Dark Ascension: Diablo Verde's Empire

Chapter 2: The Beginning Of His Empire

The streets of Musutafu were quiet under the cloak of night, but the city's undercurrent of crime was ever-present. Izuku Midoriya walked with purpose, flanked by his most trusted lieutenants, Shinso and Hatsume. They moved like shadows through the labyrinthine alleys, their destination a dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of the city. This would be the birthplace of their burgeoning empire.

The warehouse was a strategic choice. It was located far from prying eyes but close enough to key points of interest, such as the docks and the central business district. As they approached, Izuku gave a nod to the sentries he had placed around the perimeter, a new protocol that ensured their operations remained undetected.

Inside, the warehouse buzzed with activity. Recruits, both seasoned criminals and desperate individuals seeking purpose, worked diligently under the watchful eyes of Izuku's enforcers. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and oil, mingling with the metallic tang of machinery. This was not just a hideout—it was the heart of their operations, where plans were crafted and resources gathered.

Izuku surveyed the scene, his green eyes sharp and calculating. "Shinso, any word from our informants?" he asked, his voice low but commanding.

Shinso nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, boss. The shipment from the docks will be arriving in three days. Our contacts confirmed that it's heavily guarded, but they should be no match for our new gear."

"Good," Izuku replied, his mind already formulating a plan. "Mei, how are the preparations coming along?"

Mei Hatsume, her hair tied back and eyes gleaming with excitement, looked up from a workbench cluttered with gadgets. "We're almost ready. The EMP devices should neutralize their security systems, and our drones will provide real-time surveillance. Just give me the word, and we'll be ready to move."

Izuku nodded, satisfied with their progress. The heist at the docks was crucial—it would not only provide them with valuable resources but also send a clear message to the other gangs that they were a force to be reckoned with.

"Remember, precision is key," Izuku reminded them. "We strike fast and leave no traces. This is our first major operation, and we need to set the tone for how we conduct our business."

As his lieutenants returned to their tasks, Izuku allowed himself a moment of reflection. The warehouse symbolized more than just their base of operations; it was a testament to how far he had come. From a quirkless outcast to the leader of a rising criminal empire, his journey had been fraught with challenges and sacrifices. But each obstacle had only hardened his resolve.

The night of the heist arrived swiftly. The air was electric with anticipation as Izuku and his team gathered in the warehouse. Detailed maps of the docks were spread out on a table, and Mei gave a final briefing on the gadgets they would use. Shinso reviewed the intelligence reports, ensuring there were no last-minute surprises.

Izuku stood before his assembled crew, his presence commanding and reassuring. "This is it," he said, his voice carrying the weight of their shared determination. "We've planned for every contingency. Stick to your roles, trust each other, and we'll come out on top. Remember, this is just the beginning. Let's show this city what we're capable of."

With that, they moved out, each member slipping into the night with practiced ease. As they approached the docks, Izuku's mind was a whirl of strategies and contingencies. He trusted his team implicitly, but he knew that in their world, even the best-laid plans could go awry.

The docks were bustling with activity, cargo ships unloading their goods under the watchful eyes of armed guards. Izuku signaled his team to spread out, taking their positions as planned. Mei's drones hovered silently overhead, transmitting live footage to their handheld devices.