"I admit it… I underestimated him."
"Are you okay?!"
Artoria, who always maintained a calm and composed expression, had lost that serenity—her face now filled with fear.
"Artoria?"
Allen's empty gaze slowly cleared as he realized he was floating above the clouds.
Sunlight bathed his body, and within seconds Allen was able to move. The first thing he did was extend his hand and gently stroke the head of the worried girl beside him.
"Don't worry… I'm just resting."
Artoria—and everyone in the chat—knew it was a lie. Allen had been injured.
"Allen… don't make us worry like that," Artoria said, her voice filled with reproach and sadness.
"I won't…"
Allen let the sunlight flow into his body faster, accelerating his recovery. He knew he had to return to the battlefield—everyone was in danger with that monster nearby.
"All For One…"
Allen's eyes flashed with disgust.
Gwen – It's true, what were you thinking?!
"I'm sorry."
Unohana – Are you alright, dear?
"Yes, don't worry."
Yoruichi – Why did you let him hit you?
"I underestimated him…"
Saya – Do that one more time and I'll hit you!
"Haha, I know."
Lucy – Are you really okay?!
"Maybe 'okay' isn't the right word, but I will be…"
Jalter – I wish I could help you against that bastard.
"Thank you," Allen smiled, despite the blood on his mouth and nose. "Don't worry, I always get strength from you girls."
Tony – *Cough*
"And from you bastards too, of course."
Thor – Teach that bastard a lesson!
"That's the idea."
When he was finally able to move, Allen straightened his posture and looked toward the sun.
The only question left was what Allen would do now. He had the option to use all of his templates; however, doing so would reveal that he had been lying about the limits of his power.
"I'll give it everything I've got using only five templates. If that's not enough… then I'll have no choice but to reveal my full power."
Allen looked downward. He didn't want to waste time—someone could die.
"You'll pay for this… Zen Shigaraki."
.... .... ....
He fell from the sky—hard, precise, carrying immeasurable force.
The impact generated enough power to break through All For One's defenses and injure him.
'I don't understand…' All For One stared at Allen's foot embedded in his shattered arm. 'After using Hypertrophy, Brawn Boost, Shock Absorption, and Impact Recoil, I should have nullified all physical damage… and yet my arm is broken! Impossible!'
– "...I am your enemy, villain." –
Allen's words from moments ago echoed in his mind like a virus.
"All For One, you came for my Quirk, didn't you?"
Allen's smile and gaze filled All For One with uncertainty.
"Fine. I'll break the limits of logic and reality—don't regret it."
The moment the cards appeared around Allen, All For One went on high alert.
The Demon King understood he had made a mistake.
"Allen Walker!" All For One used three different Quirks—Repulsion, Shockwave, and Sonic Boom—to push Allen away. It worked, but Allen suffered no injuries from the attack.
Zen Shigaraki had lived for over a hundred years thanks to the Quirk "Life Force," which granted him longevity beyond that of a normal human. Six more years meant nothing to him.
All For One only needed to wait… eventually, All Might would lose all his strength and retreat.
The answer was logical. The optimal strategy. He only had to wait—nothing more—and he could retrieve One For All once All Might was no longer capable of protecting it.
He couldn't act before All Might's fall; otherwise, he would be taking a risk.
All Might was running out of time, and when the moment came, he would burn everything he had left—even his life—just to defeat him. That was why All For One avoided fighting All Might—not out of cowardice or inability, but because being injured while killing All Might would delay his plans to bring about a new era of chaos.
However, something far too tempting—far too brilliant—had appeared.
All For One raised his gaze and focused on Allen. The young man before him didn't look injured. He wasn't a hero breaking past his limits—he was in peak condition, radiating a brilliant, intense aura. Stealing that Quirk would not be easy.
'But more than that… this power…' All For One frowned.
*Flashback*
– "A Quirk capable of creating Quirks? Is that true, Kurogiri?" –
– "Yes, Master. We received this information from our infiltrator at U.A." –
– "Ah… tell me more about this Quirk." –
– "Allen Walker has successfully replicated Superman's abilities. He's weaker than the original, but the results are nearly perfect. Not only that—he has displayed Quirks never seen before. Rumors say that with enough time, he could increase both the duration and the power, eventually reaching the original… even surpassing it." –
– "Does that mean even my All For One and One For All…?" –
– "We don't know yet. But according to our reports, this young man has broken several records at U.A.—including All Might's." –
All For One, a man obsessed with acquiring the greatest Quirks, felt a sharp pang of desire pierce his soul like a virus—an uncontrollable impulse of greed.
Allen's existence disrupted his plans. That Quirk was a diamond unlike any other, except for One For All.
It was as if, after billions of trials, humanity had finally given birth to its Mona Lisa—the perfect Quirk. No matter how strong or incredible another Quirk was, Allen's could emulate it—not just copy it, but modify it or create superior versions. A Quirk like that shattered every rule.
(A/N: Remember, the world believes Allen's Quirk works this way thanks to Nezu. No one knows they are templates from beings of other worlds.)
With every fragment of information All For One obtained, his obsession with Allen grew—but so did his understanding that someone with such a Quirk would be a future threat.
If he wanted that Quirk, he had to take it as soon as possible—before Allen became unstoppable.
*End of flashback.*
....
"Allen!" Toru cried.
"Thank goodness…" Ochako let out a breath of relief.
Itsuka and Momo exchanged smiles, tears of relief streaming down their faces when they saw he was safe.
"Allen-san!" Deku shouted with joy—All Might had almost been killed.
"Tsk, that bastard's still alive," Bakugo growled, supported by Kirishima.
"As expected!" Iida exclaimed.
"Yes! That's awesome—I love you, Allen!" Mina shouted, having just woken up.
"Is that bastard still alive? He's more persistent than a cockroach," Bakugo spat on the ground.
"Allen-chan," Tsuyu smiled with hope.
"..." Aoyama, one arm broken, looked away as if carrying all the guilt in the world.
He really had arrived at the perfect moment.
....
All For One was extremely irritated.
Allen's return had shattered his plan—he had even prevented All Might's death. After meticulous planning, everything had failed.
"Allen Walker, you are an exceptional young man—so much so that you managed to throw everything out of my control for a moment. I acknowledge that."
"Ha, just tell the truth. Right now, there's nothing you want more than to kill me," Allen mocked him. "But you know what? You don't scare me. You hid like a rat from All Might for six years while he was injured—what kind of fear do you think that inspires in me?~"
"What are you doing?!" Toru exclaimed in fear from behind a wall.
"Allen-kun…" Itsuka smiled wryly.
"Hmph, that idiot is provoking the enemy. Does he want to die?" Momo snorted.
"He's definitely pissed!" Kaminari laughed.
"Let's hope he doesn't push him too far," Shoji said, scratching his cheek.
Deku widened his eyes as he looked at his classmates.
' No one's noticed it, but the fear they felt after learning about All Might's injury is gone. Just as I expected from someone All Might respects despite his age… Allen-kun, I promise that someday I'll be just as incredible! '
"Young Allen…"
All Might watched Allen stand before his enemy without even a trace of fear, but beyond that, with a smile—something he himself could no longer do.
Decades of loss caused by All For One's schemes had clouded All Might's vision with hatred every time they faced each other.
That was why Allen's presence in this moment looked so dazzling to him.
....
"You're disgusting…" All For One said.
This man—condescending toward everyone, even when facing All Might, a man who always looked down on others—openly expressed his disgust toward Allen.
"I'm glad to be disgusting to you," Allen mocked him again.
"..."
No matter how talented, a brat would never pose a threat to him—but Allen was no brat.
Rapid growth, frightening adaptability, and surreal combat capabilities. All For One felt that Allen had already been ready to act as a rookie hero from the very first day he set foot in U.A. And yet, even knowing that, he had underestimated him.
Allen was already a threat—right now.
"I underestimated you far too much."
The moment those words were spoken, a chill ran through everyone present.
It was an intense bloodlust—pure malice—aimed in a single direction.
All For One's mindset shifted. At this moment, more than wanting Allen's Quirk, he wanted to eliminate him.
"Allen-kun!" All Might tried to return to his muscular form. He attempted to draw out what little remained of One For All, but his body refused to respond.
'I can't let him kill Allen!'
More blood spilled from All Might's mouth.
"All Might!"
Some students noticed and tried to rush toward him, but All Might raised his hand.
"I'm fine!"
It was an obvious lie—anyone could see he was in terrible condition. Still, his duty as the Symbol of Peace was not over yet.
....
All For One used the Super Regeneration he had recovered from the Nomu to heal his broken arm.
"Damage Amplifier, Double Critical, Shield Penetration, Dark Energy, Dark Ball!"
All For One extended his hand, creating numerous spheres of darkness—each one sending chills through everyone present.
He launched them toward Allen, each sphere traveling like a comet.
Allen's eyes lit up. Using his heat vision, he destroyed them one by one. However, there were too many—several struck the ground, creating craters everywhere.
Allen flew while dodging, but when he saw some of them heading toward the students, he changed tactics. He flew at supersonic speed and appeared in front of them, spread his arms, and clapped with all his strength.
"Thunder Clap!"
The iconic Hulk technique—Superman's version—not only stopped the attack, but it also sent it back.
All For One created a yellow barrier, receiving his own attack.
Amid the rain of dark spheres, Allen appeared and struck the barrier, causing several cracks to form.
All For One's eyes widened. Compared to Allen's strength before, this time he was stronger. However, he quickly recovered—he was far too accustomed to heroes gaining sudden power boosts.
All For One's right arm swelled like a balloon.
"Air Cannon!"
A compressed air detonation struck Allen, pushing him away once more. But that wasn't all—All For One also used Rivet Stab.
Five black tendrils with red lines pierced through the air toward Allen.
All For One didn't want to risk anything else slipping out of his control. The solution was simple—he only had to touch Allen to steal his Quirk.
The reason he couldn't do that with One For All was that it contained the will of its seven predecessors. But Allen was different—the hundred-year-old monster didn't believe a brat could possess enough willpower to resist.
"Allen!"
"Watch out!"
"He wants your Quirk!"
"Don't let him steal it!"
"..." Allen narrowed his eyes and materialized one of the cards.
That movement alerted All For One, who accelerated his attack using two Quirks—Boost and Accel.
Allen smiled, but before he had the chance to use the new template, a gunshot rang out, and All For One's arm was pierced by a purple beam—catching him off guard.
Allen looked upward. A gorgeous woman with purple hair stood there, looking strangely familiar.
"Are my intentions still not clear? You Bastard!"
"Lady Nagant…" All For One turned with indifference.
"You've softened. In the past, you would have aimed for the heart or the head. Tell me—was that someone's influence?"
Kaina pressed her lips together, glancing at Allen for a moment. She was relieved to see him alive and unharmed—and All For One did not miss that.
"I see. I always thought it was strange—the government's hired assassin, the dark face of heroism, vanished without a trace, quit her job, and became nothing more than a rumor… so it was because of him."
"Shut up!"
Lady Nagant aimed and fired at All For One. Still, this time he defended himself—raising his arm and taking the shot without injury. At the same time, he healed the wound on his other arm with Super Regeneration.
All For One laughed.
"Finding something to protect is a wonderful thing. It gives you a reason to live, makes you stronger—but it's a double-edged sword. What you protect becomes a weakness when it's destroyed~"
All For One pointed his hand toward Allen. This put Lady Nagant on high alert—she reloaded her rifle using a strand of her hair, but when she aimed, she realized All For One had vanished.
A chill ran down her spine. She tried to turn, but something wrapped around her, preventing her from moving.
"...!"
"Nerve paralysis…"
"You can't win, Kaina Tsutsumi. You're a sniper—if there were dozens of miles between us, I might be cautious. But getting this close just because you're worried about Allen Walker is your end."
All For One's arm transformed into a black sword aimed at Lady Nagant's heart.
"I won't let you!" Allen appeared, holding Kaina in his arms while stopping the black blade with his hand.
Kaina's eyes widened in shock as she was freed and protected. Looking at Allen's face up close, she couldn't help but think—
'When did you grow this much, Allen?'
"HAHAHA! Wonderful!" All For One laughed.
"But that was my objective!"
All For One's sword reverted to normal as he grabbed Allen's arm.
"No!" Kaina screamed, regret and tears filling her eyes—something no one would have ever expected to see from her.
She knew All For One's true goal had always been Allen's Quirk. Now, because of her, he had the chance to steal it. There were no apologies in the world sufficient for letting her emotions get the better of her and endangering Allen.
"Checkmate!" All For One smiled—only for that smile to freeze instantly.
"Why?!"
Allen smiled, his eyes glowing, and without hesitation used his heat vision to slice through All For One's entire shoulder, leaving a deep wound in his chest.
"If you want the answer, it's simple—bioelectric field and tactile telekinesis."
Allen smiled as he released Kaina, clenched his fist, and punched All For One with all his strength.
Allen's punch shattered All For One's mask, broke several teeth, and sent him flying into the forest, creating a massive explosion.
"Sensei!" Shigaraki—who until now had been watching with mockery—was left horrified, as was Kurogiri.
Kaina, standing close to Allen, watched his back. Facing such terrifying evil, he didn't retreat—instead, he pushed forward, turning an enemy trap into a counterattack against All For One.
"Allen..."
In her eyes, there were mixed emotions, ranging from joy, relief, happiness, and a strange, unfamiliar warmth.
....
In the depths of the forest, All For One lay with severe injuries and a shattered jaw.
"It's terrifying… he saw through my setup and used it against me. Not just power, not just courage, not just will—he's also incredibly cunning. What an abominable child…" he muttered.
"I have to kill him!"
Super Regeneration!
All For One's body healed at a speed that would make Worldbreaker Hulk nod in approval.
All For One stood up, and soon the sky darkened.
In the original history, he had been gravely injured, limiting the number of Quirks he could hold and use—so he often lent them to others. But in this world, with a body even stronger than his original one, he never stopped traveling across Japan—and even the world—seeking more Quirks.
As a result, All For One possessed a total of 1,728 Quirks!
Allen watched the sky darken and made a decision.
"I guess I'll reveal my cards too…"
Allen had selected five cards for this battle to conceal his true limits for as long as possible—but if necessary, he was willing to show everything he had.
"Let's go…"
Allen crushed the card, causing it to shatter into fragments of light that entered his body.
....
Seeing the scope of All For One's power, All Might felt fear—not for his own safety, but for the reality that his body could no longer keep going, and that this monster would have to be faced by Allen.
'Move… I'm begging you… just one more time!'
[Hey, can you hear me… Yagi Toshinori?]
'Huh?! Telepathy? Who are you?!'
[I am… never mind. I have a question. If you could return to the battlefield in exchange for your life…]
'I'm begging you!'
[I didn't even finish talking… tsk, whatever. You won't think about it?]
'My duty is to pass the light to the next generation—to ensure no light ever goes out! For that, I don't care about the price!'
[…I suppose the master was right. I have something that will restore your strength—but it won't be free. It will cost you your vitality and reduce your lifespan.]
'Thank you…'
[Tsk…]
Floating in front of All Might was an injector filled with an unknown substance. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and injected it directly into his neck.
Pain flooded his body—his muscles felt like they were devouring themselves. Already weakened, enduring this torture was impossible.
– "When you think you've reached your limit, remember your origin…" –
The face of a woman appeared in his memories.
"I will, Master," All Might smiled, clinging to consciousness.
High above, Allen smiled faintly—without turning to look at All Might.
====
A/N: Well, I hope the next chapter lives up to expectations. 🍷🗿
If you want to read more, there are up to ten chapters ahead on Patreon.
Patreon.com/_Aizen