Chapter 32 - The Final Claim

At U.A. High School, the air in the faculty lounge feels heavy as Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi sits across from All Might. The two share a history of trust, but the tension in the room is palpable as they delve into the grim details of their latest case.

Tsukauchi spreads out a series of files on the table, each containing autopsy reports, DNA analyses, and forensic evidence linked to the monstrosity known as Nomu. Adjusting his hat, the detective begins with a grave tone. "We've made some breakthroughs regarding Nomu," he starts, his voice steady but laced with unease. "The Police Force has confirmed that Nomu was once a low-level thug—a petty criminal with a Quirk barely worth noting. However, he's been subjected to extensive bioengineering."

All Might leans forward, his sharp eyes fixed on the documents. "Bioengineering?" he echoes, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Tsukauchi nods. "Yes, altering his body to house and utilize multiple Quirks simultaneously. The process has come at a cost, though—his cognitive functions have been severely diminished. He can't think independently anymore; he's nothing more than a puppet."

The detective slides a photograph across the table. "Here's where it gets more disturbing. Our forensic team discovered traces of multiple people's DNA within Nomu's cells. He shouldn't have multiple Quirks, even with this fusion of genetic material. This shouldn't be possible."

All Might's expression hardens as he processes the implications. "Then how?" he asks, his deep voice filled with urgency.

Tsukauchi sighs, his fingers lacing together on the table. "Our theory is that someone with the power to grant Quirks is behind this. We've seen no evidence of a Quirk like this until now, but the precision and scale of these enhancements suggest it's no random experimentation."

The words hit All Might like a hammer. His jaw clenches as his muscular frame stiffens. "If what you're saying is true..." He exhales sharply, transforming into his hero form with a bright burst of energy. "...then it could only mean one thing. He might be back."

The room falls silent, the weight of All Might's revelation thick in the air. His face is resolute, but his eyes betray a flicker of worry. Tsukauchi knows exactly whom the Symbol of Peace is referring to: All for One, the shadowy figure whose name still sends ripples of fear through the hearts of those who know the truth.

"Naomasa," All Might says, his voice low but firm. "If All for One truly is behind this, then we're facing a threat far greater than Nomu. He has the power to create more of these... abominations. We can't let this escalate."

Tsukauchi nods grimly. "That's why we're sharing this with you, All Might. We need to prepare for the possibility of his return—and the danger that comes with it."

All Might stands, his immense frame casting a long shadow over the table. "Then we have no time to waste. If he's back, we must do everything in our power to stop him—for good this time."

The Symbol of Peace clenches his fists, his resolve burning brighter than ever. In the face of such a looming threat, there is no room for hesitation.

Tsukauchi looked up from the scattered files, his expression grave. "All Might, there's something else—something deeply troubling. It's not just Tomura Shigaraki with an obsession over Y/N. It appears the entire villain underworld has taken a keen interest in her. And that includes All for One."

All Might's eyes widened, the revelation hitting him like a punch to the gut. "Y/N?" he repeated, his voice a mix of surprise and concern. "What do they want with her?"

Tsukauchi leaned back, running a hand over his face as he collected his thoughts. "It's hard to say definitively, but her unique abilities, her presence at the Sports Festival, and her growing reputation as a powerful student at U.A. have made her a prime target. Shigaraki's obsession is personal—he's made no effort to hide it. But with All for One, it's strategic. He recognizes potential, and Y/N represents an unparalleled combination of raw power and symbolic value. A dragon in the hero world? She's one-of-a-kind."

All Might's expression darkened. "Y/N is still a student. She shouldn't be dragged into this war—not yet." He paused, his fists clenching. "But if All for One is targeting her, he won't stop until he gets what he wants. This isn't just about her power, is it?"

"No," Tsukauchi said, shaking his head. "It's more than that. According to intelligence gathered from intercepted communications, the villains see Y/N as more than just a weapon. She's... a symbol. A figure who could either solidify the hero world's dominance or, in their hands, become the harbinger of its destruction."

All Might took a deep breath, his mind racing. Memories of Y/N's fierce determination, her unique powers, and her ability to inspire those around her flooded his thoughts. She wasn't just a student; she was a beacon of hope for her peers. "They see her as a queen," he muttered, his voice low.

Tsukauchi nodded solemnly. "Precisely. In the wrong hands, she could be used to rally others to their cause. Shigaraki's fixation only adds fuel to the fire. If Y/N falls into their clutches, it could tip the balance in ways we can't even imagine."

All Might's jaw tightened, his heroic form radiating resolve. "Then we won't let that happen. Not while I'm still standing. Y/N is under U.A.'s protection, and I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe."

Tsukauchi offered a faint smile, appreciating All Might's unwavering resolve. "We'll need to be vigilant, Toshinori. The villains won't stop coming after her, especially not with Shigaraki and All for One involved. I suggest doubling security measures at U.A. and keeping her informed, as much as you can, without burdening her too heavily."

All Might nodded, his determination unshaken. "Y/N is strong, but she's still young. She deserves a chance to grow without being weighed down by the world's darkness. I'll protect her—and all my students—with everything I have."

The room grew silent, the gravity of the situation settling over them. Both men understood the stakes: Y/N wasn't just another promising hero in training. She was a critical piece on the board, one that both heroes and villains couldn't afford to lose.

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Elsewhere, in a dimly lit hideout, Stain loomed over Tomura Shigaraki and Kurogiri. His piercing gaze and deadly calm radiated a presence that suffocated the room. Tomura, crouched and seething, glared back at him, his hands twitching with the urge to disintegrate. Stain had overpowered them effortlessly, and his disdain was palpable.

"The League of Villains," Stain began, his voice sharp as a blade, "is nothing but a rabble of aimless weaklings. No conviction, no purpose. You call yourselves revolutionaries, but you don't even understand the world you want to destroy."

Tomura's lips curled into a snarl, his red eyes glowing with fury. "Kurogiri! Get rid of this pest!" he barked, but Kurogiri couldn't respond. He was frozen in place, his body stiffened by the effects of Stain's Quirk.

Stain stepped closer, brandishing a knife. The blade glinted menacingly as it hovered near the disfigured palm on Tomura's face. "You're nothing, Shigaraki. Just a spoiled brat playing at being a leader," Stain growled. "You disgust me."

The words struck a nerve. Rage bubbled within Tomura, his frustration boiling over. As the knife neared his face, he grabbed it with his decaying touch. The blade crumbled into dust under his fingers, and his eyes blazed with fury.

"Don't you dare talk down to me!" Tomura roared. "You think you're so righteous? If the world wants to worship All Might, then fine! I'll destroy him. I'll destroy the symbol of peace and then tear the whole damn world apart!"

Stain paused, his lips curling into a bitter smirk. His laughter echoed through the hideout, low and mocking. "You're gullible, Shigaraki," he said, shaking his head. "But maybe... just maybe, there's a spark of truth in your anger. You're right about one thing—the world is rotten, and All Might is its golden idol."

Tomura's hands clenched into fists, his breathing heavy. Kurogiri, still paralyzed, could only watch in tense silence as the tension between the two men thickened.

Stain crouched to Tomura's level, his intense gaze locking onto the younger villain. "I'll lend you my strength, Shigaraki. But on one condition."

Tomura narrowed his eyes, wary. "What condition?"

"I want Y/N L/N," Stain declared, his voice unwavering. "When the time comes, she's mine. I'm the one who takes her down."

The room fell silent, the weight of Stain's demand pressing heavily on them. Tomura hesitated, his thoughts racing. He hated the idea of conceding anything to someone like Stain. But at the same time, his hunger for destruction, for vengeance, outweighed his pride.

Finally, with a sharp exhale, Tomura smirked darkly. "Fine. Do what you want with her. But don't get in my way when I crush this pathetic world."

Stain rose, satisfied, his blade sheathed but his resolve sharpened. "You'd better keep your word, Shigaraki. Conviction is everything."

With that, an uneasy alliance was forged, each man silently plotting his own path toward the chaos to come.

As Stain exited the hideout, his silhouette disappearing into the shadows, the tension in the room lingered like a thick fog. Kurogiri, now freed from the effects of Stain's Quirk, turned to Tomura with an uncharacteristic edge to his voice.

"Why are you giving her up?" Kurogiri asked, his yellow eyes narrowing. "I thought you wanted Y/N. You've made it abundantly clear how important she is to you."

Tomura stretched his neck with a crack, his expression shifting to a calculating smirk. "I do," he said, his voice low and laced with a dangerous undertone. "But it's better to lie to that lunatic. Let him think he'll get what he wants. If Stain believes she's his prize, he'll work with us willingly, and he's too useful to waste."

Kurogiri remained silent, his gaze fixed on his young master as Tomura's smirk deepened, his red eyes gleaming with a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"But in the end," Tomura continued, his voice softening to a whisper, as if savoring the words, "we'll be the ones with the final say. The final touch. And Y/N..." He trailed off, his fingers twitching as his thoughts seemed to spiral into obsession.

Tomura's voice dropped further, barely audible now, as he murmured to himself, "She'll be mine."

Kurogiri said nothing more, recognizing the dangerous fervor in Tomura's tone. The League's leader had never been one to let go of what he desired, and the growing obsession in his voice sent a chill even through the shrouded villain.