Midori the Queen

Stalemate

Author's Note:  Credit for artwork goes to Yanduri.chan on Instagram

"Invitations have been sent out to the other Yakuza clans, the wardrobe and decorations have been ordered and the officiator hired." Mimic told Overhaul as he crunched some numbers.

"Good, the wedding itself is a mandatory event, if any of the clans decline the invitation then they'll be the first on my list to go." Overhaul told him as he studied the shogi board in front of him.

"The event in question is scheduled two weeks away. Are you sure you want to have it so soon?" Chronos asked with some concern, his fingers fidgeting with the game piece he'd just captured.

"If it was possible to have it sooner, I would. We're finally making progress on the cure thanks to the finances Karma has secured us. Also Eri has been far more cooperative thanks to her presence. I want to seal the deal quickly, before she has a chance to change her mind." Overhaul shifted his gold piece forward stealing his opponent's piece.

"Point taken, but do you think the other clans will take her seriously?" Chronos pointed out frowning as his knight was taken. "Despite how she acts Karma is still just a kid. Young, inexperienced, and easily manipulated by her emotions."

"That kind of thinking is dangerous, Chronos." Overhaul warned. "The moment you start underestimating her is the moment you lose." To prove his point he promoted his knight, putting the king in check position. Chronos scowled and slumped back into his seat.

"Still..."

"All for One was considered the god of the underworld. The elders used to say the man was untouchable, that not even All Might could stop him. Now the supposed god is holed up in Tartarus all because he underestimated our tiny queen." Overhaul folded his hands together. "If the clans want to make that same mistake then let them. Karma will make an absolute fool out of them, and I'll be more than happy in sharing that glory with her."

"That's high praise coming from you, Boss." Mimic commented suddenly finishing up his paperwork. "Normally you see all these pieces as pawns to play... useful garbage you call them."

"That phrase may work for her minions, but not for Karma." He recalled the hard look he'd received from her upon their first speaking. "She's been made a tool of before, and is careful not to be used again. She's smart, observative, and tenacious. Her only weakness is her emotions which tend to shift depending on her mood. Endeavor made the mistake of angering her and look what became of him. We have to be careful not to do the same, or we could wind up being next on her kill list."

"You're scared of her?" Chronos questioned and immediately regretted it when Overhaul glared at him. "Sorry."

"I'm cautious of her, because All for One has made her too powerful. She may not have as much experience as some other villains, but she's still dangerous."

"Master Overhaul is right." Shin spoke up finally from the corner of the room, having observed and listened in on the discussion. "She took down Rappa and Tengai with nary a sweat, and she's gaining control and tact with the quirks she's only had for a few weeks. Her intelligence, her power, her tenacity and even her eagerness to fight and win are what make her such an opposing threat. You'll do well to remember that."

There was a knock on the door and Overhaul sat up straight to give a more intimidating presence.

"Come in."

"Sorry to intrude," Touya stepped in and bowed his head. The costume he was given was very reminiscent of what Karma had given him... the long trench was black but had fur in the hood like many of the other members. His belt had a gun holster along with pouches for several other equip items for emergencies. He also had a knife strapped to his calf, and last but not least the signature plague mask strapped over his mouth. "Our ride is waiting."