At the top floor of a towering building, this was the stronghold of All For One, the greatest villain in Japanese history.
The atmosphere remained unchanged. Dozens of monitors lined the walls, the glow from their screens serving as the only source of light in the room.
"How are their conditions?" All For One asked calmly from his chair. A short doctor in a white coat stepped out from the darkness behind him.
"Twice and Compress are in serious condition. Their injuries are nearly as severe as the time they almost died before. It'll take about a month for them to recover," the doctor said while pushing up his glasses, clearly unfazed by their condition.
"What about Muscular?"
"He's already regained consciousness. I have to admit, his Quirk is truly remarkable—useful in both combat and survivability," the doctor praised. "If we turn him into a Nomu, he could be our thirteenth Super Nomu."
"That depends on his attitude. If he's willing to follow Shigaraki's orders, let him join the League of Villains," All For One said, smiling with his back to the doctor. The implication was clear.
"You're still doting on Tomura Shigaraki as much as ever," the doctor said, shaking his head with a sigh. "That said, he did well this time. He shattered a century of public trust in heroes in just one day. Tsk tsk…"
At that moment, All For One stood up. "The heroes have started moving. It's time I stepped in."
"Why do you insist on showing yourself?" the doctor asked, hands in the pockets of his coat, confused as he looked at the man's back.
"It's for Shigaraki's growth… so he can become truly independent, a proper leader," All For One replied with a low chuckle. "And, of course, I'm looking forward to facing All Might again."
"If I win, I'll eliminate the greatest threats standing in Shigaraki's way. If I lose, then my 'defeat' will serve as the catalyst for his growth."
As All For One walked past, the doctor asked one last question. "Aren't you afraid All Might might kill you on the spot or that you'll be sentenced to death?"
"All Might won't kill me. That's why he's the 'Symbol of Peace.' As for the others… they wouldn't dare to kill me either."
"Even if I'm captured, you can always rescue me, can't you? Or let me recover in peace, even in prison." As he spoke, All For One placed his hand on the door handle and stepped out.
"Oh, and leave Tomomi-chan with Shigaraki. Tell her he'll help her get her revenge."
Bang.
The doctor silently stared at the door as it closed behind him. He knew that from this point forward, the timing of their next meeting was uncertain.
"Do you really believe Shigaraki can become your successor, All For One…"
At Kanano City Police Headquarters in Kanagawa Prefecture, the room was filled with people. Thanks to Aizawa Shota's report, the police had quickly connected recent findings with a League of Villains member he described.
A man with a patchwork face entering a vacant building! That tip had come from Kamino City.
It was the same news Officer Tsukauchi had relayed to All Might that morning, meaning the police had already narrowed the search to Kamino before Momo had contacted them.
It had to be said, the police force of modern society was truly capable. But Kamino was still a major metropolitan area, even in Japan.
Pinpointing the League of Villains there was no easy task. Conducting door-to-door searches would risk alerting them.
Which was why Kaminari and Momo's contribution in narrowing the exact location was extremely valuable.
"There it is!"
"Kyoka's location just showed up!" Kaminari called out as Pikachu projected a light screen into the air.
"Well done, Kaminari boy!" All Might suddenly stood up from his seat, visibly excited.
"Then let's move." Endeavor glanced coldly at All Might before memorizing the map coordinates and walking out of the conference room.
"Kaminari, you don't need to come." But just then, Officer Tsukauchi spoke up, addressing Kaminari, Momo, and Tetsutetsu, who were ready to follow.
"What?!" Kaminari's golden eyebrows furrowed. His eagerness to act was instantly doused.
"Rescuing hostages and apprehending villains is the job of the police and pro heroes. You're still students. You're not qualified to participate in this mission," Tsukauchi said seriously.
The mood in the room darkened as Kaminari's sharp eyes narrowed. "I want to go. You can't stop me."
"Kaminari!" Momo looked at him, worried.
"What would you even do if you went? Do you have a provisional license? If not, it's illegal," Tsukauchi stated firmly.
"Kaminari, don't worry. We'll bring Kyoka back safely," Edgeshot reassured him.
But Kaminari said nothing. He only lowered his head in silence.
"Kurokawa, keep an eye on them. Take them to the lounge to rest."
"!"
Soon after, all personnel involved in the operation left the room. The three students were escorted to a lounge in the police headquarters and offered coffee and snacks.
"I understand how you feel," Momo said to Kaminari, who sat beside her. "But right now, all we can do is trust the pro heroes. And don't forget, All Might is with them this time."
"Damn it… I couldn't rescue Kyoka with my own hands…" Tetsutetsu stared at his coffee with frustration.
Just then, the TV hanging on the wall caught everyone's attention.
"Aizawa-sensei! Principal Nezu!"
"T-That's…" Momo and Tetsutetsu were stunned by the image of U.A. teachers lined up on screen. Almost every relevant staff member from the Hero Course was present.
Vlad King, Midnight, Cementoss, Present Mic, Sniper, Ectoplasm… the scene was overwhelming.
After Principal Nezu gave a sincere apology, all of them knelt before the reporters, cameras, and the families of Kamakiri and Kyoka, then bowed low to the ground.
"We are truly sorry!!!"
Everyone in the lounge—including the officers, Momo, and Tetsutetsu—watched in stunned silence, unaware that Kaminari had quietly slipped away.
This stealth skill, like that of a ninja assassin, had been taught to him by Edgeshot in the forest. He hadn't expected to use it like this.
Outside the police headquarters, Kaminari looked up at the moon hanging in the night sky.
"Wait for me, Kyoka…" he whispered.
(To be continued.)