'Drip. Drip. Drip.' The sound of rain echoed throughout my ears. From where I was, I could even feel it hitting my body over and over again. The water from the sky would normally feel good. But not with my various injuries that gave me a burning sensation every time a raindrop hit me. Though that was to be expected. Because I had lost. In my pursuit of taking everything into the palm of my hand, my fingers had been crushed by the person who had sworn to defeat me. And there was nothing that I could do but lie on the ground as 'he' stood above me. I had wanted nothing to do with him. Not after how things ended in an undesirable way between us.

'Blink. Blink.' Even still I could not resist the urge to open my eyes. I was then welcomed to the sight of 'him.' How many times have I seen this visceral sight before? It wasn't even real. Just a recurring 'dream' I've been having once in a blue moon. But each time I have this 'dream' it always ends the same way. With 'him' being victorious and raising his right arm into the sky. At the same time, the rain stops, and behind the dark black clouds, the sun emerges, casting a ray of light onto 'him.' That's right…

… This is how the battle between me, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji and Izuku Midoriya always seems to conclude. However, it is nothing more than a 'dream' or to put it more accurately a nightmare. I've had this same nightmare ever since I gained the All For One Quirk when I was a child by the Doctor. Though why is that? I assumed that this might have been the inevitable future shown to me when I had the Foresight Quirk under my possession. Though I no longer have it, and yet, that same nightmare persists. But like all dreams, they always end very suddenly without any warning whatsoever.

'Blink… Blink.' This time I opened my real eyes and awakened for real. But my surroundings were completely different than what I had become accustomed too. That's only natural because I'm not resting in Kanji Ike's dorm nor in my father's personal room. I'm not even on a bed. So, the question then becomes where am I? That's easy enough to answer. I'm currently residing in the secret hideout where me and Garaki had set up our base of operations all those months ago. Though there is no longer any need to stay at the bottom of a cave. Not when ANHS is in the palm of my hand.

Except that's wrong too. There is currently no other place I can 'survive' outside of this laboratory. Nor do I have any bed that I can rest upon. And that is because I no longer have a 'body.' I'm not speaking metaphorically but quite literally. My body had been torn to shreds when Homelander threw me tint the engine of a plane. Only my 'head' had survived because America's most powerful 'superhero' had punched it off when he shot me into the sky. There was nothing that my Regeneration Quirk could compensate for since it had been overused to the point that the speed of which I'm healing from Homelander's assault had been dramatically reduced.

However, that's to be expected. He had killed me over and over. Eradicating my body many times in the process. My Regeneration Quirk had been pushed to its absolute limits and my disembodied head can only survive within one of the testing chambers reserved for the Nomu. Only in that container of extraneous liquid can I regain my body without anyone else noticing. If my 'allies' were to notice, then at best they would impede my progress by taking back what I have lost. And at worst…

… They might decide to kill me. I cannot defend myself in my current state whatsoever. The only reason I was able to get here in the first place was due to one of the Doctor's Nomu rescuing my head amidst the chaos of Decay annihilating Homelander's head. You could say what transpired was 'an eye for an eye' or more accurately 'a head for a head.' But she did not do it for me. Decay wanted to kill Homelander for herself plain and simple. She had no desire to seek revenge for anyone but herself. Though that has always been the case even when she used to be 'Kei Karuizawa.'

Either way, if she were to find me in this unfortunate state, she would surely finish the job and take control of the League of Villains as well as the Nomu factory. One can only imagine what deplorable events would then be in store for the future of this world. That is an outcome that I MUST prevent at all costs. But I can't kill Decay. She has grown to powerful now that she has the Overhaul Quirk. Any and all attempts to stop her would be rendered moot with the destructive powers literally at her fingertips. I don't even think the Nomu army can stop her now even if they were to attack her all at once. And right now, I'm the equivalent of a coughing infant while she's a hydrogen bomb just waiting for an excuse to go off.

I can't even be sure that any of my allies would even help me. Tsukishiro surely is suspecting me of murdering my father after the stunt Ichinose pulled off back in the forest. I had not been able to observe the events that which transpired but considering that Decay was still in breathing then Ichinose is most likely dead. And in death her body would have reverted back to her own body. It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to pick up the pieces and realize what had truly gone on behind closed doors after that. So, the moment Tsukishiro discovers me then he will probably try to kill me too.

On the other hand, Kushida is incredibly easy to manipulate. She has no reason to betray me. This is because I've been able to keep her on a leash due to her overwhelming hatred for Suzune Horikita. But she's not exactly trustworthy either. She's a stupid teenage girl who can't seem to let go of her pettiness. Though that works in my favor. That leaves the only person that I can trust being the one that had not been accounted for up to this point. 'He' and I have the same agenda so his allegiance to me is guaranteed to last even now. But even with his nigh infinite doubles through the use of the Double Quirk, could he really be enough to stop the others? I doubt it. That's why I must remain here for the time being. Speaking of time…

'… How much longer must I remain here, Doctor?' I thought internally as he knew exactly what I had been thinking considering that we shared the same body, or more accurately the same head. His response was a cackling laugh that may have sent a shiver down my spine if I still possessed one. And then…

'Fascinating! To think that the Decay Quirk could have reverted into its original state that being Overhaul! I had never seen such a scenario present itself before! Though considering how unstable the Regeneration Quirk was and its healing properties being similar to that of Overhaul, it combining with Decay was never not a possibility given its initial form! Though the chances of them both merging were three thousand seven hundred and twenty to one! And yet the Quirks fusing together still occurred! How truly exhilarating this is! WHAHAHAHAHA!' Garaki thought internally as he could not be concerned with the events happening right now. And instead chose to geek out over how monumental it was that a Quirk fusion occurred. But of course, Ayanokoji found no merit in this thought process.

'Doctor, shouldn't you be dealing with more pressing matters?' Kiyhotaka asked internally incurring a scoff from the other person inside of him.

'You do realize the current predicament we have 'both' found ourselves in? There isn't nothing that we can do but wait for our body to heal for its wounds. And that's exactly why our little friend is helping us right now.' Garaki replied as Kiyotaka had no idea what the former was talking about. But since the Doctor had the ability to read Ayanokoji's thoughts since they shared the same body, the reverse was also true. Kiyotaka then closed his eyes while reading Garaki's thoughts and discovered who exactly he meant by 'little friend.' And then…

'… Ah!' Kiyotaka internally gasped as he awoke in the body belonging to another person! But what he discovered was akin to a human being! He tried feeling around only to find something metallic covering his face. He then realized whatever he is, he isn't human but something else entirely. And that was all according to the Doctor's calculations.

'This is precisely what I was referring to. Long before you even fought Homelander, I had prepared for the scenario in which he made you overwork the Regeneration Quirk! I had this spare body as a backup in the event that your original body can no longer be of use. By doing so I placed your DNA within one of my Nomu with a 'Human Esque' appearance. Though that can only be said for its shape. It's true face is the same as that of any of my beautiful creations. And since we are linked this body is ours for the taking!' Garaki explained as he too was with Kiyotaka in his new body. Ayanokoji was completely taken aback by this discovery that might as well have been earth shattering. Though he knew that there was a price to be paid for all of this.

'Then… that means I do not possess the AFO Quirk within this body.' Kiyotaka thought internally while taking in his surroundings which were the interior of a rundown bar. Why the Doctor had chosen this place for him to awaken in was beyond his understanding. Not to mention that some of his 'tools' were here as well. And even Homelander's corpse was here too. This must have also been part of Kyudai Garaki's grand scheme. And as for that diabolical madman he replied with a 'That's right.' Which answered Ayanokoji's worst fears.

Kiyotaka then clicked his new tongue that he couldn't even see. He might have been in the body belonging to that of a Nomu. But even though this body was most likely better than his old one in terms of physical power and sheer speed, it severely lacked the arsenal of Quirks he had before. Without the use of AFO the chances of defeating Decay or even Izuku Midoriya in a one-on-one fight right now are impossible. His plans could not progress until his original body is completely healed. But when will that be? Ayanokoji didn't' have the answer to that question but Garaki did.

'We're only halfway through January now more or less. The time until our body is healed of all of its injuries would take a month and a half bare minimum. Sometime during March. But if I were to guess the exact date that our body will be fully functional again… that would be… the eighth of March. That's when all of our plans will come to fruition at last.' Garaki declared internally with a haughty laugh as he was completely sure of himself. But if there's one thing that Kiyotaka did not agree with Garaki on, that was his delusion that their body belonged to them both.

'Even if you created this body… this is 'mine.' The same could be said for my head currently undergoing its own transformation into that of its original form. That body will always belong to me, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, and now this body is also mine. You, Doctor Kyudai Garaki, are just along for the ride. Never forget that.' Kiyotaka declared internally as he wanted to make his dominance over the Doctor clear once more. But Garaki had no reason to object to his protégé's claims.

'I wouldn't have it any other way. Everything that I had given you was all so that you achieved your 'dreams.' And since we want the same thing, my 'dreams' will come true too. Isn't the pursuit of happiness all about obtaining your 'dreams' in the end? I may not like to consider myself among the feeble mankind, but if we do have one thing in common as a collective species then that would be that we all have 'dreams' that we want to see happen no matter what.' Garaki explained as his words resonated with Ayanokoji. He didn't agree with the Doctor on everything, nor did he have any desire to be used as a puppet in the century spanning battle between the users of OFA and AFO. But even still…

'I agree… we all have dreams… dreams that are shaped by our memories.' Kiyotaka replied as he understood what Garaki was trying to say and wholeheartedly agreed with him. This is only natural. Because Ayanokoji has always believed that dreams are the cornerstone of what makes people who they are. And without memories then you have no dreams… and without any dreams…

… Then you aren't anyone at all. It was this belief that made what would eventually happen to Izuku Midoriya so tantalizing. The Obliterator Quirk robs its user of their memories. Of course, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji couldn't possibly know that. But what he did know was that there was a tumor inside of Midoriya's head that was killing him. And with a tumor in his head, his brain is slowly being killed, along with his memories. The end result of what will become of Izuku Midoriya, will he lose everything that made him special first? Or will he succumb to his demise before that? Either way, Izuku Midoriya will die one way or another whether it's his sense of self or life that ends first…

… And Kiyotaka Ayanokoji will outlive him as the 'Overlord' of the entire earth itself. And in order to do that, he will keep living his way of life that he always had been. By using everyone around him, his allies both metaphorically and quite literally (Since they are beside him even now) as tools. Tools that he will discard once they have outlived their usefulness. And when all of his enemies are destroyed, only then will he win. That's the motto that Ayanokoji has followed throughout his entire life-

'People are nothing but tools to me… all of them. I don't care what I have to do to win… I don't care what I have to sacrifice. In this world… winning is everything. And in the end… I'm going to win.' Kiyotaka thought internally as he declared his vow once more while looking at the tools before his eyes. Tsukishiro, Decay, and Kushida, were all accounted for. Even the only person that he might be able to place his trust in was there too. But even 'he' and everyone else Ayanokoji had come to know were all just expendable tools that will be used and discarded eventually. Some may be able to outlast the others for a while. But even still, once he takes back his original body then he will outlive all of them with his Lifeforce Quirk. And then, he will reign supreme above all. Now was the time to let the world itself know that.

'I believe I have made my point. Then I will bid you adieu once more. But fear not, I swear that I will bring prosperity to the world itself. I, your new Overlord, will save this world as its prized champion. It's greatest hero… that's who I will become.' And that's exactly what Kiyotaka Ayanokoji did by livestreaming his declaration of war to the entire world for all to see. But even though his tools were supposed to be on his side, some were not keen on what he had said. Especially, the girl who was no longer hiding her appearance that of a monster. And she had no intention of hiding her disdain for it.

"What the hell are you thinking!? Are you insane?! Are you trying to start World War 3?" Kushida yelled out with an enraged look on her face and a tone of voice that matched it. But Ayanokoji didn't bat an eye to what he thought of as the whims of a 'teenage girl' and thought of her as nothing but a child throwing a tantrum.

"So, what if I am? Are you going to try and stop me, Kikyo Kushida?" Kiyotaka asked while hiding his face behind the metal helmet covering his head. But even though he wasn't revealing any of his emotions, he thought nothing regarding this girl. After all, she was just an expendable tool… that can be replaced. But that expendable tool slammed her foot onto the ground while a loud 'CRACK!' Reverberated through the vicinity as the ground below them cracked like glass. This caught Tsukishiro by surprise as he readied a blue orb in his left hand with the intention of subduing her if she were to try to attack. On the other hand, the man dressed up as Twice held no fear for the reptilian girl. And as for Decay-

"Whoo!" She merely whistled with a sadistic smile on her face as she was just itching to kill Kushida to satisfy her immense bloodlust. Ayanokoji noticed this from a mile away and motioned with his hand for her to stand down, earning him a click of the tongue by the girl in the process. Kiyotaka then focused on Kushida before continuing.

"You work for me. I recommend that you do not violate the terms of our agreement. Because if you were to do so… something 'unfortunate' may happen to you." Kiyotaka declared without a hint of pity in his words whatsoever over the girl he had purposely turned into a monster. But Kushida was not aware of that. In fact, she had assumed something entirely different. She was convinced that the entire reason that she had gained such a horrific appearance was all due to Suzune Horikita. This is because Ayanokoji had manipulated her into thinking that Horikita was the root cause of it. Though that wasn't all that hard for him to make her think that considering that Kushida already blamed Horikita for getting her expelled from ANHS.

"Are you threatening me!? Screw you! I did not agree to being involved in a fucking world war! All I wanted was revenge! That bitch is the reason why I look like this! She's going to die! And I'm going to kill her for it! But that has nothing to do with whatever the fuck you're planning!" Kushida snapped back. She then grinned believing that she had won the argument but was proven wrong the moment that Ayanokoji replied, 'Sure it does.' And before she could say anything more, she was beaten to the punch by him.

"Do you honestly think that anyone will accept you the way you look now? No one will. Society itself will reject you even if you weren't going to kill Horikita. They will think of you as nothing more than a monster. Because that's exactly what you are. An inhuman… grotesque… monster." Kiyotaka declared while not holding back any of his feelings for the reptilian girl whatsoever. Ayanokoji thought of her as nothing more than a monster with none of the physical appeal she may have had in the past. Of course, Kushida knew this better than anyone else. And she couldn't help but shed tears over how horrifying her appearance had become and that no one will ever accept her for who she is now. But this incurred a laugh from Decay.

"Oh my god! You're actually crying! I knew you were pathetic Kushida-Chan, but I didn't know you were THIS pathetic. Hahaha!" Decay spoke before snickering out of sheer delight. All Kushida could do was mutter 'Fuck you.' Under her breath. She knew damn well fighting Karuizawa now would be suicide considering that she had managed to kill the strongest man to ever exist. There was no chance that she'd survive if Kushida were to lay a finger on Karuizawa. And both of them know it. That's why she had no choice but to direct her hostility at someone who wasn't Decay. And there was no better person to do that than Ayanokoji. But once again she was beaten to the punch before another word could escape her lips.

"However, what I'm planning is a complete upheaval of society. In the world I intend to create will be one where the strong are revered as gods and the weak are nothing more than bottom dwellers who give everything in support of their gods. I can make sure that you are one of those gods, Kushida. I will make it so that you are a legend that stands the test of time such as Athena and Freyja. You will forever be loved by all. Isn't that what you want?" Kiyotaka said. His voice was like music to Kushida's ears. It was sufficient to say that his words were exactly what she wanted to hear. And Ayanokoji knew this. He had a tendency to push others down to their weakest point and bring them back up to do his bidding. Because then they would have no chance of betraying him. And the same could be said for Kushida. And yet…

"So, the world you wish to create is one where you are treated like an almighty God? Not going to lie… that makes you sound really greedy." Kushida said with a bit of a smirk. The temptation of being loved by all was too great to pass up on. All she ever wanted was to be adored by others. She even forged a side of herself that was cute, bubbly and nothing more than a lie all to appease others. Except it was keeping up appearances as Class A's idol that made her so hyper fixated on maintaining her image through any means necessary. The threat that Horikita posed to that was what destroyed everything she worked so hard to achieve. That's what Kikyo Kushida earnestly believed to a fault. And Ayanokoji knew it.

"I guess I am." Kiyotaka replied without any rebuttal to speak of. He knew that deep down he was a very greedy person. Perhaps even greedier than his father was. Despite lacking any intention to explicitly acknowledge it. Either way, Kushida was far too easy to manipulate that it might as well have been child's play. She really had no clue that the reason why she has the appearance of a hideous monster was because he made it that way. Even still, Kushida obeys him like the stupid petty teenage girl she is. And he wouldn't have it any other way than to keep her as a useful expendable pawn. Speaking of pawns-

'Doctor, how about we create more pawns to use at our disposal?' Kiyotaka thought internally but to his surprise Garaki replied with a hearty laugh. Did he think what he said was a joke? But before Ayanokoji could get another word out, Garaki explained himself.

"Oh, Kiyotaka. Do you honestly think that I hadn't considered getting more allies? I'm already twenty steps ahead of you in that department. Without your father's interference I can finally put my plan into motion. That being to turn all the White Room kids into Nomus. Oh, how have I wanted to do this for so long! But don't worry, I intend to spare Yagami and Amasawa. Those two have shown great potential and will serve as generals for your Nomu army. In fact, I intend for them to join us in the near future. They will prove indispensable in subduing the rest of the pesky heroes standing in our way." Garaki declared with what was surely a sadistic smile of his own. But this confused Ayanokoji. Just who left was there to contend with?

Izuku Midoriya and all of his allies had been captured by Tsukishiro. There's no chance that he would do something as stupid as to free them from their crystal blue restraints. Not to mention Homelander's death has sent the world into turmoil especially the U.S. America might be many things, but they surely wouldn't send in more of their 'superheroes' after their strongest one had been killed. But they surely won't go down with a fight. I expect them to declare war in the near future. But even then, it would take time for them to secure a sizable, organized front with most of their soldiers stationed in the Middle East dealing with arbitrary squabbles. The same could be said for any countries that join my cause.

I could see China protecting Japan considering that our countries have been friends for quite some time. By having China on our side then it would result in a war between the two most powerful countries in the world. The outcome would be a nuclear holocaust that would annihilate majority of humanity. And out of the ashes me and my allies will rise up to take control and unify the world under one nation at last. If a God truly does exist somewhere out there then surely from his perspective 'happiness' and 'misfortune' balance out to zero.

My world would be far more feasible than people firmly shaking hands as equals to create some half-baked 'stable peace!' That's what happens when various world leaders with different agendas agree on the same thing to end conflicts. However, it's their petty disagreements are what make sure that war will never end! That is the fault of having several nations! There should only be one leader of one government! And only one absolutely superior person has the right to govern them. That is 'the reality of the world of man!' My autocracy way of thinking is what will shape this world into a better tomorrow! That is the world that will stand the test of time! All for me…

… All for ONE. And it's exactly because of that, that no one stands a chance at thwarting my dreams! Even that nightmare of mine will no longer persist in due time. So, you're wrong Doctor. There's no one left who can stand in my way. Kiyotaka Ayanokoji was sure of that. And there was no reason why he would think otherwise. With Izuku Midoriya and his allies, defeated and in the palm of his hands along with the rest of their comatose classmates, the chance of an uprising is impossible. Not to mention that Yamauchi, Bakugo, and Albert are standing guard at ANHS in the event of something going wrong with Okonogi and the rest of the elite espionage personnel. They are all people that I can trust so it's over. They've won. I WON. So…

… Just who can stop me and all of my tools now?

Chapter 69: The Boys

Meanwhile in New York, America…

"Fuck Hughie! Harder!" The voice of a certain blonde-haired woman cried out as a man by the name of Hughie was pleasuring her 'downstairs.' She was doing the same for him as their grunts of pleasure were all that could be heard in their room. They had engaged in sexual acts with each other for quite some time. Mostly sexual intercourse but this time they were trying out a certain position by the name of 'sixty-nine.' And they couldn't be bothered with whatever could be happening outside of their apartment. But at the same time, Hughie's phone rang incessantly disturbing their fun.

"Hughie. I… aah… I really think you should answer that." The woman named Annie or better known by her superhero name Starlight spoke as Hughie groaned in annoyance. He then got off of his girlfriend before grabbing his phone that was still ringing on the bedside dresser. He then saw the caller id that belonged to a man by the name of 'M.M.' He muttered 'shit' under his breath before answering it.

"Um, hey M.M. W-What's going on?" Hughie said with a bit of a stutter as he had no intention of pissing off M.M. But the latter of which couldn't be madder. Not just because of what was going on right under their nose, but also since Hughie genuinely seemed to have no idea just what was going on. This prompted M.M. to click his tongue before responding not wanting to curse out his subordinate over 'getting it on' with his girlfriend.

"Get over here now." M.M. said before hanging up suddenly, which confused Hughie to no end. He decided to text him about it with a 'Right now?' Before receiving the same words right back in capital letters. This made Hughie leap out of bed and grab his clothes that had been thrown carelessly onto the floor. He then got dressed in thirty seconds flat before turning around to face Starlight who was still in bed.

"Look, I got to go, sorry Annie." Hughie apologized with such sincerity that Starlight had no reason to even be mad at him.

"It's okay, Hughie. Just do what you got to do and then after that we can pick up where we last left off. Okay?" Starlight replied with a smile on her face that was utterly bewitching for Hughie. This made him stare at her for a moment with a goofy smile before coming to terms with what was reality.

"R-Right. That sounds perfect. I'll be back before you know it." Hughie replied before taking his leave and shutting the door behind him. He muttered 'fuck' under his breath once more before running like his life depended on it. It might as well have been because if M.M. had requested him to come over to the hideout 'RIGHT NOW' then some serious shit must have gone down. And before Hughie knew it, he made his way into the hideout belonging to him and his comrades located in a rundown office building by the name of Flatiron. He was then welcomed to the sight of everyone waiting for him in the shabby office building. Even a certain man dressed in all black sporting hair on his head and face of the same color. Except his usual attire had a bit of blood on it. His name was Butcher.

"Well, look who it is. Looks like 'Wee Hughie' couldn't have been bothered with being on the clock when shit hits the fan." Butcher said with a smile and the intention of getting under Hughie's skin. Both Hughie and M.M. knew Butcher quite well and weren't all too welcoming of this characteristic of his.

"Can it, Butcher. But seriously Hughie? You have no clue what's going on?" M.M. asked with a straight face as he was not in the mood at making fun of his subordinate for his knowledge or lack thereof of recent events. He was African American and tended to wear west coast hip hop shirts and gold chains that matched with the gold watch wrapped his wrist. His stylish appearance was in stellar contrast to Hughie and Butcher who seemed to wear whatever was around. Though at the very least Butcher tended to stick with the color black. And as for Hughie he was completely in the dark to what had transpired on the other side of the world.

"I-I have no clue. I was sort of in the middle of… doing something." Hughie replied with a nervous smile. Which prompted Butcher to laugh.

"Oh, he was certainly doing something all right." Butcher spoke with a smirk on his face as Hughie grew increasingly annoyed by not knowing what all of his comrades seem to know.

"Okay guys. Spill. Just what the fuck did I miss?" Hughie demanded with a pissed off look that made Butcher chuckle a bit. M.M. knew that Hughie wasn't one to be 'bullshitting' about stuff. So, he had the intention of letting Hughie know just what had happened, though he wasn't the one who was going to do the explaining.

"Alright Frenchie, get Hughie up to speed." M.M. said as he barked orders to the man who had been sitting in the far corner of the room. The man named Frenchie had a pair of googles on his head and they were all that could be seen as his face was pressed against the desk that was in front of him. His body then jerked upwards while blood dripped from his nose. He was French just as this name suggested. There was also what appeared to be 'white powder' on his desk. It was sufficient to say that he was snorting cocaine. And his comrades weren't exactly keen to see him relapse back into bad habits.

"What the fuck Frenchie!? I thought you were off that shit!" M.M. yelled out with an aggravated look on his face which tended to be his usual look. But this time he was really mad. And that was an understatement. The woman that happened to be around Frenchie who wore all black and was Japanese was just as pissed. But instead of saying it, her actions spoke far louder than her words ever could as she wiped the cocaine off of Frenchie's desk in one fell swoop. This caused Frenchie to say something in French that none of his comrades could understand though it was evident by the way he was speaking that what he said wasn't nice.

"Well, since it's the end of the fucking world, I thought I might as well enjoy myself a bit, you know? Guess I can't even do that much." Frenchie complained while staring at the ceiling not even feeling sorry for his actions whatsoever. This caused the woman from earlier who was named Kimiko to roll her eyes over how childish he was acting. But what Frenchie had said completely caught Hughie off guard and he had to know what the former meant. Specifically regarding 'the end of the fucking world.'

"Since when is the world ending!? I was off my phone for like a few hours at most! Just what the fuck happened?! D-Did Homelander assassinate the president or something?" Hughie shouted as he was tired of the people he believed to be his friends, keeping secrets from him. But upon mentioning Homelander everyone grew silent. Aside from butcher who couldn't help but let out a snarky laugh. This made everyone else focus on him as he decided to be the one to 'spill the beans.'

"Nope. But speaking of Omelandah… cunt just got his head blown off. You should have seen it Wee Hughie. It was like fucking JFK's assassination but unfathomably satisfying." Butcher spoke with a wide grin on his face while purposely messing up Homelander's name with his thick cockney accent. But this sudden revelation almost knocked the wind out of Hughie. It was almost impossible to believe. But if Butcher was saying it then it had to be the truth. The person they had been fighting to expose all this time had been killed and they weren't even around to play a role in it. But even still, Hughie couldn't help but feel like a weight that was about to crush him had been lifted from his shoulders.

"FUCK YEAH!" Hughie shouted at the top of his lungs while shooting his fist into the air. He couldn't be more relieved to hear that murder happy son of a bitch is six feet under! Finally! After all the people he had killed and inflicted suffering upon! Especially his girlfriend Starlight, the woman Hughie loved more than anyone else. That fucker was FINALLY dead! It was about damn time! But to his utmost surprise no one else was cheering.

"W-What? Come on guys! This is a good thing! … R-Right?" Hughie continued until his voice grew to that of a whisper as everyone looked back at him without a hint of enthusiasm on their faces. The sole exception was Butcher. But even that seemed to be nothing more than a lie. Hughie knew damn well that Butcher wanted to kill Homelander himself after what he did to his late wife Becca. And now he can't even obtain revenge for her. Out of everyone here, Butcher must be the one feeling the most rage over how things ended. He just wasn't showing it. Instead, Butcher chose to wear a mask on his face that made him look like he was smiling when he was far from doing such a thing. The bloodstains on his shirt were evident of that. Hughie felt bad for him. But before he could say a word about it-

"No. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Homelander kicking the bucket is just about the worst thing that could have happened. And 'this' is why." M.M. replied before clicking the remote in his hands that turned on the flat screen TV on the wall in the center of the room. And then…

'Don't think any of Vought's heroes will be able to stop me now. And if they just so and try to avenge their fallen comrade then they too will be hunted down and killed. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed. But I can assure you, my resolve has never been stronger! And in order to ensure the security and continuing stability of the earth itself, I will reorganize everything into the first unified world under one leader! For a safe and secure society! I will take everything into the palm of my hands.' The words of the man wearing a metal helmet around us head echoed throughout the room. Hughie was completely taken aback as he watched to the very end. And only then did he comment about it.

"Oh shit. This is bad. Like really really bad! Like what the fuck are we even supposed to do!? Who the hell was that guy?! And how the fuck did he kill Homelander?" Hughie's voice started off as almost a mutter before it grew into that of a yell as he grew increasingly concerned for everyone that he cared about, namely Starlight and his father. And just as he was on the verge of breaking down, another person came out of the woodworks.

"I can answer that." The voice of the person belonging to a middle-aged woman resounded with everyone in the office as she made her way onto the scene. She had short blonde hair that was greying. She wore a black top with a white dress shirt underneath. The Boys knew her quite well. After all, she was their boss. The former deputy director of the CIA Grace Mallory. Butcher and Mallory knew each other for quite some time. But whatever she had been hiding was something that even he didn't know. It piqued his curiosity to say the least.

"Oh, this is about to get good. Tell us, love. Just who the fuck done and got Omelandah killed?" Butcher asked even though he had already seen the video that was posted on YouTube before all traces of it were erased from the internet. Though remnants of the video still existed on the dark web. That's why he knew who killed Homelander wasn't a 'he' but a 'she' and her name happened to be 'Decay' as revealed on the 'declaration of war' video. Hwer real name was a mystery though. But like Mallory said she had the answer for that too.

"The person who killed Homelander wasn't the guy wearing the helmet. If you were to rewind it, then he said that his 'second in command' the 'villain' 'Decay' was the one who killed him. And he's right. I saw the footage of Homelander's death myself and it was the exact same girl as seen standing right next to him. Though the only difference between them was that she had a second set of arms when she killed him. They had wings too but quite frankly I have no idea why they don't show up in the video." Mallory explained. Most of which went right over Hughie's head and only made him more confused. As for M.M., he wanted her to get to the point.

"Then tell us something you do know." M.M. said bluntly, which prompted Mallory to cut to the chase.

"The girl has been identified as 'Kei Karuizawa.' She was just an average student who ended up enrolling in one of Japan's top schools by the name of Advanced Nurturing High School. But in all honesty, I can't even fathom how a teenage girl who had no access to Compound V ended up killing Homelander. It sounds kind of insane just talking about it." Mallory admitted which a saddened look on her face as the photos of how Karuizawa looked before her 'transformation' into the villain Decay resembled that of her deceased granddaughter. She too used to be so happy. Just where did all the time go? But Butcher wasn't in the mood for Mallory's sentimentality.

"And what about helmet cunt? Or should I say Kiyotaka Ayanokoji? Just what do you know about him?" Butcher asked with a smirk on his face as he knew that Mallory meant by what she said before 'I can answer that' also referred to what Hughie had said right before that. That being 'Just who the hell was that guy?!' This made Mallory bite her lower lip before building up the courage to explain things once and for all.

"I didn't know him personally. But I knew his father, Atsuomi quite well. In fact, he had a special program by the name of the 'White Room' that I had invested a hefty sum of money into. The White Room was supposed to be where a select few were handpicked as children to undergo training that would give them the tools necessary to lead Japan into the future. But it also had an alternative purpose… which was that if you all were to be 'KIA' then these children would be used to find a solution to the problem named Homelander." Mallory explained as everyone around her aside from Butcher was speechless. But it made sense to Hughie.

"So, these 'White Room' kids were going to be used as a think tank to find some way to kill Homelander." Hughie spoke while Mallory nodded in affirmation. Needless to say, this put a sour taste in his mouth since they were going to use children as Guinea pigs against Homelander. And if he were still alive to find that tidbit of information out then he would surely have massacred all of them on the spot just for shits and giggles. Even still, Mallory nor Atsuomi had any intention of making these children 'go to war.'

"Remind me to not let you anywhere near Janine." M.M. commented with the usual look on his face. But even still he was disgusted at the lengths that Mallory would go and did nothing whatsoever to hide his disdain for it all. This left Mallory with no choice but to explain herself.

"You don't understand. I wasn't going to treat them like lemmings. Those children were in a state-of-the-art facility that was hidden deep within Tokyo. Finding them would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. And that's where they would stay. So, no. I was not going to have them fight, Home- Mallory explained but even though she was telling the truth she was cut off before she could finish by Butcher who scoffed at her.

"That's fucked up and you know it, Grace. I don't care whatever the fuck happens to me if it means Ryan's all well and good. But what you're talking about is children. Children who shouldn't have anything to with supes." Butcher interjected as his smirk, long since vanished the moment children were brought onto the table. Billy Butcher might be many things, a liar, a thief, a murderer, but he was someone who had no intention of involving children in what was by all accounts and purposes war. But Mallory disagreed with this belief that Butcher had regarding himself.

"Don't try and play the moral high ground with me, William. You and I both know that if Ryan was strong enough to fight Homelander, then you would be the first one to say, 'Hey kiddo, let's go kill your da- Mallory spoke but once again she was cut off before she could finish by Butcher.

"You keep Ryan's name out of your fucking mouth." Butcher interjected once more as his eyes seemed to glint crimson for a moment. But Hughie had enough of their bickering.

"Enough! This is getting us nowhere! What we need to do is come up with a game plan that prevents World War fucking 3 from happening!" Hughie shouted with an aggravated look on his face as it was taking everything, he had to not freak the fuck out. But this in turn made Mallory and Butcher cool off a bit.

"My thoughts exactly. And that's why your next mission is to board the next flight for Japan. There you will infiltrate the island where ANHS is located and assassinate both Kiyotaka Ayanokoji and Kei Karuizawa. I even have the tickets for each of you. You're welcome." Mallory said with her last words being directed at Butcher who let out another scoff.

"Actually, here's what's going to happen. M.M., Frenchie and Kimiko will be the ones boarding that plane. As for me and Hughie… we'll be going to Russia." Butcher declared catching Hughie completely off guard in the process. But the same thing could be said for everyone else, especially M.M.

"What the fuck's in Russia?!" M.M. yelled out. He was not in the mood to let Butcher run off just because he believes that he has better things to do. But Butcher wasn't trying to get out of this. In fact, he had a plan. And Mallory knew it from the look in his eyes. But before she could say anything about it, Butcher chuckled to himself before answering M.M.'s question.

"A super weapon that has the power to fuck up Omelandah. And if it's strong enough to put a dent in him then it will really fuck the both of those cunts up real bad." Butcher declared with a wide grin on his face. In response Mallory asked, 'You're sure?' Which butcher replied with 'Sure as I'll ever be, love.' And then…

"And who did you have to kill to get ahold of that information?" Mallory asked as she pressed Butcher for answers. Surprisingly Butcher didn't have any intention of lying his way out of this one.

"Soldier Boy's ol sidekick Gunpowder. I'm sure he won't be missed." Butcher answered. At the same time, M.M.'s hearts began to beat erratically over the mention of the name Soldier Boy. Kimiko noticed this and put a hand on his shoulder to snap him out of what was on the verge of becoming a panic attack. This caused M.M. to breathe a sigh of relief as he knew what he had to do next. But not before thanking Kimiko for helping him when he needed it. And since The Boys were separating into two groups, then he was going to step up as leader.

"If it's as you say then we'll handle this. Hell, I doubt we'll even need a superweapon when we've got Kimiko around." M.M. said out loud, earning a wry chuckle from Butcher in the process. He then took the plane tickets right out of Mallory's hand.

"Come on guys. Let's go." M.M. ordered while making his way out of the room while Kimiko followed closely behind occasionally taking a look behind her to see if Frenchie was following. And as for Frenchie, he was surprisingly excited.

"Oh, I always wanted to go to Japan. I wonder if I could find myself a sweet love hotel." Frenchie said to no one in particular though his excitement was mostly likely due to the high granted to him by the sweet drug cocaine. And not even a moment later, the door shut behind them, leaving Butcher, Hughie and Mallory in the room. Though Butcher had no reason to stay around.

"Alright Wee Hughie. Let's get going already. I'm just dying to go to motherfucking Russia." Butcher said while making his way out of the room with Hughie in tow. And before Mallory knew it, she was left alone in the run-down office building. With no one around to ridicule her for it, she took out a cigarette and chose to light it with the lighter in her hands. She then smoked and exhaled a huge puff of smoke. This caused her to cough violently until she spat out a bit of her blood. She was supposed to quit smoking a long time ago and her lungs paid the price for her negligence. But even still she didn't seem to care. Because all she could think about was what was going to happen next.

"May God help us all." Mallory muttered to herself before taking another puff of smoke into her lungs as the thought of what might become of this world in the not-so-distant future made her tremble to the very core of her being. But even though she wasn't even sure that God even existed, would he even be able to save them? Because if even Homelander couldn't put down those 'League of Villains' from Japan…

… Then who will?

To Be Continued…

Next Chapter: The Siege of ANHS

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