The Dual Vessel Project: Nine and Toga as AFO's Successors (Part 1)

Before His Death (If applicable):

"Toga-chan seems different lately. More serious. Less... Toga-like?"

"No, no, she's fine! She's just growing up! ...But something feels wrong."

"She looked at me yesterday like she was calculating something. Toga never calculates—she just acts!"

"I'm worried about her. Really worried. But she says she's fine, so..."

His Final Moments: If Twice dies similarly to canon, his last words might include: "Toga... don't let them change you... stay yourself... please..."

After His Death: His death becomes a catalyst for Toga's psychological crisis, as mentioned earlier. Without his unconditional acceptance, AFO's influence accelerates.

Mr. Compress - The Observant Mentor:

Compress notices the subtle shifts:

Early Observations:

"Himiko, you've become quite the strategist. Though I must say, your methods lack your usual... enthusiasm."

"That was a remarkably cold-blooded play, dear. Effective, but unlike you."

"You've been spending time with Nine frequently. Is everything alright?"

Growing Concern:

"Himiko, I need you to be honest with me. The procedure Garaki performed—has it affected you beyond the physical?"

"You're using your Transform differently. More... deliberately. Less passion, more calculation."

"I've known many masks in my time, dear. I'm beginning to wonder which face is truly yours."

Intervention Attempt:

"Himiko Toga. Not the vessel. Not All For One's project. HIMIKO. Are you still in there?"

"Whatever that doctor did to you, we can find a way to undo it. But you must want to be saved."

"The girl who joined us because she wanted to live freely—where is she?"

Spinner - The Ideological Compass:

Spinner's response focuses on principles:

Initial Questions:

"Toga, why did you just do that? That wasn't about living freely—that was about control."

"You're starting to sound like... well, like someone who thinks they own people."

"Is this because of what Garaki did to you?"

Confrontation:

"Stain would never approve of what you're becoming!"

"You're using people the same way hero society used you!"

"We're supposed to be building something better, not becoming new monsters!"

Dabi - The Cynic:

Dabi's reaction is predictably sardonic:

Early:

"Little Toga's gotten scary. Didn't think that was possible."

"You and Nine have been awfully cozy. What did that creepy doctor do to you two?"

Mid:

"You're not even trying to hide it anymore. You've got someone else in your head."

"Does Compress know you're planning to betray him? Because you are. I can tell."

Late:

"You know what's funny? I joined the League to destroy the old man's hero society. Now I'm watching two of my teammates get possessed by the old man's old enemy. Ironic."

"When you two inevitably lose yourselves completely, I'm out. Just so we're clear."

The Confrontation Scene

Setting: Several months post-procedure, the League gathers for a strategic meeting. Both Nine and Toga are present—a rarity given Garaki's warnings about proximity.

The Meeting Begins:

Compress: "Now then, our next operation requires—"

Nine (interrupting, voice subtly different): "The operation is irrelevant. What matters is acquiring the Quirks I've identified in the hero population."

Compress: "Nine, we discussed this. Our strategy is—"

Nine: "YOUR strategy is short-sighted. I see the broader picture. I have seen it for over two centuries."

Everyone freezes. Nine just referred to himself in AFO's timeframe.

Spinner: "...What did you just say?"

Nine (realizing his mistake, voice returning to normal): "I... I meant... the historical patterns suggest..."

Toga (laughing, but it sounds wrong): "Oh Nine-kun got caught! How embarrassing! But it's okay—we all know, don't we? We all know there's someone else in there~"

Compress (standing): "Himiko. That's enough."

Toga: "Is it? Or is it not enough? Maybe there should be more! More voices! More people! More, more, MORE—"

She suddenly clutches her head, voice shifting: "—control. Everything must be controlled. Every piece must be positioned. Two centuries of planning... must not fail..."

Her voice returns to normal, terrified: "That wasn't me. That wasn't me. That wasn't me."

Spinner (drawing his weapon): "What the HELL did Garaki do to you two?!"

Chimera (protectively moving toward Nine): "Back off, gecko. You don't understand—"

Spinner: "Then MAKE me understand! Because right now it looks like we've got All For One 2.0 growing in Nine's brain and All For One's understudy taking over Toga!"

Nine (coldly): "Your concerns are noted and dismissed. We have more important—"

Slice (voice breaking): "Nine. Please. Come back. I know you're in there. The real you. The one who saved us. The one who wanted to build a world for US. Not for some dead villain's legacy!"

Nine's expression flickers—a moment of genuine Nine surfacing

Nine (weakly): "Slice... I'm trying... but he's so strong... and I'm so tired..."

Then AFO's influence surges back: "Enough sentiment. We have work to do."

The Psychic Resonance:

Because Nine and Toga are in close proximity, their shared AFO vestige begins to resonate and amplify:

Both suddenly speak in perfect unison with AFO's voice: "You understand nothing. This world requires strength. Absolute strength. And we shall provide it. Through Nine's power and Toga's infiltration, we shall rebuild what was destroyed at Kamino. The age of heroes will end. The age of—"

Kurogiri suddenly warps in, interrupting

Kurogiri (urgently): "You must separate them. NOW. The vestige is attempting to reunify!"

Mr. Compress (immediately activating his Quirk): "Spinner, Chimera—grab them! We need distance between—"

But it's too late. A psychic shockwave erupts from Nine and Toga's location. For a moment, everyone sees it: a ghostly image of All For One standing between them, his hands on both their shoulders, smiling.

AFO's Manifestation: "My loyal League. How I've missed you. Through these vessels, I shall return. And when I do, the world will kneel once more."

Then the image dissipates. Nine and Toga collapse, both unconscious.

The Aftermath of the Confrontation

Emergency Response:

Compress: "Get them to separate rooms. NOW. Kurogiri, maximum distance warps—put Nine in one safe house and Toga in another at least 100 kilometers apart."

Kurogiri: "Understood. But this is only temporary. The vestige has tasted reunification. It will attempt this again."

Spinner: "Then what do we do? Kill them? Save them? What?"

Dabi: "I vote kill. Clean, simple, prevents All For One's resurrection."

Twice (panicking): "NO! We can't! They're family! We can save them! WE HAVE TO!"

Slice (firmly): "We WILL save them. Nine is still in there. I saw him fight it. We can help him fight harder."

Chimera: "And if we can't? If AFO takes over completely?"

Long silence

Mr. Compress: "...Then we do what must be done. For their sakes as much as ours."

The Treatment Debate

The League splits into factions over how to handle the situation:

The Salvation Faction (Compress, Slice, Twice, Mummy):

Believes Nine and Toga can be saved

Wants to research ways to remove/suppress AFO vestige

Advocates keeping them apart but alive

Focuses on emotional support and identity reinforcement

The Pragmatist Faction (Spinner, Chimera):

Wants to save them but recognizes limits

Prepares contingencies if AFO takes over

Monitors for points of no return

Willing to use force if necessary

The Elimination Faction (Dabi, potentially others):

Believes salvation is impossible

Views them as ticking time bombs

Advocates preemptive elimination

Sees no difference between vessel and AFO

Kurogiri's Unique Position:

As a Nomu harboring Oboro Shirakumo's consciousness, Kurogiri understands their situation better than anyone:

Kurogiri: "I exist between two identities. Shirakumo's memories surface, then fade. I am both and neither. Nine and Toga face the same struggle. But unlike me, they chose this. They can still choose to resist."

His Role: Kurogiri becomes a counselor of sorts, sharing techniques for maintaining identity despite another consciousness present. He teaches them:

Mental compartmentalization

Creating "safe spaces" in their minds AFO cannot access

Recognition of when the vestige is active

Grounding techniques using memories AFO doesn't share

Garaki's Response

When informed of the proximity incident, Garaki is both fascinated and alarmed:

Garaki: "Remarkable. The vestige attempted reunification far sooner than my calculations predicted. This suggests All For One's will is stronger than anticipated."

Compress (furiously): "You knew this could happen?!"

Garaki: "I theorized it was possible. That's why I warned against prolonged proximity."

Spinner: "Can you FIX it?!"

Garaki: "Fix? No. The procedure is irreversible. But I can enhance the mental barriers, make it harder for AFO to assert control. Though this will be... uncomfortable for the subjects."

The "Treatment":

Garaki's solution involves:

Neural Dampening: Surgically implanted devices that suppress the psychic connection

Chemical Cocktails: Daily medications that slow vestige integration

Psychological Conditioning: Reinforcing original personality through trauma (controversial)

Physical Separation Protocol: Strict rules about Nine and Toga's proximity

Emergency Termination: Kill-switches implanted that can be activated if AFO takes complete control

The Ethical Debate:

Slice: "You want to put kill-switches in their heads?!"

Garaki: "Would you prefer All For One's resurrection? Because that's the alternative."

Compress: "There must be another way—"

Garaki: "There isn't. The vestige grows stronger every day. Eventually, Nine and Toga will cease to exist. When that happens, do you want the ability to stop what emerges, or not?"

Nine's Response (during lucid moment): "Do it. If I can't be saved... make sure I can be stopped."

Toga's Response (terrified but resigned): "I don't want to die. But I don't want to become him either. Put in the kill-switches."

Operational Impact

How the Dual Vessels Change League Operations

New Strategic Capabilities:

Combined Intelligence Network:

Toga infiltrates hero organizations as various heroes

Accesses classified information Nine needs for Quirk theft targets

Nine uses Search (AFO's Quirk) to locate specific individuals

Garaki analyzes intelligence and plans operations

Perfect coordination without external communication risks

Example Operation - "The Heroes' Traitor":

Phase 1: Toga transforms into a low-level hero and befriends target hero Phase 2: Gains access to their schedule and weaknesses Phase 3: Nine arrives when hero is alone and vulnerable Phase 4: Nine steals hero's Quirk using All For One Phase 5: Toga transforms into the now-Quirkless hero and "commits suicide" to cover the theft Result: Hero death appears natural, Quirk added to Nine's arsenal, no one suspects League involvement

Asymmetric Warfare:

The dual vessels enable the League to fight in ways previously impossible:

Simultaneous Attacks:

Nine assaults hero strongpoint openly (overwhelming power)

Toga infiltrates and sabotages from within (disguised as ally)

Heroes face external and internal threats simultaneously

Confusion prevents effective response

Psychological Operations:

Toga impersonates beloved heroes committing atrocities

Public trust in heroes collapses

Nine appears as "savior" defeating "corrupt heroes"

Narrative control shifts toward League

Resource Acquisition:

Nine steals valuable Quirks from villains and heroes

Toga infiltrates corporations and governments for funding

Garaki uses resources to enhance League members

Self-sustaining cycle of growth

Limitations and Vulnerabilities

The Proximity Problem:

Critical Weakness: Nine and Toga cannot work together directly without risk of AFO reunification

Operational Constraints:

Must operate in separate locations

Cannot coordinate in real-time except telepathically (risky)

If both needed for single operation, strict distance maintained

Emergency protocols for if they accidentally get too close

Example Crisis:

During major battle, heroes drive Nine and Toga toward each other:

50 meters apart: Minor headache, AFO whispers increase 30 meters: Significant pain, AFO attempting to communicate through both 20 meters: Risk of temporary possession as vestige resonates 10 meters: Guaranteed AFO manifestation event 5 meters: Potential permanent fusion/possession

Heroes learn this and specifically try to force proximity in combat

The Kill-Switch Dilemma:

The Problem: Garaki installed kill-switches, but who controls them?

The Debate:

Compress: "I should hold the triggers. I have the clearest judgment."

Dabi: "Give them to me. I'll actually use them if needed."

Spinner: "No one person should have this power. We vote if activation becomes necessary."

Slice: "Destroy them. If Nine knows he can be killed remotely, it will break him."

Resolution: Triggers split among three trustees (Compress, Kurogiri, Spinner), requires two of three to activate. Dabi is specifically excluded because he'd use them preemptively.

The Identity Crisis:

Operational Impact: Both Nine and Toga have periods where they don't trust their own judgment

Example:

Toga (during mission): "Should I kill this target?" Thought: "I want to. But is that ME wanting to, or HIM?" Hesitation: Misses optimal strike window Compromise: Disables target non-lethally to avoid moral confusion Problem: Non-lethal approach sometimes fails, endangering mission

Nine (during confrontation): "Should I steal this Quirk?" Thought: "It would make me stronger. But do I NEED it, or does the vestige WANT it?" Hesitation: Opponent escapes AFO's mockery: "Pathetic. You could have had that power." Nine's frustration: Becomes reckless in next engagement

The Trust Erosion:

Internal League Problem: Members never sure if they're talking to Nine/Toga or AFO

Manifestations:

During Strategy Meetings: "Is this plan Nine's tactical genius, or AFO's manipulation?"

During Personal Conversations: "Is Toga genuinely sharing her feelings, or is this AFO gathering intelligence on our vulnerabilities?"

During Combat: "If I follow Nine's orders and he's AFO-controlled, am I serving the enemy?"

League Adaptation:

Members develop code phrases and protocols to verify identity:

Verification Questions:

Reference shared experiences AFO wouldn't know

Ask about emotional moments (AFO responds logically, hosts emotionally)

Note speech patterns and vocabulary choices

Check for AFO's telltale mannerisms

Example Exchange:

Compress: "Nine, before we proceed, tell me: what did Slice say to you the night we rescued her?"

Nine (AFO-influenced): "She expressed gratitude for the liberation and pledged loyalty to—"

Compress: "Wrong. She said nothing. She was too traumatized to speak for three days. You're not Nine right now, are you?"

Nine (AFO fully surfaced): "...Clever. But ultimately pointless. Nine and I are inseparable now."

The Trajectory Toward Final War

Escalation Timeline

Months 18-24: The Partial Fusion Event

The Incident:

During a critical battle, Nine and Toga are forced into close proximity by hero coordination. They reach within 5 meters of each other, triggering a partial fusion event.

What Happens:

For approximately 3 minutes, AFO's consciousness fully manifests through both vessels simultaneously. They speak in perfect unison, display his mannerisms, and wield both their Quirks with his tactical genius.

The Battle:

The temporarily-fused AFO devastates the hero forces:

Nine's Weather Manipulation + AFO's Quirks create catastrophic destruction

Toga's Transform + AFO's manipulation infiltrate and backstab hero coordination

Combined: Overwhelming power + perfect infiltration = unstoppable

The Cost:

After separation, both Nine and Toga are comatose for days. When they wake:

Nine: "I wasn't in control. At all. He was driving, and I was just... watching. Screaming. Unable to do anything."

Toga: "I felt myself disappearing. Like being erased. Is this what dying feels like?"

League Response: Emergency protocols enacted. Nine and Toga operations must never overlap again.

Nine's Final Trajectory

The Descent:

Months 24-30: Nine's resistance weakens significantly

Physical Changes:

Hair completely white with black streaks spreading

Eyes permanently glowing red

Voice always carries AFO's undertone

Life-support suit fractures, revealing organic changes beneath

Personality Changes:

Refers to past events as AFO regularly

Treats crew as useful tools rather than family

Strategic brilliance but complete emotional detachment

Only Slice can still reach the real Nine, and only sometimes

The Point of No Return:

Trigger Event: Slice is critically injured during an operation

Nine's Response (immediate, genuine): "SLICE! No... no, I'll save you! I'll—"

AFO's Response (taking over): "—acquire a healing Quirk from a nearby civilian. Their life for hers. Equivalent exchange."

Nine (fighting back): "No! I won't kill innocents for—"

AFO: "Then she DIES. And your pathetic sentiment dies with her. CHOOSE."

The Choice:

Nine, desperate and broken, allows AFO to steal a healing Quirk from a nearby civilian (killing them). Slice is saved. Nine is destroyed.

Aftermath:

Nine (empty voice): "I crossed the line. The one line I swore I'd never cross. Killing an innocent to save one of my own."

Slice (recovered, horrified): "Nine, I would rather have died than—"

Nine (AFO's smile): "But you didn't. And now we've learned something valuable: there is no line Nine won't cross. Not anymore."

From this point forward, Nine is functionally AFO most of the time, with only brief flashes of his original personality.

Toga's Final Trajectory

The Spiral:

Months 24-30: Toga's identity completely fractures

Psychological Changes:

Can no longer maintain her original form comfortably

Stays transformed constantly, cycling through identities

When forced to be "Himiko Toga," experiences severe dissociation

Refers to herself in third person: "Himiko would have liked this" (past tense)

The Ochaco Crisis:

The Confrontation (similar to canon but different context):

Toga (to Ochaco): "I wanted you to accept me. The real me. But I can't even find the real me anymore. There's Himiko, and there's AFO, and there's everyone I've ever transformed into, and I don't know which thoughts are mine!"

Ochaco: "Then let me help you! We can figure it out together!"

Toga: "Can you? Even I can't tell anymore. When I say I love you, is that Himiko's genuine feeling? Or is it AFO manipulating you through me? Or is it an echo of someone I transformed into once who loved someone like you?"

Ochaco: "Toga—"

Toga (voice shifting to AFO's): "You cannot save her. She is already gone. Only the vessel remains. Only I remain. And through her, I shall destroy everything you love."

Ochaco (desperately): "I don't believe that! Toga! HIMIKO! I know you're still in there!"

Toga (voice shifting back, crying): "I am! I'm here! But I'm so small now. So faint. And he's so loud. So overwhelming. Ochaco... if you care at all... please... PLEASE... kill me before I'm completely gone. Before I hurt you with his hands. Please."

The Final War Scenarios

Given this setup, the Final War could unfold several ways:

Scenario A: The Reunification

Setup: Heroes deliberately force Nine and Toga into close proximity during final battle

Result: AFO's vestige successfully reunifies, creating a single entity with:

Nine's raw power (Weather Manipulation + All For One)

Toga's adaptability (Transform + infiltration skills)

AFO's full consciousness and memories

Combined: A new All For One, potentially more dangerous than the original

The Battle: Heroes face effectively AFO reborn, requiring:

Deku and his generation working together

Sacrifice plays from League members who loved Nine/Toga

Potentially using the kill-switches as last resort

The Tragedy: Even if heroes win, Nine and Toga are completely lost. The people they were are dead, subsumed entirely by AFO.

Scenario B: The Dual Sacrifice

Setup: Nine and Toga, in moments of clarity, coordinate their final act

The Plan:

Deliberately trigger proximity fusion

In the brief moment AFO manifests but before complete takeover

Activate kill-switches themselves

Die as themselves, preventing AFO's resurrection

The Execution:

Nine (to Slice, final conversation): "Tell them... tell them Nine fought until the end. That I chose to die as myself rather than live as him."

Toga (to Ochaco, final conversation): "I wanted to live freely as Himiko Toga. But if I can't do that... at least I can die as her. That's close enough, right?"

The Moment:

They meet in the middle of the battlefield. Heroes try to stop them, thinking it's AFO's plan. League members understand what's happening but are too late.

Five meters apart:

Both (in unison, their own voices): "Forgive us."

AFO (manifesting, confused): "What are you—NO! You cannot—!"

Kill-switches activated. Both vessels die instantly.

AFO's vestige, unable to complete fusion, dissipates permanently.

Impact:

AFO truly dead this time

Nine and Toga die as heroes in their own way

League mourns but respects their choice

Heroes recognize the sacrifice

Bittersweet ending: threat eliminated but at terrible cost

Scenario C: The Partial Salvation

Setup: One vessel dies, one survives AFO's influence

Potential Paths:

Path 1 - Nine Dies, Toga Lives:

Nine sacrifices himself to absorb AFO's full consciousness

Allows Toga to escape with weakened vestige

Toga, freed from most of AFO's influence, seeks redemption

Ochaco helps her recover and rebuild identity

Toga lives with guilt but possibility of better life

Path 2 - Toga Dies, Nine Lives:

Toga sacrifices herself, giving Nine her blood one last time

Her Transform + her death severs AFO's connection

Nine survives with weakened vestige, returns to lead crew

Struggles with guilt but can finally pursue original vision

Honors both Toga and his crew by building better world

Path 3 - Both Live, Heavily Damaged:

Proximity event fails to fully unite vestige

Both survive but with permanent psychological damage

Nine loses most memories, becomes like child again

Toga can only maintain original form for short periods

League cares for both as they slowly recover

Never fully healed but alive and themselves

Thematic Resonance

What This Adds to the Story

The Question of Identity:

Both Nine and Toga face ultimate identity crisis:

"If another consciousness lives in my head, am I still me?"

"When I act, whose will am I actually following?"

"Is there a 'true self' or are we just collections of influences?"

The Cost of Power:

Nine and Toga gained immense power but at terrible price:

Their autonomy

Their sense of self

Their relationships

Eventually, their lives

The Tragedy of Good Intentions:

Nine wanted power to protect his crew and build better world

Toga wanted acceptance and ability to live freely

Both made deal with devil (Garaki/AFO's legacy)

Both lost everything they were trying to achieve

The League as Family:

The dual vessel situation forces League to confront:

What does loyalty mean when person you're loyal to is being replaced?

How do you love someone who's being erased from within?

Do you save them or stop them?

When does mercy demand letting go?

Parallels to Hero Society:

The heroes face similar questions with Kurogiri/Oboro:

Both sides struggling to save people from forced identity loss

Both sides forced to choose between saving individual vs. stopping threat

Neither side has clear answers

Tragedy affects everyone regardless of hero/villain divide

Final Thoughts on Decomposite Structure

By splitting Tomura's "AFO vessel" arc between Nine and Toga:

Nine embodies:

The power corruption aspect

The loss of agency to overwhelming will

The physical transformation

The "becoming a god" trajectory

The sacrifice of self for power

Toga embodies:

The emotional devastation

The identity crisis and confusion

The desperate need for connection

The search for self amidst multiple personalities

The potential for redemption or tragedy

Together they create: A more nuanced exploration of what possession/corruption actually means, showing both the power-focused and emotion-focused aspects of losing oneself to another's will, while maintaining enough agency to make their final fates feel like choices rather than inevitabilities.

The audience experiences:

Horror of watching two complex characters slowly disappear

Hope that they might be saved

Grief when salvation becomes impossible

Recognition that sometimes the cruelest fate is surviving as something you're not

Understanding that death can be kinder than loss of self

The Dual Vessel Project: Nine and Toga as AFO's Successors (Part 1)

Garaki's Strategic Decision

Why Two Vessels Instead of One

With both AFO and Tomura dead at Kamino, Garaki faces an unprecedented problem: he has no singular successor to carry on AFO's legacy. His solution is radical and experimental: split AFO's consciousness, Quirks, and essence between two compatible vessels rather than risk everything on one individual.

Garaki's Reasoning:

Risk Mitigation: If one vessel fails, the other might succeed

Complementary Strengths: Nine's raw power + Toga's adaptability = complete package

AFO Vestige Management: Splitting AFO's consciousness between two hosts dilutes his ability to completely dominate either one

Scientific Curiosity: No one has attempted a dual-vessel All For One transfer before

Practical Reality: Neither Nine nor Toga alone has the capacity Tomura would have had

The Procedure

Location: Garaki's most secure hidden laboratory, months after Kamino

The Process:

Garaki performs simultaneous surgeries on both Nine and Toga, connecting them to the same life-support system temporarily. Using his advanced understanding of Quirk factors and the remnants of AFO's biological material (preserved tissue, blood samples, possibly even brain matter), he attempts to graft AFO's essence into both subjects.

For Nine:

Receives the majority of AFO's raw Quirk-stealing and Quirk-stockpiling capabilities

Gets AFO's tactical and strategic memories (understanding of combat, manipulation tactics)

Inherits AFO's ambition and drive for power

Becomes the "primary vessel" for AFO's conscious will

For Toga:

Receives AFO's adaptability and social manipulation skills

Gets access to AFO's network of contacts and information

Inherits AFO's cunning and psychological insight

Becomes the "secondary vessel" for AFO's subconscious instincts and preservation drive

The Connection: The two vessels share a psychic link through the AFO vestige. They can sense each other's general location, emotional state, and when one is in danger. This connection allows AFO's split consciousness to potentially reunify if the vessels are in close proximity for extended periods.

Nine's Transformation

Physical and Psychological Changes

Immediate Aftermath:

Nine emerges from the procedure fundamentally changed. While he retains his core personality and memories, there's now another presence lurking beneath the surface.

Physical Manifestations:

His cellular degeneration is temporarily stabilized (AFO's regeneration Quirks help)

New Quirks begin manifesting that he didn't steal himself

His eyes occasionally flash with the same reddish glow AFO's had

His voice sometimes takes on AFO's cadence and tone

Life-support suit requires modifications to handle increased Quirk activity

Psychological Manifestations:

The AFO Influence: Unlike canon Tomura where AFO gradually overwhelmed his host, Nine's strong will creates a constant internal struggle:

Nine's Thoughts: "I will create a world where the strong rule. This is MY vision."

AFO's Whisper: "Yes... your vision. And with my power, you shall achieve it. But remember who gave you this strength..."

The Power Dynamic:

Nine maintains more agency than canon Tomura because:

He's older and more psychologically stable

AFO's consciousness is split, weakening his control

Nine's indomitable will resists domination

His existing Social Darwinist philosophy somewhat aligns with AFO's goals

Nine's Internal Monologue:

"The voice in my head claims to be my benefactor. It offers knowledge, power, strategy. But I am no one's puppet. I accepted this procedure to save my crew and build our ideal world. If this 'All For One' thinks he can use me as his vessel... he'll learn that Nine bows to no one."

Nine's New Capabilities

Enhanced All For One:

Nine's version of All For One is stronger than his initial duplicate because it now contains fragments of the original:

Quirk Capacity: Increased from 9 total Quirks to approximately 15-20 Stealing Efficiency: Can now steal Quirks more quickly and completely Quirk Fusion: Gains AFO's ability to merge Quirks for enhanced effects Transfer Capability: Can now give Quirks to others (though he rarely does) Vestige Communication: Can sense and speak with the vestiges of Quirks he possesses

Inherited Quirks from AFO:

Through the procedure, Nine automatically receives several of AFO's stockpiled Quirks:

Enhanced Regeneration: Helps counteract his cellular degeneration

Life Force: Extends his lifespan significantly

Forced Quirk Activation: Can activate others' Quirks remotely

Reflect: Can reflect physical attacks

Hardening: Enhances his durability

Search: Can locate people from vast distances

Warping (limited): Short-range teleportation

Combined Arsenal:

Nine now possesses:

His original Weather Manipulation

His previously stolen Quirks (Air Wall, Scanning, Bullet Laser, Hydra, Cell Activation)

New Quirks from AFO

The ability to steal and add more

This makes him arguably the most powerful villain in the AU after AFO's death.

Nine's Relationship with the AFO Vestige

The Constant Negotiation:

Unlike Tomura's gradual consumption, Nine engages in constant mental dialogue with AFO:

AFO: "Your Weather Manipulation is crude. Let me show you how to truly devastate your enemies..."

Nine: "I don't need your instruction. My power is god-like already."

AFO: "Was. Now it is OUR power. And together, we are unstoppable. Embrace my guidance."

Nine: "I embrace nothing. You are a tool, vestige. A resource I utilize. Nothing more."

AFO: "We shall see, Nine. We shall see..."

Moments of Synchronization:

Despite Nine's resistance, there are moments when their goals align perfectly:

When fighting overwhelming force, AFO's tactical brilliance enhances Nine's strategy

When stealing valuable Quirks, both share satisfaction

When protecting Nine's crew, AFO's preservation instinct reinforces Nine's loyalty

When facing potential defeat, both prioritize survival

The Growing Threat:

As time passes, AFO's influence grows stronger:

Nine occasionally makes decisions he doesn't fully remember making

His Social Darwinism becomes more ruthless, more AFO-like

He begins seeing people as "Quirks to be acquired" rather than individuals

His treatment of Slice, Chimera, and Mummy becomes more utilitarian

Nine's Awareness:

Unlike Tomura, Nine is fully aware of AFO's attempts at control:

"I feel him trying to subsume me. In moments of weakness, exhaustion, or injury, his presence grows stronger. I must remain vigilant. Must maintain my identity. But his knowledge... his power... they're intoxicating. Perhaps... perhaps I can use him before he uses me."

Toga's Transformation

Physical and Psychological Changes

Immediate Aftermath:

Toga's transformation is more subtle but equally profound. Where Nine received AFO's active powers, Toga received his adaptability and infiltration capabilities.

Physical Manifestations:

Her Transform Quirk becomes more potent and flexible

She can maintain transformations longer with less blood

Her blood collection needles now have a faint purple glow (AFO's energy)

Her eyes occasionally flash red when accessing AFO's memories

Her physical capabilities (speed, reflexes, durability) are enhanced

Psychological Manifestations:

The AFO Influence on Toga:

AFO's presence in Toga manifests differently than in Nine. Where Nine feels AFO as an invading consciousness, Toga experiences him as an echo, a shadow, a whisper:

Toga's Thoughts: "I can be anyone I love! I can become them completely!"

AFO's Whisper: "Yes, child. And with my guidance, you can become even more. You can be everyone. You can be... me."

The Subtle Corruption:

AFO's influence on Toga is insidious rather than overt:

Her "love" becomes more possessive and consuming

Her violence becomes more calculated, less impulsive

She begins seeing people as "forms to collect" rather than individuals to connect with

Her desire for acceptance transforms into a need to dominate

She retains her emotional core but it's increasingly warped

Toga's Internal Experience:

"There's someone else in my head now. Not like how I become others when I transform—this is deeper. He whispers things. Shows me things. Memories of a world where he controlled everything. And sometimes... sometimes I want that too. To be so powerful that no one can reject me ever again."

Toga's New Capabilities

Enhanced Transform:

Evolution Beyond Awakening:

Toga's Transform Quirk, already awakened during her fight with Curious, receives massive enhancements:

Blood Efficiency: Requires 75% less blood to maintain transformations Duration: Can maintain a transformation for up to 72 hours on one cup of blood Multiple Forms: Can now store and switch between up to 10 different forms in rapid succession Quirk Mastery: Uses copied Quirks more effectively, approaching the original user's skill level Partial Transformation: Can transform only parts of her body (hands, face, etc.) Vestige Access: Can access memories and skills of those she transforms into

Inherited Abilities from AFO:

Through the procedure, Toga gains several non-Quirk abilities from AFO's essence:

Master Manipulator: Enhanced social engineering and deception skills

Strategic Mind: Can plan complex operations spanning months or years

Read People: Instinctively understands psychological vulnerabilities

Network Knowledge: Knows all of AFO's contacts, safe houses, and resources

Combat Prowess: Access to AFO's 200+ years of combat experience

Linguistic Ability: Speaks multiple languages AFO knew

Medical Knowledge: Understanding of human anatomy for precise strikes

The "Perfect Infiltration" Package:

Combined with her Transform Quirk and new abilities, Toga becomes the ultimate spy:

Can become anyone perfectly, including voice, mannerisms, and memories (via AFO's insight)

Can utilize their Quirks effectively

Can access AFO's knowledge to impersonate people she's never met

Can maintain cover for extended periods

Can read situations and adapt perfectly

Toga's Relationship with the AFO Vestige

The Seductive Whisper:

AFO's approach to Toga is different than to Nine. With Nine, he tries to dominate. With Toga, he seduces:

AFO: "You want to be loved, don't you, Himiko? I can show you how to make everyone love you..."

Toga: "Really? How?"

AFO: "By becoming indispensable. By being whoever they need you to be. By making them dependent on you."

Toga: "That sounds... lonely though."

AFO: "Power is never lonely, child. Power is freeing. And I will give you all the power you need."

The Confusion:

Unlike Nine's clear resistance, Toga is confused by AFO's presence:

Sometimes his guidance genuinely helps her (better combat technique, strategic thinking)

Sometimes his whispers feel like the acceptance she always wanted

Sometimes his suggestions horrify her (killing people she's transformed into to take their place permanently)

Sometimes she can't tell where her thoughts end and his begin

Toga's Internal Struggle:

"Is this voice in my head actually All For One? Or is it just what I think he'd say? Maybe it's my own darkness. Maybe I've always wanted to consume people completely. Maybe he's just giving me permission. Or maybe... maybe he's making me into something I'm not. I can't tell anymore."

Moments of Clarity:

Toga has periodic moments where she recognizes AFO's corruption:

After brutally killing someone she "loved," feeling empty instead of satisfied

When she catches herself planning betrayals against League members

When she realizes she's manipulating Twice's emotions to make him more dependent

When she looks in a mirror and sees AFO's eyes looking back

The Growing Threat:

AFO's influence on Toga accelerates when:

She uses powerful copied Quirks extensively

She transforms into multiple people rapidly

She's emotionally vulnerable (after Twice's death, after rejections)

She's in proximity to Nine (their shared AFO connection resonates and amplifies)

The Shared Connection

The Psychic Link

Mechanism:

The dual-vessel procedure created an unprecedented connection between Nine and Toga through their shared AFO essence:

Passive Connection:

General sense of each other's location (within ~50km)

Awareness of each other's strong emotions

Shared access to AFO's core memories

Dreams where they sometimes interact in AFO's mental landscape

Active Connection (when in close proximity):

Can communicate telepathically

Can share sensory experiences

AFO's consciousness becomes more unified and powerful

Risk of one or both being overwhelmed by AFO

The Danger:

Garaki warns them: "You must not spend too much time in close proximity. The All For One vestige split between you will attempt to reunify. If that happens, both your identities may be subsumed entirely. Use the connection strategically, but maintain distance."

Combined Operations

Strategic Advantages:

When Nine and Toga coordinate, they're devastating:

Intelligence Gathering:

Toga infiltrates as anyone, accessing information

Nine uses Search and AFO's network knowledge to identify targets

They share intel telepathically when close

Perfect coordination without external communication

Combat Synergy:

Nine provides overwhelming power as Toga creates opportunities

Toga can transform into Nine, creating confusion

Nine can steal Quirks Toga has memorized from her transformations

Combined, they can overwhelm even top heroes

Resource Acquisition:

Toga infiltrates to steal or gather materials

Nine provides protection and extraction

Garaki provides scientific support

Complete operation without external communication risks

Psychological Warfare:

Toga impersonates heroes, sowing distrust

Nine demonstrates overwhelming power

Combined: heroes never know who to trust or where threat comes from

AFO's tactical mind coordinates through both vessels

Decomposite Characterization: Echoes of Tomura

Nine as "Tomura's Ambition":

Nine embodies aspects of what Tomura would have become as AFO's vessel:

Similarities to Vestige-Influenced Tomura:

Increasingly strategic and calculating (AFO's influence)

Growing disconnection from humanity

Seeing people as resources/Quirks to acquire

Overwhelming power combined with tactical brilliance

Internal struggle against AFO's control

Moments where AFO's personality surfaces

Differences from Tomura:

Maintains core identity longer due to age and willpower

Has genuine loyalty to crew that AFO can't fully corrupt

Social Darwinism vs. nihilistic destruction

Negotiates with AFO rather than being gradually consumed

More aware of the possession and actively resisting

Nine's "AFO Moments":

Situations where Nine sounds/acts exactly like AFO:

Example 1 - After stealing a powerful Quirk: Nine's usual voice: "This power will help us achieve our goals." AFO's cadence through Nine: "Ah yes... such a magnificent ability. It shall serve our purpose well... just as its previous owner serves as fertilizer for our new world."

Example 2 - During strategic planning: Nine's usual voice: "We'll strike when they're vulnerable." AFO's influence: "Patience, my forces. We shall weave such a web that when we do strike, they'll have no chance of escape. Every piece positioned perfectly... just as I taught you."

Example 3 - When crew members question him: Nine's usual voice: "Trust my judgment." AFO completely surfacing: "You dare question me?! I have shaped history for two centuries! Your petty concerns are beneath notice!" (Then Nine reasserts control): "...Forgive me. The vestige sometimes... speaks through me."

Toga as "Tomura's Emptiness":

Toga embodies the emotional void and need for connection that defined Tomura:

Similarities to Vestige-Influenced Tomura:

Desperate need for acceptance and belonging

Growing identity crisis ("Who am I if AFO is controlling me?")

Oscillating between vulnerability and cruelty

Using violence to feel "real" or "alive"

Forming intense attachments to few people who show kindness

Slowly losing grip on her own personality

Differences from Tomura:

Her "love" vs. his "hatred" as core emotion

Maintains emotional connections longer

More self-aware of her corruption

Seeks to preserve rather than destroy

AFO manipulates through seduction rather than domination

Toga's "AFO Moments":

Situations where Toga channels AFO's presence:

Example 1 - During infiltration: Toga's usual voice: "Hehe, I'm so excited to become you~" AFO's calculating tone: "Yes... your form will serve admirably. Your loved ones won't suspect a thing until it's far too late. Just as planned."

Example 2 - Manipulating someone: Toga's usual voice: "I just want us to be friends!" AFO's cunning: "That's right... lower your guard. Trust me completely. And when the moment comes, I'll take everything you are... just like I've taken everything from so many others."

Example 3 - After rejection: Toga's usual voice: "Why won't anyone accept me?!" AFO's bitterness: "They fear what they cannot control. They reject what they cannot understand. So we shall make them understand... through force. Through fear. Through power absolute." (Then Toga realizes what she's saying): "No... no, that's not... I don't want that... do I?"

Training and Skill Development

How Toga Learned Her Combat Skills

Canon Question Addressed:

In canon, Toga's exceptional stealth, combat ability, and infiltration skills are never fully explained. In this AU, we provide clear sources:

Timeline of Training:

Phase 1: Pre-League (Ages 15-16) - Natural Talent

Instinctive ability to hide presence (quirk-enhanced empathy allowing her to read when she's being observed)

Self-taught knife work through trial and error during her murders

Survival skills learned while evading police

Basic infiltration through mimicking behavior of people she observes

Phase 2: Giran's Introduction (Age 16) - Professional Foundation

Giran's Teaching: As League's recruiter/broker, Giran teaches Toga:

Underground criminal networks and how to navigate them

Basic information gathering techniques

How to fence stolen goods and acquire resources

Reading people to determine threats and opportunities

Criminal tradecraft (dead drops, secure communication, etc.)

Phase 3: League Integration (Age 16-17) - Advanced Training

Stain's Indirect Influence: Though Toga never directly trained with Stain, she studied his techniques obsessively:

Reviewed videos of his battles repeatedly

Analyzed his combat style and adapted it to her knives

Learned his philosophy of attacking during opponent's vulnerable moments

Adopted his speed-based assassination approach

Combined his techniques with her Transform for enhanced effectiveness

Mr. Compress's Mentorship: As the "gentleman thief," Compress teaches her:

Theatrical misdirection and sleight of hand

Advanced infiltration and social engineering

How to blend into different social classes

Escape artistry and evasion techniques

Strategic planning for complex operations

Twice's Partnership: Training with Twice develops her:

Clone management and coordination

Team-based combat tactics

Trust and emotional intelligence

How to use chaos to her advantage

Maintaining cover under pressure

Magne's Guidance: Before Magne's death, she taught Toga:

Physical combat fundamentals

How to fight larger/stronger opponents

Using environment to advantage

Reading opponent's body language

Surviving in hero-dominated world

Phase 4: Garaki's Enhancement (Age 17) - Scientific Augmentation

After the dual-vessel procedure, Garaki provides:

Physical Enhancement Training:

Reaction time drills using Nomu as training partners

Endurance conditioning to handle extended transformations

Pain tolerance training for when Quirks damage her body

Flexibility and acrobatics enhancement

Enhanced healing protocols between missions

Technical Skill Development:

Advanced anatomy training for precise knife strikes

Quirk application theory to better use copied powers

Memory retention techniques for impersonations

Sensory training to better detect threats

Advanced infiltration technology use

AFO's Downloaded Knowledge: Through their connection, Toga gains access to:

200+ years of AFO's combat experience

Infiltration techniques from countless operations

Psychological manipulation mastery

Strategic planning capabilities

Language and cultural knowledge

Combined Result:

By the Final War arc, Toga is an S-rank combatant because:

Natural Talent: Instinctive stealth and empathy

Criminal Tradecraft: Giran's underworld knowledge

Combat Style: Adapted from Stain's techniques

Infiltration Mastery: Compress's theatrical approach

Team Tactics: Learned from working with Twice and others

Physical Enhancement: Garaki's procedures and training

Historical Knowledge: AFO's centuries of experience

Quirk Evolution: Awakening + dual-vessel enhancement

Specific Skills Breakdown:

From Giran:

Information brokering

Underground navigation

Criminal contacts

Resource acquisition

Basic self-defense

From Studying Stain:

Speed-based assassination

Targeting vital points

Fighting multiple opponents

Using environment strategically

Attacking during vulnerable moments

From Compress:

Social engineering

Impersonation techniques

Escape planning

Misdirection in combat

Theatrical timing

From Twice:

Working with duplicates

Coordinating multiple bodies

Emotional reading

Maintaining sanity under pressure

Loyalty and trust building

From Magne:

Hand-to-hand combat basics

Fighting bigger opponents

Survival instincts

Body language reading

Practical fighting wisdom

From Garaki:

Enhanced physicals

Medical knowledge

Quirk theory

Pain management

Equipment use

From AFO's Vestige:

Strategic planning

Psychological manipulation

Historical combat techniques

Multilingual capability

Political maneuvering

The Decomposite Tomura Behaviors

Splitting Tomura's Arc Between Two Characters

What This Means:

In canon, Tomura Shigaraki undergoes a specific character arc as AFO's vessel:

Initially maintains his identity

Gradually loses himself to AFO's influence

Has moments of clarity and resistance

Eventually his identity becomes disputed (is it Tomura or AFO?)

Final moments show Tomura briefly resurging

In this AU, those elements are split between Nine and Toga:

Nine Gets:

The gradual loss of identity

The power corruption aspect

The strategic/tactical AFO influence

The "becoming a god" trajectory

The physical transformation elements

The active resistance against possession

Toga Gets:

The emotional void and need for connection

The psychological manipulation by AFO

The identity crisis ("who am I really?")

The moments of vulnerability

The relationships that ground her humanity

The potential for redemption

Nine's Behavioral Decomposition

Early Stage (Months 0-6):

Tomura Element: Initial confidence, belief he can control the power

Nine's Version: "I am Nine. The procedure gave me power, nothing more. All For One is dead—only his Quirks remain. I will use them to achieve MY vision for MY crew."

Reality: AFO's vestige is dormant but learning Nine's patterns

Mid Stage (Months 6-12):

Tomura Element: Growing paranoia, personality shifts

Nine's Version:

Becomes more ruthless with enemies (AFO's influence)

Shows less patience with "weak" allies

Makes tactical decisions he doesn't fully remember making

His crew (Slice, Chimera, Mummy) notice subtle changes

Still insists everything is under control

Crisis Point (Months 12-18):

Tomura Element: Major confrontation with AFO's control

Nine's Version:

During a critical battle where Nine is severely injured and exhausted:

AFO's voice becomes overwhelming: "Sleep, child. Let me handle this."

Nine fights back: "No! This is MY body! MY fight!"

AFO laughs: "Your body? I gave you this power. I sustain your life. Without me, your cellular degeneration would have killed you months ago. You belong to me."

Nine, terrified: "I belong to NO ONE!"

The crew witnesses Nine arguing with himself, his voice alternating between his own and AFO's. Slice tries to reach him, and Nine/AFO nearly kills her before regaining control.

Late Stage (Months 18+):

Tomura Element: Unclear who's actually in control

Nine's Version:

Long periods where AFO is clearly dominant

Brief moments where Nine resurges

Crew never sure which personality they're dealing with

Nine's Social Darwinism warps into AFO's domination philosophy

His goal of "world where strong rule" becomes "world where I rule"

Final Form (If Reached):

Tomura Element: Physical transformation, near-complete takeover

Nine's Version:

If Nine survives long enough, he undergoes physical transformation:

White hair gains black streaks (AFO's influence manifesting)

Eyes permanently show AFO's red glow

Voice is blend of Nine's calm and AFO's menace

Weather Manipulation merges with AFO's Quirks in horrifying ways

Life-support suit fractures, revealing AFO-like tendrils beneath

The entity that emerges is neither fully Nine nor fully AFO, but a horrifying amalgamation.

Toga's Behavioral Decomposition

Early Stage (Months 0-6):

Tomura Element: Confusion about the new presence

Toga's Version: "There's someone in my head! It feels like when I transform, but... different. Deeper. He knows things I don't. Sometimes I think his thoughts without meaning to. Is this what it's like to truly become someone?"

Reality: Toga initially interprets AFO's presence as an extension of her Transform Quirk

Mid Stage (Months 6-12):

Tomura Element: Behavioral changes noticed by allies

Toga's Version:

Her "love" becomes possessive rather than obsessive

Less impulsive, more calculating

Uses people more consciously as tools

Still emotionally expressive but it feels "performed"

Twice notices she seems "different" but can't explain how

Crisis Point (Months 12-18):

Tomura Element: Moment of horrifying realization

Toga's Version:

After Twice's death (if it occurs similarly), Toga has a breakdown:

Toga's genuine emotion: "Jin... Jin is gone... I... I..."

AFO's whisper: "Mourn later. Use his blood. Become him. His power will serve us well."

Toga, horrified: "No! Jin was my friend! I won't use him like that!"

AFO, coldly: "Friend? Or resource? You've always seen people as blood to consume. I simply made you honest about it."

Toga, crying: "That's not true! I loved Jin! I love Ochaco! I love—"

AFO: "Love? Or hunger? Can you even tell the difference anymore?"

Toga has a complete breakdown as she realizes she can't distinguish her genuine emotions from AFO's influence.

Late Stage (Months 18+):

Tomura Element: Struggling to maintain identity

Toga's Version:

Uses Transform constantly because being "herself" feels wrong

When forced to return to her original form, experiences dissociation

"Himiko Toga" feels like another mask, not her true self

Can't tell if her love for League members is real or AFO's manipulation

Desperately seeks validation from Ochaco/Deku as proof she's still human

Final Form (If Reached):

Tomura Element: Identity completely uncertain

Toga's Version:

Toga's final transformation is psychological rather than physical:

Three Scenarios:

Scenario A - Complete Submission: "I am Himiko Toga. I am All For One's vessel. I am everyone I've ever transformed into. I am no one. I am everyone. I am... I am..."

Scenario B - Fragmented Identity: Toga cycles through personalities: Sometimes innocent Himiko, sometimes calculating AFO, sometimes echoes of people she's transformed into. No stable core remains.

Scenario C - Redemptive Sacrifice: In her final moments, Toga deliberately uses Transform to become herself as she was before the procedure, rejecting AFO completely. This kills the vestige within her but costs her life.

Behavioral Parallels and Contrasts

When Nine Acts Like Vestige-Tomura:

Canon Tomura Behavior: Cold, calculating, refers to past experiences he shouldn't remember

Nine's Version:

Voice becomes deeper, more resonant (AFO's tone)

References events from decades ago he wasn't present for

Calls people by names/titles from AFO's era

Strategic brilliance beyond his usual capability

Cruel pragmatism that contradicts his loyalty to crew

Example: Slice: "Nine, we should help them. They're just like us—outcasts." Nine (AFO-influenced): "Outcasts? They're weaklings. Their suffering serves a purpose: teaching them their place. Just as yours once did. Or have you forgotten what made you strong?" Slice, disturbed: "Nine... you've never talked like that before." Nine, regaining control: "I... I don't know where that came from. I'm sorry."

When Toga Acts Like Vestige-Tomura:

Canon Tomura Behavior: Childlike vulnerability mixed with sudden cruelty

Toga's Version:

Oscillates between innocent affection and cold manipulation

Plays with people's emotions deliberately

Shows moments of genuine fear/need for acceptance

Then abruptly turns predatory and calculating

Confusion about her own motivations

Example: Ochaco: "Toga, you don't have to do this. We can help you." Toga (vulnerable): "Help me? Really? You'd accept me? Even after everything?" Ochaco: "Yes, we can try to—" Toga (AFO-influenced): "How naive. Heroes always say they'll help, but they only save the convenient victims. The acceptable ones. I'm neither. I never was." Ochaco: "That's not—" Toga (confused): "Is it not? I... I don't know anymore. I don't know what I think. What I feel. What's me and what's... him."

The Crew/League Response

Slice, Chimera, and Mummy React to Nine's Change

Slice - The Loyal Caretaker:

Slice notices Nine's changes first:

Initial Concern (Months 1-6):

"Nine seems... distracted lately. He stares at nothing sometimes."

"His decisions are still sound, but there's something different in how he explains them."

"He called me by a name I don't recognize yesterday. When I asked, he looked confused."

Growing Alarm (Months 6-12):

"Nine isn't sleeping. I hear him talking to himself at night."

"He's becoming more ruthless. That's not who he is."

"Today he looked at me like he didn't recognize me. For just a moment, but..."

Crisis (Months 12-18):

"That wasn't Nine who nearly killed me. That was someone else wearing his face."

"Is the real Nine still in there? Can we save him?"

"Garaki did this to him. That procedure... what did it do?"

Chimera - The Pragmatic Warrior:

Chimera's response is more pragmatic:

Early: "Nine's stronger now. More decisive. That's good."

Mid: "His methods are more brutal than before, but if it gets results..."

Late: "Something's wrong. Nine would never abandon an ally like that. We need to confront Garaki."

Crisis: "If Nine is gone—truly gone—we need to decide: Do we try to save him, or do we stop him?"

Mummy - The Silent Observer:

Mummy's unwavering loyalty is tested:

Early: Silent support, as always

Mid: Beginning to hesitate following orders that contradict Nine's original values

Late: Looks to Slice for guidance, clearly uncertain

Crisis: Stands between AFO-dominated Nine and Slice, forcing a choice: loyalty to Nine the person or Nine the vessel

The League Responds to Toga's Change

Twice - The Heartbroken Friend: