Chapter 64 – One for All. All for One II
«This Quirk is called “All For One”.»
The introduction of the original Quirk seemed to drop the temperature in the rec room by a few degrees. Melissa wore a worried yet attentive expression, while a stoic Izuku was already cataloguing every piece of information revealed.
«This Quirk primarily allows the user to “steal” other people's Quirks, while at the same time allowing them to bestow them.»
Steal… bestow…!!! Wait a second…
«Tronus!» Izuku cursed.
«Midoriya-san?» Melissa asked, confused.
«The bastard who possesses this All For One is behind the creation of the Nomus, isn't he, Yagi-dono?»
The statement froze Melissa in her tracks as she realised the gravity of the discussion. Toshinori was surprised, though not terribly so, given that Izuku had repeatedly demonstrated excellent logic and intellectual abilities even with very little information at his disposal. What he had just revealed to Izuku, in the end, was nothing more than an additional piece of the puzzle regarding the nature of the Nomus, which they had discussed just a week prior.
Ultimately, Toshinori's silence and his serious gaze were enough as a positive answer to his question.
«…It all began when Quirks first started to appear.» Toshinori resumed, taking it from the top. «The process was as rapid as it was drastic, and society was unable to adapt quickly to these changes. The concept of “human” was called into question more and more, and laws began to lose their meaning, bringing about an era of decline.»
The story continued from there. Apparently, amid all that chaos, a man emerged who managed to bring about a degree of stability and lift society back up. He stole people's Quirks, and as a result, many began to follow him. Intoxicated by that power, he fomented conspiracies and manipulation, eventually coming to rule all of Japan like a tyrant.
«Let me guess, Yagi-dono.» Izuku chimed in. «Not only did this guy manage to remain hidden from the history books, but his ability to bestow Quirks is what allowed him to gather followers so quickly. Am I right?»
«Exactly, but there's a problem.» Toshinori replied. «Not everyone can handle more than one Quirk, and those who couldn't literally became mindless puppets.»
«And that's where the Nomus come in. Beings capable of using two or more Quirks.» Izuku stated with disgust. «However, if there were people who could handle another Quirk in addition to their own...»
«The Quirks merge with one another, evolving.» Toshinori concluded. «That man had a younger brother—Quirkless, frail, but with a strong sense of justice. The younger brother disapproved of the elder's actions, sparking deep hatred towards the elder brother. One day, however, perhaps out of pity or because it was part of his plans, the elder brother granted him a Quirk capable of stockpiling raw energy.»
«It can't be...» Melissa whispered, reaching the same conclusion Izuku had just formulated in his own mind.
«Yeah. The younger brother wasn't Quirkless. He possessed one that he managed to keep secret until the end: the ability to pass his own Quirk down to others.» Toshinori said, spreading his arms. «The two Quirks fused, and from their union, One For All was born.»
The statement hit Melissa like a bombshell, but unlike his fellow pupil, it didn't rattle Izuku's composure. He continued to catalogue and process the information he had gathered, reaching logical conclusions that shed light on many of the choices Toshinori and the select few aware of One For All had made.
This really is a tough nut to crack, Izuku thought, annoyed. I already had my hands full with the intrigues of the Imperial Palace and the shadow war fought against the various cults that popped up and hid across Terra like mushrooms. But this is literally a war against tyranny.
«Isn't it ironic?» Toshinori said with a defeated chuckle. «Justice is always born from evil.»
«Still, Uncle Might, there's one thing I don't understand.» Melissa said, pulling herself together. «Why tell us this old story now?»
«Because this war isn't over yet.» Izuku answered, drawing both of their attention. «Think about it carefully, Shield-san. If this guy can steal Quirks, do you really think he doesn't also possess one or more Quirks that, combined, grant him eternal youth?»
«Indeed. Aware of his own weakness, the younger brother did the only thing he could do: pass One For All down to future generations, hoping that one of his successors might defeat the symbol of evil represented by his elder brother.» Toshinori stated. «In the end, I was the one who defeated him. Or so I thought.»
«If he's still alive and he's the mastermind behind the creation of the Nomus, it's not a stretch to conclude that he's the one leading the League of Villains.» Izuku remarked, rubbing his chin.
«After everything that's happened and our discussions, that was my same conclusion.» Toshinori said, before looking his adopted niece in the eyes. «Melissa, One For All was passed down for the sole purpose of defeating All For One. As a result, there's an extremely high chance you'll find yourself face-to-face with him. And that worries me-»
«I'll do my best!» Melissa exclaimed, her expression frightened but her eyes filled with determination. «I'll train even harder; I'll master One For All and Conservai. I'll learn Rendax too, and together with you and your guidance, Uncle Might, we'll beat him once and for all!»
The declaration caught not only Toshinori off guard, but Izuku as well.
He indeed promised to teach her those two Ka'tha, but her statement, as full of optimism and determination as it is, is also incredibly foolish, if not downright reckless.
By the Emperor and the Throne! We're not talking about a battle in the distant future, but a fight that could happen as soon as tomorrow. Izuku thought, worried Even if she has a talent for using Conservai, Rendax relies more on physical fundamentals, but it's still mentally exhausting and, as I've already said, it's not something she can learn overnight...
Izuku snapped out of his train of thought when he noticed Toshinori's surprised expression shift into one of deep contemplation—a reflection heavy with concern, as if he wanted to say something as crucial as it was grave.
«...Thank you, Melissa.» Toshinori said after a moment.
Even though he didn't voice what was truly troubling him, Izuku didn't need words to understand it, and he certainly wasn't going to be the one to break that harsh truth to Melissa: All Might's time was running out, and he couldn't guarantee he would be by her side when this new battle arrived.
*****
That conversation with Toshinori was a clear wake-up call for Izuku. He couldn't afford to waste any more time; he had to act as soon as possible.
«Izuku-niisan!» Eri called out upon seeing him arrive, running up to meet him.
«Eri.» Izuku replied with a faint smile, kneeling and picking her up in his arms. «Have you been a good girl? Did you listen to Mom Inko?»
«Mm-hmm.» Eri affirmed with a smile, nodding vigorously.
«Welcome back, Izuku.» Inko greeted him.
«I'm home, Mom.»
«Dinner will be ready soon, so go ahead and change.» Inko said, drying her hands. «Tonight's dinner is special: Eri helped me make it.»
«Hehe~» Eri giggled bashfully.
Izuku maintained his gentle smile, genuinely pleased with the little girl's modest progress, though he could still spot plenty of hesitation and fear in her eyes. The mere fact that Eri managed to open up a bit more to her adoptive mother, small as it was, was something to be praised and appreciated. But right now, it wasn't something he could dwell on.
«Eri, let Izuku-niisan go change while you start setting the table for all three of us. How about that?»
«...Um.»
The timid response, paired with a disappointed expression at no longer being held by Izuku, was enough to make Inko's heart skip a beat from pure cuteness. Izuku chuckled, amused, as he set the girl down. She headed towards the dining room after glancing back at Izuku for a few more seconds.
«Is something wrong, Izuku?» Inko asked, having now recovered from Eri's cuteness overload. «You have a terribly serious look on your face.»
«It's nothing, Mom.» Izuku said, shaking his head. «I was just thinking about quickly finishing up and selling those paintings I've been working on to lighten our expenses a bit.»
«That's very thoughtful of you, Izuku.» Inko said, her expression turning complex. «But there's no need for you to go that far. Besides, how do you know if anyone will buy them?»
«You don't need to worry about that, Mom. A “friend” of mine gave me the name of an art dealer who is always willing to appraise and sell works by emerging and unknown artists.» Izuku reassured her. «Plus, we could take advantage of it to go buy some clothes for the little Eri.»
«Oh! Now that is a wonderful idea.» Inko said with a warm smile. «Go change now and join us.»
Izuku nodded and headed towards his room. Once inside, he shifted his gaze to the canvas he had been working on that morning, which was covered by a white sheet. Izuku uncovered it and looked at the piece, incomplete as it was. He took a deep breath, his gaze sharpening.
The "Eyes" must be opened as soon as possible. Time is not on my side.