Pieces Moving

The evidence board in Detective Thragg Grayson's office had become a complex web of strings, photographs, and case notes.

To any observer, it would appear to be the work of a meticulous investigator tracking a drug distribution network.

In reality, it was a carefully constructed facade - a plausible reason for Thragg to investigate areas that would eventually lead him to his true target.

Thragg studied the board, his imposing frame making the standard-issue police chair creak beneath him.

The Battle Beast coat remained at home, replaced by a tailored charcoal suit that still struggled to contain his muscular physique.

His mustache was impeccably groomed, adding to the aura of authority that made even veteran officers defer to him despite his relatively recent arrival.

"The distribution patterns have shifted," he noted, speaking to Detective Tanaka who stood nearby. "Previously centralized in the harbor district, now fragmenting into smaller cells across these four zones."

Tanaka nodded, impressed by his colleague's analytical skills. "That's consistent with the pressure we've been applying. They're adapting."

"Not adapting," Thragg corrected, tapping a particular photograph. "Retreating. Something has disrupted their hierarchy. These aren't strategic redeployments - they're defensive reactions."

The door opened as Captain Morita entered, carrying a fresh case file. "Grayson, got something that might connect to your drug network investigation."

Thragg accepted the file, scanning its contents with efficiency while maintaining an appropriate reading pace. "Warehouse district. Four bodies. Signs of quirk-based execution."

"Exactly," Morita confirmed. "Forensics found traces of the same designer drug you've been tracking. But here's the interesting part - these weren't street-level dealers. Mid-management at minimum."

Thragg studied the crime scene photos. The victims' expressions showed terror rather than surprise - they had seen death coming. "Professional hit," he observed. "Targeted elimination rather than territorial dispute."

"That's our assessment too," Morita agreed. "Question is: who's cleaning house, and why now?"

Thragg's mind worked through the possibilities, already seeing how this development could serve his actual objective. "Permission to investigate the scene personally."

"Granted," Morita replied. "Take Tanaka with you. And Grayson? The commissioner's impressed with your work so far. Said you have good instincts."

As Morita left, Thragg allowed himself a slight smile. Humans were so easily impressed by competence, so willing to trust those who displayed even marginal superiority. It made infiltration almost disappointingly simple.

"Ready when you are," Tanaka said, grabbing his jacket.

Thragg nodded.

The pieces were aligning perfectly.

------------------------

The warehouse crime scene was still cordoned off when they arrived, forensic techs meticulously documenting every detail.

Thragg ducked under the police tape, as he immediately cataloged information invisible to human investigators.

Residual quirk energy lingered in the air - distinctive patterns that suggested a quirk focused on pressure manipulation.

Blood spatter patterns on the walls told a story of execution-style kills, but with peculiar directionality.

"Something's off about the blood patterns," Tanaka observed, unknowingly echoing Thragg's thoughts. "It's like they were killed from inside out."

"Precisely," Thragg confirmed, kneeling to examine a dark residue on the concrete floor. He rubbed it between his fingers, analyzing its molecular composition through touch alone. "This substance. Have it tested immediately."

A forensic tech approached, evidence bag ready. "What are we looking for, Detective?"

"Chemical markers consistent with quirk-enhancement drugs, but with a specific modification." Thragg deposited the sample in the bag. "Compare it against cases involving quirk amplification gone wrong."

As the tech hurried away, Tanaka gave him a curious look. "You think this is related to quirk boosters?"

"Not boosters," Thragg corrected. "Something more sophisticated. These victims weren't killed for territory or product. They were eliminated because they'd seen something they shouldn't have."

He moved to the center of the warehouse, where the killing had begun.

His enhanced vision detected microscopic traces of a substance the forensic team had missed - a compound with a molecular structure unlike standard narcotics.

"Tanaka," he called, "access the database for any similar cases involving pressure-based quirk deaths in the past six months."

While his partner worked his tablet, Thragg continued his examination, mentally connecting these deaths to his ultimate target.

The Shie Hassaikai wouldn't be in any official records yet - their operations were too careful, too traditional to appear on police radar.

But they would have suppliers, competitors, and occasionally, obstacles that required removal.

"Got three cases," Tanaka reported. "Two from four months ago, one from last month. All involving underworld figures with connections to drug distribution."

"Locations?"

"All in different districts, but..." Tanaka's eyes widened slightly as he noticed the pattern. "All within two kilometers of properties owned by shell companies linked to the Hotta family."

Thragg nodded, satisfaction hidden behind his professional demeanor. The Hotta family - a declining yakuza group that had recently experienced a "change in management." His research indicated they had historical ties to the Shie Hassaikai.

"We need to investigate these shell companies," Thragg stated. "The killings aren't random. They're systematic elimination of witnesses to something larger."

Tanaka looked impressed. "I'll request the warrants."

"Do that," Thragg agreed. "I'll complete my analysis here."

As Tanaka stepped away to make the call, Thragg allowed himself a moment of reflection. The path to Overhaul and the Shie Hassaikai was becoming clearer.

Soon, he would have legitimate reason to investigate them directly - and with them, access to Eri and her time-reversing quirk.

His phone vibrated with an incoming message from Amanda:

Kids doing well at UA. Izuku visited again yesterday. His mother makes excellent tea. Progress continues.

Thragg's expression softened imperceptibly. Marcus and Evelyn were performing their roles perfectly - integrating with Midoriya, establishing trust.

The boy's quirk made him valuable, potentially even worth preserving if he could be turned to their cause.

He sent a brief reply:

Acknowledged. Maintain approach.

Pocketing the phone, Thragg returned to his investigation, methodically building the case that would lead him exactly where he needed to go.

-----------------------

In a different part of the city, Nolan Grayson - now operating under the alias "Heisenberg" - sat in a nondescript car, observing a seemingly abandoned warehouse.

Beside him, Samantha - "War" - remained perfectly still, her eyes never leaving their target.

"Third delivery today," Nolan noted as another unmarked van approached the warehouse. "Same pattern as yesterday."

Samantha nodded, her voice soft yet cold. "Regular schedule. Disciplined. Unlike most criminal operations in this city."

They watched as masked men unloaded crates with practiced efficiency. No wasted movements, no unnecessary conversation. Professional in a way that street criminals rarely achieved.

"Dad was right," Samantha observed. "The Shie Hassaikai operate differently. More traditional. More... focused."

Nolan nodded. "Yakuza. Old school. They view the current villain culture as chaotic and undisciplined."

"They're not wrong," Samantha replied, a hint of approval in her tone.

The last crate disappeared into the warehouse, and the van departed. Nolan checked his watch. "Shift change in twenty minutes. That gives us our window."

Samantha's fingers tapped lightly against her thigh - the only outward sign of her anticipation. "Infiltration parameters?"

"Observation only," Nolan reminded her. "Your father wants confirmation of their operations before direct engagement."

A slight frown crossed Samantha's face at the mention of Thragg. "He's being cautious. We could eliminate their entire operation today if he allowed it."

"Patience," Nolan counseled gently. "Your father's strategies have never failed. There's purpose in his restraint."

Samantha's expression softened immediately at this defense of Thragg. "Of course. I didn't mean to question his wisdom."

Nolan studied her briefly, noting the immediate shift in her demeanor.

War-torn Eve's transformation into Samantha had been remarkable - physically healed but psychologically complex.

Her devotion to Thragg bordered on worship, her entire identity now wrapped around his approval.

"It's time," he said finally, checking his equipment. "Remember - we observe only. No engagement unless absolutely necessary."

Samantha nodded, her black mask already materializing around her face through use of her abilities. "Understood."

As they exited the vehicle, Nolan couldn't help but reflect on how different this world was from the one they'd conquered.

So much more... theatrical. Heroes and villains with costumes and code names, playing at a game with rules neither side fully understood.

It would make the eventual conquest both simpler and more complicated.

Simpler because the population was accustomed to being "protected" by powerful beings. More complicated because they might resist being "saved" by those same powers.

But that was his older brother's concern. Nolan's job was simpler: gather intelligence, establish their criminal persona, and prepare the ground for what would come.

And so Heisenberg and War moved silently toward the warehouse, shadows among shadows.

----------------------

Back at police headquarters, Thragg stood before Captain Morita, presenting his findings.

"The evidence suggests these killings are part of a larger operation," he explained, gesturing to the crime scene photos arranged on Morita's desk. "The victims weren't random targets - they were specifically eliminated to remove witnesses."

Morita frowned, studying the images. "Witnesses to what?"

"That's what we need to determine," Thragg replied. "But the connection to the Hotta family properties is significant. Their recent 'management change' coincides with the first killings four months ago."

"The Hotta family," Morita mused. "They've been quiet for years. Declining influence in the yakuza hierarchy."

"Perhaps their decline was exaggerated," Thragg suggested. "Or perhaps someone is using their remaining infrastructure for new purposes."

Morita leaned back in his chair, considering. "You're thinking new management means new business?"

"Precisely," Thragg confirmed.

"The molecular structure of the residue found at the scene indicates sophisticated chemical engineering - beyond typical street drugs. Someone is developing something new, something worth killing to protect."

"And you think the Hottas are involved?"

"Not directly," Thragg clarified. "I believe they're a front. Historical records indicate the Hotta family had connections to another yakuza group - the Shie Hassaikai."

Morita's eyebrows rose. "The Shie Hassaikai? They've been practically invisible for years. Old school yakuza, traditional to the core."

"Which makes them perfect for this operation," Thragg pointed out. "They avoid attention, maintain discipline, and have the infrastructure for sophisticated operations."

Morita studied him for a moment. "This is solid work, Grayson. But investigating yakuza is dangerous territory. They don't respond well to police attention."

"All the more reason to pursue it," Thragg countered. "Whatever they're developing, it's worth multiple executions to keep secret. That suggests significant danger to public safety."

After a moment's consideration, Morita nodded. "Alright. I'll approve continued investigation into these connections. But tread carefully - yakuza have eyes everywhere."

"Understood, Captain," Thragg replied, satisfaction hidden behind his professional demeanor.

As he gathered his materials to leave, Morita added, "By the way, how's your family settling in? Your brother and the kids adjusting to Musutafu?"

"They're adapting well," Thragg replied, allowing a hint of warmth to enter his voice. "The children are enjoying UA University. It's a prestigious institution."

"That it is," Morita agreed. "My nephew tried three years running to get in. Those kids of yours must have impressive quirks."

"They work hard," Thragg said simply, deflecting further inquiry with practiced modesty.

As he returned to his office, Thragg reflected on how perfectly their integration was proceeding. His position in the police force provided legitimacy and access.

Nolan's emerging underworld presence as Heisenberg established connections in the criminal element. The children at UA were positioning themselves within the next generation of heroes.

All pieces on the board, moving into their right place. 

This world itself was too illusioned by heroes, by their idealistic views, and their inefficient flashiness. That way of thinking - way of acting, could make eventual integration annoying.

So many wannabe heroes. So many choosing the path of villains thinking it would be revolutionary.

It would require so much killing, so much waste of DNA. Thragg could wipe a country off the map to make an example, but again, too much waste.

No, he will show them the fallacy in their ways. Show them to incompetence of heroes, and the foolishness of villains. That their system only hurts their people.

Their laws holding them back from truly exploring their potential by only allowing quirk usage when having a licence - forbidding the exercise of something fundementally a part of you.

Ridiculous.

His phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. The caller ID showed UA University's administrative office.

"Detective Grayson," he answered, his tone professional.

"Mr. Grayson, this is Principal Nezu of UA University," came the response, the voice surprisingly cheerful despite the serious undertone.

"I'm calling regarding an incident involving your daughter Evelyn and your nephew Marcus."

Thragg straightened, though he had been expecting this call.

Today was the scheduled USJ training exercise - the day the League of Villains would attack in their attempt to kill All Might.

Marcus and Evelyn would have been present, and knowing their capabilities, they would have intervened effectively.

"What kind of incident?" he asked, injecting appropriate parental concern into his voice.

"There was an... attack on the USJ facility during a class exercise," Nezu explained. "Villains infiltrated the training ground.

Your daughter and nephew were instrumental in protecting their classmates, but their actions have raised some questions we'd like to discuss with you and your brother in person."

"Were they injured?" Thragg demanded, playing the role of concerned father perfectly.

"They're both in the recovery ward now," Nezu assured him. "Recovery Girl says they're suffering from quirk exhaustion but will make a full recovery.

However, there are aspects of their intervention that require discussion with their guardians."

"Of course," Thragg replied. "My brother and I will be there within the hour."

As he ended the call, Thragg allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction. Marcus and Evelyn had performed exactly as expected - demonstrating enough power to be noticed without revealing their true capabilities.

He dialed Nolan's secure line. When his brother answered, he spoke without preamble.

"The USJ incident that the League of Villains was planning has occurred. The one Roberta found out about. Marcus and Evelyn intervened as anticipated. We're summoned to UA within the hour."

"Understood," Nolan replied. "We've completed our initial surveillance of the Shie Hassaikai facility. Samantha is compiling the data now."

"Good. Meet me at the university. We'll discuss your findings afterward."

Ending the call, Thragg gathered his coat. Events were accelerating precisely on schedule. The League of Villains had made their move.

The Shie Hassaikai investigation was proceeding. And soon, the UA sports festival would provide the perfect showcase for Marcus and Evelyn's carefully calibrated abilities.

Everything was proceeding according to plan. This world would never see its conquest coming until it was already complete.

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

So yeah, what do you think of Thragg's approach? It is different from the traditional Viltrumite conquering ways that Thragg himself did before becoming Grand Regent - this isn't the first time he infiltrated planets after all.

We are also soon gonna have Eri join the family, her abilities too useful to let waste away and not be studied to be replicated.

Well, I hope to see you all later.

Bye!)