(Kata POV – Kata's House)
I watched Eri finish her food and she especially liked the apples.
Once she was done, she started nodding off, so I picked her up and carried her to her room. It was clean, with a large bed pushed up against one wall, but it still needed decorating. It felt too empty for a child, and I doubted I'd be good at decorating it.
'She can't sleep in those clothes.'
She was still wearing the same outfit from when I found her. I browsed some pajama designs, then restructured the fabric accordingly. I made her a fluffy, pink one-piece with a hood. There was a hole for her horn and little apple patterns all over.
'Now for the blood test... and to schedule the court hearing for tomorrow afternoon.'
Leaving Eri peacefully asleep, I turned to Himiko. "Need some blood?" I asked.
'I'll be drawing some anyway.'
She blinked, surprised. "Really~? I'm always up to drink from you."
She grabbed a straw and came over. I opened a wound, and she began drinking.
While she drank, I filled two syringes with blood I'd prepared earlier. One had my old genome, before optimization. The other was adjusted to match Eri's DNA—close enough to pass as family.
The doctor won't question it. 'I'll just tweak his memory to believe he took the samples himself in person.'
Once everything was ready, I left the house.
First, I'll get the test processed. I can have the results ready by tomorrow. Then I'll find a presiding judge and expedite the case. The sooner this is done, the better.
'Mind control is super convenient.' I sigh.
I shouldn't make a habit of using it after this.
With a sigh, I turned invisible and made my way to the hospital.
(3rd Person POV – Shie Hassaikai Compound)
In the early hours before sunrise, the Shie Hassaikai compound was swarmed by police. Officers combed through the wreckage, searching for survivors or evidence.
One of the few surviving victims had woken up earlier and made the call. The remaining Yakuza, in various states of injury, were quickly arrested.
But the moment police reached the underground lab, sudden explosions engulfed everything below. Forensic reports confirmed the estimated times of death—everyone who had still been alive down there died at the same time. The bodies... weren't fit to be displayed without censorship.
Only three survivors were found: the Boss of the Hassaikai, Kai Chisaki (Overhaul), and Kendo Rappa. All were taken to the hospital, with the latter two placed under heavy watch.
The public never saw what the police found. Images of the compound were censored, and any traces of the underground research were wiped clean. No living witnesses could describe what had happened.
And those who could, saw nothing and knew nothing.
Rappa was the only one to regain consciousness—and he remembered nothing. With no clues, no evidence, and no suspects, the case was officially deemed unsolvable.
The Shie Hassaikai was erased in a single night.
In response, the HPSC ordered a sharp increase in hero patrols to reassure the public. News outlets, however, leaned into fearmongering, feeding panic and speculations as the culprit was never found.
But despite the noise, one truth remained:
No one knew who had done it.
(AFO POV – ???)
"This is… unexpected," I murmur, as I scan the confidential police report laid before me.
On one of the monitors, the news cycle loops endlessly: The Shie Hassaikai — wiped out overnight. A massacre with no suspects. No witnesses. And no leads.
I turn a page, fingers trailing across images of the victims—crippled husks and mutilated corpses too graphic to be shown to the public. Every significant member either dead or damaged beyond repair.
A quiet chuckle escapes me. "It's brutal and precise. Beautifully done."
The execution is surgical. No surveillance footage. No quirk traces. No indication anyone even entered the compound. Only suffering and carnage.
"Kyudai," I say, voice calm and curious. "What's your take?"
"Hm?" He adjusts his glasses, analyzing the files. "This wasn't an indiscriminate attack. There's clear intent. I'm just not sure what it is."
"Indeed." I close the file with a soft thud.
'They were sending a message. But to who?' I wonder.
My smile fades just slightly as I consider the implications. 'It interferes with my plans.'
The HPSC has already increased patrols and the Nomu testing in Hosu will now face greater resistance. And worse…
"It may fail to create the atmosphere we intended," I muse aloud.
Kyudai hums thoughtfully. "The incident has thrown the public into disarray."
"Exactly. And yet," I glance toward the screen, where news anchors speak of 'the unidentified and dangerous assailants still at large,' "they're doing our job for us."
A quiet laugh builds in my chest.
"Fear. Panic. The illusion of safety shattered in a single night." I turn toward Kyudai, eyes gleaming with quiet satisfaction. "I ought to thank whoever did this. They've reminded the sheep that the wolves have not left the forest."
'The oldest and strongest emotion is fear… and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.'
The smile that curls on my lips is slow and purposeful.
I activate the feed to the League's hideout. Tomura's grainy image flickers into view.
"Master?" he asks. "Is something wrong?"
"Just a minor inconvenience," I reply smoothly. "You'll receive additional Nomu for the Hosu operation. Our objective has shifted."
There's a pause. I can sense his excitement, poorly masked. 'It's amusing.'
"What should we do now?" he asks, trying to sound calm.
"We're not just testing the Nomu anymore," I say, voice low and certain. "We're unleashing them. Let the heroes taste chaos. Show society how fragile their peace really is."
Tomura nods. "Yes, Master."
I cut the feed.
"Is that truly wise, Master?" Kyudai asks with rare hesitance. "The Nomu are valuable. Sacrificing them might—"
"You mistake my intent, Kyudai," I say, still smiling. "This is not a battle. It's a performance."
I rise, walking toward the glass where several Nomu float in preservation tanks.
"If the heroes win, the public breathes easy. They'll believe in the safety, structure and order the heroes create." My smile sharpens. "We cannot allow that delusion to take root."
"So," I whisper, watching the grotesque silhouettes twitch beneath the fluid, "let's give them something to fear. Let the terror they feel toward this unseen executioner bleed into dread of the League."
"That fear will ripen, blossoming into hatred and distrust for the very heroes who claim to protect them."
'The sheep spend their lives fearing the wolf… only to be devoured by the shepherd.'
The League shall be the wolves society's sheep will fear...
'And I... will remain the shepherd, guiding the slaughter from afar.'
Kyudai's eyes light with comprehension. "Ah... of course. Erode their faith in heroes from within."
"Exactly."
I glance back. "How's progress on the Nomu for that project?"
"All specimens are complete," he says, voice filled with quiet pride. "With the parameters you described... there will be no escape."
"Excellent," I murmur, a smile of anticipation on my face. "If opportunity presents itself… I'm sure Tomura will put them to good use."
(Tomura POV – League of Villains Hideout)
I tap my fingers against the side of the couch—one, two, three… four—and stop before the fifth. Wouldn't want to accidentally destroy it… again.
"He really gave us more Nomu..." I mutter, lips curling into a crooked grin.
Kurogiri sets down a tray with a cup of tea. "It's a rare show of generosity, Tomura Shigaraki. You should take it as a sign of trust."
"Oh, I am," I grin wider, leaning back. "More Nomu means more destruction. Finally… I get to let loose."
No more waiting. No more holding back. Just chaos, blood, and ash.
"Do remember, however," Kurogiri says smoothly, "that the objective is fear. Widespread, escalating panic. Not simply destruction for its own sake."
"I know," I hiss, brushing him off. "We scare them. We make them doubt their heroes. Shake the foundation of everything they believe in. Tear their perfect little world apart."
The news still loops on the screen. Reruns of the Shie Hassaikai massacre. No suspects. No leads. Not even a whisper of who did it.
They're terrified… and they don't even know who to blame.
"Heh. They're panicking over some low-level gang getting wiped out. But soon…" My fingers twitch. "Soon I'll give them something to really be afraid of."
I turn to Kurogiri, scowling. "And that guy—Hero Killer Stain."
Kurogiri hums. "He declined our invitation, yes. Though his ideals—"
"His ideals are garbage," I snap. "He walks around acting like he's righteous, like he's better than everyone else—like he's better than me."
I grit my teeth, nails digging into my palms.
"He's just another murderer. But he hides behind that stupid ideology. At least I don't pretend."
A slow, violent grin stretches across my face.
"If I see him in Hosu, I'll dust him. I want to hear him choke on his own ideology."
"Let's not be distracted, Tomura Shigaraki," Kurogiri replies evenly. "Killing the Hero Killer may be… satisfying, but our mission comes first. We must show society that their protectors can't save them. That their peace is an illusion."
"Yeah, yeah…" I grumble, but my voice is low. "If he gets in the way, he's dead. And I hope he does."
Then it hits me.
"…What about him, Kurogiri?"
Silence.
I don't say his name. I don't have to.
Kata.
The brat from USJ. The one who made me look like a joke.
"That smug little bastard," I mutter, voice darkening. "He ruined everything. Showed up outta nowhere and stopped our plan to get rid of All Might."
I stare down at my hand. I feel the phantom ache in my wrists, where he cut them off.
"What kind of hero cuts off people's hands, huh?!" I snarl.
Kurogiri lets out a quiet, practiced sigh. "The Nomu prepared for him are complete. They've been designed to counter the abilities he's shown so far. When the time comes, you'll get your revenge."
"Good," I say, my voice sharp with excitement. "Next time I see him, I want him to try and act cool again. Try to be the hero."
I want to see his face when it all falls apart.
"I want to break him. I want him to beg me for his life while I tear him apart—slowly."
My grin widens in amusement and glee.
Kurogiri adjusts his tie, calm as ever. "Just remember, Tomura Shigaraki… Master still has use for him. You may not kill him yet."
"Tch." I click my tongue, folding my arms. "Fine. He'll die eventually. I'll make sure of it. But Master can have his fun first."
For now, I'll wait.
Let him think he's safe.
Let them all think they're safe.
But the moment I see that brat, or Stain, or any of those self-righteous freaks—
"I'm turning them to dust," I whisper.
(Momo POV – Yaoyorozu Mansion, 11:04 PM)
I stretched, deciding to end my study session for the night. I had already reviewed all the notes I'd taken from today's patrol—things to watch out for, how to properly address civilians, emergency response etiquette… and so much more.
'It feels like I'm learning so much!' I thought, smiling to myself.
Suddenly, a quiet ping sounded from my phone.
"Hm?"
I reached over and unlocked it and see a new message from… Kata?
'That was unexpected.' We rarely messaged outside of class-related matters. I tapped it open.
Kata:
Hey. Are you free tomorrow afternoon? I need help picking out a few things and thought you'd be the best person to ask.
I blinked.
'Shopping?' My brows furrowed in confusion.
I read the message again, just to be sure I hadn't misunderstood. No, it was as straightforward, calm and polite as always.
'But why me?'
My thumbs hover over the keyboard, but I'm not sure how to respond.
It's not that I minded. If anything, I was happy and excited since I love shopping. Kata rarely initiates anything social, especially not something as casual as this. 'Much less anything actually personal.'
'It's just a request,' I reminded myself. 'He probably just thinks I'm a practical choice.'
Why? I have no clue.
I hesitated. Not because I wanted to say no—but because I suddenly found myself overthinking the how.
'Should I keep it formal? Would he think I'm being too stiff if I sound too proper? Or too casual if I'm too eager?'
I exhaled slowly, centering myself.
'Just be honest, Momo.'
Momo:
Hello, Kata. Yes, I should be free after 3 PM. I'd be happy to help. Is there anything specific you need to shop for?
I paused, then reread the message. Polite, clear, appropriately warm. It felt right. I nodded to myself and hit send.
Setting the phone down, I slipped under the covers, but sleep didn't come easy.
'What could he need? Supplies? Equipment? Clothes?'
More than that... 'Why ask me?'
I frowned slightly, eyes focused on the ceiling. Kata wasn't the type to ask for help unless it was necessary. If it was something he could've done on his own, he would've.
So either he genuinely thought I was the best person to help… or—
My face flushed.
'No, no. Don't jump to conclusions.' I buried my face in my pillow to smother the thought... and the rising heat in my cheeks.
'Still... it's nice.'
I never would've expected to feel so giddy over a simple message.
I let out a quiet sigh, hugging my pillow close, a small smile forming as I closed my eyes.
'I'm somehow looking forward to tomorrow even more.'