Chapter 100: Startling News
~Third POV~
[Next Day, HPSC, Tokyo, Japan]
The next morning, the world was in chaos. Within the HPSC headquarters, a secret meeting occurred with the Madam President listening to one of the secretaries say, "The captured Nomu are the same as the others. They don't react to stimuli like ordinary humans, and we've gathered no new information from them. The warehouse they were being stored in was destroyed. At this point, we can only continue investigating the methods they're created."
One of the secretaries began to look through the file report as he spoke stoically, reading the report, "But that warehouse was a decoy all along, wasn't it? The location was far too accessible and ill-suited for biological experiments. Has anything at the bar hideout given us more leads of info on the rest of the league?"
The one at the center shook his head saying, "We're still investigating."
The guy groaned hearing that response and another soon spoke out in a neutral tone about the situation: "Though the ringleader is in custody… Shigaraki and the other perpetrators are still out there. If we're being generous, here… we could call it a draw."
Madam President scoffed as she spoke out bluntly in a dry tone, "You fool. The Symbol of Peace lost… and for what?! The world now knows of All Might's weakened state. The indomitable symbol of peace as we knew him is gone."
The members present remained silent till one spoke up with a calculative expression as he said in a defeated tone, "The people of this country know it. The villains know it, too. That's the price we pay for always relying on one man… and all it took was one fight of him nearly losing to show it."
Agreeing with the member of the HPSC words, another also spoke an issue with Tomura in a concerned tone, "To think that you can get this far if you gather enough fools… and now everyone knows that. That's what worries me. Initial profiling painted Tomura Shigaraki as a man with a childish disposition. But each dastardly plan that he cooks up as their leader becomes more and more intricate…"
Taking a deep gulp, the officer worker of the HPSC continued to express a stern face in a concerned tone, "He's completely focused on the effect he can have on society. Shigaraki reflects, and he learns. And with the villains better equipped, we're less than strong enough to stop them. His League grows stronger with every defeat. Now he's got all the clout he needs to expand his organization's scope and influence."
They all nodded as one of the members spoke out in a conflicted tone, getting all the attention drawn to him, "… It may be true that the villains are getting stronger, but we still have him if no one else would say it, then I will. Ren Yuki. He can be the new Symbol of Peace. The public and All Might himself consider him one being declared his successor!! Surely, he's the solution to our problem!"
The members of the HPSC flinched, seeing the alternative being All Might's student Ren Yuki, a person of interest and thorn in their side. They didn't dismiss Lady Nagant's betrayal, nor did they account for that because of that scandal, they lost major profits and trust within the Hero Society they've built upon.
Even now, the previous members had to be fired, and new like-minded individuals, the previous HPSC Office Workers, supported the previous Head President of the HPSC. In that 1-year history, Ren Yuki did more damage to them than any villain would've done to them.
But the video and eyewitness reports seeing that both he and All Might manage to beat the Symbol of Evil made them suck their lips at the news. Slandering or attacking him publicly for his actions was also grave.
What Ren Yuki has just achieved reached a perfect shield against any rumor or slander against him. He reached a position where, politically speaking, he became untouchable by the legal law for HPSC to slander unless they fear the public's retaliation.
No politician would dare imprison him, lest they risk getting ousted by scandal and revolt from the entire populace. In addition, he also 'SAVED' All Might and even the No.1 Hero, admitting that 'HE' needed Ren's help to defeat AFO.
It was a very bitter pill for them to swallow, realizing the situation they were placed in. And it didn't help that he had the support of Nezu and All Might backing him, along with a few others following behind him.
One of the admin's heads spoke back, shouting at the idea with gritted teeth being affected by that boy's actions in a bitter tone, "The boy who destroyed the trust of the HPSC? How is he any better than those villains!"
With a raised eyebrow, the man who suggested Ren shot back with a raised brow, "For one, he's on our side."
Madam President sighed as she returned the topic of their conversation to the situation at hand in a stern tone, gaining attention, "Quit it, both of you. This isn't a matter of whether Ren Yuki can do it or even if he wants to do it. This is whether we have the time for him to grow up into one. He's too young, barely a first year. Even if he gets his license this year, it won't matter if we can't capture the league. As the police… we have to prove that we can do more than just simply take in the villains that the heroes defeat. We need to make some changes."
Every one of the members of the HPSC nodded their heads solemnly, needing to complete capturing the League of Villains. No matter the cost…
/////
~Nezu POV~
[Next Day, UA High, Principal Office, Japan]
"It's the Hero Billboard Chart JP! The biannual ranking of current heroes based on mission completion rate, contributions to society, and public support!!"
"Who could have predicted this happening to the No.1 unbeatable hero?! And it's not just Japan. America, the home of heroes, is in an uproar! We've seen All Might's true form. He's reached his limit! Considering recent events, the eyes are drawn to his Successor being the new Symbol of Peace in the making!!"
"Also, regarding the Successor question of him being charged for interfering with the crime, there is no legal action against him due to the No.4 Hero, Best Jeanist, enlisting capable citizens in times of crisis to aid the heroes under the law…"
"Also, regarding the No.32 Hero, Ragdoll of the Super Popular Pussycats… she's been unable to use her Quirk since the villain attack, so she'll be taking a hiatus to return to Hero Work."
"A great number of heroes have had their lives suddenly affected in the events we now know as the Kamino Nightmare!! What will become of Japan and its Heroes? That's all for today's news! Next up is the weather with Mr. Kihara!"
*Click*
Turning off the news I turned towards the people I've gathered here with me of the result of the Kamino Nightmare. All Might, and his successor Ren Yuki each with wry expressions on their faces.
Turning my chair to see them fully, I spoke up in a calm tone, congratulating them for their work in the Kamino Nightmare, "First of all, your sacrifice saved countless lives. The people, the heroes, and I, the principal, cannot possibly thank you enough. However, concerning your current tenure as a teacher here at UA… there's been a fair amount of criticism coming from the public."
All Might flinched as I continued explaining to them in a calm tone about the light of recent events unfolding, "They're thinking how can All Might still teach at UA. Wouldn't the children just get caught up in another horrible incident? They're all just uneasy… which is why we must come together and get stronger. We need to hold on to the public's trust in the heroes that you worked so hard to build."
That was when Ren spoke out in a thankful and ashamed tone about me holding the burden of the media, "The whole incident should be enough to make everyone realize… we've been placing the entire burden on you all this time… and it's been a heavy one."
I nodded my head, turning to Ren, speaking in a stern tone as he flinched, knowing full well what he truly did in that event, "And Ren, despite your untimely arrival to help the heroes, I thank you for saving them against AFO. Even when All Might was about to be beheaded, you reacted too recklessly that your identity as All Might Successor was blown. But I know for a fact that you came to Kamino Ward that day to collect the villain's Quirks or to get yourself in the limelight, yes?"
I waited for a response as he responded in a neutral tone, eyeing me with no lies as he said in a determined tone, "Not exactly. I came with an alibi in mind that you guys would need my help if push came to shove. I just couldn't sit well being left on the sidelines, so I decided to supervise from afar to see everything come according to plan, capturing the villains as an observer… however, AFO having that Quirk Amplification Device was the worst scenario for that to happen. I just couldn't stand there and do nothing and let history repeat itself…"
Analyzing his face is not lying in the slightest. He truthfully did come to see that everything would go right, judging by his tone and facial expression.
And let history repeat itself. He must refer to the previous One for All Users before him.
That's something we can't do. He and All Might are too valuable for us to lose.
Even he looked shaken up from the encounter and aftermath facing AFO before All Might arrived at the scene. I sighed as I spoke to him in a calm tone, "Sigh… very well, I suppose. But thanks to these recent events being the successor of All Might being revealed as such, there is something I would like to propose, an arrangement I believe you will be more than pleased to hear."
He paused, looking at me with curiosity as I explained to him with my paws folding across my chest in a calm tone, "As the inheritor of One for All, it isn't an overstatement to say you're this nation's hope. As your Principal, I must ensure you're able to realize your potential and complete your studies without fear of villainous retaliation. As such, I would like to invite you and Himiko Toga to live on the campus, far beyond the reach of normal villains."
With having their safety secured I wouldn't have to worry about the villains going after his friends. Fortunately, he doesn't have any family members to be targeted but his social group of friends might be difficult.
As expected, he didn't hesitate to respond in a thankful tone, "I couldn't ask for more. Thank you, Principal Nezu."
Adopting an appreciative smile, I replied in a happy tone, nodding to the praise, "You are very welcome, Yuki-kun. But that brings us to our next topic…"
Giving him a neutral expression, I spoke up about what was on my and All Might's minds regarding meeting AFO, "… from the encounter against AFO, did you, by chance, copy [All for One] Quirk?"
When I brought up this topic, he looked at me with a defeated tone, sighing out loud, seemingly annoyed, "… No. I managed to get a sample of his blood, but unfortunately, I never gained the level-up against him. If I'm assuming right, All Might managed to deal the final blow after I punched AFO first and then Toshinori second. So no, I haven't had the chance to copy it and haven't added it yet to my arsenal."
That's what I was afraid to hear. But it seemed to me he was considerate of the people close to him getting [AFO] Quirk.
Toshinori sighed a breath of relief, but the chance of him copying AFO Quirk was quite unsettling to hear. However, there is a curiosity in the back of my mind about how [AFO] Quirk could give us some insight into how AFO abilities work.
But for now, I must handle the school as I spoke up in a calm tone, handing them papers and getting their attention, "Good. I'll ask how the Quirk [AFO] works later, and please don't leave out the details. For now, in UA, we'll be implementing a plan I've been ruminating on for quite some time Vlad and I will handle Class B, with their parent's concerns. All Might, Eraser Head, and Ren will deal with the Class A UA Dormitory system. Hopefully, having both All Might and Successor would persuade the parents and students."
They nodded, agreeing to my words as I informed Aizawa about this prior. I have no doubt the students will come if All Might and Ren Yuki are both present.
But before they leave with All Might already out, I spoke up, getting Ren's attention as he listened to what I had to say in a serious tone, "And Ren. When you are done persuading the parents, I have an important meeting for you to meet someone. This someone is necessary for you to copy her Quirk. I'll inform you of the details later."
He seemed a bit confused, judging his expression, but nodded his head in understanding as he said in a calm tone, "If it's coming from you, then I'll take your word for it. Inform what I need to do and get it done. It must be a powerful Quirk for you to have me copy it. Will talk later, Nezu-san."
*Thud*
Both left the door also giving them the chance to discuss that topic. It would be difficult for Toshinori to accept his successor being able to use AFO Quirk with the damages his done in the past.
But like it or not, if it gives Ren-kun any chance to get stronger in the future, I'd say let him copy it. He already proved his worth in saving All Might, disregarding his identity as his successor to the wind.
Not only that, but he also even managed to get the attention of another No.1 Hero in America, none other than Star and Strips, being interested in seeing the kid, much to her government's dislike. Seems like Ren managed to gain her attention…
Enough to have everything ready for the remaining time spent in America to copy her Quirk [New Order]. I do not doubt that she watched the news happening in Japan and guaranteed that she'd let him copy her Quirk to save All Might and be his successor.
Sigh. We are not even near mid-August yet, only nearing the end of June, and Ren-kun is already having me filled with paperwork to do.
Although this would be the perfect chance for him to get her Quirk [New Order]. And while AFO is jailed, I believe things are just slowly beginning to turn away from All Might's Era of peace, slowly eroding…
For that, Ren must take the mantle to stabilize the peace of Japan. People are questioning All Might's strength, raising fear, but at the same time, relief with the rise of Ren Yuki being pronounced his successor.
Still, being the principal is my job, after all, I still have things to do. For starters, who is to replace Yuga Aoyama since he was the traitor? I wouldn't have to worry about any insider leaks anymore, but it can't be anyone that Class 1-A wouldn't accept immediately.
Oh no. That trust has been breached, and having a new student in such a hostile environment wouldn't be good.
Fortunately, though, I grinned looking through the document papers of a certain student who had worked with members of Class 1-A during the Sports Festival. He has had his background checked with both Katsuki Bakugo and Ren Yuki, backing him in his creditability being safe.
Who else but the Quirkless child who denied going to the Hero Course? Izuku Midoriya of the Support Course.