A certain night last month…
'Drip. Drip. Drip.' The sound of rain could be heard as a girl sat alone in her room with all the lights turned off. It was a cold winter night with only the moon in the sky. However, her blinds had been shut completely as if her room existed on a sperate plane that did not exist within what people would describe as the 'real world.' It was sufficient to say that this girl was heartbroken. Of course, she was. This girl was none other than Honami Ichinose. A normal girl you could find anywhere who was suffering over her first crush rejecting her.
'That's right… I'm sorry but… I'm in love with Shiina.' It was those words said to her by her crush that might as well have been imprinted on her very psyche. No matter how much she tried to get her mind off of her first crush and the words he left her with, she could not simply forget about it. It was only natural. It was the first time that she had developed romantic feelings for a person to the point where she would think about him from time to time almost every day. She wanted to tell him how she felt but every chance she received, she could not get the words out of her throat. And before she knew it was too late.
Her crush, Izuku Midoriya had fallen in love with another girl by the name of Hiyori Shiina. It was such a short interval of time they had gotten to know each other to the point that even Ichinose was surprised that feelings were beginning to take root between the two of them. But perhaps she was a hypocrite for thinking about it this way. After all she harbored an interest in Midoriya ever since she saw him confront Horikita's brother on that dark night much like the one happening at this very moment.
"… Ah." Ichinose let out a small gasp upon recalling the details of her staring at Midoriya. The way he stood in front of Horikita with his fists raised in a fighting stance, was a sight to behold for the girl. It was like a scene straight out of a manga. The type of stuff that only happens in fiction. And yet it was so viscerally real. At that moment her heart beat in a way that felt different. She wanted to know him. She wanted to be protected by him. She wanted the both of them to fall in love with each other. She wanted him and only him. Though instead of her he was protecting another woman. And while experiencing love at first sight Honami Ichinose experienced another emotion that she had never felt before. Jealousy.
Ichinose was jealous of Suzune Horikita. She would never admit it because she didn't want other people and especially Midoriya to think lowly of her. But she was jealous. Even still she couldn't show such an emotion that was considered immature at best or extremely selfish of her at worst. But Ichinose didn't want to accept that part of her. She wanted to deny it completely. Jealousy would get her nowhere in the slightest. It would only make things much worse. And she had no intention of having her heart shattered into a million pieces. Not ever again. Not after 'that' happened.
'How could you… HOW COULD YOU?!" Her mother screamed at her before slapping her across the face. It was the first time that she had raised her voice like that. And it was also the first time that she had been hit. Fortunately, it was the last time both of those happened. Even still, it had left a deep emotional scar that never really healed. It was shortly after she had stolen a hairpin for her little sister. She had wanted to buy it for her. But her family wasn't wealthy in the slightest. They weren't poor but they were below what could be described as 'middle class.'
They barely got by and her mother had to work late shifts at the hospital in order to provide for her two daughters. Ichinose knew this but her sister was none the wiser. That's why when her sister asked for the hairpin, she didn't have the heart to tell her that they wouldn't be able to afford it. But she loved her sister, and she knew just how much the latter wanted the small accessory that was ridiculously overpriced. So, while staring at it one day on the windowsill a thought crossed her mind-
'Why don't I… just steal it?' And before she knew it her hand had grabbed the hairpin when nobody was looking and stuffed it in her pocket. But what Ichinose didn't know was that she was being recorded the entire time by the security cameras. How could she? She did it without really thinking about it. The results were disastrous to say the least. Even that may have been an understatement. It was already bad enough for her mother to have apologize to the police about it.
However, what was far far worse was the lasting impact that it left on their family's public image. Ichinose may not have gotten arrested though that didn't stop other people figuring out what she did. After all, isn't it suspicious for a young girl to be escorted out of the premises by the police? That got people talking about it. And the result were rumors that were spread between people one after another until the entire small town her family lived in might as well have known about what the eldest daughter of the Ichinose family did.
One day when Ichinose's sister walked home from school, she saw the results of what everyone thought of her older sister for herself. The word 'criminal' painted red on the wall of her apartment building drove her to tears. She knew that her sister had been suffering but Honami had shut herself out from the rest of the world. She resided in her room without going to school and barely leaving it to go anywhere. In fact, she never left the house, the only place she ventured to was the bathroom. This went on for months on end. And she barely interacted with her sister or mother in this amount of time. Not so much as saying a word to either of them.
It was sufficient to say that Ichinose was depressed. She had no desire to eat, watch tv, read books, or do much of anything outside of what she needed to do to survive. But even that was becoming hard for her. The more days that passed by, she began eating less and less. Even when her sister had made her food and placed it right outside the door to her room, Honami barely touched it. It wasn't as if the food was poorly made. It's just that nothing was appetizing to her anymore. It got to the point where her mother had no choice but to step in. And one day a new person arrived at their home, one that Ichinose had never seen before.
"Hello, Honami-Chan. My name is… well that part isn't really all that important. I want to talk to you. Do you mind telling me how your day is going?" The man asked in a gentle tone of voice. But even though Ichinose had no reason to be scared of the man, not when her door was separating the both of them, she did not respond to him in the slightest. The man accepted this outcome and saw it coming from a mile way. After all he was a psychiatrist that Ichinose's mother called with the hopes that her daughter would be able to overcome her depression. But it was for that exact reason that the psychiatrist knew that he wouldn't be able to get her to respond so easily. So, he had a backup plan in case that were to happen.
"Say Honami-Chan. Mind if I tell you a bit about myself?" The Psychiatrist asked though he received no response. Again. He expected that kind of response, or lack thereof. Though since she didn't refuse, he might as well continue. But before doing so he positioned himself with his back facing the door. On the other hand, Honami was nowhere near the door and in her bed with the covers wrapped all around her. Though she was still able to hear the psychiatrist and before she knew it, she had begun unconsciously listening to him.
"I had undergone hardships myself. My mother passed away when I was about your age. It was a very troubling experience to say the least. I… didn't have the will to move forward. I even considered giving up. But… I met someone. She would occasionally talk to me here and there. And before I knew it our small interactions became full on conversations. I then found myself wanting to meet her every single day. You could say that my life revolved around her." The psychiatrist admitted with a dry chuckle as Ichinose listened. Before she knew it, her body moved forward as if it had a mind of its own. And then…
"Who… was this person?" Ichinose asked the first words she had spoken in months. Her voice was very dry and lacked any energy to it. But even still her speaking at all was a huge step forward to the point that her mother and sister who were listening in were absolutely speechless. No matter what they did she wouldn't speak to them in the slightest. But this man accomplished that in not even five minutes after arriving at their home. Even still they listened on just wanting to hear more of her voice. Though before that the man answered her question.
"Her name… well that doesn't matter either. Though we did get married some time ago so you could just call her my wife. But I don't think of her as simply that. She's my… hero. If I hadn't met her back, then… I wouldn't be here today, that I can assure you of. She saved me… so she's, my hero. She even gave me the 'resolve' that I needed to purpose my way of life, helping people that were once just like me. So, listen closely to this, Honami-Chan, what I'm about to tell you is incredibly important. Please listen." The psychiatrist asked and shortly after finishing Ichinose replied with a weak albeit audible 'Yes.' Once again, her sister and mother were speechless at what they were seeing. The psychiatrist then took a deep breath before continuing.
"… If you cannot find the 'resolve' to live for yourself then you must live for someone's sake. That person doesn't have to be your mother or your sister. It doesn't even have to be someone you even met yet. But… you must live. Because one day, and I can assure you of this too, you will meet your hero. The hero that will give you the 'resolve' so that eventually you can find life worth living again. Do you understand, Honami-Chan?" The Psychiatrist asked except he wasn't replied with any words of the sort. Instead, he heard the door to her room being unlocked. And then…
"… I… understand." Ichinose replied while shaking her head slightly in affirmation. The words she said with almost drowned out by the 'creak' when she opened her door. Even still, the look on her face was one that had the slightest bit of color to it. After noticing this with her own eyes, her mother couldn't stop herself from holding onto her daughter for dear life. As for her sister she was crying tears of joy at being able to see her sister in a state that could be described as 'alive.' It was almost as if Honami Ichinose had been dead ever since she stole that hairpin and now, she had been resurrected.
The Psychiatrist left with a simple goodbye and vanished from Ichinose's life. But even though he was gone, he left her with an overwhelming sense of hope. Hope that led her back to school. Hope that allowed her to communicate with others again. Hope that gave her what she needed to get by each and every day so that she will meet her 'hero' one day. This went on for quite a while until shortly after arriving at ANHS, she found someone that utterly entranced her. Someone that protected a person he surely had just met with no reward in mind other than doing what was right. Izuku Midoriya was a Bonafide superhero in her eyes. And to her utmost surprise, he actually was one.
However, after learning the truth about him alongside all of her classmates and everyone else at ANHS, she could do nothing to confess her pent-up feelings. Midoriya had been staying at a hospital recovering from his injuries for a month after defeating the High-End Nomu. And even when he returned, Kushida made it impossible for her to help him considering that there was a chance the people she trusted would think of her as nothing but a criminal. The worst-case scenario for her would be her hero, Deku, thinking that she was a villain for stealing that hairpin. Even still, she wanted him to know her for who she was because if he really was her hero then he would save her.
'Ichinose… what you did was wrong. But your heart was in the right place. You've also done more than enough to atone for your crime. So, there's nothing for you to be ashamed of. You're far more than what your past mistakes make you out to be. That's what I wholeheartedly believe. That's why I can say that you're very kind and generous, and… beautiful.' And it was these words that saved her. That's when Ichinose knew for sure that she needed him. He might as well have been her one and only. And the fact that Deku called her beautiful… that was the icing on the cake. And she had no intention of letting such a thing go, so she devoured it ruthlessly without caring what others might think in the slightest.
'Then… prove it by kissing each other. All couples do that sort of thing as well as plenty of other things that they very much like to keep away from any prying eyes. But something like a kiss is fairly normal. Something that you'd expect from two people who are in a relationship with each other. Not that I believe you two are in the slight- Nagumo didn't even need to create a situation for them to kiss. Ichinose was going to do it anyway. But that fact that the stars aligned in such a way where Hiyori was approaching them from behind (With the hope of interacting with Deku and growing even closer to him in the process) she could not waste this chance. It might as well have been her last chance. So, she kissed him.
It was her very first kiss with someone of the opposite sex. Sure, Ichinose had kissed her mother and sister before on the forehead or the cheek. But this was completely different. The person she was kissing was her hero. Her hero. He had to be hers and only hers. So, if it meant breaking Hiyori's heart in the process then she was more than willing to pay the villain if it meant taking her hero all for herself. And just like when she tried stealing the hairpin back then, she did the same thing by trying to make Deku believe that he had to be with her. That's why she resorted to tempting him with sex. That way they would become one and he would always be by her side forevermore. However-
'I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… but… I just can't. I want to love you. I really really do. You are such a kind and wonderful human being. Your words have warmed my heart time and time again. But… my heart has been stolen by another person. So, I can't reciprocate your feelings because there's nothing left for me to give you.' He couldn't do it. Her hero's heart had already been stolen by Shiina. Ichinose was too late. If only she acted quicker then things would have been different, surely, they would be. In fact, she dreamed of such a world. A world where she and Deku were together in a romantic relationship.
"Let's go Honami." He would say with a smile on his face. However, Ichinose wasn't able to see the face of the hero she loved within her dreams. His hair looked darker too, it might have been as dark as the night sky and his bangs enveloped his left eye completely. But his voice was the same. It was undoubtably Izuku Midoriya even if his physical appearance was different. And they were happy together. He was even in her class. That world was her ideal. She desperately wished for it to become reality. But every time she made that wish-
'… Ah.' She would gasp as the dream would break to pieces as she was forced to return to the real world against her will. If only it had lasted for eternity, then she would be happy. That's what Ichinose felt deep in her heart. Alas, it could never be, she may have been reliving moments that belonged to a girl named Honami Ichinose. However, she was NOT that Honami Ichinose. They might have both shared the same name. Though they were two completely different people, and they would remain that way till the end of time itself.
However, Ichinose knew this. That her dream of being together with her hero was an unobtainable one. Her hero was in love with another woman. Nothing would change that. So, she was left with no choice but to repeat what she had done before by cutting her off from the real world. They say old habits die hard and that couldn't be truer regarding Ichinose. She didn't want to live in a world where her feelings were not reciprocated. A world where they were simply friends throughout high school only to drift apart once they reached adulthood was not a world that Ichinose could ever consider her home. Because if she could not live for the sake of someone else…
… Then who was she supposed to live for? The answer would be herself. Ichinose knew that deep down these intense feelings about Deku weren't good for her. But no matter how many times she tried to forget about him, he would always remain in the back of her mind. That's why she had no choice but to isolate herself from society and more importantly her hero himself. That way Midoriya would be able to live happily ever after with Shiina. Her involvement in his life would only further complicate things. Perhaps seeing him on that night was a mistake. But even so…
… Honami Ichinose desperately wished to help her hero. She couldn't do it back then no matter how much she wished. But maybe now she can do something about it. And it was that wish that was answered in the most unexpected of ways.
'Knock. Knock.' With a simple knock on her front door. Once again, the situation was the same as before. A solid metal door closing herself off from the rest of the world and a man trying to breach it through any means necessary. However, this man was nothing like the psychiatrist that helped her in her time of need. No. This man, if you could even call him that, was here not to save her, but to use her and when he was done with her, he would discard her as if she was nothing more than garbage. And that man's name was none other than Kiyotaka Ayanokoji.
"Ichinose… I know you are in there. I request that you open the door. I have something that I need to tell you." Kiyotaka said without trying to act in any shape or form while using his true voice. One that was emotionless to the core of his being. The moment Ichinose heard it her ears perked up. She had not heard such a voice lacking any sense of passion behind it. Nor was she familiar with the person in general. Just who was this person? A part of her was curious to find an answer to such a perplexing question. But that would expose her to the outside world. A world that she had no desire to associate herself with. So, like before she curled up with her blanket covering her complete as she tried to escape back into the darkness of the night. But then…
"… What if I told you… that someone was planning to kill Izuku Midoriya?" Kiyotaka proposed that question without any sentiment behind it. But this instantly made Ichinose's eyes go wide. Her thoughts raised with questions such as: 'Who would want to kill Deku?' And 'Such a person must be stopped at all costs.' And before she knew it her body had moved to the front door and unlocked it just like back then when she was at her lowest point imaginable. Then she saw the face of Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. He wasn't even trying to hide himself under the disguise of Kanji Ike. Such a form was unnecessary for him to take. So, he revealed himself to her without a care in the world about it. As for Ichinose, she no longer cared who this person was. All she wanted to know was-
"… Who is trying to kill Deku?" Ichinose asked as she stared not at Ayanokoji but past him as if she would see the person behind him. Kiyotaka knew from the second he heard her voice that she was entranced by it all. He knew that Honami was in love with Izuku Midoriya, that much was obvious given that she kissed him back then at the Sports Festival. Though he had no idea just how intoxicated she was with Midoriya. But the look in her eyes told him everything that words couldn't. It was as if her blue eyes were being set ablaze at the very thought of someone wanting to hurt Deku. And that intrigued Kiyotaka to no end.
'Interesting. The look in her eyes. I've seen it before. It's the same look I saw in myself every day in the mirror. A pair of eyes that held not a hint of romance in them. Ichinose looks like she has no hesitation about killing someone if it were to save the life of Izuku Midoriya. But a look alone can be nothing more than her believing that she can do it. A stone-cold look can be performed by the most accomplished of actors with ease. They can mimic the mannerisms of someone who has murdered people again and again with the drop of a hat. So, I need to test this theory of mine.' Kiyotaka thought internally while moving slightly forward. Ichinose did not resist letting him into her home and graciously stood out of the way so that he could go inside.
"You still haven't answered my question. Who is planning to kill Deku? It's obviously not you. You'd have to be a real idiot to reveal your plans. So… it's someone that you know and are familiar with, yes?" Ichinose asked with a voice that was cold as ice in a way that reminded Kiyotaka of his own voice. Was this really an act? Not even the most talented of actors (Or in this case actresses) Could pull this off in front of someone who was nothing more than a stranger. Originally, he was just planning to tempt Ichinose to join him, only to manipulate things in such a way where Kei Karuizawa or Decay would kill her in front of Midoriya. That way he would be delivered such a psychological blow that would drive him to the point of no return.
But now, even Kiyotaka Ayanokoji isn't sure that's what he wants now. Something like that would be too easy. Perhaps a different outcome should occur. One where Ichinose is the one to kill Decay. In fact, that might be the best-case scenario. To fight against Decay might as well as be committing suicide. Even though Ayanokoji's Regeneration Quirk could heal him for all external injuries, it could NOT heal him from complete disintegration. That's why if Karuizawa were to touch him with all five if her fingers, then he would be completely erased without any hope of coming back.
However, getting rid of Decay was not yet necessary. But who could say that it won't become necessary in the future? Right now, Kiyotaka may be holding her by the leash. Except, Karuizawa isn't just some dog who won't fight back. What she wants more than anything else is to thank Izuku Midoriya by killing him. But by doing this, this would only go against the grand tragedy that Ayanokoji and Garaki were planning. So, if Deku were to die before any of his friends did and, in a way, where all hope was not lost then that would be counterintuitive to what they were hoping to achieve. Then perhaps, he can use Ichinose to be the one who rids the world of Decay. But before that, he must confirm his theory by way of testing Ichinose's 'resolve.'
"Ichinose… I just told you that someone is planning to kill Izuku Midoriya. I can assure you that my words are one hundred percent true. Knowing that… what are you prepared to do if you find this person?" Kiyotaka asked as he analyzed Ichinose's reaction to see if there was any hint of hesitation. Except there wasn't. She simply faced him. And then…
"I'm prepared to KILL this person if need be." Ichinose declared without any hint of deception or trickery behind her words or tone of voice. She was serious. Dead serious. Kiyotaka was absolutely dumbstruck by this startling revelation. The pure innocent girl who always lends a hand to others in need, prepared to take the life of another with her own hands. It was utterly preposterous! But it couldn't be further from a lie. There was no doubt in his heart that Ichinose was telling the truth. That's why there was no need for him to hold back the identity of the person who desires Izuku Midoriya's demise.
"That person's name is Kai Karuizawa. She's planning to kill Izuku Midoriya at this very moment. The details of her plan are unknown to me. But if I were to guess then… she will attempt to take his life one month from now at the next Special Exam." Kiyotaka answered as Ichinose looked at him and was now analyzing him. This caught Ayanokoji off guard completely. But before he could say a word about it, she beat him to the punch.
"And how would you know this exactly?" Ichinose questioned while narrowing her gaze at the man in front of him. Was he perhaps in on the whole thing? If that's the case, then this man has no right to exist! Kiyotaka sensed Honami's bloodlust as if a thick red aura enveloped her very being. Lying to her would only result in Ichinose trying to attack him. The girl is far more astute than he previously gave her credit for. That's why Ayanokoji had no choice but to tell her truth without holding anything back. But Garaki knew this considering that he could read all of his thoughts.
'Are you really prepared to tell this brat all of her plans just to gain her trust!? You don't even know for sure if she will fall in line! She may even warn Izuku Midoriya of our plans! And if she does then everything, we have worked for will go down the toilet! Do you understand, Kiyotaka?!' Garaki shouted internally. But in response, Kiyotaka nodded in affirmation before risking everything on this gamble. The idea of using Ichinose for his own benefit was too tempting to resist. That's why he took a step forward. And another. Until he was right in front of the girl. And then…
"Because I'm planning to infiltrate the area of the Special Exam, the forest on the outskirts of this island. There I will subdue all of your classmates as well as every single student enrolled in ANHS. Fear not, my goal is NOT to kill them. I'm simply going to hold them hostage. That way I will be able to accomplish a goal of mine that I have sought ever since I was a child. Though I wouldn't expect you to understand that even if I told you. For that goal, I recruited allies of my own, one of which is Karuizawa." Kiyotaka explained in a way that withheld key information about his plans of Deku. Though the way he went about it was in a way that could not be construed that would garner suspicion from Ichinose. It was the truth. Ichinose could not find fault in any of his words. So, she nodded while saying 'I see.' She then took a deep breath before exhaling and continuing.
"So, you aren't going to kill any of my classmates? Nor anyone else? You just want to attract the attention of another, am I right to assume that?" Ichinose asked while Ayanokoji nodded in affirmation. She really was smarter than he ever thought she was at first glance. Honami Ichinose… what an interesting girl.
"That's right. I have no intention of killing anyone. It would go against their very purpose as bargaining chips. So, if Karuizawa were to kill Midoriya then that would be a huge loss. But I can't exactly kill her myself. In fact, she's essential to my plan since her very presence will make Izuku Midoriya give up without a fight. That would be the best-case scenario, don't you agree, Ichinose?" Kiyotaka asked as Ichinose took a moment to contemplate what he just told her before nodding in response.
"I do. I don't want anyone to get hurt. Not any of my classmates, and especially not Deku. But am I right to assume that it was you who gave Deku's friends such as Horikita and Sudo-Kun there… powers?" Ichinose asked as Ayanokoji was utterly stunned out of sheer disbelief over what he had just heard. How could he not!? This girl had just deduced that he was the one who gave Izuku Midoriya's friends their Quirks! That was an astute deduction that would make even the great Sherlock Holmes blush! Just who the hell is this girl!? And why is she so… damn interesting?!
"I am." Kiyotaka replied without any hint of hesitation. He couldn't lie to her even if she tried. She was just too shewed.
"And you gave Karuizawa a power of her own?" Ichinose asked as she analyzed Ayanokoji once more as he nodded.
"Yes, I did." Kiyotaka answered. Honami then fell silent for a moment before focusing in on him once more, after finding the true reason why he was here at this very moment.
"Then… are you here to give me one too?" Ichinose asked. There was no other possible answer. He was trying to use her to kill Karuizawa. She knew this. But if it meant saving Deku, her hero, then…
… The girl named Honami Ichinose would gladly become a murderer for his sake. A being without a hint of remorse or pity whatsoever. A being that is not human, but a machine designed only for killing. A being of…
Chapter 66: Absolute Evil
… Absolute evil.
Back to the present…
In the dead of night, Ichinose closed in on Decay with every intention of killing her with the knife in her hands. But just as she swung her blade at Karuizawa's back in order to kill her before she even knew it-
'STAB!' Decay felt the overwhelming sense of bloodlust behind her at the very last possible moment as she attempted to dodge the blade heading straight for her! But instead of piercing her back, it pierced her right hand!
"AUGH!" Decay let out a shriek of agony as she stumbled backwards until she collapsed on her back! Ichinose didn't miss this chance as she got on top of her and pinned her to the ground! Ayanokoji had told her that if Karuizawa were to touch her with all five of her fingers then she would disintegrate to ashes! However, that piece of information was not all he gave her! Along with a copy of the Transformation Quirk, Kiyotaka gave her a vial of his own blood in order to transform into him and steer clear of any suspicion that Kei might have held for her! And there was nothing that Karuizawa or Decay could do about it! And then…
'STAB!' Ichinose pulled out another knife from her pocket and stabbed Decay's left hand with it! Now both of her hands were pinned to the ground! And since Karuizawa needed to have all five of her fingers on something in order to decay it she couldn't do that to the blade! Because none of her fingers were able to touch the metal of the knife whatsoever! Furthermore, the way her hands were positioned were her fingers facing Ichinose in a way that made it impossible for her to disintegrate the soil! This was because Kei couldn't decay anything with the back of her hand! Only the front! Ichinose knew all of this and completely overwhelmed her opponent!
"AUGH!" Decay let out another shriek of agony as she knew full well that she had completely underestimated the person she thought was Ayanokoji! But she had no reason to doubt Ichinose with her looking exactly like him! But it was that assumption of hers was the biggest mistake she could ever make! And now it would prove to be her undoing! Decay knew this as she saw the merciless look in Honami's eyes. It was almost as if she was seeing her own reflection. And the thought of being killed made her scream.
"Stop this! Stop this right now Ichinose! You can't kill me! You'll be branded a criminal! There won't be a single person who will not know of the serial killer high school student! You'll be disgraced! No one will ever want to associate themselves with you! Especially not Deku! He'll despise you to no end! Because no hero would EVER accept a criminal as a friend!" Decay declared as if her intention was not just to convince Ichinose but someone else. Though Honami didn't even budge in the slightest while taking out another knife, one that she was aiming at Karuizawa's neck! And then…
"I already am." Ichinose declared without any mercy in her voice or actions whatsoever as she swung the knife down! But right as she was about to pierce Decay's throat-
"ICHINOSE!" The voice belonging to her hero, Izuku Midoriya screamed at the top of his lungs as he saw her from where he was standing. He found both of them due to the screams! But there was no chance of him closing the distance in time! Not even by using Obliterator at one hundred percent would he be able to stop Ichinose from killing Karuizawa! So, that's why he had no choice but to shout as loud as he could so that Ichinose would have no other choice but to hear him and falter before it was too late! Except, from where he was standing, he could just barely make out Ichinose! The person she was trying to kill was obscured by the darkness of the forest! Even still, Ichinose heard it immediately.
"… Deku?" Ichinose muttered as she unconsciously dropped the knife in her hands. Decay saw all of this as the girl who was about to kill her was now distracted! This is her chance! Her one and only remaining chance to get rid of this problem named Honami Ichinose once and for all!
'BAM!' So, with every fiber of her being Decay used all of her strength to pull her right hand from the soil until she was able to get it off the ground! She then bit and pulled out the handle of the blade with her mouth! And with her hand freed again she-
"RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAH!" Decay let out a deafening roar and moved her hand forward until she-
"Ah!" Midoriya audibly gasped as Decay touched Karuizawa's left arm with all five of her fingers. It was then that he recalled the girl posing as Tomura Shigaraki and realized that this person and that girl were one in the same! And at the same time, Ichinose's right arm began rapidly decaying. Honami noticed this as she let out a gasp too as she was receiving no pain from Karuizawa touching her. But even still, her arm and her hand too were disintegrating before her eyes.
'THUMP!' Deku saw this happen in slow motion as his mind went into overdrive trying to process everything happening before his eyes! He was then given two options. Let Ichinose die. Or- And before he even made a decision his body moved on its own and closed the distance between them! And then…
"I'm sorry, Ichinose." Midoriya muttered as he raised his hand into the air and brought it down without holding anything back! Only to swing it down! At the same time, Ichinose smiled and felt relieved as she closed her eyes knowing that her hero would save her in the end. However, what she didn't know was that to save her meant getting rid of her arm.
'SLICE!' And that was exactly what happened as Midoriya unleashed a karate chop that was as sharp as the knives that she used on Karuizawa! Ichinose's right arm was then decisively cut off before it could be decayed completely! Though while she was saved, the aftereffects of having her arm sliced off were too much for her to bear.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!" Ichinose let out an earthshattering scream as blood poured out of the wound where her right arm used to be! Not missing a beat, Midoriya sped away from the Tomura Shigaraki lookalike with her in his arms until there was enough distance between them! He then ripped off the sleeves of his tracksuit and wrapped it around Ichinose's amputated limb in order to prevent her from losing any more blood! Except, this didn't stop her screaming the slightest as she was undergoing the worst possible pain that any human being could experience at this very moment! But it didn't last for a second! It went on and on and on without ever stopping for a second! A tremendous amount of pain that would drive anyone insane! That's what Ichinose was experiencing right now! The sight of Ichinose in so much pain made Deku breathe erratically until he screamed too.
"SOMEBODY! ANYBODY! HELP HER!" Midoriya shouted at the top of his lungs. He knew that no one would answer him. But he couldn't help himself! The nearest hospital was in Tokyo! Even with her wound closed the chances of her surviving till then are slim! She needs medical attention! Right, this very second! Or she will- But just as the thought crossed his mind he began hyperventilating while remembering what happened to Karuizawa. But as for that person, or more appropriately the person using her body, she was right there behind him. Enjoying every second of him flailing around like his head just got cut off!
"No one… is coming to help you… Deku." Decay declared as Midoriya's eyes shot wide open. He couldn't believe it. But that voice! It was the same as-
'Izuku! Please get here as fast as you can! GAH!' Her last words. But that couldn't be. Karuizawa is dead. But if that's the case…
… Then who the hell is that person behind him? Thinking that Midoriya turned around to see the Tomura Shigaraki imposter. But since it was a woman, her face did not resemble Shigaraki's whatsoever. No. Even more than that, beyond a shadow of a doubt that person's face belonged to Kei Karuizawa. Combine that with her voice being the same and there was no doubt about it. Even still, Midoriya didn't want to believe it. In fact, he couldn't help but feel a silver go down his spine as shuddered at her. This made Decay let out a haughty laugh as she spread her arms wide!
"You see, Deku. I'm crazy. I've been that way since the very beginning. Isn't it painful to even look at me? Isn't it Deku? You must be disgusted at the very sight of me. That's why I had no choice but to get as far away from you as I possibly could. I just… can't live without you. And you can't distance yourself from me because you would be betraying the very person you're trying to be. A hero. But even so, I'm thankful for everything you've done for me. Without you… I wouldn't be having so much fun. Haha… AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Decay spoke calmly as if confessing to her crush before laughing hysterically. Seeing Karuizawa laugh so wickedly made Deku's entire body shudder. But then…
"If you're so thankful… then… Why are you crying?" Midoriya asked as Decay scoffed at him. Was he delusional? Of course he was! There's no doubt that Deku has lost his mind just as much as she has!
"Are you an idiot!? Like hell I'm actually… eh?" Decay snapped back before feeling her cheek with the back of her hand. It was wet. She was crying. Not even the pain of being stabbed in both of her hands drove her to tears. And yet she's crying right now. It wasn't as if she was feeling sad. In fact, she was utterly ecstatic. Which can only mean that 'she' was the one who was crying. And that meant…
… That Kei Karuizawa was not dead.
"What the hell?" Decay muttered while gritting her teeth as she wanted to do nothing more but rip out the person who was still inside her by the throat and disintegrate her to ashes! But doing so would kill them both. That's why she had no choice but to scream.
"… HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE KEI?!" Decay shouted at the top of her lungs as Midoriya was taken completely aback by her sudden scream. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. If that's Karuizawa's body and her voice, then why did she yell at herself in the third person? But he was given no time to dwell on the thought as Karuizawa began laughing hysterically once more. And then…
"Just let me kill you! And your suffering will finally come to an end Deku!" Decay declared before rushing forward and closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye! Midoriya shuddered and closed his eyes as he accepted his impending doom. He couldn't hurt Karuizawa. Not after knowing how much, she suffered and was suffering now. But just as he was about to die-
'BAM!' Decay vanished in the blink of an eye as Midoriya opened his eyes to find her nowhere in sight. He looked all around while clutching Ichinose only to see the man who looked just like Mr. Compress standing on one of the branches of a nearby tree. And before he knew it, his eyelids grew heavy, and he fell unconscious. He was then swiftly contained within one of Tsukishiro's blue orbs. The same previously happened to Karuizawa. And right after that, Ichinose too was trapped inside one of the orbs as well. Tsukishiro then clutched each orb individually before focusing on the one that contained Midoriya within it. He then thought back to what the boy said before-
'Who… are you?' Why would Izuku Midoriya say such a thing to Atsuomi when he had clearly known him for quite some time. They were all even in the same room back then with Sakayanagi when his Master demanded that Midoriya find his son. So, why would he say such a thing knowing full well who he was speaking too? … Unless… that person wasn't Atsuomi. Tsukishiro shuddered at the very idea of it. He had watched everything unfold in the trees. This included Kiyotaka becoming Ichinose. Why on earth would he do such a thing?
However, this makes sense if it was the other way around. Ichinose became Ayanokoji in a physical sense in order to try and kill Karuizawa. But then if Kiyotaka wasn't here, why would Atsuomi say that he was joining us in our mission to capture the ANHS students? He wouldn't. That can only mean that the Atsuomi that is in this forest is the real Kiyotaka Ayanokoji! And the real Atsuomi is-
"Tsukishiro. Looks like you did as I instructed you to do yet again. I've got to say, you never cease to impress me with your handiwork." Hearing the voice of Atsuomi surprised Tsukishiro. But he did not let any of his surprise show with the mask covering his face. He then acknowledged Ayanokoji's presence and leaped down from the branch he was standing on to the ground below.
"You speak to highly of me, Atsuomi." Tsukishiro said before bowing toward Ayanokoji in a way that a magician does after executing his perfect trick. That's right. His words and this entire exchange were a deception that Kiyotaka was using to his advantage. Up until this point Tsukishiro was none the wiser. But now that he knew that wool was pulled over his eyes so to speak, he had no choice but to continue playing the fool. And that's exactly what Tsukishiro would do until he was granted an opportunity. And when that opportunity arises…
… He would kill Kiyotaka Ayanokoji himself. But just then a green haired man with a ponytail appeared on the scene. It was Okonogi. The chief in charge of commanding his subordinates of the elite espionage personnel that Atsuomi once held under his possession. But now they were in the hands of his son Kiyotaka. And it was now time to use them to his benefit.
"Okonogi. How goes the operation? When should I expect to have you secured all of the ANHS students?" Kiyotaka asked as Okonogi smirked a bit before popping a cigar in his mouth and lighting it to smoke.
"Me and my men will have them all apprehended by midnight. The operation would have gone a lot smoother had that brat with the gas superpower not had his lights knocked out. But we'll make do." Okonogi replied after blowing out a puff of smoke that hit Kiyotaka in the face much to his discontent. But he ignored it and nodded in affirmation.
"Excellent. I expect the operation to be cleared within the hour. Try not to disappoint First Lieutenant." Kiyotaka declared with a smirk that was not his own as he mimicked his father's mannerisms to a T before walking off. Okonogi sighed in exasperation response.
"Within the hour? Jeez. He doesn't pay me enough to have me working my ass off like this." Okonogi muttered to himself out of annoyance before pulling out his walkie talkie. He then put it up to his mouth in order to report back to his comrades.
"You hear that everyone? Let's get this done pronto." Okonogi declared before hurrying off. The operation went exactly as Ayanokoji decided it would go. The roughly two hundred seventy ANHS students were all accounted for and apprehended by the espionage personnel. The night had come to an end. And a brand-new day was just beginning.
On the other side of the world…
We now transition to the United States of America. Specifically, New York City. The Big Apple. A nickname for the city that originated a hundred years ago by a sportswriter by the name of John J. Fitz Gerald. With a population of roughly twenty million people, New York City has by far the most people in it of all American cities. But there is one person out of those tens of millions that it's time to focus upon. One that had been declared as the most powerful man alive. A title befitting of the U.S.A.'s greatest superhero. But where was he now exactly?
"Aaah… yeah. That's it…" The so-called greatest superhero Homelander was in a bit of an uncompromising position. But even that was a bit of an understatement. To put it bluntly, he was in the process of relieving himself through the art of ejaculation. However, right when he was about to bust a nut, the door to his personal room decorated with the American Flag was opened.
"Sir, we need to ta-oh my god!" Ashley yelled out as she almost jumped out of her skin over seeing Homelander with his willy out. Though this made a grimace form on Homelander's face as he considered killing her right then and there. But decided not to because he didn't want to be left with all the 'grunt' work of managing Vought and appeasing the shareholders.
"Jesus fucking Christ Ashley! Don't you ever fucking knock!? Now look at what you did?! I'm fucking limp now! And it's all your fault!" Homelander snapped back while cursing like a sailor. Of course, this made Ashley afraid. But she ignored her fears by pulling up a video on her phone and showing it to Homelander. This confused him to say the least.
"What the fuck is this?" Homelander asked as Ashley pressed play when suddenly a man with short brown hair walked onto the scene where several teenagers of Japanese origin had their mouths gagged. By them were people of the same ethnicity holding guns pointed at the kids. And as for Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, he had finally made his appearance by casually sitting on a chair in the center of the room. And then…
"My name is Kiyotaka Ayanokoji. I have successfully taken over ANHS. All of the students of which there are three hundred have been restrained under my orders. I can have each of them executed one by one if I so desire too. But I'd rather avoid that outcome. So, here's what's going to happen. I demand an audience with America's greatest superhero, Homelander. Do that and I won't have to kill a single person. But know this, when we meet, and I'm talking to you Homelander… I will kill you." Kiyotaka declared as the video ended.
"Just what are we going to do about this?" Ashley asked as she turned off her phone to look at Homelander who was nowhere to be seen. Though before she knew it, the glass windows of his luxurious suite had been broken to pieces as she noticed something flying off in the distance. That something was Homelander. And the place he was heading to was none other than ANHS. It didn't take him long at all given that he flew while passing over the United States of America and not the long way that would have him traversing across Europe and China. It only took him an hour until he reached it. And Kiyotaka was there waiting for him.
"I'm ready… bring it on, Homelander." Kiyotaka declared while standing in the middle of the city as the red, blue, and gold costumed hero with the American flag as a cape descended upon the city below him.
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: Homelander
Go Beyond!
Plus Ultra!