The Hero Killer

A murderous tension filled the room.

Kurogiri's mist shifted uneasily. "Sensei, we brought Stain here to help Tomura Shigaraki grow, but..."

From a dark monitor, a mechanical voice answered.

"Let it proceed. Giving him answers would be meaningless. Education requires that he figure it out for himself."

Stain moved. Steel flashed in the narrow room.

Blood spattered. In a single exchange, both Shigaraki and Kurogiri were wounded.

Stain licked blood from his blade. Their bodies froze.

Bloodcurdle.

His Quirk allowed him to paralyze a target by ingesting their blood. The duration depended on blood type, but even a short opening was enough for someone like him.

Stain's blade hovered near Shigaraki.

"You want to accomplish something? Then you need belief. Ideals. A reason. Those without conviction are destined to be swept away."

Shigaraki grimaced through the pain.

"Belief? I don't have anything that grand."

His fingers tightened around the edge of Stain's blade. Decay spread.

The blade crumbled into dust. Shigaraki's smile twisted.

"I want to kill the U.A. Sports Festival champion," he said, scratching at his neck. "Then I'll destroy the society that keeps praising him."

Stain paused. For the first time, interest entered his eyes.

"Yuto Kanzaki."

He had watched the Sports Festival.

He had seen the boy draw out Todoroki's full power, challenge Endeavor, and stand beneath public attention without flinching.

"On that point, perhaps our paths overlap," Stain said. "I'm interested in him as well. He seems to possess some of the qualities of a true hero."

His gaze sharpened. "I will judge him myself. If he is false, I will cut him down. If he is true, then I will acknowledge him."

Shigaraki scratched at his neck, irritated. "U.A. is protecting him too well. He is my target. Stay away from him."

"Our beliefs differ," Stain said, "but our paths lead to the same person. I can see him for myself, then decide whether to kill him, acknowledge him, or kill you afterward."

Shigaraki stared at him. "You still plan to kill me?"

Kurogiri's voice was strained. "Tomura Shigaraki, having him with us would make the League far stronger."

Stain lowered the ruined weapon. "Temporary cooperation, then. Until I judge Yuto Kanzaki."

Shigaraki's expression twisted into a smile.

"Fine. I have a plan. We will draw Yuto out. Tonight, we turn the city into a stage and destroy everything he tries to protect."

While that storm gathered, U.A. remained calm.

Class 1-A and Class 1-B met that evening for their planned get-together.

They had chosen a busy restaurant in Hosu City, public enough to feel safe for a class outing.

The city lights glowed around them as the students walked toward it together.

Ibara glanced at Yuto. "During the Sports Festival, the League of Villains claimed they would hunt the champion. Do you think that threat was real?" Yuto nodded. "Most likely."

Momo looked worried. "Since USJ, U.A. has tightened security around student information and movement. It should be difficult for them to act again."

Ochaco exhaled. "Good. I was worried. They attacked U.A. once already."

Kirishima grinned. "If they come, we fight them again."

Mineta looked ready to faint. "Can we not say that out loud?"

Monoma smiled. "If the League attacks again, Class 1-B can prove we are stronger than Class 1-A."

Kendo punched the back of his head.

"Today is a get-together, not a provocation contest."

Yuto smiled faintly. "It's fine." Then he stopped walking.

His eyes sharpened. On a rooftop ahead, black mist gathered.

Yuto knew that mist. Kurogiri.

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