"This has taken some time. Take your rest."
"Ugrh?!?"
To see a hand reached out of thin air to grab her neck was one thing but to feel how artificial the skin had been was quite terrifying.
"You don't fully understand what you possess. It would be such a waste to leave this to you."
After a fraction of a second, Ina's mind shut itself down in a desperate attempt to block out the mental intrusion drilling into her consciousness and soul. Her body was then released and made periodic collisions with everything while falling.
Watching the scene, the hand reached over to scratch the bone mask of the sniping spider, its response came in a purr unbefitting to its size. The massive protrusion on its right side expanded and collapsed down as if wagging at the recognition its master had given.
Awaiting for the transfer of the thing stolen from Ina, the hand began to collect all the material making up the background, folding the space in the previous terrain into a single point.
"With a touch of relativity...Boom!"
The spatial singularity, with the momentum aid from the energy released from the mass, touched upon the barrier containing the domain like a drop of rainfall into a streetside puddle of water. Ripples spread through the area and soon enough, constructive interference began to tear through the barrier as wrinkles on wet toilet paper. Holes and tears formed before the entire thing disappeared for good.
Everything had already been return to where they ought to be, both sides were subjected to the same process.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drip... Drip... Drip...
In a lightly decorated room, the sound of IV fluid slowly being administrated was unbearable mentally for those not on the hospital bed.
"How is my daughter?"
"We don't know. But Kenji-san, you will need to tell us what happened. Only then can my team narrows down the cause and get your daughter back up."
"Michael... Can we leave that for another time?"
"Phuu..."
The smell of yuzu essential oils radiated from the doctor's mouth but the ventilation system picked up everything. He wanted to force the answer out his friend but to see him so dejected was another thing. Something serious had to have happened. And just as he was about to go out and get a cup of coffee, the vital signals dropped.
The sudden fall shocked the two men and without any words, they began getting Ina to the ER as quick as possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"TELL ME NOW, WHAT HAPPENED?"
Michael almost screamed at the top of his lungs after five hours of stabilizing his patient. He was exhausted but the dominant feeling was fear. To have such a sudden change physiologically with no poison or toxin in the system could only be explained by quirk-related reasons and that equated to a villain. His responsibility as the boss of this private hospital bounded him to the safety of various employees. Looking at the wreckage of his junior, Kenji could only stay silent.
"...He returns, the boogeyman."
A coffee cup was thrown and barely passed Kenji's face before hitting the wall with a loud shatter.
"Calm down, calm down, he is still standing in front of me, that means that guy is not an enemy for now."
Muttering to himself that, Michael finally calmed down and took a few deep breaths before returning to the conversation.
"I admit, I was very surprised with that information. But you did not disappear or anything so that means we are still fine. Tell me, what does he seek?"
"A cooperation to bring forth his version of an ending to his legacy, an all-out war against the hero structure. He left 3 items and I was trying to remove them or store them safely. One of the three is a wooden cube which has disappeared. That is the reason."
"A wooden cube ... Can it be just a transformed person? There are plenty of quirks turning people into objects."
"Not likely. I have checked the camera system. The events are bizarre. My daughter saw the three items and ignored them. The cube then floated upward on its own and launched itself toward her before breaking apart into a dark mass and entered her body. I was silent hours ago because I was thinking about what it could be but the most likely reason is a push."
"To get you to join him?"
"Most likely. But this is him we are talking about. His methodology is efficient but this is different."
"How? I see nothing differs from the manipulative tactics often employed by him."
"This time ... it is honest."
"Honesty? From him? What a joke! The only thing that is truthfully spewed out of his mouth is the air he is breathing."
"You know how people on their deathbeds have a change of mind? He seems to be in the same situation."
"Even if that is true. The fact remains. Because of him, your daughter almost dies and she is now in a coma. You will still need to meet him to figure things out. I can temporarily ensure your daughter's safety but not yours. Good luck."
Michael left to pick up his slack, leaving Kenji behind with a car key inside his palm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'What an explosive quirk... Truly a chain from a deity.'
All For One thought, his eyes closed in concentration. Tracing the flow of the energy powering quirk back to its source, he stopped just before an endless cliff. He dared to gaze at the abyss and the abyss gazed back. To feel such strong energy flowing of the gaping darkness like tornadoes shredding bunkers, All For One could not help but want to sully the power's presence, to harness it and put it into his palm. The feeling of conquering nature would be euphoria but the presences masked in the darkness... they would not allow an insignificant being like him to harm their benefits. And before they willed reality to tore him and brough pieces back to their place, a voice pulled him back.
"Master, may I inquire where you acquired such an excellent quirk specimen?"
Taking a breath to stabilize his mind, All For One answered his mad doctor.
"...Just a random stroll through a park and I saw such a unique quirk. Its structure and foundation is something you may enjoy taking a look at."
"I can?! Please allow me to research into it!"
"Try it."
With the mad doctor obsessing over something new, All For One could only chuckle to himself before gifting the copy to the doctor. He had already dissected the quirk as soon as he got his hands onto the thing and had already concluded that any attempt of copying such heavy cuff would fail. But to utilize it ...
"Has the test bunker been constructed?"
"A week from now and the construction work will be completed. Master, you can just ask me and the Nomu to construct it beneath the name of a shell company, why hire a real construction company? Haven't our shell companies worked wonderfully before?"
"You just need to focus onto your research, my dear friend. My plan will come to fruition soon."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the testing bunker some times later
"Manifest."
Then the entire mountain evaporated.
"You have gotten an incredible tool, Master! Such a wonderful transformation quirk! And the energy output surpasses all of the previous records combined. May I take a look at the new appendages?"
"You ... may not. "
"Please return to the laboratory, Master. Let me patch up any possible injuries as per protocol. You need to conserve yourseelf to prepare for an all out attack."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The latte is quite good, Tomiya-san. But why am I having a meeting with ... your master. Haven't I finished my contract?"
Inside the flourished kitchen steeped in European and Chinese architect, Izuku and Tomiya was having a small tea party.
"I am informing you that this is an opportunity. Master is keen on investing in you."
"Hasn't he gotten Orochi-san? A powerful guard, reliable and obedient. As a leash holder, he should be able to mold her into the best form he can see. What is it that he truly sends you for?"
"I am not allowed to divulge that information. But personally speaking from my experience, this meeting is in your favor. And about Orochi-san, Master has already set her free with the key. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Just let me do the conversation, Tomiya. I believe a direct confrontation is much more time-efficient."
The sliding of fabrics across ceramics tiles signaled the entrance of Jia Qiu. The wooden heels tapped periodically, followed by a birch staff hitting the ground.
"You seems to be in much better mood, Master. Let me make you a cup of tea."
"Thank you, Tomiya. Now, Mastermind-san, I am speaking with you not only as the master of this place but also a father. I am grateful for your help in protecting her during her sudden outburst. I wish to maintain a reasonable relationship with you if other matters arise. But before all, a gift from me would be much more proper.
My spies have found out something you may be interested in. Some info about ... an individual's return. Have you heard of All For One?
"
"Only rumors and stories about his deeds. Even after his lose against All Might, everyone is still wary of his remnants and left-over forces. The government has censored any mention of the name to prevent any new sparks burning off dying embers. And it seems the ember has grown back into a raging wildfire?"
"Indeed. He has issue a warning personally. Have you heard of the Hassakai, the Fuma and Church of the Beast?"
"I have only heard small chatter about the first one but not the following. What happened to them?"
"The Hassakai is absorbed into his army. The following two have been breakfast on his platter. And you know how much damage the Hassakai has caused during their retreat from the base city. What I am trying to advise is prepare yourself"
A minute of silence passed. Jia Qiu knew that he had overstepped his role as the family's head when he not only had promised help but also provided information of the upcoming dealing from his side. Izuku knew that he was being roped into the plan of All For One or of Jia Qiu. He could just leave for another country as his visa had already been prepared beforehand. But before that ... taking a bit more resources from the man in front of him and Nezu to defend himself sounded wonderful.
"...About that technique of yours, the shining rings, I meant. Can you explain to me the mechanism behind it?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the principal office of a rat-bear chimera of a particular highschool for hero.
" You know, coffee really represents human tendency, All Might."
" How so? For me it is something that keeps me awake to save people."
" It says how people can endure the bitter taste to achieve a moment of euphoria, of wakefulness. And for your integration into UA teaching staff next year, it is already complete. What about your successor?
" I am still looking for someone with the heart of a hero."
" Hasn't he ... no, forget what I am about to say. So you are looking for an inheritor of your quirk among the next batch of would-be heroes, fine by me."
" Let's return to our main business here: All For One pull himself up and is preparing for an all-out war across Japan. "
" News of his recruitment has pulled countless dangerous factions into a front against the man but it has also brought back believers from everywhere, even foreign syndicates are backing his rise again. Have you ever regretted not dealing with them by staying in Japan?"
" That is not the main point. Have you been able to pinpoint his location? And other heroes, have they been informed?"
" Yes, they already know. Despite your fame, your constant movement across Japan has delayed this information from reaching you. The government has already been informed and that wretched woman has already promised to bring her task force to fight against his forces."
" Are the government seeking international help?"
" Only the World Government has been contacted. This matter threatens the sovereignty of Japan. We lose, there is no Japan as we know it. And the existence of Japan greatly benefits the world. The upcoming arrangement is for the Spears to dock themselves right outside Japan's air territory. If the matter exceeds expectation, they will enter and begin firing to cover for our retreat.
Also, David Shield has allowed for some protective, class 2 armaments from I-Island to be imported into Japan ports and soldiers are being trained with them. Quite novel technology, may I say. But nevertheless, do you still want to don the armor?"
" No, I want to send an image of hope and confidence, not of sharpness and cold metal. But I am also not arrogant enough to claim that the fight would be won over by mere hope, especially when my power is weakening. Keep it as a spare measure and only use it as the last resort.
I do not know to which extent the acceptable limit is for the World Government but I believe you and the Parliaments will fight for the best terms.
"
"Of course. We are organizing a hit team to attack known bases of All For One. The plan will be enacted a month from now in order for an encirclement and diversion of the public from these areas to take place. The personnel from the Disaster-Prevention Team of the World Government will help bring people to shelters.
You will be placed in the Kasumigaseki district of Chiyoda, Tokyo to protect the political stability of Japan. Of course your operation area would be the entirety of Tokyo as local heroes would hold back powerful villains awaiting your arrival. If the place is safe after one day, I know you will definitely rush to the battlefront and will allow such action. "
" I put my faith in the heroes. I know not everyone of them is in this role with pure intention but I believe in their good will. But I will say this outright: I am a hero first and foremost. I will try to incapacitate villains and prevent the localized fights from joining into a vile wave washing through Japan."
Nezu was not surprised with such confidence from All Might. If anyone had said such things, he would be wary of but if it was All Might, he would do it for the well-being of people. That was why All Might was THE symbol of the hero structure.
"Thank you for informing me with such information. I will prepare myself."
All Might got up and left through the doors, his hulking frame crouched to get past the limited height. Nezu continued sipping his cup of caffein before returning to his work.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'A storm has developed in the Pacific Ocean 400 km off the coast of Japan. It's forecasted to be hitting the entirety of Japan and seeking shelters inside the nearest bunkers is recommended. The expected time is three days from now.
To ...'
The warning played on the television was played across the entirety of Japan. And just outside Japan's water border, three airships were stationed, their propellors stirred waves onto the blue canvas.
"The Disaster-Relief Team is really efficient in their work, This storm is by him, right? The duration is enough, the sense of danger is immaculate. This will open up space for a battleground.
My ship is already finished with its preparations. The First Spears is ready for support. How is it on your side, Theseus?"
Asked a Caucasian man in his forties, his cow horns poking through rough patches of white hair.
"The repairing module has been checked and is working up to standard. The main cannon, however, still needs to have its components replaced from the test firing. "
The two captains continued their chatter, leaving the third ship alone. The ship of Theseus was responsible for long-range initiative attack. The first ship, under the control of Bullhead, served as a protecter of allies, providing medical relief and a safe space. The third ship was not something the two of them are privy of knowing and they had no intentions of digging into that. They were only informed that the final ship had a name, Dammerung.