All For Myself Chapter 43

Before Izuku joined Paragon he did nothing of value. He's got enough self-esteem now to admit that. He was a pathetic shell of a human being back then. He could do nothing but cling to a dream he never believed in. He hated the old him, because he listened to them. He allowed his dignity to be trampled upon time and time again. Be it by Bakugo and his lackeys, his mother, or the world in general. He actually believed that he was worthless back then. He never believed in himself, or the Quirkless. He truly was worthless back then.

But, not anymore. He's strong now, strong enough that Bakugo would look like a weakling next to him. He doesn't need validation from anyone, not even Ryoto, because he is now someone who's moved on from the ways of this world. He'll help people in the ways that matter, he won't be like All Might who was only good enough to guarantee a temporary peace. He'll outdo All Might and become a Symbol of Progress for the world. If he needs to undo this temporary peace to create a better one, then fine, Ryoto will soften society up for him and he'll drive a nail through it. That's the idea anyway. He'll take this backwards system and smash it into one thousand painful pieces.

He wonders what it will be like to take Quirks. He already has multiple of them, but now he'll be able to take them and distribute them at will. He can't deny that the idea of a Quirkless person ever giving or taking a Quirk sounds like something out of a cuckhouse. The idea of having so much power at your fingertips is almost nauseating and unreal.

Yet, he would soon hold that power, he would wield that power for himself.

Izuku subconsciously rubbed his hands at the thought of holes appearing on his palms as a result of holding 'All For One', like the ones Ryoto had. His hands had changed a lot over the near-year since met Ryoto, once soft and smooth skin was now rough and scarred from training and fighting. 

As a Vigilante he encountered so many different types of people. He even interacted with a few Heroes at one point or another. Some tried to catch him, some just sneered at him and insulted him, whilst others just shrugged him off as some guy who wanted to play Hero.

But, Izuku no longer wishes for that life. This system is so toxic and slimy that he can't help but be disgusted by it. 

In his days as a Vigilante, at first he just saw Villains as monsters. Killers. Bad guys. Maybe some of them even are.

But, life is never black and white. He took an embarrassingly long amount of time to learn that. 

It's the little things that you notice. How a Villain might avoid harming others just to run away. Maybe instead of murdering they'll simply rob a shop. Perhaps a homeless man snatching a woman's purse. Sure, they might be breaking the law, but when it comes down to it, are they really bad people? Should they really be blamed for their own bad circumstances?

Izuku would also notice the callousness which Heroes will treat Villains and criminals with, underground Heroes in particular. Use of excessive force, the back alley deals he might catch wind of every one in a while, and even Heroes who might encourage crimes in areas so that they have more people to catch.

The first time he witnessed this he'll admit that he still had some belief that Pro-Heroes in general could act heroically... but the amount of times he's seen these corrupt deals going on actually makes him questions as to how these fakes- calling them Heroes just feels wrong- could actually have fooled the public for so long.

It's sad, but the reality is... true heroes are few and far between in this oversaturation of people in the profession. Izuku still knows that, logically, there will be a minority who do their job purely to help people.

But, that's all they are. A minority.

Izuku can't help but feel a spark of rage ignite in his chest on the occasion those thoughts crossed his mind. All his life he idolised these pretenders, these losers, these cosplayers, and what did that get him? Years of bullying and trauma that would last a lifetime. As much as he hates Bakugo, he wasn't even the worst bully he came across in those years. He was just the loudest and the one who's words hurt the most. Because, he actually respected the blonde at one point. He doesn't know why, but he did. All because he was Quirkless.

His harmless dreams of helping to people ended up harming him more than anyone else. It's ironic in a cruel way. Though, to be fair, he knows that even if he never wanted to become a Pro-Hero, he still would have been beaten down.

For the longest time he questioned why life was so cruel to him. But, he thinks he knows the reason why. The reason is... well there is no reason. There is no justification for what he went through. There are no consequences for the people who hurt him. That's what the world says anyway. The world relishes on his pain.

No more, if the world wouldn't punish his oppressors then he'd to it himself; because someone needs to stand up and do what's right. Someone needs to serve actual justice. Someone needs to make a definition of what's right and what's wrong. 

If Izuku needs to be the one to do the dead, then so be it.

He'll have his justice.

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The night was silent and the air was cold enough to make a person's teeth chatter. Yet, Izuku didn't mind. He was tough enough to handle a bit of bad weather.

His Vigilante outfit wasn't exactly built for winter, but the clothing wasn't exactly thin or slim either. He was warm enough, and the chilly night of his home put his nerves at ease as he crouched over the ledge of a building. The same building where All Might told him not to be a Hero.

Izuku snorted a little at the thought. He sort of ended up taking that advice, he wasn't a Hero, but you couldn't exactly call him a Villain. At least not yet. He's even got a small fanbase as a Vigilante, 'Malachite' they call him. Not exactly very creative, being named after a green gemstone, but... he liked it.

At least he wasn't being called Deku. He wouldn't be able to stop a scowl from appearing on his face if people insulted him by calling him useless whenever he saved them.

He was waiting for his leader, they said they'd meet here, where Izuku would claim Ryoto's Quirk and go through with the plan. A rather reckless plan, but he can concede that it would be effective. If pulled off correctly.

Izuku's smile was promptly wiped off his face as he thought of what Ryoto's scheme had done to their once well organised army. Paragon was essentially dismantled at this point, most of the 2000 odd members who'd decided to remain after being told Ryoto's plan had scattered throughout Japan. They had a large amount of safehouses and properties throughout the country, Izuku was honestly done with questioning his leader's absurdity at this point, and any without homes could stay in those. However, most just returned to their civilian lives, ready to be called on when the time is right.

The thought nerve-racked Izuku. His leader was insane. He's more or less putting his entire life in the hands of his friends. He didn't even look concerned, he'd just put on that stupid smile and says everything will be alright! LIKE THAT HELPS HIM!!!

Izuku let out a sigh, the thoughts of the burden he now barred sinking into him. Ryoto had left him in charge, he wasn't going to be there for Izuku to fall back on. In fact, Ryoto would be falling back on Him. True he wasn't commanding a whole army, but the responsibility he had was still immense. 

His self doubt was brought to an end as 'Hyper Sense' activated, making him turn around to witness the formation of fog that came with the use of 'Warp Gate'. Only two copies of that Quirk existed, one with Shouko, a woman that Izuku has met only a few times, and his leader who had some mad scientist recreate a copy of the ability for his leader. Shouko felt a little less special because of it, but understood that the white haired revolutionist needed a more ideal way of transport than another person who can't always be by his side.

Izuku watched as he slowly floated through the portal and rolled his eyes, an action he never thought he'd do a year ago, and quipped to his leader." Quit being dramatic, plus you're late."

The portal behind Ryoto dispersed, the mist scattering to the winter night, and Ryoto held a hand over his heart with mock hurt.

"I can't believe you'd ever accuse me of dramatics, it's called just naturally looking awesome. Something you know little about, long hair." He jabbed back.

Izuku snorted." Your hair is probably gonna grow when you're rotting in Tartarus, I hope you enjoy shitting in a toilet with no rim on it."

The taller man's voice actually went a touch serious as he informed Izuku." It'd be a miracle if they let me move at all. I'll probably be forced fed and tied down for all hours of the day, that means I'll probably be urinating in a catheter and defecating in a colostomy bag. My time there will most certainly be violating many basic human rights,"

At the grim words Izuku's mood was instantly dropped. As soon as he thinks he'd learned how bad Hero society really treated Villains, he finds out that he is just as ignorant as ever.

Now that he thinks about it, there aren't any records on what life for Villains is like in Tartarus. He's looked it up at one point, only to come up essentially dry. There was literally not a word on the conditions that the prisoners in that place endure.

Which is... very wrong. How did the HPSC get away with so many of their 'legal' activities shrouded in mystery? How did they gain the trust of the people when the people don't even really know who they're trusting? 

Unaware of Izuku's inner monologue, Ryoto started to speak with Izuku." I'm going to be away for a while, but before I do that you have the right to hear why I picked you when you're a kid who's never lead anyone in his life." He bluntly stated the truth to Izuku.

The green haired Vigilante winced at that, but nodded nonetheless. He then went on to question his leader." Why did you pick me? I might be strong, but that's all I am. I don't have the charisma to command people like you, and I'm not unstoppable-"

"Neither am I."

"And I haven't even been in Paragon for a whole year. What's so special about me?"

Truly, it boggles his mind. What made him different from Kiruka, Hoyo, Jin and the others? They are at least adults, whilst he's the youngest in the organisation. Even Toga is almost a year older than him! So, why him?!

Ryoto held up his hand and hesitated for a moment, but spoke anyway." Because, you are the only one of them who hates All Might enough to do the job."

Izuku frowned at the cryptic words. Sometimes Ryoto just sucked at getting to the point!

And, what did All Might have to do with this? Sure, Izuku admits that he dislikes the man for crushing his dreams, but, in a twisted sort of way, he knows that All Might was only trying to keep him safe. He might have been a massive loser, but he's no different from all the others that have put Izuku down before. Hatred is a rather powerful word.

Izuku was about to open his mouth and correct Ryoto, but his suited friend cut him off before he had the chance to speak." Maybe you don't hate him now, but you will after I tell you the truth of his power. How All Might is an even bigger hypocrite than you could possibly imagine. How he was once like we were."

He wondered for a moment what Ryoto was talking about. What did he mean All Might was once like them, the two of them had little in common, the only thing that him and Ryoto shared was.

Izuku snapped his emerald eyes upwards to meet Ryoto's own pools of red." All Might was... Quirkless?" He whispered that last part, though the shock in his voice was easily recognised.

Ryoto's face went dark in a foreboding manner." Yes he was, he was once in your shoes Izuku. He was once Quirkless, just like we were. But, one day a woman named Nana Shimura decided to take pity on him and give him a power. A Quirk that can be transferred to someone else.

His red eyes bore into Izuku's soul as he uttered his next words.

"I'm going to tell you a story. The story of 'One For All'.

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Izuku opened his eyes and found himself on a strange concrete platform. He was shirtless and didn't have shoes or socks, leaving him in just pants. Asides from the platform there was absolutely nothing else in sight, all he could see was an endless whiteness that accompanied a void.

After he woke up he tapped his foot against the ground and felt that it was solid as rock. He ran a hand through his green hair and tried to remember what was happening to him.

What is this place? The last thing he remembered was... Ryoto giving him a copy of his Quirk. He had no idea why anyone would ever just hand a power like that out to others, but with the situation as it is right now he agreed. He wasn't sure why it had to be him through. He couldn't imagine taking someone else's Quirk, he isn't sure how he agreed to this, what could-

Izuku scowled and tightened his fists when he remembered what the reason really was, memories crashing back down onto his mind. 'One For All', All Might's Quirk. The one who crushed his dreams and simply continued to go about his day, as though he wasn't even worth the time. Like his dreams were impossible. Maybe they were even, but still...

"Sorry kid, it's not gonna happen."

Hearing those familiar words Izuku turned his head to their source, and was promptly met with the sight of a younger him and his mother talking to a doctor about his Quirk, or lack of more like, the brutal words of the doctor and how they crushed his dreams. The scene was enough to make him feel a darkness in his heart swell.

Why was he seeing the past like this? Is this part of the process in receiving Ryoto's Quirk? But, what does seeing the past have to do with stealing Quirks?

"Mum, is there any chance that I could be someone like him?" A shaky and rather pitiful voice called out from behind him and he found a new subject to divert his attention to. It was him again, but this time he was watching that All Might video. It was the moment he asked his mother that question.

This was yet another critical moment in his life, yet another example of how people like him weren't valued by others. Even his mother didn't believe in his dreams, even she didn't think that he had the potential to do something great with his life. Because, nobody looks past the surface these days.

Bravery? Courage? Determination? Compassion? None of that matters to this world. It's all just about the power to them.

What a sick joke.

He had a dead look in his eyes as his mother just began to apologise to him whilst they cried together. He used to do that a lot, he hardly ever did that these days. Maybe it's because he finally decided to grow up and start to protect himself against this world, maybe it's because he finally has some power of his own, but he's done giving this world the satisfaction of seeing him cry.

More scenes appeared of those who either pitied him, abused him, or dismissed him. Moments in his life where he felt like he couldn't sink any deeper into the hole he dug for himself, only to be proven wrong. Watching it all play out only reminded him of what he's here for and what he'll need to do.

"I'm sorry, but without a Quirk you just won't cut it."

All Might's words actually didn't faze him as much as they did before. Oh don't get him wrong, he still hated the hypocrite- even more so now that he'd learned the truth about 'his' Quirk- but the man's opinion was of little importance to him now. He was a fake, a façade, a washed up loser. He creates standards that are too high for anyone to ever reach, standards even he doesn't adhere to, and uses them to encourage a mentality of 'might makes right' to put down the weak. He said that a Quirkless kid had no chance of being a Hero, but what right does he have to judge when he was once in the same position?

All Might is nearly gone, a pillar with cracks can't hold up society. No stable system is built upon lies, even Ryoto's plan- as reckless and risky as it is- will probably work because this society isn't even competent enough to protect itself. Their action might be evil, but it's a necessary evil.

At least he thinks so.

"Izuku!"

The green haired boy remained unflinching as he turned his head around, unflinching, as he gazed upon the misty and distorted form of his leader. He looked incomplete, parts of him were fading and being replaced with this strange fog, he looked as though he was constantly using 'Warp Gate'.

His leader had a neutral expression on his face and asked simply." Do you accept my power? This ability is powerful, but it only brings hardship and pain to those who wield it. Can you really handle the responsibility?"

Gazing upon his white haired friend he raised an eyebrow and commented." Of course, you can't change the world without power. It's the reason that the Quirkless were helpless all this time. Power reigns supreme, so I accept the cost. Give your ability to me."

Ryoto smiled at that." A certain answer, you really have changed since we first met, you know that?"

Izuku smiled slyly." I prefer to say improved, the old me was blind to this world's ways. I, on the other hand, am not afraid to change."

Ryoto's grin turned savage at those world." Then lets change the world together, Izuku. Come to me." He held his arms out as he grew in size, as though he were asking the green haired boy to join with him and embrace this power.

Izuku took a few steps forward, the stone below his feet feeling unnaturally smooth, and was just two steps away from his, but-

A phantom hand suddenly latched onto his face from out of nowhere, then one grabbed him by the neck. The action was so sudden that he was held in place by them.

"Deku!" Izuku didn't even need to open his eyes to see who was holding him by the face. It was Katsuki Bakugo, he was wearing a strange expression of desperation as he halted Izuku's movements. Stopping him from advancing to his goals.

He took a quick glance backwards and saw that yet another blonde he loathed was holding him back. The gaunt figure of All Might almost seemed to grit his teeth and stare at him with frustration and anger at his action. He was also stopping him from achieving his dreams.

"Stop it young Midoriya, can't you see that he's using you?"

Yes, he could see that. In a way he knows that, no matter how you slice it, he is being used to further Ryoto's goals. But, he just doesn't care much. He was going to use Ryoto's powers for his own gain, so what did it matter? They were just using each other at the end of the day.

Izuku scowled as he took the hands holding him back and tore them off him before he forced himself forward towards his leader, towards his new power. He briefly stared back at the faces of those who hurt him and just said." Shut up, I don't need you two. I never have."

He briefly wonders how different his life would have turned out if, on that rooftop, All Might would have just said that he could become a Hero. Would he have attempted the U.A entrance exam? Would he have passed? Would the people there be any better than his old school, or would he have just ended up the same as always.

Ryoto once told him that one bad day is all it takes to create a Villain. That rings true in his case.

Either way that didn't matter. No use dwelling on the past. He can only march towards the future.

He walked into the vestige of Ryoto and felt his body dissipate into nothing in that realm as he began to emerge into the real world, consciousness flooding into him. He's done being the victim, he's done with what's wrong in the world.

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In the real world a green haired kid snapped his eyes open as red cracks appeared all over his body. His green eyes flashed as a red halo appeared in his irises, giving him a rather demonic gaze.

Ryoto stood back as Izuku screamed in absolute agony. His eyes rolled back into his head as red veins extended throughout his nervous system and gathered towards his palms. The night became full of his scream and he writhed in pain.

If Izuku wasn't lying on the ground, and unable to get back up, then he was sure he'd be hopping around in pain. Why didn't Ryoto warn him about this?! It felt like ever nerve of his body was being stretched out and forced open to accept his new Quirk! The pure anguish he felt for that moment was more painful than any bone he broke training himself into the ground! He felt like his soul was being stretched and his anatomy was warping!

It was absolute torture, even if it only lasted for a minute.

But, when the pain faded Izuku felt as light as a feather. The pure power he felt course through his veins in that moment was enough to make a rush of adrenaline kick in. He felt liberated, like he could do anything.

But, he also felt hungry. Really hungry. Not for food either.

Izuku's eyes snapped back into place, and when he looked up all he saw was the hand of his leader, the hole in his palm burning with a light hum. As though it were reacting to him, and acknowledging him.

Ryoto was smiling at him. Not a smirk, not an evil grin, he was just showing compassion towards Izuku. It was such a simple gesture, he was just helping the green haired boy get back on his feet.

Yet, this action held some weight.

Izuku moved to grab the hand, but hesitated when he noticed that fresh black markers that were identical to his leaders had appeared on his own palms, the ones he'd use to steal and give Quirks. They were truly alike now.

"How about we get up and do our jobs? The Heroes will be at Jaku soon. I should head back to give them a warm welcome. You can take care of the others, right?" 

Izuku wasn't sure why he was asking, he didn't have much of a choice at this point.

The world was unfair, unjust, it thrives on the suffering of those who are different. He used to accept this as fact. He used to believe that he was truly worthless. That he truly had no value as a human being.

No more. Izuku used to wish that he could become a Hero, but that dream is dead. It was smashed into pieces by All Might himself. But, there is still hope for a better future. It's not too late for him to take a stand. The power is with him, he just needs to use it.

Izuku isn't a Hero, but he will be what the world needs. He will create a better world.

He took his leaders hand and stood up, the holes in their palms shining red and green respectively.

He will create a true Hero.