During my hospital stay, aside from classmates and U.A. teachers dropping by - and Toga occasionally sneaking in to chat before heading back to her special containment at U.A. - some unexpected faces showed up. People who barely got a mention, if at all, in the original story.
First, and the second biggest shock, was the Ida family. Specifically, Tenya's granddad and dad rolled in unannounced. Even Tenya tagging along threw me off.
Two old-timers - one middle-aged, one ancient - in sharp suits stood by my bed, staring me down with cold, no-nonsense eyes. Felt more like an interrogation than a hospital visit.
"You're Onodera Ryuga?" Tenya's granddad, silver-haired but built like he could still throw down, spoke first. His voice carried a weight - like every word echoed three generations of hero grit.
I swallowed hard, unsure where this was headed, but kept my cool and answered flat. "Yeah, that's me."
Tenya's dad, younger but oozing that same Ida-class vibe, crossed his arms, sizing me up. "We heard you saved our boy. Not just that - you took on Stain and shielded the city."
I shrugged, brushing it off to dodge the probe I knew was coming. "I just did what I could."
"No one 'just does what they can' against a top-tier killer like Stain - especially a student still in training," the old man said, his tone dropping heavier. "You put your life on the line. We owe you this big grace."
Tenya stood quiet beside them, but his eyes screamed gratitude mixed with guilt. Probably still kicking himself for charging in like a moth to a flame, nearly screwing himself - and me - in the process.
"We, and Tenya too, are in your debt," his dad added. "If you need help - money, influence - the Ida family's got your back, within reason. But a word of advice: don't let bravery turn into recklessness. You can't protect anyone if you keep throwing yourself into pointless danger."
He wasn't wrong. Without tight planning, I might not be here jawing with them - maybe meeting via Ouija board instead.
"Got it," I nodded. "Thanks for the concern."
The granddad gave me one last look, then turned to Tenya. "Remember what I told you. Next time, don't let someone else risk their neck for you."
Tenya's fists clenched, but he bowed. "Yes, Grandfather."
After they split, the second surprise hit - way wilder, and a hell of a lot riskier than facing Stain.
Somehow, some-fucking-how, the next guy to stroll into my room was…
All For One.
This ain't right. NO WAY THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING.
Every hair on my body shot up, a chill ripping down my spine, breath catching like I was choking.
The man in front of me - Japan's (maybe the world's, who knows) most infamous villain, the shadow puppeteer - was here, unnoticed by the two cops outside, calm as if visiting an old pal. Makes sense - he's got a Quirk buffet; maybe one of them could cloak him, trap me in an illusion, whatever.
Point is, I'm solo, facing the final boss with zero prep. Slim shot at surviving, even if he yoinks my Quirk.
That eyeless, noseless face - just a mouth and scars where features used to be - rocked a slick black suit, the only thing keeping me from totally losing it. Oxygen mask on, he stepped toward me, deliberate but silent, no sound at all. Either he's not striking yet, or he's here to personally end me quick - cut the long-night dreaming short.
"If you're looking for plastic surgery, wrong room, sir…" I forced a joke, trying to ease the dread, but it barely dented the panic.
He didn't bite - or react at all. All For One stopped by my bed, hands clasped like some gentleman, though his presence squeezed the air out of the room.
"Onodera Ryuga…" His voice was steady, no anger, no threat - just a creepy calm. "I've heard plenty about you."
Cold sweat trickled down my back. This ain't good. A scheming bastard like him doesn't pop by for praise or small talk.
"Too kind. Just doing what I can… Uh, mind sharing your name, sir?" I kept it chill, playing dumb, hiding the tension clawing my face.
He tilted his head, maybe a flicker of surprise, then dropped his title like a flex. "I've got more names than you can count. But you can call me Sensei. It's what my students use."
I fought to keep my cool, brain in overdrive for an exit that didn't end with my head rolling. He's here for a reason, and I'd bet my ass it's not friendly at all.
"Sensei, huh… Sounds like I'm chatting with U.A.'s old-timers," I quipped, keeping it casual. "Alright, Sensei - let me guess - you're not just here to pat my back, right?"
A low chuckle slipped out, chilling me to the bone. "Sharp," he nodded, like he was grading me. "You're not just strong - you're smart. Rare combo."
I didn't like that tone one bit.
"I've been watching you for a long time, Ryuga," he went on, hands still clasped, relaxed as hell. "From the moment you trashed my specimen, and when you took down that arrogant 'Hero Killer' too. You've got something special… something even I find intriguing."
Took me a second to clock it.
My Quirk. That's what's got him hooked.
Motherfucker...
"If that's the case, you probably know I don't bite at vague offers or mind games," I said, forcing a thin smile. "I like it straight - cut the fluff."
He laughed again, louder this time, tilting his head like he was savoring my pushback. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating. A rare power, a sharp mind, and a hell of a spine. Hard not to take an interest, Ryuga."
I gripped the sheets tight under the blanket, keeping my face steady.
"So what's the play, Sensei? You're not here spouting pickup lines for kicks, right?"
"Correct," he nodded smooth. "I'm here with an offer."
I narrowed my eyes. An offer? No way a guy like All For One pitches something harmless.
"Pass. That League of Losers with the hand-freak's a shitshow," I smirked. "Plus, I'd rather do my thing than take orders from some immortal geezer or a 'scarred raisin' in the dark."
He went quiet - not offended, more like he was weighing me, like he'd clocked my response from the start.
"Doing it your way…" His voice dipped, thoughtful. "Intriguing." Then he leaned in, closing the gap fast.
At 20 centimeters - face-to-face - I felt an invisible pressure radiating off him. Close enough to grab his head and turn it to dust, but no dice. Too slow, even at my best.
"I'll keep it simple," he said low, just for me, tapping my forehead with a finger. "I want you."
"Hell nah, sounds gay as fuck," I shot back, no hesitation.
He didn't flinch. Not a bit. Even nodded, like he'd bet on that answer. "I figured you'd say that. But hear me out before you decide."
I gritted my teeth. No dodging this spiel 'til he's done.
"…Fine, lay it out. Maybe you'll sway me," I shrugged, brain still churning escape plans.
He spoke slow, deliberate.
"This world… it's been rotten for ages. The hero system they're cramming into your skull? Pure lies and brainwashing. Guys like Endeavor - pro heroes chasing fame, clutching power they don't deserve… You really think that's justice?"
I didn't bite yet. Needed to hear what garbage he was shoveling.
He kept going, seeing me listen. "You've seen it, right? That killer Stain - he spotted what most miss: this world's run by weak, greedy liars. His method was off, but his drive wasn't."
"And you think your way's better?" I squinted.
He chuckled. "No absolute right or wrong, Ryuga. Just the strong and the weak. And I know you're not weak."
"Crap," I thought. He's onto me.
He's clocked I'm not some average kid.
"I can help you," he said, still calm. "Power, knowledge, freedom - yours. No more pointless rules holding you back. You could reshape this world… your way."
He tilted his head, voice steady but dripping danger. I stayed quiet, dissecting it. He's not just recruiting - he's testing me. Any wobble, and he'd latch on, dragging me to his side.
But I'm not that dumb.
"Sounds nice. Only free shit in life's rainwater and bird crap, though," I said. "Haven't heard a reason worth a damn to bite - or anything solid from you. I don't do cryptic. What's your ask?"
"Fair enough. What's your ask, then?" His tone stayed low, calm, and freaky as ever.
I sucked in a breath, playing it cool while my head spun with backups and math. "Justice..."
His smile deepened, eyes like anchors pulling me under. "Fine. You can have it when you work with me, directly. Not under my student's thumb - a real partner in special projects." He paused, letting it sink, then hit me: "A project I'm ready to launch. You're the missing piece."
My chest thumped hard.
Plan B - for if this timeline's locked and Midoriya losing One For All's inevitable - was to restore it or whip up a knockoff and shove it in him. Quirk-implant tech's my gap, and just as I'm racking my brain, All For One dangles this juicy bait.
To play it safe, I need an out. Full-on siding with him's a rookie move - safer, sure - but I'll have to bluff my way through. Can't let him see all my cards.
I flashed a fake grin, keeping my voice steady despite the storm inside. "That's… a tempting pitch, Sensei. But I need time to chew on it. Can't decide right now - too much to weigh."