The Hunter Amongst Villains

Chapter 24: Those not saved

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGHHHH!"

Within the underground bar in Tatooine, Shigaraki Tomura was throwing everything around. He picked up the chairs and tossed them aside, disintegrating some of the wooden stools while smashing the rest repeatedly into the floor.

Tomura Shigaraki was in a state of rage and confusion.

The first came from the fact that Garou managed to steal enough of a head start that most of the potential assets came to his side.

His middle man, Giren, even started to do business with Garou, gleefully mentioning that the profits for the Union were soaring higher than ever due to the number of followers at Garou's disposal. Garou was even offering them better tools to produce equipment for his army.

HIS ARMY!

An army that he should've ruled himself.

Kurogiri watched as Tomura heaved, hyperventilating all of his bloodshot anger.

"Shigaraki Tomura. Do you believe it is time to plan your course of action?"

"...Kurogiri," Tomura called out with a sudden, eerie calm. "Do you know what I hate the most about Garou?"

Kurogiri remained silent.

"...That I cannot hate him. I have to give him points for that. He has... style. No wonder why he is way ahead of the curve. Damn it."

Even Tomura laughed at the sight of All Might's reaction to the critical hit. It was unoriginal but a very fun catharsis. Tomura needed to find a way to surpass that stunt to surpass the ruler of Hosu.

"...I learned a good lesson today. Still pissed off seeing the difference between us."

Kurogiri admired Tomura's acceptance of the vast level of difference between him and Garou.

The lesson was the difference between a beast that could only wield violence and a man who knew how to make the best of everything. Murder was not the only path toward greatness.

"Shigaraki Tomura." Kurogiri spoke.

"I need more time to find my pace. I can't have Garou continue like this while I'm this far behind. Sensei."

Tomura turned towards the screen.

"Lend me your strength."

All For One pondered from behind the screen.

He couldn't remember the last time he was this excited to see how the world would change with Garou's unpredictable actions.

The rapid change from a ravenous beast that thirsts for violence, possessing so much power than it knew what to do with, evolved into a ruler, a lord, was something he could never predict. No one knew how Garou thought behind the scenes.

[Shiguraki Tomura. I plan to make contact with this Garou myself. He is no longer someone that I can ignore. However, no matter the man, no one is perfect in the beginning. Take it from someone with experience spreading his roots. The Hero Hunter's ways... are unappealing to those that prefer the darkness.]

In short, there was a chance for discontented followers to look away from the Hero Hunter. Many still would see him fall and be punished for his evil against them.

"Hmmm... I am working on that, Sensei. But we didn't expect him to recruit an army this fast. And he has a base now."

[Ahhhh, but there is an opportunity there.]

Tomura silently contemplated.

"Ah. The arena..." Tomura remembered. "Yes... I get it. The secret final boss of bosses is arrogant. Alright, I got it. But I still need your strength just in case."