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The next morning, the entire nation of Japan went into an uproar.
The country woke up to the news that villains had attacked the two first-year hero classes of U.A. during their field training in the mountainous zone administered by the Wild Wild Pussycats.
Reports detailed that, fortunately, most students had escaped with only minor injuries, or brief unconsciousness in the case of those affected by the Quirk of one of the villains.
There were only two exceptions to that, two students from 1-A. One student with a nasty cut on his ear, and another who had suffered grave injuries after confronting a villain and was now hospitalized.
For an assault involving nearly ten villains, with only five heroes to fend against them, it was nothing short of a miracle that no one had died.
But even with such a "fortunate" outcome, the public and the media fixated on a different, more alarming detail—
The kidnapping of one of U.A.'s students.
More specifically, Suzaku Suzuki. The winner of the Sports Festival. The rising star of the hero course. The "future promise" whose feats during his internship had made him quite popular recently.
And, more importantly, the very student whom the League of Villains had publicly declared they would target.
That fact turned what should have been a time of mourning into a storm of outrage, one directed straight at U.A. for allowing the kidnapping to happen, despite the League's televised threat weeks prior.
But of course, the blame didn't only fall on the school as an institution, but also on the teachers present during the incident, as they were harshly criticized for letting Suzaku be taken while barely sustaining injuries themselves, something that, although it didn't necessarily mean they hadn't tried, didn't look good in the eyes of the public.
Now, U.A. faced heavy backlash.
Inside the school, several teachers gathered to address the crisis.
All Might, Midnight, Present Mic, Nezu, Cementoss, and Snipe sat around a U-shaped table, their expressions dark and somber, nothing like their usual selves.
Gone was Midnight's sultry demeanor.
Gone was Present Mic's loud enthusiasm.
Gone was Nezu's mischievousness.
Gone was All Might's wide smile.
Gone was Cementoss's—actually, his poker face hadn't changed at all.
Same with Snipe. His gas mask hid whatever he felt, though it was probably just as grim as the others.
"We were complacent," Snipe said, his voice low and steady, eyes fixed on the empty air ahead. "We thought we had time. That the League of Villains wouldn't act so soon—or so recklessly."
"The peace that All Might has brought us has indeed dulled our vigilance," Cementoss added with a grave nod.
All Might, sitting deflated in his true form, sighed heavily. A shadow seemed to fall over his face.
"I'm ashamed. While the students were fighting for their lives, I… was leisurely soaking in a bath."
Nezu, seated at the center, reached out a small paw to pat his arm. "Now, now, don't be too hard on yourself. No one could've foreseen this. The students' location was strictly confidential, and they were protected by several Pro Heroes. A villain attack should've been nearly unthinkable, but it seems they struck nevertheless, and with a greater force than we thought… we underestimated them indeed."
"And on that topic," Present Mic interjected, his tone shifted faintly to what seemed almost hostile. His sharp gaze swept across the table. "We'd better address what's become obvious after this incident."
The others turned to him, confused.
His eyes narrowed. "There's a traitor among us."
The words froze the room. Suspicion flickered between the teachers.
Snipe, however, was quick to turn the contest of stares down.
"Don't start with that."
"Hah?! Why not?!" Present Mic snapped. "Only the teachers knew where the students would be, yet the villains knew exactly where to strike!"
"Then," Sniper said coolly, "can you prove you're innocent?"
Present Mic's mouth hung open, but he was unable to answer.
Snipe continued. "The same goes for everyone else. Right now, whether we are traitors or not doesn't matter, as we have no way of knowing who is telling the truth or not, if there's even a traitor at this table in the first place. Fighting between us at this moment would be handing the victory to the villains."
His fist clenched, and despite the gas mask he was carrying as part of his hero costume, the sound of his frustrated voice echoed through the mask.
"As U.A. to have one of our students snatched away is the greatest failure, both as teachers and heroes. So, instead of destroying each other from within, we ought to first go mend our mistakes and rescue Suzuki before something happens to him." He sighed. "We can deal with the matter of the traitor later."
"The police are already doing everything they can… and they have done a lot indeed. We are on standby until our services are needed, so until then, there's little we can do on our own. Instead, we should consider another one of the problems at hand." Nezu grabbed a notepad and showed the teachers a news article that was practically depicting U.A. as the shittiest school in all the nation. "... The media is currently at our throats, and even more so on Aizawa-kun and Sekijiro-kun (Vlad King), thanks to being the teachers present at the incident."
"It was ten villains attacking five heroes, though. Why the hell are they blaming them? Two of those heroes were not even combat-specialized! The two did the best they could, given the circumstances!" Present Mic yelled, frustrated.
"That's the press for you," Snipe muttered.
Nezu slammed a paw on the table, gathering the attention back to him. "Due to the recent shift in blame, it seems we have no option but to do 'that'."
"Ugh, not this again," Present Mic muttered, massaging his temples and looking like he had swallowed a bug.
"It's what comes with the job," Midnight said to Present Mic, albeit not looking too pleased either. "Given all that happened, I say it was even expected for this to come… as much as I'd like for it not to happen."
"It isn't bad per se." Nezu suddenly spoke up. "While I admit this kind of activity might be tiresome and sometimes infuriating… in this case, it also presents us with an opportunity."
At that, everyone perked up in curiosity.
Nezu's gaze fell on All Might, who continued brooding, a small smile appearing on the rodent's face.
"If we make it appear like we are in a treacherous position, we can fool the League of Villains into thinking they still have time to spare. The police's investigation is advancing quickly. By the time we have to publicly declare, the raid on the League of Villains might have already begun."
"Wouldn't that make it worse on our end? The public would eat us alive more than now if we looked like we were helpless in front of the Suzuki's kidnapping." Cementoss asked, sweatdropping slightly.
"Maybe. But if it can give Suzuki more time in the hands of the villains, and also act as a cover for a possible surprise attack, it's worth it." Nezu smiled calmly.
Present Mic sighed upon hearing the principal's suggestion.
"Alright, let's do it… that press conference."
…
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| Hours later, at nighttime… |
…
Aizawa and Vlad King, now dressed in formal suits and with their hair neatly combed, sat before a massive crowd of furious journalists. Cameras flashed, pens scratched furiously against notepads, and microphones jutted forward like weapons.
Each reporter was eager—no, desperate—to drag U.A. through the mud and get the headline of the century.
And now, they'd be the ones to tank that backlash as the ones principally involved in the incident.
They, and of course Nezu, who sat calmly beside them, looked unfazed by the army standing before them.
After a while, the transmission jolted on, and the cameras aimed at them. Soon, the three were finally in the eyes of all Japan.
So first…
""We apologize.""
The three stood up and performed a bow. Cameras all around flashed, trying to capture the moment.
Aizawa spoke up first. "We were in charge of forty-one students during this summer camp, and despite our efforts, we allowed twenty-three to come to harm. There are no excuses for our lack of ability and preparation. We were completely unable to defend ourselves as a place for learning, and we sincerely apologize to everyone affected by this attack—be it the students, the parents, or society itself."
Once again, the three made a deep bow, and the cameras flashed relentlessly to capture the scene.
And with that, the hellhole that was a press conference began.
One of the reporters lifted a hand. "I'm from QuirkTV. My question is: given the tragedy that unfolded yesterday and your inability to prevent it, can you honestly say that you and Vlad-King are qualified to be teachers and heroes at U.A.?"
Vlad King spoke this time, his eyes showing a faint trace of anger, though he kept it from spilling out. "With all due respect, the villains moved strategically and spread throughout the forest to catch us off guard. By the time we realized an attack was happening, our students were already in jeopardy. We deployed as swiftly as we could to intercept the threat. We are neither omniscient nor could we have predicted the level of planning or the abilities these villains possessed. As for whether we're qualified as teachers or heroes—I blame myself for not being able to help the moment one of my students was abducted…"
He made a pause, and then slammed a hand on the table, his expression becoming determined.
"But for all I'm worth, I assure you that when the time comes to take him back, I'll be there."
There was a brief pause as reporters scribbled furiously in their notebooks, cameras flashed, and people exchanged quick glances.
Then, another question came.
"I'm from TVmight. According to our findings, four villains were found dead by the time authorities and paramedics arrived. Were you perhaps forced to use lethal force against these individuals for the sake of the students?"
This time, it was Nezu who spoke. "There was an unknown party present in the area—neither hero nor villain. From the testimonies gathered, it seems they helped protect the students, albeit using rather forceful methods. We can't give more information than that, as the police investigation is still ongoing."
"Here from Quirktoon Network," another reporter cut in, "there were mentions of the same monster that caused terror across the country by defeating a top-ranked hero, and that it appeared at the camp during the attack. Is that true? Was the monster involved in attacking the students? Does the League of Villains have any affiliation with the red monster?"
"As mentioned before, we'll abstain from making further comment on that matter."
Many reporters clicked their tongues at the same time—it seemed they had all been waiting to ask the same question.
Right away, another hand shot up.
"There was a hack to most national broadcasts a few weeks ago, and during it, the assumed leader of the League of Villains and the Hero Killer Stain publicly declared their intention to attack Suzaku Suzuki, who is now in the villains' hands. Why were no measures prepared beforehand to prevent such an attack?"
Nezu answered calmly. "There were measures taken. However, we underestimated how quickly the villains would act and the level of danger they would present despite being a newly announced organization."
Another hand shot up immediately.
"What were the villains' intentions in taking Suzaku Suzuki away?"
"It was implied, based on the testimonies from those who were present during the moment the student was taken away, that they were planning to try converting our student to their side," Nezu answered again.
Instantly, a dozen hands shot up. One of them was chosen, and a question was fired.
"Given the extremely arrogant attitude and violent behavior he displayed during the Sports Festival, not only mocking his competitors openly, but also beating his yearmates without hesitation, is it possible there's a chance of Suzaku Suzuki joining them?"
A vein appeared on Vlad's forehead.
"No."
There was a brief silence before the same reporter raised an eyebrow.
"Care to elaborate?"
Vlad took a deep breath to calm himself before glaring back at the reporter, a serious expression on his face.
"While Suzuki has shown shortcomings in terms of attitude, I also believe they're within reason for someone who's proud of his own abilities. His Quirk, per se, isn't the most groundbreaking among his classmates—maybe not even his yearmates—and yet, his martial skills are on a whole different level. To attain that degree of prowess requires years of training and endurance. If he feels he ought to enjoy the level he's achieved because of it, then so be it."
"But won't it—"
"It won't." Vlad interrupted firmly. "Suzuki, aside from his annoying quirks, is a student who unites his class—be it in strange ways or not. While he himself may not realize it, he has the heart of a hero, as he showed during his internship, and by helping his classmates grow. And I won't allow you to question his integrity as a student, nor as a person."
Then, he let out a faint sneer.
"In fact, I bet right now he's giving those villains a hard time."
…
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| Kamino Secret Bar — League of Villains Base |
…
"Hey, you got any Dr. Quirker in that stash of bottles of yours?" Suzaku asked as he sat at the counter right in front of Kurogiri, who was polishing a glass with what looked like a perplexed expression on that misty face of his.
"..." The smoky villain didn't say anything and simply continued with his endeavor.
Suzaku slammed his hands on the counter like a spoiled brat. "Come on, don't be like that! Why even run a bar if you're not going to serve your customer?"
"..."
Seeing Kurogiri still refusing to respond, Suzaku turned instead to Shigaraki. "Hey, walking mummy, tell your errand boy to pour me something. Not alcohol, though—I'm not a fan."
"Why the hell are you running your mouth like this is your home?" Shigaraki eyed him in disbelief.
Not only him—most of the villains around had the same expression.
"Didn't you invite me here? At least have the decency to give me something to drink." Suzaku shrugged.
Sure, they had said they wanted him to join… but at least try to look like you don't want to be here!
Where was the student of the Hero Course they had abducted? This one here looked ready and eager to join them!
Shigaraki stared at him for a bit longer with that perplexed expression before scoffing.
"Kurogiri, give him something."
"Yes, young master." The misty villain nodded before pulling a bottle of Quirkcola from below the counter and pouring it into a glass.
"Don't you have Dr. Quirker?" Suzaku asked.
"No."
"Shucks." Suzaku clicked his tongue before accepting the Quirkcola glass.
While Suzaku calmly enjoyed his drink, the troupe of villains stared at him speechlessly.
Dabi was the first to walk up to the gray-haired youth, looking at Suzaku with a funny expression. "Are you sure we shouldn't restrain him?"
"No. Sensei said he's a valuable asset, and I think so too. If we want him to join us, then we should treat him like an equal, don't you think?"
"What's so valuable about him? He's just a brat."
"You're right about that. But tell me—what would shake the foundations of this disgusting society and the trust they have in their heroes more than the prospect of an actual hero joining the villains?"
Dabi eyed Shigaraki with amusement. "And if he doesn't?"
"Then we kill him." Shigaraki's eyes gained a murderous glint. "That'll send shockwaves through this rotten society as well, albeit not as good as him joining us would."
"That so?" Dabi nodded, not looking like he actually cared that much.
Shigaraki didn't seem interested in continuing the conversation either, so he grabbed the remote and turned on the TV in the corner.
Right away, the screen showed the U.A. press conference, with the teachers answering questions left and right.
Sometimes they were asked about security, and the teachers could only respond with promises about increasing safety measures and implementing new protocols.
Other times, they were asked why All Might hadn't been there, to which they could only reply that he was on leave.
The press was relentless. They wanted nothing more than to tear U.A. down.
And the public opinion didn't seem to be leaning favorably towards them either.
Suzaku stared at the TV while sipping his soda, his expression remaining unchanged through the whole transmission.
Then, suddenly, Shigaraki came to sit on the stool beside him.
"So unfair, isn't it? Why are the heroes being criticized? They did everything they could, and yet everyone's lynching them for failing."
Suzaku laughed. "That's the hero life for you."
Shigaraki stared at him for a bit after his answer, before smiling faintly. "Yeah, that's the hero life of today. So uptight, so unforgiving of mistakes, all because that's their job… doesn't it seem annoying to you?"
"Yeah, pretty much," Suzaku muttered.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind them.
"Those who accept compensation in exchange for helping are not deserving of the title of hero." Spinner—now healed after his fight with the pros—muttered while leaning on the wall. "Isn't that right, Stain-san?"
Stain, sitting silently in the corner of the room, glanced at Spinner before grunting, his countenance almost disinterested in the whole conversation.
Regardless, Shigaraki continued. "For such a strange system, where people's lives are exchanged for money and glory… the society that lives by it, the citizens that criticize and kick the losers instead of encouraging them… doesn't it sicken you?"
Suzaku gave him a glance, then returned to his glass.
"Mayhaps."
Shigaraki's smile widened slightly.
"That's our reason for fighting. To make people realize all that, to make them think: Is this society truly just? Is this the way things should be? Should they continue allowing such a system to run wild?"
Suzaku nodded with a faint smile.
Shigaraki took that as a sign of acceptance and extended a hand.
"Join us."
"Nah."
The answer came shortly and curtly, leaving Shigaraki speechless.
Suzaku continued, his eyes not leaving the TV, nor his mouth the drink.
—Sip—
"No matter how much you try to embellish your aim, in the end, it all amounts to destroying everything, doesn't it? You said it when we met at the mall."
Shigaraki recalled their meeting at that time. He had been a bit lost in what exactly he wanted back then, and ended up blurting more than necessary.
'So he remembers that, huh?' His eyes narrowed.
Suzaku sneered. "And, you know, I don't quite vibe with that. You want to destroy everything, and I live in, well, everything, you know?"
"He got you there!" Twice exclaimed excitedly from behind them, before his tone turned upside down. "Don't worry, Shigaraki, your logic is flawless! Have confidence in yourself!"
Dabi snorted, seemingly enjoying the sight of Shigaraki's surprise.
Mr. Compress and Himiko both simply stared from the sidelines in silence, as did Kurogiri, simply acting like a normal bartender in front of the two.
Meanwhile, both Stain and Spinner grunted, and their eyes narrowed dangerously, postures shifting faintly from being at rest to more alert ones.
Back to the two, Shigaraki nodded, his face looking almost disappointed. "I see… I suppose that makes sense."
Then, abruptly, he launched his hand toward Suzaku, aiming to touch his neck with all five fingers.
—Tack!—
Before he could, however, Suzaku's hand gripped his wrist, stopping him just in time.
Like that, the two came to a standstill. Neither hand budging further toward the other.
"Then you're worthless. I suppose I can finish what I started at the mall," Shigaraki growled, eyes brimming with killing intent.
Suzaku grinned, his red eyes shining with almost the same intensity. "Yeah, maybe that's exactly what needs to be done."
The villains around them immediately readied themselves, taking out their weapons or preparing to attack and lunge at Suzaku right away—when suddenly…
{"Now now, Tomura, no need to get so hasty."}
A voice snapped the two out of their conflict.
Tomura's killing intent lowered, and his eyes darted to a small screen hung on one of the walls. It had no image, but the sound was coming from there.
"Sensei…"
Upon hearing Shigaraki's words, Suzaku too turned to the screen, his grin widening faintly.
"Well, didn't that take you long enough? I heard you were interested in me, but since you weren't appearing, I thought I'd have to deal with this bunch and go find you myself."
{"I see you have already heard of me. Then, I'll introduce myself quickly. My name is All for One, Suzaku Suzuki. I've been waiting to meet you for a long—"}
"All for One? More like None for Two."
{"—time… what?"}
…
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-To be Continued…-
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(A/N: Even All for One couldn't help being stunned by Suzaku's improvisations.
As for why Suzaku hasn't gone on a rampage yet—well, I think the reason's pretty obvious. But if not, don't worry, it'll be made clear in the next few chapters.
I did feel this chapter was a bit light on direct interaction between Suzaku and the villains, but since there's still plenty ahead, I can always build on that later.
Hopefully, you'll like it!
And here's your arrow)
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