July 1st, 22:00.
Unknown location.

The fighter had been injected a serum that would temporarily emulate the effects of fire and strength Quirks and was viciously attacking the impenetrable body of the League of Villains' creature with flaming punches. However, the new Nomu was more than just a vessel of multiple Quirk User's DNAs and he would absorbe the punishment with ease.

"Is it not magnificent?" the blue haired young man asked in his always sinister voice, compulsively scratching his neck. 

The leader of the League was marveled by his own creation, but his American guest was just watching the fight from out of the steel cage moving none of his monstrous muscles. Wearing a suit for a business meeting wasn't making the criminal leader less intimidating. Tomura Shigaraki estimated he was as tall as Endeavor and All Might on his prime and weighted more than three hundred pounds of pure muscle, not to mention he always wore that red and black mask that only let see a long, thin and greasy black hair, as well as a pair of cold grey eyes.

He was an unknown villain in Japan, but in most of America his name was a terror to behold for criminals and heroes alike. Not much was known about his past, but it was said he was a fearsome wrestler himself before taking control of more than half of the mobs dedicated to illegal matches, where criminals, people fallen from grace and even Quirkless nobodies were given to chance to make something out of their miserable lives. Since then he acted mostly in the shadows and people rarely referred to him for his villain's name, but simply call him "The Man". Even his Quirk was a mystery for those who weren't close enough. But not for Shigaraki anymore. They had a project in common and that level of trust was required to carry it out.

"The Man is pleased with the results of the serum" his interpreter told Shigaraki with robotic courtesy. "You are indeed a man of word, Mr Shigaraki. But he is still upset for what happened in Monterrey".

"My apologies for hiding some information" Shigaraki allowed himself to smile behind the human hand that covered his face. "But I assure everything is coming according to plan. All we need is two more things. The ones I told you".

"If we are correct, one of them is in Shield's hands".

"And Shield will bring it here in less than a week" Shigaraki knew he was coming to a well known event where he would have all necessary. The chance was unique and the risks less than apparent thanks to his hard work. Oh yes, the world was not going to miss one single detail.

"We have studied the details of the operation. May we know why then... and there?" the interpreter inquired as the fight continued. The serum had also envolved the body of the Nomu in blue flames and the monster was starting to counter more fiercely.

Shigaraki knew they wouldn't decline his offer. "Our visions are similar in many aspects, though I consider mine... slightly more ambitious. But the way a plan is carried out is as essential as the plan itself. I need to make sure that every person in this rotten society, hero and villain, civilian and criminal, sees, fears and understands what I am about to build. Besides, those two things will be there at the same time."

"Not to mention the League of Villains must send its congratulations to the happy couple..."

To him, the so called "The Man" was a well-off mobster who would never actually understand his motivations, but these were businesses. All For One didn't become the most feared man in Japan with just a few loyal followers. Speaking of which, Shigaraki hadn't forgotten about the members of the League in jail. The ones who hadn't forgotten about him and his vision either.

"And you are asking The Man to put his own men at risk in a place full of heroes..."

"Who said nothing about risking his twisted wrestlers? That is why I wanted to show you this" Shigaraki pointed to the new Nomu. The Man's wrestler had lived up to the mob's reputation but now he was at the floor taking a painful beating. "This creature was originally thought to kill All Might" Such a shame he lost all his power seven years ago. Shigaraki had dreamt with that moment so many times...

"There's been another Hero Number One since then" The Man's deep voice was finally heard. Shigaraki was no fool. He knew this man of few words would listen the whole conversation.

"Just a patch. An embittered second-place who is all about power and success and by no means answers to the definition of Symbol of Peace" Shigaraki's interest belonged in another one. One as resolved to fill All Might's shoes as he was resolved to fill All For One's.

"How many of these creatures can we count in?" the interpreter rejoined.

"They finally get it" Shigaraki was euphoric. "Enough to make all the heroes we will meet not stand a chance. As strong as they have become, I know the new generation better than anyone" he answered.

"Even weakened and unprepared, there are some considerably powerful. Including the Hero Number One" the interpreter objected.

"That is why I was hoping your boss would accept my invitation" Shigaraki responded. The Man would undoubtedly have lost against All Might seven years ago, but the thought of Endeavor facing this man was delicious. And that was just the starter of the plan. "It's well known that he loves a good fight more than anything. And I'm sure he hadn't been given one in a while".

The criminal leader turned his head to look at his host. "I promise that if you help me with this, your business' success will be so such, you will have no need to keep it in the shadows anymore, like this heroes' society forces you. A dream that can only be fulfilled in the world I pretend to create" Shigaraki vowed. "Nomu, stop it! He's tapping out". His creation had defeated his guest's wrestler. He couldn't be more proud.

The interpreter got up from his seat, but then his boss got up too and raised his black gloved right hand, demanding to let him speak instead. Shigaraki was not surprised. As far as he knew, that wrestler who right then was crawling inside the cage with his face and more than a few bones broken had been raised and trained by The Man himself for years. The guy would be an efficient, loyal and obedient henchman for sure.

"You have fought well, my boy. The match was a pleasure to watch" The Man told his wrestler, crouching next to him and petting his head with affection.

"Th...thank you, boss..." the beaten fighter said, face covered in blood, one eye closed and trembling in pain, but yet full of pride. "I gave my hundred per cent... just for you".

"I know, I know..." the masked boss muttered. "That is why..." he grab his pupil's head with his gigantic left hand and introduced his gloved one inside his mouth drowning down his scream, "...I'm afraid that your hundred per cent" the wrestler's only opened eye was shinning in horror, "is far from what I expect from a man of mine under the influence of this serum" then The Man started to pull with his inhuman strength, hiding with his back the result of his action. Shigaraki was glad, since he didn't want to waste his dinner.

When a final bone crack was heard and the wrestler stopped squirming for good, The Man calmly got up again and slowly went to meet the Nomu, still covered in flames. The creature just looked at him with his creepy expressionless eyes.

"If you wish to fight him, be my guest" Shigaraki mentally shrugged.

Instead, The Man took the white towel his interpreter had already brought him to clean the blood off his hands and told his worker to take care of the body and the remains of the head, as if stuff like that happened everyday. Then he addressed Shigaraki:

"I will accept your request, as long as the League of Villains fulfills its part of the deal" The Man finally stated.

"Then it is settled" Shigaraki formally concluded, getting up of his chair. The negotiation had been successful. "Thanks for joining me in such a memorable occasion. I'll handle the rest of the preparations".

"Our pleasure" the assistant formally answered. "Like you said... The Man never says no to a good fight".

"Come, Nomu" Shigaraki waved a hand to his creature, making it follow him to the exit. "We have a wedding gift to prepare..."

End of chapter 13.

The story is becoming more tricky to write but this chapter may work as an advance of what is coming next. As well as the introduction of a character of my own... well, not exactly my own. Since there is an illegal wrestling mob involved I took inspiration from a WWE character from my childhood. A risky move for the story, but I think I have chosen the most suitable Quirk for the occasion, which you will know on time.

What do you think of "The Man"? Is this character promising? Do you want to see him in action... or it looks more like fanfic filler😑? 

Honest Fiction is looking forward to keep delivering surprises and doing his best to keep your eyes in the story:). As usual, you can tell me in the comments if I am succeeding or making any notable mistake.

Congratulations to AnimeFan for earning the award for Best Original Story this year! Family Matters has been among my favorite fanfics since I joined Wattpad🎊🎊🎊.

Wish me good luck for the following chapters! I know you count on me to provide a funny and engaging story!

Thank you all, Watties! I'll be back soon!