unspeakable torment, it would accomplish nothing. He lacks the knowledge, let alone the ability, to remove it."
Garaki sighed, clearly frustrated. His fascination with the Omnitrix grew, and he longed to examine it. "Then it seems we're at an impasse."
"Who knows," All For One mused, his voice dripping with a cold amusement, "perhaps I'll use him as a... vessel, instead of Shigaraki." A twisted chuckle escaped his lips, echoing through the room, but it quickly died down.
The villain's demeanor shifted, and he fell into a chilling silence. He made a soft, almost thoughtful
"Hm,"
The sound carrying a menacing weight. Garaki, sensing the dark intent in his master's words, couldn't hide the flicker of concern that crossed his face.
"Master?"
All For One's lips curled into a chilling smile, never faltering. "Oh, come now, Doctor," All For One said with a mocking chuckle, his tone light but his intent far from innocent. "Even I am allowed a jest now and then."
Garaki forced a small, nervous smile as All For One's expression turned contemplative.
"Still," All For One continued, "the Omnitrix and One For All together present a puzzle even I find... stimulating. For now, we'll observe the boy's progress. You know the saying: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
The smile never left his scarred face as he shifted topics. "Speaking of which, Doctor... Have you found the Quirk we discussed?"
Garaki perked up at the question, eagerly responding, "Yes, master. I've located the man. His name is Raye Iwamatsu, a detective residing in the Yamagata Prefecture. He has a wife, two children, and a third on the way. His Quirk matches exactly what we're looking for."
"Mhm. Excellent." All For One's smile widened ever so slightly. "Then we'll wait for the right opportunity to take it ourselves... or perhaps we'll create one."
His gaze shifted to the monitor where Shigaraki and Stain conversed, their tension palpable even through the screen.
"Yes," he murmured, more to himself than Garaki, "we'll create one." He said.
...
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