Chapter 99: Trip to AmericaAuthor: Geraint
A few days later, Ichika was in his workshop doing maintenance on an android. She resembled a young woman with a pale complexion and a slim figure. A beauty mark sat on the right side of her chin, and she had short, silvery-white hair. Though her eyes were grayish-blue, they were covered by a black blindfold. She wore a sleek black dress with a skirt—elegant and battle-ready.
Roboco stood beside him, assisting her father with the work.
"There! It's finished!" Ichika wiped his forehead with the back of his wrist.
"Now, the nanomachines I installed will handle automatic repairs. This should make her more durable on the battlefield."
Thank you, Master, 2B replied softly.
"Still… you have to be careful, 2B."
Understood.
"Go rest in your chamber."
Yes.
2B stood up and left for the invention room.
Ichika turned to Roboco. "Do you want me to do some maintenance on you too?"
Manami-chan already did it for me yesterday. Actually, I want to ask Father for a favor.
"Oh? My daughter is asking something from me? Hurry and tell me! I, your great father, will do anything for my lovely girl!"
Father… I want to become an idol. I'm going to apply for an audition next week.
"Huh? Which company?"
It's a secret. I don't want to use your influence or connections. I want to get in on my own merit.
Ichika froze, watching as his daughter awaited his answer.
"You know, Roboco... the entertainment industry is harsh. It might look glamorous from the outside, but deep down, it's cutthroat and even dangerous. Talent alone isn't enough to make it to center stage. That's why I made my own music company—and marketed the songs I produced myself..." His voice trembled slightly.
I'll be fine. What I want is to make people smile when they watch me.
Ichika sighed, then gave her a gentle nod.
"Alright... if that's what you truly want, you have my full support. If you ever need help, just call me."
Thank you, Father. I believe… if something really bad happens, you'll protect me.
For the first time in a long while, Roboco's expressionless face shifted into a radiant smile. Ichika's eyes widened in shock.
He turned around, quickly pulling out his phone.
Ring! Ring!
Hello, Chief?
"You guys—contact every company in the entertainment industry. Tell them my daughter might be auditioning."
Huh?
"Just remind them to be fair and square. Judge the auditions properly. If I hear about bias or foul play... I'll use everything in my power to bring them down. Understood?"
Chief, what's going on?
"Just do it. No more questions."
Yes, sir!
"Thanks."
He ended the call and turned back to Roboco, gently patting her head.
"Don't worry, Roboco. If no one accepts you... I'll make a company just for you."
Yes...
She gave him a warm hug, then excitedly walked off.
I'll start preparing for my audition. See you later, Father!
Ichika waved, a tear forming at the corner of his eye as he wiped it away with his index finger.
"She's growing up so fast…"
A week later, Ichika teleported to Musutafu after getting summoned by his foster father, All Might. It was early morning when he arrived at a beach near the city.
"What's with Dad calling me out this early?" he muttered, yawning as he walked through the sand in his tracksuit.
"I AM HERE! Meeting up with my son from Tokyo!" All Might arrived with his usual theatrical entrance.
Ichika blinked, then stared at him with tired eyes.
"Dad, why did you call me here so suddenly?"
"I just wanted you to meet someone."
"Hm? Who? Not another fiancée, right?"
"Of course not—unless you want her."
"Give me a break, Dad. I already have a fiancée—Momo. Don't make things more complicated."
"Hahaha! Don't worry. This is about the next successor of One for All. I think I found someone worthy."
"Oh? Where is she?"
Ichika's interest piqued.
All Might turned and called out, "Young Midoriya! Come here! I want you to meet someone!"
"Yes!"
From a nearby pile of trash, a girl in a PE uniform—white shirt and teal-green shorts—appeared, carrying old appliances strapped to her back. She had long, fluffy dark-green hair that spiked in all directions, and her big, round eyes matched her hair color.
She ran toward All Might, completely unfazed by the heavy refrigerator on her back.
"Young Midoriya, I want you to meet my son—Ichika."
"Oh, you mean Ichika-kun?" Izuku beamed with joy.
Ichika stepped forward, flashing a peace sign.
"It's been a while, Deku-chan." He smiled.
"Hahaha! I didn't realize you two were childhood friends! It must be fate," All Might said, slapping Ichika on the back.
Izuku looked flustered as she spoke. "Ichika-kun, about your dad's power… I-I-I…"
"It's fine. I'm happy you're the one who'll receive it." He gently ruffled her hair.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I already refused to inherit it, so it's yours now. Make your dream come true. Become the kind of hero the world needs."
Izuku teared up at his words and suddenly hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, Ichika! Thank you so much! Because of you, I…" she sobbed into his chest.
Ichika wiped her tears with the back of his hand.
"All right—it's time," All Might declared. "Now, you'll receive the power through your own effort. Ichika and I will bear witness."
Izuku gently set down the refrigerator she was carrying and stood tall before All Might, full of determination.
Ichika's face twisted a bit, knowing what was coming. He opened a small wormhole beside him using the Space Stone and pulled out a bottle of cold water.
All Might plucked a strand of hair from his head and handed it to Izuku.
"Eat this."
"Huh?" Izuku froze, confused.
Ichika handed her the water bottle and patted her shoulder.
"Just do what he says, Deku-chan. That's how he transfers the power."
"It's fine—it's from my DNA," All Might added.
"Eh?! This is way different from what I imagined!" Izuku was completely shocked.
Ichika looked around and noticed the beach was still filled with trash.
"Wait! She hasn't finished cleaning up the beach!"
Despite her pale face, Izuku bravely swallowed the hair and quickly downed the water.
"Hahaha! That's why you're here, Ichika!" All Might grinned.
"Huh?"
"Please help me clean the rest. We can't just sit back and watch while she does it all alone, right?" All Might whispered.
"Ugh…"
He had a point.
Unlike the original world, Izuku here was a girl. All Might had trained her since childhood, and she received One for All earlier than in canon. Now, she had a few more months to train and master it.
"Oh, and Ichika—we're going to America next week."
"What is it this time?"
"There's someone else who wants to meet you. A close friend of mine. He wants to discuss your inventions."
Ichika already had a good guess who it was.
After that, the three of them cleaned up the beach together.
(To be continued.)
A/N: I'm almost at Chapter 100! I'll fix the errors later.
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