chapter 5
News spread quickly about the prospective U.A student being discovered in a moribund state on the campus. Several pro heroes turned teachers rushed the kid to a hospital for medical professionals to perform an attempt at saving the boy's life. The staff and school faculty had to practically hold back Katsuki's mother as she raved about getting through to see her son. She made it clear where the Bakugo boy got his short tempered attitude while Katsuki's father remained rational & tried calming his wife down. The entire situation was a nightmare nobody had expected.
Katsuki had continuous convulsions and needed his heart restarted numerous times as doctors tried to save the young boy's life. The hospital went through three defibrillators due to the amount of flatlines and had requested the aid of Recovery Girl. The elder woman's quirk, Heal, was put to its limits as she tried repairing the child's fractured ribs. The pro hero's quirk allows for her to amplify and speed up the body's healing process. However, the process uses large amounts of energy and could potentially kill. Considering the state young Bakugo is already in, she's given no other choice than to exceed this side effect and hope for the best.
After countless hours with no end, the Bakugo boy is finally in a stable state. The worried parents are given the relieving news but aren't allowed to rejoice for too long. Despite the miracle of Katsuki's survival, they believed the boy would never be capable of moving again. The injuries that young Bakugo sustained resulted in every kind of paralysis, varying from Hemiplegia to Paraplegia and so forth into Quadriplegia. Katsuki was now a victim of severe palsy.
The parents wept at the awful news, not yet receiving more grief. Aside for their son's paralysis, he would be bound to experience at least seven seizures a day. The doctors informed the distressed mother and father the last detail of horrid information. Although they saved his life today, Katsuki's life span was surely cut in half after this experience. The terrible fate bestowed onto the boy had caused a dreaded thought to cross everyone's mind.. was it even worth saving Katsuki's life?
That question would soon be answered if Katsuki could inform the pro heroes who had done this to him. The teachers who had rushed the boy to the hospital accompanied All Might, Recovery Girl, and the U.A principal named Nezu within Katsuki's room. The two that found Katsuki and got him to medical attention were Shota Aizawa and Ken Ishiyama. These two heroes were otherwise known as Eraserhead & Cementoss.
The Bakugo boy had been comatose until only a minute ago. As soon as he was awake, the heroes wanted to learn everything they could from the witness. Despite the humanoid block of cement appearance, Ken Ishiyama's heart went out to the boy, he was often quite caring for the well being of others beneath his rough exterior. Shota Aizawa was often quite the opposite, usually looking although he had just rolled out of bed. However, in this moment, Eraserhead's tired and droopy eyes took in the disconsolate sight of Katsuki Bakugo rendered useless.
The principal named Nezu was the first to speak, "Hello Katsuki. We would like to ask you a few questions if you're up to it.", he said politely. It may have come off as eccentric as Nezu's appearance, due to how disturbing seeing a young boy beaten within a centimeter of his life had impacted the principal.
Nezu scratched the back of his ear anxiously, it made him resemble an animal more than he already did. The short principal looked to be a combination of several species ranging from a mouse to a dog or bear. Nezu mostly resembled a standing humanoid mouse but possessed dog like paws and a bear shaped face. If this weren't enough, a defining feature was the large scar that stretched across his right eye.
Bakugo's eyes looked to be completely shut, but a small sliver of sight allowed him to make out blurry figures of the heroes standing in his room. Katsuki was entirely unaware of what had happened, the last thing he remembered was an immense pain caused by..
"Deku.", the messy haired blonde growled with prodigious hatred. Just speaking those simple syllables made his throat feel although it had a foot pressed against it.
The group of pro heroes exchanged confused glances. "Who or what is Deku?", Nezu continued being the voice for his allies.
Katsuki struggled to sit up, realizing not a single joint in his body was responding. The young boy started to panic, he felt although he were just a floating embodiment. The pressure and force Bakugo exerted to attempt moving anything he could strained every muscle he had, which resulted in a severe spasm. The boy panicked upon realizing that he had been completely paralyzed.
"..DEKU!", Katsuki cried out in agony. Bakugo's throat felt although it had been ripped out after shouting but it was nowhere near the amount of pain his body excreted in response to Katsuki's order to move. Katsuki remembered now, he had been bested by his rival and now he was made worthless!
"Restrain him!", Recovery Girl ordered as the boy's body convulsed. Like the perfect team, Aizawa follows the command by using a cloth made out of steel wire alloy woven with carbon nanofibers to create the perfect immobilizing bonds.
With Katsuki held down by Aizawa's cloth restraints, doctors & nurses rush into the room to apply more anesthetic. Several needles inject the boy with Ketamine to make him slip back into a sedated state. When Bakugo finally ceases to seizure for the moment given, Shota retracts his bonds.
"Deku..Deku..", Katsuki murmurs to himself quietly as he falls back asleep.
"My God, he's delusional.", All Might says while rubbing his distressed face. The pro hero always blamed himself for not rescuing people put into these conditions. Sometimes, even the symbol of peace couldn't save everybody..
"Deku must be the person who did this to him. The way he says the name.. its terrifying.", Cementoss evaluates.
"Whoever this 'Deku' may be, we still have no clue as to why they would attack young Bakugo.", Nezu turns his attention away from the injured boy and focuses on resolving the matter.
"Whoever they are, they must be truly evil to harm a child!", All Might fails to contain his anger.
"Whatever their reasoning.. they may try again given the intel that Katsuki Bakugo survived.", Aizawa considers.
"What are you suggesting?", Cementoss asks.
"I think it's obvious. We mustn't allow this 'Deku' to discover young Bakugo is alive.", Nezu concludes.
"Telling the press that we allowed for a child to die on our watch won't do any good..", All Might says. He wants the world to feel safe, telling everyone a kid had been murdered despite several heroes being present would diminish that resolve.
"Perhaps, but it's the only way to keep Katsuki safe.", Nezu responds whilst putting his hands behind his back. The position was one he often did when making up his mind.
"It's a sacrifice we'll have to make until we capture Deku.", Aizawa agrees with the principal.
It was then decided that Katsuki Bakugo had died. The only people who knew the truth were Katsuki's parents & the pro heroes present. The doctors and nurses who tended to young Bakugo's well being kept the deep guarded secret hidden as well. Everyone at U.A mourned the loss of their fellow classmate and the world recoiled in horror after hearing such dreadful news.
Meanwhile, Izuku Midoriya had run back to All For One's base. The masked man was shocked to say the least upon getting a hug from the sobbing boy.
All For One's instinct reaction was to try and pry the kid off but he soon realized that the child wouldn't let go easily. Though he truly didn't feel the emotion, he held Izuku in return to console the boy. Whatever the reason for Midoriya's crying, All For One intended to use it to his advantage. If manipulating Izuku required him to form a relationship with the boy, he intended to do just that.
"What's wrong Izuku?", All For One asked in a calm & collective reassuring voice.
"I- I killed someone!", Midoriya cried out in between sniffling sobs. The boy broke down even more after saying it out loud.
All For One felt a smirk forming at the corner's of his mouth beneath the life support mask he always wore during Izuku's visits. "I see.. Was it someone you know?", All For One asked.
"Y- Yes..", Izuku said in a muffled cry against All For One's already wrinkled suit.
The masked man was bliss upon hearing that answer. All For One had originally intended to have Izuku kill someone randomly selected. It would have gotten through the boy's barrier and allowed for expansion provided a slow burn. However, his troubles were now eased considering Midoriya had killed someone he already formed a relationship with. Killing someone you've gotten to know is more impactful than a random bystander. Regardless, All For One cared for none of the people he murdered and he intended to share that ability with Izuku.
"Tell me about this person. Who were they to you?", All For One asked as the two finally broke the forced embrace. The masked man patted himself down as if he had gotten dirty from the hug.
"He.. he was my friend, but then he.. he bullied me, BUT HE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS! I didn't mean to do it, I accidentally-", Izuku's panic attack returned as he tried to explain the situation. It was too much for the green haired boy to recall, as if he were reliving the scenario just by mentioning it.
"Calm down.", All For One's tone was a stern one now. "Take it slow.", the masked man ordered.
"Kacchan..", Midioriya caught himself using the blonde haired boy's nickname. Izuku felt although he didn't deserve to use it, as if he lost those privileges. "Katsuki was my friend from long ago. He started bullying me after he got his quirk but.. I lost control, I forgot to pull my punch and..", the green haired boy started to explain their relationship.
All For One got the gist of it and nodded in understanding, "You needn't feel bad. Think of it as revenge for all the times he's hurt you.", the masked man suggested.
Izuku shook his head defiantly, refusing to accept that resolve. "No! I never wanted to get back at him. I just wanted his approval, to prove to him we were equals and for us to.. despite all he's done, for us to be friends again.", Midoriya replied.
"You're forgetting that I saw what he did to you. He got his thrill from watching you suffer. You wouldn't consider someone like that ever becoming a hero, would you?", All For One slyly responded.
Izuku thought carefully about his teacher's statement. Midoriya recalled watching the examinees running from the rogue robot and All Might's answer to his question. Someone like Katsuki Bakugo fell into the category of these false idols. As if All For One could read the green haired boy's thoughts, the next statement out of the masked man's mouth fractured Izuku's mind a little more.
"You did the world a favor ridding of the would-be hero. He didn't deserve that title and now everyone will benefit from his death.", All For One twisted Izuku's thoughts into demented ones.
Still, Midoriya tried to push the inner demons away. "I don't know.. I killed him. Kacchan- Katsuki..", Izuku ran a hand through his messy green hair. The argument felt more like an excuse..
"Think of it as your first step in the right direction despite any negativity. A necessary sacrifice, if you will..", All For One continued to push the matter.
The masked man motioned for Izuku to follow him. "Come with me. I think I have a solution to your problem.", All For One said.
The green haired boy wipe tears from his eyes as his legs moved on their own in the same direction as his master. The two entered a room Midoriya remembered from their first meeting, a place containing various water tanks. Each one appeared to have been opened, the contents inside now missing..
"I want you to meet one of my best creations.", All For One told Izuku with delight. Then, like a showman, the masked man gestured to an approaching humanoid creature.
Midoriya cowered over the being that towered over him, the thing was ten times his size. "I call it Nomu.", All For One chuckled with pride for his creation.
"Wh- What is it?", Izuku asked while trying to gulp back his fear.
The monstrous beast was a gruesome sight, its brain exposed and bulging from its head. The mouth was more of a giant beak with the sharpest fangs seen to man. Nomu's muscular body had many scars on it, likely a result of All For One's experimentation.
"A genetically enhanced artificial human containing more than one quirk.", All For One described his vision for the beast. Nomu was the only thing capable of wielding several quirks other than its creator.
"Human..yeah..", Izuku nervously laughed as he gazed up at the powerful monster.
"The best part. This is only one of thousands.", All For One adds.
Midoriya jumps with shock from both the statement and surprise of being able to feel more fear than he already had. "You made more of these things!?", Izuku shouts.
"They aren't all as perfect as the first..but, yes. The number will eventually rise to the millions and hopefully some day..billions.", All For One replies.
Izuku didn't need to see an expression on All For One's blank face to see how passionate the man was about the Nomu project. Midoriya almost regretted asking, "What are they for?"
All For One took a moment of silence before turning to face Midoriya. "You.", he said.
Izuku was taken aback by the answer, wondering what his master could possibly mean. "Given the numbers, you can use the Nomus as practice for killing people. Destroy as many of them as you want, it'll only improve your inability to murder and skills in combat.", All For One answered the boy's unspoken question.
Izuku was speechless, he went from killing his childhood bully to the task of eliminating these creatures. It hardly seemed a reasonable way to justify the murder but it was all Midoriya had to vent his frustrations on. Again, although All For One could read the child's mind, he leaves Izuku to begin slaughtering the Nomus.
The enormous muscular one that was used as an introduction to the monsters followed its creator like a lovesick puppy. Izuku doesn't wait long before jumping off the catwalk and rushing the smaller Nomus.
His philosophy seemed to begin piecing itself together like a puzzle with every other punch. Izuku started off attacking the science projects with controlled attacks, releasing force into the tip of his finger to blow them back. By the time he dived deep into the inner thoughts of his mind, Midoriya was swatting them aside like annoying bugs. The Nomus attacked in swarms but it was nothing more than a person stomping on powerless ants.
Izuku thought about what his master had told him, "I did everyone a favor ridding the world of someone like Kacchan.", he muttered out loud to one of the Nomus striking at him. Izuku stepped aside and easily dodged the attack before delivering a powerful blow to the creature.
Another Nomu tried grabbing Midoriya from behind, but the green haired boy was far faster. Izuku spun around and flicked the humanoid across the room. "They would have never known about his bullying.. How Katsuki told me to jump off a building. He could have made me commit suicide. The world would have surely idolized him and his quirk like everyone else has his entire life.", Izuku vented to the army of remaining Nomus.
The sheer velocity of Midoriya charging the creatures was enough to wipe them out like a bowling ball hitting pins. "How many others like him have become pro heroes? WILL become pro heroes?!", Izuku questioned the Nomus like it were an interrogation.
The boy's frustrations could no longer be suppressed as he reached a mental breakdown. "I can't stop at him. I need to liberate the world of other false heroes.", Midoriya vowed to himself.
A single Nomu remained, backing away with the same terrified look Izuku gave Katsuki when he were bullied. Midoriya clenched his fist, only fueled with anger by the reminder.
"You called me 'Deku'. Fine, I'll let that be a memento to you, my first kill. I'll make it a name to be remembered.", Izuku spoke to the Nomu as if it were Katsuki.
Izuku had no problem this time when he striked the Nomu with an uncontrolled punch. Young Midoriya imagined the moment exactly as it happened, reliving it in vivid detail. The Nomu appeared to him although it were Katsuki Bakugo, a completely powerless boy that couldn't defend himself against the barrage of punches. Izuku found himself laughing as he pummeled the creature, the onslaught went on until all that remained was a pile of what looked like black mashed potatoes.
Tomura Shigaraki watched from the catwalk, crouching down in the shadows as he tried to remain unnoticed. His eyes were fixated on Midoriya, completely immersed in watching the green haired boy's massacre. Tomura clenched the catwalk's railing, his knuckles turning white from the pressure he applied by squeezing it. The blue haired boy felt envy for his peer's power, the rivalry was bound to blossom and grow. Tomura studied Izuku from that point forward, realizing that if he were to ever defeat such an opponent in combat, he'd need to know how they fight.
Izuku Midoriya was completely unaware that Katsuki Bakugo survived, his entire ideology now changed due to this belief.