Welcome to the Multiverse! (Part 2)

News from Kurogiri

Just when I thought I could get a break.

We've barely settled back at the hideout, the aftermath of the USJ attack still buzzing in my head. I'm sitting in the bar area, mentally replaying the events—how I danced on that razor-thin edge between villainy and heroism. But there's no rest for the wicked, apparently. So I got back to the room I think was mine and closed it after me.....

Kurogiri appears out of nowhere, his usual dark and misty form quietly commanding attention.

Kurogiri: Usagi, there's something you must attend to.

Oh, great. What now?

My eyes narrow at him. Every time this guy shows up, it's never good news. And considering the day I've already had... yeah, I'm not exactly in the mood for more drama.

Kurogiri: All For One wishes to speak with you.

And just like that, my exhaustion levels spike.

Me: Of course, he does.

It's not like I could say no. All For One is kind of... well, the actual villain mastermind. The real deal. Not the one I'm pretending to be. And if he's calling, it's not just for small talk.

Great. 

As if leading a bunch of unpredictable lunatics wasn't enough.

Before I can say anything else, Toga skips into the room with her usual energy—except this time, there's a little edge to her tone.

Toga: Izuku! 

She twirls one of her knives between her fingers, grinning like she's back at the battle.

Me: Yay... that's... not creepy at all.

Dabi follows her in, his laid-back smirk as permanent as ever.

Dabi: You really went toe-to-toe with All Might, huh? Guess the old man still has some fight left in him.

He leans back against the wall, his arms crossed, watching me with a glint in his eyes.

Why does everyone seem so impressed? 

Seriously.

I sigh, letting my head drop into my hands.

Me: I was just trying not to get smashed into a wall. But sure, let's call it an epic battle.

Toga: But why didn't you let Nomu do it correctly?

She pouts, looking genuinely confused. 

Toga: You usually love making a mess of things! And that was your chance to really mess things up!

Dabi raises an eyebrow, clearly curious about my decision, too.

Dabi: Yeah, boss. You didn't go as hard as usual. What gives?

Here it comes—the fallout from USJ. I knew this would happen eventually. They've seen me fight before—or at least, seen the "Shigaraki" I'm pretending to be. And this version of me? Definitely not bloodthirsty enough for their liking.

Me: Let's just say... I've got my reasons.

I stand up, shrugging it off like I didn't just deliberately sabotage their entire plan to kill heroes.

Me: I had to make sure All Might didn't catch on too quickly. No point in showing our full hand just yet.

It's a weak excuse, but it'll buy me some time.

Toga's eyes narrow, but she shrugs it off with a giggle.

Toga: You're so mysterious, Izuku! I love it!

She twirls away, humming to herself, seemingly content with my vague explanation.

Dabi, on the other hand, isn't convinced. His gaze lingers on me, his smirk fading slightly.

Dabi: Whatever. As long as we get a second round any time soon.

Me: Yeah... sure. Whatever you say.

Before the conversation can get any more awkward, Kurogiri clears his throat—or does something that sounds like a throat clearing.

Kurogiri: Usagi, you shouldn't delay. All For One is waiting.

Me: Right. Because that's exactly what I need right now—another conversation with him.

I roll my eyes, pushing past the League members as I head toward the door. But deep down, I can't shake the feeling of dread. Talking to All For One is never simple. He knows things. Sees things. And right now, I can't afford for him to see through me.

Me: Wish me luck, guys. I'm gonna need it.

Dabi and Toga watch as I leave, their eyes still on me.

Dabi: Good luck with the boss, Usagi. Don't screw it up.

There's something sharp in his tone, and I know he's still suspicious. But for now? I'll take it. I've got bigger problems to deal with.

As I head toward the meeting with All For One, my mind's already racing. USJ didn't go as planned—not for them, anyway. But for me? I managed to pull it off without getting anyone killed. That's a win in my book.

But All For One? He's not going to be satisfied with that. And if he starts asking questions...

Me: Well, let's just say this conversation could get interesting.

The hallway stretches out in front of me, long and dimly lit, and I feel the weight of every step as I get closer to whatever twisted meeting All For One has in store.

Me: Maybe next time I can avoid getting dragged into villainous meetings... but then again, this is my life now. At least for the moment.