At Sevasko Graveyard, a sea of black-clad figures stretched as far as the eye could see. Nearly twenty thousand members of the Gollini family had gathered in silence, their presence heavy with tension rather than grief. The funeral of their former leader was not just a farewell—it was a turning point.
The casket was slowly lowered into the earth, the dull thud of ropes and shifting soil echoing across the graveyard. Priests murmured prayers, their voices blending into the cold wind that swept across the land. Rituals were performed with precision, but very few present truly mourned. Most were watching… waiting.
As the final layer of dirt covered the casket and the tombstone was placed, marking the end of one era, an unspoken understanding spread through the crowd.
A new era had already begun.
Not long after, the entire gathering relocated to the Gollini family's massive underground base. The hall was enormous, designed to hold thousands, and now it was filled wall to wall with members of the organization.
All eyes were fixed on the elevated balcony.
Standing there, overlooking the crowd like a ruler surveying his kingdom, was Valdo Gollini.
His expression was calm, but his eyes burned with ambition.
Below him, reactions varied. Some looked uncertain, still adjusting to the sudden shift in leadership. Others remained neutral, carefully observing. And then there were those who were already smiling, eager to follow whatever path their new leader carved.
Valdo raised his hand, and the murmurs died instantly.
"My dear family," he began, his voice smooth yet commanding, "today marks not just the loss of our former head… but the beginning of something far greater."
He paused, letting his words settle. "I will not waste time on empty mourning. Instead, I will speak of our future."
A holographic projection appeared behind him, displaying Anna Scervino.
"This girl," Valdo continued, "possesses a quirk unlike any other—Overmodification. A quirk capable of endlessly enhancing others Quirks… pushing them beyond their limits."
A ripple of interest spread through the crowd. "With her in our possession," Valdo said, a grin slowly forming, "we will surpass every limitation. We will evolve beyond heroes, beyond villains… beyond humanity itself."
Murmurs turned into excited whispers. "And once we acquire her Quirk," he continued, his tone rising with intensity, "we will set our sights on Japan."
At the mention of Japan, the room grew sharper, more focused. "Their so-called Symbol of Peace… All Might," Valdo sneered slightly, "is nothing more than a fading light. Even now, Japan is only standing strong in its chaotic state due to his presence."
He spread his arms wide. "We will defeat him. We will conquer Japan. And then…" his grin widened, "we will bring true peace to this world—through absolute power."
This time, the response was louder. Applause. Cheers. Excitement.
But not everyone joined in.
Valdo's sharp eyes flickered to certain individuals—those who hesitated, those who remained silent.
Leaning slightly toward Kamile, who stood beside him, Valdo whispered under his breath, "Mark the ones who hesitate… and the ones who pretend."
Kamile gave a subtle nod. "Understood."
"They'll be dealt with later," Valdo added quietly, his smile never fading.
Far above the base, unnoticed by anyone, a small white cat with faint pink stripes crouched silently on a rooftop. Its eyes observed everything—the crowd, the speech, the reactions.
Then, without a sound, it darted away.
The cat leapt across buildings with agility before landing in a narrow alley. After a quick glance around, its body began to glow.
The light faded—and Kaina stood in its place.
She stretched slightly before bringing her hand to her ear, activating her communicator.
"Valdo's making his move," she reported calmly. "He's confirmed Anna as a priority target. I've already leaked her location in Japan to his inner circle."
A brief pause.
Then Arata's voice came through, steady and approving. "Good work, Novak. That's exactly what we needed."
Kaina smirked faintly.
"Return to base," Arata continued. "Things might escalate quickly there."
"Got it."
A glowing blue portal opened in front of her. Without hesitation, Kaina stepped through.
Back at Nova Genesis' base on Aka Island, the portal closed behind her as she walked out, stretching her shoulders.
She removed her mask with a relaxed expression. "Europe's food is amazing," she commented casually.
Melissa immediately turned toward her from across the room, eyes lighting up. "Did you try Italian pizza? It's so good!"
Kaina grinned. "Of course I did. Way better than I expected."
While the two chatted, the atmosphere on the other side of the lab was completely different.
Arata and David stood before a massive device—the Infinity Stone Generator.
Sparks flickered as David adjusted a cluster of circuits, pushing one aside and reconnecting wires with precision. "This is far more complex than I initially thought," he admitted, eyes narrowed in concentration.
Arata, standing beside him, didn't look away from the system. "That just shows how insane the concept of Infinity Stones really is," he said calmly.
He paused, glancing at the glowing core embedded within the machine.
"I've already completed the Power Stone core," he continued. "Now all that's left is converting that quirk-factor energy into an actual stone."
David let out a low breath. "And this is only… what, five percent of the original's power?"
"Roughly," Arata confirmed.
David shook his head slightly, a faint smile forming. "Then I can't even begin to imagine the real ones."
Arata's gaze sharpened.
"The Big Bang itself was the catalyst for their creation," he said quietly. "A universal-scale explosion compressing singularities into physical form."
David nodded slowly. "Which means… recreating even a fraction of that process is already beyond anything humanity should be capable of."
Arata smirked faintly. "And yet… here we are."
Meanwhile, deep within the Gollini base—"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE ESCAPED?!"
Valdo's roar echoed through the chamber as his hand slammed against the armrest of his chair, cracking it slightly from the force.
Kamile flinched but maintained his composure. "The information is confirmed," he said carefully. "Anna Scervino has been moved to Japan. Her father acted after learning about our intentions."
"…Then we'll just go to Japan ourselves."
Kamile blinked. "With… the full force?"
"Yes," Valdo said without hesitation. "Prepare the ships. Mobilize everyone."
He leaned forward slightly. "And keep an eye on All Might."
Kamile nodded. "You're thinking of striking when he's vulnerable."
Valdo's grin widened. "Exactly. He can't maintain his hero work forever. The moment his time runs out…"
His eyes gleamed with anticipation."…we attack."
Kamile swallowed slightly but nodded again. "Understood."
Valdo then looked down at his hand, where several small coins rested in his palm.
"…It's time," he murmured. The coins began to glow. Then melt.
Golden energy spread from his hand, crawling up his arm and enveloping his entire body. The light intensified, reshaping him, reforming him—Until finally, it faded.
Standing there now…Was a figure that looked exactly like All Might.
But something was wrong. The smile was twisted. The eyes were cold. And the aura… was suffocating.
Valdo—now wearing a perfect, yet sinister imitation—looked at his reflection and chuckled.
"Now," he said slowly, his voice dripping with dark amusement, "I'll show the world…"
His grin widened unnaturally, "…why they should fear the strong… and submit for the sake of peace against the new Symbol."