"Hey, can you hear me? Kurogiri."
"Yes, Shigaraki-kun. What is it?"
Hearing the question, Shigaraki Tomura paused for a moment before replying, "Mm… Kurogiri, come pick me up here. Take me back so I can change clothes, then drop me off at Tendouin Shopping Street."
If he was going to save someone, he obviously couldn't show up looking like this.
After all, he still had another mission coming up—enrolling in U.A. High.
If he made his public debut now without a disguise, then when it came time to enroll, he'd have to impersonate an entirely different person.
That would be far too troublesome.
School lasted for years.
There was no way he could stay disguised the whole time. That would be exhausting.
So Shigaraki decisively chose to change his appearance before making his entrance.
"Understood, Shigaraki-kun. Shall I prepare your father's hand for you?"
The moment Kurogiri said that, Shigaraki's face twisted in disgust.
He genuinely couldn't understand how the original Shigaraki had such heavy tastes—wearing the hands of dead family members all over his body.
Tch.
He absolutely did not appreciate that aesthetic.
Still, he knew that as All For One's disciple, he would eventually step onto the battlefield—and at that time, those hands would inevitably be expected.
So, to avoid that future scenario, he had specially designed a new outfit some time ago and prepared a reason to refuse wearing them.
"No need. I've grown up. I don't need that stuff anymore. Just bring the black combat suit from my room."
"…Very well."
After ending the call, Shigaraki rolled his wrists. A wicked grin slowly spread across his face.
"Well then… let the Savior of Villains—Shigaraki Tomura—make his first appearance a little shocking."
…
While Shigaraki was preparing his debut outfit—
At Tendouin Shopping Street—
Because the Sludge Villain was attempting to take over Katsuki Bakugo's body, Bakugo's Quirk had spiraled completely out of control. Explosions erupted continuously from his hands. Within moments, nearby buildings caught fire, and the entire street descended into chaos.
"There's a Villain!!"
"Where are the Heroes? Are there any nearby?!"
"Someone save that boy!"
…
Fortunately, the explosions triggered by Bakugo quickly drew the attention of nearby Pro Heroes, who rushed toward the scene one after another.
The first to arrive was Backdraft.
"Damn it! How is there such a terrifying monster here? Not good—my Quirk isn't suited for combat! Until other Heroes arrive, I'll have to focus on suppressing the fires!"
The renowned fire-control Hero couldn't help feeling his scalp tingle when he laid eyes on the Sludge Villain.
At a single glance, he knew—
This wasn't an opponent he could handle.
His Quirk was specialized for firefighting, not battle.
But he didn't retreat.
There were still things he could do here.
Ssshhh—
Powerful streams of water shot from Backdraft's hands as he worked to control the spreading flames. At the same time, he swiftly contacted other Heroes.
"This is Backdraft. Villain identified as Sludge at Tendouin Shopping Street. One teenage boy taken hostage. Requesting immediate backup! Multiple fires reported, casualties possible. Requesting ambulance and fire truck support!"
"Fire trucks dispatched!"
"Ambulances dispatched!"
"This is Kamui Woods—en route, arriving shortly!"
"This is Death Arms—I'm nearby. Hold on!"
The emergency communication system worked with impressive efficiency. Any Hero within range immediately responded and rushed over.
The first to arrive on scene—
Death Arms.
Death Arms possessed the Quirk Super Strength. Adorned with black-and-yellow hazard stripes across his wrists, forehead, and belt, his muscular physique radiated reliability. A classic power-type Pro Hero who used his body as a weapon.
"Using a child as a hostage? Despicable!"
At the sight of the grotesque Sludge Villain, Death Arms' pupils shrank.
Because cradled within the sludge—
Was a boy.
Katsuki Bakugo.
Noticing Death Arms' gaze, the Sludge Villain sneered.
"Oh? You want to save this cute little boy, Hero?"
Since the sludge had seeped into Bakugo's mouth, their bodies had fused in a grotesque manner. The lower half of Bakugo's face had already transformed into dark sludge.
So when the Sludge Villain spoke—
It looked as if Bakugo himself was muttering those words.
"Let! Him! Go!"
Seeing this horrifying sight, Death Arms roared, clenching his fist as he gathered all his strength—and charged forward without hesitation.
BOOM!
He threw a full-powered punch.
The next instant—
His fist struck the Sludge Villain dead center.
But what shocked him—
Was the sensation.
Instead of impact, his punch sank into something soft and viscous.
Like punching into cotton.
He looked up—
Only to see his fist being gradually swallowed and diluted by the sludge.
Not only had his strength accomplished nothing—
He was being absorbed.
"What the hell—?! I can't grab him?!"
Realizing the danger, Death Arms' pupils constricted. He immediately attempted to retreat.
Too late.
Without giving him time to react, a thick tendril formed from the Sludge Villain's body—
And lashed straight toward him.
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