Shigaraki's Conviction

"Hey, look! Don't I look cool with this mask on!" A middle school student took down a mask similar to the one worn by the Hero Killer Stain, which was hanging on the store wall, and laughed happily.

"That's so cool! Wait, I need to take a picture!"

The two excited children didn't see a man wearing a hood in the summer stop in front of them, and then, before anyone else noticed him, continue walking.

After leaving the base, Tomura Shigaraki wandered aimlessly through the streets, coldly observing the cheerful crowds, his heart filled with confusion.

Why do people in this world seem so detached and indifferent? Just a short while ago you were in danger, so why are you still laughing like idiots? Aren't you afraid someone might use their Quirk at will? Aren't you afraid a criminal might suddenly jump out of the crowd and kill them?

Why is it that, even though I'm the one who painstakingly caused destruction, the Hero Killer is worshipped, while those guys with ideas so different from his become his followers?

I don't understand, I completely don't understand. What I did was no different from what he did; weren't we both trying to destroy things we didn't like?

So, what exactly is the difference?

"... Tell me, what's different?"

Tomura Shigaraki's hand quietly gripped Midoriya's neck, but to avoid hurting Midoriya, his middle finger hovered in the air without touching his skin.

What a surprise! I was just browsing around, but I unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance.

"Tomura Shigaraki!" Midoriya suddenly shuddered and instantly wanted to turn around.

"Calm down, don't move, try to act natural, just treat me like an old friend. I just want to talk to you, so it's best not to do anything that makes me feel uncomfortable." Tomura Shigaraki brought his face close to Midoriya's shoulder. "The moment all five of my fingers touch your neck, your skin will start to Decay from your throat, and you'll turn into dust in less than a minute."

Midoriya, pale-faced, stubbornly declared, "If you dare to make a move here, Pro Hero will be here soon to arrest you!"

"Perhaps, but do you think these still-laughing citizens will violate the rules of Quirk usage and rebel against me? Before they're arrested, I think I can at least take down 20, no, 30 people." Tomura Shigaraki wasn't worried about Midoriya rebelling because...

"You're someone who's going to be a hero someday, you wouldn't just stand by and watch me harm these innocent people, would you?" Shigaraki forcefully dragged Midoriya around and led him to a bench. "This is a rare opportunity, let's find a place to sit down and have a proper talk."

It seemed the other side had no intention of creating chaos. Midoriya had just breathed a sigh of relief when Shigaraki's questioning voice came through.

"I find fault with everything in this world, but right now I'm most annoyed by Hero Killer. Whether it's attacking U.A. High School. or releasing Nomu in Hosu City, why doesn't anyone notice my heroic deeds?" Tomura Shigaraki was genuinely puzzled. "No matter how eloquently he talks, in the end he's just like me, destroying things he dislikes. Tell me, what's the difference?"

"Hero Killer, isn't he your comrade!?" Midoriya asked in surprise.

Shigaraki chuckled twice, "Heh, I never admitted that. It's just what you outsiders think. Whether it's you or those guys..."

Is there a difference between Shigaraki and Hero Killer?

"You suddenly appeared in front of us from USJ and attacked us. To be honest, I can't understand your thinking at all, nor do I approve of your actions."

Midoriya calmed down and, based on his own thoughts, slowly began to speak, "But regarding Hero Killer, although I don't agree with his actions, I can understand his thinking. He doesn't act simply for destruction, nor will he easily give up halfway, because we all started because of All Might... Even though his methods are wrong, he is indeed acting to fulfill his ideals."

Midoriya recalled the time when Hero Killer rescued him from the Nomu. He had indeed said then, "Whether it's imposters running rampant in this society or criminals who recklessly abuse their power, they are all targets for my eradication!"

After Midoriya said those words, he suddenly looked up at Shigaraki, only to find a terrifying smile on his face that instantly chilled Midoriya to the bone, as if he were in an ice cellar!

"Ah... it all makes sense now. I finally understand why I disliked you and the Influence Killer. It's all because of— All Might!"

Tomura Shigaraki laughed maniacally, "Yeah, what I was worrying about before was... that's right, whether it's Hero Killer or you guys who can laugh so easily, it's all because of All Might's perpetually grinning, stupid face!"

"It's because that guy smiles like there's no one in the world he can't save, that's why I feel so annoyed!" Shigaraki tightened his grip on Midoriya. "Thank you so much, Midoriya. It's so good to talk to you. I didn't do anything wrong!"

As Midoriya watched Shigaraki's middle finger draw ever closer, his pupils contracted, and tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

"Izuku? He's not your friend, is he?" Ochaco Uraraka's voice suddenly came from nearby, her tone stiff with a hint of disbelief. "Please let him go, okay?"

Shigaraki abruptly looked up and saw the girl in front of him with a stiff smile. He quickly let go of her hand, waving his hand with an innocent smile, "Sorry, I didn't know you had friends here. I'll take my leave now."

With that, Tomura Shigaraki headed towards the mall exit.

"Wait... Shigaraki!" Midoriya knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face as he coughed, but he said resolutely, "What exactly is All For One's goal?!"

"... I don't know either." Shigaraki paused for a moment, then continued, "You'd better pray for yourself. The next time we meet will probably be your death day."

"Izuku, you said he's Shigaraki!?" Uraraka suddenly turned her head to look in that direction, but Shigaraki's figure had already disappeared into the crowd.

Midoriya gripped Uraraka's hand tightly and said, "Uraraka, go quickly and notify the police! League of Villains! Shigaraki has appeared!"

"I understand!" Uraraka quickly dialed the police, "Hello, is this the police? I'm a student from U.A. High School..."

Ah, yes, it's all All Might's fault.

Shigaraki walked through the deserted alley, a sickly smile on his face.

Hero Killer, didn't you say I didn't have any beliefs? But actually, I've had them for a long time!

"To create a world without All Might, and to prove to people just how fragile the thing called justice really is!"

This is my belief in Tomura Shigaraki!

From this day forward, all my actions will be related to and inextricably linked to it. Hero Killer, whether it's your beliefs, your ideals, or your followers, they will all become stepping stones for me to realize my beliefs!

Suddenly, Tomura Shigaraki stopped, staring coldly at the empty street ahead. "Who's up there? Come out."

"..." A person carrying several bags silently emerged from around the corner ahead and blocked his path. "Shigaraki, long time no see."

Shigaraki suddenly gritted his teeth. "... Jilan Jiyu, I didn't expect you to be here too!"