Chapter 35: The Shadow Behind the Words

The exams are over, and the teachers have gathered to grade the papers. Aizawa's curiosity is getting the better of him, but Midnight's not exactly thrilled about it. Meanwhile, the League of Villains is expanding, recruiting new faces, and Mr. X is making his appearance, bringing chaos with him, of course.

Everyone has something to hide, and whether those secrets are for better or worse, one thing's certain: they won't stay hidden forever.


Chapter 35: The Shadow Behind the Words

-U.A.-

It was the weekend, marking the end of a demanding week of exams, and the day after the practical assessments had taken place. U.A. High School, once alive and bustling with youthful energy, now stood silent and empty. The echoes of laughter and spirited debates faded into a hollow stillness, as if the very walls of the school were exhaling a sigh of relief. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the dust motes that danced in the air, but the vibrant atmosphere was noticeably absent.

The absence of students left a strange void, amplifying the sense of solitude that hung over the campus. Lockers stood closed, classrooms lay untouched, and the cafeteria was devoid of chatter. While many of the students were happily at home, indulging in well-deserved rest after the week's intense written and practical exams, the teachers remained tied to their responsibilities. With their minds still swirling from the challenges faced during the assessments, most of the educators at U.A. found themselves grappling with paperwork, assignments to grade, and evaluations to prepare before Monday's return.

In a certain office, this was precisely what was happening. A gathering of teachers who had participated in the Class 1-A exams convened, their expressions serious as they shared their final thoughts and remarks about the students they had just evaluated. After reviewing the videos and talking amongst themselves, the air was thick with a mix of pride and concern, each educator weighing the potential of their young heroes.

"I must say," Thirteen broke the contemplative silence, pride evident in her voice. "This year's students are quite formidable," she remarked, her tone tinged with admiration. "I'd even go so far as to say they're quite unpredictable."

"Grrr…indeed," Hound Dog growled softly, his eyes glinting with approval. "I was impressed by the level of teamwork they showed. But they still have a long way to go," he added.

Aizawa leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his expression impassive. "I don't disagree that most of the students performed above average in the exams," he said dismissively. "But we can't ignore those who didn't meet the criteria this semester." His words hung in the air, laced with obvious disappointment.

"Yeah, I see what you mean," Present Mic nodded, mirroring Aizawa's sentiment. "From all the little listeners, there were definitely some mixed results," he added.

"And that's exactly why we're having this meeting," Nezu interjected, clapping his paws together. "To give our input—not just on the written tests, but on the practicals as well." His tone shifted from serious to cheerful, cutting through the tension. "So, are we all in agreement with the results? No objections to the students' outcomes?" He scanned the room, looking for any sign of dissent.

A quiet consensus settled over the room. No one voiced objections, though subtle glances between the teachers revealed unspoken disagreements.

"Very well then," Nezu continued, his expression calm and composed. "I believe that concludes our meeting. Please return to your tasks, and make sure any outstanding paperwork is completed before Monday. I wish you all a restful remainder of the weekend."

With that, most of the teachers stood, exchanging quiet nods and murmurs of agreement as they left. Only two remained: Recovery Girl and Midnight. Aizawa lingered for a moment, casting a final glance at the three individuals still in the room before deciding to depart as well. As the door clicked shut behind him, a heavy silence settled, broken only by the faint echo of footsteps fading down the hallway until they disappeared completely.

After a brief pause, Nezu spoke again. "Now then, I believe we have some matters to discuss—specifically regarding three particular students," he began, a hint of seriousness creeping into his usually cheerful demeanor. The room grew still, the remaining teachers now focused intently on him.

Midnight leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a thoughtful smile. "I have to say, it was a bit shocking to see the girls' powers in action during the final exam. They still keep surprising me," she remarked, her voice tinged with pride.

Recovery Girl, sitting nearby, sighed, her brow furrowed with a mix of exasperation and concern. "If I had known they were capable of that much damage, I might have insisted on a more thorough medical evaluation beforehand," she replied, shaking her head slightly. "It's oddly concerning to be both shocked and not shocked at the same time, especially seeing that hotheaded one take down All Might of all people."

Nezu nodded, absorbing their words with a serious expression. "Yes, I could see that, that incident raised quite a few eyebrows. All Might has always been considered the pinnacle of strength in our world. To see him bested by a fourteen-year-old girl is... noteworthy, to say the least." He paused, his brow furrowing in thought. "Recovery, what can you tell us about All Might's condition after the match?"

Recovery Girl adjusted her visor, her expression shifting to one of professionalism. "The damage he sustained isn't severe, but it was definitely significant, being it was a surprise attack and all. The girl managed to strike at his weak spot—quite hard, I might add." She leaned forward slightly, her tone firm. "Though the only real damage he sustained was to his pride, a bit."

"I can imagine," Midnight said, leaning forward with interest. "So, throughout this whole exam, we've clearly seen that these girls, each, possess not just extraordinary abilities but also the potential to rival the strongest hero in our world. This type of information could be good or bad, depending on how it goes," she concluded, a tinge of warning under it.

"And I highly doubt that these three do not grasp the potentiality of their powers," Nezu added, leaning back slightly as he considered the implications. "They've shown remarkable skill, and it's clear they're aware of the weight their abilities carry."

Recovery Girl nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That makes sense. They've demonstrated a level of maturity in their use of those powers, even…" she gave a questioning glance at the animal, "…if their origins remain unclear."

"Indeed," Nezu trailed off as he glanced at her, understanding the intent behind her words. "As I have already informed you, Chiyo, the conversation that Midnight and I had with the girls was all they were willing to share. I can't divulge much about their origins. They've kept certain aspects of their lives private, and I respect that. Clearly, there are things they are not open to discussing." His tone was firm yet understanding.

Recovery Girl hummed thoughtfully, considering his words before turning to Midnight. "Is that the same for you? You're their guardian now, right? Do you know much about their upbringing?"

Midnight pursed her lips. "Honestly, I don't know much about their past either. While I'm their guardian for now, I've made it a point not to overstep the boundaries I set with the girls."

"Don't you think you're taking the role as a temporary parent too far?" she asked in a serious and concerned tone. Midnight stared at her, taken aback. "W-what do you mean?"

"Deary," Recovery Girl replied with a hint of seriousness, "I know it seems nice to be one right now but," she said a little softly, "just remember that it might not last too long if the currents change." That made Midnight fall silent, a slight sadness crossing her features, as the realization settled in.

Recovery Girl then turned to Nezu. "Have you talked with the other teachers about these girls' true origins?"

Nezu shook his head. "No, I'd rather keep this knowledge limited to a select few."

"Pray tell, why?" Recovery Girl asked, genuinely curious.

Nezu smirked slightly, leaning back in his chair. "Given the nature of the girls' remarkable abilities and the possibility that we might still have a spy among us, I thought it best to keep this hidden for the time being. It's a precaution."

"Oh," Recovery Girl replied, letting out a mock evil chuckle. "How come I know now? What's stopping either myself or Nemuri from being the spy and using this information to our advantage? We could all have our own hidden agendas."

"For one thing, I know you have really like having an assistant to mold and carry out some of the cases that would otherwise have been too much of a bother," Nezu's smirk widened, when she saw the equal amusement in the youth hero's eyes. "Oh, and I have every confidence in your integrity, Chiyo. Besides, if you were a spy, I'd expect you to be much more subtle about it."

Recovery Girl raised an eyebrow, amused. "You flatter me."

"But the truth is," Nezu continued, his tone becoming serious again, "I trust those in this room. It's the outside world that concerns me more."

Recovery Girl pointed out, "The other teachers aren't fools. Just because the big guy chooses not to reveal the footage of the fight doesn't mean they won't start suspecting something about these girls sooner or later." She paused, her expression thoughtful. "It's ridiculous that none of them have connected the dots from the entrance exam, the USJ incident, and the sports festival." She sighed. "It's frustrating how, because of biases and prejudices, we miss things right in front of us. They might overlook the connections everyone else seems to be blind to."

Nezu let out a hearty chuckle at Recovery Girl's words, a knowing glint in his eyes. He was reminded of the outcome of the Sports Festival. So many heroes, as he saw it, were blinded by their own biases, failing to recognize three strong potential candidates who could have interned under them. The thought brought a wry smile to his face. "It's a shame how often people miss what's right in front of them," he mused inwardly. While it was beneficial for the girls that their capabilities remained unnoticed, a sense of unease crept over him. What were others planning in the shadows? Particularly those who might not have the girls' best interests at heart? The thought sent a shudder through him as he pondered the possible implications.

As he continued to reflect, Nezu's attention was momentarily distracted by something on his desk. His frown returned briefly, but he quickly masked it with his usual poker smile. Shifting his focus back to the two women before him, he spoke up. "Let's put this discussion on hold for now," he said vaguely, his tone suggesting a desire to move on. The women exchanged curious glances but sensed his wish to leave the matter unresolved for the time being.

As he continued to sift through his thoughts, Nezu heard a faint sound from outside that interrupted his focus. His frown returned briefly, but he quickly adjusted his expression, slipping back into his usual demeanor. "I believe we have company," he said, his tone conveying that it was time for a short break. His words, though casual, implied more than he let on.

Aizawa leaned against the wall just outside the meeting room, his mind swirling with the implications of Nezu and Recovery Girl's conversation. He had always been keenly aware of the nuances in conversations, and the weight of what might have been shared inside made him uneasy. What could they be discussing that warranted such secrecy? As he began to form a plan to confront them, the door swung open, and Midnight stepped out, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked, arching an eyebrow, clearly probing for his reasons for eavesdropping. Aizawa felt a flicker of annoyance at being caught but quickly composed himself, pushing his hair back and adopting his usual nonchalant demeanor.

"Just… taking a break," he replied, trying to sound casual, as if that was a valid excuse.

Midnight's knowing smile suggested she saw right through him. "If you really wanted a peek, you could've just asked," she teased, her voice taking on a playful, sultry tone that only added to his frustration. He narrowed his eyes, fully aware of her teasing nature.

"I'll pass," he said curtly, turning to walk away rather than engage in her banter.

"Suit yourself," she called after him, amusement evident in her voice. Aizawa felt the weight of the conversation linger in the air, but something compelled him to turn back.

"Nemuri," he said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Just so you know, some of the other teachers might not think much about those three girls." He took a breath, stepping into sensitive territory. "But I am, and Mic sees it too."

She turned to face him fully, and he caught the flicker of concern in her eyes. "I hope you realize that whatever secret you and Nezu have won't stay hidden for long. There's something off about these students." He then sighed and leveled her a cautious look. "I get that you like playing the doting parent, but don't fool yourself into thinking—" He didn't finish the thought.

"I know that, Shota!" Midnight's fist clenched slightly, her expression flashing with anger before it quickly passed. "But I understand I can't always choose the role I want. It has nothing to do with whatever you suspect." Her tone was firm, the protective edge in her voice unmistakable.

Aizawa paused to absorb her words, surprised by the intensity of her response. Rather than push further, he simply said, "Very well, then," his voice measured. "See you on Monday, then." With that, he turned to leave, aware the conversation wasn't over. As the door closed behind him, he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to keep a close eye on the situation. The mystery surrounding the students was becoming increasingly complex, and he knew that secrets had a way of surfacing. Midnight didn't know what she felt but, she did know that somethings were better left unsaid.


-Kamino, Yokohama-

Kamino Ward, a sprawling neighborhood in Yokohama, was a hive of activity, where the pulse of urban life beat beneath the flickering glow of neon signs and the low hum of countless conversations. Amid the labyrinthine streets and towering buildings, there stood a nondescript bar—both a refuge and a front for the League of Villains' clandestine dealings. The dimly lit interior, bathed in warm hues, invited patrons into a world that felt almost cocoon-like, a temporary escape from the outside chaos. The wooden bar was lined with an impressive array of bottles, each holding concoctions both intoxicating and shrouded in mystery. Bar stools, their leather worn yet surprisingly comfortable, were neatly arranged along the counter, offering a place for regulars and newcomers alike to drown their sorrows or celebrate fleeting victories.

In the weeks since the debacle in Hosu City, Tomura Shigaraki had retreated deeper into the shadows, his frustration simmering like a storm cloud on the verge of breaking. His grand plan to ignite chaos had faltered, overshadowed by the rise of Stain, the so-called Hero Killer. Every whispered conversation about Stain's newfound infamy twisted the knife deeper into Shigaraki's already fraying nerves. He longed to carve out a legacy of his own—one that would eclipse Stain's fame—but each day felt like a step further from that goal. Alone in his dimly lit room, he scratched at his dry, pale skin, the act a physical reflection of the turmoil gnawing at him from within.

"Tomura!" The voice of Kurogiri sliced through the haze of his thoughts, a familiar call that felt both intrusive and necessary. Shigaraki blinked, momentarily disoriented before irritation surged through him. "What, Kurogiri? Can't you see I'm-"

"Forgive me, master," Kurogiri interjected smoothly, his voice calm yet firm. "But I must inform you that Giran has arrived with new recruits… and your associate is here as well." There was a brief pause, an unspoken caution hanging in the air as if Kurogiri anticipated an explosive reaction. Instead, Shigaraki's response was a curt, resigned, "Fine…"

Kurogiri took this as a signal to retreat, making his way back to the bar where the atmosphere was thick with tension. He was met with the same faces that he left behind, not so long ago. Giran stood at the bar, an unremarkable figure yet one that commanded attention due to the sharpness of his demeanor. A middle-aged man of moderate height, he had a slight build, his eyebrows perpetually raised in a skeptical arch. His squinted pink eyes were often the first thing people noticed, alongside the small mustache and goatee that adorned his face. A gap where one of his front teeth used to be only added to his air of disarray.

He would be best described a broker, a business man well-known in the underworld, knowledgeable about current trends and is also great at scouting potential villains. And so he was tasked with the dubious mission of gathering recruits for the League, Giran had long since shed any pretense of moral obligation. His focus lay squarely on the bottom line; as long as he was compensated, the consequences of his actions were not his concern. Yet, what set him apart was his knack for acquiring information—intelligence on potential recruits, their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. Today, he had brought along two promising candidates.

As they entered through the door, it was just then, the back door swung open, and an already annoyed looking Tomura Shigaraki stepped in. His expression was a mask of irritation, the aura of annoyance radiating off him palpable enough to slice through the thick tension in the room.

"What the hell do we have here?" he barked, pointing at the new faces that honestly would not have cared for.

He saw a young fair-skinned girl, wearing a type of school uniform. She had inward-tilting yellow eyes with thin slit-like irises and a cheerful smile that showed off her pointed canines. Her smile may have appeared sweet, but her eyes held a sort of broken and psychotic tale. The other was a tall, pale young man with jet-black hair, styled in to a crown that spiked upwards around his hair, handing low over his eyes, which are thin, turquoise, and heavily lidded.

His most striking features are undoubtedly the patches of gnarled, wrinkled, purple skin that cover much of his lower face and neck, all the way down past his collarbone, below his eyes, and on his arms; others, left to be known. He had a stoic, aloof persona that already pissed off Tomura.

Not allowing himself to be deterred by the younger guy's attitude, Giran began, "These are the recruits I mentioned." He gestured to the girl and the young man, trying to project confidence despite the weight of the unearthly being's gaze still lingering on him.

"Recruits?" he scoffed. "This pair of trash? I can already tell that these are the type of people that I don't want." Tomura said, unimpressed. "You brought me a brat and a guy with no sense of the word, manners!" he spat, glaring at the scarred man, who mutually did not like the guy as well.

"Now, now, Tomura Shigaraki, don't judge someone without getting to know them." Kurogiri's voice was calm, trying to deescalate the rising tension. "They've come all this way; the least you can do is give them a chance. This broker is well-known in the underworld and comes highly recommended. Right?"

"Though I still get my finder's fee…in cash," Giran chuckled, feeling his ego rise, "But I assure you, they do have potential." Saying that he pointed to the girl. "She may look like a normal school girl, but don't be fooled. She has been at the scene of numerous murders where the victims have bled out to death. Her name is Himiko Toga."

"Himiko Toga here!" Toga piped up, her voice full of enthusiasm. "I just wanna live in a world where I can have fun and be accepted!" Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of innocence and madness. "Like Stain! He's so cool! I wanna meet Stainy, I wanna be Stainy!"

"Keep that up, and you might suffer the same fate that led to his downfall," Tomura replied dryly, barely registering the flash of madness in Toga's eyes. Giran seized the moment to move on to the next recruit.

"And this one…" He glanced at Dabi, who wore an expression of clear boredom. "He hasn't committed any flashy crimes, but he has embraced The Hero Killer's ideals quite well."

"Ugh, do you guys even follow a cause?" Dabi finally spoke. "Do you really need new members that include this insane chick?" He gestured dismissively at Toga.

"Whoa there, pal. Even the crazy little shit over there, managed to spit out her name. You're a proper enough adult, how about you start with that," Tomura shot back.

"I go by Dabi, for now," he replied coolly.

"I don't want your alias," Tomura growled. "I want your real name!"

Dabi chuckled dryly. "Sorry, but I'll tell you when I need to. Besides, I'd rather unveil it when I meet a certain someone again." A glint appeared in his tired eyes.

"Argh, there's no need to flush your mouth about shit I never asked you!" Tomura stood up from his seat, his body language seemingly threatening. "I find you all, fucking annoying and with that…"

"No, Shigaraki-" Kurogiri interjected.

"I Deem You No Good!" Shigaraki ignored the man and charged forward, his palms stretched out to activates he quirk. But the other two were already on the offense and ready to attack. But before either attack could hit, a couple of portals opened and redirected their attacks away from the intended targets.

In the silence that followed, a sudden, eerie laughter cut through the tension. Everyone turned, startled by the presence of a familiar yet unsettling figure.

Giran's eyes locked onto the slender figure in the corner, sipping from a wine glass filled with deep red wine. The man's slow, deliberate sips had an almost ritualistic quality. His red and black ensemble, adorned with pink accents, seemed absurd on anyone else but only amplified the unsettling aura he radiated. But it was his eyes—deep, swirling green orbs—that held Giran captive.

Toga shifted uneasily, her wide eyes kept on to the weird man. There was something deeply unsettling about him, an instinctual warning echoing in her mind. She could sense the danger he radiated, and though part of her was drawn to the possible sweet taste that was in his body, another part her, the one that won, felt a chill run down her spine.

In contrast, Dabi was barely giving this guy the attention he seeked, but subtly stretched out his hands at the ready smirk playing on his lips. "What a loser," he muttered, his tone dripping with disdain. Yet even he couldn't fully dismiss the air of danger surrounding him. He steadied his hands, ready for anything.

Tomura's irritation flared as he glared at Mr. X. "What the hell are you doing here?" His voice was low and threatening.

Mr. X laughed, clearly unfazed. "Just observing the entertainment, dear Shigaraki. Your little operation is quite fascinating."

Tomura clenched his fists, the tension thickening. "Stay out of my way, or I'll destroy you," he warned, his anger palpable.

Giran's curiosity piqued. "Who exactly are you?" he asked, trying to maintain composure.

HIM merely chuckled, finding everyone's reaction, priceless but it only made everyone else tenser "Oh, I do love making an entrance. I go by few names, but you can call me Mr. X. While I adore toying with expectations, I assure you I'm here on business, not malice. At least, not yet," he said with smile, that was anything but innocent.

Mr. X stood up and took a leisurely step away from the bar, his laughter lingering like a shadow. "You know, Shigaraki, I just had a rather interesting meeting with All For One," he said, his voice smooth as silk, dripping with what seemed to be mockery.

Tomura's anger ignited at the mention of the name. "What did he want with you?!" he demanded, his voice low and tense. The atmosphere thickened around them, as if the very air were suffocating under the weight of Mr. X's presence.

Mr. X turned, a malevolent smile spreading across his face. "Oh, just a little business arrangement. Nothing that concerns you... yet." He paused, allowing the tension to build, enjoying the unease radiating from Tomura and the others. "Can't risk ruining the surprise, well can't I?" A heavy silence fell, a palpable pressure pressing down on everyone in the room. Tomura's fists clenched tighter, his frustration morphing into something darker. "You think you can just waltz in here and play games with me? I won't stand for it!"

With a chuckle, Mr. X stepped back, a red mist beginning to swirl around him. "You might want to keep a closer eye on your little operation. I have some associates coming to help and a special guest coming over to lend a healing hand," he said, the words dripping with an insidious charm.

Tomura's eyes widened in fury, his anger boiling over. "What do you mean by that?" he growled, but Mr. X only smiled, "What the FUCK do you mean?!" In an instant, he began to dissolve into the crimson haze, laughter echoing as he disappeared. "Remember, Shigaraki, the game is only just beginning."

The room fell silent, everyone caught off guard by the sudden departure. Toga watched the dissipating smoke, her heart racing. 'I don't like him,' she thought, unease knotting in her stomach. 'He's up to something.'

Tomura, unable to contain his frustration, slammed his open hand down on a nearby bar stool, disintegrating it ash. "Damn it!" he shouted, the remnants of the furniture crumbling to dust under his quirk. The chaotic energy in the room mirrored his anger, the remnants of Mr. X's presence lingering like an ominous shadow.

Kurogiri watched the chaos unfold, his mind racing. 'I wonder what the master discussed with that man. What did he mean about company?' he pondered, as he went back to cleaning.

Dabi, unfazed by the turmoil, pushed himself off the wall and shrugged, a smirk still lingering on his lips. "This might be interesting after all," he muttered, turning away from the wreckage. He didn't care much for the theatrics, but the unpredictability of the situation had piqued his interest.

"I don't know what it is… but I know that this bastard is not to be trifled with." Giran mused internally, caution flooding his thoughts. "Tomura Shigaraki, who have you invited into your little party?"


Author's Notes:

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I touched on the League, and while I feel like this chapter might have been a bit rushed, I hope you still enjoy it!

As much as I'm not a fan of Aizawa, I'll admit he does have a point. Then again, everyone's got their perspective. Midnight, however, might want to be cautious with the role she's playing, especially if it ends up being more crushing than she anticipates for whatever lies ahead.

The verdict is in, and it's been confirmed: Mr. X is definitely a very dark guy. Lol.

Anyway, the next chapter will be my last for a little while, but I'll be back eventually. Thanks for sticking with me!