'Blink. Blink.' My eyes opened to a familiar ceiling. It was one that I had become acquainted with plenty of times during my tenure as a student of ANHS. It was the classroom belonging to Class 1-A formerly Class 1-D. So much time has passed since I first made my way into this classroom. I met so many people that I have formed connections with here, some of which I would consider to be unbreakable bonds. And now here I am again, except, the once lively classroom that was full of constant chatter before and after class, was completely and utterly empty.

There was not so much as a gasp from anyone. Not a single soul resided in this classroom. I could gather that much by simply looking around. I could see quite clearly due to the lights on the ceiling. However, the windows were boarded up with cardboard covering them, making it impossible to tell at what time it is. I had no idea whether I woke up in the middle of the day or the middle of the night. Though I knew that I wasn't alone in this school given that someone had taken measures to keep anyone hostile out.

Not only that but I had woken up on a makeshift bed that was made from some desks with some blinds giving me some semblance of comfort placed between me and the desks. There was even a small pillow resting under my head. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but it's the thought that counts. I didn't waste any more time lying down as I had been doing that for who knows how long. Now was the time for action. And to do that I had to leave this classroom behind. But before I did, I took one last glance and reminisced on how things had been once upon a time. Long before any good and bad things happened-

"Everyone. Now that Midoriya has joined us at last, I think it would be nice to take a commemorative photo." Hirata suggested it with a smile on his face. The memories came rushing back as if it were yesterday. This happened on the first day of school. (Or at least the first day I chose to attend, after missing a whole week of school.) I had barely known anyone other than their names. The only person who I knew the slightest bit about was Horikita. (And even then, we only became acquainted with each other just the other night.) I couldn't help but look at her to see what she thought of Hirata's idea. Though she wasn't very enthusiastic about it and shrugged her shoulders upon being asked her thoughts on the matter.

"I suppose I'm not against it." Horikita said with a blank look on her face. Back then it had lacked a trace of emotion majority of the time. But now I can't imagine her regressing back to this state. Though even back then, I believe that she was being considerate of others by not being against it. But that's not to say that everyone was all for the idea. The girl who always sat in close proximity to wherever Hirata was, made that readily apparent.

"Eh? Commemorative photo? It's not like anything major happened, Yosuke. He just happened to show up after missing a whole week of class. Not exactly a highlight if you ask me." Karuizawa commented with a slightly annoyed look on her face. I didn't think much of it at the time, but even back then she didn't seem to like me all that much. For the longest time, I couldn't understand why, until the truth had been revealed. Ever since reading her diary, I had a bitter taste in my mouth, wishing that I could have done more for her. But even before I thought she 'died' I should have gone out of my way to be there for her.

'What could you possibly know what I had gone through?! Day after day after day of being beaten up like this again and again and again! Are you honestly trying to say that you know how it feels?! You don't know shit! You don't know what I had to endure my entire fucking life!' I thought I knew what she had gone through back then because we both had been bullied. But I foolishly chalked up her experiences as the same as mine when she had to endure far worse on the level of never-ending torture. If only I knew that back then, I could have done something to prevent what had happened to her later on.

'Yeah… I'm alright now. Because I'm… not alone anymore.' Not being able to recognize her lie nor being able to save her in any meaningful way has been in the back of my mind for what feels like forever. If I have one regret, then that's it right there. At least when All Might and Sakura passed on, they had no regrets. But I know for certain that Karuizawa has been feeling nothing but regrets ever since she was in middle school. No even before that. She has lived a life where not even her parents showcased any semblance of love for her. She wasn't able to form any real bonds with anyone that weren't made out of lies because of it. She's been completely and utterly alone all this time. That only makes what she said back then all the more heartbreaking.

"I suppose you're right to a certain extent, Kei. It's not like we became Class A just because Midoriya showed up. But who knows? Maybe his involvement in our class will change everything. He's pretty smart, for solving that equation from before." Hirata said with a confident look on his face even though he couldn't have possibly known what would happen in the not-so-distant future. But even if he was just trying to help me feel included within the class, it did make me feel better about myself.

"Haha, oh it's nothing." I said back then while grinning from ear to ear and scratching the back of my head excessively. Of course, even if I was smart and was able to answer a question that the majority of my classmates probably didn't know the answer to, that didn't exactly make me well liked. (Not to mention my reaction to being praised certainly didn't work in my favor either. I was only just starting to get used to receiving praise from others I knew quite well. So, receiving a compliment from someone who I had only just met was something that I was not prepared for.)

"Change everything? I highly doubt that." Karuizawa muttered under her breath. No one seemed to pay any heed to what she said back then. I think only I and Hirata (Since he was the closest to her from where they were sitting.) heard her. I couldn't even begin to fathom the significance of her words when I had known very little about her. (Aside from her name and that she was dating Hirata after only a week of class.) There might have been nothing I could have done for her when she thought very little of me. But I still wish I did. Though it was because I didn't try to do anything for her that I allowed 'Decay' to take control of her body.

'You honestly think that was of your own doing? Don't get ahead of yourself. I changed things back to how they once were. You didn't do a damn thing to change things just like when you could have saved Sakura and Ichinose. The same thing could be said about when you could have ended things by killing Garaki and Ayanokoji on the roof! But no matter how many chances you had to save everyone YOU couldn't do ANYTHING for ANYONE! And do you know why?' The words that Jokata said to me not too long ago resurfaced. Followed by what he ended them with-

'YOU ARE INCOMPETENT!' Jokata's declaration was so loud it was as if I could still hear the echoes of him saying it. That is to say they left a lasting impact on me in more ways than one. I know he was trying to break my spirit all so that I wouldn't have to undergo more hardship that he believed I wouldn't be able to make it out of with my life. But even still, he was right. I could have done more to save not just Karuizawa but so many other people who were roped into this war between me and Ayanokoji. Except I didn't. I wasn't as active as I should have been. I could have taken measures to prevent Ayanokoji from taking the lives of countless people…

'I'm… All For One.' … By taking his life back on that rooftop. I had the chance to do it when the both of us were there without any obstacles preventing us from duking it out. If I could have just gotten by the throat then I- But before I could finish that thought, my thought process was broken completely by the same man who helped me realize what I was.

'Midoriya. Do you really believe that? That you should have taken Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's life back then?' Jokata asked internally. Not in a condescending way that he used so many times before when speaking to me. But a tone of voice that was truly empathetic of what I had gone through given that he knows more about me than anyone else in this world for better or worse. But in this case maybe it was for the best that he alone knows how I really think on the matter.

"… Sometimes." I answered coldly feeling the full weight of my words. I know it wasn't very 'heroic' for me to think that way. But it's not if I desire to take his life. He may have hurt so many people I care about, but all of those people are still alive. Though if he does take away the life of someone I care strongly about in the future, I honestly don't think I'll be able to stop myself from killing him. But I'll make damn sure that never happens. I don't intend for anyone else to die whether they are precious to me or not. Too many people have died. And for that I will make him pay, one way or another, no matter what happens. Jokata knew what I was thinking as usual and was not going to keep his feelings on the matter to himself.

'Look. If you're trying to ask for my permission to kill him then don't bother.' Jokata replied internally much to my utmost surprise.

"Your permission?! You really think I'm asking you if it's okay to kill somebody?!" I snapped back only realizing that I was so enraged that I ended up saying all of that out loud. I couldn't help but bite my lip, hoping that no one heard me. But Jokata wasn't done.

'You were 'thinking' about it. That's the same as asking me to agree with you that killing him is the right thing to do. But regardless of what I think about the matter, I want you to make your own decision. It has to be YOU who chooses to keep Ayanokoji alive or kill him. Though whatever choice you make I will accept it. We're going to 'defeat' him together. Keep that in mind." Jokata finished internally. I couldn't refute any of it. It was just like when he called me incompetent. I didn't want to believe it. But I knew deep down he was right. Though as I tried to not think about such painful things I recalled what Hiyori had said to me before-

'You liar… you know full well that's not what you want. I know just how much you don't want to lose me. But you should know that's not going to happen. Because we've both got each other's backs. So, when you're fighting, I'll be protecting you as well as vice versa. But that's not all. Loving someone means being there for them in their time of need, especially when they are at their lowest. And well… I love you… Izuku.' Her words stopped me from abandoning her Sudo, and everyone else. I want to see her again. I want to see all of them again. I'm sure they feel the same way. That's why I've got to get out of here. But before I could do so, I found myself taking out my phone and scrolling through my gallery of pictures before finding the one associated with 'that' memory.

"Any other objections?" Hirata spoke as if I went back in time to the first day of school for me. I recall looking around to see if anyone else objected to the idea. But there was none. It seemed like the majority of people didn't mind Hirata's suggestion. Even Sudo seemed to begrudgingly accept it. (Though once I looked at him, he stared back at me with a look that pretty much said 'What are you looking at, nerd?') Even still I was plenty surprised to see that the class had reached a full agreement. Though before we could take the picture-

"Only as long as I am front and center. Tee hee!" Kushida said while hogging all the attention like she always used to do. I don't even know where she is right now. I hope she's all right even if she hates me. Anyway, it didn't take long at all for everyone to get into position for the photo. I was a bit in the back to the right though not all the way. (Since I was quite short compared to most of the other guys in my class.) Even still I barely stood out and almost faded into the background. Though admittedly it felt quite nice to be part of a class, like how I used to be back in UA.

'Three… two… one… say cheese." Chabashira (Who happened to be in the middle of preparing for tomorrow's lesson in the classroom) said before taking the picture for us. It was that same picture that became the very first one that I saved on this phone. Just looking at it gave me a strong sense of nostalgia as I vividly remembered how nice it felt to be included. Ever since then I have taken plenty more pictures with my precious friends. But it's this picture that stands out to me in particular. Not just because how personal the 'memory' of taking it is to me. But also, since…

… I can barely recall the names belonging to any of my classmates. There were only a few exceptions totaling for roughly a third of them. I was struggling to remember the names of the majority of them. I remember how they looked like, and even some of the things they said or did. But their names eluded me completely.

'But it only gets worse, if you still decide to use one hundred percent, the identities of the people you've come to know and your shared experiences with them will disappear as if you never knew them. And then after you've forgotten everyone you ever knew including yourself, you will meet death, and he'll take you away forevermore. That's what happened to me when I used one hundred percent of that curse's power one too many times and I paid the price for it.' It was just like what Jokata said would happen. My prolonged use of Obliterator has caused me to forget their names. It probably won't be long till I forget our shared experiences too. And if that happens…

… Will the people that I hold dear to me become a distant memory that will remain forevermore out of my reach? The thought alone sent a shiver down my spine. My heart pumped erratically. I thought I was going to pass out. But before I could, I rushed over to the desks, searching each of them until I found the one that belonged to me. I always made sure to leave a notebook inside of my desk in the case of an emergency. (If I so happen to have forgotten my backpack. Not that would ever happen though.) And when I found it, there it was. A plain notebook. I had barely written anything inside of it since I barely ended up using it. That was a good thing. Because now I need as many of its pages more than ever.

'Scribble. Scribble.' I began relentlessly writing down the names belonging to my precious friends accompanied by pictures of them. (The pictures weren't anything pretty to look at. But they got the job done.) I wrote down additional stuff like attributes that I thought highly about regarding each of them. I made sure to keep my descriptions as detailed as possible in the event of the worst possible case scenario. But I couldn't stop there. I had many people that were still precious to me from the world I was born in. I needed a record of them too. I couldn't possibly forget about anyone I found truly precious.

Before I knew it, I ended up filling the entire notebook. The only thing that was left blank was the cover. For a second, I didn't know what to write on it, until it hit me. I gave the notebook the title 'Hero Notebook: No. 14.' And with that I made sure to keep it close to my chest. (By putting it in the sleeve of the jacket I had on.) That was when I realized that my clothes were different to how they were back when I was in the forest. I was wearing casual clothes though they were accompanied by a jacket and sweatpants. It was a little chilly in the classroom. (Though it's definitely colder out there given that it's winter.) The cold air produced by the air conditioner above my head did a good job at emulating the winds of winter. But at the same time, I couldn't help but think…

… Just how much time has passed since what happened in the forest went down? But just as I thought about that question, the door to the classroom suddenly opened. I momentarily froze in place not knowing who I was about to see. Was it Hiyori? Sudo? Hirata? It could be anyone. But as I turned around, I saw someone that I wasn't expecting to see in the slightest. It was a woman. She looked like she was in her twenties. (Though the vibe I'm getting from her makes her seem much older than her looks are giving off.) She had short brown hair that reached her shoulders along with an outfit that was completely black. But even though my mind wasn't like it used to be, I was sure that I had never seen this woman before in my entire life.

"W-Who are you?" I asked with a slightly nervous look on my face as the serious look on her face sent a shiver down my spine. I had no clue whether this woman was an ally or an enemy. Though I had no intention of harming someone who may be innocent especially a woman. So, I abided from doing anything reckless. In response to my question, she moved her hands around in a way that was unmistakably sign language. However, even though I could gather that much I had no clue what she was trying to tell me.

"I-I'm sorry. I don't know sign language. Do you happen to know any of these people?" I asked before closing the distance between us and showing her the contents of 'Hero Notebook No. 14.' I carefully showed her the pages that I made for Hiyori and the others. In response she nodded in affirmation and motioned her hands in a way that basically said, 'Follow me.' She then proceeded to make her way out of the classroom as I followed closely behind her. I took one last look at the picture on my phone to steel my resolve before placing it back into the pocket of my jacket along with my notebook.

Upon leaving the classroom, I noticed that the lights were dimly lit. Was there a power outage? Or were they simply trying to conserve the power? Either way it illustrated how dire things had become perfectly. But that wasn't all. There were also cobwebs on the ceiling and dirt on the floor signaling things hadn't been properly cleaned in a while. But just how long was a while? I wanted to know how long I had been asleep for desperately. Though I was just as scared to learn the truth.

Because if I did then what would that entail? Were my precious friends and everyone else still alive? I didn't know the answer to that question. I can only believe that where this woman is leading me too is where they are. She seemed to recognize them, but did she recognize them because they were alive and breathing or because they were corpses- But before I could finish that thought Jokata interjected.

'Stop being so damn pessimistic. Didn't you say you were going to be the greatest hero of all time who saves anybody and everyone? If you can believe that you should have some faith in them too.' Jokata said internally. But he wasn't harsh about it as he had been many times in the past. I know he's on my side now. Though it's almost concerning not to hear him scold me.

'What are you some damn masochist?! No, wait… a masochist likes to receive physical pain. Ah, shit! I have no goddamn clue what to call you! Oh, wait I do! You. Are. An. IDIOT!' Jokata declared loudly to the point that him yelling out 'IDIOT!' at the top of his lungs reverberated in my ears. That was more like him. But even still…

'You're right, I was being an idiot for thinking that my friends weren't strong enough. They have shown me again and again just how tough they are. I'm truly lucky to have them by my side. Thank you for reminding me of that Jokata.' I replied internally with a smile. At first, I could have sworn I heard Jokata click his tongue before he continued.

'At least you see the error of your ways now. Though I guess that doesn't say much coming from me, doesn't it? It took me a long time to see what I was doing to you was only hurting you in the long run. So, from now on, I'm going to do everything in my power to ensure your survival. Though getting my hands on Garaki would be a huge plus. What a way it would be to go out with me strangling that bastard in a sea of flames. WHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!' Jokata's boisterous laugh sent a shiver down my spine over how evil it sounded. I'm grateful that he's not using me anymore to further his own goals. But sometimes he could try and not sound like a villain.

'Tch. I heard that. But… I guess you're right. You're the first person I talked to in over a hundred years. So, I'm kinda rusty on how to communicate with people you know?' Jokata replied a bit awkwardly though I already gathered that much about him. Even still, it's nice to be able to have him on my side. And speaking of people on my side it seems that they might be close by! We both reached the end of the hallway and went up some flights of stairs until we reached the top floor. The top floor only has a single room. This has to be where they are. But why does this feel so familiar-

'Midoriya! This is the Chairman's office! The same one that belongs to Kiyotaka Ayanokoji's father!' Jokata yelled out internally alerting me to the danger that I couldn't perceive! Was this woman an enemy?! Did she just lead me into a trap?! That must be it! That means Ayanokoji is behind this room waiting for me! Well, that makes things easy!

"I'm ending this here!" I shouted with a look of determination on my face while bolting toward the door with my fist raised forward! But before I could bust the door down, the woman simply opened it. I was so caught off guard by this that I accidentally tripped and fell onto the floor below me. (Though thankfully it was carpet, so it didn't hurt all that much.) But upon landing face first on the floor, I heard an all too familiar voice yell out 'Deku!' It came from none other than Hiyori! I was so thankful that she was alright that I quickly leaped off the floor by using my hands and landed swiftly on my feet. Though when I did, I quickly realized that she wasn't the only person in the room. Not by a long shot. I expected to see my precious friends. But instead-

"Yo. That was quite an entrance. It's been a while, Deku." The voice of the man that I least expected to hear sat at the center of the room where the front desk was. It was the same area that practically belonged to Atsuomi Ayanokoji. Though he wasn't there. In his place there was someone I genuinely thought I'd never see again. His shoulder length magenta hair made him stand out amidst a crowd. Though the scars on his face made him even more of a sore thumb. Not to mention his voice reminded me so much of Tomura Shigaraki after he had undergone his transformation into the most fearsome villain I had ever faced. With all of these attributes combined the answer could only be one man. And his name was-

"Ryuuen?! What have you done?!" I yelled out before leaping straight at him! But before I could make contact with him, I was intercepted by the man standing right next to him! The same man who had always done so in the past! I didn't notice him at first, but he made it certain that I would by what he did next.

'BAM!' Suddenly a wall flesh materialized out of thin air! Except it wasn't just flesh but muscle! And it came from someone's arm! I recognize this… this Quirk! This is Muscular's Quirk! And the person who now possesses such power belongs to Albert Yamada! Though he wasn't trying to attack! He was blocking me from getting to Ryuuen! Though by doing so I ended up catapulting myself to his fist by complete accident when I jumped into the air! Or I would have suffered the full brunt of his fist if it wasn't for something that pulled me back right before his fist could make contact with my body! And that 'something' was a feather! The same one that belongs to Hiyori! I was instantly pulled back to safety before she gently put me back onto my feet. At the same time, we locked eyes with each other. And then…

"… Thank goodness. … Thank goodness… you're alright, Deku." Hiyori said with bright smile on her face as she tried to hold back her tears to no avail. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to embrace her and tell her 'Of course I am.' But I couldn't. Because the elephant in the room, Kakeru Ryuuen made that impossible. Right now, I need answers more than anything else. And the one at the top of the list was obvious.

"Hiyori. Why is Ryuuen here?" I asked with a serious look on my face. This caught her off guard though she more or less expected this from me. But before she could answer that 'elephant' beat her to the punch.

"Oi, oi. Shouldn't you be asking that to my face? In fact, why would you go out of your way to ask sweet Shiina of all people that? What? Is she your girlfriend or something?" Ryuuen asked with a condescending tone of voice and a smirk on his face. All of which that I expected from him. But even still I made sure that he wouldn't be getting his hands on her.

"Yeah. You've got a problem with that?" I said while standing in front of Hiyori and holding her hand much to her sheer surprise.

'T-T-That is not good for my heart… but wow was that cool.' Hiyori thought internally while her cheeks had a shade of crimson on them. At the same time, her heart was practically beating out of her chest. Though I was too focused on Ryuuen to notice any of that. The latter was a different story. In fact, he was speechless. And so was Albert. They seemed to be completely taken aback by what I had just said… for some reason.

"Is there something with that? Get this straight, I'm not giving you Hiyori. So don't even think of trying to get chummy with her." I declared with a serious look on my face. Though Ryuuen and Albert's jaws had long since hit the floor. Nothing could be heard but silence until the man with scars all over his face tried stifling a laugh until he couldn't help himself anymore.

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Ryuuen bursted out laughing at the top of his lungs as if what I just told him was the funniest joke to ever be conceived in the history of mankind. Even Albert could barely hold back his laughter. But that wasn't all, there was another person in the room, who was laughing his butt off too. I hadn't noticed him up to this point, but he had excessive facial hair on his face and seemed to be a foreign man from another country. Though a man who looked very much like Albert's father didn't seem to find any of this amusing in the least. Wait! Who are those two people?! But before I could get an answer out of Ryuuen, he beat me to the punch.

"Relax, sweet Shiina is all yours. I have no right to order her around anymore after she jumped ship from my class to yours. But don't worry. I hold no ill will for her doing that. In fact, I was in the middle of offering to have her join my side, but she turned me down. It's a shame. Though considering you're both head over heels for each other it can't really be helped." Ryuuen answered while grinning from ear to ear while averting his eyes from Hiyori who was covering her face over feeling so embarrassed over my declaration. Not that I noticed any of it. I was too concerned by what Ryuuen was saying. Especially what he meant by 'side.'

"… 'Side?' What do you mean by that? Don't tell me you're still working for Ayanokoji?" I asked bluntly incurring a scowl from him in the process. Though he didn't act on his anger and instead let out a breath of exasperation before continuing.

"Of course not. Him and I parted ways for a while now. He wants nothing to do with me. As for me, I'm gonna kill him. But as much as I hate to admit it, I can't do shit alone. That's what these guys are for. This is my 'side.' If you want to give us a name, then 'The Boys' would work pretty well. Though there is one exception in our group. You already met her, but I highly doubt you were able to learn her name, given that she can't speak. This is Kimiko. She's much stronger than she looks by the way. So, I recommend not getting on her bad side, k?" Ryuuen explained while the woman from earlier named 'Kimiko' made her presence known as she and the rest of Ryuuen's allies drew closer to him until they stood by him side by side. Though I still didn't know who the two other men were.

"And you two are?" I asked while looking at both the man who looked very much like Albert but older and the foreign man. The former was the first to step forward.

"You can call me M.M. I'm not sure why they addressed you as 'Deku' but you must be Izuku Midoriya right?" The man named M.M. asked with a serious look on his face as he closed the distance between us and extended his hand forward at me. I was momentarily taken aback by the kind gesture and his comment.

"That's right. I suppose Ryuuen told you that?" I asked before M.M. wordlessly nodded in affirmation while we shook hands. His grip was very strong. And he had a lot of muscles on him. Did he work for the police? Or perhaps the military? Though the vibe I'm getting from him doesn't really make him seem like a law-abiding citizen. Even still he looks like a saint compared to the foreign guy. I happened to notice him inhaling something out of the corner of my eye. But before I could get a good look at what he was doing, Kimiko took away whatever was in his hands. He then let out an annoyed sigh, before introducing himself to me.

"Name's Frenchie." The man named Frenchie said with a grin on his face. He seemed to be from France like his name suggested. But for some reason I couldn't be sure about that. Though just as me and M.M. were done shaking hands, Frenchie closed the distance between us and wrapped his arm around my shoulders with an empty bottle in his hands. I immediately felt a chill go up my spine as I felt extremely uncomfortable around him. But that was made so much worse by what he said next.

"Just between us, do you happen to know where I can get my hands on some booze or drugs? Preferably both." Frenchie whispered into my ears while his breath reeked of alcohol. It was nauseating on my nostrils. But I could handle that if it wasn't for what he said. Just who does he think I am?!

'Why would I know that?! I've never done any of that in my life!" I yelled out while backing away from him as fast as I could, all while still holding Hiyori's hand and shielding her from him! I was not going to let this guy ask her the same thing! Though unbeknownst to me-

Thanks, Deku. But he already did.' Hiyori thought internally with a look full of fear over the man by the name of Frenchie. M.M. noticed this and clicked his tongue out of annoyance before smacking the Frenchman across the head.

"Stop that Frenchie. You're scaring the kid." M.M. said while looking as serious as ever though this time he looked a bit pissed off too. But it wasn't just Frenchie that gave me the heebie-jeebies. All of these people that I just met were really shady. That much was obvious. Though I could only guess what their backgrounds were from how they looked. M.M. I already figured as some soldier or more appropriately ex-military. The way Kimiko hid her presence and made herself known gave the impression of a skilled assassin that killed a whole lot of people. And as for Frenchie…

… Well, he was definitely a drug addict and an alcoholic! Two things that I want to stay away from and not associate myself with for as long as I live! I wanted nothing more than to run away with Hiyori from these shady characters. But there were still pressing concerns. I needed to know a bit more information first.

"Ryuuen… if this is your 'side' then are my fri… I mean is there another 'side' within this school?" I asked with a serious look. Once I was finished speaking Ryuuen let out a small chuckle before answering my question.

"That's right. Currently there are two factions. Both with the same agenda. Getting rid of Ayanokoji and Karuizawa. Though we can't seem to agree with each other given what happened between us in the past. Suzune's big brother wants nothing to do with me. Not that I could blame him. But yeah, if you want to talk to your friends, they should be in the student council room. Does that answer all of your questions?" Ryuuen asked with a grin on his face. But I couldn't help but be shook by what he said. Specifically concerning the other person, he grouped with Ayanokoji.

"By 'getting rid' of Karuizawa… does that mean… you're intending to kill her?" I asked while my eyes were wide open. Ryuuen seemed to be confused by my reaction for a moment before letting out a laugh.

"Yeah. I'm going to fucking burn her alive. Mark my words." Ryuuen declared with a sadistic smile on his face while my heart began beating erratically and my palms became sweaty. The latter of which was felt by Hiyori since we were still holding hands. She couldn't help but look up at me with a worried look on her face. But before she could say anything to console me, I couldn't help but say what was on my mind.

"Why?! Why do you want to kill Karuizawa?! What did she ever do to you to deserve being killed?" I snapped back while I couldn't understand why Ryuuen would want to kill Karuizawa of all people! What did she ever do to him?! I just couldn't understand his thought process! But it was the same for him. He glared daggers at me before standing up and closing the distance between us. I noticed him and shielded Hiyori to the best of my ability from him. I thought he was going to attack me or worse the girl I love. But he didn't. He merely stood before me until he answered my question decisively.

"Because that bitch took away someone precious to me. So, yeah. I'm going to kill her for it. I'm sure you would do the same thing if she killed Shiina right? No. I know you would. You see, Midoriya. You're just like me. You can't help but want to tear the fucking bastard who hurt the people you care about to shreds. In that aspect we're the same." Ryuuen declared while my eyes shot wide open while I clenched my free hand into a fist.

"No, Ryuuen. I'm nothing like you. I don't want to kill anyone. Not now. Not ever." I replied with a voice that was but a whisper. This made Ryuuen respond in a similar fashion after leaning in toward my ear.

"Not even Ayanokoji?" Ryuuen asked while I gritted my teeth. He noticed this and finished by saying 'Thought so.' Before making his way back to his throne. But before I could leave, he had one last thing to say to me.

"Until you realize that Karuizawa has got to go it seems like we can't cooperate with each other. It's a shame really. I was just starting to respect you a bit for having good taste in women. But you see, it's because I value a nice woman just as much as you do, is exactly why I cannot let that bitch live after she what she did. So, until you accept that, I suggest you get the fuck out of here." Ryuuen declared with a serious look on his face. I was just about to leave like he said, but Hiyori didn't.

"Please Ryuuen! Try to under- Hiyori spoke but she was interrupted before she could finish by Ryuuen.

"Understand what?! That Karuizawa isn't some ruthless piece of shit?! She killed Ibuki! I saw her do it right in front of my damn eyes! And she… she fucking smiled! She enjoyed killing her! So, I'm going to make damn sure I enjoy killing her just as much, no! Even more than she could have ever enjoyed doing a single fucking thing in her worthless life!" Ryuuen declared with a face full of hatred. Overwhelming resentment for Karuizawa. There was nothing more that I could say to him to sway his opinion. I knew that. So, there was one thing left to do.

"Let's go Hiyori." I whispered before leaving the room with her. And as soon as the door shut behind us, I stood there in place while holding her hand in mine. It was the only thing that I could do to keep me from going insane. The warmth of her small but delicate hand was the only sense of relief I could get from what just happened. But even if that was the case, was Ryuuen, right? Does Karuizawa deserve to die after the people she killed? It's not like 'she' did it. It was 'Decay.' But how am I supposed to explain that to him?! At this rate he'll try and kill her! I don't want them to die! Not Ryuuen even after everything he did and especially not Karuizawa. But do I alone think this? I needed to know for sure.

"Hiyori… do you think Karuizawa should die for what she did? You and Ibuki… you were classmates, right? Do you want her de- I asked but I was cut off by Hiyori taking her hand away from me and putting both of her hands on my shoulders. I was caught off guard by the suddenness of it. But at the same time, she stared at me with a serious look before responding.

"Deku… I don't think anyone should have to die for what they did. Not Karuizawa… and not even Ayanokoji. We may have powers, but does that make us judge and jury? Of course it doesn't. We have no right to take the lives of anyone… even if they deserve it. I can't say I knew Karuizawa all that well. Actually, I don't think I even got a chance to talk with the real 'her.' But if you believe in her, I will too." Hiyori said while maintaining the serious look on her face. I couldn't help but be taken aback by her words. She was such a good person. Much better than me. I wish that I could think the same way she does. But even still…

"I love you… I love you so much." I replied with a whisper while holding her close. She responded with 'I know.' We embraced each other for what felt like an eternity until we parted with a renewed purpose. If Ryuuen wasn't going to join us, then surely our friends will be more willing to do so. That's why we made our way down the stairs until we reached the student council room located on the floor below the previous one we were on. And it was there we were greeted by them once more.

"M-M-MIDORIYA!" Sudo yelled out at the top of his lungs while almost falling out of the chair he was sitting in. But he wasn't alone in this sentiment. Sakayanagi, Hirata, Koenji, and even Manabu were just as surprised to see me judging from the looks on their faces. Though one stood out from amidst the crowded table. That being none other than Suzune Horikita. She more or less figured out that my return was inevitable given what I had promised her the last time I saw her-

'Horikita. I'll see you soon.' She must have been anxiously waiting for me to arrive. Though I bet the reason why she couldn't tell them that I was going to wake up soon was because of how ridiculous it would have sounded by trying to explain that we met each other again within my mind. Even still I was glad to see that she was alright. But that was not all. There was something noticeably different from her. For some reason, she chose to cut her hair short so that it only reached her shoulders. I was so used to seeing her with her long hair that went all the way down her back. Needless to say, it caught me off guard. Not in a bad way though. I think it actually suited her.

"Nice haircut." I said with a smile on my face while closing my eyes. So, I didn't see her reaction. But I did hear what she said in response to the complement.

"Thanks. Looks like someone noticed." Suzune said while averting her eyes from me and staring off into the distance while twirling her hair with her index finger. At the same time, Sudo's froze like a block of ice knowing that he missed his chance to compliment her about it. (To further explain, he was so surprised to see that Horikita had made a full recovery that the latter choosing to cut her hair short went completely over his head.) Though that wasn't to say the others didn't notice. Manabu noticed but he kept his opinions on the topic to himself. Shortly after that the door behind them made a 'creak' noise while being suddenly opened by somebody.

"Huh. What did I miss?" The voice of someone all too familiar to me made their presence known before clamping their mouth shut upon noticing me. At the same time, I turned around to notice that I hadn't misheard him. It was exactly who I expected to be the moment his voice went through my ears. Even if I were to lose all of my memories, I doubt I'd ever forget his voice for as long as I lived. After all, I had known him as far back as I could remember anything noteworthy. He's always been there at every major event of my life. And now here he is once again, Katsuki Bakugo in the flesh. Except…

… This isn't the Kacchan I knew and cared about so fondly, but an imposter wearing the skin of my precious friend!

"You… what the hell are you doing here?" I asked with a scowl on my face as I glared daggers at him while gripping Hiyori's hand in the event he decides to attack. But to my surprise, he didn't so much as do anything but avert his gaze away from me and click his tongue. He then mumbled 'I could say the same thing to you.' Under his breath. A far cry from how Kacchan would usually speak when provoked. Though what was somehow even more surprising than that is that the other people in the room didn't seem to be surprised to see him. In fact, Koenji expected this!

"Haha! The prodigal son returns!" Koenji declared with a smug grin on his face while snapping his fingers. Though shortly afterward, Sakayanagi muttered 'What is that supposed to mean?' Under her breath. At the same time, Manabu noticed my surprised reaction and figured out that me and Kacchan have a shared history.

"Oh. So, you know Kacchan. Well, that means we can skip his introduction. Though I'm quite curious. How exactly do you two know each other?" Manabu asked while adjusting his glasses with his index finger. I couldn't help but avert my gaze from him, considering that our relationship corresponds to my original home. Having to go out of my way to explain that would cause some needless confusion. (I also highly doubt that Manabu would believe me. He probably thinks I'm some alien or something.) So, I'll just explain things while giving as little away as possible.

"He's a fri-guy I used to know when we were kids. Though I haven't seen him since middle school." I explained while lying though Hiyori noticed my reaction and saw through my lies almost immediately. (I couldn't possibly know that though.)

"Oh, cool! So, you and Kacchan are childhood friends." Sudo remarked with a smile while being oblivious to my lies. Honestly, I was beginning to get uncomfortable with them calling him Kacchan. Though before I could say anything about it, I was beaten to the punch. Sudo might have been convinced by what I said. Though Manabu wasn't nearly as convinced.

"So, your childhood friend just so happens to find his way here even though he's not even enrolled in this school? Not to mention, he somehow made his way here even though the bridge has been destroyed, which means he had to swim several kilometers. Furthermore, he made his way past the hordes of monsters swarming the outskirts of this island? Yeah, sounds perfectly reasonable to me." Manabu said sarcastically while studying how I would respond to that with his eyes alone. Of course, I responded accordingly.

"Wait, what?! When the heck did that happen?! How long have I been out?!" I yelled out while my eyes were wide open. Though Manabu more or less expected this kind of response, he ended up being surprised over a certain detail.

"No one told you? I expected Shiina-San to at least tell you that. Anyway, it's the middle of February. Specifically, February 15th. So, you've been 'out' for more than a month. Aside from that, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji has made his plans known to the world. Those plans being that he desires to take over the world. As crazy as it sounds it's the truth. He even went out of his way to kill Homelander with Kei Karuizawa's help. From what intel I have managed to gather it appears that she landed the killing blow on America's pride and joy." Manabu explained. My jaw might as well have dropped to the floor. And right after he finished, I felt my legs go weak, causing me to collapse to my knees.

"Midoriya!" The voices of the majority of people within the room collectively shouted upon me suddenly collapsing to my knees. I couldn't be more shaken up, to learn that I have been asleep for over a month, making this the longest amount of time I had been unconscious by a long shot. Though what was even more devastating was to learn that Karuizawa had killed again. It wasn't her fault. It was definitely Decay! But once America gets their hands on her… they are… their going to kill her! That startling revelation sent shivers down my spine as I thought I was going to go crazy. But before I could, someone extended their hand toward me. I looked up to see that it was Kacchan.

"Deku. Are you al- Kacchan spoke with a concerned look on his face and that was the straw that broke the camel's back. I immediately swiped his hand away from me before he could finish speaking before standing up. How dare he…

… HOW DARE HE TRY TO ACT LIKE HE ISN'T A MURDERER?!

"You've got to be fucking kidding me! Don't you go and ask if I'm alright after what you did! You… you killed Nagumo! The Kacchan I know would NEVER resort to murder! And yet you have the gall to act like you're him! Like you're a goddamn human being! You're nothing more than a murderer pretending to be the friend I lost!" I snapped back much to the shock of everyone. Some of the people here hadn't seen me act so aggressive since what I said after the fight with the High-End Nomu. And the few others who weren't in attendance couldn't be more taken aback over how I was even capable of this. The room went silent for what felt like forever as I glared daggers at Kacchan who couldn't be more visibly shaken over what I said. It was almost as if he was in a trance as he merely stared back at me until he responded.

"Deku. I've done some thinking since you our last… 'encounter.' And I realized that what I did had no meaning to it. What did I gain by taking his… Nagumo's life? Nothing really. I felt empty about it. I didn't feel anything good nor bad. I only realized that when I was about to do it again. But I remembered how much it hurt you when I did. Ever since then, there hasn't been a moment where I've forgotten what you said to me. And for that… I'm sorry. I'm sorry… Izuku." Kacchan admitted before bowing forward at me much to my surprise. It was like time went back to when the real Kacchan apologized to me in front of all of our friends. I couldn't help but be reminded of him when 'he' said that. And that made me feel… I don't even know. But what I do know is that I don't want to feel that way. Not about 'him.' Not after what he did.

"… J-Just forget it…" I muttered under my breath before facing away from him. Though unbeknownst to me, Kacchan heard me and was saddened because of it. I was too busy looking forward to Manabu to even notice while gathering the courage to say what I was going to say next.

"Manabu. I know we've had our fair share of differences… but… I need your help. I need all of your help. Of course, I'm going to fight Ayanokoji… and I want you all to fight alongside me. But that's not all… I… there's someone I need to save. Someone that has been manipulated into doing many horrible things. But I still want to save her. I… want to save Karuizawa. So… will you all- I spoke while my forehead was dripping with sweat. I knew what I was saying was so much to ask. But even still, I need their help to do it. But before I could finish, I was cut short by a decisive 'No.' By Manabu. I couldn't help but look back at him as I was at a loss for words. Of course, Manabu noticed this and sought to explain himself.

"Don't be mistaken. Ayanokoji MUST be stopped at all costs. And we're the only ones who can stop him since we're on his playing field. But… saving Karuizawa is an entirely different story. She has cooperated with Ayanokoji and killed Homelander. The Americans won't take kindly to us defending her after what she did. In fact, they would probably end up nuking this place if Karuizawa were to survive." Manabu explained while I tried to find any semblance of hope left.

"I-I know there are risks… but if we can save her and have her explain myself… that she wasn't in control of her actions when she did what she did the- I spoke wile grasping for straws, only to be interrupted before I could finish by Manabu once more.

"Even ignoring the risks, what Karuizawa has done is unforgivable. She killed someone. I wouldn't even be surprised if Mio Ibuki wasn't her first kill. There was always something 'off' about her. I noticed it… but I failed to act. Her sudden change from middle school to now was something I should have taken into account. Perhaps, I could have assigned a therapist to help her through her troubles. However, I won't let any more of my underclassmen down. That's why my mission here is to take out Ayanokoji and his group of villains. That includes Karuizawa." Manabu declared while I froze in place. No. Not him too. Both him and Ryuuen… they want Karuizawa to die for what she did.

"So… you're going to kill her?" I asked while averting my gaze from him. I knew what he was going to say next. But I just had to ask. Even still it went down exactly how I expected it.

"Yes. I won't let anyone else have to dirty their hands over it. I, Manabu Horikita, will be the one to send Ayanokoji and all of his minions to hell. That is my role to play. Not as Student Council president… but as someone trying to make up for his past mistakes. It appears that you want to do the same. So, you should know full well, that a real hero would kill Kei Karuizawa to save not just the people who matter to him, but everyone else too. That's what you've been aspiring to be this whole time, Midoriya." Manabu declared as if he had me figured out. He wasn't wrong. But that didn't make him right either.

"Past mistakes? Oh, that's rich coming from you. But you're right. I've made more than my share of mistakes. Way too many to count. But the first one that comes to mind… is not finishing what we started on that night." I declared with a face full of anger. But it wasn't just anger. It was resolve. Resolve to commit to what I swore to uphold no matter what. Manabu noticed it and he was taken aback completely. But he wasn't alone in this sentiment. That's because his little sister knew exactly what I was referring to by that 'night.' The night all of this began. The night where I had taken back my life. So, let's go back in time to that night…

… And finish things between us, Manabu.

"You aren't actually suggesting what I think you're suggesting… Midoriya?" Manabu asked while glaring daggers at me. But just like how I knew what he was going to say next, he figured out exactly where I was going with!

"It's exactly what you're thinking, Manabu. I want us to fight. Just you and me. Anything goes. With everything we want to achieve on the line. So, let's make a bet. You win and I'll go along with your plan of killing Ayanokoji and everyone else. And if I win… no one dies! Not Karuizawa! Not even Ayanokoji! We fight not to kill but to ensure that no one has to die! How about it?" I asked while grinning from ear to ear. At the same time, everyone around me couldn't be more surprised over what I had said. The only exception was the man staring me down with utter disgust on his face.

"You are aware of it, are you not Midoriya?" Manabu asked while glaring daggers at me.

"Of what?" I asked knowing full well that he was right on the money.

"Of the sheer greed of that solution?! Do you honestly think anyone is going to go along with such a foolish plan?! Trying to save everyone is impossible! It just can't be done. This isn't some comic book targeted at children! This is the real world! The real world has consequences! Consequences that you can't even comprehend!" Manabu snapped back while clenching his fist hard. That's it. That's what I want. Get as mad at me as possible and fight me.

"So what? I'll just smash those consequences to pieces. Right after I'm done smashing your idea of a happy ending where you take on the brunt of having to become a murderer to ashes. And together we'll rise from the ashes, defeat Ayanokoji and save Karuizawa. Sounds like a perfect way for all of us to become heroes, don't you think? But if you still don't agree with me then I know you'll agree with one thing. That this is all my fault." I said while maintaining my look of resolve. I knew he didn't forget what he said to me back then after Suzune was hospitalized-

'This is all your fault, Izuku Midoriya. Don't you EVER forget that.' And his reaction confirmed my suspicions without him having to say anything. Ever since then, no. Even before that, he's been itching at the opportunity to finish what he started on that night between us! He didn't hold back on the cruise ship. And now I'm sure as hell not going to hold back with my dreams on the line! The same could be said for him as he stood up from where he was sitting much to Horikita's surprise. She was just barely able to get out 'Nii-San please! You don't have to do th- Before being cut off by her older brother.

"Fine. Have it your way. Let's take this outside. Winner takes all. Those were your terms, right?" Manabu asked while adjusting his glasses. In response I nodded in affirmation.

"Yeah. But just so you know, I'm not going down. So, once you're on the ground, let's make sure that no one has to die, Manabu." I said with a bright smile on my face extending my hand forward at him. In response Manabu merely walked past me before opening the door and saying, 'We'll see about that.' Before taking one last look at me with utter disgust for me all over his face. I made sure to follow him while the others could do nothing but look on and wonder if any of this is actually happening. But there was one person who couldn't accept this turn of events. And she made it her mission to stop it, though before she could she was stopped by the man beside her.

"What are you doing Sudo?! Are you actually going to let Midoriya and my brother fight?! Why do they even need to fight in the first place?! There's no point to it!" Suzune declared while Sudo hung his arm beside her body to prevent her from following after us. But she was wrong. There was a point. And Sudo knew this.

"Because this right here is a fight between men. Men with everything on the line to fight for what they believe in. There's no way in hell I'm getting in the way of that." Sudo declared while looking on in awe over what was about to happen before looking toward the nearby window as he figured that I and Manabu would be fighting in view for everyone above us to see. Even though I couldn't possibly know what he said, he was right. This right here…

Chapter 74: A Man's Fight

… Was a Man's fight with everything on the line. A fight that I'm going to win! No matter what! So, just you wait Karuizawa! I'm going to save you!

To Be Continued…

Next Chapter: This is the Story…

Go Beyond!

Plus Ultra!