"What's the real plan?" Kirishima questioned abruptly, making it clear that, in fact, no one had outlined anything since our departure.
Our silence, on the other hand, gave an approximation of how things truly were.
Iida looked visibly embarrassed by it, looking at the various shops that illuminated our walk.
Shoto, for his part, looked thoughtful, with his hands in his jacket pockets and in complete silence.
Yaoyorozu maintained a serious expression on her face, considering what should be done from here on out. The tracker in her left hand kept marking the fixed point that was supposedly Bakugo.
Although I knew very well what it really was.
(Do we have to do the whole costume drama? I had forgotten that stupidity.) I adjusted the straps of my backpack, sighing at the boring detail. (We don't necessarily have to follow such an elaborate plan. With me here, everything is easier.) One For All flowed in agreement with the words, happy to know how useful it has become.
In the canon, Izuku was too limited with respect to his abilities, with no Whips or overflowing power to defend himself.
I, on the other hand, had all of that, maybe not to the highest point, but significantly superior to the average. Something I was proud of, if I'm honest.
I could save Bakugo on my own if I wanted to. I just needed Yaoyorozu's tracker for myself, and that was it. Time would take care of the rest. But the others would inevitably follow me whether I wanted them to or not, and I'd rather have them on my side than against me.
"We need to go unnoticed," it was surprisingly Shoto who broke the silence, gaining everyone's gaze at his next words. "We're recognizable from recent events, and with Midoriya here, that fact is considerably amplified."
Oh, perfect. I knew that eventually, fame would screw me over hard.
"Well... we all stand out in general. We're an interesting group!" Kirishima contributed his opinion, supporting Todoroki in his insinuation.
"...Maybe if we had some Quirk that changed our appearances..." Iida murmured with a hand on his chin, imagining such a scenario in his head.
It seems the disguises would be inevitable... damn it.
"I think I have an idea." Somewhat embarrassed, Yaoyorozu drew attention to herself. Her right hand was already pointing to the respective second-hand clothing store. "We can't transform directly, but we can dress differently."
The others weighed the idea, exchanging glances between the girl and the place, which caused more embarrassment in her.
(Does no one consider the fact that Shoto is bicolor, Kirishima has dyed red hair, and I have fucking green hair?) I understood that the current society was... too open, with people so different from each other that it was scary. But that didn't make them idiots. (And my current situation makes me more popular than the original Midoriya, which means... we're screwed.)
I closed my eyes in defeat, praying that the trip to Kamino would be a major success, since in the worst-case scenario, I would have to abandon them and complete things on my own.
In fact, I wouldn't mind doing it. It's safer and more practical for both me and the rest. Still...
"What do you think, Izuku?" Shoto exclaimed seriously, causing my internal reflection to die at that moment.
"What do I think about...?" I left the question in the air, implying that I literally hadn't heard anything of their conversation.
"Changing our clothes so we don't attract attention," was his concise and to-the-point answer.
"Well... honestly? It's too simple, and it will end badly." The rest were deeply discouraged. "But if we want to get there 'together' and not break any laws in the process, it's the best we've got."
Their spirits returned slightly, with Kirishima raising his fist in joy and Yaoyorozu smiling shyly.
"Midoriya agrees with me. It seems it's decided," Iida commented lightly, exchanging glances between the department store and me.
"As I said, we can't do more if we want to play fair." Shrugging my shoulders, I walked towards the entrance of the store, reviewing the different changes of appearance seen in the original work. (Although I can correct those terrible choices a bit.)
The rest docilely followed my example, entering the spacious place and seeing the different clothes arranged by size and gender.
"How should we change to go unnoticed?" Kirishima asked the million-dollar question, scratching the back of his neck for lack of ideas. "I'm a man, so fashion isn't exactly my thing."
Iida became more rigid than usual, a sign that he was in the same boat as his classmate. Todoroki simply nodded his head, without feeling embarrassed by that fact.
Yaoyorozu, for her part, looked at both with sympathy, having various ideas in mind to continue with the mission.
Fortunately for all of them, the fashion designer tonight would be me. The amazing Izuku Midoriya.
"You relax, I'll be nervous, Kirishima." Smiling confidently, I placed my hand on his shoulder. "I have the solution for each of you."
If we were going to choose such a... simplistic strategy, then it would be under true ways not to be noticed.
"The most outstanding here are Kirishima, Shoto, and me. That is, we have to be as covered as possible without looking like criminals." I dragged both to my side. "Then you, Iida. You have a more defined build than the rest, so you'll have to go with something appropriate to that."
The mentioned one nodded, choosing not to contribute anything constructive because really... he was blank when it came to ideas.
"And finally you, Yaoyorozu. You're the easiest to dress without having to search too much in my head." I gave her a thumbs up. "So with all that said, follow me, my good people."
Cheerfully, I started moving between shelves, dragging clothes whose size seemed to exceed the height of my companions.
The excitement caught the attention of a female employee present, who walked over to my side to see my actions.
"Excuse me... do you need help?" She kindly observed what I was carrying in my hand. "Don't you know exactly what to choose?"
Taken by surprise, I looked at her with wide eyes, blinking foolishly at the unexpected interruption.
"No, I have exactly what I need." Abandoning the awkwardness, I kindly dismissed her.
"Oh, I won't bother you anymore then." Not seeing herself as necessary, she prepared to return.
But I remembered that, in fact, there was something I couldn't find with my eyes.
"Actually, can you tell me where I can find sportswear?"
"I have to admit that trusting Midoriya was a great decision." I had to suppress the arrogant smile that was fighting to come out at those heard words.
"I'm with Iida this time. You were very clever," Yaoyorozu agreed, admiring the outfit she was now wearing.
"Even for these things, he's manly!" Kirishima couldn't stop looking at his reflection in a window.
"I expected something like this, but it's still quite surprising." The stoic Shoto allowed himself a tiny smile, nodding his head towards me in support.
For my part, I simply allowed myself to smile sideways. I hadn't achieved anything of renown, but I was proud of the work done.
I didn't want to use the original disguises; they were really embarrassing and didn't hide anything. So, being smart, I simply chose the most sensible thing for each of them.
Iida was dressed in a baseball kit, with a cap included to cover his face. His glasses were put away, and to my extreme surprise, he had contact lenses for emergencies. His build, for its part, allowed me to make that decision without it looking strange to the outside eye.
Kirishima was even simpler. He was a redhead and a fan of Crimson Riot, so... I got him a cosplay of his favorite hero!
There's no better way to go unnoticed than by being yourself, and Eijiro understands that very well.
For Yaoyorozu, I took a different path, opting to take advantage of her... developed... body, yes, that, to give her the image of a successful and rising businesswoman. A formal suit along with a briefcase complements the image she sells, leaving her hair loose to give more credibility.
As for Shoto and me, well... taking advantage of the friendship we have and the fact that we are too conspicuous, I opted to wear matching outfits. I knew I had to cover our faces more due to the unusual tones we had.
So... we're a rap duo with hoodies and everything! Damn, we're the shit!
(You outdid yourself this time, Midoriya.) One For All hummed in agreement, sending waves of energy throughout my body. "Thanks, guys, but it's all to go unnoticed."
"In fact, dressing Kirishima as Crimson Riot is... very peculiar, but original," Momo spoke with elegance, adapting to her assigned role. "It seems you're playing with human psychology, Midoriya."
...If only she knew I'm a complete idiot...
"Midori-bro is a genius! I know what I'll wear to the next costume party I go to!" Eijiro punched his fists with excitement. The joy he had was really contagious.
"Wait, you're telling me that... you've been to costume parties without honoring your favorite hero?" Iida beside him looked at him with surprise, not believing that the biggest fanboy had never done that.
"W-well, I thought it was unoriginal, you know?" Laughing embarrassedly, the redhead replied.
"Wow, what a curious fact." Yaoyorozu brought a hand to her mouth to not let out the giggles she had.
"Have you guys been to costume parties?" And of course, Shoto and I asked at the same time.
"You neither?" I looked at him amusedly. A part of me expected that answer.
"My childhood is summarized in training," he indifferently shrugged his shoulders, although he smiled slightly at the causality of the question. "And you?"
"Imitating All Might never ends well." The answer had two meanings, but only Shoto caught the deeper one, which I noticed, winking in response.
After that, an idle chat was maintained, perfectly natural and without mentioning that we were about to commit a serious crime according to the laws of Japan and the world in general.
During our ascent to the train, it was more of the same, with Yaoyorozu checking the GPS to ensure that the point was still in the same place. Something that also kept me attentive. Any unforeseen change would have literally screwed everything up.
The journey was even enjoyable, with the night now allowing us to see the spectacle of lights in every possible shop and wall.
For a moment, while the rest remained alert but calm, contributing irrelevant data, with Kirishima being the subject of photographs among different people for his great cosplay, I felt really safe.
They hadn't become my friends at the level of the real Midoriya, they never would be. That kind and heroic attitude was impossible to imitate for someone with my values, but I still appreciated the little I had built since his departure.
I still haven't been able to truly live. I thought I could, but I was wrong. The consequences weigh heavily, and no matter how, one cannot avoid the guilt towards those around you.
"Is everything okay, Izuku?" Shoto's voice, neutral as always, caught my attention. His inexpressive eyes were fixed on mine.
"Am I okay? We're breaking so many laws right now, of course I'm okay," I smiled ironically, completely ignoring how little he believed me.
"Of all people, you're the last one I'd expect to hear such a thing from."
"What does that mean?"
"The summer camp, Stain, and of course, the U.S.J. incident."
Hey... he's right.
"Maybe I'm changing, being a better person and all that," I vaguely excused myself. Honestly, I knew he wasn't believing my words. "And you? Everything okay?"
Reclining my body in the seat, I questioned.
"I'm screwing over the old man big time by doing this. I couldn't be better," the answer made me snort. Trust Shoto to make you laugh out of nowhere. "Now stop manipulating the conversation."
It seems I wouldn't be getting out of the interrogation soon...
"Why so much interest in my mood?" I sighed in surrender. I wasn't going to delay something inevitable.
"Because you're my friend."
That was... nice, but I would never admit it.
"Heh... you're my friend too, Shoto, more than you think, in fact." He was one of the first friendships I truly made, as my own person and not someone else. (Making comparisons, he's like Sasuke if I were Naruto... shit, damn resemblances.)
Preventing Shoto from becoming a villain, that's a new life goal. I don't need a My Hero Academia Shippuden, thanks but no thanks.
"It's no big deal, actually, it's just nonsense." I looked at the grayish ceiling of the train, briefly reflecting on the time that had passed since... I got here. "I was just thinking about my life and how I'm not really living it."
"How so?"
"Well... you know... since we entered UA, it's been nothing but dangers upon dangers. We've slowly stopped training to be good heroes and more to..." I vaguely gestured with my hands, not knowing how to express the point in question.
"Survive, right?" Fortunately, Shoto managed to do it.
"Exactly," I nodded my head, giving him the cue that he was correct. "I understand that the situation is general for everyone, but they... trust the heroes. Unconsciously, they know they'll be saved if that's the case. However, I know that's not really the case."
I made the power flow slightly through my left arm. The simple glow denoted greatness by itself.
"Because All Might and Gran Torino have told me, and this semi-conscious power isn't powerful just out of whim," I released the residual energy. It was so little that the arm didn't even feel it. "Shoto, this guy is dangerous, very dangerous."
I emphasized the point, straightening up to express the danger that All For One represented.
"And in the line of succession, I'm next. Once he acts directly... and he will... the target will end up on my head." I had some fear of the future threat. I just didn't want to make it noticeable.
I was still on public transport, after all. It's complicated enough to whisper as it is.
"The rest trust the heroes. I do too... but I know well that in the end, things will be resolved through my hand," I smiled to hide how tired that alone made me.
But it seems I wasn't very convincing, not when Shoto of all people is looking at me with pity.
"I'm living based on more dangerous people, and I accept it, because it's a responsibility I accepted to carry at the time. But still, there are times when... I wish things were simpler." I rested my head on the backrest. That's why I hated thinking too much; I ended up destroyed in a matter of seconds. "Sometimes I fear that... if I lower my arms for a moment, I won't have the necessary strength to lift them again."
Silence prevailed after what was said. No one dared to add anything to the conversation.
Or at least that's what I expected.
"When I trained with the old man, I felt that my life was already written in stone. I would never be anything other than the result of his efforts." Shoto's words were empty, but with a sad undertone. He didn't enjoy remembering that. "At some point, that thought made me hate him. It was ironic that the only impediment in the way was my own father."
(Too much, really.) I kept the comment to myself. I didn't want to disrespect my friend.
"I wanted to be with my family, not mastering a Quirk that at times was too much for my body." Imitating my previous actions, he raised his left arm. A small flame appeared in the palm of his hand. "That's when, among many things, I made a decision. If I couldn't have my own dream to aspire to... then I would complete my father's on my terms, just to spit on his efforts. How do you think that ended?"
His gaze lingered on me, letting me know he was looking for an answer from me.
"Horrible, right? You became someone who despised his surroundings."
"Yes, but beyond that. It all ended with a beating from you." I raised both eyebrows with legitimate surprise. I didn't expect such a thing in the middle of so much reflection. "Sometimes we need someone to make us see the present and how we act in it, just what you did with me."
"M-me? I think you're giving me too many merits." The intentions I had at that moment were much less deep than that.
"Maybe... but you did it, and that's what counts." He gave another of those strange but increasingly constant smiles. "Sometimes we just need a friend to change our present, allowing us to stop thinking about the future to improve our 'now'."
That was... reflective, definitely.
"Wow... I... you really won this time, Shoto." I had no words. Sharing problems wasn't my thing, much less being duly advised for it.
"The future depends on the present, Izuku. So master your present, and you'll have the future won."
The conversation ended there, as the train stopped to indicate that we had arrived at the indicated stop. Yaoyorozu was the first to stand up, approaching us from about two seats back to speak.
"We're here. The rest we have to do on foot." She held the GPS in her hand, slightly showing the ever-decreasing coordinates.
"Then let's not waste time." Todoroki stood up at that moment, moving through the crowd of people to get out at once.
Accepting that, I imitated everyone's actions, trying to take advantage to get back on par with my friend.
Kirishima, Iida, and Yaoyorozu remained behind, talking in low voices about something that didn't catch my attention as I went down the stairs.
"Shoto!" Calling ahead of the group easily, I was on par with him. "That conversation... it's not over yet." I looked at him seriously, but at the same time, with gratitude.
It was a great return to reality, after all.
"Of course," he nodded his head, his gaze remaining on the road ahead. "Once you cross that barrier that's holding you back, you'll be able to adapt that answer to your situation."
"I understand," I accepted the answer. I found no logical reasons to see it otherwise. "You're very wise. At this rate, you could really be the 'Number One'."
"You think so?" He considered the reference. A part of him still wanted the triumph with such a title. "Unlike you, my power has limits."
"Hey! I have limits too! I suffer from injuries because of it." I shook my head in denial. I loved One For All as an ability, but I was also realistic. "Besides, being powerful isn't all that's needed to reach such a level."
If only raw strength were enough, then a simple well-inherited Quirk would be enough to have the most powerful top of the ranking.
And considering that there are seven billion inhabitants in the world, well... that's a damn big probability in perspective.
"All Might makes it seem that way."
...Although that was another good argument...
"Maybe so. The figure he shows to the world can only describe power, but there's much more to him than just that." I crossed my arms in thought. Toshinori had several positive points; they just had to be brought to light. "Think that he not only has strength, but also courage and experience in the field."
"In that case, then my father would already be the 'Number One'." The words again demolished the argument.
(Is it so hard to be condescending to people?) Sighing, I looked for a counter-argument. I wanted to exemplify in great measure what being the "Number One" represents. "Think that..."
However, a pat on the shoulder from Kirishima interrupted the conversation again. His face was curiously serious despite the lively atmosphere on the train.
That unsettled me. Seeing him of all people in that state is not for games.
"What's wrong?" Shoto observed us at the question asked, just as interested by the interruption.
Eijiro didn't say anything, pointing to the large screen in front of us, something I hadn't noticed until less than a second ago. People were slowly gathering around to see the important part of the broadcast.
They were the representatives of UA.
(Nezu, Aizawa, and Vlad King... it seems they still stuck to the original plan.) I paid special attention to what would be said. I no longer fully trusted the director of the institution.
"...I know our apologies won't be able to exemplify our terrible actions, having led again and again to our dear students suffering the consequences..."
(I don't specifically remember those words. However, I don't have hyperthymesia, so these kinds of details are confusing.)
Trying to reproduce the entire canon in my head was impossible. There were things so small that the current brain couldn't fully store.
"...Blaming the villains completely would be disrespectful. The trust that each father and mother has in us is invaluable, so we accept our failure as an institution..."
However, a small bad omen settled in my chest, something that over time I had learned to pay special attention to after past events. That feeling of danger and fear, that slowly lurks behind the affected.
I didn't like it. A natural reaction, I supposed. After all, such emotions are natural in everyone. But another concept was added and worsened that like no other.
Under all effects... I was still the protagonist, and whether I liked it or not, the plot was balanced on my actions.
"...But despite everything, we are faithfully grateful to one of our star students, one whose devotion to heroism has allowed us to remain firm in our positions... That's right, I'm talking about..."
The rat wouldn't dare... would he?
"Izuku Midoriya."
And that... was the last straw. The whole world collapsed around me.
That definitely didn't have to happen.
Before, even at my moment of greatest fame, I still had a certain degree of anonymity. Very slight, but it existed.
Now, that was officially dead. All the declining popularity must already be resurfacing, with more strength than ever and probably to stay.
I was alarmed like never before. I had mentalized such a scenario, but not under these conditions. It felt like a slap of reality, forcing me to run ahead of schedule, whether I liked it or not.
Internally, I was terrified. However, habit prevailed over the natural order of action. It wasn't the first time this had happened to me, and it wouldn't be the last.
(I accepted the fact of seeing changes over time. This is just another one of them.) I inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying and failing to completely dissipate the uncertainty I felt.
The people around began to talk loudly, incredulous and not believing what they had heard. Their words weighed heavily, coinciding with my general thought.
"Are you telling me that a single student is keeping UA on its feet?"
"That's what he said, right? It doesn't seem like a joke."
"It mustn't be in a literal sense. I refuse to accept that a teenager fulfills such a dangerous role."
Each word only made me doubt Nezu even more. If even people see the error in his actions, where the hell does he find the logic?
At the rate we were going, the disguises would no longer make sense. People are on alert, and that may seem like little, but in this kind of situation, it's... too much.
"Izuku..." Shoto approached and took my shoulder. The look he had was firm, not letting himself be carried away by the new variable.
Observing him made me make a decision. I didn't want them in danger, and this only increased the thought.
Anyway... I had already considered this course of action.
"Shoto, do you trust me?" There was no hesitation in my voice.
"Completely." There was none in his case either.
"Then... slow down the rest as much as you can."
I didn't add anything more to the clarification, smiling in farewell for the good friend I had in front of me.
"See you later." Without a second thought, I focused on Yaoyorozu, shooting a Blackwhip towards her right hand. In it, that GPS was firmly held.
However, the strength of One For All was enough to bring it to my side, the Whip vanishing as quickly as the device hit the respective palm.
It was at that moment that Shoto understood the chosen path, opening his eyes wide with fear at the implications.
He tried to take my shoulder more firmly, but it was too late...
Because in a green blur, I was already on the nearest building, with my knees bent to cushion the fall. Below me, the people looked smaller and smaller, devaluing them despite the weight they had previously.
Faint green lightning crackled around, in tune with the abrupt and unusual excessive increase I used, disappearing at the moment due to the fine control the body had.
It was with a final sigh that I resumed my march, running to the edge and jumping gracefully. With One For All flowing powerfully within me, feeding the growing adrenaline my being felt.
One For All was about to face All For One.
Author's Note:
Hey.
So... I'm back to writing this.
Yes, two months have passed, and yes, I also know that's a lot of time compared to the chapter.
I don't have a super credible excuse for it, and I won't bother creating one. I simply had no inspiration, and every time I reread the first chapters, I was embarrassed.
At the beginning, I had a simply bad way of writing. I couldn't stand reading that system I used, and it led me to think about rewriting all this, a kind of more complete second version.
But I didn't want to do it either because for some strange reason, almost [X] people enjoy reading this, unheard of for how little it's really worth as a literary work.
Which is amazing. So much support makes any offensive comment die instantly, and if that's not the case, well... I just delete it.
Yep, fuck freedom of expression.
So before you comment, "Blondaime, you're a big son of a bitch," thanks for the words, by the way, I'll mention that I haven't been completely inactive.
I have other works that I've maintained constantly (specifically two of Spider-Man and one of Naruto), allowing me to greatly improve my already skilled writing skills.
With all this, I just want to say that I won't throw this story overboard, much less with a "hiatus." Because we all know that when the author does that, they never update again.
I have the ideas; I just need the time and execution. Two things that at some point will align to give a satisfactory result.
Before finishing this, I want to give special mention to pijadetown.
This is due to the following drawing made personally for the story:
It's a marvel. There's no better definition for the character currently than this. So he has my due thanks both here and in private.
I took a very long time to show this, honestly, something unfair for the effort he dedicated to it, and that greatly increases the value it has.
And personally, as an author, this is really beautiful. It captures an idea that until months ago was just that: an idea.
Now I have no excuses to delete the story... damn it.
But jokes aside, I'm enormously sorry for the delay. I promise to get back on the right path and balance my time to update each story.
At least for a few weeks until everyday life asks for its dominant part again, but that's a problem for the future.
After all this really long and even tedious context, I can only say.
Anyway, take care. See you.