Midoriya allowed himself to sink into the massive hot bath and took a deep sigh as he felt comfortable for the first time in days. He took a cloth and rubbed hard into the grime that dug into his skin, slowly making it fade away. He also observed Sasuke, Todoroki, and Bakugo and a thought crossed his mind, "Where's everyone else at?"
Sasuke answered, "They're all sleeping right now. Probably too exhausted from training."
Midoriya nodded thinking, 'I'm gonna have a lot of explaining to do tomorrow...' His thoughts drifted while he intently scrubbed at his right arm harder than anywhere else.
Sasuke looked toward Todoroki, "Good call pushing for Uraraka to come, I was getting ready to just barge through that crowd."
Todoroki replied, "Yeah, I'm just glad that we finally got Deku back. We should run him by Recovery Girl before the night ends."
Bakugo remarked, "Totally, he looks like shit. When's the last time you slept anyway?"
Midoriya's tired eyes focused on his already clean right arm while he continued to scrub away something with the towel. Bakugo spoke up, "Hey! Did you hear me?"
Midoriya looked up for a moment, "Huh? Um... a couple days ago... I think?"
"Tch..." Bakugo looked away and Sasuke analyzed him with narrow eyes.
Todoroki tilted his head and asked, "Midoriya... your arms are already clean. What are you doing?"
Midoriya frowned and stopped scrubbing as he stared at his arm still covered with Dictator's insides. "It won't come off..." His arm slowly shook again.
"Huh?" Todoroki and Bakugo looked on with scrunched brows, but Sasuke put a hand on Midoriya's shoulder.
"It won't come off. It'll always be there."
Midoriya's shaking stopped, "If only I could have..."
"You can't change what happened, Midoriya, considering the alternative of everyone else there dying and you getting captured, you gotta realize you made the right choice."
Midoriya looked down with a tense mouth and his hand dropped, "Yeah... I guess... I guess you're right." The blood he saw on his arm became less pronounced.
Bakugo chipped in while leaning back on the edge of the bath, "You don't gotta be proud of it, but quit beating yourself up over it. Besides, there's another issue I gotta get on you for. Do you remember what I said back when Shigaraki swiss-cheesed me?"
"No."
Bakugo's voice was softer than usual, "Stop trying to win this on your own. I had more to say though. Back then, I got stabbed cause my body moved on its own... I always looked down on you since you were quirkless... you know, you're supposed to be beneath me. But I just kept feeling like... like you were above me. I hated it." Bakugo's gaze hardened before softening again while everyone listened intently. "I couldn't bear looking at or accepting the way you were, so I just kept bullying you and keeping you far away... I was acting all superior, but I guess I kept losing that fight. Nothing's worked out how I thought it would since entering UA. All this past year has done has made me understand your strengths and my own weaknesses..."
Something Sasuke said while he was kidnapped by the League of Villains crossed his mind, "That stuck-up shitty attitude is why Midoriya is gonna surpass you."
Midoriya and Bakugo made eye contact, "Now I don't expect this to change anything between us, but I gotta say... Izuku... I'm sorry for everything."
Bakugo did a slight head bow and Midoriya's eyes widened. Silence befell the bath for the next minute until Midoriya laughed lightly. Bakugo narrowed his eyes, "I wasn't joking."
Midoriya waved his hands, "No... no it's not that. It's just... I can't remember the last time you ever called me my actual name..."
Bakugo looked to the side, "Yeah... I can't either..."
Midorya laughed again and said, "You know... I never hated you for anything, Kaachan."
"Yeah, I know."
Midoriya rubbed the back of his head, "I accept the apology... Besides, we've both changed a lot since then... In fact, I probably owe you guys an apology." He frowned, "When I was out there, I started looking down on thinking they couldn't keep up... it's part of why I shut you guys out."
Sasuke replied, "You're not entirely wrong. Some guys can't keep up, but everyone's been training harder than ever."
Todoroki added, "Yeah, you might not recognize some of our classmates."
Midoriya's expression lit up, "Really? How has everyone improved?"
Sasuke answered, "You can find out tomorrow... I want to be sure of something, though; you aren't gonna run off solo again, are you?"
Midoriya stiffened up and stayed quiet for a while before answering, "No... It didn't work out that well."
"No, it didn't."
Bakugo added, "He's right. Ideals aren't enough to get over the walls we're gonna be facing. We gotta pick up the slack for each other. That's how we'll win."
Midoriya nodded and Sasuke sighed, "Well said, but either way, you need rest. We can wrap up for the night."
Midoriya replied, "I don't think I can sleep just yet."
Todoroki asked, "Why not?"
"I treated All Might pretty horribly last time we were together... and I haven't heard from him since then..."
There was a sudden knock on the door, "Young Midoriya! Are you in there? I heard you've returned and came as soon as I could!"
Bakugo remarked, "Speak of the devil."
Sasuke grabbed a towel, "Let's get dressed then."
Everyone got ready to get out, and Midoriya said, "Yeah... and thanks again, guys, really."
They nodded and got dressed, leaving Midoriya to talk to All Might.
The next day, Madam President paced back and forth in her office while the morning sun shone through the window. "You're canceling your support?! Tomura Shigaraki will be a complete vessel in five days and you're cancelling now?! You were going to send over heroes today! What happened?!" Madam President raised her voice over the phone.
"We're sorry, but the EU Council has made their decision and can't disclose information at the moment. Goodbye."
"Hold on!" They hung up and she slammed the phone. Nagant leaned on the door frame of the HPSC President's office with her arms crossed, "First America, and now all of Europe is refusing to help us... Great."
Madam President rubbed her face, "We're still receiving aid from a lot of other Asian and African countries thankfully, but the sudden refusal after they previously seemed enthusiastic is... odd to say the least."
"I've heard about some people linked to AFO causing trouble in their countries, although it's doubtful that that's the reason why... it probably has something to do with whatever Harrison told them."
"You're not wrong... but what could President Harrison tell them that would cause them to cancel their aid the day it was going to be sent?"
Nagant rubbed her chin, "I... have no idea."
A couple of days passed, and the US President spoke with his General in the Oval Office at night, "In three days, Shigaraki is supposed to be a complete vessel... I was hoping they would have gotten a handle on things before then, but it doesn't seem like anything has gotten better... We may really have to follow through on this."
The general took a seat and held his hands on his knees, "... When do you think we should—"
The general's phone rang and he picked it up, "Hello?"
"General... Star and Stripe has disobeyed the order to stay and has left on her own with some jets accompanying her... Any suggestions on how we should respond sir?"
The General's eyes widened and Harrison asked, "Is something wrong, Hayes?"
"... Star and Stripe's left for Japan."
"SHE DID WHAT?!"
In AFO's lair, he sat on a makeshift throne with his legs crossed while his Elite Guard stood up facing him. For a moment he reminisced about a hundred years ago, 'Madara… You were so much fun. If only I could have found another life-extending quirk back then to give you… That could have made things so much easier now since Hashirama is long gone. No matter… At least one of your quirks lives on in Tomura now… hehe. Ignoring that… If my information is correct then that boy Midoriya killed one of my assassins! Even if it was an accident, I should plan how I'll verbally torture him based on that… And Orochimaru, what am I gonna do with you? The Way you dealt with Midoriya reminded me of myself, but… I only need one of me running around, unless the other one is also me. Hm… we'll have to talk after I get One For All.'
A warp in space manifested near them as Obito appeared and Pain commented, "Took you long enough."
"I had some business to attend to."
"More important than this?"
AFO interjected, "It's of no matter now that he's here. There's something very important to discuss. Thanks to my network of spies, I've learned about America's daring plan to wipe us all out permanently."
AFO smiled and Kisame tilted his head, "Wipe us out? You don't mean nuking, do you?"
"That's precisely what I mean! They're so threatened by our revolution that they're willing to kill millions to stop us... a good plan I must say..." AFO rubbed his chin.
Hanzo rubbed the back of his head, "Didn't think they'd go that far..."
Pain replied, "They'll do anything as long as they can rationalize it to be for the greater good."
Obito asked, "So what exactly did you want us to do about that? I'll be fine but... I'm not sure about the rest of you."
AFO held his hands together, "I was getting to that part... see, President Harrison shared his plans with the EU recently, so it appears as if they're in collaboration. And considering that both of these powers have access to nukes, it would be ideal to strike them both at the same time so the other doesn't catch on."
Hanzo said, "The President should be easy since he stays in one place, but what about the EU leaders? They aren't usually all together."
Pain answered, "In one week they're meeting again at the Berlin Chancellery. That would be the time to strike."
AFO said, "Correct as usual, Pain. Kisame, I'd like for you to deal with the EU leaders."
Kisame nodded, "Of course."
"As for the President though... Obito. Can you handle that? And perhaps his entire cabinet while you're at it?"
Obito put a finger on his chin, "Why can't you do it?"
Pain turned to him, "Careful, Obito."
AFO laughed, "Ha! Ah, Obito. You've always had a great sense of humor, come now, don't be that way. Once this plan is complete you'll be free to do whatever you please."
Obito shrugged, "Right, I was only joking… Taking care of the Executive branch will be easy, as long as I don't get interrupted."
"Even if you do, there aren't any American heroes that could pose you any trouble once Star and Stripes is out of the picture... well, besides the Yellow Flash of course. But you wouldn't lose to him, would you?"
"... Nah, I'd win."
Spinner sweated and AFO smiled, "Good. Unless they suddenly decide to attack sooner, that will be the plan. Now then... I have a date with Star and Stripes coming up soon, heheh."
Some days after the climactic battle between Star and Stripes and Shigaraki passed, the fight enforced fear across the globe with her defeat. But while millions mourned, the UA students were forced to train harder than ever.
Sasuke and Midoriya drank water while leaning against a wall. Midoriya said, "Only five days left... not even a full week until Shigaraki is completed for AFO..."
"Yeah..." AFO clouded Sasuke's mind, "AFO will finally be finished."
Midoriya side-eyed him, "Speaking of AFO... I've been thinking... are you sure you should fight him?"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, "What?"
Midoriya rubbed the back of his neck, "You're strong, but... he could take your quirks again... and considering what happened last time you fought him, maybe..."
"And yet you planned on fighting him in my place, right?"
"Well..."
Sasuke got off the wall and stated, "Spar me."
Midoriya blinked, "What?"
Sasuke cracked his neck, "You think I'm too weak compared to you, you don't have to say it, but I can tell. So we gotta set things straight."
"Do we really have to do this right now?"
"We don't have much time, it's better to get this done sooner rather than later."
Midoriya reluctantly walked out into an open spot and some of the other students took notice. Mineta said, "Is Sasuke sparring someone on his level for once? Beat him up Midoriya!"
Sasuke flared purple energy up inside himself, but there were no visual changes on the outside besides his red eyes, "Come at me."
Midoriya hunched over, already sweating, and charged at Sasuke at 20% with a punch, but Sasuke dove into him and kneed him in the stomach. Midoriya gagged and Sasuke pushed him away. "I didn't ask you to hold back on me, Midoriya. Come at me for real."
Midoriya caught his breath and glared at him, "Fine..." he shot up to 50% and went for a kick to Sasuke's head that he limboed under. Midoriya, while still passing overhead, wrapped a black whip around him and tried to throw him into a stone pillar. Sasuke flipped in mid-air and fully coated himself in energy before swinging a Susanoo fist at Midoriya. Midoriya side-stepped and tried to kick through Sasuke's guard, only to be swept off his feet. However, he quickly recovered and went back into the fight. They fought for a couple of minutes while most of the students watched, and Hawks walked in with a solemn expression.
Tokoyami's head perked up, "Hawks!"
Hawk's gave a very faint smile, "Yo, Tokoyami. What's going on here?"
"What we've always been doing, a lot of training. Sasuke and Midoriya started sparring a few minutes ago. What brings you here?"
Hawks kept his hands in his pockets, "Just checking out how much stronger everyone's gotten... Star and Stripes fight was a huge blow to our war... it's scared off every single country from giving us any aid now."
Tokoyami looked down, "So then... it's all up to us?"
Hawks nodded, "Yeah... All of us pros are sorry to have to put so much weight on you guys... you're all only teenagers but... A lot of you are strong enough to be top 10 heroes nowadays, I can see that." He looked around the room.
Tokoyami smiled, "Well... considering I helped take down a genocidal terrorist group once, this isn't too big of a jump from what I've done already."
Hawks snickered while Sasuke drew his sword cutting at Midoriya's blackwhips. "Speaking of back then, you might see Kabuto again."
Tokoyami's brow scrunched, "Kabuto? Why would an ex-HPSC member help AFO?"
"I don't know exactly what happened, but he's different now. He looks like he mutated somehow, a huge snake was coming out of his stomach."
"Midoriya did mention something like that." Tokoyami rubbed the back of his neck and Hawks waved his hand, "You kids will be fine. It's not ALL up to you, you still have us pros who will be fighting by your sides, you'll just be on equal ground with us now. We've all learned to acknowledge your guys' strengths."
Tokoyami smiled and dropped his hand, "You're right, thank you."
Midoriya stacked Fa Jin on top of 50% and went to kick through Sasuke's v3 Susanoo, but Sasuke made Midoriya swap places with a kunai in the ground, causing him to lodge his leg into a crater. Sasuke made a Chidori and charged at Midoriya before stopping right in front of his face, making Midoriya flench. "I can't properly go all out of you, Midoriya. Do you know why?"
Midoriya forced his leg out of the crater and looked up at him, "Cause your arsenal is built around killing..."
"Killing AFO specifically. And I'll be damned if I'm not there to finish him off when the time comes. Do you remember what I told you back when All Might was giving us a history lesson?"
Midoriya stood up straight and scratched his head, "Uh... no. What was it?"
Sasuke put his sword back in its sheath. "That the one who will take care of AFO is me, not you or anyone else will get in the way of that, alright?"
Midoriya looked down, "Alright, I get it... it's just that..."
"I'm not an idiot, Midoriya. I don't plan to run into my death and underestimate him. Just trust me on this, worry about Shigaraki."
Midoriya stared into his eyes like he was reading him and submitted, "Alright. I'll trust you."
Hawks said, "Keep up the training, you guys are doing great." He gave a thumbs up and sauntered out of the room thinking, 'Those kids are tough... but at the end of the day, we're still dealing with four All Might level threats and multiple others who can give the best of us trouble... The odds are stacked against us no matter what way we look at it... Sasuke intends to fight AFO, he won't change his mind about that… Edgeshot said Sasuke surpassed him, but this is still AFO… whether or not he can beat him, I don't know… Midoriya will likely fight Shigaraki, but he'll need plenty of assistance; him and Bakugo tend to fight with each other. Then there's Todoroki who's gonna fight Dabi… but what about Obito? Pain? How many people would it take to fight them even on equal grounds? We've found Pain's old friends but there's no guarantee that plan will work… Not to mention the other villains…' He sighed and ran his hands through his hair, 'Those kids have gotten a lot stronger in just a couple weeks but… will it be enough when we're put to the test?'
Later as the day was ending, Midoriya and Hagakure found Aoyama in the forest with his parents. Midoriya's face was tense and tears ran down Aoyama's face. "Aoyama I... You've been looking so gloomy lately, so I came out looking for you since I thought something would be wrong..."
Aoyama's voice cracked, "At USJ..."
His father yelled, "Yuga, no!"
"And then in the forest... each time, I led them to us... Do you hear me, Midoriya? I am... a despicable villain."