— Actually, there is a way to restore your former state, — said Dr. Garaki, his voice uncertain. He wasn't entirely confident his master could recover all of his abilities completely.
— And what's the hidden catch? — asked All For One, his curiosity piqued. The doctor was known for his unexpected revelations, and his ideas often exceeded even the boldest expectations. He rarely made claims unless he was absolutely sure. But this time felt different — he had a method, but even he doubted its success. Still, his words carried enough weight to earn Hisashi's attention.
— The problem lies in time itself, — Garaki said, stroking his thick mustache and adjusting his robe. He rose, took a tablet, and slowly walked over to All For One. Meeting his eyes, he spoke words that, to put it mildly, did not bring Hisashi any comfort.
— Your restoration process will take three years and seven months. — He paused, studying his master's face. Yet Hisashi showed little surprise, as if the timeframe didn't bother him.
— Your unique quirk demands specific conditions. And as always, power comes at a price. Each time you use various abilities, your body and quirk undergo minor mutations. If not for your extraordinary regeneration, recovery would take much longer — or in the worst case, it would lead to death, — he explained, scrolling through the tablet to display medical analyses and current data on All For One's condition.
— Your DNA is constantly degrading, but your "genetic memory" quirk helps preserve it. Based on that, my research suggests we can not only reverse the decay but return you to the state you were in before your encounter with the Almighty. — The mention of DNA made Hisashi uneasy. He realized that, because of his own unique biology, Izuku might be affected as well. The realization hit him like a shockwave. One question had been lingering ever since the word "DNA" was mentioned.
— If, hypothetically, I had a child... would my quirk be passed down to him? All For One? — Hisashi asked quietly. The doctor frowned slightly, watching his master glance at a Nomu suspended in stasis.
— Theoretically, no. If a child were conceived under such conditions, not only would your quirk not be inherited, but the mother's quirk likely wouldn't pass on either. Your DNA would interfere with the formation of the quirk factor, leaving the child quirkless — lacking even the extra joint in the toe. Biologically, he'd remain at the pre-quirk stage of human evolution, — Garaki said without hesitation.
All For One understood every word. He had unknowingly condemned Izuku to a quirkless life and an uncertain future, all because of his own nature. The mere thought stirred hatred within him — he would never allow himself to walk away from his son and Inko. Never.
Hisashi had no memories of a loving family. His only brother had rejected his ideals. His mother? All he remembered was the food he had to devour like a starving animal. As for his father — he had never met him. From what he could tell, the man had abandoned them before he was even born. That was why Hisashi adopted the surname Shigaraki — until he later took Inko's name. She welcomed the change, seeing it as a sign of love and a promise that he would never leave her. "Hisashi Midoriya" became a symbol of a new life. And he had changed — at least until the shadows of his past began pulling him back.
He and Yoichi had fought to survive as children. Then came the awakening of his quirk, and his rise as the Lord of Darkness and Fear. But now, for the first time, he had a real family. He had doubts after marrying Inko, but they disappeared when he saw the kindness and love she gave both to Izuku and to him. He became a father. And now he swore to give Izuku a life of freedom — one without burden or hunger, unlike the one he had lived.
He would never abandon them. The only thing standing in the way was unfinished business that threatened to consume everything he'd built. Before he could return to them, it all had to end. His thoughts were interrupted as Garaki coughed into his fist and adjusted his glasses.
— All this is purely theoretical, sir. No one can predict how it might turn out. My theory may very well be wrong — I haven't tested it yet, — he said, putting the tablet aside and rummaging through stacks of papers on his desk.
— Understood, — Hisashi replied calmly. Even if the theory held, and Izuku remained quirkless, he would inherit more than just a quirk. He would carry the legacy of All For One. Someday, Inko and Izuku would need to know the truth. But that day hadn't come. Not yet. Izuku was only two. He still had time — two years before his quirk might awaken. That would be enough… enough for a child to enjoy a meal without fear.
Over those two years, Hisashi had been gathering villains, preparing his army of Nomus, readying one final blow against the hero society. Now, Izuku was four, and Hisashi found himself wondering who the boy resembled more — himself or Inko. The thought warmed him. Izuku was growing, no longer the toddler who hid under tables. Even at four, he was already trying to act grown-up. Hisashi wondered what dreams his son was chasing. Children had wild imaginations — and as his father, he would support those dreams, no matter how strange or dangerous they seemed.
He thought about the doctor's plan and decided it would remain a last resort. Three years was a long time. And the biggest downside — he would be in suspended animation, unable to think or command his subordinates.
To be continued.