Interlude 1
2 days later
It was a typical hospital room in one of his many hideouts. There was no bed, and a 10-year-old child with green hair was sleeping peacefully on a cold steel table. All For One frowned as he looked at his unconscious son lying there. It had been two days since he had been able to acquire Izuku Midoriya's guardianship and the doctors had discharged him. For two days, Izuku had been kept unconscious while All For One attempted to take control of the damn quirk, but even in sleep, it resisted him.
All For One scoffed at the green-blue light he could see within Izuku's chest. The blue light was the improved All For One 2.0, and the green one was Inko's weaker Pull. All For One glared at the quirk in hatred; the green light was actually defending the quirk as a whole while the blue of the All For One 2.0 was weakening. It was maddening for him; after almost decades of experimentation, his quirk had been reborn, but as always, his family was fighting him. First, it was his stupid brother and his damn quirk One For All, and now it was his son's quirk.
If there had been any other choice, All For One wouldn't have procreated, but the truth was that as the generations passed, quirks were catching up to him. Even with his Class 6 Quirk, acquiring the quirks of the current generations up to Class 5 had become harder. Only his overwhelming might and practice made it appear simple, but he was a visionary and could see even the lesser quirks growing stronger than his base quirk. Not to mention the new Class 6 quirks that had been popping up in the last couple of decades in addition to the already trained older generation.
New Order, Conqueror's Will, Electromagnetism, and the most problematic one for him, Erasure, which is classified as Class 4 by the incompetent quirk registry authority. But he knew the truth, any quirk that affects other quirk is Class 6. Even the weakness of Erasure against mutant quirk is stupid reason to reduce the quirk class. He should have continued with the attempts to capture or kill the damn hero before he was ensnared by Nezu. AFO knew touching anything under the damn chimera's protection must be a last resort or the opening move for the final play.
All For One sighed as he released his grip on Izuku's face and leaned back into his chair, his mind racing with various enhancement quirks, trying to formulate a plan to acquire his rightful quirk. However, every plan led to an uncertain end, as Class 6 Quirks were quite unpredictable in nature. He frowned when his final thought process led back to the same plan he had for obtaining One For All. He was not foolish enough to consider that Izuku would willingly hand over the quirk.
All For One was certain that his son would rather die than relinquish the power akin to that of a god in this world. Deciding on his next step, All For One resolved to investigate whether the quirk could be copied, thus he decided to visit The Doctor.
The Doctor was humming a tune as he worked on a dead body. The body was in remarkably good condition, showing no signs of decay. He was in his laboratory beneath Jaku General Hospital. The room was spacious, with tanks containing floating bodies lining the walls around a central table. On this table lay the corpse of a minor villain with a durability quirk, and The Doctor was beginning the process of creating his trusted pets, the Nomu.
The Doctor was in the midst of a surgical procedure when the room's door suddenly banged open, and a white-haired kid with hands covering his body and face burst inside. The Doctor was about to scold the boy when an eerie voice interrupted from behind him.
"Tomura, how many times has The Doctor warned you not to interrupt him when he is working?"
Tomura's face paled as he turned to see his teacher standing there. The Sensei was clad in a black suit, with a support mask that gave his face a fearsome appearance, as it has no eye sockets or a place for the nose. Tomura immediately bowed in respect and fear.
"Sensei, I'm sorry, and I won't do it again. I was bored because Kurogiri and you were not here for the last two days and I was curious."
All For One looked at the boy. Even without the pallid hand mask, Tomura would have missed the pity and hatred directed towards him.
"See that you don't break my rules anymore, Tomura. I am not that benevolent. Now that Kurogiri and I are back from retrieving my son, you shall meet Izuku later, and your lessons will continue as usual."
Tomura's eyes widened upon hearing that his Sensei had a son. Instantly, his hatred and jealousy blossomed towards his Sensei's newfound son. All For One could discern Tomura's true thoughts and nodded to himself, satisfied with the outcome. All For One was happy that he does not even need to pretend more favor towards Izuku, for Tomura's jealousy to grow.
"Yes, Sensei, I will not break any more rules," Tomura replied with a bow.
"Kurogiri," All For One called out, and a man with gas covering his head and body emerged from the shadows, opening a portal beneath Tomura's feet. Tomura barely had time to react before he plummeted through the portal.
"So, how is the boy's Quirk?" The Doctor immediately asked after Tomura was portaled out.
All For One sighed and replied, "I don't know how it is, Doctor. I couldn't take it. It seems that the Quirk itself is powerful enough to resist me, even when Izuku is lying unconscious in his room. We can conclude that the Quirk is a Class 6 Quirk, given its ability to thwart All For One."
The Doctor nodded in disappointment. "So, what can we do with the boy now? What is the new plan?"
"The new plan is to attempt to copy his quirk. After he wakes up, he will be brought here under the guise of a checkup, and you will collect the required blood samples from him."
The Doctor was astonished to hear this. "My lord, why aren't you trying to make him surrender the quirk? He is just a little boy and might give it up for a loving father or to save his own life if you make him suffer some pain. Why are we resorting to copying it?"
All For One looked at him with derision. "It's a good thing you're not our HR handler. He's not foolish enough to fall for that, and he would rather die than give up that quirk. Besides, we can't make Izuku disappear without drawing heavy scrutiny from everyone. So, we will attempt to copy the quirk, and I will mold him into a villain. The boy harbors deep hatred, and hatred is always useful for manipulation."
The Doctor nodded and resumed his work on the corpse as All For One portaled out.
Interlude 2
2 Months Later
"So, Father, why am I registering my quirk as 'Boost' rather than 'Pull,' which I openly used? Won't that be suspicious?" Izuku asked as he filled out the paperwork for submission before booking an appointment with the Quirk Registry.
"Izuku, it is not at all suspicious," All For One replied with derision. "Your 'Pull' will simply be considered a secondary ability of your 'Boosted' quirk. We could only discover its true nature after using it extensively. Almost everyone who gets a quirk at age four updates their registration as they better understand their powers. Why shouldn't you do the same? 'Boost' is needed for you to get into UA and become a hero."
Izuku looked at his father as if he were mad. Thoughts raced through his enhanced mind, and the answers were not pleasant for him.
"I don't want to be a hero anymore, Father. I told you that on the first day. That was my old ambition when the world was a better place—not for a world without my mother."
"Ah, that is refreshing—a subordinate telling me 'no' to my face. At least you are not boring to be around, my son. You have four years until that day, so I am quite sure you will change your decision by then."
"Why is the greatest villain in Japan forcing his son to become a hero?" Izuku asked in wonder.
"Ah, you see, Izuku, you have already created a stir in society. The 'Might Movement' started by that blundering oaf is a product of your actions, even if some of the media doesn't directly link it to you. The foundation is laid, and it will be very easy for you. So, you shall be my spy within the ranks, my secret arrow aimed at the Hero Society, while Tomura will be the hammer that batters it down as a villain—no a revolutionary."
Izuku was shocked to hear the basic plan. He scoffed, thinking there was no way he would become a hero in the current system. Moreover, he was not a betrayer.
"Father, are you sure the insane man-child I met last week for the first time can lead a successful movement against the heroes? He will kill his own allies just because they breathe loudly or for some other insane reason before they ever attack a hero or society."
"Oh, Izuku, don't worry. He will grow up. I can see his potential. His training is progressing better than yours."
"Well, if I were allowed to take the quirks, I would grow more powerful."
"Izuku, you must learn to be patient. I have told you, no one can know your true abilities right now. I must stay dead to the public, or that bumbling oaf will come looking for me. You couldn't even take the quirks safely at this point. Even with Boost giving you all-around healing, you still got nosebleeds last week. Your current limit is three months, with Boost making you less prone to injury."
"I understand, Father. I have to train and adapt. But I will not be a betrayer or hypocrite. I will not be a hero."
"Oh, Izuku, dear son, it's not like you have a choice in the matter. But consider me curious, what is your aim if you don't want to be a hero or a villain?"
Izuku looked uncomfortable. "I... I don't know."
"Oh, don't lie, my son. What have you cooked up in that brain of yours? If the Doctor hadn't insisted that you don't have an intelligence quirk, anyone would think you did. Maybe I had a couple of my own quirks activated when I fucked your mother and had you."
Izuku grimaced at hearing that.
"Oh, don't be like that, my son. You should be grateful for your birth to me. I mean, the intelligence must come from somewhere, and it definitely wasn't your stupid mother. She was rather easy to fool, after all." All For One could see the tension rising in Izuku and the rage building. He decided to push it further. "But I have to tell you that I never regretted her; she was rather good. Sad she got fat. Poor In…..."
"Don't," Izuku whispered, but All For One could hear it clearly. He was rather impressed by the killing intent and the presence Izuku had.
"Oh, what did you say, Izuku? I couldn't hear it."
"I said don't, Father. You are not privileged enough to say her name with your vile tongue," Izuku said in a calm voice, but the underlying rage was not missed. Then he suddenly smiled and continued, "And she will always be more than you, my dear father. She recognized my worth even before my quirk manifested, while even with your advanced science and quirks, you couldn't guess or know."
"Ah, there it is," All For One smirked. "things you inherited from me, The biting words, the rage in you. Keep the anger burning, Izuku. You have to use it to burn down society. Now, let's stop this bonding time. You have an appointment to get to and a quirk to register."
Interlude 3
Tomura was having a bad day—no, a bad month—since the damned brat came back into his sensei's life. The brat was perfect in the sense that he had the sensei's quirk, but more than that, ever since his presence, sensei had no time for him. Almost all training and lessons had been delegated to the damned Kurogiri.
The first time he met the brat, after waiting almost two months, he almost won by dusting the brat. Tomura still felt the brat's face in his hand, all five fingers harshly pressing on him, but instead of dust, only blood from the brat's nose was on his hands. The brat had taken his quirk, and he didn't even feel it. It was as though the quirk was eager to jump from him.
The next thing he knew, his back hit the wall and he felt the pain of a rib breaking. Whatever physical enhancement quirk the brat had, it was very good, but the true threat was the bullshit quirk-taking ability. No one could even defend against it as the brat didn't need to touch with his hands like sensei.
"Tomura, that was uncalled for. Why do you want to dust your future spy in the hero society?" All For One's voice was calm but firm.
"Izuku, why have you taken his quirk? It is too much for you."
Izuku was still frozen by the action of taking the quirk. He had erred when he yanked Tomura's quirk as a whole. The decay was loyal yet eager to jump for some reason. But the true pain came as Tomura had two quirks in his body: a minor adaptation quirk and decay.
The adaptation quirk slowly improved Tomura. Izuku could feel the basics and what could be done with any quirks on taking them, and this was no different. Izuku was enraged that All For One gave the adaptation to Tomura and gave him something else. According to his instinct, this quirk would make him adapt to new quirks and the burden of carrying it quicker than even boost. Even now he could feel the minor adaptation combining with Boost and his own adaptation given by All-For-Me. he immediately stopped the quirks from merging as he don't know whether they could be separated later and given away.
All For One's voice woke him from his thoughts. "Well, I thought having nosebleed was good rather than being dead."
"Clearly, you need more training from Machia if your instinct is still to take the quirk. You cannot be allowed outside like this."
"You know best, Father. I will train harder and improve," Izuku responded. Izuku gave back the two quirks to Tomura. Tomura sneered as he scratched his itch in his neck.
Interlude 4
Yagi Toshinori
Yagi cursed himself for thinking that making All Might available for people to talk to or air their problems after using up his hero time in a day was a good idea. His plan was to help Instead, it had resulted in endless fans calling him just to hear his voice or talk to their hero. All the time these people were wasting was time that could have been spent helping someone with a real problem, causing those truly in need to lose their opportunity.
The movement inspired by young Midoriya had been genuinely good. He personally had solved hundreds of discrimination and abuse cases so far, but it still wasn't enough. Before quirks, problems arose due to money, religion, and ethnicity, which were major sources of division among humans and somewhat controllable. But now, with everyone being different and everyone having some power, the discriminations seemed truly endless.
Yagi disconnected the latest call, a headache-inducing experience, and decided to stop for the day. As he straightened up, he looked through the one-way mirror into the call center he had set up to handle the calls. It started with 10 attendants and now had over 25. His aim to only employ the quirkless had fallen through at the first stage, as only seven had applied, and five of them didn't even have a high school education.
Thinking about middle school and the quirkless, Yagi's thoughts halted on Midoriya. He had been trying to get a meeting with the kid to apologize directly, but his father had been rather stubborn in allowing such a meeting. His point of contact was Midoriya Hisashi, who was surprisingly pleasant to talk and chat with. It seemed that Izuku had become rather close with his father, even confiding in him about his injury and reduced time. All Might was sure that Izuku, being a fanboy bordering on obsessed with his hero persona, would only share such details if he truly loved and trusted his father.
Hisashi's argument that All Might was a traumatic point for Izuku and thus declining a meeting was actually a good reason. Yagi had agreed that he would meet Izuku when he got into UA at age 14. Hisashi was more confident in his child than anyone else Yagi had seen. Midoriya Sr. had even agreed to share Izuku's progress in school and his regained passion for heroism after the event.
Interlude 5
5 Months Later
Izuku had been allowed out after careful pleading and being a dutiful, loving son for the last six months. He walked through the streets of the area where All For One was currently based, which changed every month. He observed the streets and noticed some cheerfulness—at least the Might Movement had some success. Izuku was never thankful for what had happened to his mother. His rant against society had ignited a fire, and many people were utilizing the situation for their own needs.
The reason Izuku wanted to get out of the base was to collect quirks. He knew that the only reason he was still alive was that his quirk couldn't be taken. He hadn't shared any details with either All For One or the Doctor. His quirk was truly exceptional compared to the old All For One, but without training his body to take and adapt to quirks, it wouldn't be useful, and All For One was deliberately being an obstacle in that. After carefully hacking into the base's computers, Izuku had ensured he had true privacy on the internet and had gained access to the Doctor's files. The Nomus, being quirked corpses, were an excellent source of quirks if All For One allowed him, but since he did not, the only reason was to keep him as a "Deku."
However, patience was something Izuku had learned in spades, and he would wait. His endless internet access and determination to learn various skills helpful in detective and hero work had led him to learn hacking before the incident.
He knew he couldn't wait for things to change, and he knew he couldn't openly take any quirks from people on the street without raising flags. So Izuku deduced that the only way was to work in an environment where people who lost their quirks wouldn't talk about it or even realize it. The answer he came up with was a hospital or an old age care home. Thus, he volunteered to serve there to utilize any opportunity that arose. His aim was to take quirks from anyone who was on death's door or in a coma.
Izuku was surprised that he didn't even feel any guilt for taking quirks or for the plan he had hatched. There was no other option for him to save himself from the harsh hand he had been dealt. He entered the old age home he has volunteered with a kind smile that allowed him to charm the elderly, just as he had done when he was a "Deku."
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