With so many of our classmates out of the game, the remaining members of Class 1A are gathered at the so-called "safe base." The atmosphere is tense, with a mix of frustration and unease hanging in the air.

A couple of the eliminated faces have left noticeable gaps. Tokoyami, Iida, Kirishima, Kaminari, Sero, Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, and Jiro—all missing. Their absence is a heavy weight on the remaining team members' minds.

Uraka and Mineta are talking quietly in the corner. A couple of the other survivors—Mina's still around, though she's been pretty quiet lately, and Shouji, who's trying to remain calm. They're all feeling the pressure of our dwindling numbers.

It's almost poetic, really. 

Watch them squirm.

Mineta's voice cuts through the tension, shrill and anxious. 

Mineta: We're down so many people. What are we supposed to do now?

A very good question. 

The answer's simple: keep playing the game.

Uraka's eyes are troubled. 

Uraraka: We need a plan, something solid. We can't just keep wandering around, hoping we'll stumble upon Aizawa.

Shouji, looking more serious than usual, nods in agreement. 

Shouji: We need to figure out a way to outmaneuver him. Maybe he's using the environment against us because he knows us too well....

Bingo. 

Keep going, guys. 

The more you theorize, the less you'll figure out.

Mineta's face is a mixture of confusion and fear. 

Mineta: But how do we even begin to find him? It's like he's always one step ahead.

Oh, the joys of misdirection. 

Let's see how they handle a bit more uncertainty.

I step in, putting on my best concerned expression. 

Me: Maybe we're thinking too small. If Aizawa's as clever as we think, he might be using us against ourselves. Maybe it's not just about finding him—it's about understanding his strategy.

Uraka looks at me, her brow furrowed. 

Uraraka: What do you mean?

I shrug, adopting a thoughtful tone. 

Me: Think about it. If he's using the terrain, he's also manipulating our responses. We need to think beyond just tracking him. We should try to predict his moves, but more importantly, anticipate how he might be setting us up.

Shouji rubs his chin, considering my words. 

Shouji: So, you're saying we need to think like him? Try to get inside his head?

Exactly. 

Make them think they're outsmarting Aizawa when really, they're just following my lead.

Uraka nods slowly, though still clearly worried. 

Uraraka: Alright, but we need to be careful. We've already lost so many. We can't afford any more mistakes.

No more mistakes? 

That's adorable.

I watch as the remaining team members start to discuss potential strategies, trying to fit my suggestions into their plans. They're still uncertain, but they're desperate, which makes them more susceptible to manipulation.

Mineta looks at me with a hopeful expression. 

Mineta: Midoriya, do you have any ideas on how we can make this work?

I put on my best earnest face. 

Me: Honestly, I think we should focus on coordination. Work in smaller groups, but stay in constant contact. If Aizawa tries to split us up, we'll be ready. And remember, he's probably counting on us to be predictable.

Shouji nods thoughtfully. 

Shouji: That makes sense. If we can throw off his expectations, maybe we'll have a better chance.

Bravo. 

They're actually listening to me.

As the team starts organizing themselves into smaller groups, I take a moment to enjoy the view. Their frustration and fear are palpable. Every plan they come up with is just another chance for me to set up my next move.

The more they talk, the more they focus on Aizawa, the more their unity fractures. It's like watching a well-oiled machine slowly fall apart, and I couldn't be happier.

Suspicion is a powerful tool. 

The more they distrust Aizawa, the less they'll see the real threat.

Uraka approaches me, her expression a mix of hope and anxiety.

Uraraka: Midoriya, do you think this plan will work?

I give her a reassuring smile. 

Me: It's our best shot. We just have to stay focused and stick together.

As she walks away, I let out a silent laugh. The remaining team members are focused on Aizawa, still convinced that he's the mastermind behind it all. They have no idea that the real villain is right here among them.

And it's going to stay that way for as long as I can keep it up.

I watch as they prepare for their next move, knowing that no matter what they come up with, I'll be there to ensure it all goes according to my plan.

The game is far from over. 

And I'm just getting started.