The Nomu screamed as the black flames devoured it.
But just like what had happened to All For One, the fire only grew more violent. No matter what was done, it simply wouldn't go out. The flames burned relentlessly, reducing the Nomu's body to charcoal in a matter of moments—without the slightest chance of resistance.
Seeing this, the doctor fell silent for a moment… then suddenly laughed.
"I knew his Quirk was powerful, but I never imagined it would be this terrifying. Still, it should be resolved now, right? If we can take his Quirk… we may become stronger than ever before."
"That's true." All For One's tone relaxed slightly. "I've already sent him to the Nomu factory. The number of Nomu there is more than enough to tear him apart."
Because of the earlier Amaterasu, All For One hadn't had the chance to personally deal with Etsuha. Instead, he had left the task of monitoring the situation to Kurogiri.
Now, uncertain of the outcome, he activated the television connected to the bar.
Shigaraki Tomura's figure appeared on the screen.
Shigaraki also noticed All For One—especially the fact that one of his arms and half his shoulder had nearly been destroyed. His pupils shrank.
"Sensei… your arm…"
"Don't worry. This kind of injury means nothing to me." All For One dismissed it casually, then asked sharply, "What about Kurogiri? Has Shina Etsuha been dealt with?"
"…About that…" Shigaraki hesitated before answering, "Kurogiri didn't find any trace of Shina Etsuha's body. The Nomu didn't attack him at first… but now he's fallen unconscious."
"…What?"
All For One froze for a moment, then his expression darkened.
Nomu… attacking Kurogiri?
Impossible.
"…Could he be manipulating the Nomu somehow…?" All For One muttered, falling into thought. Then he spoke again, "Show me Kurogiri."
Shigaraki turned the camera.
Kurogiri's body came into view—most of it completely destroyed. If not for his unusual physiology, he would have died long ago.
The moment All For One saw this, realization struck.
Etsuha was still inside the Nomu factory.
"Seal off the factory immediately," he ordered coldly. "That boy is definitely still there. As for Kurogiri… hm."
A silvery, fluid-like substance extended from All For One's body, reaching through the screen and dragging Kurogiri toward him. In moments, Kurogiri's broken form was pulled into the doctor's laboratory.
This was All For One's own form of teleportation.
Unlike Kurogiri's, it had many limitations and could only function in one direction—but it was still highly effective.
The doctor examined Kurogiri, a glint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"These injuries… they really do look like they were caused by Nomu…"
"Can he be saved?" All For One asked.
"It will require major surgery, and the recovery will take time," the doctor replied thoughtfully. "But it should be possible."
Kurogiri was on the brink of death. With normal technology, such injuries would be impossible to treat.
But with the power of Quirks—
There was still hope.
"In that case…" All For One nodded. "I'll go to the Nomu factory myself."
Though his injuries had not yet healed, capturing Shina Etsuha was now his top priority. Without hesitation, he abandoned any thought of recovery and set out personally.
…
Meanwhile—
Inside the Nomu factory—
Amid the chaos caused by the rampaging Nomu, one figure slipped away unnoticed.
It was a Nomu.
Or rather—
Shina Etsuha in disguise.
"…Looks like there aren't many villains stationed nearby."
Etsuha exhaled quietly.
Using Amaterasu had drained far more energy than expected. The strain on his eyes forced him to shut down the technique early. His condition wasn't great—but after some rest, his physical strength had partially recovered.
At least enough to rely on close combat if needed.
"…Where even is this place?"
He looked around.
The area resembled a small, abandoned town—somewhere he had never seen before.
Worse still, the roads twisted like a maze. Finding a way out wouldn't be easy.
Taking a ride back was out of the question.
Etsuha was just about to find a place to rest—
When his instincts flared.
Danger.
Looking up, he spotted a group approaching.
"…Those guys… members of the League of Villains?"
His eyes narrowed.
He recognized them faintly—foot soldiers used during the USJ attack. He had assumed they'd been replaced entirely by Nomu this time, but apparently not.
From this alone, it was clear—
The League's resources ran deeper than he'd thought.
These weren't weaklings. Among ordinary people, their Quirks would be considered strong.
But compared to Nomu—
They seemed insignificant.
"…If I want to get out of here, I'll probably have to rely on them."
Etsuha considered his options.
Transforming into Shigaraki Tomura or All For One wasn't realistic. These people had likely seen both of them before.
But—
That didn't mean he was out of options.
In an instant, he shifted forms again.
From Nomu—
To a Hero Killer–like assassin.
Then, without hesitation, he began walking forward openly.
"Who's there?!"
One of the men noticed him immediately.
They turned—
And the moment they saw his face—
Shock spread across their expressions.