The League of Villains' hideout was about as welcoming as a snake pit, but it was where Shigaraki spent most of his time, so naturally, I found myself here more often than not. The room was dimly lit, furnished with mismatched furniture that screamed "abandoned warehouse chic." Shigaraki sat across from me, his face half-covered by those creepy hands of his, eyes fixed on the screen in front of us.

We were in the middle of a game—a particularly brutal fighting game, the kind that let you dismember your opponent in increasingly creative ways. Shigaraki had picked some overpowered villain character, of course, but I wasn't exactly struggling. Years of strategic thinking will do that.

Shigaraki grumbled as I landed another perfect combo, reducing his character to a pile of virtual gore. He slammed the controller down on the table with a huff.

Shigaraki: Damn it, Izuku, how do you always win? You don't even care about this stuff!

I shrugged, leaning back in my chair, hands casually resting behind my head.

Me: It's all about knowing your opponent, Tomura. 

Really, it's almost too easy when you know the game inside out—just like life. 

Me: Besides, it's not like I don't care. 'I just find more... productive ways to spend my time.

He scoffed, grabbing the controller again as if to challenge me to another round, but something in my expression stopped him.

Shigaraki: Productive, huh? Like what? Buying out everyone in sight? Throwing your cash at every problem until it's solved?

I chuckled, the sound echoing through the nearly empty room.

Me: Well, when you have the resources, why not use them? 

People think money can't solve everything, but that's because they're not spending enough of it. 

Me: But speaking of productive... we should talk about the League. You're going to need a stronger team if you're planning on making any real moves soon.

Shigaraki perked up at that, his interest piqued. He was always eager to discuss his plans, especially when it came to expanding his little group of misfits.

Shigaraki: I've been thinking about that. We need more firepower—someone who can really shake things up. But who do you have in mind? 

Not like you're ever short on ideas.

I leaned forward, fingers steepled in front of me, eyes narrowing as I considered the possibilities.

Me: Well, you've got some potential recruits. There's that blood-obsessed girl—Himiko Toga. She's unhinged, but that kind of unpredictability could be useful. Then there's Dabi; he's got a grudge against heroes and enough firepower to torch half a city. You need people who aren't just powerful but also driven by something more... personal. 

Motivation is key. 

It makes them predictable in a good way.

Shigaraki nodded, rubbing his neck absentmindedly as he considered my suggestions.

Shigaraki: Yeah, I've had my eye on them too. But what about numbers? We need more than just a few psychos if we're going to take on the heroes and their stupid society.

I smirked, already ahead of him.

Me: Numbers are important, but quality over quantity, Tomura. You get the right people in the right positions, and you won't need an army. You need specialists. Think of it as assembling a team of elite players rather than a mob of amateurs. People like Twice could be valuable in that respect. His quirk may be unstable, but if harnessed properly...

 Imagine the chaos.

Shigaraki's eyes lit up at the thought, clearly liking where this was going. But before he could say anything else, Kurogiri phased into the room, his presence immediately drawing our attention.

Kurogiri: Apologies for the interruption, but I have something for you, Izuku.

He handed me an envelope, thick, expensive paper with UA's unmistakable logo embossed on it. I barely had to look at it to know what it was, but I let Shigaraki snatch it from Kurogiri's hand, curiosity blazing in his eyes.

Shigaraki: No way... 

Shigraraki: You applied there? What are you, a spy for the heroes now?

He ripped open the envelope, practically tearing the letter inside as he unfolded it. His eyes darted across the page, and with each line, his confusion grew more and more apparent.

Shigaraki: "Congratulations, Izuku Midoriya. You've been accepted into UA's Hero Course..." 

Kurogiri's reaction was more subdued, a soft chuckle escaping him as he glanced over Shigaraki's shoulder.

Kurogiri: I must admit, it's quite amusing to see how the heroes are so easily duped.

I remained silent, watching Shigaraki as he tried to process the news. His disbelief was almost tangible, and I couldn't help but find the whole situation hilarious.

Shigaraki: What the hell is this, Izuku? You're going to be a hero now? You can't be serious!

I shrugged nonchalantly, taking the letter back from him and folding it neatly before slipping it into my pocket.

Me: Why not? They're just another group to manipulate. The heroes think they're untouchable, but they're no different from anyone else—they're blinded by their own ideals. 

And the best part? 

They don't even see the strings being pulled. 

Me: I'll go to UA, play their little game, and show them that money and brains beat out quirks and power any day of the week.

Shigaraki's eyes narrowed, but there was a spark of realization there too. He was starting to get it.

Shigaraki: You're really going to do this... 

I grinned, a flash of excitement running through me as I imagined the chaos I could cause from within UA's pristine walls.

Me: Of course. Why waste time destroying something from the outside when you can dismantle it from the inside? UA is the symbol of everything these so-called heroes stand for. And I'm going to show them just how fragile their little world really is. 

All it takes is a little nudge, and the whole thing comes crashing down.

Kurogiri's voice was soft, but there was a hint of admiration in it as he spoke.

Kurogiri: It's a bold move, young master. But if anyone can pull it off, it's you.

Shigaraki finally cracked a smile, though it was more of a wicked grin than anything else.

Shigaraki: Well then, I guess we'll be watching UA very closely from now on. Just make sure you don't forget who your real allies are, Izuku. We're counting on you to show them just how stupid their world really is.

I nodded, a silent promise in my eyes as I met his gaze.

Me: Don't worry, Shiggy. I won't forget. This is just the beginning. And when it's all over, the heroes will be the ones left picking up the pieces—if there's anything left to pick up at all.

UA didn't know it yet, but they'd just let a viper into their nest. 

And I couldn't wait to strike.