Golden Ashes

Chapter 14

"Will you tell me what you're planning at least?" I raise an eyebrow.

"I'm planning on interrupting the heroes while they're at their training camp. It's the perfect opportunity."

I look at Shigaraki from the corner of my eye. "You're kidding?"

He shakes his head. "No, we need more members."

"But someone enrolled at UA? How do you think that makes sense? They are all studying to be heroes."

"Not all of them. But there's only one specific one I want. He's got the right temperament."

"Yet you won't tell me who it is." I cross my arms.

"You don't need to know who it is." He sets his head in his hand.

"You're so-" The noise of the door opening makes me lean back, looking past Shigaraki at the bar.

Kurogiri walks through the door. "Do you really think it will be alright with just them?"

Shigaraki doesn't move, he keeps his head resting on his hand. "Yeah." He answers as if I just disappeared.

I give him a confused look, although he can't see it.

He holds up a paper. "It's not time for me to make my appearance yet. The game's changed...."

I think this is the first time I've actually been around for him to talk about his plans to the other members.

He continues. "You see, before I was playing it like an rpg. We had our equipment prepared, but we tried to fight the final boss at level one. But really, I should have played it like a sim. As the player, I should manage what I can using what pawns I have available to take down those who are up on high." He lowers his hand, something shifting in his mood.

I stretch my arm out to rest my hand on his shoulder but he ignores it.

"For that reason, first I need to make a crack in the superhuman society. It doesn't matter whether the first strike team succeeds or fails. Their very action is already a blow to the heroes." He pauses.

"So in other words, they're just sacrificial pawns...?" Kurogiri walks towards us.

I drop my hand quickly.

Shigaraki throws his hand back, almost hitting me. "Don't be ridiculous! Do I look that heartless to you? Those guys, their strength is the real deal. We may all have our differences, but they can be counted on. In this society-" He holds the picture up again. "Which has shackled us with its rules.... You and I aren't the only ones oppressed."

Great, I think. He acts as if I don't exist...

"I want them to succeed."

Whatever else he says, I don't hear it. I get up and walk out, annoyed. I catch a glimpse of the picture before I leave, though.

Bakugo, chained up at the sports festival. So that's who he wants.