Hagakure sat on the worn couch in Aizawa's living room, her phone resting in her lap as she absently texted Aoyama. The hum of laughter echoed through the house as Eri and Kota ran in circles, giggling and calling out during their game of hide and seek. Despite the cheerful sounds, Hagakure's mind was clouded.

Aizawa had fallen asleep in his chair, his head tilted back in a rare moment of vulnerability. Miss Joke and Present Mic were in the kitchen, speaking in hushed tones as they sipped their coffee. The air felt heavy, as though everyone was waiting for something to happen.

Her phone buzzed with a reply from Aoyama: "On my way."

An Unsettling Arrival

The knock on the door came quickly, almost too quickly, as if Aoyama had been waiting nearby. Hagakure opened the door, her invisible hand reaching out to pull him inside before anyone else could see him.

"Toru," Aoyama greeted softly, his face pale and his usual flamboyant demeanor muted.

She stepped back, allowing him inside, but couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that something was off. His presence felt heavy, almost foreboding.

"You got here fast," she remarked, crossing her arms as she closed the door.

"I was... nearby," he said, his voice faltering.

Her eyes narrowed, though he couldn't see it. "Why were you nearby? Aoyama, what's going on?"

He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. "I've been trying to figure things out, just like you. I—I want to help."

The Heated Exchange

"Then tell me what you know," Hagakure demanded, stepping closer. "Aoyama, my friends are trapped in that hellish hotel. If you know something, you have to tell me."

Aoyama hesitated, wringing his hands. "Toru, it's not so simple. These... these kids, the ones who did this—they aren't just villains. Their quirks are unstable, uncontrollable. They're like time bombs waiting to go off."

Hagakure's voice rose. "And you're working with them? How could you side with people who are torturing our friends?"

Tears welled in Aoyama's eyes. "I didn't want this!" he cried. "They horrified me... they said they would bring "my uncle" back."

Hagakure froze, her invisible form trembling with anger. "Your uncle? Aoyama, do you remember how many people died during that war? You can't let those kids bring back someone like—"

"I know!" Aoyama shouted, cutting her off. His voice cracked as he began sobbing, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I know what I've done. I've betrayed everyone again. All For One never lets go, Toru. Even after everything, he's still in control."

The weight of his confession hit her like a punch. Her anger softened as she watched him crumble, his guilt consuming him.

A Painful Truth

Hagakure stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him. He clung to her desperately, his sobs muffled against her shoulder.

"It's not too late," she said softly, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "We can fix this, Aoyama. But you have to help me. You can't let All For One's successor win."

Aoyama pulled back, his tear-streaked face filled with fear and shame. "Toru, they're too powerful. The things they can do... it's like they're not even human anymore."

"That doesn't matter," she said firmly. "We'll figure it out. We've faced impossible odds before, and we've won. But you need to tell me everything you know."

He nodded slowly, wiping his eyes. "Okay. But you need to understand—this isn't just about trapping your friends. This is about something bigger. They're trying to bring him back."

"All For One?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aoyama shook his head. "Him and Someone worse. Someone even All For One feared. His true successor."

Evil Never Sleeps

Hagakure's blood ran cold as the words sank in. If Aoyama was telling the truth, they weren't just fighting to save their classmates—they were fighting to stop a catastrophe that could destroy everything.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her. "We'll stop them. But you have to trust me, Aoyama. No more lies."

He nodded again, his expression a mix of determination and dread. "I'll do what I can. But Toru... be careful. They're watching everything."

Hagakure tightened her grip on his shoulder, her invisible form almost vibrating with resolve. "Let them watch," she said. "They'll see exactly what happens when they mess with us."

As Aoyama's sobs quieted, a chilling realization settled over her. All For One may have been defeated, but his legacy was alive—and more dangerous than ever. Evil never truly slept. It simply waited for its moment to rise again.