MHA: Dark Matter

"Mei, you're not going to do this."

"Already doing it."

"What do you mean, already dooooing it...?"

I shouted loudly, clenching the controls tightly, and shot into the air thanks to the jetpack strapped to my back. Technically, this was supposed to be a test flight, but my slightly nervous reaction had solid reasons. First, I had no part in this particular gadget's development. This was a joint project between Mei and Melissa, with the latter responsible for the software and flight control system. I just hoped it helped her take her mind off the I-Island events and the media's relentless attention. But back to the reasons for my nerves.

I had an obsessive habit of checking EVERY piece of equipment before using it. And Hatsume didn't give me that chance. Second, I agreed to be the test subject (read: suicide bomber) again because Mei was "upset" about my frequent absences related to my activities as Ticci Micc. And this was sort of my "apology." Though now it was dawning on me that the pink-haired slyboots actually knew how to pull off classic female manipulation. Or maybe it was payback for the times she had trouble walking because of our... sessions?

If we move on to the third and arguably main reason: my flight was supposed to be at an altitude of two meters. And it was, until Mei decided to test the jetpack's capabilities at much greater heights. So now I'm stuck cosplaying as a rocket.

"Meeeeeiiii!"

"DON'T WORRY, KEN. IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION, THE PARACHUTE SHOULD DEPLOY!"

At that moment, I would have expressed my true feelings with a single look, if I hadn't been busy adjusting the nozzle controls on the back-mounted pack to avoid flying like a "rocket" into the ground or a tree. Screw the fact that I can become practically intangible to anything not related to Quirks and their users, simulate flight, and cover myself with "Hardening" that's impervious even to grenade launchers.

Crashing into the ground from the height of a ten-story building with an obligatory explosion, then walking away unscathed to my girlfriend would be the most awkward way to reveal my secrets. Not to mention I didn't want to explode.

After a few barrel rolls and other stunts worthy of a drunk pilot, I finally stabilized, hovering in mid-air. Strong wind whipped my hair, bringing a feeling of coolness. My gaze was fixed on the sprawling forest below, where Mei and I had decided to test the jetpack.

The scenery stirred an inexplicable emotion deep within me. During my flights, when I wasn't rushing somewhere for criminal purposes, when I could just look at the world unfolding beneath me, a lightness came over my soul. As if all my worries and problems stayed down on the ground, unable to touch me in the sky.

Now, flying at this altitude with a device Mei had built, I realized something. Despite my abilities, which had become truly incredible after acquiring the "Form of Noah," I was still limited.

I could go anywhere on the planet, explore the depths of the vast ocean that humanity had failed to fully chart in millennia of history, delve into the earth's core, experience the cultures of other countries and peoples.

Hell, I could probably even go to space. My Quirk had essentially elevated me to the top of the world. And I only just realized it a couple of days ago when I casually captured one of the most influential people in my country. Despite all the efforts of an Elite family's security, unofficial rulers of the world, and a hero from the top ten, I got away. Got away with a joke and a flourish.

Of course, people like All For One and All Might could still kill me. But I haven't reached the peak of my power yet. I could disappear into a third-world country for a few years, "absorb" a hundred or more people, and voila. I'd have power equal to or surpassing the Symbol of Peace. After mastering the Form of Noah, I understood this clearly.

So what's stopping me? Why am I playing the role of a jester thief, trying to act like a shadow businessman, sweating and bleeding? Why all the complexity now? What's holding me back?

"Ken, are you okay?"

I answered the girl's question through my headset.

"Perfectly fine, darling."

Her flustered sigh was audible even through the earpiece. I just wanted to laugh at the irony of my situation. Because my restraints are my precious bonds. My reason for existing. I can't just abandon them and disappear for years to "cultivate" or "grind" in some wilderness. And even after I reach the necessary power, my enemies could still target them. So I need allies, I need money and influence, I need power.

I glided down to the clearing, regulating the pack's power output. Mei, who had been excitedly jumping on the ground and looking alternately at me and the tablet in her hands, quickly ran over to my landing spot.

"How do you like my jetpack? Any control issues? How do you think Maijima-sensei will react to my baby? He'll definitely choke on his wrench from surprise!"

The pink-haired beauty chattered, helping me remove her "baby." I gave her a gentle smile.

"If we ignore my unplanned flight to the height of a ten-story building, everything went great."

The girl's hands paused on one of the straps. Those yellow eyes with their unusual crosshair pupils stared at me. But now there was worry in them instead of her usual research fervor.

"Ken, are you okay? If something's bothering you, you can talk to me."

I looked at my love in confusion.

"Why do you ask?"

"I don't know. But I feel like you've changed since I-Island. No, nothing bad. You smile more often, give compliments, say you love me..."

The girl switched to an uncharacteristic whisper, looking away in embarrassment. My smile only widened at the sight.

"...only after your frequent trips to help your guardian with his business, you sometimes have a strange look on your face. And it worries me. Is he having business problems?"

I just laughed, not noticing the gleam in my eyes at her mention of "problems."

"Yeah, we've got some issues. But don't worry. Solving them just takes time."

I placed my hands on the girl's warm cheeks and kissed those alluring lips. In the future, I'll be able to devote all my time to my loved ones. Eliminating threats to our bonds is just a matter of time.

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[POV Nagato Tosaka]

Feeling a headache, the head of the Tosaka conglomerate and leader of HYDRA's Japanese branch opened his eyes with difficulty, then immediately squinted against the light shining from the ceiling. The black-haired man immediately noticed the straps holding him in the chair.

"It's been over five years since our last meeting, Nagato-kun."

A shiver ran down the previously composed man's spine at the sound of that voice. He finally made out the figure standing nearby, dressed in a classic suit.

"H-how are you alive? After All Might's victory, the cleaners were supposed to destroy your body."

All For One laughed at the man's trembling voice.

"You could say reports of my death were greatly exaggerated. For now, I want to hear about the latest achievements of haijima-kun... or whatever his last name is now. I've had some trouble getting news about my former student these past few years."

Tosaka just gritted his teeth, staring stubbornly at the black mask.

"Ah. Your betrayal disappointed me so much. It was like a knife to my fragile heart. Especially since your grandfather and father followed me all those years."

The black-haired man just spat to the side.

"You were just goddamn madmen, drunk on your own power. Adam-san offers true order for this world. Only his order can save this mad world from its end."

Black eyes full of fanatical conviction stared at the unofficial leader of the League of Villains.

"Oh, so he's gone back to that name. How interesting. But before we continue..."

A hand lowered onto the man's head, whose eyes widened in realization of what came next.

"...I think I'll take back from the ungrateful descendant what I gave to his grandfather."

Black-crimson energy flowed from the head of the Tosaka conglomerate to the hand of the man in the classic suit.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

"We have a lot of topics to discuss from these past years. And I'm ready to give you quite a lot of my time."

[End POV Nagato Tosaka]***A/N***

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