Chapter 12: The Weight of Betrayal

On the Rooftop

The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the rooftop where Lady Nagant and a group of top-tier assassins stood, staring at the towering silhouette of Might Tower. The building loomed in the distance, its lights twinkling like stars, a symbol of hope for the city.

Lady Nagant's hands clenched at her sides, her sniper rifle slung over her shoulder. Her mind raced. I can't do this... but if I don't, they'll kill me too. She glanced at the assassins behind her—hardened killers, each with the precision and ruthlessness to carry out the mission.

Her thoughts turned to All Might: his awkward smiles, his honesty, and his kindness. She had started to care for him, to admire him. The idea of taking his life was unbearable. I could kill the assassins and run, she thought, her eyes narrowing. But even she wasn't strong enough to take them all on.

Suddenly, a loud thud reverberated through the rooftop, shaking the ground beneath their feet.

A massive figure landed in front of them, casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the moonlight.

"All Might," she whispered, her heart pounding.

The assassins recovered quickly, their trembling hands reaching for their weapons. They raised guns, knives, and other tools of their deadly trade, aiming them at the Symbol of Peace.

Before they could act, All Might vanished.

The Symbol Strikes

In a blur of speed, All Might appeared in front of Lady Nagant, his fist cocked back. She froze, her breath catching as she closed her eyes, waiting for the blow to land.

But it never came.

A deafening gust of wind roared past her, ruffling her hair and stinging her skin. When she opened her eyes, she saw All Might's fist extended, punching the air just inches from her head. His other hand rested firmly on her back, holding her steady against the force of the shockwave.

Lady Nagant turned her head, her eyes widening in disbelief. The assassins were flung across the rooftop, their weapons clattering to the ground as they landed in heaps, bruised and battered.

"All- Migh—" she stammered, unable to form words.

All Might didn't let her finish. His grip on her tightened, pulling her into an unexpected embrace. She stiffened at first, but his voice, calm and steady, broke through her defenses.

"I had my team investigate the HPSC," he said softly, his tone laced with understanding. "I know everything."

Her heart sank. He must hate her now. She had betrayed him, even if she hadn't gone through with it.

But then, his next words shocked her to her core:

"It wasn't your fault."

The weight of his words hit her like a tidal wave, and for the first time in years, the dam holding back her emotions broke. Lady Nagant sobbed uncontrollably, her tears soaking into All Might's shirt as he held her.

Minutes passed in silence, save for the sound of her crying. Finally, as her sobs subsided, she stepped back, wiping her face with trembling hands.

"What now?" she asked, her voice hoarse.

All Might smiled—not his usual forced grin, but a genuine, reassuring expression. "Have no worries. Why? Because I'm here!"

Lady Nagant chuckled despite herself. There was something special about hearing his catchphrase again, especially after he had avoided using it for so long.

All Might's tone turned serious. "You can't go back. They'll kill you if you do. Stay at Might Tower. They won't be able to get to you there."

"Are you sure?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"I'm sure," All Might said confidently. "I've already prepared a room for you."

A New Home

In his civilian form, All Might escorted Lady Nagant to her new room in Might Tower. The hallways were quiet, the soft hum of lights the only sound as they walked.

When they arrived, Lady Nagant stepped inside and froze, her eyes widening at the sight. The room was enormous, furnished with sleek, modern furniture and bathed in warm, ambient lighting.

"Damn," she said, whistling low. "I knew you had money, but damn!"

All Might chuckled, leaning casually against the doorframe.

Lady Nagant plopped down on the plush couch, letting herself sink into it. She gestured for All Might to take a seat on the couch across from her.

"C'mon, take a load off," she said, her voice lighter now.

He obliged, sitting down with a sigh. For a moment, there was silence between them. Then, Lady Nagant spoke.

"I... I want to thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "For not giving up on me."

All Might smiled gently. "Everyone deserves a chance to change."

That night, Lady Nagant opened up, sharing the story of her burdens—how the HPSC had manipulated her into being their enforcer, forcing her to commit countless assassinations to preserve their image of peace. For the first time in years, she felt as if the mountain of guilt crushing her had been lifted, if only slightly.

The HPSC's Fury

Meanwhile, back at HPSC headquarters, chaos reigned in the president's office.

The group of assassins, bruised, bleeding, and barely able to stand, limped into the room. Their ragged appearance spoke volumes before they even opened their mouths.

"You lost?" the president asked incredulously, his voice a mixture of shock and fury.

"Yes," one of the assassins croaked, his voice weak. "All Might... he took us all out. With one punch."

The president's hands clenched into fists, his face turning red. "And Nagant? Where is she?"

The assassins exchanged uneasy glances before one of them spoke. "We... we believe she's working with him now. He seemed to know we were coming. After we woke up, she was gone."

The president's fist slammed into his desk, sending papers flying. "HOW DARE SHE?" he roared. "SHE DARES TO BETRAY ME?"

His breathing was ragged as he tried to compose himself, his mind racing with possibilities. How did I not see this coming? How could I have missed the signs?

Then, a terrifying thought crossed his mind. His eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a grimace. Is killing All Might even possible?

As the bruised assassins left the office to seek medical attention, the president stared out the window, his expression dark.

There's only one way to fix this mess, he thought, his jaw tightening. If we can find All For One... and let him take care of All Might.

The chapter ended with the president's chilling realization, setting the stage for an unholy alliance that could tip the balance of power in ways no one could predict.