All of Kai's subordinates and those of the Boss' gathered around the living room of the estate, discussing their plan of action.
The Eight Bullets, Shie Hassaikai's most capable forces, had the honor of introducing themselves to Garou one by one, from Shin Nemoto to Hekiji Tengai, including Rappa.
Rappa subsequently challenged Garou in single combat immediately post-introduction.
It ended with Rappa buried into the ground with his arms having several more 'joints,' all bent in painful directions, and his ribs reduced to powder. Chisaki was amazed that the final strike could powderize a human being's bones, though it wasn't a problem to repair with his Quirk.
"What about this place here?"
Garou pointed at the map.
"Hmmm, it is remote enough for us to store our smuggled supplies for trade, yes. How about this building over here? The apartment complex should be almost vacant by now."
"Don't make me remind you that I don't own the deed, but yes, it should work. Just mind the tenants."
"That is no issue with us."
Garou's actions months prior had diminished the property value of Hosu significantly. The Eight Precepts of Death should be able to purchase the viable land in Hosu with their assets. Kai's Quirk was useful in procuring income when curing incurable diseases and ailments of the wealthy and connected.
"Alright, you got the funds to buy the property?"
"Even in difficult times, we still salvaged enough income to sustain ourselves."
"And that somehow gives you Yen to buy land?" Garou quirked a brow.
"Hahaha, no. I have a plan for that. We can discuss this at another time. For the next topic, I will need your assistance in the effort of recruitment."
With Garou's support, the Yakuza can establish a strong enough foothold in Hosu to begin their gradual rise in the world of Heroes and Villains as an independent faction.
Chisaki could restore the Boss' Yakuza to its former glory with the number of those following Garou's ideals growing by the day.
No, mostly past its prime. There is much potential here to be harnessed, and Chisaki would be a fool not to take the opportunity to strike it.
"In the wake of your feats against the Hero Society and Villains, you triggered an accumulation of followers captured by your deeds and the mystery. After your stunt with Endeavour, which everyone here enjoyed greatly."
The other Yakuza members nodded vehemently at Chisaki's statement.
"...Oh."
For the first time, Chisaki saw Garou's face scrunched with discomfort.
"...I take it you are not one that had experience dealing with… admirers?" Chisaki guessed.
"I started my career without the hope of having a…. A…"
"Fanbase?" Shin Nemoto, the slim man with the plague mask covering all his face and a bowler hat offered.
Garou remained silent. Those under Kai watched Garou from a distance out of fear and respect, though they were deathly curious about Garou's reaction.
"Garou, you must know that one day, you will have to confront those inspired by your deeds. Now is the best time for you to deliver your message to those who look up to you; such is the inevitable fate of those who impacted the world," Chisaki advised.
"And you, of all people, are an expert in handling something like popularity?" Garou quirked a brow with skepticism and a touch of sarcasm.
"I do know how to handle a corral. Besides, you have invested an untapped resource in your wake like oil in the old days. There is much potential. You have the right to become their leader. You can lead them to change the world under your guidance."
"...A leader…"
The others watched Garou gave the word a thoughtful pause.
"You have the charisma. There is a spark in you that can light the hopes of others. You can inspire change in this stagnant world so much more than any villain in the present. Why not harness it?"
Those that knew Kai understood what he was attempting.
Right now, The Hero Hunter, The Demon of Hosu, was thinking of taking this step into new territory.
And Chisaki was giving The Hero Hunter a push in this direction.
Garou looked down at the map of the Hosu. His eyes aimed at the geography, but his gaze was elsewhere.
"...Haaaahhh." Garou released a long sigh. "Guess I have no choice." His fingers rapped the table with rhythmic irritation. "I'll give this a shot… when do we start renovations?" Garou asked, returning to the topic.
"More than a month is needed to purchase, renovate, and move our men into Hosu. My assistant will direct the efforts of this project while I oversee the recruitment process. However, I will need something for the latter."
"What is that?"
"Authentication." Kai looked at Garou. "It is brazen for anyone to declare their relationship with the Hero Hunter outright without ample evidence. There were cases of such, and they were struck down. We need something from you to show the new blood that our alliance is genuine."
Anyone could declare themselves a follower of the Hero Hunter. So many have done this that the impact was utterly dismissable.
But the claim that the Hero Hunter allied with an organization, and to say that the Demon of Hosu was recruiting - they would need a weapon to steal the trust of the young, stubborn minds.
"Like what? I don't have a trademark moniker for that… wait, I think I have an idea."
There was one item he had that belonged to the Demon of Hosu; the face of the Demon was still in his possession.
"I will need someone for this to work. I don't want to alert the Public Safety Bureau, so I need an actor for a script."
"Tell us your plan." Chisaki smiled with disguised anticipation.
---------
In the skyscraper headquarters of the Public Safety Bureau, in the sterile room of desk and paper, Mera and his board of directives faced Hawks behind a singular long office desk, briefing the Hero of the Public Safety Bureau.
Mera, a worker with messy blonde hair, a narrow face, and lazy eyes bearing the markings of insomnia, did not yawn. He listened to the analyst's reports about specific strange movements within Hosu.
"Recently, we have received reports on suspicious movements of several organizations. To our greatest fears, we are certain that their new destination is behind the borders of the Hero Hunter's annexed territory."
The analyst in the business suit gestured to the slideshow on the whiteboard. The flickering light of the projector showed the land of Hosu, the cluster of buildings scaled in a manageable frame before it flickered to some individuals, ones in thuggish clothing.
"Here, we are seeing the members of the Yakuza out in the streets performing a recruitment drive. According to some of the chatter, they are presumably offering shelter and resources. Here, we can see one gathering a flock into an alley followed by a short lecture."
The projected screen changed to another scene of a mutant man covered in slimy hair giving a speech to a corral. Some of the public safety commission members paid attention to the crowd, especially those with the tattoo of the Demon of Hosu's mask on the skin of their shoulders.
"This might be bold, but I assume they promised welfare the government's 'unwilling to provide'?" Hawks asked, making air quotes, familiar with the sort of desperation the impoverished would experience.
"Unfortunately, there is no charity. This is them drafting under the Hero Hunter's name. As you can see…"
The following slide showed the mutant holding what seemed to be the Mask of Garou. However, the mask was heavily warped, deformed, the left eye of the mask caved by something blunt.
"As you can see, the announcer holds the mask that an unknown assailant managed to land an attack on Garou's mask a week ago. We do not know if it is an exact duplicate due to someone's Quirk or the genuine article. If you add this together with the fact that the Hero Hunter returned with a more menacing demon mask freshly made…"
"...So we're under the threat of the Hero Hunter entering into a partnership with a third party..." Hawks mused.
No words need to be said to describe the critical severity. If the Hero Hunter alone could decimate Japan's status quo, then what could he do with an army?
Mera nodded.
"The Heroes responsible for surveillance were unable to get within hearing distance without them noticing. There are more gatherings like this happening in Hosu and the towns around it. Worse, the Heroes on sight confirmed the identities of repeat offenders following the Hero Hunter's moniker… I don't think I need to explain what this means for the future of our country if we don't stop this in its infancy."
"What would you have me do?" Hawks asked, now serious.
"All Might is currently undercover amongst the Hero Hunter with some success. We might be able to replicate this with one of our own, although we don't know what Garou's reaction to someone directly from the Committee would be."
Hawks looked at the white screen, seeing the slideshow move on to a map of Japan showing the areas circled in red.
"Infiltration…"
"We are currently screening candidates willing to risk themselves on this endeavor. However, right now, the most capable agent we have is you. Lady Nagant would've been our close second, however..."
There was a tense silence in the air.
Hawks knew about his predecessor, the tragic heroine that betrayed the Committee. He thought about her ever since Garou's stunt with Endeavour on live recordings.
The recent memory of the Number Two Hero humiliated in such a fashion made him clench his fists with a rare spark of anger.
"I'll do it."
"What?" One of the board of directors looked at Hawks surprised.
"Someone else will screw it up."
Hawks wouldn't be able to stamp out the fire inside him otherwise. He did not have the same foolish recklessness as Mirko or Mt Lady. His abilities would most likely falter against the Hero Hunter's might, especially since he defeated All Might in single combat. However, if it was this, Hawks might have a chance to win against Garou in his playing field.
The board of directors and Mera looked at each other, some donning nervous expressions.
"...The Yakuza organizations we managed to confirm are few. It has been so long since they've disbanded that they're nothing more than a distant memory, but here are the names of those we believe involved."
The slide transitioned, showing a small bunch of thugs, each with a different Quirk. All of them were mutants.
The one in the center was strange. The person was a siamese twin, only that each of the two heads attached to the one body was a yellow-skinned, dinosaur-like head, not unlike that of a raptor's. The two-headed man had a bulky figure, a sharp talon growing from the dorsal of each forearm.
"Here is The Wild Jurassic. The group used to have a different name before the start of Quirks. The son of the previous leader is the head, one by the name of Arnold Taronsasu. He goes by Ghidorah Wyvern as his alias, leading a group of mutant outcasts."
The slide moved on, showing another group.
"The Path of Naraka. They were once Japan's major smuggling organizations, one with ties to politicians before they were dismantled. The leader is there at the center."
The one that stood out was a golden spider mutant. The man had eight six arms, wore a tuxedo tailor-made for his unique constitution, two bulbous eyes and the little eyes surrounding each of them staring at Hawks. Each three-fingered hand held a katana; his men surrounding him were normal or mutants.
"Tenno Sukuito, aka, the Golden Spider. He was the right-hand man of the previous leader who passed away in prison due to old age. While he follows a loose version of the samurai code, he is not a brute. He has the knowledge and the intelligence of the smuggling routes and trade operations, a few of which we haven't uncovered even to this day."
The slide transitioned to another group, a third group.
This time, the group of profile pictures was primarily human.
The one that looked like the leader was a rugged man with human features, exceptionally well-built, albeit he had six arms, each bearing a fair amount of masculinity that would lift him to one of the heavyweight wrestlers of the old world.
"The organization is called the Arms of Asura. They specialize in… security. Their members consist of thugs that specialize in combat and providing human resources to those with connections. Kyoretsu Aku, also known as the Vajrayaksa, was a strong enforcer that managed to evade capture. He was the greatest fighter amongst the Yakuza, and now he is attempting to revive the previous leader's legacy."
Hawks stared at the full-body pictures of each of them, burning them into his memory.
"We do not know the name of the party leading the recruitment effort. They took great pains to ensure their anonymity. However, we managed to procure information about the meeting spot - an abandoned warehouse in Hosu by the coast. We sincerely advise extreme caution once you undertake this mission. This is your last chance to turn this down, Hawks. There is no guarantee you will make it out unscathed."
His decision was already made the moment he saw that viral video.
"Tell me the details."
---------
The warehouse of Hosu was derelict.
It was a concrete foundation holding a roofed arc, windows high above the walls with glass panes looking out and within. The glass was yellowed with age, fine particles of dust filling the air.
The structure was fortified, the architecture robust, but the previous owner abandoned it for years due to the location being far from the central city. Rumors were that a villain constructed it years ago in secret but was never used.
However, for once in its life, it was bustling like never before.
Vehicles strolled in from the gates of the metal fences cordoning the area, ignoring the 'No trespassing' sign with blatant disrespect.
From the limo cars to vehicles from the pre-All Might times parked before the warehouse as the lights flicked, power surging through the wires and into the light bulbs at the dusk of night, lighting the area for all to see.
Others entered the area on foot, a veritable swarm of variety filled with either expectation or apprehension.
By far, this was probably the largest congregation of outcasts and miscreants Hawks had ever seen as he entered the gates as well. T
He was disguised not to alert the others, a long spacious ragged full-body cloak to hide his iconic red wings and a glass visor to disguise his identity a little. There was someone at the gates, two giant ant mutant types, fire red chitin for skin layered with a suit with two black beady eyes on each, their antennas twitching and feeling for sudden movements.
Hawks couldn't help but notice the mutant motif around here being the semi-dominant theme in this corral.
More than half of the people here were mutants or possessed some mutant-like decoration like metal blade ears or bamboo growing out of their heads.
Hawks knew that Garou's actions had resonated with some people, but intelligence had wholly underestimated how far-reaching the echoes of his actions reached.
The spotlights above the wide sliding doors of the entrance came to life, illuminating the concrete grounds, forcing Hawks to raise his hands to block out the glare.
However, Hawks could see tables of fresh food, snacks, and drinks through the warehouse entrance to accommodate the guests. There were even grills and men preparing fresh barbeque and food when the vehicles rolled past the gates.
Between the guests and the food were some rough-looking thugs. One of them had something like a trumpet horn-like head. All of them were in casual clothes for the occasion.
The doors of the limos opened, men stepping out, thugs in casual clothes first out before they walked to the front, opening the door of the front seat as the important ones stepped out.
Amongst the crowd of randoms, Hawks saw the faces of the crucial figures matching those in the briefing room.
The Golden Spider, Tenno Sukuito.
The Vajrayaksa, Kyoretsu Aku.
Ghidorah Wyvern, Arnold Taronsasu.
There were a few more that Hawks didn't recognize coming out from the smaller, less impressive vehicles. They look like seeds wanting the chance to bloom on fresh soil if Hawks could draw a comparison.
The crowd started to chatter amongst themselves with anticipation for the event, eagerness filling the air alongside suspicion and apprehension while the aroma of the barbeque tantalized the nostrils of the hungry.
Hawks was starting to get hungry himself if he must admit.
His red wings could eavesdrop on some of the conversations as he made his way to the food tables.
"Oh, man, I can't believe Garou is going to show up."
"I'm so excited! I hope he likes the Green Dragon Squad."
"What should we say to him, Spinner?"
"Say to him?! I'm hoping to get to shake his hand!"
"Hmmm, this must be serious…"
"The Hero Hunter better not disappoint."
"If this turns out to be a farce, I'm going to burn everything down."
Hawks sincerely wished that the Demon of Hosu didn't show or a fake took his place.
However, one of the thugs raised his hand up at Hawks.
"No one enters the dining area until the presentation is finished."
Hawks pursed his lips. It was a shame - the food smelled delicious there.
"If you say so."
Hawks returned to the crowd, letting his feathers under his cloak take in the conversation to pass the time.
However, the din of chatter dimmed when one man, a plague mask covering his face from nose to chin, emerged from the warehouse.
Hawks did not recognize him, though the plague mask jogged some memories. The ten men, most likely his subordinates, behind him were wearing the same crow-themed masks, though the difference in stature between them made them stand out as a variety.
All eyes focused on them as the one in the vanguard, a young man holding a microphone. The speakers set up beside the entrance of the warehouse flared to life as the man spoke.
"Ladies and gentlemen. I thank you all for accepting the mass invitations and for inviting your associates to join you on this eventful night."
The man with the shaggy auburn hair spoke.
The entire crowd descended into a hushed silence, all attention present pressed onto him.
Hawks did not like the look in his eyes. It was as if his eyes were forged by condescending on the world around him, a criticizing gaze hardened from constantly judging everyone he sees.
"Before we begin the climax of this event, allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Kai Chisaki. I am a member of the Yakuza, the Heir of the Shie Hassaikai. I am the one that arranged this event on behalf of the Demon of Hosu himself."
So that was the person behind the mass invitations. Hawks wondered if he should've brought a camera here to record all of this in secret, but the radio waves were being jammed. One amongst the crowd tried to access his cellphone but received nothing but static when he tried to call.
"Garou prefers to be mentioned as the Demon for now since he has put his actual hero hunting on hiatus. Some of you do not possess the patience for the prologue, so I will do my best to spend your time wisely, but you all deserve to know the events that lead to this momentous occasion."
Hawks drew breath. A substantial part of him wished that was a lie, but the honesty in the man's words was full of clarity.
"We decided to host this event on his behalf after a brief discussion. Many of you are smart enough to know that this isn't just for the Hero Hunter's benefit as we, the Shie Hassaikai, have something to gain as well, so I will not downplay your intelligence. I understand you all have questions about why Garou would try something… out of character. In all honesty, I was even surprised when he accepted my invitation. Speaking with him face to face is enlightening in itself, an experience I wish to share with you tonight."
However, the man known as Kai Chisaki paused. He placed a hand on his ear.
Hawks quirked a brow at that. Was he wearing an earpiece?
"I understand that simply showing Garou on stage is a weak attempt to capture your attention and trust. So, we have meticulously planned a presentation, and the guest of honor has arrived. Please, direct your attention… to the man amongst us." he concluded, much to everyone's confusion as the man raised his finger toward the audience…
Pointing straight at Hawks.
'What?' Hawks blinked as he and Kai made eye contact.
He was looking directly at him. Hawks had many questions, but his experience and training warned him to act. However, before he could do so, an errant wind suddenly flew past his face, his visor dropping to the ground.
Hawks stared down at the visor… then slowly looked at his left.
The entire world almost froze, at least to him, when his eyes made contact with the man standing next to him, a mask on his face.
"HOLY SHIT! IT'S HIM!"
One guest shouted, pointing at the Demon of Hosu standing beside Hawks like a phantom from a horror movie. Everyone clamored as they backed away, panicking, a wide circle of space left between them and the two.
The tension and sudden arrival of the Demon of Hosu quelled all noise in the air. Hawks didn't even make a sound, only staring at the man standing beside him. He wasn't even looking at him, just looking forward without paying him any mind.
"Oh, I didn't expect this." Kai's voice resounded throughout the speakers, booming throughout the field.
Hawks broke his gaze from the Demon of Hosu to the announcer. The ground rose, elevating Chisaki and his host up over the crowd, gazing at him from his new vantage.
"My, my, I was expecting some third or second-rate Hero but to have the Number Three here amongst us. I hope you don't mind the elaborate indirect invitation. We were frankly expecting someone else… but to think the Hero Public Safety Commission would send their greatest weapon. Please, do your best to entertain the others as the guest of honor in Garou's first private demonstration."
It was time for him to flee.
As much as he hated to admit it, there was no chance for him to win against these numbers, especially if Garou was here.
Hawks' red wings spread out his cloak unfurled, but he barely could react as he flew, not from his power, but the several blunt strikes fusillading his body, his face, shoulders, solar plexus, and ribs, launching him like a ball from a cannon.
The asphalt of the concrete scraping his clothes and skin with each tumble was not something he experienced every day.
He groaned after he stopped rolling, holding his face as pain wracked his body.
Hawks was on the ground, facing the night sky with the spotlight glaring down on him. Faces of various invitees loomed from the corners of his vision, looking down at him with scrutiny.
"Oi, oi, it really is Hawks."
"Are you serious? Didn't you heroes learn your lesson after Endeavour?"
"Get up, Hero. It's time you get the treatment."
Two of them sneered at Hawks as they reached down and dragged Hawks up by the shoulders. Hawks didn't have time to react as they shoved him back into the center, stumbling forward until he was seven steps away from the Demon of Hosu.
The Demon of Hosu was staring Hawks dead in the eye from behind his mask, the ominous pressure rolling off of him completely overwhelming.
The silence in the air was starting to die as voices began to clamor. Mutters turned into cheers, cheers grew into chants in a rising escalation of excitement, an infectious hope spreading as they turned from a speechless audience into a boisterous rally.
"...I guess we're doing this." Hawks didn't want to do this or end up in this scenario, under the spotlight aimed at him and surrounded by countless villains, eyes manic with the desire to see him on the floor bloody like those before.
He was aware of Garou's flawless track record, and there was no omen foretelling a chance of his survival.
Including the fact that he wasn't the kind of reckless Hero out to prove himself like Mirko, there was only one way out, and the Demon across from him did not seem like he was in the mood for dialogue.
"Omni-Directional Attack: All-Crimson Rain!"
Strips of red flew from his unfurled wings, wide lengths shrunken into twin stumps as red mottled the air around the Demon of Hosu.
However, the mottling spots soon exploded into fine mists of red. The air around the Demon of Hosu shone like a perverse halo as the warehouse windows backlit him.
The cheers died back into stunned silence, and manic smiles fell to a still shock.
"...Are you serious?" Hawks cracked a small hopeless smile at the sight.
To Hawks, Garou flicked his arms up, elbows forward with his forearms bent back sharply acute. Yet, somehow, he decimated all of his feathers in an instant.
"What the hell are you?" Hawks couldn't help but bring himself to ask. He was now naked in the middle of a small army of Garou followers, bereft of his arsenal and cut off from all backup, his ultimate gamble utterly defeated.
"A mons... no." Garou answered plainly. "I am a Demon."
It was the first time Hawks had heard Garou's voice in person. It sounded… intense… focused… He couldn't put the finger on it.
Hawks hissed a breath as he stole a glance down, seeing his legs were trembling. He couldn't remember the last time he was this afraid… strange. He wasn't afraid in the face of evil, yet fear seemed to sprout in his presence.
He waited for the Demon to begin his counter-assault… but the Demon of Hosu simply pivoted on his heels and walked away, leaving the ring.
Hawks slowly followed Garou with his eyes, confused. The spectators were confused as well. The ones in Garou's way slowly parted, leaving a path in absolute silence as they watched Garou walk up to Chisaki.
"I need elevation."
Without hesitation, Kai crouched and placed a hand on the ground.
A square dais of stone rose from below, lifting Garou's form as he turned to the crowd, facing them.
The crowd watched as Garou reached for his demonic mask and pulled it off, showing his face to them for the first time. Everyone here only knew the Demon of Hosu, not the Hero Hunter that every Hero faced and trembled in fear at the mention of his name.
He followed by taking off his hood, showing his face in its entire splendor.
His hair was spiky, like a sharp arrow pointing forward, twin spikes facing back, color dyed in blood. His eyes were intense, disciplined, the sclera of his right eye stained in crimson.
Everyone cringed when Garou unexpectedly crushed the mask in his grip, fracturing it into pieces falling off his fingers.
"I did not call you here to incite you all to senseless violence. If you came here for worthless glory alone, this is your first and final warning to go home."
Garou paused as his gaze pressed down all present from his elevation. Not one dared to speak out against him. All waited for the Demon of Hosu to speak.
"I am not from here."
Garou's words resounded through the warehouse.
"When I first set out on this journey, I strode, prepared to face the entire world alone. I forged myself ready to face heroes, the only wall at the stalwart defense against the forces that strove to tear humanity to shreds, risks be damned even if my life expires."
There was weight in his words. Each word that left his lips… there was something in them that they could not describe.
Hawks had a decent idea of what it was, and it was like hearing a different version of All Might in another skin and theme.
"I wagered my life to break down the corrupt, broken system that supports the worst of humanity, shielded by the so-called 'justice' meant to chastise the worst amongst them and bring them in chains, yet the filth lives amongst us roaming free and unpunished, the many against the innocent few. However, when I arrived here, I resumed my hunt after licking my wounds… I entered a world that gave me perspective."
Another pause. Hawks slowly swallowed a lump in his throat. He could not tear his attention from the man at the makeshift podium.
"My first taste of 'Superpowered Heroes,' distasteful. Baited an army to sample, yet left with greater disappointment. It took me too long to realize that the bar was set much lower than I am used to. The only one that managed to sate my quest was All Might… but in the end, he only left me irate."
Some sucked in the air. Hawks started to pale.
"I was left lost and confused for a long time. I had plenty of time to think as the 'Demon of Hosu.' I have studied and watched how this world works, and I am displeased. My goal was to unite the world by becoming the greatest monster of them all, but a monster is not what this world needs, at least not the way I intended."
Garou somatically gestured to them.
"You all came here and looked up to me. Why? Is it because of my might? Or what I represent? If it is my might, then look elsewhere. If it is the latter, then tell me, what do I represent? What do you see when you see me rise against the system that oppressed you all, shattering the symbols of your suffering?"
Fists clenched as fires sparked, faces turning stern as Garou lit the fire in their hearts.
"My goal has evolved. It is now a crusade to undo the mistakes of All Might and his failed legacy. I am against Quirks. No, not the existence of Quirks, but what their presence has inspired. When everyone looks at you, they see something they fear that could happen to them, they see a mirror of what could be, something lesser, a monster. They revolve the idea of 'humanity' so much on Quirks that they fail to see the human behind the Quirk! Tell me! Why are you here?! Because I know why I am here."
Garou's eyes sharpened into a furious glare, his fists trembling as his intangible aura seemed to grow more menacing.
"I am here to shatter the world of its chains, to prove to the masses that you are all humans, not outcasts, not rejects, but as people that want a place for themselves in a world where children casually break the hearts of the Quirkless and the unlucky and men are shunned because of what? An extra horn? Turning pages with your mind? Don't screw with me!"
Hawks was caught off guard as the audience was rattled.
"The idea inspired by Quirks that drags the world into rot like an anchor, I will cast it off, even if I must become a Demon to do so. But that is not the crux of what I hate… The Heroes."
Garou raised one hand.
"The Villains." He raised the other.
"The 'Heroes' of today are mostly glorified police with more money in their pockets. The concept degraded into nothing more than a glorified job than a noble duty, and I don't know how many of them stick true to the word even now. And the Villains…"
Garou's clenched fists trembled with palpable rage that caused the others to shiver.
"They are either scum with no redeemable traits or hypocrites so indulged in the practice of violence that they serve as nothing more than food to sustain the broken system, all in the hopes of creating luxuries at the cost of everyone else. And worse, those left out by the system either fall into the abyss that perpetuates the existence of these so-called 'Heroes' I grow to hate or rot away in the shadows, their voices unheard. I fed on so many of these 'Heroes' and 'Villains' that I can't believe I'm growing to tire of them. It has gotten so bad that I considered the Heroes back home were better than them, and I started to miss them. The system back home was even better than what this mess of society has."
Garou paused as he took in a deep breath.
"So, in my time of rumination, I've decided to move forward. This world does not need a monster to threaten it back into shape. No, it needs one to set it free. Only this time, I will not make the same mistake as that sack of muscles in spandex sitting on the throne at the highest rank, propped by the corpses of those that weren't saved or ignored. I am not making this organization to fall into the system that justifies their existence even more. No, I am going to carve a legacy, a world where people, actual honest people, can live while racists, Quirk supremacists, and every other heartless bastard that perpetuates the cycle with their ignorant prejudice are either in bars or wallowing in misery with no recourse. I will not be the solo antithesis to All Might, but everything he stands for and built. And unlike him, I will leave a legacy that will outlast centuries."
Garou raised his hands higher at the climax of his speech, his voice a stentorian roar, like a raging fire.
"Who among you has the strength to challenge this world?! The will to stand in the face of the 'good' and the 'bad,' to stand on their bodies and take back your place the many denied you?! Who will rise and shout your voice to the world, with fires burning anew, to remind the world, no, to force the world to take heed of our existence as we carve our realm where they cannot ignore?!"
If All Might was a warm beacon of light that guides the living, Garou was a raging fire lighting torches for the dead, dragging them back to the living world.
Hawks glanced around, seeing a good chunk of the villains falling to their knees with palpable awe, the expressions of skeptics twisting into sheer astonishment, all overwhelmed by Garou's infernal charisma that seemed to burn like the sun itself.
Even Hawks could feel his heart forced to move by the power of his speech. It felt like Garou could move mountains with his voice alone, more so than Present Mic.
OAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
The crowd roared with a spirit of a thousand suns.
'This is bad… This is very, very bad...' Hawks thought as countless dozens answered Garou's rallying cry, their voices breaking the silence of the night as they chanted his name.
GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU! GAROU!
If this were allowed to go on, it had the potential to undo everything the HPSC had struggled to build and maintain ever since the advent of Paranormality. A worst-case scenario not just for Japan, but the entire world… Hawks could see it, souls rising in response to his voice, wreaking untold havoc en masse in ways that the villains could not do with simple violence and coercion.
However, their instance of utter devotion, the rapture on their faces, gave him a unique opportunity.
'If I can just slip out unnoticed-'
"And just where do you think you're going?" a young man who resembled a psychotic burn victim asked, placing his hand on the No.3 Hero's shoulder, the acrid smell of burning cloth wafting into his nose. "It is wrong for the guest of honor to leave the stage this soon. You're now the witness of something new and terrible coming into existence."
Hawks sidelong stared at the black-haired man with purple, wrinkled burn scars down his arms and his forearms smiling at him. His shoulder felt hot, burning even. He could tell that he was being held at gunpoint judging by the small searing of his skin.
He looked around, seeing a few more joining him, a muscled man holding a rectangular metal pillar while another seemed to be a yakuza thug.
The chanting continued ad infinitum, a booming chorus echoing through the night air until Garou raised his hand.
The chanting ceased instantly. No one dared to go against Garou.
The silence that followed was eerie, unnatural. It felt as if the fires were stolen into the night as they waited for Garou's next move.
"...you have all endured well until now. This time, from now on, there will be no devil beckoning your hearts into the wretched abyss when you fight on. My aides will answer any questions you might hold about what we have in store. You are free to enjoy the amenities we provide… but first. To start the party."
Hawks quirked a brow at Garou's slight change of tone. Everyone stared at Garou's finger, tracking its direction until it landed on Hawks.
"Enjoy your first-rate appetizer. Have at him, but don't kill him. I have plans for him." he said in a tone that caused Hawks' blood to run cold.
Immediately, Hawks was pushed into the center of the clearing.
Many eyes stared at Hawks, the Hero starting to pale in fright. It was like he was a lone deer in a forest of wolves… and they were hungry for his meat.
"Get him!" A green lizard man pointed his finger at Hawks.
"No, wait! Let's negotiate!" Hawks waved his hands in panic, his head thrown left and right in a panicking search for a way out.
However, the crowd roared, now a raging mob as they closed in on him. Hawks screamed as hands grabbed his arms and locked them behind his back as his time to join the hospital began.
---------
Garou watched from the makeshift dais as the guests ganged up on the defenseless Hero.
Some part of him was nagging him that this was wrong… but he dismissed the feeling as soon as it began before he hopped down from the dais.
"Splendid, magnificent," Chisaki clapped his hands as Garou made his way to the Eight Bullets.
"Your speech… it is glorious." Shin Nemoto, the thin man with the black bowler hat and pale sneakers, praised.
"Ohhhh! Your voice is a torch that lights the spirits of warriors! I am inspired to challenge you with twice the vigor!" Kendo Rappa roared with spirit and raised his arms with tensed muscles, bashing the metal gauntlets with a stentorian rhythm.
"How long did it take for you to come up with it?" The short one that always stood by Chisaki, Mimic, asked.
"I pondered on the theme for a while. The lines are all improv."
"Seriously? You are a frickin natural," Toya Setsuno, the blonde man with bright-gold blonde hair uttered.
"It seems you have a natural talent for this. It's a wonder you didn't try this sooner." Chronostasis, the one with the white raincoat and a black-and-gold trim plague mask commented.
"I had some reservations."
The group watched as the crowd started breaking up. There was a small line of 'guests' waiting for their turn to have at Hawks.
Some settled for punching Hawks in the gut, others for the face a few times until they were satisfied. Some even managed to get their hands on a terrifying collection of "litter".
"In the kumquaaats!"
Then the lizardman kicked Hawks right between the legs.
"Hah!" Chisaki uncharacteristically laughed at Hawks' pained expression and bloodshot eyes.
The way Hawks was trying his best not to scream with his voice was pitiful, but the way he was screaming with his face was a sight to behold.
"What should we do about our guest of honor?" Chisaki asked.
"I will make an example out of him. This time, I will let them vote what I should do with him before I send him back as a living message, a warning against the other Heroes that dared to mess with me."
"I brim with excitement to see his fate." Kai admitted.
"And now I want a snack."
"Hojo." Kai gestured to the bald man.
"Yes." Hojo gave a quick bow as he scuttled to the food tables with dedication.
The others continued watching as the guests started using weapons to hit Hawks like a pinata.
From a baseball bat to a lead pipe, they continued bashing Hawks as blood started trickling down his face.
"They're starting to get too into it. See that you keep him alive for the finale," Garou requested.
"Hmmm, very well. Mimic, oversee matters while I'm gone."
The little gremlin in black saluted to Chisaki as the man unrolled his sleeve, making his way to the group.
"Your beverage and meal." The bald man presented a bottle of cola and a tray of barbeque and mashed potatoes.
Garou thanked the man, now watching as the burly mutants started taking their turns. Chisaki was placing his hand on Hawks' shoulder as the mutants struck him with heavy blows, fists of different shapes and sizes colliding against Hawks' cheeks, which disintegrated and reformed between blows.
"Hmmm, interesting Quirk." Garou commented as he grabbed a fork and stabbed at a piece of meat and bit into it, chewing while the man called Hojo held his plate for him, acting as his tray holder.
He hummed when a girl with a manic smile threw three knives with precision, each stabbing Hawks in the two eyes and throat. It was a sight to see Hawks live through that, the blood slurping back into the eye socket under Kai's ministrations as he rewound time.
As he stood there and enjoyed the show, a few guests broke off from the crowd and approached him.
It was the green lizardman.
The man was wearing boxing tapes and a modified version of the iconic Demon of Hosu mask, reduced into a visor to show his lizard face. Garou quirked a brow at his attire, seeing it a parody of his own. His was a dark brown leather duster with baggy pants ending in black shoes. His hair was a magenta purple, streaked upwards.
He was accompanied by two others.
One was like a salamander, lime green skin coated with a mucous-like sheen spotted with yellow mottles all over his skin, wearing a similar outfit but with metal brass knuckles.
Another was a chameleon, each wide eyes independently glancing at the surroundings before both eyes focused on Garou. The chameleon was wearing boxing gloves instead.
"U-U-Ummm…"
And they were all very nervous.
Garou swore he had seen something like this before… but he couldn't put his finger on it.
"Yes?" Garou waited for their response.
The lizard man tried to speak, but his voice continued to stutter and die before it restarted again in the same pattern.
"Spinner, come on, dude, speak up!" The chameleon smacked the lizard vanguard in the back of his head.
"Ow! Shut up! You two ask him then!"
"Hell no!" The salamander shook his head. "You lead this group, so you say it!"
The three started bickering in front of him to his amusement. Garou took the bottle of cola and sipped the sizzling drink, smacking his lips as he watched them hitting each other.
It lasted for a while until the lizardman was shoved first before him.
"Ack, damn it all! Fine! Would you please sign our clothes on behalf of the Green Dragon Squad!?" The one called Spinner shouted.
"...Huh?" Garou was at a slight loss for a moment.
"You have a fan." Jiroi Irinka elbowed Garou's shin.
"Oh." Garou realized it.
The way they were gazing at him with somewhat starry eyes… well, it was a new experience. He was more used to having the kid look up to him in such a fashion. Receiving it from three grown adults was… a peculiar experience he could not put into words yet.
"...You have a pen?"
"Lurker, you got a pen?!" The lizardman turned to the chameleon.
The chameleon man swiftly padded his entire body for pockets.
"Crap, I forgot to bring one!"
"Creeper!" 'Spinner' turned to the salamander, who also started padded his body for one.
It was starting to look amusing, his first fans outside of the kid acting all funny in front of him.
"Wait here," Garou said.
The three sucked in their lips as Garou walked past him.
The guests variously brutalizing Hawks in turns stopped when they saw Garou walking up to them. They immediately parted a path for the Demon of Hosu, waiting with bated breaths, observing Garou walking up to Hawks still held up by the arms.
Hawks was still the picture of health… at least his body was as his face looked like he was tired from all the beatings and murderous violence inflicted upon him.
"I'm borrowing this," Garou said as he plunged his hand into Hawks' ribs.
Everyone gasped at the brutal display as something snapped within Hawks' chest when Garou yanked it out. Garou now held a bloody rib… Chisaki silently stared as Hawks' chest wound closed up instantly, leaving the rib in Garou's hand alone.
"This will do." Garou walked back, all eyes focused on Garou as he walked back to the trio, bloody rib in hand.
The 'Green Dragon Squad' felt their hearts stopping when Garou stopped in front of them.
"Where do you want me to sign?" Garou asked, holding Hawks' rib bone like a pen.
The words dropped many jaws. Garou, signing names with the blood of a top-three hero as his ink...
"OH MY GOD!" Spinner dropped to his knees as he shouted to the heavens. "HE IS SO! GOD! DAMN! COOL!" The others watched as Garou signed on Spinner's makeshift mask with Hawks' blood.
"...Sign my glove!" Lurker shouted as he presented his glove to Garou.
Garou smiled as he flicked the blood and signed Lurker's glove in bloody crimson.
Hawks just stared at the scene, completely and utterly amazed and dumbfounded by the surreality of the Hero Hunter signing autographs with the literal blood of a Hero. It was something he had never seen in his entire career, probably in the history books.
"...Garou, please sign my knives!" A light blonde girl wearing a Demon of Hosu brand T-Shirt shouted as she ran towards him.
"What?! No, sign my shirt!"
"Sign my metal hammer!"
The guests started clamoring towards Garou with Hawks dragged with them.
---------
Hawks didn't know how long his suffering endured after being caught, bound, and tortured endlessly in ways that no human should ever have to take. He suffered wounds that should be fatal to any human, Quirks regardless.
He was burned alive.
He was cut to pieces.
Some muscular female transvestite smashed his head with her large magnet, at least that large slab of metal was what she called when he asked.
Then he was kicked there between the legs many more times mostly to emulate that viral scene spreading through the internet.
And despite all that, the man called Kai Chisaki repaired all of it so they could repeat their violence without fear of him dying…
Now, Hawks was bound in a cocoon of sturdy spider silk, hanging under the roof of the warehouse by courtesy of the Golden Spider, forced to watch the others eat and converse while sometimes suffering passing punches to his gut and objects thrown his way.
He had never experienced any form of PTSD since his entire career, but he believed he got a taste of it from peering past Death's door so many times.
"Can't believe you quit the magician's life for this event. Totally worth it though." One person spoke to some man in a mask with a top hat and a cane, dressed in beige.
There were three people staring at him, all holding a plate of food while they spectated his pitiful state.
"In all fairness, I came here expecting to be disappointed, but here we are, with the genuine article and a top three Hero among us."
"I wonder what He's going to do with him. Can't wait, hope it'll be like with Endeavour."
"A part of me feels sorry for the poor bastard, tied up like a pinata, waiting for more physical abuse."
"Think he has other heroes lying in wait out there?"
"Nah, I doubt it. I mean, if they do, they've definitely seen what we've done to him. And Garou is here."
Now he was stuck listening to the idle conversation between his tormentors while the smell of food wafted the air.
His stomach was already growling… it didn't help when some of them just waved the food around his nose to be petty.
Sometimes when his cocoon prison spun the right way, he could see Garou talking with some of his 'fans.' He was still signing autographs with his blood, which Kai drained a little and mixed it with some ink. Signing names with the blood of Heroes…
He must be a true demon.
They wouldn't even let him slip to unconsciousness. Some guy with a clock-like Quirk made sure of that, 'accelerating' his rest time somehow.
There wasn't much for him to do other than dangle lifelessly. He didn't even have the energy to come up with an escape plan as they made sure to bind his hands and feet in heavy iron under the silk to seal off his flight in case his wings somehow regrew 'miraculously.'
They weren't taking chances with him, showing their adamancy in making an example of him.
It'd be flattering if the VIP treatment didn't suck so much...
"Ahem. Attention all guests, I hope you all enjoyed our provided amenities, but I believe it is time to move on to the main event. You all should pay attention closely. We shall announce our groundwork for the future."
All chatter gradually faded as they gave Kai Chisaki, standing at the far back of the warehouse, their undivided attention.
"But before we begin, please give a round of applause to the bouncers you met on your way in, Tsu and Tae, and their employer." Kai gestured to the red ant mutants in tuxedo suits standing by the entrance. "Their ability to sniff out emotional pheromones are very useful, courtesy of Tenno Sukuito, the Golden Spider."
'So that's how they found me out…' Hawks was starting to think that the Hero Public Safety Commission's investigative abilities were falling behind… or that they misevaluated Garou as a whole.
The guests gave a round of applause to the bouncers, almost all hands present clapping to the ant mutants as they curtly bowed in return.
"First of all, I thank you all for taking the chance to move past the skepticism and confirm our veracity. Anyone can boldly claim service under the Hero Hun- I mean, the Demon of Hosu. Tonight's success surpassed my wildest expectations, to have such a celebrity among us," Kai pointed at the dangling chrysalis, "and with the star of our event joining us, please turn your attention to Garou for the main announcement."
Hawks couldn't even see Garou that well.
Garou moved away from his line of fans. Hawks then could see Garou standing under him, literally now in the center of attention as the guests waited for him to speak.
"For too long…"
Garou pointed a thumb at Hawks dangling above him.
"I've seen people looking at the sky, whether it be to praise the heroes on pedestals or to curse them for their failings. It is something I realized after a month of deep thought… strange what time alone for yourself can do for you."
The guests remained silent. None of them broke their gaze away from Garou, a level of focus rarely shown even by fans of heroes.
"When one looks up or down on themselves for too long, they forget how to look ahead to move forward."
"Ohhhh." One of the guests reflexively uttered in response.
"It is one thing to loathe yourself or others, but it is another if you lose direction in absolving it. All those that fell into villainy only knew how to look down or back, but never ahead. Thus, they ultimately failed themselves… This is different."
Hawks gave Garou his attention, though with a hint of spite.
"We will revitalize Hosu as our fortress base. Food, water, housing, finance, equipment, tools, all needs will be covered in order to take the next step. From there, we will build our strength until we can expand our influence past the borders."
"...How are you… going to take over a town? Wrenching autonomy from a municipality with force will only bring you closer to the 'villains' you hate," Hawks spoke out with a tint of vitriol at Garou.
It was rare for Hawks to speak out with anger or spite, but at this moment, it was just. The man that shamed many heroes, crushed them, and put them on display, deserved it.
Faces of anger leered at the dangling chrysalis in response.
"Oh, the pigeon speaks finally." Garou rolled his eyes. "My actions have left a lot of vacancies, the property value is quite low according to my associate. We just need the money and influence to buy out the land and… repurpose it. I am actually scheduled to meet with Hosu's mayor in a few days to negotiate on our behalf. We're going to do this legit."
"Ohhhhhhhhh."
Pleasant surprise leaked from the guests as they muttered amongst themselves. Hawks was more astonished in this case. He didn't hear about any of this… the mayor of Hosu having a meeting with the Hero Hunter.
"...And you think… the government will just let you do as you please?" Hawks was starting to run out of retorts. Thinking about it, this was probably the first time he met someone that didn't follow the formula of Villains… which meant there was some truth and success in his line of thinking.
"They can try." Garou turned around, looking up at Hawks. "But whether you like it or not, I am above each and every single one of you. Anyone that can surpass Heroes will always have the final word in this world, one way or another. But the biggest challenge is not letting your voice be tainted down the line."
"...That… is not what I expected to hear you say." Hawks expected a more brutish response. It did have some brutish elements mixed with wisdom.
"Good to know. Now, I am going to accelerate our plans many months ahead." Garou declared.
"...How will you do that?" Hawks questioned with wary suspicion.
"Simple. We're going to ransom you."
"...Eh?"
The word 'ransom' didn't click in Hawks for a few seconds.
"What? I have the Number 3 Hero waltzed into my den, and you think I'm not going to make use of him? I don't know about you, but I am certain none of you Top Ten fools have ever been held hostage like this… Speaks much of your arrogance, thinking you can just walk away without something like this happening to you."
There was a level of condescending in his tone that Hawks could not describe… one that was insulting to his intelligence… and Hawks was starting to feel like he made a grave mistake coming here alone. Hawks was more stunned that the Demon of Hosu decided to ransom him. It was unoriginal but... he never thought his mission would lead to this.
The discussion among the guests sparked further, some mocking Hawks while others were debating the idea.
"...Will it work?" One of the guests muttered.
"Can it work? I mean… wow. A top-three hero held for ransom…"
"It is genius."
"I don't think it's been done before. Oh, wow, it is glorious."
"Why has no one thought of this before?"
"A Top Ten is hard to keep, and there are risks of Hero raiding parties ruining the transactions all the time, more so if it is a Top Ten, and not to mention the security details…"
"But now?"
"I think we can do it. I mean, look at our Number Three right now."
"How much is a No.3 Hero worth?"
"A billion? Ten billion?"
"This is Japan, not the US. Think bigger."
A discussion sparked amongst the guests.
Arguments rose on the price on Hawks' head like he was some prized piece being sold off at an auction. Hawks just stared at Garou, completely caught off guard by his cunning.
"I will not give any of your superiors mercy on this as I have seen records of your spending on building… dummy towns for children to demolish just for the sake of their training in your 'Hero Schools.' I understand that children are the future, but this is crossing a line. If the government has the cash to spend on the education of those privileged with special Quirks, what about the rest of us? It only serves to infuriate me and my hatred for the current system even more."
Mutters of agreement resonated with Garou, sharing similar empathy with the statement.
Hawks was starting to regret coming here, and the overconfidence which led him into thinking that he could outwit Garou. He should've realized that the ability to defeat All Might, the "Symbol of Peace", would've required some amount of cunning; even moreso to blatantly copy his Signature Moves...
"So thank you, Hawks. Thank you for your 'contributions' to furthering our plans. Everyone, let's give Hawks a round of applause."
At his behest, Kai was the first to clap.
Another one followed, the burn victim with black hair.
The one with the top hat and mask followed, then the others slowly joined, soft applause soon elevating into an uproaring chorus of implicit mockery, whistles, and hollers thrown at him along with jeers.
Hawks remained silent. His eyes never left Garou's devious smile.
He had completely underestimated him. In more ways than one.
"Moving on." Garou raised a hand, his smile returning to his ever-present frown.
The applause immediately ceased with instant discipline, the silence returned with dominance.
"The next topic is a group activity. What should we do with Hawks before we send him home?"
Hawks paled.
"You have… a half hour to come up with suggestions. I will not tolerate death or excessive maiming. The theme is humiliation. The time starts… now."
---------
"Now, show me what you learned."
All Might asked Izuku early in the morning.
They stand at Dagoba's Beach, the sun still hiding in the horizon, pupil and teacher facing off, the first entering the martial stance he had practiced under the Demon that befell many.
The teacher was no longer in the form of the skeleton. He stood strong, grinning, his body brimming with power, returning to the heroic persona he cultivated over many years.
Toshinori had watched Izuku train under Garou for more than several months. The time for the UA admission exam was approaching, thus All Might must make sure that Izuku would be ready when the time arrives.
"Hai!" Izuku tensed his fists as he took a deep breath, his mien sharpened yet still retained his soft, naive features.
All Might's iconic smile widened as he watched Izuku close the distance with disciplined steps.
Izuku fought with a martial stride.
All Might reared right arm and swung his fist with a heavy throw, but held back enough not to hurt Izuku too much.
The Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist was the perfect blend of offense and defense.
All Might watched Izuku practice its philosophy under the guidance of his seniors, watching him learn how to control and redirect the flow of power of others while sharpening mastering the flow and application of his own power.
He had silently watched Izuku apply it against Tenya Ida.
Now All Might would see how Izuku could use it against him.
Izuku used both of his hands to greet All Might's heavy right hook. The trajectory of his fist would strike Izuku's cheek, but All Might was pleasantly surprised when Izuku managed to push his attack's trajectory, alter it enough so that it flew over Izuku's head.
A small gale washed over Izuku, the aftershock of All Might's mighty punch blowing against his moss-colored hair, as Izuku jumped to meet All Might's height with a punch of his own before All Might's momentum completely bled out to follow up for another attack.
"OHhhhhhh!" Izuku wrenched out a warcry as he struck All Might's cheek.
It was a hearty blow, All Might could feel it as Izuku placed a foot on All Might's shoulder, wrapped an arm around his throat, and swung around until he was behind him so he could latch his legs around All Might in a chokehold, attempting to strangle him.
"Hmmm." All Might hummed in thought while Izuku tightened his hold on his thick neck.
"Ha ha ha ha! Not bad!" All Might smiled wide. "But the chokehold is new. Did Ghin teach you this?"
Considering that the boy was shorter than Izuku, he could not think of anyone else.
"Mhm!" Izuku nodded, relaxing his tense features as he smiled. "Ghin-san gave me extra lessons when I visit! Although he made me buy things for him in return… it was fun!"
"Ah ha ha ha!" All Might laughed heartily as Izuku got off his shoulders. "You did well managing to divert my attack and you followed up splendidly with a finishing move to knock me out. You have focus and you simulated your actions in response to our height differences. Now I am sure you can ace the physical exam! But…"
All Might furtively look left and right. He crouched down until he was at eye level with Izuku as he whispered.
"Did you practice your martial arts with the 'you-know-what?'" All Might whispered with a hand covering the side of his face.
"N-Not yet…" Izuku admitted. "One's like a hammer, and one's like a chisel. I don't know how to use them together yet."
"Hmmm?" All Might hummed with curiosity.
"Well… I don't know how to explain it, All Might. It's just… it is like trying to contain a river inside a bottle when I first tried. But… I can use at least a part of it without it breaking my body at least!"
All Might breathed a sigh of relief.
He understood Izuku's struggles. Not even All Might attempted to use One For All with such precision and purpose. Garou's applications of his technique were quite different, more condensed and focused enough for him to shape at his leisure, and in such a short time as well.
All Might considered trying to do the same thing, but his injury killed further motivation to attempt it.
"Well, you know what they say! 'Practice makes perfect!' Now, let us-"
*A Phone Call Is Here~*
*A Phone Call Is Here~*
*A Phone Call Is Here~*
Izuku stared at All Might as the number one hero's phone rang in his pocket.
"I'll… uh… I should get that," All Might said embarrassingly. 'That ringtone sounded so much better in my head,' he told himself. "Sir Nighteye! It's so good to hear from-"
"Toshinori. You need to check out the news. You need to check out the news right now!"
"Why? Where's the fire?"
"I wish it were a fire," his former sidekick groaned. "Just… try to maintain your calm…"
All Might, steeling himself for what would make Sir Nighteye sound so grave, accessed the news feed through his phone, the highlight reading-
[Demon of Hosu Becomes Demon "King"]
'W-What?!' All Might gasped, accessing the live story as it was playing out.
"[I repeat! The Mayor of Hosu has ceded all authority over to the Demon of Hosu! Sources indicate that he has officially claimed Hosu as his extralegal territory! We are trying to get ahold of the mayor, but he has not answered any of our calls!]"
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
All Might unleashed the most strangled scream/shriek of his life, his life nearly popping out of his head.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!" Izuku followed soon after looking at the headline, his eyes popping out as well.
"[The newly crowned Demon King is unreachable for any comment! Actually, we're not certain if he will attack us for attempting to intrude upon him…] The female reporter shuddered at the prospect in the screen. "[We will hold out any updates regarding the Demon of Hosu directly. Please stay tuned for more news as we uncover the details and mysteries behind this sudden transition of power!]"
The two gawped.
There were no proper words to describe their comical faces of sheer astonishment and horror.
All Might had witnessed something like this before, and that was when his archnemesis was still active in Japan before he put an end to him and his evil rule. There were other cases, but those happened long before All Might was active as a Hero.
This was the first time that a Villain actively declared ownership of territory this wide.
All Might closed the news feed… and swiftly dialed Sir Nighteye's number.
"...Um… explain. Please." All Might half-begged half-pleaded.
There was no answer from the other side.
"[...I would like to schedule another meeting. There's someone else more suited to tell you.]"