Chapter 67

Toshinori Yagi rubbed at his temples as he tried to alleviate the headache that was threatening to take hold of his brain. Due to the actions of a single rebellious student, the entirety of Hero society had been thrown into chaos in trying to deal with the fallout. It seemed that Kumagawa Misogi had planned everything out to make sure the impact he made with his great reveal would maximize its effect. Heroes were forced to work double-time to deal with all the protests, along with handling their own duties. And no one had to work harder than the country's Number 1 Hero.

Between trying to keep Endeavor off the war-path, as well as settle the worries of the masses, he also had to deal with the results of the UA Sports Festival. Although he hadn't placed first, Midoriya had done well all things considered, and Yagi was certain he was shaping up to be the ideal Symbol of Peace. What worried the Pro more, was the fact that his student would be shadowing the retired Hero; Gran Torino, in a few days time.

He had to suppress a shudder at the thought of what the boy would be put through.

And as if all that wasn't bad enough, now the Hero Killer Stain was stepping up his game. The Villain's latest target had been Iida's older brother, the Pro Hero; Ingenium.

Yagi let out a long exhale as he slumped back into his chair. "A hero's work is never done..."

Almost as if in answer to his prayer for a distraction, the hero's phone rang. It was a familiar tune, one that let him know who was on the other end of the call without having to look at the screen.

"I was expecting a call from you for some time now. Did something come up?"

"Hardly, I just wanted to do some research on the subject before I made my proposal to you."

"And I'm willing to bet that you came up with nothing of substance regarding the subject?"

"I am well aware that Nezu already went to great lengths in his investigation, but you know how everyone always has to find out the truth for themselves. It's a simple psychological response. That, and I actually intended to find the boy in question myself."

"You tried to find him?"

"Naturally. Given the nature of my Quirk, I figured it would be best if I tried to meet him in person."

"I'm not sure whether or not that was crazy of you or cunning."

"Well, madness and genius often go hand-in-hand. However it's the results that define just how much our actions lean towards one or the other."

"Hahh, well, I can't argue with you on that. Though you should do well to remember that his motives and intentions seem to shift without warning." he responded as he drummed his fingers on the table. "Although he has undone his actions, he has still killed multiple Villains when lethal force was not required... All it takes is a single whim for him to choose whether or not to undo his work."

"Ah yes, his ability to turn anything to nothing. Quite the dangerous power. In fact, I'd say it could potentially be the most destructive 'Skill' in the world, depending on what its limits are."

"... And?" Yagi prodded, knowing there was more to his friends train of thought.

"And, it could potentially be one of the most helpful. To turn death itself into nothing. To be able to render any and all injuries null and void."

"I know where you are going with this, but it's a risky idea."

"Of course. Every choice comes with its own level of risk, which is why I plan to minimize the chance of my plan backfiring as much as possible. And to do that, I must get inside the mind of the madman."

"... I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do."

"Not sure? With his power, we can finally restore your health to what it once was. The Symbol of Peace shall return to his prime form, and All For One will be at the disadvantage. You will be able to remain as the beacon of hope the people need for years to come!"

"I know, I know... It's just... is this what's meant to be?"

"... I don't follow."

"It is the duty of the old guard to pass their responsibilities onto the next generation." he said as he looked at his open palm, 'feeling' the flame of One For All in his grasp. "I have already begun to pass the torch to the next bearer. Soon, he will take my place as the new Symbol of Peace. But before that happens, I will defeat All For One."

"You are making a mistake. You would risk it all by betting on the future? Even when victory is within your grasp in the present?"

"... If we are able to sway Kumagawa to our cause, I will not complain. However you must remember that no one lives forever. It's just a matter of time before our number gets called. And when it does, we must make sure that all our affairs are in order."

"... If that is what you think is best, then I will respect your decision. But that won't stop me from approaching him."

"Just... be careful. Alright?"

"As always."

Hearing the line disconnect, Yagi returned his phone to its place on the table. Looking back at the pile of paperwork on his desk, the hero let out a sigh. "I feel like I've aged twenty years in just this last week alone."