Maybe I should stop writing chapter titles from now on =w=

Centered on Shigaraki's left hand, patterns began to gradually appear on the floor, resembling natural cracks.

The cracks continued to spread, and the floorboards turned into small pieces of wood chips, which then turned into black powder, clearly indicating that it had completely Decay into dust.

Stain's serrated dagger also stopped quickly.

However, this wasn't because of Shigaraki's 'Quirk,' but because he saw the look in Shigaraki's eyes. It was a completely different look from when he jokingly told him to 'destroy anything he didn't like.'

Although it didn't ignite like his eyes, and the unwavering killing intent was even smaller than the killing intent and determination he displayed when he attacked, this determination and killing intent still told Stain guy in front of him, who didn't seem to have any convictions, actually still had his own persistence and thoughts.

"Perhaps given time, this persistence, this idea, will truly blossom and grow into something called 'belief'."

At that moment, Stain couldn't help but widen his eyes, as if trying to see through the person named Shigaraki before him.

Seeing this, Uraraka Shige, who was sitting not far away in a blind spot between Shigaraki and Kurogiri, narrowed his eyes slightly.

' Shigaraki... the chosen successor of 'AFO'... it seems that when the plan begins, you and your teacher will have to go to hell together... We can't leave such a dangerous threat behind.'

Shigaraki was unaware of what Stain and Uraraka Shige were thinking; he simply continued speaking to Stain with unwavering resolve and murderous intent:

"... But you finally got back to me, and if you ruin it all like this... then I'll have to kill you!"

'I see, it seems this severed hand really is something important to this guy...'

Shigaraki's words sparked this idea in Stain.

Shigaraki continued speaking.

"As for 'belief'... I don't have anything like that! But if I had to say... well, it should be All Might, right?"

As he spoke, Shigaraki inexplicably burst into laughter, his lips curving into an exaggerated arc, making him look slightly insane.

"I really want to crush this bullshit 'heroic' society that even praises trash like him to the heavens!"

At that very moment, Hei Wu, who had been holding onto the bar without Kurogiri, suddenly lost his balance and instinctively raised his hand.

"Hmm... I can move now..."

Then, in less than half a second, Shigaraki suddenly raised his hand, trying to grab the long dagger that was almost touching his neck.

However, Stain reacted extremely quickly. The instant Shigaraki raised his hand, Stein had already raised his serrated dagger, dodging Shigaraki's grab.

Stain then glanced at the floor beneath Shigaraki, which had been badly Decay by his Quirk, and leaped backward, simultaneously getting up and moving away from Shigaraki's attack range.

With just a glance, one can determine the approximate destructive range of an opponent's 'Quirk' —a level of insight and experience that Uraraka Shige lacks.

Is this what you think?

"Ha?"

Stain suddenly spoke, and what he said left Shigaraki, who was getting up, somewhat confused, and he uttered a questioning sound.

Then, he quickly understood Stain's meaning from what Stain next.

"It seems your goals are completely opposite to mine... However, we're still on the same page when it comes to 'disrupting the present' (Season 2, Episode 28, 10 minutes 36 seconds)."

However, understanding does not mean agreeing... This is similar to understanding but not accepting.

Moreover, Stain had slashed him with a serrated dagger, so how could Shigaraki possibly agree with Stain's explanation? Not even verbal agreement would be possible.

"Stop talking nonsense! Go back and die! Aren't I the kind of person you hate the most?"

But Stain didn't seem to care at all about Shigaraki's attitude... or at least he didn't seem to care at all.

He slowly sheathed his long dagger and spoke at the same time.

"I was merely testing your true thoughts. Humans reveal their true nature when facing death."

He paused slightly at this point.

"Although the nature is different, as he (Uraraka Shige) said before, there is indeed a certain persistence within you, and a certain 'thought' resides there, a tender sprout of a distorted belief."

Stain spread his hands, staring intently at Shigaraki. His tone was serious, making it seem not like he was lying, but rather that everything he said was genuine.

"How you'll let it sprout and grow, and then kill you after witnessing the whole process, perhaps it won't be too late."

However, his words did indeed greatly displease Shigaraki.

"So they're still going to kill me... Kurogiri! Uraraka Shige! I don't want to drag this lunatic into being an accomplice..."

However, Kurogiri did not immediately comply with Shigaraki's wishes; instead, she advised him:

"Shigaraki, with him joining us, our fighting strength will increase significantly."

After all, finding the "Hero Killer" and getting him into the "League of Villains" to facilitate Shigaraki's transformation and growth was the intention of "AFO," their teacher.

Moreover, the order was transmitted through a communication sent to him by Shigaraki...

Similarly, Uraraka Shige also deeply agreed with what Kurogiri said, although the fundamental reasons for Uraraka Shige's agreement were completely different from Kurogiri's thoughts, but at least one point was the same.

"Regardless, this 'Hero Killer' has already proven his strength... Putting aside his ideology for now, in terms of strength alone, we need this kind of elite right now."

Upon hearing this, the Kurogiri nodded slightly to Uraraka Shige in agreement, then looked at Stain and said to him:

The negotiations have been successful.

Stain didn't react much; he just stood there.

"Everything's settled, now hurry up and take me back to Hosu."

At this point, Stain suddenly stuck out his tongue, which was covered in bumps like a toad's back, and licked his lips.

"Whoosh~ There are still things waiting for me to finish over there."

He looked completely impatient and thirsty.

The Kurogiri immediately activated its 'Quirk' to send Stain back to the place where it had picked him up earlier, and Uraraka Shige finally breathed a sigh of relief at this moment.

To be honest, Uraraka Shige was quite worried that Stain might say something to Shigaraki and Kurogiri... If that were the case, it would definitely have a significant impact on their plans.