Linked Paths

Arc IV - Further [Chapter 3: In Practice]

Garaki: "Self-harming behavior."

I can't help but show another sinister grin. If our target group destroys themselves after the drug consumption, it's all the better for us. Fewer tongues that can get loose and talk about their sources.

My scarred forehead wrinkles because the yelling is starting to get on my nerves. "I've seen enough."

Garaki: "Sedating the test subject.", *types in command*

After the extra-strong sedative has been applied from the injection chambers of the left wrist cuff, the test subject falls over unconscious.

I massage my temple to try to lessen the oncoming headache. "Now that we have verified the synthesis process, start full-scale production. First batch size as discussed. In the meantime, I'll set everything for the sale to the Shie Hassaikai through our intermediaries."

Garaki: *nods*, "My assistants and I will presumably meet the deadline."

Garaki is one of the two living humans who I care about. I owe him my current body and existence; thus he is allowed to use the word 'presumably' in my presence. Furthermore, I know that I'm demanding a lot from him lately, with three parallel projects running.

But ambitious goals require sacrifices. "In parallel to the first field tests through the Shie Hassaikai, I expect further laboratory tests to be conducted on the addictive potential and duration of effects."

Garaki: *grins*, "The plans are already in place."

I didn't expect anything less from a man of his caliber. A benevolent nod shows him that I appreciate his efforts.

I come to my next question. "What is the current status of the Nomu project?"

Garaki: "We accomplished a lot today. Sceptic has successfully reversed the security mechanism that was triggered on the data carrier. The data recovery process will be completed by him tomorrow, allowing me to create a more precise plan. The preliminary preparations in the laboratory are complete. I also finalized the selection of the test subject for 'No. I'. I will provide you with the detailed information later."

"Okay. I await your input." After a brief, non-verbal goodbye, I leave the laboratory.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen complications regarding the data that is essential for the Nomu project, there have been significant delays. Of course, this frustrates me, but as someone who comes from academia myself, I know certain setbacks should be expected.

Nonetheless, I vented my frustration appropriately on that annoying pest, Inoue, who led us on a merry chase. When I finished with her, Tomura used his quirk to take care of the rest, ensuring that her body would never be found. I myself made sure that no one would suspect that anything had happened to her, even in the long term.

It's crucial that we erase every single trace of evidence. For the I-Island mission, due to the relative immediate presence of pro heroes and general high risk, it was all the more important to close every possible information leak, which is why I implemented additional measures.

I enter the conference room, where I am already expected. "Take me back to my office in Tokyo, Kurogiri."

Kurogiri: *activates warp gate*

I'm pleased that Kurogiri, who also was an important figure on the I-Island chessboard, wasn't captured or spotted by anyone. His quirk would have been an incomparable loss as it is an extremely vital asset for the execution of 'Zero's' appearances. In addition, he is obedient and easy to control. A special puppet on my string.

As I step through the portal, my mind is already focused on drawing potential contact networks for the distribution of Trigger, that ensure to hide the source and, above all, that nothing can be traced back to me. In case Overhaul makes a mistake, an adequate plan B is necessary aside from that.