"Crashing the Sports Festival is way too blunt. And what the hell am I even supposed to do there?"
Two hours after the USJ attack.The Connector—Hachiman Hikigaya—was standing before All For One.Shigaraki and Kurogiri weren't present; they had likely gone to see the doctor under All For One's care.It was apparently that doctor who had transplanted a replacement for Hachiman's left arm, the one Kurogiri had severed two years ago. But Hachiman had never seen the doctor's face or heard his voice.During the transplant, he had been completely anesthetized and isolated from any external information.
"I wanted you to feel the difference between you and the heroes of your generation.""That joke's as lame as an American sitcom. The punchline's obvious—that's the only reason it works. Hilarious, really.""Heh, nothing gets through to you. …I want you to kill All Might with your own hands.""…The hell did you just say? What the hell is wrong with your head? Next time you'll need subtitles, 'cause I'm not playing along.""Of course, I'll provide support. On top of that, I want you to kill All Might… as a U.A. student.""So that's the goal…"
Connector = Hachiman Hikigaya kills All Might.That alone would be framed as a villain murdering a hero—but even that would rock the hero society to its core.But what if it's not just a villain?What if Connector = Hachiman Hikigaya = a student of U.A. kills All Might?It wouldn't just be a blow—it would obliterate U.A.'s credibility.From an outsider's perspective, it would look like U.A. had knowingly allowed a student with murderous intent to enroll the same year All Might became a teacher.They might try to spin it: say Hachiman was never a U.A. student, but a villain who infiltrated. That might lessen the blow.But they couldn't.Because in truth, U.A. had willingly brought Connector in—as a transfer student, an exchange student, or someone who enrolled late.No matter how they explained it, the result was the same: U.A. had led its own destroyer to its doorstep.
"You're a real piece of work...""I'm glad you're quick on the uptake.""…Can I just start by saying this? There's no way in hell I can beat that guy. Why don't you do it yourself?""I'm not in any condition to move right now. Sorry.""Then what if I tried to kill you, right now?""Clear murderous intent. I like it. Go ahead and try.""…Nah. That would just make me your puppet. I've got no clue what quirks you've got."
If he could kill All For One here and now, it would all be over.But even though the villain was badly injured and seated, and even if Hachiman was in fighting stance, he still couldn't see a path to victory.He couldn't believe All Might had ever beaten this monster.At least All Might's powers and physical abilities were well known. But AFO?Completely unknown.All Hachiman knew was he had a quirk called Air Walk, which let him walk through the air, and he could apparently hold multiple similar quirks at once.But in quirk-based combat, a lack of intel was nothing new. The real problem was the scale and range of what All For One could do.Even though Hachiman's own quirk had excellent versatility, it couldn't match someone with a whole arsenal of quirks on another level entirely.
"…Just checking—do I have the option to say no?""You don't. Same reason as always.""I've told you a hundred times—Komachi doesn't have a quirk. Even if you kidnapped her, you'd get nothing like mine.""True. Which means, her only value… is being your little sister.""…""With that in mind, let me hear your answer.""…I'll do it.""Glad to hear it. By the way, I estimate your chances of success at over eighty percent.""Guess my lack of motivation just shaved off twenty."
In his heart, he apologized—I'm sorry.No matter what, Komachi was the one thing he could never give up.His beloved little sister, and the promise entrusted to him by their parents—Hachiman Hikigaya could not break it.
In his heart, he apologized again—Forgive me.He lamented that once he reached the afterlife, they could curse him as much as they wanted.Though he was the son of a hero, he had resolved to bear the sin of killing the No.1 Hero with his own hands.
In his heart, he whispered goodbye.Even though he had said he would return.What hurt the most was knowing he could never go back to those days, when they reached out for something genuine together.Hachiman Hikigaya was fully aware of that.
"I'm home.""Welcome back, Yukino-san!""Thanks for having me!""You too, Yui-san!""Yahallo, Komachi-chan!"
Yui had come over to Yukino's house.Once a week, Yui would visit under the pretense of a sleepover.
The one who welcomed them at the door was Komachi Hikigaya, Hachiman Hikigaya's younger sister.At present, she had no living relatives.After the kidnapping incident two years prior, she lost all family ties—she was only a sixth grader at the time.Many people had reached out to help her, but the hand she chose to grasp was Yukino's.Since then, for two years, she had stayed by Yukino's side—who had moved into a high-rise apartment when she began living independently upon entering high school.
"Was everything okay at school?""Yeah! Everyone looked fine! Aizawa-sensei's back too!""Seriously… Is he immortal or a zombie? I heard he was seriously injured.""He was all wrapped up in bandages!""If that's all it took, he's way too tough... Oh, Yukino-san! I've already prepped dinner!""Thank you, Komachi-san. I'll take care of the rest.""Roger that!"
Komachi scampered off to the kitchen.Naturally, Yui followed her.This was how it usually went for the past month or so.Yukino headed to her room to change clothes.
"Tea, coming up!""Thanks, Komachi-chan!""And snacks, too!""Ahh, from that famous shop by the station! Mmm, looks delicious!""…So, Yui-san.""…Sorry. They didn't tell us anything at school.""No… It's not something you need to apologize for…"
Komachi's face, bright just moments before, suddenly darkened.Two days earlier, when the news of the U.A. attack hit her phone, she had ignored her teacher's protests and rushed straight onto the U.A. High School grounds.Komachi attended Soubu Middle School, officially named "Soubu Junior High, Affiliated with U.A."Though several facilities separated the two, they were located on the same premises.
"I don't think even U.A. knows what's going on… About that guy with the black fog—Kurogiri—or about Hikki, either.""…I see.""B-But! I'm sure he's alive! Kaorin, who talked to Kurogiri directly, also said she believed Hikki's still alive! He has to be!""…""So… Komachi-chan, please don't give up hope, okay? Next time we see him, I'll make sure to smack some sense into him!""…Actually, Yui-san, I don't think you should charge in on your own.""So mean! Wait—why are you being so calm?!"
Komachi, born without a Quirk, had once lamented her own powerlessness.Yui, having been on the scene at the time, had despaired over everything that happened that day.Yukino had blamed herself for being unable to stop Hachiman's ultimate act of self-sacrifice.They had all vowed—next time, they would reach for his hand.
It had been about one year and two months since that vow.And now, the chance to fulfill it was finally approaching.Yui sensed it vaguely—while Yukino felt it clearly.
After changing, Yukino left her room and headed for the living room.There, she saw Komachi teasing Yui, and Yui wailing in protest.Yukino silently vowed to one day drag that boy back into this familiar scene.
"Oh right! The Sports Festival is in two weeks, right!? I'll come cheer you on!""Really!? Oh, and Iroha-chan said she was coming too!""Komachi-san, could I ask you a favor?""Yes?""My sister will be there too. Could I ask you to keep an eye on her? So she doesn't pull anything unnecessary.""Wait… Yukino-san's sister is the one being watched?""No problem! I'm happy I get to see her again anyway!""She said yes just like that!?"
At that moment, soft music began playing from Yukino's waist.Her phone was ringing.There weren't many people who contacted Yukino directly.She checked the screen.
"Excuse me, I'll step out for a moment.""Okay!""…Hikki once said it—maybe she really is watching from somewhere…""No-no-no… I can't say for sure that she isn't, so I'll stay quiet," said Komachi."Fair enough…"
"Hyahhallo, Yukino-chan! Your big sister is back~!""Just get to the point. I don't have time.""Yeah yeah, I got it... Wait, you're serious? About that offer from U.A.?""Of course. It's not impossible, is it?""Feels like there might be other options though.""If we let him slip away again, do you understand the risk, Sister? His record won't just be stained—to the public, he'll be a full-fledged villain.""…As the Yukinoshita family, we might lose our daughter's trust—whether it succeeds or fails.""It's fine. He'll atone for everything. That's why I'm asking—please, Sister. Lend me your strength.""…""This is just the time to make use of the move you played two years ago.""You sure know how to talk… Fine. I'll take that bet.""How much of a chance do you think we have?""…Rationally? Less than 1%.""Thought so.""But if he's the one doing it… I'd say it's about 99.9999—SIX NINES—percent.""…It's rare for us to be on the same page, Sister.""Hehe, isn't it! I'll talk to Mother for you.""No. Let's go together.""Oh?""The trust in two pro heroes might completely collapse. But he's worth it. And I'll face them directly and prove that—with my words and presence.""…Should I be proud of my little sister's growth… or a bit sad? Hard to say... Still, this whole plan—really reminds me of a certain someone.""!!""Ahaha—no, I'll just say I'm happy to witness what the future married couple ought to be like! …Oh? Yukino-chan?""…""Oops, the call dropped. Or maybe she hung up on me~?"