I return! Sorry about the wait.
=VI=
-𝕌.𝔸-
Dear students and parents.
In response to the villain incident on campus, U.A. will be closed and classes suspended from Friday, April 14, through Sunday, April 16th while we work with law enforcement and upgrade our school's security. During this time the campus will be closed for renovation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. While not required, any homework may be submitted through the Student Portal if you so desire, however, we are pushing back the due date for all assignments due on Friday until next Monday. In addition, teachers may be contacted through email.
To address concerns, we are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of our students. U.A. is cooperating with the HPSC and Police Force to bring those responsible for yesterday's attack to justice.
When classes resume on Monday, April 17th, the following changes will be made to the school safety protocol:
All visitors must schedule an appointment ahead of time.
A new student ID card will be issued at to all students before the end of the day.
Additional changes will be covered by our faculty during Homeroom, including new emergency protocols that are currently being installed throughout our campus and adjacent facilities.
We take the security of our students very seriously and are dedicated to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for all students, Hero or not. If you have any additional questions, please message our school's inquiry email here.
Plus Ultra
Principal Nezu
-𝕌.𝔸-
=VI=
[Tokyo Imperial Palace, Japan, April 14th, 2243]
Through the early morning halls of the palace, a single figure clad in an elegant purple kimono strode confidently through the halls. She passed several guards, who all bowed respectfully.
To the public, she was known as Princess Raiden Ei, second in line to her twin sister Makoto to the throne. A withdrawn woman, married to Raiden Miko, a prominent Shinto priestess and light novel company owner.
But the truth was far different. While Makoto was the face of the Imperial Family, the true power behind the throne was Ei herself, ruling from the shadows, fitting to her name. Even if the Raiden family had not ruled Japan since the years after the dawn of quirks, she still maintained some power amongst the Commissions. The people could elect their own representatives. Since the country was in an era of peace there was no need for her to be involved.
She had other matters that required her attention, after all.
Ei slid the door to her room shut. One would expect the bedroom of a member of the Royal family to be filled with objects of high traditional or historical importance. Instead, visitors (aka, her family and aides) would be greeted by what looked to be an otaku's one half of the room, Swords hung on the walls. The shelves were lined with various figurines of popular fictional robots. In the corner sat two desks, one with a half-built robot chassis and the other with a rather beefy gaming computer.
What, even the shadow Empress of Japan could have hobbies. The other half of the room was lined with dozens of bookshelves filled with light novels and manga, and three beanbag chairs. That was Miko's side of the room. Most people probably wouldn't assume this was the room of a couple in their late forties though.
But Ei wasn't here to relax. If she were, she would be dressed in something far more casual. She marched to the corner of the room and pressed her hand against the wall. The outline of a hand glowed, and several holographic magic sigils appeared. The perfect merging of arcane and technology instantly arranged a ritual.
"Sigil of Permission: Tenshukaku." She chanted. "Access code: Beelzebul."
Beneath her feet, a domain entrance manifested and she vanished. A moment later, she reappeared on a catwalk overlooking a sprawling underground complex styled in similar architecture as the Imperial Palace.
※ Tenshukaku, a hidden secondary palace and headquarters of the Tenryou Commission's most elite monster hunters. Its location is top secret, and while deep underground, it is not a domain. Instead, the method to reach Tenshukaku is through a series of permanent domains that function, in essence, like a pneumatic tube system for people. There are no tunnels to Tenshukaku aside from simple ventilation regulated by domains that produce and recycle air, and they do not reach the surface. ※
Ei stepped off the platform and began her solo trek to the throne room. A series of pathways the width of a four-lane highway slid into position, disappearing into the darkness as she descended. Below, several men and women clad in military gear scurried around, paying her no mind. Eventually, she reached a large ornate door guarded by six large UG units, clad in armor that made them resemble oversized masked samurai.
One of the UG's stepped forward.\\\Magical signature was verified. Welcome, SHOGUN./
The doors opened, allowing her entry. She removed her shoes and strode across the tatami mat flooring, taking a seat on her throne. Once she was comfortable, she pressed a series of buttons hidden on the armrest. The room was sealed, a series of beeps and clicks ensured she was alone and unwatched.
From the ceiling, six dark screens descended and the room was plunged into darkness. Slowly, the screens flickered on.
Councilwoman 2: SHOGUN
On each screen, the silhouettes of the council appeared. Once they were all connected, Ei cleared her throat. "Ladies, Gentlemen. I thank you for your attendance."
The Council of 7. Chosen to represent the leadership of the supernatural world and maintain the secrecy of the Arcane. Members are selected from the most experienced members of the community, with each council member selecting their successors. Additionally, no two council members can hail from or represent the same country or organization.
"Given the urgency of the matter, one was obligated to attend." A woman responded cordially.
Councilwoman 4: CRANE
"The reports I'm seeing are highly concerning. A man using the Shigaraki name, a high-class undead with multiple quirks, and the most potent warping quirk that I have ever seen." A man with a distinctly Spanish accent spoke next.
Councilman 7: ZERO
"Indeed." Ei nodded. "There is no doubt in my mind that this was an attack by one of All For One's subordinates." Were it not for her personally witnessing the incineration of that monster's corpse, she would've feared his resurrection. Every last cell of All For One's body had been reduced to ash, compressed into several cubes, burned again, and finally atomized by a disintegration spell. There was no body left for anyone to bring back. The last thing anyone would want is someone as powerful as All For One as a zombie, or worse.
A British woman spoke next, glasses flashing briefly onscreen. "It was a frankly sloppy attack. I'm sure that All For One is screaming in hell at the sheer incompetence displayed."
Councilwoman 3: QUEEN
"Still, this was an ambitious attack. Had they succeeded in killing All Might, the consequences would've been disastrous." ZERO stated.
"One agrees with this sentiment." CRANE concurred. "But we know we cannot rely on All Might forever. Midoriya Izuku is still too young to pick up his mantle."
"Midoriya will not be ready for several years. By my calculations, All Might has two years at most. This is taking into account his reduced rate of quirk usage in the past few months. " A bored sounding Arabic-accented voice interjected.
Councilman 6: SCRIBE
"Japan will survive without All Might. Frankly, he deserves to retire. Endeavor will take over for a few years once that happens, and the newer generation of heroes in the Top 10 are nothing to scoff at either." Ei agreed.
"As well as the otherworlder, Lotus," ZERO added. "SHOGUN, do you believe this 'League of Villains' is a substantial threat?"
"A threat? Yes, but not one that requires outside assistance. Shigarai Tomura is a child throwing a little revenge tantrum. Japan can handle him just fine."
"Who do you suggest to lead the investigation into the League?" CRANE inquired.
Ei thought for a moment. "Considering his relationship with All Might and previous investigations into other villains who served under All For One, I believe that Detective Tsukauchi Naomasa would be the best choice. WITCH, do you have any thoughts?"
The crisp clink of a teacup being placed on its saucer was heard. "Herr Tanner's appraisal of the detective vas impressive. I think he vill be a marvelous choice." The German woman nodded, the silhouette of an oversized witch hat bobbing on screen.
Councilwoman 5: WITCH
"I believe I have heard of him before. His sister is Captain Celebrity's agency manager, correct?" The final councilman spoke up, audio slightly distorted by the sounds of insectlike chittering in the background. "And his sidekick from your country, Skycrawler."
Councilman 1: HIVE
"Both are correct," Ei confirmed. "Have you met him before?"
"Not personally. We've had no reason to need his assistance in our work, and Director Sears is very protective of his people. He believes that man will be high up in the Top 10 once he decides to go solo and stop sidekicking for Celebrity." HIVE narrowed his eyes. "But both Celebrity and Skycrawler were involved with the previous incidents with All For One's followers, as were both the Tsukauchi siblings."
"And the HSPC debriefed them. We know the villain behind those attacks went by multiple aliases: The identities he assumed of Nomura Rokuro, registered as an underground hero named Rock, and O'clock II. He also mentioned that he was called 'Number Six' to Haimawari during their fight." HIVE continued.
"One recognizes the name of this quirk. Hyper Quadfist's quirk was among those this villain was in possession of, yes?" CRANE asked.
"That was his hero name in China, in Japan he was known as O'clock." Ei corrected. "But yes, All For One stole his quirk weeks before he was killed by All Might."
"Give me a moment, I'm pulling the records on the Naruhata Lockdown." ZERO interrupted. After a minute of typing he is obscured face turned back to the screen. "Number Six's quirks that we know of, since his body was destroyed in a self-inflicted explosion, are as follows: Overclock, a self-destruction quirk, some sort of electromagnetic pulse quirk, regeneration, and a quirk we call "Bombify" that allowed him to render his cells explosive as well as change their form. We are unsure if that is what he used to change his shape during his battle with Skycrawler."
Ei remembered that night. Tenryou cameras had spotted Six's monstrous flaming form rampaging through the skies after Haimawari before eventually expiring. "The creature known as Nomu shared several similarities to the Bombers he used."
"Were they the same?" WITCH asked curiously. "There weren't many remains of the creatures left, but those were comprised of Number Six's own cells mixed with a template core to animate them. They were essentially a summon, or shikigami as you call them, in golem form."
"According to General Kujou's team, the DNA of several people was found inside Nomu." Ei pressed a few buttons on her throne, and an image popped up on the holo display for the others to view. Instead of the black-skinned beaked monster, it showed a fairly normal mugshot of a large-lipped man with olive-colored hair side by side with his current mutated appearance. "85% of the DNA in his body belonged to a man named Morita Ren, a petty thief with a shock absorption quirk."
"Mein gott!" Witch gasped. The man looked nothing like the captured villain. "Zat is horrible…"
"The rest of the DNA contained the quirk factors of four different people matching the result of All For One's quirk, though less refined. The creature isn't exactly ' undead' as we've classified it, as it is technically living."
"Like Frankenstein's monster…" HIVE murmured in disgust.
"Have you put the bloody thing out of its misery yet?" QUEEN interjected.
"After we are finished analyzing it, we will have it incinerated. The beast is… unresponsive to outside stimuli. The military found it a few kilometers away from the USJ, just standing out in the middle of the forest. It didn't resist at all." Ei said. "I suppose that does make sense, considering its namesake."
"Hold on, it says zat Morita Ren vent missing five years ago." WITCH leaned forward. "How vas ze he given those quirks after All For One's death?"
HIVE stroked his beard in contemplation. "All For One has been alive for a very long time. It's possible that his subordinates learned to replicate his quirk artificially. I don't imagine it was easy, else we would be seeing far more of these 'Nomu'. It looks as if they shoved a bunch of people's DNA and quirks into that man. I'm surprised it didn't keel over and die from organ rejection." He shook his head in disdain.
"One takes this as you implying that there could be more than one?" CRANE guessed.
"It would be foolish to discard that possibility. Shigaraki said it was bio-engineered, which means that someone created it. I doubt it was him, given the limited psychological profile your people have built." HIVE surmised, flipping through his clipboard. "Given his age, he would have to be… probably in his early teens at the time of All For One's death."
Ei narrowed her eyes. "You suspect someone is backing him?"
"They have to be given the resources at his disposal," HIVE confirmed.
"So he's after revenge against All Might, and using whatever leftover resources of All For One's criminal remnant to do it," ZERO said. "What a bothersome predicament."
"Indeed." Ei agreed, resting her head on her palm tiredly. "But given the scope of his operation, it is a minor concern. I will give the Detective anything he needs to resolve this swiftly, before Shigaraki can grow to become a threat. Word of his attack has already spread to the criminal underworld, and crime has spiked overnight."
"Such is the trend I supposed." QUEEN sighed.
"If the need arises, the WHA will offer international assistance." ZERO offered.
"It may be hard to find heroes in America, but I doubt the President would allow any of the top fifty to be sent overseas with how things have been here in the past few months," HIVE noted somberly.
"One believes that given the proximity, China's heroes would be the most fit to offer aid." CRANE postulated. "Though, given the threat that Shigaraki poses, I doubt that will be necessary. Our collective focus must shift to the group that attacked the United States, Chaos Theory, and the Fatui."
"Agreed." QUEEN nodded.
"Do you believe it is possible that any of those groups had a hand in Shigaraki's attack?" Ei asked.
"Unlikely, though it's probable that they all would have something to gain from All Might's death and the resulting instability it would cause, even if it were only temporary. Pandamonium creates opportunity for villain groups after all." SCRIBE cut in, having abstained from most of the conversation so far. "Given that Chaos Theory's presence in Japan is negligible and the method of attack, it doesn't add up."
"And we still know unacceptably little about the other two groups, nor do we know the Fatui's goals." ZERO frowned. "The theft of the United States's advanced Metal Gears, the deep level of corruption involving a Presidential candidate and heroes…"
"Aside from Desperado, we know that the Volcano Thieves assisted them, and the hair of known villain Hasaki Kiruka, aka Slice was found as well." HIVE listed. "Every suspect, aside from the Four Winds agency and Armstrong's complicit staff were mercenaries. We have no one to interrogate unless we capture Wolfram."
"It wasn't just theft, it was a statement. Armstrong was strongly influenced by Destro's work in his leaked manifesto." ZERO tapped a pen against his desk. "Framing the US's #10 Hero for murder because he got too close to their plans, the theft of military hardware… it's all leading to something larger. The public believes that all of the conspirators were brought to justice, and that the government is hunting down Desperado for their terrorist attack, but we know that Armstrong was just a patsy. The question is, who is pulling the strings now that All For One is gone."
SCRIBE scoffed. "You think that this organization has ties to Shigarai's group?"
"It may seem unlikely according to your calculations, SCRIBE. It's improbable given their leadership, but not impossible. I don't necessarily mean that they are working together, but there is a common connection." ZERO refuted.
"One takes this to mean you believe that the real mastermind is also one of All For One's former subordinates then?" CRANE asked.
Ei nodded. "It makes sense. All For One was known to favor the usage of proxy agents to manipulate his enemies. This plan seems like something that he would do, and therefore something he could've taught his most loyal."
"But until we know more, this is baseless speculation," QUEEN said bluntly. "If we want to make any headway, we need to discover the identities of those responsible." She lit a cigarette, briefly illuminating her face.
"Perhaps ve must take a more… proactive role in ze hunt for Desperado?" WITCH suggested.
"This is a matter for the heroes, our role is to protect humanity from threats they are not ready to face." CRANE huffed. "One need not remind you of that, yes?"
"And if they are related to All For One, does that not qualify?" Ei shot back.
"If they are, then we should assist." CRANE pushed her glasses back. "And without proper justification, the Americans would reject our assistance."
"Director Sears and President Valentine do want the United States to have more independence in their decision-making on supernatural matters." HIVE sighed. "They do have F.O.X.H.O.U.N.D for a reason, and they answer to the Dept. of Heroics first, not us."
"Have you considered giving the President a spot on the Council?" SCRIBE proposed.
"A position that would last four to eight years at most, after which he will have greatly diminished power?" HIVE grumbled. "It is not our place to meddle with a nation's politics." He looked at SHOGUN's screen on his end. "Unless absolutely necessary. Having a sitting world leader on the Council is antithetical to our goals and mission. And, before you ask, it's not about me giving up my seat, it's about what is best for the world at large. The President's duty is to their country, ours is to the whole world."
"I agree with HIVE," ZERO said. "Our lines of communication are open to the heads of state of every country. Given our accords, interference is only admissible within our prewritten agreements. They trust us to handle what they cannot, and that is that." He glanced to SHOGUN's screen again. "Though in some cases, we have more power than others given our variety of positions."
Ei rubbed her forehead. "I believe we are getting off track. For now, let us plan our course of action moving forward."
The rest of the council nodded in agreement.
"SHOGUN, we will leave SHIGARAKI's handling to your government. Our main priorities will be an investigation into the group behind Armstrong, the elimination of Chaos Theory leadership, and analysis of the Fatui and their goals." ZERO declared. "For now, this meeting is adjourned."
=VI=
[One For All]
"Here ye here ye!" Yoichi stood on his throne, ringing a summoned cowbell. "We gather for the trial of Fourth!"
All the previous holders were gathered in a circle, save Second, who had her katana held to Hikage's neck.
"Fourth, you stand accused of forcing Ninth to use your quirk against his will, and as you know we stan bodily autonomy in this household."
"This is the quirk of a teenage boy…" En muttered under his breath.
"Just humor him," Daigoro sighed.
"How do you plead?" Yoichi asked.
"First, we all know I did it, can you quit fooling around?" Hikage facepalmed, brushing Second's blade to the side.
"Still, what you did wasn't okay," Nana said crossly. "You overstepped, Fourth."
"I didn't see any of you doing anything to stop it." Hikage shot back.
"Ninth isn't ready to receive our quirks yet. And what's more, you could've made him a killer." Nana glared at him.
"The kid's too soft," Bruce snorted. "Honestly Fourth, this feels like something I would've done."
"Don't tell me you're backing him on this?" Daigoro rose from his throne.
"I'm saying it was the right call, not that what he did was right." Bruce retorted.
"While I admire your reasoning, forcing Ninth's hand was dishonorable!" Second sheathed her sword. "It is not in his nature to take a life, and you took that decision out of his hands." She took a seat next to Yoichi and Nana.
"And I won't do it again," Hikage replied. "So whatever punishment you want to dole out, get on with it."
"Alright." Yoichi snapped his fingers, and a cone with the kanji 恥 (shame) appeared on Hikage's head. "For the next two months, you gotta wear this."
Nana, En, and Bruce facepalmed.
"Are you serious?" Hikage slumped forward. "I was expecting something harsher."
"Well, what exactly did you want me to do? Silent treatment? Lock you up in a vault- like my brother?" Yoichi asked. "Not like we have a lot of options here. Everyone in agreement?"
"Aye!" Second fist pumped.
"Enka, honey, please stop enabling him." Nana sighed.
"The cone of shame is a perfectly valid punishment!" Enka replied.
"Can we just… move past this? There are more important matters to discuss." En asked.
"You're right." Yoichi's expression turned serious. "It's time we address the elephant in the room."
"How is Ninth taking it?" Enka asked.
"Not well," Nana replied sadly.
"His best friend died in front of him, of course he's not taking it well." Daigoro cracked his knuckles. "Even if it was only temporarily, he's never going to forget it." The bald man glanced at Nana. "Especially with how similarly he acts to Eighth."
"Even in death, All For One's legacy continues to haunt us." En said grimly.
Yoichi nodded.
"So, is Tomura Shigaraki All for One's son? His grandson?" Hikage broke the silence.
"No way, my brother is a total turbovirgin." Yoichi scoffed. "The kind of guy who thought he could become a wizard at thirty."
"But he did..." En interjected. "I'm pretty sure we are all aware seeing as how he used his magic to kill or injure nearly all of us."
"Well, that doesn't have anything to do with that..." Yoichi denied.
"I dunno, First, he has a point." Banjo agreed. "You: not a virgin and have no magic. All For One: virgin, has magic."
"That doesn't prove anything! Third, back me up!" Yoichi protested.
"You're all morons and this conversation is getting off track." Bruce sighed. "First, you're the only one besides Sixth and Eighth that can't use magic. Your brother was just a sociopathic monster." He crossed his arms. "You just crossed the incredibly low bar he set by being a decent person."
"Gee, thanks," Yoichi said sarcastically. "But you're right. My brother's atrocious lack of game is beside the point. If Shigaraki Tomura is anything like my brother, this won't be the end of it. He's going to come after Eighth again, and maybe Ninth judging by the way he looked at him. I think he knows about One For All."
"Who even is Tomura anyway?" En asked, using the boy's first name to avoid confusion.
"I dunno, my brother didn't exactly care about anyone besides me and himself. Mostly himself. Given that the guy shared our family name, it implies that he was important to All For One somehow." Yoichi shrugged. "Neither of us ever had kids, so maybe he just found some kid off the streets and taught him, or he was part of his little assassin program that he took a liking to."
"Whoever he was, I could feel how much anger he held toward Eighth," Hikage noted. "And then there was that creature with multiple quirks…"
"Like Gigantomachia…" Nana remembered. "We've all fought All For One's subordinates with multiple quirks, but that monster is the only one who could handle the strain of so many. The creature Toshinori fought acted like a machine."
"So you think they just stuffed a guy full of quirks and made a control mechanism to think for him?" Daigoro questioned. "I've seen what happens when All For One gives a person too many quirks. To think he'd find a way to torment those poor souls even further…"
"Even Lotus couldn't kill it with decapitation!" Enka griped loudly, her yellow and red streaked ponytail whipping about. "But regeneration is not invincibility. Carbonization of the wounds will put a stop to it."
"That thing stood up to Eighth. If Lotus wasn't there he would've had a tough time beating it." Bruce noted.
"If Ninth has to face something like that…" Yoichi shivered. "He will need to master the full strength of One For All. Especially if Tomura is able to acquire more of them of similar caliber."
"The boy isn't ready," Bruce grumbled. "He doesn't have what it takes to kill. Fourth had to force that on him."
"But it is not our place to decide that. He's just a teenager." En snapped.
"And what if they come after him again? What then, Sixth?" Bruce retorted. "Eighth put a target on his back. As much as you like the boy, he shouldn't have the quirk if he can't handle the pressure that comes with it."
Nana crossed her arms. "That's not fair, and you know it. With All For One gone, he should've been safe."
"As much of a dick Third is being about it," Daigoro interrupted. "He does have a point. All For One isn't the only thing we fought. It may be more peaceful now than it was in our lifetimes, but there will still be monsters that Ninth will have to make hard decisions on." Even Eighth had to kill a monster, human or not, from time to time.
"Let's hope that day doesn't come soon." Yoichi grimaced.
A flicker of movement caught his eye. Eighth's golden vestige, who had been still the entire time stood with a look of grief in his eyes. The mute form of All Might began to pace.
"What is Eighth doing?" En asked.
Nana recognized that behavior. "He does that… when he's making a tough decision."
=VI=
[Tau Household]
Ochaco rolled out of bed. Staring at the ceiling. There were no classes today or tomorrow, and the school would also be closed Sunday. The house, which would normally be bustling with the sounds of Mr. Karris and Ms. Tau getting ready to head out, and perhaps running water from Haylee's shower was missing today. It felt… empty.
As she made her way down the hall, Ochaco eyed Haylee's room. She almost knocked on the door, stopping at the last second as she knew the blue-haired girl wouldn't answer.
Ochaco was used to being alone, having spent the past few weeks in her apartment before it burnt down by herself. Somehow, it felt worse knowing there was supposed to be people here with her. Haylee had been so kind to her despite only knowing her for a single day, and yesterday she'd almost died.
She descended the stairs, lost in thought as the wood creaked beneath her feet. Fighting villains, almost dying… it didn't feel real. If Ochaco didn't remember every terrifying detail she probably would've dismissed it as a dream.
Honestly, she was still having trouble processing it. At least her parents knew she was okay. They'd been understandably scared for her sake after news of the attack broke, but as soon as she was able the school made sure to contact them and put her on the line.
She was safe and unharmed, but that couldn't be said for everyone.
All she could think about was seeing Haylee in the distance, lying in a pool of her own blood with Midoriya desperately trying to revive her. God, forget her, what kind of condition was he in after experiencing that? He'd looked… broken. The officers had separated him from the other students, but the image of him sitting on the back of the ambulance completely blank-faced had stayed in the forefront of her mind.
The rumbling of her stomach halted Ochaco's thoughts. She hadn't eaten anything since lunch yesterday, having forgone dinner. Watching your classmate be ripped limb from limb kinda had that effect on you. Still, she needed to eat something.
It was only when she made it into the kitchen that she remembered that someone else was in the house with her. Mr. Tau was there, sitting at the dinner table reading a book and taking small sips from a bowl of soup.
"You're awake." Hunhow's upper eyes glanced at her. From the kitchen counter, a small round levitating tray hovered off the stove. It deposited a bowl of steaming rice on the other side of the table before returning to Hunhow, re-assimilating itself back into his arm. "Eat." He pointed to the rice bluntly. Truly, he was a man of few words.
"Oh… you made me food?" Ochaco blinked. "T-thank you, sir."
"You were standing in the living room staring off into space for a few minutes. I simply heated up my leftovers." Hunhow flipped to the next page in his book. "Go on, eat." He waved his hand at her, as if shooing off an animal.
Ochaco took a seat, gently scooping the rice into her mouth with her chopsticks. She winced, as the rice was still piping hot. "Ah!" Ochaco set the bowl down and blew on it to cool it off. While she waited, she took nervous glances every so often at Hunhow.
Since Ms. Tau's father didn't have pupils and his face was like Ectoplasm-sensei, his face was incredibly hard to read. Something about him unnerved her. It wasn't his mutant appearance, she wouldn't judge someone on that- rather his demeanor. Hunhow reminded her of an old neighbor who used to live a few houses down from her apartment, Mr. Bando. Bando had always been hostile to everyone who came around his house, mostly the children and teenagers.
Hunhow felt the same way, a crochetly old man who didn't like anyone. The only difference, Ochacho supposed, is that Mr. Bando didn't have kids and lived alone until he died.
Hunhow noticed her lack of movement, watching the girl with one of his eyes. She wasn't eating, and every so often taking not-so-subtle glances his way. "Girl, is the food not to your liking?"
Ochaco flinched at his tone. "No- uhm… it's just too hot, Mr. Tau."
Hunhow tsked. He'd forgotten about that. Extreme temperatures weren't an issue to him, so he ate his meals whenever it suited him, usually right out of the oven. Compared to the cold vacuum of space, or drifting near a star it was nothing. "I see." The girl continued to awkwardly avoid his gaze. "Is something," He sighed, unsure why he was bothered by this. "Is there something the matter?"
Ochaco felt a brief flash of anger. Something the matter? Something the matter?! "Yes?" She stared at him incredulously. "Tenno almost died! Yesterday!" Briefly forgetting to conceal her accent. "She's yer granddaughter, don't you care?" She clamped her hand over her mouth, wide-eyed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"She is not my granddaughter. She is Natah's child." He corrected.
Ochaco gulped. "But she's still, you know…" She paused, not wanting to offend him.
"I do care, about her… somewhat." Hunhow slid a bookmark into his book. "Our relationship is complicated, and not something you need to concern yourself with."
"That's so cold…" Ochaco said quietly. "She could've died. I…"
"Haylee is a strong child. She will be fine. Why are you so upset, she will be healed in a few days I imagine." Hunhow scoffed.
"Cause she's my classmate, that's why!" Ochaco shouted, uncaring how rude she was being. Haylee was right, he really was a dick. She swallowed, composing herself the best she could. "I… I watched her fight and couldn't do anything to help, and then she got hurt, protecting everyone."
"And will me being upset about that make her heal any faster? I don't need to concern myself with a forgone conclusion." He grumbled. That girl was dead set about putting herself in harm's way no matter what timeline she came from. So long as she didn't die, Natah would be happy, and at this point, he wasn't sure what it would take for Haylee to stay dead considering how many scrapes with death the girl had escaped from. She'd been impaled and thrown into the Void for Tau's sake and still managed a way to return.
"I shouldn't be concerned?" Ochaco set her bowl down. "Of course I'm concerned! Tenno is my… she's my friend!" She was pretty sure they were at least, considering they lived together now. "Even if she gets better, it doesn't change the fact that I didn't do anything! I froze!"
The look Hunhow gave her came off as condescending, despite his unchanging expression. "So? You are a child. Why should you be expected to carry that burden?" He said plainly. "If anyone does expect that, then they are foolish at worst, and at best a monster. What kind of… person… sends a child to fight for them unless they are truly desperate." Hunhow looked away for a moment.
"But…" She absently prodded a few grains of rice, which began to smoosh them down into a paste. "I'm a hero student… If I freeze up like that now, how am I ever going to save anyone."
The girl looked absolutely devastated now. Perhaps he underestimated her mental state. "That is not a question I can, or care to answer. I'm not sure why you are even asking me. That is a question better served to your parents or Natah and Karris." Oh, that reminded him, he was supposed to give this to her.
Ochaco caught the small box that he gently tossed to her. "A… a smartphone?"
"It's from Natah and Karris. They already planned on getting you one while you stayed here since it has nationwide reception. Apparently, it's the same type of phone used by the families of top heroes and government officials. It has a built-in panic button that will alert the school and the police if anyone tries to do anything to you." Hunhow explained. "Seeing as you are living here with us, they deemed it prudent you have it, and the Principal was able to expedite the process of acquiring it."
Ochaco slowly unboxed the phone. It looked… so expensive. She didn't recognize the brand but it felt heavier than the few smartphones she'd held in her life. Given what Mr. Tau said, it was probably also used by heroes and not just their families. It probably cost more than her parents made in a week.
Normally she would be fretting about receiving such an expensive item, but today… she didn't
feel like protesting.
"My daughter already loaded it with everyone's phone numbers, as well as your teachers. Feel free to do… whatever it is you teenagers do with your phones. I don't particularly care what you do, so long as you stay within the bounds of the house. Contact your parents or something. I'm sure they are worried." Hunhow suggested. "But finish your breakfast first. I will make you lunch and dinner, but if you want anything between then, you will have to make it yourself." He crossed his arms, looking at her expectantly.
At this point Ochacho didn't know if there was anyone else in the world who could be so abrasive while simultaneously trying the bare minimum to be comforting. "Am I being a bother to you?" She asked sharply, finally fed up. She could only take so much of his passive-aggressiveness, even if she was a guest- and it wasn't even his home, it was Ms. Tau's.
"No…" Hunhow said carefully, then sighed, already regretting the conversation. "I am… not an easy person to talk to. I understand that. Human interaction is not something that comes easy to me, and most of the time it disinterests me. Natah simply asked me to make sure you are safe, which I will do. I do not have to be liked to do so." He would rather be feared than liked. Fearing someone at least meant you showed them the respect of knowing that they were a threat to you. Maybe that is why he disliked the humans like Karris who showed no fear in his presence, whether they knew of his reputation or not.
His personality certainly didn't help people like him.
"That seems very lonely…" Ochaco said sadly.
"..." Hunhow stared at her for a moment. "Perhaps. But I am used to it." Being sealed under the ocean for a few centuries would do that, even if he was asleep for most of it. "And I do not need your pity, not for someone like me."
Ochaco gulped and decided to ask a question that had been eating away at her. "Uhm… Mr. Tau-"
"Hunhow."
"Hunhow… uh…"
"Speak." Hunhow snapped, annoyed at the girl's hesitance.
"Were you… were you a villain?" She inquired.
Hunhow's jaw opened and closed. That was an unexpectedly forward question. What was the best way to answer, in a way that was permitted… "Given your country's definition, I believe that is what my label would've been. If protecting your family from being slaughtered for the crime of existing makes me a villain, then it is a label I would embrace with fervor every time. Does that frighten you, little hero?" Hunhow seemed to grow larger, though it was just Ochaco's imagination.
In Ochaco's opinion, the villains at the USJ were more intimidating than Hunhow was trying to be. While he looked scary, there wasn't any real malice behind his words. "I mean… not really?" Ochaco responded slowly. "You don't mean me any harm, so I'm not afraid." She took a deep breath. "I'm uhm, sorry that happened to you. I know that… other parts of the world aren't as accepting of heteromorphs. Nobody should have to fight for the right to live."
Hunhow scowled, not that anyone would be able to tell. She was technically correct, just for the wrong reasons. "You are a strange and naive girl," was all he said. He wasn't sure why he had this… uncomfortable feeling in his chest. A warmth in his oversized heart that someone did not judge him by his existence.
He didn't like the feeling. Hunhow knew if Uraraka was aware of the full story of his existence, she would run away in terror. He was Hunhow, Sentient Destroyer of Worlds, the Nightmare of the Orokin. Her? She was just some brat not even a percent his age, innocent and sickeningly idealistic.
The moment she learned anything about his past, or any of his family or the other two that lived here, she would turn her back on them. All that misplaced sympathy over his supposed plight would go down the drain the instant the truth was revealed. Nezu was the only one who wouldn't do that, and only because the creature wasn't human and had some odd fixation with trying to get Hunhow to see the world how he saw it.
A knock at the door interrupted his train of thought. Ah, that was right, Natah said that the police detective would be doing interviews today.
=VI=
[Yaoyorozu Estate]
Momo lay in her large canopy bed, ruminating on yesterday's events. Despite it being mid-afternoon now, she had only left her room to eat and answer some questions from a detective about what she had experienced.
"Mademoiselle Yaoyorozu, your tea is ready." A gray-haired maid just two years her junior said, placing a steaming cup on her nightstand.
"Thank you, Noelle." Momo nodded, sitting up to receive her drink- Imperial Golden Tips, her favorite. She gently picked it up, and took a long sip, staring into the swirling fluid afterward.
"Is zhere anything else I can bring you, Madame?" Noelle asked in broken French, the slight wavering in her voice betraying her concern.
"Its…" Momo tried to deflect. "I guess I can't hide anything from you." It was Noelle's job, after all. Momo's parents had always been paranoid about her wanting to be a hero, especially as the sole family heir.
To that end, they had gone out of their way to hire a bodyguard for Momo to accompany her and stay by her side in the hero course. After countless interviews, they had settled on Noelle, the cousin of Montagne, France's #20 Hero due to her impressive strength and defensive quirk. In exchange for attending to Momo and acting as a bodyguard and sidekick for a few years (because naturally, their daughter would go pro), they would Recommend her to U.A. and cover all her tuition before and during her attendance.
"Je m'excuse if I 'ave overstepped, Madame. You simply looked distressed," Noelle bowed politely.
"It's fine. I just… my parents are worried, questioning the school's ability to keep me safe. I'm sure you know how overprotective they are with me." Momo sighed. "But… after what happened yesterday, confronting villains for the first time… it scared me."
"Are you afraid your parents will not let you stay?" Noelle started to sit down next to Momo, stopping before Momo nodded to continue.
"Yes, despite the fact that I wish to continue, my father has discussed potentially transferring me to Seiai Academy or even the HPSC's program." Momo distressed. "Thankfully I was able to convince mother and father otherwise."
Yaoyorozu Souichirou was a man with his hands in many different baskets. He donated heavily to U.A. and was also a staunch supporter of the HPSC, as he wanted to "play both sides so he always comes out on top." He could probably get Momo into any school she desired with their family's connections.
"Zis does not change your mind? You still wish to go to U.A.?" Noelle questioned.
"Yes. If I… if I change schools after a single villain attack, what does that say about me?" Momo took a deep breath. "I have a duty as a class representative, not just to myself. When I go pro, it's not going to be any easier."
Noelle stared at her, slightly awestruck. "And next year, I'll be zhere too—doing all I can to help you!" She resolved.
"Noelle," Momo's gaze softened. "You don't have to dedicate yourself entirely to helping me. You do more than enough here as is. You should enjoy your High School years. My parents are already making you come to U.A. instead of Favonius Academy like you originally planned."
"Non, non, non! It is my duty, not just as une maid, but as une héroïne, mademoiselle!" Noelle replied sternly. "Do not forget, I am ze one who chose to work for votre famille. U.A. was not mon premier choix, but I would be honored to attend ze same school as you." She blushed. "J'espère I do not speak out of turn, non?"
Momo shook her head. "Don't worry, It's just us so you can feel free to say whatever you like. I'm glad you feel that way though." She smiled warmly. Knowing that someone had her back- even if it was at least a year out, reassured her.
During the attack, all she could do was stop Kurogiri's lightning attack and provide support. Midoriya… he was her vice rep and he was incredible, nervous, but incredible. And Tenno, nearly died protecting them all.
She needed to get stronger, not just for herself, but for her classmates.
=VI=
[Todoroki Household]
Shoto took a deep breath, letting ice flow from his right, and fire from his left. Equilibrium. Deep breath. Hot and cold. Deep breath.
Stay.
Calm.
He never used his fire side to fight, as much as Father told him he needed to. He could handle using it to regulate his temperature in battle, but more than that…
Oh. His heart rate was spiking again.
Shoto quickly released his quirk, lifting his trembling left hand.
"So you're finally trying to use it." A gruff voice said from the doorway.
Somehow, his father had managed to sneak up on him, despite being what the other kids at his middle school called "an absolute unit". They weren't wrong. Todoroki Enji was very big.
Sometimes Shoto wondered if he would be that big one day.
"Yes, Father." He nodded.
Enji glanced at his son's arms. "You need to build up your flames without relying on your ice. Using both sides simultaneously will come later." He advised, kneeling down to sit across from Shoto. "I take it that this has to do with the attack?"
"Yes." Shoto nodded. "I… you were right. Only using my ice side got people killed." He grimaced, remembering the splattered remains of the villains trapped in his ice.
Enji closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He wasn't good at heart-to-hearts, but he would try his best. "While it's good you realize that, what happened to those villains was not your fault."
"But they died because I trapped them."
"They died because of friendly fire from their allies." Enji crossed his arms. "You are not to blame for that. You restrained them, non-lethally, just as you were taught."
Shoto looked pensive. "But they still died because of my quirk. I could've stopped the villain that killed them if I used my fire…"
"Yes, you could've. Maybe, how are you to know? You were caught off guard." Enji pointed out. "Shoto," He placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "You are my son, and I have high expectations for you, after all the training you have done. One day… you will surpass me. But that day won't come for a long time. You are only a child, not a pro-hero. Even with all your training you can't be expected to face off against villains in a real fight." Enji consoled.
"I don't want to hurt people with my ice… kill them." Shoto stared at his right hand, letting a thin layer of frost creep across his skin.
"Are you afraid of your ice, like your flames?" Enji ignited his hand as well, letting the warm flames dance across his palm before forming a fist to extinguish them. "That is why I taught you to control. We have powerful quirks, and if you aren't careful you could easily injure or kill when you don't desire to. Sometimes, injury is unavoidable, or even death. I have killed before, and it is always as a last resort."
"I'm not afraid, but…" Shoto looked up. "I don't want to be scared of my flames."
It had been a long road in getting Shoto to use his flames, and he would only use them to regulate his temperature slightly. Enji had tried doctors, therapists, anything to help his son ever since the day he got his scar. He had hoped that the teachers at U.A. would help his son in overcoming his issues with the other half of his quirk. He'd made Eraserhead and Lotus aware of his son's… issues, though the latter turned out to be the teacher for a different class. If Shoto wanted to follow in Enji's footsteps, he could not afford to hold back his full potential.
"You need to keep working at it then. What is your biggest hangup?" Enji asked.
"My heart won't stop beating. It's like I can hear my pulse in my head when I use my flames." Shoto replied.
"A panic attack?"
"No… maybe?" Shoto guessed, glancing up to Enji blankly. "I can use it by myself, but when I think about using it to fight someone I freeze."
"Was that a joke?" Enji stifled a chuckle.
"No?" Shoto tilted his head, confused.
"Erm…" Enji cleared his throat awkwardly. "If you are worried about hurting someone with your flames, you can try using them on me. If you are willing, that is. I will not force you to do anything you are not ready for."
Shoto ran his hand along the scarred side of his face. "I… I'd like to try."
=VI=
[Tenryou Commission Headquarters]
"Detective, you've been handpicked to lead the hunt for the League of Villains, should you choose to accept." Kamaji slid a folder across the table to Naomasa. "Direct orders from the Council."
Naomasa's breath hitched in his throat. "Sir… am I really the best choice for this? Given my closeness with All Might and U.A., doesn't that make me too close to the case?"
Kamaji gave him a slight smile. "The fact that you even ask that is what makes you the right person for the job. Again, the choice is yours, if you feel that you are not ready for such a high-profile mission, there are other choices."
"I'll do it." Naomasa nodded after a moment of thought.
"Good. Given the… sensitive nature and near-certain involvement of the remnants of All For One's subordinates, we are trying to keep this investigation low profile. Of course, you will have the full backing of the Tenryou Commission and HPSC for logistical support and any raids you intend to conduct."
Naomasa flipped through the folder, looking over the details of what they were giving him authorization to do. Warrantless searches, holding without trial, an extremely high budget… it all left a bad taste in his mouth. This felt like something out of a spy movie that the Americans liked to make. "Is all of this really necessary?"
Kamaji nodded. "I know that you of all people understand just how dire this could be depending on the level of involvement from All For One's surviving subordinates. You may not like it, but this is standard operating procedure for dealing with these types of villain groups. Before All Might killed him, we were locked in a sort of cold war with his empire. We cannot afford to operate by the black-and-white roles of hero and villain the public sees. The ends do justify the means, and yes, I know that I'm trying to justify morally and legally reprehensible things to a police officer." The General's smile disappeared.
"Yes sir." Naomasa nodded grimly, feeling like a hypocrite.
"Do you have a team in mind for your investigation? We will provide additional manpower from our ranks as well." Kamaji asked.
Naomasa pursed his lips. "I want my team. Officers Tamagawa, Gori, Kaniyashiki and Detectives Shikanoin and Bantan."
"Some of them helped with the Villain Factory case, I'm assuming that's why you want them?" Kamaji asked. "All of them have already been screened for security clearance once you started working for us. Approved. Anyone else you can think of?"
"Not at the moment."
Kamaji nodded. "Alright. We'll set you up a building for your base of operations. Let me bring you up to speed. We've had no luck interrogating the Grineer we captured, only getting their rank and serial numbers. The HPSC has interrogated some of the villains for information on where they were recruited…"
=VI=
[HPSC Black Site]
"Now, how did you get into contact with Shigaraki Tomura, and where did this meeting take place?" Harken asked.
"Fuck you, I ain't saying shit ya government dog." Tesla spat.
The Scythe Hero's lip curled beneath his hood. "Just tell me what I want to know."
"Nah," the villain shook his head. "I'm no snitch, even if this was a one-time job."
"You seem awfully confident," Harken noted.
"Cause I know how this works, this isn't my first run-in with the law," Tesla smirked.
Honor among villains. Harken knew the type. Money, bargains, they wouldn't budge. It made sense, seeing as Tesla came from a now-defunct Yakuza family. "If you won't talk, I suppose we'll have to resort to other methods."
"Whaddya gonna do hero, torture me?" Tesla mocked. "I'm sure that will look good in court."
"Oh, you aren't going to court. And the HPSC doesn't strike deals with terrorists." He got no small amount of satisfacton at the surprised look on the villains face. "That's what we're charging those who led the attack with, at least."
"So what?" Tesla smiled. "Even if you sent me to Tartarus, I won't squeal. Whaddya gonna do, torture me?"
"Maybe if I was one of the other interrogators I would," If he were Director Uzu, Tesla would probably be in incredible pain right now. "But I despise the act of torture. I find it distasteful, a waste of time, and unreliable. People will say anything to make the pain stop, and if they don't give after the first few broken fingers, pulled-out fingernails, or teeth removed… there is no point in continuing. No, I prefer the carrot and the stick. You give me information, and it turns out to be valid, then we turn that lifetime in prison into a much more palatable sentence with parole."
"I told you I won't take a deal." Tesla growled.
Harken huffed, then continued. "As I was saying, you give me what I want, you get the carrot. Like to me or refuse to talk? Then you get the stick. I'm sure the other prisoners would be willing to spill."
"Your threats don't scare me."
"I don't make threats," Harken rose from his seat, purple eyes gleaming. " I make promises. I state the facts, what will and won't happen. Answer my questions with truth, you know the deal. If not?" A glowing purple scythe appearing in Harken's hand. "I'll use my quirk on you."
"Fine, I'd rather die than rot in prison for life." Tesla glared at Harken.
"I never said I would kill you, only that you would be punished. Tell me, do you know what my quirk does?" He watched Tesla shake his head. "I thought not. I'm a fairly unknown underground hero, especially with the commission hiding my deeds. My quirk is called Severing Scythe. The blade of my quirk can temporarily delay the nervous system input of anything I slice, or at a higher power... " He sliced the nearby chair in two.
"So, that supposed to scare me?" Tesla chuckled. "You ain't torturing me, and you aren't killing' me. Whaddya gonna do? Make my leg fall asleep?" The villain mocked.
"There is a third use of my quirk." Harken walked behind Tesla, placing one hand on the villain's shoulder, the back of his blade poking Tesla's neck and causing his skin to tingle.
"Do you know what locked-in syndrome is?" The hero asked, watching as the villain paled immediately. "It's a neurological condition that causes complete paralysis, usually in everything but your eyes. You will be conscious, but unable to move." He pressed his quirk against Tesla's neck, causing the skin to numb as if he'd been injected with anesthetics. "With my quirk, I can damage your nerves and induce that without damaging your flesh. It's not something I can do easily, I need intense focus so using it in battle is impossible."
"Y-you're insane!" Sweat began to drip from Tesla's face. "You can't do that to me, you wouldn't!"
"You have no idea what I will and won't do. Do you think I have any mercy for someone willing to assist in murdering children in cold blood? That's right, I read the reports from those students you captured. You aren't just a villain, you are a monster... and the HPSC has no qualms about disposing of monsters. Tell me what I want to know, or you will spend the rest of your life immobile, unable to speak. Of course, we wouldn't let you die, that would be cruel. Such a tragedy that you tried to escape with your quirk and fried your nerves beyond repair."
Tesla gulped, sweat now streaming down his face. "I'll tell you! I'll tell you!"
=VI=
[Tenryou Commission Headquarters]
"... though the warehouse that the villains met in was abandoned when our troops arrived," Kamaji explained. "After compiling everything we know from interrogations, on-site evidence, and your interviews with the teachers and students, We've put together some profiles." The Commissioner-General pulled out a remote and turned on the screen behind him, displaying police sketches of the villains.
"Shigaraki Tomura, the ringleader. Likely not the mastermind considering his outbursts and monologuing. His quirk is a five-point decay quirk. He's likely the one who broke the gate to U.A. We have no records of anyone under that name in the system with that quirk registered to them. While it's unlikely he is related to All For One, we aren't ruling out the possibility he had a child."
He clicked to the next slide. "Kurogiri, the warper villain. Real name unknown. Possibly in possession of lightning affinity magic or an additional electrical quirk."
Naomasa frowned. "A warp quirk, those are incredibly rare. Only about four in every hundred million people, right?"
Kamaji nodded. "Yes, and that's what makes him dangerous. Most warp quirks have a restriction, say… only able to teleport inorganic matter, or within a certain area around the user. We have no idea what Kurogiri's range is, or the limits to his quirk. There isn't a real way to defend against it either. He could hit us anywhere for all we know, aside from extradimensional spaces like domains." Warpers were highly sought after, usually scooped up by governments and very rarely criminals. The Tenryou Commission itself had two, though one could only teleport herself short distances and the other had strange restrictions as well as being a Stand User. The only other warper he knew of was a ward of the HPSC, and only eleven years old. He clicked to the next slide.
"Nomu, formerly known as F-Ranke villain Morita Ren. We found the DNA of at least four to five other people in him, stitched together like some sort of Frankenstein monster. The creature has been classified as an S-ranked undead and terminated after dissection. It possessed the quirks of Shock Absorption, super strength, and regeneration. On top of that his biology seemed to be streamlined to boost his natural strength and improve super strength's effectiveness. Assuming there are more of these creatures, we have authorized the usage of lethal force as a first resort."
"You want us to kill them on sight?" Naomasa balked.
"They aren't alive, not really. If anything you are doing them a mercy. I don't expect you to be killing them, more the heroes and soldiers if it comes to it." Kamaji clarified. "As for public perception, we are labelling them as monsters created by a quirk if this becomes something that we can no longer hide." He clicked to the last slide, showing the two Corpus.
"The last two, Scrambler and Bunker, the woman's quirk is assumed to be some sort of sense scrambling quirk according to those who witnessed the Tenno fight the League. It would match up with the name the other villains gave. She also was one of the two villains blocking any signals from reaching U.A. and was in possession of a refurbished energy weapon from her universe." He pointed to the man. "Bunker. Appears to have a quirk similar to the description of a 'Arctic Eximus' according to our intel, we've decided to call it Snowglobe."
"Were they part of the League's leadership?" Naomasa questioned.
"Not according to the other villains. Apparently, Scrambler killed the S-ranked villain named Kumohari during the recruitment meeting, and was approached by the League's leadership."
"Do you think the League knows about the Otherworlders then?"
"It's very likely," Kamaji nodded. "Or at least someone backing Shigaraki does. One of the villains overhead Kurogiri calming him down after she killed Kumohari."
"Great." Naomasa groaned. "Why did they even work with the League anyway? It doesn't sound like they have compatible ideologies."
"If I had to guess," Kamaji rubbed his chin. "Money. They are Corpus after all. Can't be picky about where it comes from with how they chose to squander their second chance in this universe."
"I suppose I'll ask them when I arrest them then."
Kamaji smiled. "That's the spirit!"
=VI=
[Eikyō Residence]
"Lumine?" Jonathan's hand rapped against her door. "Are you alright?" He knocked again. "Lumine? I'm coming in." Slowly, he opened his daughter's door. "Little light?"
"..." Lumine lay in bed, wrapped up in her covers. Last night's dinner lay half-eaten off to the side.
"Sweetheart, you can't stay in bed all day. Your sister is getting worried about you." He sat down at the side of her bed. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really." Lumine rolled over away from him.
He'd only seen her like this once before, in the days after her mother died and Aether went missing.
"Lumine, please. I want to help but you need to talk to me about it. It's about your friends, isn't it?" Jonathan lay a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
"Don't wanna." Lumine groaned, voice muffled by her pillow.
"I'll just sit here then." He sighed.
Lumine stayed silent, sniffling quietly. She could feel her dad's hand continue to rub her shoulder. After a few minutes, her breathing slowed and she began to relax. Slowly, she rolled back over, looking at Jonathan with teary eyes.
"You ready to talk now, little light?" He reached over with a handkerchief and wiped her eyes.
"Mhm…" She whimpered, sitting up.
"C'mere." Jonathan invited her into his arms and hugged her.
Lumine held on tight, her fingers digging into Jonathan's t-shirt and shoulders trembling. She let out a quiet sob. "I… I…"
"I'm here, I'm here." Jonathan patted her on the back and held her tighter, letting her cry into his shirt. "It's alright…"
"Haylee was… hurt really bad." She managed to say in between choked gasps. Lumine pulled away, eyes rubbed red and raw.
"She's your friend, right?" Tenno, if he recalled correctly. He had yet to meet his daughter's friends face-to-face.
Lumine nodded slowly and caught her breath. "... yes." Her cheeks turned the slightest bit pink.
Oh. He knew that look. "Oh… she's the one you… I assumed it was Midoriya." Jonathan pursed his lips. Lumine had come to him for advice on dating, but hadn't mentioned who it was she was interested in. That explained… a lot. "Am I right?"
Lumine blushed and nodded again, wiping a tear from her eye. "Y-yeah…"
Jonathan clenched his fists. "Oh, honey…" He pulled away from the hug. "I'm so sorry." Having your friend get hurt was one thing, but someone you had a crush on… "Is she going to be alright?"
Lumine hesitated. "I… I don't know. She can regenerate, but I don't know how strong or fast it is." Izuku had gone radio silent and she didn't exactly have Ms. Tau and Mr. Karris's numbers. They probably had enough to worry about right now as is.
"Well, most regeneration quirks are very strong. I'm sure she'll be fine." Jonathan reassured. He noticed Lumine didn't seem convinced, or something else was bothering her.
"She… she died, dad. Her heart stopped. If they hadn't managed to resuscitate her she would've…" Lumine gulped. "I never told her how I felt about her, I finally built up the nerve to just talk to her about it, and then this happens." She yelped. "Am I, like, a bad person for making this about me? I mean, fuck, she died!" Embarrassed, she covered her mouth. "Sorry, I swore… I don't want Paimon to…"
"It's alright, she's probably watching T.V." Jonathan ran his hand through her messy golden hair. "When you are in love, it's natural to feel a bit selfish. You are feeling that way because you care about her, and not just as a friend. How do you think I-" he exhaled, blinking back tears. "How do you think that I felt after your mother passed? I mourned her, and I miss her, so, so much. Love is complicated, and messy… especially at your age. You almost lost someone and without closure to your feelings. Things like that… is what makes us… human."
Lumine leaned against his chest. "... I guess. If… no, when she comes back, I want to tell her how I feel, I just… I don't want to spring that on her after what happened to her. When should I tell her?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure you will figure it out." Jonathan tapped his finger against her chest. "Just follow your heart and hope for the best. Will it be perfect? Probably not. Maybe you'll flub your words, or someone will interrupt you in the middle of a heartfelt confession. Life isn't like television and movies, there is no 'perfect romantic confession moment'." He paused. "Well, there probably is, but it's subjective and random chance, I think…"
Lumine sniffled and giggled. "So just… go with the flow?"
"Yeah, and hopefully she will feel the same way. She's your friend, so at worst, she will say she doesn't feel the same. I've taught a lot of kids and seen a lot of confessions over my life. It's not like you are confessing to the most popular girl in the class who doesn't even know you."
"She is kinda… oblivious though." Lumine groaned. "I was trying to see if she even liked girls for months now."
"Well, she can't miss it if you tell her directly how you feel. Nobody is that dense."
Lumine gave him a deadpan stare.
"Oh…" He sweatdropped, then chuckled while rubbing the back of his head. "Well, I believe you can do it. I can tell she makes you happy. I hope that it works out for you." He drummed his fingers on his leg. "Maybe you can bring her over for dinner, I'd very much like to meet her… face to face." His eye gleamed for a split second.
"Are you going to give her a talk?" Lumine groaned, blushing in pre-emptive embarrassment. "Please don't show her my baby pictures…"
"No promises are made." Jonathan chuckled.
Lumine laughed. "Thanks, dad," She gave him a tight hug. "I'm feeling a lot better now."
"Anytime, I just want you to be happy." Jonathan squeezed her and kissed her on the forehead.
=VI=
[Overclock Quirk Training Gym, Naruhata]
Inosuke slammed his fist into the punching bag, knocking it off it's chain and into the wall with a crash.
"Dang kid, cool it." Soga wiped his brow in disbelief. "That's three in the past hour. Those aren't cheap, you know? At least use the ones that fix themselves…" The turquoise-haired vigilante sighed, grabbing a broom to clean up the sand.
"Sorry…" Inosuke grunted, lacking his usual bombastic energy and sitting on a nearby bench.
Soga paused. "You doin' alright Inosuke?"
Inosuke nodded. "Yeah…" He rubbed his knuckles, already raw and bleeding slightly from the ungloved punches.
"You sure?" He asked, and the younger boy nodded again. "All right, let me know if you need anything then." He tossed some bandages over. "I know you heal like, freakishly fast, but you better wrap those.
"I will," Inosuke confirmed.
Soga watched Inosuke fiddle with the bandages before walking away to talk to Iwao.
Inosuke grumbled, tossing the bandages to the side and flexing his fingers. "Dammit…" He muttered.
He knew that as someone without a quirk, someone who shouldn't even be here, that he was weak. Hell, he didn't even have the dormant quirk gene like the quirkless. Still, he'd managed to train himself up to the point he could stand toe-to-toe with who he felt was the strongest amongst his classmates aside from Midoriya through nothing but hard work and sheer stubbornness. His body had been sculpted into peak condition, far exceeding the strength, speed, and durability of those his age.
And yet, he hadn't been able to do anything when it really mattered. He wasn't incredibly attached to Tenno, having known her all of four days but it still stung. Inosuke would never get used to his allies dying around him.
Kyojuro.
Shinobu.
Muichiro.
Genya.
Gyomei.
Obanai.
Mitsuri.
Some of them he'd known quite well, others he'd only briefly interacted with during Hashira training, but they were still his comrades. Hell, he hadn't even seen most of them die, but it hurt all the same.
He remembered them all.
Someone had to.
Because everyone else was long dead and gone.
He'd find a way back to his friends no matter how long it took.
Oh.
He killed someone yesterday. Not a demon, a real, living human. How had he nearly forgotten that? Maybe he was just desensitized to violence. It wasn't the first time he'd killed, far from it.
But there was a massive difference between killing something that used to be human and ate people, and a normal villain.
Right?
He felt bad, not because of what he did, but because he didn't feel bad about doing it. If he hadn't stabbed the villain, he would've killed Mineta.
"Ragh!" Inosuke tossed the bandage roll to the ground angrily. It was so much simpler when it was cut and clear: demons who eat people are bad, so slay them. All this hero stuff was still so hard to get used to.
There was a hard limit to how strong he could be. He was almost an adult, so it would increase a bit when he got a few years older.
'I'm strong, but I need to do more. Beast Breathing can only get me so far with the techniques I have. I need to improve my techniques… and my weapons. I need new damn swords.' That might be a problem too. There weren't any corps swordsmiths anymore, and his swords had been forged almost three hundred years ago. Maybe that was a good thing? He didn't particularly need a Nichirin weapon if he wasn't fighting demons. With so much time passed, forging techniques had probably improved, with new materials.
Probably. He wasn't a blacksmith and all that science stuff was hard to remember.
Inosuke stood back up and grabbed two bokken from the training weapon rack. 'These will do for now.'
=VI=
Iwao watched the boy weave between targets with his swords. "And he said he's fine?"
"Yeah, but I'm still worried about him," Soga replied. "Lot of shit to go through for someone who is almost an adult. I'm surprised he's holding it together as well as he is."
"Hrm…" Iwao rubbed his chin. "He's a good kid, but keeps to himself. If something is bothering him, he'll open up to us eventually. He's like Rumi, won't budge if you try to push him too hard."
"Is she coming back?" Soga asked.
"You'd know better than I would," Iwao grunted, massaging his bad leg.
Soga's face flushed. "Boss, we ain't exactly dating… just, you know-"
"Apapap! I don't need to know what you two get up to." Iwao cut him off. "But yeah, she got the message, just wrapping up some stuff down south first. Should be back tomorrow or Monday."
"You'd think she'd be a bit more worried about Inosuke."
Iwao shrugged. "Kid's almost an adult, and Rumi isn't exactly the comforting type. She knows that Inosuke is a tough one."
"Shit, I guess…" He shuffled his feet.
"So," Iwao broke the silence. "Any word on the streets as to who did this? That…" He scoffed. "League of Villains?"
"Fuckin' stupid name," Soga snorted.
"Still broke into U.A. though," Iwao replied seriously. "Which means that the government is going to be very interested in hunting them down. And no, but I've been reaching out to my contacts."
"Government?" Soga raised his eyebrow.
"No, don't really have access to those anymore, probably could get a meeting if I asked though. Did a lot of… dirty work for the Chinese Heroics Ministry and the HPSC back in the day. I still have some connections there. I meant the underground kind. I may be a retired vigilante, but I'm still a vigilante." The older man shrugged. "They've been noticing what you've been up to kid, taking up my mantle."
"Wait, really?" Soga blinked.
"Lots of people aren't exactly satisfied with the way heroes do things, and the military and government only care about the big fish. You? You take down street gangs and muggers. Go into places where only underground heroes go. Dangerous work." Iwao listed. "And I vouched for ya, using my old Vigilante name." He chuckled. "Sure beats going by Porcupine."
Soga blushed. "Goddammit Rumi…"
"There's a group, they've been building up over the past two… maybe three years? Call themselves the Dollars."
"Stupid name, we ain't American," Soga snorted. "Why not call it the Yens?"
"Because that sounds goddamn stupid you moron. Do you think that rolls off the tongue well? Plus, it's not named after that. It's from the term dara dara, or useless, not doing anything." Iwao explained.
Soga snapped his fingers. "Wasn't that the group that was doing all those crimes a while back? They were one of those gangs, right?"
"Well, word around the street is most of that was hearsay. People using the group's name. The person in charge tried to turn it around and turn it into a group that did good deeds instead, so now it's kind of just a chat room on the villain network. Anyways, one of the ones who originally set it up is putting together a new group for vigilantes, it seems he got some powerful backers." If Iwao had to guess, someone in one of the Commissions was now backing them, which he wasn't sure how to feel about. At least it wasn't the HPSC. They wouldn't tolerate that shit. "Group's called the Salvager's Guild, and they want you to meet one of their reps."
"What do you think?" Soga asked. "Should I go?"
"Well, you are a vigilante. I know you ain't planning on stopping that. If I were you… I'd take the offer, see what they are about." Iwao tapped his eyepatch, hand slowly drifting down the scars on his neck and finally, his bum leg. "Vigilantism is dangerous work. We don't have sidekicks, or support, there are few heroes that tolerate us. Most of 'em would rather lock us up. There is a reason there aren't a lot of vigilantes."
"Because they get killed?"
"Killed or arrested," Iwao nodded. "Now, an organized alliance of vigilantes? That I can get behind… assuming it's not a sting operation. It would be good to have people you can count on to bail you out. Lord knows it helped us a few years back. If I didn't have you and Koichi I would be dead."
Soga mulled it over. "I mean, I guess. I won't always be teamin' up with Rumi, and I've had some close calls."
"And I saw the look in your eye. You want to look into the people who went after U.A." Iwao scowled, staring directly into Soga's eye. "Don't try and deny it, I know the look 'cause I've seen it in the mirror. If you go after those people alone, you will probably end up dead. What Inosuke mentioned… reminds me too much of Six."
"You think it's related?" Soga's brow furrowed.
"I know it's related, well, 98% sure. Related to a really bad villain I heard All Might put down a few years back." Iwao chose his words carefully. These were the kinds of secrets that could get people killed.
"I never heard about that…" Soga's eyes went wide. Something like that should've been in the papers. All Might didn't kill people often, he was strong enough to subdue pretty much everyone non-lethally.
"Cover-up. Like I said, guy was bad news." He held a finger up to his lips, glancing at the windows. "I'll tell you more somewhere more… discreet. I'm assuming Rumi will want to know too once she returns if you decide to pursue this."
"Alright." Soga nodded cautiously. What the hell was he getting himself into now?
=VI=
[Midoriya Family Apartment]
Toshinori took a deep breath and knocked on the door, each knock felt like he was lifting thousands of pounds just to raise his hand.
He heard Inko's muffled voice from the other side of the door as she unlocked it. "Oh, Toshinori! Please, come in."
Toshinori stepped inside and removed his shoes, giving his girlfriend an anxious glance as he made his way into the living room.
"Would you like some tea?" Inko asked, pouring herself a cup. Toshinori nodded and sat down, twiddling his fingers. After a moment, she made her way over to the sofa and handed it to him. Inko looked at him expectantly, so he took a quick sip, letting the honeyed drink soothe his throat.
"Inko, I…" He was immediately cut off.
"Shhhhh… I know what you are going to do. There is no need to apologize." Inko put her finger up to his lips. "I could already tell what you were going to say ever since you walked in the door. Your couldn't hide how you were feeling."
"I… I thought you would be more upset." Toshinori replied.
"Oh, I am, but I also know that me yelling at you won't make you feel any better, and that you are probably feeling worse than I am." She was worried, not just about Izuku, but his friends and Toshinori himself.
Had she not been dating the man, she probably would be angrier, furious at how he almost allowed her son to be hurt or killed. But over these past few months, getting to know him… she could see how heavily the world weighed on him. All Might had always been a larger than life figure, a constant presence in life as she had grown up. The world's strongest hero, an ever-smiling beacon of peace and protection.
But she knew Yagi Toshinori, the man behind the legendary figure. She had been so enamored by the image of All Might that she, like the rest of the world, forgot the man beneath it. Toshinori was so much more than All Might. He was a man who had dedicated his entire life to heroism at the cost of his health and social life. The few friends he had, he held at arm's length to keep them safe from his enemies. In his shrunken form, there was a tiredness in his eyes.
But Toshinori was also kind, charming, and just a bit goofy. Oftentimes, he fumbled over his words when trying to talk, and made references she didn't understand. Above all else, he cared about Izuku. She saw the way his eyes lit up whenever he got to talk about his progress in training One For All. It was the same look Izuku got in his eyes whenever he saw a hero, or an interesting quirk.
Was she upset that Izuku got hurt? Nearly died? Of course. Her baby boy had been attacked by villains. What sort of parent wouldn't be afraid and incensed?
"They almost died because of my negligence, Inko," Toshinori whispered, breaking the long pause with a gulp. "Izuku almost died, Tenno… Haylee bled out, because I was too stubborn to let other heroes do their jobs. Those villains were after me, and the students were put in harms way because of me." He looked up, despondent. "Do you know what Izuku said to me when I got there? He said 'Why weren't you here?'." His face fell.
"Toshi…" Inko raised her hand and caressed his face, fingers gliding over his sharp cheekbones. "You can't be everywhere at once… and I know you can't stop yourself from helping when you see someone in trouble. It's just who you are."
"I'm a fool who can't even protect his students. I… if Izuku had been killed because of my mistakes, I wouldn't be able to live with myself." Toshinori lamented.
"You're my fool then." Inko clasped his hand between both of hers. "You made a mistake, and you broke Izuku's trust. What are you going to do about it? You aren't going to give up, are you?"
"N-no… but…" Toshinori's hand began to tremble. "Inko, the villains that attacked U.A… we have reason to believe they are subordinates of the villain that gave me my injury."
"The one you killed?" Inko tried to remain calm, tightening her grip on Toshinori's hand.
"Yes." Toshinori's shoulders tensed and he let out a deep sigh. "They wanted revenge for what I did, and my students paid the price." His lip twitched. "I can't let something like this happen again. My students cannot be neglected and put into harm's way."
"What are you going to do?"
"You will see it on the news tomorrow I imagine, but… I'm taking a step back from hero work to focus on teaching." Toshinori replied. "Natah and Nezu made some… convincing arguments."
"Oh… I imagine you informed the right people?" Inko asked.
"I did, the WHA said they understood, I'll still be available for emergencies and all, and the rest of the world has gone without my constant presence. It's not like I'll be gone, and it will help them adjust for when I do retire in a few years." He licked his lips nervously. "Our government was a bit more concerned, but I reassured them that if I am needed they only need to ask. We have more than enough powerful heroes to pick up the slack."
Inko glanced down the hallway. "Have you told Izuku yet?"
Toshinori stiffened. "...no." He followed her gaze to his room. "I haven't… spoken to him since yesterday. How is he?"
Inko's shoulders slumped. "He hasn't left his room since last night. I left him some food but…" Her expression fell. "I don't… I don't know what to say to him, Toshi. I think- I think it's hitting him especially hard considering it's almost the anniversary of Hisashi's death…"
"Oh… I didn't realize…" Toshinori flinched. It was also nearly the anniversary of Haylee meeting Izuku as well…
Inko looked at him quizzically. "I thought you would know that already?"
"Oh, you mean from the background checks?" Toshinori guessed. "I only read the overall assessment, not any personal details. I didn't want to be too invasive toward your privacy." He'd sent a direct request to the President of the WHA when he'd chosen Izuku as his successor. (Ignoring the fact that he'd already told the boy about One For All before the background check, but hey, it all worked out in the end). He knew that the Midoriya's had no suspicious connections or outstanding debts, and that Midoriya Hisashi had been an analyst for the WHA before his death. He didn't deem it prudent to dig into their personal lives, as the WHA would do that for him anyway with or without his prompting for the check.
"Izuku was only five when Hisashi died, and his work took him out of the country sometimes… I can't believe it will be nine years without him." She sniffled. "I'm sorry, talking about him in front of you."
Toshinori squeezed her hand. "It's quite alright. He was your husband."
"He always believed that Izuku could be a hero, even without a quirk. I… I just worried about him so much, getting hurt… and then Hisashi left and…" She took a deep breath. "I don't know how he died. The WHA wouldn't tell me. They only brought back his ashes."
Toshinori froze. Hisashi died in April, the anniversary was coming up. It could be a coincidence… "Was… was he in Russia?"
Inko nodded somberly, a choked sob escaping her.
The incident in Russia was one of the worst days in Toshinori's life, right behind All For One murdering Nana. Perhaps it was selfish to view it that way, but the first at least had a target that he could despise.
He remembered those terrible days vividly. Eight million people killed in an instant with zero explanation. Colleagues that he had known for years, great heroes… gone. The worst part was the lack of survivors. Outside the ice there were tens of thousands of injuries caused by flying debris or the sudden shift in temperature, but inside… not a single survivor was recovered except for the Pro Hero Siphon. There was something soul crushing about realizing that you weren't saving anyone, only recovering the dead. They had lost additional people as well due to unstable ice collapsing on emergency workers.
There were so many dead that the bodies had to be incinerated after identification to avoid the spread of disease. When all was said and done, the area around Moscow had been reduced to rubble. Reconstruction over the past nine years had been slow, and the country itself had begun to splinter into several factions vying for independence.
The part Toshinori felt guiltiest about was the abandonment of Russia. After a few weeks, most countries began to pull their heroes out of Russia, having sent several of their top pros to assist in relief efforts. They couldn't afford to keep their best heroes overseas while there were still problems at home to take care of.
No wonder there was so much bitterness from many in that country, at the world that abandoned them, and the Permafrost, who they blamed for the incident. She was the only one that could've done it, especially when the reports leaking her involvement in a mission nearby surfaced. He couldn't see how she could have, she wasn't that powerful and it wasn't in her nature.
Toshinori blinked, having lost himself in thought and hugged Inko to comfort her. "I'm sorry if I upset you by bringing it up."
Inko pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped her eyes. "It's fine. You… you lost friends that day too, I imagine."
"I did."
They sat silently for a moment.
"Inko, do you think he will want to speak with me?" Toshinori asked nervously.
"Toshinori, my son has practically worshipped the ground you walked on ever since he saw that first video of you. You will always be his hero, no matter how many mistakes or missteps you make. He's hurting, and I don't know how to help him. Please…" She hesitated. "I hope I'm not overstepping, but you are like a father to him."
Toshinori's cheeks warmed up, and he felt an unfamiliar, but pleasant sensation in his chest. "I think I know where Izuku gets his kind nature from." He smiled. It was truly a blessing that they were both a part of his life.
=VI=
"Young Midoriya?" Toshinori lightly tapped on the door. "Izuku?"
There was no response.
"I'm going to come in. Is that okay?" He heard a muffled "Mhm…"
The door creaked open. Izuku was hunched over on his desk with several crumpled up pieces of paper torn from one of his notebooks, scribbling away and completely zoned out.
Toshinori picked up one of the pages and opened it up. On the front was a tear-stained drawing of Shigaraki Tomura, and a fairly good one at that. On the same quality as one produced by a top Police sketch artist. The drawing was surrounded by notes detailing physical characteristics, and a macabre drawing of Aizawa's partially decayed arm.
Damage to Eraserhead arm, caused by his quirk according to classmate testimony. Five point activation. Disable fingers.
Toshinori blinked. He was able to come up with that much despite not fighting the villain or seeing his quirk in action? As the boy continued to drowsily write, Toshinori shuffled through some of the other pages. Some were of Shigaraki, but somewhere along the line Izuku had made an error and decided to scrap the whole drawing. The others were half-finished, and each one of a different villain that Izuku had encountered.
There were dozens of them. Hours worth of work just thrown aside. "My boy…" He lay his hand on Izuku's shoulder, causing his successor to jump in surprise.
"Oh… All Might!" Not Toshinori, he noted. Izuku looked up, slowly, head wavering side to side from exhaustion. He had deep bags under his tear-stained eyes, likely having stayed up all night and all of today as well.
"Young Midoriya, have you slept at all?" Toshinori knelt down, eyes wide with concern.
Izuku rubbed his eyes. "N-no… I couldn't sleep." He yawned.
Toshinori held out his hand. "You need to sleep, please. Your mother is worried about you. I'm worried. I know from experience how you must be feeling, and trust me, not getting any rest doesn't help." He looked just like Toshinori did in the days after Nana's death. He'd trained for three whole days without sleep until he collapsed from exhaustion and starvation. Torino had to drag him off to a bed and personally nurse him back to health.
"But I… I need to…" Izuku's eyes filled with tears. "I couldn't stop them from hurting her. She… she said she would be okay. She said she would win!" He buried his face in Toshinori's chest and began to sob.
He held Izuku close, patting him lightly on the back. "It's alright young man, I'm here now. Recovery Girl said she would make a full recovery. Young Tenno is going to be ok." Izuku's sobs began to die down. "It's not your fault. I should've never put you in the position where you had to fight to begin with."
"You weren't there…" Izuku murmured.
"I know, and I'm so, so sorry." He ruffled Izuku's surprisingly fluffy hair. "And I swear to you, I will never let this happen again. I'm taking a step back from my hero work to focus on U.A."
Izuku's head snapped up, eyes wide as the moon. "Wha- but-" He stammered, the shock snapping him out of his exhausted bawling. "But you're the Symbol of Peace? Is- is this because I have your quirk?"
Toshinori shook his head. "No, it has nothing to do with that. Even if I still had my quirk, I would make the same choice." He took a long breath, contemplating his next words. "Izuku, when I was first starting out as a hero, Japan wasn't the safest. Hell, I had to leave the country after I left U.A. Villains were constantly on the prowl, the heroes were few and far between due to the danger of the profession and overwhelming odds. It wasn't uncommon for a whole city block to be destroyed in a fight." He thought back to the day he first met Nana, walking among ruins on one side, normal city on the other. "And now, four decades later, we live in the most peaceful era since the dawn of quirks. The world calls me the Symbol of Peace and Justice… but I'm just a symbol. There are heroes all over the world who stepped up with me, following my example and my dream, to bring hope to a chaotic world."
Toshinori imagined the silhouettes of heroes- retired or long dead surrounding him. Some faded into dust and others were replaced as they stepped to the side, symbolically handing off their capes to the next generation.
"I don't live in the same world that I grew up in, and I think that between the pressure of the role I created for myself, and my duty as a wielder of One For All…" He trailed off. "I still feel the same, that urge to move without thinking when someone is in need. It's what drew me to you as a successor." He smiled warmly. "But now, I have a responsibility not just as a hero, but as a teacher. There are so many great heroes nowadays, not just in Japan- " He thought of Endeavor, Best Jeanist, Mirko, Lotus, and many others. "But across the world as well." Star and Stripe in the States, Windbloom in Germany, and Euphoria in Canada came to mind. "I can afford to take a step back, focus on teaching the next generation… and make sure they don't make the same mistakes I did."
"So you're… going to be teaching at U.A. full time?" Izuku asked.
"Yes, as both All Might and Toshinori depending on what is needed. I'm not all muscles and heroics." He joked, getting a small smile from the boy in return- though it quickly faded. "But this is something I need to do. My colleagues got hurt because I wasn't there. You got hurt… you could've been killed. Not just you, but those you care about." He clenched his fist. "If any of you had died, I never would've been able to live with that, and I'll never be able to forgive myself for allowing you all to be hurt because of me."
Izuku chewed on his lip and glanced up at Toshinori. "I forgive you…" He could see the truth in the boy's eyes.
"You Midoriyas… always so quick to forgive." He held Izuku closer.
"All- Toshinori?" Izuku asked, looking conflicted still.
"Yes, my boy?"
"Back there… I wasn't strong enough to save Haylee, Aizawa-sensei, or Hagakure. I've trained so much… but I still couldn't help." He stared at his knees, downtrodden.
"Young man…" Toshinori released him and knelt to Izuku's eye level. "You are just a boy, a hero-in-training. Nobody expects you to be ready for something like this. Tenno… she is not like you. Remember that. That girl treasures her friendship with you, and while I don't want to put words in her mouth, I'm guessing she felt responsible for your safety as her enemies were assisting the League."
Izuku nodded, thinking back on the past few months. Haylee had always been protective of him, not to the point of babying him or thinking he was weak (he certainly had the bruises and scrapes from training to back that up). She wanted him to be strong, to succeed at his dream.
Maybe that was why she looked so relieved to see he was safe when she died.
"She… she told me a bit about what she faced back in her universe," Izuku said. "I… I know she left a lot out, but I see how dangerous her enemies were now."
Toshinori frowned. The Grineer and Corpus present at the USJ had been or had been responsible for most of the casualties. The Grineer at least had been far more brutal and ruthless than normal Japanese villains. The Corpus- at least according to the students' testimony, had been aiming to injure, not kill.
"I know that she has been through a lot. I won't pry into what she told you in confidence." The blonde man sighed. "But Izuku, it wasn't just her enemies. It was the disciples of the man who gave me my injury."
"They teamed up?"
"It appears that way. I… I think it's about time I told you about what happened, but if it's alright I would like to wait for Tenno to be awake to hear it as well." He'd already spoken to Aizawa, Karris, and Tau about the deceased villain. If All For One's subordinates were still around, there was a chance they would strike again. They deserved to know the truth. About All For One, and the origin of One For All.
"That's fine…" Izuku's head drooped.
"You should get some rest," Toshinori advised.
"Can you… can you stay here until I fall asleep?" Izuku pleaded.
"Of course."
=VI=
Lots happening in this chapter, it is also the longest chapter (apologies for the wait, got hit with a bit of writer's block).
Technically AFO stole Iwao's quirk after his injury if you go by the Vigilantes manga, but that doesn't work in the context of this story as more people would've picked up on that happening after AFO's "death".
Lots of connections to Vigilantes that will be explored regarding Nomu.
Harken: "I don't do threats"
Also Harken: "But I will cripple you and leave you in a fate worse than death though if you lie to me"
Harken's quirk is fuckin scary man. Nobody has guessed the inspiration for the character yet either .-.
Next chapter is going to be kinda fucked up because Chaos Theory are a bunch of pyschos, so just an advance warning
