'Bam!' Albert Yamada collapsed to his knees after being given a Quirk that will make him a useful tool in the inevitable battle that will occur in the not-so-distant future. And with his already impressive physique giving him 'that Quirk' was the perfect choice. Both Kyudai Garaki and Kiyotaka Ayanokoji agreed on that front. And now with his master being far far away, it was only natural for someone to take his place. And that was exactly what Ayanokoji was going to do.
"You work for me now. Failure will result in your demise. You understand?" Kiyotaka asked with soulless eyes and a tone of voice that matched it. Albert nervously nodded in affirmation showcasing his fear of what will happen to him if he to not perform in his future role according to Ayanokoji's expectations. But even though the fact that Albert was scared out of his mind to the point that it might as well have been written on his face, Garaki thought that this wasn't enough in order to guarantee his dedication to serving them and only them.
'Kiyotaka. I believe that letting this man remain like this would be a mistake. I highly recommend using Memory Manipulation to prevent a future betrayal.' Garaki spoke internally as Kiyotaka barely registered the former's comment. Not only that but along with the fact that he wasn't even considering using the Quirk that would allow him to control his opponent as if he was a pawn in chess was all too concerning. Ayanokoji could tell that Garaki was thinking all of this due to him being able to read all of his thoughts as if they were written in a book.
'There's no need. Albert Yamada is a tool that Kakeru Ryuuen used many times to his own benefit. What I'm doing is the same. Furthermore, Albert has never showcased any intent to betray his Master before. It's not in his character to betray someone that he knows would beat him to a bloody pulp out of the slightest hint of a disagreement.' Kiyotaka explained internally though it was clear that he was avoiding the topic of using Memory Manipulation. Why was that?
Well, it was only obvious that the results would be fruitless. The reason why he had used the Memory Manipulation Quirk before was to hide his identity from others. There was no reason to hide his identity from someone who will work for him in the future. Even with the case of Hiyori Shiina, the only time he was using that Quirk with an ulterior purpose, was so that her memories and love for Izuku Midoriya would not interfere with her objective to kill him. But even that failed because the Quirk doesn't erase memories, only 'hides' them within the corners of the brain that aren't being used by the average human.
This is why Hiyori Shiina was more than capable of remembering Izuku Midoriya after the latter made an effort to bring back the memories that connected them like the Red String of Fate. It was the same reason that Suzune Horikita, Ken Sudo, and Yosuke Hirata were able to remember the face of the person who gave them Quirks. That's why Ayanokoji had no other choice but to use the blood that he procured during Midoriya's fight with the High End Nomu to absolutely crush the beliefs that Kei Karuizawa held for her hero. Because if he didn't do that then Karuizawa would NEVER go through with killing Midoriya nor would her sense of self have shattered to pieces and allowed Decay to have taken over her body.
'Along with that, I have instilled fear into Albert just as Ryuuen had done before. Tying to hide his memories of me would only result in the future betrayal that you have in mind, Garaki.' Kiyotaka continued internally as the Doctor understood where the former was coming from and agreed with his reasoning.
'I suppose your right.' Garaki thought internally though he was the slightest bit skeptical. He was now ninety nine percent sure that Albert wouldn't betray them in the future. But this still left a single percent of uncertainty. This was because he had no reason to believe that Yuga Aoyama would have betrayed his Master and was because of that assumption that gave those pesky heroes the slightest chance of defeating him. You could say that AFO's undoing was a result of that single betrayal having massive consequences. That was why he wanted to avoid the same thing ever happening again. Especially since everything was starting to come together for the both of them.
However, there were still some roadblocks in their future plans. Specifically, three of them. The first and most dangerous of those being the aforementioned Homelander who was by far the greatest threat standing in their way of total world domination. But to take him on would basically be declaring war on the United State of America. Right now, they didn't have the necessary 'tools' in order to avoid a potential loss on their side. The second should also go without saying, was Izuku Midoriya. But right now, he was depressed over the loss of the girl he so desperately tried to save so they won't need to worry about him anytime soon. And as for the final roadblock standing in their way-
"My, my. Look at what you have done with the place, my son." Was none other than Atsoumi Ayanokoji who had just made his presence known. He spoke as if he had earnestly enjoyed the creations that the Doctor had made. But that was no more than a lie. What Atsoumi truly thought of the Nomu was that they were abhorrent abominations that had no right to exist. Especially in a world where Japan would become the world's leading superpower. And that was exactly what made their goals incompatible with each other. All Atsoumi wanted was for Japan to gain back its respect that it lost to America after the Second World War.
But what both Kiyotaka and Garaki wanted wasn't what Atsoumi wanted. Garaki fed lies to Atsoumi that he would ensure Japan's future prosperity. But that was all just a front in order to gain the monetary backing that he needed in order to ensure the creation of more Nomu. As for Kiyotaka, what he wanted was a complete mystery. Not even Garaki was able to tell what the dreams and aspirations were of the man even though he was inside of him and could read his every thought.
However, that wasn't exactly the case. There existed some thoughts that not even Garaki could read. It was as if they were under lock and key and only Ayanokoji held the metaphorical key. This meant that the good doctor was only able to go off of context clues that Ayanokoji made clear. But even those only supplied tiny kernels of what was Kiyotaka's true desire.
'Simple. You don't just despise the people of this world or the rules that govern it. You despise the world itself. Because the reason why you were born could be traced back to the literal big bang that created this solar system. But at the heart of the matter, this world is the reason why you have suffered endlessly for no apparent reason at all. Don't you wish to change that? Don't you wish to just make everything… disappear?' Just like Garaki had done for Atsoumi, Kiyotaka said these words as if he was going to make Decay's dream come true. But that was nothing more than a lie as one that 'tool' has outlived its usefulness; she was going to die by his hands.
'That's right. It's all in this book. The 'Quirk Doomsday Theory.' However, it is also stated that only a Quirk that has advanced to the point of causing a calamity can do such a thing. The only Quirk that I know is capable of exactly that is one that has eluded me. But if Fate is on our side, then it should be possible to cause this 'Doomsday' the book describes. For example, if I were to…' However, if his goal wasn't to destroy the world then why would he have proposed this? Was his true goal to turn the Doctor's theory into reality? But if that was the case then having Decay destroy the world would be effectively accomplishing the same thing.
But that's not even the half of it. What Kiyotaka had done fairly recently was 'questionable' to say the least. This wasn't even referring to what we had seen him do so far but something else entirely. Though only the Doctor was able to witness such events since he was within Ayanokoji's body that contained the Life Force Quirk that effectively made them both immortal. It was for that same reason that made the action that Kiyotaka took very questionable and that would be an understatement. But even though Ayanokoji took precautions in order to not be found out, it is likely that Atsoumi knows exactly what his son has done. But even still Ayanokoji remained silent and didn't go out of his way to even say a word to his father.
"Hmm. Nothing to say to your dear old dad? That makes me quite sad. It's been a few weeks since we last talked. And even longer since we had been face to face like this. But you've been a busy man, haven't you? Just tell me…" Atsoumi spoke until his voice trailed off while closing the distance between him and his son. And once he had his mouth near his ear, he chose to land quite a bombshell.
"… How did it feel to climb a few steps toward adulthood?" Atsoumi finished as it became quite obvious that he knew exactly what his son had done to both the latter and Garaki. Though Kiyotaka didn't need the Foresight Quirk that he no longer held in his possession to have foreseen this outcome. Because even though what he had done wasn't anywhere near ANHS nor the city that surrounded it, he knew that word would have gotten out eventually. But he was perhaps the slightest bit surprised that word traveled that fast. Even still, Ayanokoji had no intention of discussing the matter any further. But Garaki wasn't of the same opinion.
"Even I'm not entirely sure as to why your son had the gall to do something like that Atsoumi. Though I might be in the minority since I haven't had any sexual frustrations in quite some time. Perhaps he simply wished to indulge in what others have described as worthwhile?" Garaki commented while using Ayanokoji's voice. But even though it was the same voice that he had heard his son use time and time again, the tone was completely different! Not only that but the way he was addressing him, no! It couldn't be! But there's no other possible explanation! Even still, it was almost as if an exclamation mark appeared right next to Atsoumi as he was taken aback at this sudden twist!
"Garaki! I-Is that you?! How did you survive being killed?!" Atsoumi asked as he unintentionally raised his voice out of reflex. But he couldn't help it. The doctor had been nowhere to have been found after his confrontation with Izuku Midoriya and his allies over two weeks ago! He had been under the assumption that his supposed ally had long since perished at the hands of his mortal enemy! But he was wrong! And this made Garaki laugh as he took pleasure in this.
"WHAHAHA! Even I don't know. Though it seems that Fate has other plans for me! Or perhaps it was just dumb luck! Either way I won't be heading to an eternal slumber just yet!" Garaki declared while a sadistic smile formed on Ayanokoji's face much to the latter's annoyance. But this was all just another lie! Garaki had long since uncovered the truth behind his resurrection from the jaws of death! And that was because his soul had become interwoven with his Life Force Quirk! Just as how the previous OFA users were all connected to said Quirk! And how even the souls of his Master and Tomura Shigaraki lay dormant inside of the AFO Quirk!
And now just like with those occurrences both Kiyotaka's fate and his own were tied together as if they had been by the Red String of Fate! Their destinies would now be forever shared! But even though Atsoumi couldn't wrap his head around the Doctor's survival he grinned out of a sense of relief.
"Good. It would have been a travesty if you had fallen before Homelander and Vought had crumbled to pieces. Not only that but you my son, have been completely compromised since Izuku Midoriya and his 'friends' know who you are now. And that's exactly why the both of you will be returning to the White Room effective immediately." Atsoumi declared while Tsukishiro stood right behind him. Atsoumi may have been built like a truck. But it was safe to say his physical capabilities have lessened with his advanced age. That's why it was a given that the reason why he was able to traverse the mountain was due to Tsukishiro using his Compress Quirk and doing the physical labor for him.
However, that was why the true threat standing in their way was not Atsuomi but instead Tsukishiro. The moment Tsukishiro realizes any ill intent coming off of Kiyotaka, is a certified game over. This is because all he would have to do is use his Compress Quirk to contain Ayanokoji within one of his small orbs and shatter it. This would guarantee his and Garaki's demise because he would be utterly annihilated in an instant. Not even the effects of the regeneration Quirk that Kiyotaka possessed would be enough to survive a complete eradication of his entire body. It was for that same reason Decay would have to be snuffed out eventually.
But Tsukishiro is too useful to die just yet. Especially considering the potential that his Compress Quirk holds. It could effectively turn the tide of the fight in their favor if used correctly. That's why it was vital to keep him alive. But at the same time, Atsuomi has outlived his usefulness as his continued survival would only be a hindrance in their future plans. So, the question becomes how they would keep Tsukishiro, the servant only loyal to Atsoumi alive and ensure the latter's demise. Such a fascinating question reminded Kiyotaka of one that he heard once upon a time when he had just been a small child. That's right…
Chapter 59: Kiyotaka Ayanokoji: Origin
… Back when he had been undergoing his development for the man he would eventually become today.
Every day in the White Room was the same. At five in the morning, we would undergo a written exam regarding what we had done the day before. They were usually filled with tons of questions and the time limit would always be an hour. After that we would move on to the next assignment that was deemed necessary for us to learn for the next six hours. Then we would have a scheduled lunch break at noon. It would only last fifteen minutes. The optimal time that it would take for a human to consume a regular dish of food. After that we would continue to learn various activities that would improve our physical capabilities such as mountain climbing and martial arts. This would last for another six hours until dinner time arrived.
I can go on. But you can already guess what happened after that, can't you? That cycle was practically endless. It was meticulously designed to create geniuses through repetition of doing the same things over and over again. But I always found that theory of my father's to be fundamentally flawed. The reason for that is easy to understand. Though you may not understand why at first glance. And if that is the case then allow me to elucidate you.
'9-0. The winner is Ayanokoji.' One of father's subordinates announced matter-of-factly. It was when I won in a chess match against another of the specimens that happened to be unfortunate to have been selected to challenge me. But their failure was inevitable. So, they were pretty much set up to fail. This is because I never once struggled in that match against them. It's not as if they were a simpleton. They were not able to comprehend my actions. So, they lost. Are you starting to get it now? If not allow me to continue.
'I-I can't believe it… Ayanokoji is the winner!' Another one of my father's subordinates announced. Though this time was a bit different. This was only obvious since my opponent wasn't one but many. And none of them were the specimens who happened to be designated as my peers, but adults. Fully grown men trained in various martial arts. They had more experience than me. They should have been stronger than me. Perhaps they were. But the outcome was still the same. I won…
… Without even struggling in the slightest against them. Each of them falling one by one… like raindrops. This is the stark difference between me and the rest of humanity in a nutshell. Can't you see now? How much smarter and stronger I am compared to all of them? It's only natural. I was bred to be the perfect lifeform. And for that reason, I'm simply better than anyone that has ever existed. Or at least that's what I thought for a while…
"Hey sport. What's your name?" Until I met him. The man-no. It would be disrespectful to compare this god among men to anyone who exists below him. This god named Homelander was the first time I met someone who was far stronger than me. He had the strength to kill me before I could blink. But that's only to be expected given that he's a literal superhero ripped straight out of a comic book. Except, the difference between comics and that God were that the former were fantasy, and the latter was unapologetically real. Even back then I was astonished that someone like him was real. But my father wasn't. He had already accepted who Homelander was and hated him for it.
'Superheroes? Don't make me laugh. Those things that don't reveal their talents are utter fools. That's what Homelander is. A fool who is simply a puppet for the Americans. He could make the entire world his if he wanted to. And yet he's a fool because he submits to someone. There is not a single person on this planet more foolish than him. But that works in our favor, Kiyotaka. Since he is foolish you can surpass him. No. You will surpass him. That is the glorious purpose for which you were born into this world.' My father declared as if every word he said were a fact. But even though they were nothing more than his beliefs, he wasn't wrong.
But when did I meet him, you may ask? Sorry, I went out of order when describing the events that made up my life up to this point. If this is all considered to be my 'origin' then its only natural that I take you back to the very beginning-
I was born without ever seeing my mother's face. She had long since fulfilled her role as a concubine for my father simply because she had the genes that were necessary to make me. That was the only reason my father chose her and had sexual intercourse with her. Not out of love. But out of necessity. What did she feel about my father? She probably hated him, because she gave me the name 'Kiyotaka' which presumably belonged to an ex-boyfriend of hers. Even still she slept with my father and had his child just for a fat paycheck. And once she got what she wanted she left without saying a word to me. What was her name? What were her dreams? Just who was she?
All of those answers remained out of reach for me. I was perhaps the strongest and smartest man to ever exist. The ultimate lifeform. And yet I could not decipher any of those things about my mother. Ironic, isn't it? An emotion such as 'love' is a foreign concept to me that I simply can't wrap my head around no matter how many times I think of it. But at the same time, I'm capable of doing things at my young age that should be deemed impossible. It's this contradiction that is the reason why I am who I am today. Will I ever learn anything about my mother outside of her hate for my father? Or perhaps I will discover the true meaning behind love after meeting the right woman?
The answer to both of those questions is no. Though it's not if I can't find anything out about my mother. If I tried, I could definitely use the assets of the White Room to find any and all information surrounding her. Even if there is none, I could simply find her or any of her relatives and get them to tell any and all details about her to me. The same thing could be said about meeting women. Actually, I met a fair share of women throughout my time posing as Kanji Ike. Some of which were quite beautiful, I'll give them that. If I were to engage in sexual pleasures with them, I would certainly feel good about myself afterward.
But what's the point? What will I achieve by doing any of that? Nothing. If I were to do both of those things I would be wasting my time. This is because neither of those things relate to my true goal. My 'dream' so to speak. But what are dreams exactly? They are the subconscious desire in relation to the 'memories' that are made throughout each and every day you live your life. Dreams and memories are the crystallization of what makes up anyone and everyone. Whether you are a man or a god, your dreams and memories are the reason why you are the person you are today. Even a blank slate like me who seems to not have dreams, has them and memories that are the reason why I have said dreams.
Then that begs the question, what is my 'dream?' To answer that is simple. Traverse throughout my memories and the answer is utterly obvious. But that's not what we are doing in a chronological order kind of way, haven't we? We jumped forward in time, there and back again with no clear reason. You may be asking what is the purpose of this? All of this may seem like conjecture on my part. Because whether you agree with me or not, they are my beliefs. I can't tell you to believe in them. That would defeat the whole purpose of the word 'belief.' It's the reason why countless religions exists. Because we as a species have failed to unify ourselves and agree on what is considered to be 'absolute.'
I think that's what my father desires. Unification of the world, under one banner. More specifically the flag of Japan. The titular rising sun. The belief that the sun will rise again for our country. That's what he believes will happen. But at the end of the day, that's simply his 'belief.' And like I said 'beliefs' are something that each and every individual human possesses. So, while there may be tons of people who will support his cause, there will be just as many who will do everything in their power to stop his 'dream' from becoming reality. But then where do I stand on this metaphorical crossroads? With my father or against him?
This may have been a very roundabout way of going about this, but we are getting closer and closer to the answer. I apologize if this confuses you. But this is what happens when I'm sharing my thought process with you. All of this is a dissection that makes me Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. But have we answered that question yet? Just who is Kiyotaka Ayanokoji? If you don't believe so, then I'll spell it out for you in a way that can't be possibly misunderstood.
I was born in the White Room. Every day I spent was in the White Room until a few months ago. And now I'm being called back to the White Room. I can't disobey. It's quite literally an order I can't refuse. But after spending so much of my life in that place. More than ninety percent of it, then do you honestly think that's where I wish-no 'dream' of going back too. Hardly. It's not if there wasn't any rhyme and reason to why I spent majority of my existence in that place. It was all to make me the man I am today.
However, that's exactly what I am. A 'man.' I can't ascend to godhood, if I choose to hold myself back by limiting my true potential by associating myself with lesser beings. Spo many of them were utterly inadequate to even be considered a meager challenge for someone like me. You may think that's harsh. And yeah, it definitely is. But it's the truth. I can't expect to learn and grow if I'm constantly surrounded by people that hold me back. So many insignificant people that can never hope to accomplish a single thing that could possibly change the Fate of the entire world. I can't help but think back to one girl who happened to have been pushed too far and collapsed to her knees. She looked me in the eyes and begged for my help.
But I did nothing. I didn't do a single thing for her. Because how would helping her further my dreams for the future? It wouldn't. So, I let her suffer while watching her and seeing how long it would take for her to pass out and quite possibly die. Luckily for her she didn't die. Not because she had any worth mind you. Her survival was dictated by the possibility of a lawsuit in the distant future over her death. That's how little value her life holds. If she were to die, then my father would simply have to pay a hefty but manageable sum to the family of the diseased. Though if I were to die…
… Then so would my father's dreams. He struck gold with me. He can't possibly expect a greater result from anyone else but me. And he knows it. That is why he seeks me to return to the White Room. So, that his prized possession can fulfill his glorious purpose by securing a bright future for all of Japan as the world's leading superpower. But in turn I would constantly be surrounded by people who couldn't even come close to my level aside from maybe one or two promising recruits for the fifth generation of White Room students, the ones that came after mine.
But it wasn't always that way. Even back then when I was surrounded by people who were utterly inadequate, there were a few people there who I would deem as having 'potential.' One of those was quite possibly the only person I would consider a 'friend.' His name is Shirou. Shirou was constantly paired up against me. Of course he would always fail against me. But what he had that the others lacked was 'potential.' He slowly but surely grew from his past experiences and gave me the slightest bit of a challenge. Could he one day hope to beat me? No. But the fact that he consistently grew every time he failed, even a little bit, was utterly mesmerizing to watch. It was as if I was seeing the definition of human potential grow through my very own eyes.
Perhaps that's why I've kept Izuku Midoriya alive? Could the same thing be said for Suzune Horikita and all the others? Do I want to see them grow and become the slightest bit of a threat just like Shirou did in the past? To that… I'm not entirely sure. It seems like that would be correct. But at the same time, I feel like I'm missing the core aspect that makes up the metaphorical picture that is the 'future.' Even still, I want to see them grow and try their very best to defeat me. But for what reason do I seek this? Is that what call others call happiness? I don't know. Because…
… I never once considered any of my memories 'happy.' Will I gain memories that can be considered happy in the future by allowing the slightest chance of Izuku Midoriya and his allies of giving me a challenge? Who knows? It's all just speculation on something that may or may not come to fruition. But at the same time, I guess you can call that human nature in its very essence. And that's exactly why I did what I did back then. Not during my time in the White Room mind you, but just recently. I did say there were few people that I deemed with potential in my youth did I not? I meant two specifically. The first was Shirou. And the other was-
'9-2. The winner is Ayanokoji.' The same subordinate from before that my father used to announce these types of things said so again if that was his only role to do. This time my opponent was a girl named Yuki. She along with Shiro were the only two people to give me the slightest bit of a challenge prior to my enrolling in ANHS. But not only did she manage to beat me not once but twice and consistently at that in chess, she was different. In chess the goal of the game is to read and predict your opponent's moves in order to beat them. The same thing could be said about fighting and perhaps life as well. I had never had any issues predicting the thought process of a single human being…
"You win again, Kiyo. Good game." … Until I met her. Yuki would always say something along these lines no matter how many times I beat her in chess and any other forms of competition. She would always have a smile on her face. A pure innocent smile that held no malicious intent or hidden objective. That's rare in this day and age. I can only think of three other people who were as genuine as her. Shirou, Midoriya, and Shiina. Anyway, for some reason every time I thought for sure Yuki would do something, she would do the opposite. And whenever I tried to second guess myself by predicting the opposite then I would have already fallen into her trap.
However, I always managed to find a way to make sure I won in the end. Even still, Yuki was someone that utterly intrigued me like no other. She made every day I awoke in the White Room interesting. I almost wished to fight against her for all eternity until the one day she becomes someone worthy of becoming someone on my level. Unfortunately, that never came to be. Like the girl that shattered to pieces like glass from back then, so did Yuki. It was such a shame to learn that she had a mental breakdown over the stress of being a student of the White Room catch up to her. Learning of her departure without being able to face off against her for one last bout was probably the closest I actually came to shedding tears.
However, my interest in Yuki never ceased long after she left the White Room. She remained the only person who I truly couldn't predict. Not even Suzune Horikita holds that title because she cheats by having the foresight to know my future actions. She's no more than a fraud compared to what Yuki was. That's why she and every other woman I met were deemed unfit to be considered as someone that could produce a child worthy to be my heir. All except Yuki. That's why I used the blood from one of the subordinates that I killed back when Izuku Midoriya made his debut as a superhero to all of ANHS to gain access to information relating to Yuki's whereabouts.
It didn't take long at all for me to find out that Yuki's full name was Yuki Tsubaki and that her current whereabouts was a private boarding school named St. Lucia Academy. It was a school that only girls were allowed to enroll in. Furthermore, they had to have talent and skills capable of becoming geniuses. St. Lucia also taught beliefs relating to Christianity and was deemed to be very religious. But all of this was a front for the White Room. All done to keep tabs on specific candidates who have 'matured' and left in order to pursue higher education. Yuki just so happened to be one of those select few students given her innate talents and skill to improve.
But even though I had that information for quite some time, I didn't have a chance to do anything with it. This is because with Garaki alive he was constantly letting my father know of my whereabouts as well as detailed reports on his observations of me. That being said, he would have reported to my father if I were to set foot off the island and venture elsewhere, foiling my plans long before I could even reach St. Lucia. That's why he had to die. But I couldn't have been the one to kill him since it would have been an act of betrayal. One that my father would make sure that I receive consequences for.
However, with the Doctor's 'death' I was able to slip out of ANHS right under my father's nose by utilizing the Warp Gate Quirk. However, I was strictly limited to places I've been to or places that I can see from a distance. So, after landing in Tokyo I made my preparations to arrive at St. Lucia by the end of the day. I hopped onto several buses since I had no access to a driver's license. But that only got me so far since the academy was located deep in the mountains. But since I was already skilled enough at mountain climbing, it was a cakewalk. The tricky part was not being detected by the school cameras. Because the moment a man like me would have been spotted the academy would have gone on complete lockdown mode.
Luckily, I was able to lure a girl outside and steal some of her blood. The rest was simple. I used Transformation to transform into the girl I killed and make my way on the premises. Then, I was able to track down Yuki Tsubaki's room rather quickly by simply asking around. Finally, I waited till after hours once she was deep asleep to enact my plan. It was fairly easy to keep her asleep with the use of the Gas Quirk that I went on to use on Kei Karuizawa in order to make her lose consciousness so that she wouldn't be a hindrance. The same thing could be said for Yuki. And the rest is exactly what you expect.
But you may ask why would I go to the trouble of impregnating Yuki with my sperm knowing full well that my father would find out my plans? Because, knowing my father, he realizes the potential that my child could hold if raised under the right conditions. That's why he wouldn't dare consider aborting it when the chance of him being on my level if not higher is practically guaranteed given me and Yuki's shared potential. Though there's another reason why I did all of this. However, I'm not going to say that because I don't have to share every single facet of me. You don't have to understand me. And perhaps you never will…
… Or maybe you will by the time this story reaches its inevitable conclusion? Only time will tell. Though if there's one thing that I want you to understand about me then that would be my dream. All I want, all I ever wanted, that should be obvious by now, yes? Well, if you still haven't picked up on it by now then the truth will be revealed in due time. That's right. Right here and now what I dream of achieving for myself will become crystal clear once you see what I do next. And then you will realize exactly what I want out of this world. And that is-
"Father. I wish to share a meal with you." I asked with the usual look on my face not revealing a hint of any emotion. I quickly saw my father's eyes go wide out of sheer surprise. He usually doesn't get so worked up easily. But this is the second time I've seen him showcase astonishment over something today. Though it's only obvious he couldn't have foreseen Garaki surviving much less inhabiting a corner of my very being in a million years. But he's not alone in this sentiment.
The same thing could be said for the words that just came out of my throat. Not once have I ever offered to make a meal for my father. It was only natural since he had professional chefs make meals for him and all of the White Room students since it would have been a waste of time for him to do that himself. But now here I was saying that I was going to have food with him. When was the last time we ate together in the same room? And no. The White Room doesn't count. I meant side by side or sitting down across from each other. I can't even remember a single time we did that. So, if I can't remember then it's probably not worth remembering. Just like some girl who happened to visit me once in my youth…
… And since I can't remember anything about that girl nor a single time me and my father ate food together, it would be a waste to you any more effort when the results will be fruitless. Even still, this is really the only gambit I've got up my sleeve. If my father rejects this offer, then I won't get another chance like this. Not when he's out in the open and vulnerable. If only Tsukishiro wasn't there then I could easily kill him. But I have to keep him alive because he's useful. Even if I were to use Warp Gate on him, the second my father realizes my intent, it will be over. His subordinates won't work for a son who killed his own father. Though if the secret were to be leaked, I could pay them extra to just accept it.
However, Tsukishiro wouldn't. The moment he learns I killed my father is the same moment he tries to kill me for it. He always held a dep respect for my father. Were they friends since childhood? I don't know and I don't care. Either way, my father's execution must be done in a way where no one even suspects that he was killed. And this is the only place on the planet where I can achieve that. The White Room on the other hand has far too much security and there's a camera in every room. There's no chance of my father's murder not being caught on the security footage. That's why it has to be here and now, or I lose. But even though the chances are in my favor…
… Why am I getting a rush of excitement? Is this like a high stakes' poker game? An all or nothing gamble? Yeah. I guess that's a fair assessment. So, what is it going to be father? Though I'm ninety-five-no… ninety-six percent sure he'll take the bait. But that doesn't account for the four percent chance that my plan goes up in smoke. The ever so slightest chance of failure… is utterly alluring. It's as if time slows down to a crawl every time I'm put into a situation when I may actually lose. And every time that happens, I also receive a sense of adrenaline as if things may not go how I think they will. It's the greatest high there is. Now then, what will it be-
"… What brought this on?" My father asked with the slightest hint of curiosity emanating from him. And that's all I need to reel him in as if I'm a fisherman who's about to grab hold of Jaws.
"Isn't this my only chance to cook a meal for you? I doubt the chefs would let me step foot in their kitchen. And even if they did, you are going to remain here in ANHS since you have to keep up the appearance of Chairman, do you not?" I answered his question with a question of my own. I was one hundred percent sure of my suspicions, mind you. But I had to act like I wasn't unless I wanted my father to suspect me of ill intent. But I have already feigned ignorance countless times before. So, this was absolutely nothing for me. And judging by the smirk on my father's face he considered this to be nothing at all as well. All according to my calculations.
"Well, why not. I'm quite famished. But what are we going to eat? Surely these things aren't on the menu?" My father jokingly asked while pointing to one of the Nomus. The moment after that, Garaki made some incorrigible noise inside of me as if he was gritting his teeth. He'd kill my father himself if he were to eat one of his prized creations that I'm sure of. But of course, this was nothing more than a joke between father and son. Though I couldn't showcase any emotion because then he would surely know something was off. So, I simply shrug my shoulders before responding.
"Who knows? The recipe might dictate for it." I replied sarcastically as my father laughed out of amusement. Was what I said supposed to be funny? I thought he'd laugh, but I didn't find it to be humorous at all. Even still, this was going in my favor. I'll lead him to the backroom. The same room that was practically normal. It even had a kitchen. Though that was to be expected since me and the tools in my possession had to eat. I might be the perfect lifeform but even I need bodily substances in order to survive. The same thing could be said for any other human. I'm sure even a God like Homelander wasn't immune to starvation.
"Atsoumi. I think that it would be wise if I were to join you for this meal." Tsukishiro insisted as I was just about to click my tongue in annoyance. Of course, he doesn't trust me. He only trusts my father. And it's that trust that will be the reason why I prevail in the end.
"Tokinari. My son wants to have a meal with me. This should only be between a father and son. Don't you think?" My father asked with a confident smile as Tsukishiro begrudgingly nodded in affirmation. That's right. There wasn't anything for my father to suspect me of. Not when he thinks that I'm incapable of killing him. He didn't even know that he just dug his own grave. It's so tragic that it might as well be ironic. But you reap what you sow is how the saying goes. And that's exactly what was about to happen as he followed me into the backroom. I didn't waste any time getting to the kitchen as my father sat down near the dining table in the center of the room. But the other guy inside of me wasn't nearly as convinced of my plan.
'Kiyotaka are you sure this is going to work?' Garaki asked me internally. But I wasn't even concerned with his worries. Though it's probably for the best if I quell them now.
'Relax. It would be no exaggeration to say that cooking is the one single area which can be called my specialty.' I replied internally knowing full well that wasn't what he was getting at. But I was fully convinced of my plan. It was going to work. So, he might as well believe in my plans that have yet to fail. But as I was getting everything ready in the kitchen, something unexpected happened. My father decided to engage me in conversation. But not something casual like the weather. What he said next was truly unexpected.
"You know, if Mika saw you now, she would be so proud of you." My father said with a straight face. I immediately stopped what I was doing as I looked him in the eyes. He knew full well that I didn't see that coming. Even if someone told me ahead of time, I would never expect him to actually go through with it. Not in a million years. But it was no exaggeration to say that I was surprised beyond belief. Not just because my father genuinely praised me. But also, about what he said. More specifically the name, 'Mika.' There's no doubt about it. That was my mother's name. And he knew that I realized that just from looking at me.
"That's right. Your mother's name was Mika. She was a fine woman in a number of ways. A part of me even wished to marry her. But she felt no love for me. The money was never enough. Nor was it ever going to change anything between us. We were simply incompatible. It's sad. But that's life. It's a shame I had to have her killed." My father admitted as my breath got caught in my throat. That last part made me freeze as if I were ice in the Antarctic. I thought he paid her off. He said that. I know he di-
"Oh that? You know, I couldn't just let her expose me, what I was doing in the White Room I mean. She was fully prepared to leak all of it just because she didn't want you to have that kind of life. She wanted you to be 'normal.' What a joke. Being normal is overrated. If she had it her way, then we wouldn't be this close, this close to bringing prosperity back to Japan. And its all thanks to you my son for being absolutely extraordinary." My father finished with a smile on his face. It was then that I had an epiphany. I finally understood why I turned out the way I was. It was because my father wanted me to be this way. It was so obvious that I should have realized it by now. But I didn't. I thought I did. Though that was just a lie. My life…
… My entire life was dictated and planned out by a single man. He made sure that there wasn't the slightest chance of me ever going in a different direction from the planned route. The reason why feelings like a mother's love elude me like falling snow is because he didn't want her in my life. My mother's influence would have had the slightest chance of making me human. It would have resulted in the perfect being becoming imperfect and capable of failure. Surely, I would have become an entirely different person if my environment was different? Or is that not the case? Whatever may have happened doesn't matter. My mother is dead. And soon…
… My father will be too. But before that I have one last thing to say to him-
"Father. You once said something along the lines that people who don't reveal their talents are utter fools did you not?" I asked as I approached him with a glass of wine in my hands and a blade behind my back. But even in his last moments he felt no suspicion of me.
"Yes. That was when I took you out to New York to catch a glimpse of Homelander. But what does that have to do with any- He wasn't able to finish his sentence as I cut his last words short with the blade of my weapon. A knife. A tool designed to cut things into pieces. And it was this tool that I stabbed my father with. I inserted the tip of the knife's blade into his chest. Right where his heart was. I pushed the knife in as deep as it could go. His eyes looked so surprised even as they darkened. Even as he was dying, he couldn't believe that I was capable of murdering him. But this was inevitable. I watched him. I studied him. I can act like him perfectly. I can literally become him. The fool that he was. The fool that I was for blindly following his every order up to this point. Except…
"I'm no longer the fool." I muttered to myself as I pulled out the blade from within my father's chest. Blood sprayed onto the ground below me painting it red. The same thing happened to my face and the black clothes on my body. At the same time, I made sure to use Warp Gate to get rid of the body. His corpse will be sinking to the bottom of the ocean. It will never be found. No one will be able to give him a proper burial. But what point would there be to give him one when he was an utter fool and a complete hypocrite to the very end? There isn't any point. Not a single point at all.
And now if the answer isn't obvious, my dream, what I always desired, can now be assured. I don't ever have to go back to the White Room ever again. I can do whatever I want with my life. I have the freedom to choose that. That's right. What I want is freedom. And now…
… I have it. And it's all thanks to my dear departed father. Thank you. Thank you so much for playing the role of the fool up until the very end.
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: Kiyotaka Ayanokoji Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life
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