The sun hung low over the city, casting long shadows across the pavement as Keiko walked quietly beside Kairi.
She clung to his sleeve, wide-eyed, still processing everything that had happened over the past few days.
Now, for the first time in months , Kairi was just... a normal eleven-year-old girl again.
"Keiko," she tugged gently at his arm, "are you sure we can afford this?"
Keiko offered her a faint smile, the kind that barely touched his lips but made his golden-red eyes soften.
"I told you, Kairi — we're fine. You need proper clothes, not what you ran away in."
They stepped into a small boutique tucked between larger, flashier stores. Kairi's eyes sparkled at the racks of dresses, jackets, soft hoodies, and shoes. She looked down at her own worn, oversized T-shirt — one Keiko had lent her — and her torn leggings.
It hit her all at once: she could finally have her own things.
As she ran her fingers along a pastel pink hoodie with bunny ears on the hood, she giggled softly.
"Keiko, look! It's like Mirko's costume."
Keiko raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Oh? You know Mirko?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Kairi spun around, grinning.
"Yeah! I saw her on TV! She was fighting these bad guys — and she kicked them so fast!"
Keiko let out a soft chuckle, amused by her energy.
"She is fast," he agreed. "Very strong, too."
Kairi beamed and pulled it off the rack, hugging it to her chest. She darted between racks, grabbing jeans, T-shirts, a little black skirt, and a pair of sneakers with star patterns on the sides. Keiko watched her with a quiet, almost protective gaze — a man who had seen centuries of war and bloodshed, now standing in the middle of a clothing store, carrying armfuls of kids' clothes.
When they reached the counter, Kairi looked up at him nervously.
"Keiko... this is a lot..."
He ruffled her hair gently. "You're allowed to have nice things, Kairi. You've earned this much."
As they walked out, Kairi carrying a small bag and Keiko holding the larger ones, she suddenly slipped her small hand into his.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Keiko didn't say anything. He just squeezed her hand gently, his heart unusually full.
They walked down the street, the evening breeze soft against their faces. For the first time in days, Kairi felt safe. For the first time in centuries, Keiko felt that maybe... just maybe... it felt good having family.
The bags rustled softly as Keiko and Kairi made their way home, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the busy street. Kairi skipped beside him, holding his hand tightly, her little shopping bag swinging with each step.
"keiko, do you think I should've gotten the blue dress instead? But I really liked the pink one too..." Kairi chattered, her bright eyes darting up at him.
Keiko gave her a calm, patient glance, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "You chose well, Kairi."
They passed a small group of women sitting at a café, and Keiko's sharp hearing easily picked up the whispers.
"Oh my gosh, look at them — what a sweet little girl!"
"Is that her dad? He's... wow, he's handsome. But he doesn't even look old enough to have a kid that age!"
"Maybe he's an older brother? No, no — look how protective he is, that's definitely her father."
Keiko's expression didn't change, but he heard it all. He always did.
Kairi giggled, squeezing his hand. "Keiko, people are looking at you again..." she teased.
He raised an eyebrow slightly. "It's okay ."
They kept walking, and this time an elderly couple passed by. The woman smiled warmly at Keiko.
"You're a good father," she said softly as they passed, her husband nodding beside her.
And they both continued walking to the house.
⸻
Later, in the UA staff room, the teachers were mid-conversation when a sudden cold wind swept through — and in an instant, a tall figure stood in the center of the room.
Akaito, dressed in black-and-red battle robes, his piercing red eyes glowing faintly, stood silently as all eyes snapped to him.
"Wha—?! Where did he come from?!" Present Mic blurted, nearly spilling his coffee.
Midnight tilted her head, lips curling into a sly smile.
"Well, well, this is unexpected..."
Aizawa, calm but narrowing his eyes, rose from his seat.
"All Might told us you're Akaito — the first hero. How... is that even possible?"
Akaito's voice was quiet but carried weight.
"I've been different since birth. My parents called me a gift from the gods, but... I stopped looking for answers a long time ago."
The teachers exchanged glances as Akaito slowly removed his mask, letting it fall back to reveal his face fully.
Midnight's eyes widened, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.
"Oh my..."
Akaito continued, gaze steady.
"I've known I was Akaito for over sixty years."
A collective sharp intake of breath swept the room. Cementoss muttered,
"Sixty years... longer than most of us have been alive."
"I remember when people feared me — feared what I could do. But I let my actions speak for me. I earned their trust through strength."
He looked away for a moment, voice softening.
"Then... quirks came. I watched others inspired by me, rushing into the streets, eager to be heroes because of me. Sometimes I wonder... was that the right path? Or did I unleash something I couldn't control?"
A dark shadow flickered across his face.
"There was chaos. Some begged to be my partner. The streets ran wild. But after that... we brought peace. Order. And then...after so much bloodshed, I chose to vanish. Let the world forget. It needed to grow without me."
He exhaled slowly.
"But now... I can't keep hiding."
The room fell quiet. Even Aizawa looked thoughtful.
Midnight stepped forward, hand on hip, smirking.
"Well, I must say... you aged very well, Akaito."
Akaito arched a brow just as—
His body tensed. He turned, eyes narrowing.
"I know you're there."
The door creaked open, and Kairi peeked in, wide-eyed.
"Um... hi."
The staff stared in surprise.
"Kairi," Akaito sighed, "I thought I told you to stay on the roof."
"Sorry! I got curious..." Kairi giggled nervously, stepping inside.
Present Mic crouched down, flashing a grin.
"Whoa! And here I thought I was the loud one around here!"
Midnight's eyes sparkled with mischief.
"And who's this little cutie?"
Akaito's expression softened, resigned.
"She's... Kairi. My daughter."
Silence.
All Might's smile faltered.
"I wasn't told you had a daughter..."
Akaito gave a small, tired smile.
"It's complicated."
Midnight laughed, flipping her hair.
"Just one? I'd have thought someone as handsome and irresistible as you would have... hundreds of kids running around!"
Akaito's face went deadpan.
"No. Absolutely not."
He shot Midnight a sharp look.
"Don't give her ideas."
Kairi blinked up innocently.
"Wait... do I have brothers and sisters?"
Akaito's expression turned serious.
"No. No. No."
He shot Midnight another glare.
Kairi giggled, enjoying the awkwardness.
Akaito sighed, placing a hand gently on her small shoulder.
"We'd better go."
He gave the room a respectful nod.
"You can count with me."
Before anyone could react, Akaito and Kairi vanished in a flicker of red light — leaving the staff room buzzing with stunned silence.
Midnight fanned her cheeks dramatically.
"This year just keeps getting weirder..."
Aizawa muttered quietly,
"Yeah. Definitely."
All Might smiled faintly, eyes thoughtful.
"The first hero... has returned."