(The next day)
Overhaul leaned back in his chair, his mind wandering back to the previous day's events. The bloodbath, the screams, the lifeless bodies... It had been brutal, yes, but also strangely fascinating. Kiyozawa's power was unmatched, his ability to kill so many heroes effortlessly impressive. But then his thoughts drifted to the potential consequences. What if a hero stronger than Kiyozawa appeared? Someone who could actually pose a threat to him and everyone else? A shiver ran down Overhaul's spine at the mere thought.
(Meanwhile at the Angels Of Slaughter Hideout).
Zentaro: "I heard over two hundred people died for no reason. Both our world and the human world."
He reported coldly, his expression unreadable as he delivered the news to Kiyozawa. The number was staggering, the implications dire. Kiyozawa simply listened, his face masked and emotionless.
Kiyozawa: "Is that so?"
He replied nonchalantly, showing no remorse or concern for the massive loss of life he had caused.
Zentaro: "You seem not shocked."
He observed pointedly.
Zentaro: "Because you know it was you who caused all those deaths."
He studied Kiyozawa's impassive face carefully, trying to gauge his reaction or any hint of guilt, but found nothing.
Kiyozawa simply shrugged casually, making Zentaro wonder if there was even a heart behind those cold red eyes.
Zentaro: "You're really a disappointment, Kiyozawa."
He said harshly, his disappointment clear in his tone.
Zentaro: "You're straying from the path I laid out for you."
Kiyozawa's eyes widened slightly at the rebuke, a rare display of emotion from the usually stoic Yakuza. He didn't want to disappoint his boss, and didn't want to fall out of favor with the man who had given him purpose and power.
Kiyozawa: "I-I'm sorry..."
Zentaro: "Just remember, Kiyozawa."
He warned, his voice heavy with pain but firm in his resolve.
Zentaro: "Keep using your power so carelessly, and perhaps I'll have to consider ending you myself."
The words stung his throat to say, the thought of harming his beloved adopted son physically hurting him. But it was a necessary warning, a reminder to Kiyozawa of the consequences of his actions. Kiyozawa nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of Zentaro's words.
Kiyozawa: "Yes, sir."
He stepped out of Zentaro's office, his expression dark and contemplative. As he looked up slightly, he noticed Kanako standing beside the door, her arms crossed and a concerned look on her face. She remembered all too well what had happened the previous day - the bloodbath, the screams, and the red-eyed monster that was her brother. Their eyes met silently, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
Kiyozawa: "Kanako..."
He began softly, his mask slipping slightly to reveal a hint of vulnerability.
Kanako remained silent, her expression unreadable as she walked past Kiyozawa without a word. The coldness in her demeanor stung him more than anything else, her silence speaking volumes about her disappointment and fear. Kiyozawa watched her go, his red eyes glowing with a mixture of sadness and frustration. He hated seeing his sister look at him like that, like he was a stranger, a monster. But he understood her feelings. After all, he was a monster - a ruthless killer with no remorse.
(In his mind).
"Why do I feel like this?"
He ran his hand through his hair in frustration.
"I hate Kanako for being God Orb trash and yet... why do I hate the way she looked at me?"
The conflict within him was palpable - he despised Kanako for being born a God Orb but found himself hurt by her disgust towards him after witnessing his true nature. His red eyes flickered weakly as he struggled with these contradictory emotions.
(Out of his mind).
He glanced down at his phone, scrolling through messages filled with job offers for illegal activities. He paused at the unanswered message he had sent to Amaya, his heart sinking slightly. No reply. He had hoped for at least a response, some indication that she wasn't completely repulsed by him after yesterday's brutal display. But there was nothing. Silence. Kiyozawa's red eyes dimmed further, his expression turning cold once more.
The sudden ringtone interrupted Kiyozawa's thoughts. He glanced at the caller ID and his expression hardened. Overhaul. The man wanted to meet with him alone. Kiyozawa's thumb hovered over the accept button, his mind racing with possibilities. What could Overhaul possibly want? To discuss business? Or was there something more personal at play? Kiyozawa took a deep breath and accepted the call, his voice cold and professional.
Kiyozawa: "Overhaul." He greeted curtly.
Overhaul: "We're comrades now."
He stated calmly over the phone.
Overhaul: "Thanks to our fathers alliance remember?"
He paused briefly before continuing.
Overhaul: "And yesterday, you demonstrated your true power..."
His tone was measured, giving no hint of the inner turmoil he felt regarding Kiyozawa's brutal methods and their potential consequences.
Overhaul: "I think it's time we had a private discussion, don't you agree?"
He suggested, his voice low and serious.
Kiyozawa: "Fine."
He responded curtly, his tone lacking its usual venom but still dripping with indifference.
Kiyozawa: "Whatever."
He hung up the phone without another word, knowing full well that Overhaul would be waiting for him at the Shie Hassaikai.
As he made his way there, Kiyozawa couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. This 'comrade' relationship with Overhaul felt forced, unnatural. And yet, they were bound by their fathers' alliance, making them reluctant allies rather than enemies. At least for now.
Kiyozawa materialized in Overhaul's world, his eyes immediately taking in the grim scene before him. Heroes were busy cleaning up the blood and debris from the previous day's massacre. No one seemed to suspect who was behind such a brutal attack. Kiyozawa's red eyes flickered over the scene, feeling a strange sense of pride and ownership - this was his handiwork, after all. Overhaul waited nearby, his expression serious as he watched Kiyozawa take in the surroundings.
Overhaul: "Welcome to my world."
He said dryly.
Overhaul: "I did something bad."
He murmured, his voice barely audible over the sound of heroes working nearby. He waved his hand slightly, indicating the blood stains that still marred the ground despite the cleanup efforts.
Overhaul: "Don't tell your father about this... I put my boss in a coma."
He met Kiyozawa's gaze directly, seeking some sort of reaction or acknowledgement from him. The confession hung heavy between them both, Overhaul trusting that Kiyozawa would keep his secret protected by their newly forged 'comrade' bond.
Kiyozawa: "You hurt your father?"
He asked, his eyes widening slightly in surprise and concern. He had never imagined that Overhaul would actually harm his own father, the head of the Shie Hassaikai. Overhaul's face contorted briefly, a flash of pain and regret crossing his features before being quickly masked.
Overhaul: "It's complicated."
He replied gruffly, avoiding Kiyozawa's questioning gaze.
Overhaul: "I'm the new head boss now."
He declared matter-of-fact. His expression hardened as he revealed the truth behind his actions.
Overhaul: "I put him in a coma as part of my plan to repay him for taking me in all those years ago."
His voice grew colder with each word, masking the underlying guilt and uncertainty behind his decision.
Overhaul: "And Kiyozawa... I need your help with this plan."
He looked directly at Kiyozawa, seeking his support despite knowing how brutal his methods were.
Kiyozawa: "There has to be another way to repay your boss."
He began softly, his voice barely audible over the distant hum of heroes working nearby. He didn't know Overhaul well enough to understand that this decision wasn't easy for him, despite his gruff exterior. But before he could finish speaking, Overhaul cut him off.
Overhaul: "No."
He said sharply.
Overhaul: "This is the only way."
And with those words, Kiyozawa sighed internally, realizing there was no changing Overhaul's mind. He nodded slightly in acceptance.
Kiyozawa: "Just so you know."
He began, his red eyes meeting Overhaul's gaze steadily.
Kiyozawa: "If anything happens to you during this plan... I won't save you."
His words were blunt and unfeeling, reflecting the cold nature of their alliance. He knew the risks involved and wasn't about to risk his own life or freedom to save Overhaul if things went south. His message was clear - they were comrades, not friends. Overhaul nodded, understanding the terms of their agreement without needing further explanation.
Overhaul: "Fair enough."
He stood up abruptly, reaching into his pocket to pull out a plague doctor mask identical to his own.
Overhaul: "Here."
He said gruffly, handing it over to Kiyozawa.
Overhaul: "You should wear this during the operation. Same style as mine."
Kiyozawa: "..."
He simply looked down at the offered mask without reaching for it, his expression unimpressed. He had no intention of wearing it - his face mask was part of his identity, his brand of terror. This generic mask meant nothing to him.
Overhaul: "Just take it."
He insisted, holding the plague doctor mask out towards Kiyozawa once more. His tone was firm, bordering on impatient. He knew how important appearances were in their line of work, and having matching masks would help maintain a unified front during their operation. But Kiyozawa remained unmoved, his eyes fixed on the mask with mild disdain.
Kiyozawa: "I don't need it."
He replied flatly, making it clear that he had no intention of wearing Overhaul's mask.
Overhaul's patience wore thin as Kiyozawa's stubbornness became apparent. Without warning, he reached out and forcibly placed the plague doctor mask over Kiyozawa's face, ignoring the sudden growth of his black feathered wings behind him. The wings remained still, neither attacking nor defending. Overhaul stepped back, his expression satisfied.
Overhaul: "There." He said curtly.
Overhaul: "Now you look the part."
Kiyozawa's red eyes glowed menacingly.
Overhaul: "Since we look alike."
He began, his voice thoughtful as he studied Kiyozawa's masked face.
Overhaul: "We might as well take advantage of it. How about you go to that meeting in my place? You know how those things usually go south..."
He trailed off, leaving the unsaid words hanging in the air - he was referring to the typical violence and danger that came with Yakuza meetings but this meeting was different the one with league of villains.
Kiyozawa: "What meeting is this?"
His voice was low and cautious as he inquired about the details of Overhaul's proposed deception. Overhaul took a deep breath before answering, his expression serious.
Overhaul: "It's a meeting with the League of Villains."
He revealed.
Overhaul: "They're expecting me, but if you go in my place wearing that mask..."
He gestured to Kiyozawa's face.
Overhaul: "...they'll never know the difference."
Kiyozawa's eyes flared with understanding and something else—excitement? Danger?
Kiyozawa: "Who exactly are the League of Villains?"
He asked, his curiosity piqued despite his usual aloof demeanor.
Overhaul leaned back slightly, folding his arms as he explained,
Overhaul: "They're a powerful and notorious group of villains led by Tomura Shigaraki. They're known for their ruthless tactics and immense power. If they suspect I'm not there in person, they might become hostile."
He paused, gauging Kiyozawa's reaction.
Overhaul: "You sure you're up for this?"
Kiyozawa: "Sure, why not?"
He responded casually, his voice almost bored as he agreed to the risky plan. As he spoke, his red eyes began to shift, the color slowly changing to match Overhaul's golden hue. The sudden change signaled that his power had been temporarily turned off - a necessary precaution to fully emulate Overhaul's appearance. Overhaul nodded approvingly, satisfied that Kiyozawa was committed to the ruse.
Kiyozawa: "However."
He began, his voice suddenly turning serious.
Kiyozawa: "I need a favor from you in return."
He paused, his golden eyes fixed on Overhaul as he explained his request.
Kiyozawa: "On Fridays, I have to take care of my sister's pug Ruby. Since I'll be attending this meeting instead, would you mind taking care of Ruby for me?"
Overhaul blinked in surprise at Kiyozawa's unexpected request but quickly nodded.
Overhaul: "You serious?"
He asked, raising an eyebrow at Kiyozawa's request.
Overhaul: "That sounds easy enough."
Kiyozawa's expression turned stern as he clarified.
Kiyozawa: "It's not that easy. Ruby is a pug with powers—she's troublesome."
Overhaul's smile faded slightly as he processed this new information. A powered pug? That could indeed be more challenging than he initially thought.
Overhaul: "What kind of powers?"
He inquired cautiously.
Kiyozawa: "Well."
He began, his voice turning serious as he listed Ruby's impressive array of powers.
Kiyozawa: "She can grow huge, create clones of herself, move at super speeds, possess incredible strength, sense danger instantly, teleport short distances, generate force fields..."
He paused before adding the most bizarre ability.
Kiyozawa: "And her licks can heal wounds instantly."
Overhaul's eyes widened in shock as he realized just how 'troublesome' Ruby truly was. A pug with such diverse and powerful powers was virtually unheard of.
Kiyozawa: "Good luck."
He muttered sarcastically, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement as he grabbed Overhaul's jacket and slipped it on. The garment hung slightly loose on his frame, but it was close enough to pass as Overhaul's clothing in a quick glance. He adjusted the collar, ensuring he looked the part before turning to face Overhaul.
Kiyozawa: "Alright, I'm ready."
His transformation was complete - he looked like Overhaul down to the last detail.
Overhaul: "I guess good luck on the meeting."
He replied, his voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. He knew the risks involved in attending the League of Villains' gathering, but he also trusted Kiyozawa's ability to pull off the ruse.
Overhaul: "And I hope I can tame that pug."
He added with a slight smirk, though his eyes betrayed his concern about handling such a powerful and unpredictable creature. The two men exchanged a brief nod before parting ways, each embarking on their challenging tasks.