Chapter Text
Naomasa is already home when they arrive. He meets them in the front entryway as soon as he hears the key in the lock. The look on his face is one for worry and concern. One Shouta can definitely relate to.
Shouta made sure to tell his husband about where he was going and why before he went in case things went south. Unfortunately that does give more fuel to the burning fire of anxiety over all of their safety.
“So let me get this straight. All for One is alive, and targeting our sons, who were rescued by his protege who is somehow no also evil and Stephan is secretly in league with him while also being on our side. Did I get that right?” Naomasa asks after hearing the retelling.
He had sat quietly at the table as they all explained everything to him at length.
Shouta nods. “That's the gist of it yeah.”
“You don’t seem very surprised to hear the boogieman of the underworld is real Papa.” Izuku points out.
Naomasa and Shouta exchange a long look, before Shouta nods and Nao sighs.
“That’s because I’ve worked on a classified case regarding him in the past.” Naomasa tells
them.
Izuku straightens, “With All Might?” he asks, the name clearly sitting bitter on his tongue.
Naomasa chuckles lightly at Izuku instantly catching on, “Yes Izu, with All Might. All Might is sworn enemies with All for One, so has been secretly hunting the man down for years. Six years ago they had a showdown. All Might was victorious, supposedly killing All for One, however they never found a body. And if you don’t find a body-“
“They’re not really dead.” Hitoshi finishes for him.
Naomasa smiles, “Correct. However All Might refused to listen to reason, and called it a case closed, so the search was ended. I’ve never agreed with the decision.”
“Is that why you always get so worked up when the same thing happens in the shows and movies we watch?” Izuku asks.
Naomasa jolts at the accusation.
Shouta laughs, “See, I told you they’d notice sooner or later.” he teases his husband.
Shouta and Izuku head to the office to call Nedzu together. The rat is probably already waiting for them to call him.
“Good evening Shouta and Izuku. How wonderful that you called me.” Answers Nedzu’s cheery voice.
“Hello Nedzu, it’s been quite an eventful day, and it needs to be discussed immediately.” Shouta replies.
“I see, would this happen to be about the new friend you made today?” Nedzu asks.
Izuku giggles, “Sensei, have you been meddling?” he asks, teasingly.
Shouta isn’t sure how he feels about his son being on teasing terms with the rat.
Nedzu chuckles in turn, “Of course not, simply observing, as you know I love to do.” he replies.
“My sons are targets of All for One, I see nothing amusing about this. Seeing as you are indirectly responsible.” Shouta accuses.
Nedzu is quiet for a moment.
“Shouta-kun. You seem to be under the impression I intentionally endangered Izuku by spreading his analysis. Please, perish the thought. I had no such intention, it was an oversight I must unfortunately admit. One for which I apologize to you and your family for. Rest assured I will do everything in my power to remedy it.”
Shouta stiffens. Nedzu never apologizes. He may admit a mistake, but he’d never apologize for it. Shouta has heard him apologize sincerely exactly twice. The first, was for Oboro’s death. The second was when Shouta was having a breakdown in his office after narrowly escaping All for One with his life. He apologized for enlarging the target on his back by making him his personal student, and promised him he would protect him at all costs. This would eventually lead to Shouta being one of the most well informed heroes in Japan while simultaneously being unheard of. Nedzu certainly delivered on his promise.
"So what are we going to do about it?" Shouta asks, echoing the question he used when he was in this situation all those years ago. He's sure the irony is not lost on Nedzu.
"We are all going to meet tomorrow morning. Bring your family. This is something to involve everyone in. Stephan's presence is required as well, but I will handle that. I will also have Hawks show up. I shall plan tonight, and we will finalize tomorrow." Nedzu explains to them. "And Izuku-kun?"
Izuku perks up, "Yes Sensei?"
"I suggest you brush up on The Plan. And make any notes or additions that you think would be applicable to this situation." Nedzu suggests.
Izuku nods, despite Nedzu not being about to see him, "We'll be sure to!"
He said we, so all the alters. Which means Izuku will be spending a lot of time in his nook tonight.
"Wonderful! I will see you all tomorrow then! Good night!" Nedzu says in conclusion.
Then he hangs up before either of them can respond.
Izuku looks at Shouta, "Don't worry dad, we have a plan." He assures him.
That just makes Shouta worry for a completely different set of reasons.
Thankfully, Shouta has the night off. He doesn't need to worry about being able to focus on his job while stressing about everything that happened today. That said, Nao had to go into the station for his own night shift, which leaves Shouta in an empty to ponder things.
Shouta trusts Nedzu, he does. But his sons catching the attention of All for One is bringing back memories from when the same thing happened to Shouta when he had first gone solo as an underground hero.
He still vividly remembers that night. It was a night of many revelations and when his career took a drastic nose dive in intensity.
Shouta's head was spinning. Partially due to the blood loss, and partially due to shock. Mainly due to shock. He really did think he was going to die tonight. He's struggling to calm his breathing. His capture weapon feels like it strangling him; but taking it off brings rise to a whole new level of instinctual panic at being unarmed.
"Shouta-kun. Shouta-kun you need to breathe." a familiar voice coaches. Shouta tries to listen, really he does. But it's still more than he can manage. His breathing stutters in his chest and he continues to spiral.
He can hear voices, hushed tones above where he is curled up against the wall. His grip tightens around his knife when steps approach. Yet they don't stop. Shouta relaxes ever so slightly upon realizing that gait is not that of a human.
Something soft brushes his hand, moving it away from his core. Before he can panic a weight drops into his lap.
Shouta freezes, breath halting for a moment in surprise. The weight is grounding. He feels it. Soft too. He focuses his whole being on the sensation of brushing his free hand over the soft material. Fur his mind supplies.
Gradually his breathing slows, his tunnel vision clears. His heart stops pounding and his instincts settle.
"Are you lucid now Shouta?" the voice asks. Nedzu, that's Nedzu's voice.
Shouta nods, swallowing roughly.
Nedzu gives a hum of approval and stands up.
"Now then, first off, Chiyo is going to tend your wounds. You're quite beat up and don't need to lose anymore blood." The rat tells him.
That when Shouta takes notice of Recovery Girl standing off to the side, observing quietly.
Taking Nedzu's words as her cue, she makes her way over to Shouta.
"Might as well take off what you can dear," she tells him, "That uniform is no doubt ruined and will only get in the way at this point."
Shouta nods, shakily standing to do so. He's long since lost his sense of modesty around these two after all the times he's shown up needing medical attention. Nedzu keeps spare clothes for him in his office anyhow.
Chiyo leads him over to the chair in the corner meant for just this.
As she sets to work, Shouta turns his attention to Nedzu.
"I thought I was going to die." Is the first thing he says. So much for his usual logical thinking.
Nedzu hums, "No, I fear he had no intention of killing you. He wanted you alive, if only just barely."
He? What?
"Sensei...do you know who that was." Shouta asks.
"I don't know who it was you fought, but I know who sent him. His name is All for One."
Shouta flinches, "The Boogie Man? He's just a legend."
Nedzu shakes his head, "No, he isn't. That's just what he wants the underworld to think."
"You would know wouldn't you Nedzu." Chiyo accuses.
This time Nedzu flinches.
"You owe this boy the full story, after all he is involved now. He needs to know." She urges, never taking her eyes off the deep gash she was stitching up. Shouta barely feels it, adrenaline still coursing through his veins even now.
"I need to apologize Shouta. I fear I have gotten you tangled up in a terrible mess." Nedzu tells him.
"What do you mean Sensei? Does this have to do with All for One?" Shouta asks.
"His name is Shigaraki Hisashi. Better known as All for One. He has been a powerful figure in the underworld since the Quirk Wars. He was also the one who freed me from the lab I was being experimented on.
"I was grateful to him, indebted even. He was the first human to treat me like a person and not a science experiment. So when he asked me to join him I did so without question. I didn't care that he was a villain, it's not like the heroes ever did anything for me.
"I was naive. New to the world of humans and its complex politics. I did what he asked without question. Then, I started to get skeptical. So I did a bit of digging on my own. And I learned much, too much. First off, the lab he 'rescued' me from was one of his own. He simply saw my progress and deemed me a success. Second I learned of all the other atrocities he had and was committing. And I decided he had to be stopped. Suddenly humans were just like me, left to suffer under his influence and machinations.
"I reached out to the heroes, and eventually found someone who would take me seriously. Decided to take their side instead. All for One and I have been feuding ever since." Nedzu finishes.
By this time, Chiyo has finished tending to Shouta and is listening with a pained expression.
"And what does this have to do with me?" Shouta asks slowly, head spinning.
"It would seem you've gained his attention. Be it for your quirk or otherwise. He must also know that you are my protege. He sees you as something I have over him. As a challenge. And has broken our long stalemate over it."
Shouta feels faint. He's really in deep shit now. But something simmers in his chest. Pride. The Boogieman of the Underworld sees Shouta as enough of a threat to go back to war with Nedzu.
"So what are we going to do about it? Shouta asks.
Nedzu's grin is nothing short of feral and is laugh is maniacal.
"We, are going to turn you into a hero like nothing he has ever seen before. He sees you as a threat, we're going to give him a reason to.
The next morning is a quiet one. The meeting with Nedzu no doubt weighing on not only Shouta's mind, but the rest of his families. Nao offers to drive, which Shouta is thankful for. He'll need the drive there to get his thoughts in order. Its far to early for life changing conversations.
Stephan is already there when they arrive. Beside him sits Erin, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to Shouta.
“Greetings Eraserhead. It's been a while.” she greets him.
He nods, “Hello Truth, it’s good to see you.”
And honestly it is. Shouta is glad she’s here. Erin is intelligent and cunning beyond measure, and as another of Nedzu’s proteges she is almost as well informed as Shouta. How she has avoided catching All for One's attention is beyond him.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here.” She says, “I’m simultaneously acting as Stephan’s back up and Nedzu’s second opinion.” She tells him.
Looking at Stephan, he needs it. While still very much composed, Shouta can tell he is struggling under the seer pressure and presence Nedzu is exuding right now.
Naomasa and Hitoshi seem to be unsettled as well. And Izuku… well if Shouta didn’t know any better, and he does, he’d say Izuku is oblivious to Nedzu’s intense aura with how content he looks. But in reality, Nedzu makes Izuku feel safe, so it is only logical that he would be most relaxed when Nedzu is exerting his power.
Once everyone is seated, Nedzu looks from person to person. "We're just waiting on one more." He says.
Then the door swings open to reveal Hawks, a look of all business on his face.
"Good, I made it on time. Hello everyone." Hawks greets.
He takes a seat in the last available spot.
This Hawks is a completely different man from the carefree one that hangs out with Izuku and Hitoshi.
Shouta glances at Izuku and notes that his expression, has changed.
No, a closer look at the toxic green eyes tells him Variant is fronting.
Shouta composes himself for what will no doubt be an intense conversation.
Nedzu sits in his chair and looks over the people in the room. Everyone here has something key to contribute. Even the children do. And while Nedzu would normally hesitate to use children in his plans he knows these boys have long since lost that childhood innocence that would normally need to be protected. And with Hisashi on their tail, steps must be taken to protect his newest generation of personal students. He hasn't lost one yet, and he doesn't plan to. Nedzu has been at odds with Hisashi for decades and he doesn't intend to lose now. Not when he is this close to handling the Commission. The addition of Hawks into their fold was definitely unexpected, but certainly welcome. His unique knowledge and perspective of the HPSC will be instrumental to The Plan.
Speaking of, he wonders what additions and changes Izuku and his system have brought with them this morning. The system is truly remarkable especially considering all that they have been through. But on account of just that, working long term and in close contact with the heroes was simply never feasible. And they knew that all along. And despite his hesitation, Nedzu knows that Shouta has always known this fact too. It still pains Nedzu to see Shouta have to face bringing his sons into the underworld he knows so well. Shouta knows just how dangerous it can be. But he is also one of the most qualified to keep them safe.
"Everyone is here then, wonderful." Nedzu chirps, pressing his paws together.
It took quite a bit of work and study to adopt common human mannerisms. Despite this, Nedzu has found the task to be more than worth the effort. It is truly amazing what body language, posture and gestures can do to set the tone and flow of a human conversation. He does find it rather ironic that the human expression of happiness and openness is a 'smile'. It was one of the first things Nedzu had to master. Smiling without baring his teeth. The fact that what is considered baring teeth to the rest of species is such common place in human society shows how deceptive and underhanded humans can be.
"You all know why we are here. I have made sure to catch Hawks up to speed as well." Nedzu continues.
"Do you have a plan then Nedzu?" Naomasa asks him.
Nedzu grins, "In a way, yes. It's very multifaceted though. And serves more than one end."
Naomasa looks quite exasperated but unsurprised and unfazed. The man has adapted to Nedzu's way of doing things quite impressively over the years of being in a relationship with Shouta.
"The primary issue here is that All for One has taken interest in the boys. While it is a problem and definitely a threat to their safety it can be used to our advantage, in completely different ways for the two of them that is." Nedzu tells them.
"Let's start with the easy one. Hitoshi, while it was meant to be a surprise, you were accepted as a recommendation student. Your task is to familiarize yourself with underground heroics to be come as instrumental as possible. To that end you will not only be attending UA as a hero student but I will also sign off on an apprenticeship under Eraserhead. It's going to be a lot at once but I know you can handle it." Nedzu explains.
Hitoshi looks startled, but determined.
"Nedzu, what purpose does an apprenticeship serve at his age?" Shouta asks.
"It means he can have higher clearances and better access to more intel on account of being under your direct supervision. This will be crucial." Nedzu tells him.
Realization dawns on Shouta's face, along with a look of fear, a rare emotion to see from his normally stoic student.
"So that much of The Plan hasn't changed then." Variant confirms.
And how excited Nedzu is that Variant has decided to join them. The alter take a lot of convincing to come out and talk to Nedzu, but the chimera has noticed he takes The Plan especially seriously.
Nedzu shakes his head, "No that has not. Your role however has had to be altered."
Variant scoffs, "I'll say. So much for starting as a heroics analyst. Straight to the underworld we go."
Everyone startles at this.
"Wait you don't mean-" Naomasa starts.
"They do Nao. Might as well accept it." Shouta cuts him off, sounding resigned.
The man in question does not look like he's about to do anything of the sort.
"Nedzu and I talked about it, " Erin begins, "And we think it best Variant, and now Break, start work in the underworld as an informant and analyst. We all know taking formal work in the hero industry with their background simply wouldn't work. The commission would flip shit. And so far we have managed to avoid their involvement in Izuku's situation as a whole." She tells them.
Naomasa deflates, clearly having realized this as well. After all, he's no stranger to either parts of society. He is one of the few with a foot in both that is not a hero. A fact that does serve them well on many accounts.
Naomasa has become the unofficial point of contact between the police and Nedzu. Something the man is excellent at. He has certainly impressed Nedzu many times over the years.
"So let me get this straight, you want him to go work with this Shigaraki character?" Shouta asks.
Erin shakes her head. "Not exactly. He needs to be prepared logistically for that level of involvement and commitment. And he needs to learn how to properly defend himself should things go south."
"Oi!" Variant protests, clearly offended by the doubt in his ability to keep Izuku safe. Unfortunately, she is correct. None of the system have any formal combat training.
"That's where Steve and I come in. First off, Stephan is going to help train Variant and Break in combat and self defense." Erin continues.
"And why aren't I training my own son?" Shouta demands.
"No offense Eraserhead, but you fight and think like a hero. A morally grey hero, but still a hero. Variant and Break need to know how to fight dirty and lethally. You will also have your hands full with training and preparing Hitoshi for his role in all this." Stephan explains.
Shouta sighs, "I hate that you are correct. But if you get my son killed I will kill you without hesitation."
Stephan nods, "I am well aware. And I don't plan to. I've survived this long as a Quirkless haven't I?"
Stephan learned to fight in the back alleys and underground fighting rings of the United States. If anyone can teach the system how to handle themselves in the underworld when they don't have a quirk it's him.
"You have, but you're going to have work to regain some lost trust as a result of yesterday." Shouta tells him.
Stephan stiffens, but nods acceptingly nonetheless.
"While he's training, Nedzu and I will help him establish a remote network and something of a reputation. We're aiming for a strictly neutral stance. Nedzu will handle the heroes and I will handle the underworld. If he takes sides he risks provoking either All for One or the heroes we don't have influence over." Erin explains.
Ah yes, limelight heroes are such a pain at times. But they are a variable that Nedzu has long since learned to work around. After all they are so very predicable.
"So once he's prepared then what? What all are you expecting my son to do?" Naomasa asks, sounding worked up. He is very protective of his family, but Nedzu has no intention of sending Izuku into something that he can't handle. His protege will be more than capable of handing this and more in due time.
"He'll start working with Shigaraki. Stephan will be there of course to be his back up." Erin tells him.
"As for Shigaraki's request for Eraserhead to sponsor the bar and neutral space, we've decided that would, to put it simply, start a war between All for One and myself." Nedzu begins, "However I am interested to see how this plays out. The idea has potential, and from what I know of Shigaraki, he is genuine in his desire for change. My understanding is he isn't privy to the full story between myself and All for One, and by extension, between All for One and Eraserhead. That said, offering Shouta's or my own direct assistance is simply not feasible."
"So I will offer mine instead." Erin finishes for him, "My connection to Nedzu is a lot less conspicuous. I definitely lean much heavier into the criminal side of the underworld than you do Eraserhead."
And she's right. She is definitely Nedzu's shadow operative while Shouta is his main chess piece. With the focus on him, All for One has taken little notice of Erin. Although that may change once Erin starts working with Shigiraki. Nedzu will address that problem as it arises. Hisashi doesn't seem to be keeping a very tight leash on his protege if the young man went to Eraserhead of all people for support. It is quite baffling and Nedzu doesn't like not know what to expect from the fossil.
"While Izuku is being prepared for his role in The Plan, Shigaraki and I will have to work on getting the bar some notoriety and traction. It's going to have to become our own hotbed of activity if we want to keep informed." Stephan says, "No offense to you heroes, but there somethings citizens of the underworld simply won't tell a hero, no matter how morally grey they are."
Shouta chuckles, "We are well aware. That why this bar idea has a surprising amount of potential. However it would seem most of us have yet to be caught up to speed on the rest of 'The Plan'." He adds, sending a glare Nedzu's way.
Nedzu gives him a feral grin, "All in due time Shouta-kun. Izuku and I still have much to finalize before the rest of you need to be properly briefed."
Shouta gives him a less than impressed look, but doesn't argue.
"Is there anything else that needs to be covered Sensei?" Variant asks.
Nedzu thinks a moment. That should be all that is of immediate concern. Much of this course of action will have to be further fleshed out as things play out on their own.
"I believe that is all." Nedzu tells the room. "While this is all a lot to take in, we do need to remember we have the start of the new school year coming up. I suggest you all turn your attention to that for the time being." He advises.
Nods circulate the room along with a few tired sighs (Shouta and Hawks) and excited jittering (Izuku and Hitoshi).
Yes, Nedzu think to himself, things are about to get very, very, interesting.