Can We Be Heroes?

Chapter. 56 Tides Change.

Kurogiri phased in first, his misty form reforming behind the counter. "We're back," he said calmly, though even his voice carried a rare edge of unease. No one really cared as the villains went back to whatever they were doing without a care in the world.

A second later, Shigaraki stumbled through the portal, half-limping, half-pacing. His breathing was sharp, uneven, like every inhale grated against his ribs. His hands-what was left of them-twitched at his sides.

"Stupid-" he hissed, digging his fingers into his neck until they tore skin. "Stupid brat!"

Blood streaked down his collarbone, and he didn't seem to care. He kept scratching, harder, faster, until Kurogiri finally stepped forward.

"Tomura," he warned.

Shigaraki whirled on him, eyes wild and bloodshot. "Don't you Tomura me! That little freak-he smiled."

Kurogiri's mist flickered slightly. "Smiled?"

"He smiled while I broke him!" Shigaraki's voice cracked, both furious and bewildered. "You saw it! I touched his shoulder-decayed it-and the bastard looked me dead in the eye and grinned! Like it didn't matter-like he was mocking me!"

He slammed his palm down on the counter, disintegrated the wood. His hands were trembling from the pure rage bubbling inside him.

"Who does that? Who laughs while I tear them apart?!" His words came out sharp and broken, his chest heaving with every breath. "That's not normal, Kurogiri! That's-"

"Defiance," Kurogiri finished quietly.

Shigaraki froze mid-step.

The mist swirled slightly. "He's not fearless, Tomura. He's broken. There's a difference. People like that... they don't feel fear the way others do."

Shigaraki's jaw clenched, his body shaking. "He should've."

"Perhaps," Kurogiri murmured. "But maybe that's exactly why the master is interested in him. Those kind of people have potential for great darkness."

Shigaraki spun toward the dark hallway leading to the back room-the place where monitors flickered and the faint mechanical hum of life support echoed behind steel doors.

"The master wants him because he's useful," he growled. "But if he smiles at me again-"

His fingers twitched dangerously. "-I'll erase that grin right off his face."

The mist stirred again, calm and unbothered. "You will do what the master instructs," Kurogiri said softly. "And right now, he wants the boy alive."

Shigaraki said nothing. His nails dug into his skin again, scraping across the open wounds he'd already made. Blood smeared down his jawline, but he didn't stop.

Then, slowly, his lips curled into a grin that was nothing short of unhinged.

"Fine," he rasped. "Alive. For now."

He turned away, heading for his usual seat at the center of the bar. The light from the television flickered over his face, illuminating the madness behind his crimson eyes.

Kurogiri watched quietly as the young villain slumped into his chair, muttering under his breath like a broken record.

"Smiling while I hurt him... He'll learn what real pain is soon enough."

The mist sighed softly, almost regretful, before turning toward the shadows that led deeper into the bar.

Because somewhere in the darkness beyond, an unseen voice rasped through the hum of machines. "Bring him to me, Tomura. The son of All Might... is far too interesting to destroy just yet. His power will prove very useful to us."