"So... All For One is dead? Like... really dead? No strange returns to life or stupid cliffhangers?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow, observing the retired hero and his impactful news.
And it was true! The crushed potato face was out of the game. Something good came out of that stressful night!
Bah... not completely dead. The original gift still existed in Garaki's hands, who would later give it to Shigaraki, and the latter would see his precious "Sensei."
But I was going to deal with that shit when this annoying hospital decides to offer the freedom I so desire.
Besides, just for today, I was happy with the achievement. Now that the Symbol of Evil is dead and the wielders are under my hand, well... I have free rein in many different ways.
"Yes, again, yes he is. No unexpected returns and... what's a cliffhanger?" All Might answered every doubt, eating an apple at the same time. He no longer wore a hospital gown, just comfortable sportswear.
How envious. He can leave, I can't.
"A narrative element used at the end to create tension or expectation in a work, whatever its nature," I explained briefly, wanting to get back to the topic at hand quickly.
"You can rest easy, Young Midoriya. He didn't survive that." He gave a thumbs up, smiling to express confidence. "That final attack, when I was exhausted... I received a boost of energy thanks to you, my boy. It was like renewing my strength!"
Without warning, he switched to his muscular form, imitating that heroic pose he always did on television.
Of course, he lost that quickly, coughing up blood in a vain attempt to regain his breath. Now I understood why he wore loose clothing.
"Cut it out, All Might. You're in no condition to do that," I patted his back, feigning annoyance at the man's childishness, although it was really funny. "Besides, you're staining the floor with blood. Now they'll think I have undetected injuries."
"I'm sorry, young man. I just wanted to express my gratitude." Using a handkerchief, he wiped away any trace of the reddish liquid, ruffling my hair afterward.
"Staining the floor? What a drag," I frowned. I would never fully understand Japanese culture.
"No! No! You're misunderstanding things!" He extended his arms, waving both in a vain attempt to correct what had happened.
I simply began to laugh, grateful and relieved at the "silly" image of the hero who, nights ago, seemed anything but.
There are some things that can only be valued when they change, and this is one of them.
"I'm just playing, All Might," I explained between laughs, smiling at the calmness of the moment. There were still things to ask, and... I was putting them off so as not to sour the atmosphere. "You gave the final blow anyway."
That was true. I didn't perform the winning grace. I just tried to offer all the help possible without giving in to the superior environment I was in.
I would even say it was somewhat selfish. I sought to remedy my own problems in it. I managed to do so, fortunately, but... what did that say about me?
Yes, I contributed energy from One For All, or something similar at least. I simply felt the need to do it, like a greater, natural order that demanded I try.
It worked, and we won, great. But beyond that, there was nothing else.
"Don't say that, my boy. You stood up like everyone on the field, you fought just like everyone else, and you stayed on your feet until the danger ceased. If that doesn't make you a key piece in our success, then no one was," the now-former Symbol of Peace asserted, ever optimistic, smiling with pride at what for him is a worthy successor.
I couldn't argue much either. He had a good point. Besides, the credit was worth little. Surviving is enough success in my book.
I mean... it's All For One we're talking about, not some failure from around who longed for greatness. He was the damn boss of bosses.
What was it he had said at that moment?
"I'm alive, she's not."
Well, who's living and who's dying now, potato face?
"I guess you're right," I replied without giving the matter much importance. The man could believe what he wanted. As long as he didn't try to kill anyone in a rage, it was fine.
"And stop calling me 'All Might.' That title doesn't go with me. From now on, I'm retired." His smile faltered a bit, revealing a hint of melancholy. I think even he hadn't come to terms with it yet. "Now I'm just Toshinori Yagi."
I imagined the feeling of being retired after so many years in a profession you hold in such high regard. Then I tried to adapt that to the man in front of me. It wasn't a pretty picture.
Going from helping without pause to being physically limited must have already been a hard blow, but now assuming total inaction is much worse.
He loved being All Might... being a hero in general... and not for selfish reasons. Regardless of his mistakes, what he achieved had a special merit.
(He's even lost that. What an injustice.) I always saw retirement as a reward, the deserved rest after so much effort. But if you enjoy what you do... "I can't imagine what he feels. I can only suppose that inaction is horrible, right?"
Maybe he wished he were helping the people, lifting rubble and saving those affected. However, he was confined, not to a cell, but to his weak body.
"Beyond that, my boy... I'm closing a cycle. I never thought I would achieve such a thing, and..." he stumbled over his words, observing his calloused hands, faithful witnesses of so many years and battles. "...Now I feel empty."
"But not totally, I mean... you are All Might. Retired or not, the position never ends. Isn't that what they all say?" I sought another perspective, something with which to cheer up the man who had offered so much help. "Once you're in the heroic world, your actions, your very presence, that continues to inspire the rest."
Like a national hero in the history books, they are remembered and constantly, being the martyrs that shape the decisions of many.
Heroism only glorifies the concept, offering a more colossal and interesting contrast.
"You should listen to the brat, Toshinori. He has a valid point," Gran Torino entered the room, having removed a large part of the bandages that covered his face. "Besides, you still have a lot to do. Who the hell is going to guide the boy? He's your successor, in case you forgot."
Just like All Might, the veteran no longer wore the white hospital garments. Now the iconic white suit with yellow details had returned. The domino-shaped mask was the missing detail for it to be complete.
"Uh... he has a point," I pointed out in approval, thanking the man for his support of the cause. "U.A. needs you. Retired or not, your experience is worth a lot."
I had to hide the shiver I felt at the mention of the academy. I had a lot to discuss with the super-intelligent mutated rat.
"I think I get it," the retired Symbol murmured, embarrassed to hear how he still mattered to society.
"No offense, but you're a bit of a fool, Toshinori. Maybe we'll have to repeat it," Gran Torino commented with sarcasm, smirking at his former student's discomfort.
"Repeat with me, All Might: 'I am important'," I encouraged him, nudging him lightly with my elbow to get him to play along.
"It's not necessary, really," he, of course, refused, crossing his arms instantly.
"Come on, just say it: 'I am important'."
"Seriously, I get it. I still have things to do."
"I want to hear it, All Might."
"I won't do it."
"Do it."
"I said that..."
I raised a finger, shooting a Blackwhip from it with enough force to crack the wall behind the retired Symbol.
His ear was just a few centimeters from the trajectory, and the completely pale face he received confirmed that.
"I-I'm im-important," he stammered, terrified, without taking his eyes off the almost-mortal attack directed at him. (I was about to die!)
"That's better. You have to be positive about life. I say it from experience." Satisfied, I made the Whip retreat, proud of the good job I had done. (Maybe I should give motivational talks.)
Another note in case being a hero ends up being discarded.
"You psychopath brat," Gran Torino muttered from the background, not believing the bizarre scene he was currently witnessing.
Since when could a student threaten a teacher? In his time, that was linked to what he had wisely learned to call an "improvised physical training session."
And it wasn't always equal for both parties... bah, it never was.
"Anyway, there's something important I need to know," I cut off the joke, having had enough silly games for the day.
I had postponed the topic in a vain attempt not to add more worries to the list. I wanted to receive the medical discharge so as not to do something stupid ahead of time.
Because if the answer ends up being negative... no one would stop the madness that was destined to happen.
"Where is my mother?" I blurted out the question without care. Any hint of humor in my voice disappeared. What I could or could not hear was vital.
It would be stupid to think that she could have any kind of security at home, and much more so if I dared to assume that no one would go looking for her.
If it were just the media, it would be acceptable. Sooner or later, they would get another big scoop. But this situation involves more than simple invaders of privacy.
Shigaraki Tomura is an unpredictable constant, and although I try to believe that there is a minimum of limits in him, that doesn't offer much confidence.
The threats he received that day were clear. However, what are the chances that he will respect that? The only thing that is holding back the event from happening... is the power I possess.
If he touches her in any way, it will only end up accelerating his destiny, because there is no reason, either future or past, that will change that.
But that is not a justification to take her safety for granted. The world can go to hell before I allow any harm to Inko Midoriya.
That is a personal oath.
"In a safe house," Gran Torino answered the question, with equal seriousness at the deep recognition it brought. "Whose location is only known by three people."
I raised an eyebrow. I wanted names.
"Sorahiko Torino, Toshinori Yagi, and of course... now you," All Might complemented the explanation, his gaze contemplative on mine. "We could no longer keep her where she previously resided."
I nodded, satisfied with what I had heard. I had expected to have to ask for such a transfer, but I had underestimated the intelligence of my mentors.
"And I agree completely. Tell me, is she okay?" It was foolish to expect her to be happy. Her son had committed a senseless act of madness.
"She had many questions, in addition to the anxiety of not being able to visit the boy she raised," Torino revealed the personal phone he used. On it, a photograph was displayed.
I was slightly confused, not understanding where he was going. At least until I saw its content in detail.
It was the Midoriyas' home, before and after my arrival. It looked exactly the same, only one essential detail broke the aesthetic.
The entrance and windows had been vandalized, destroying each one until they were nothing but worthless fragments.
The walls were damaged, with graffiti painted over more of them, wanting to hide what was originally read. From insults to comments paraphrasing iconic cultural sentences.
"Wretched is the country that needs heroes." The final word had been crossed out with a cross, preferring to use over it: "...a child without control."
"...Why?..." It was the only question I had. Seeing that was anything but pretty. (I... I had adapted to that home... I managed to feel that it was my home...)
"Just as there are people who found a hopeful future in you, there are also others who sense coming problems," Toshinori declared, somber in the face of the reality that now appeared. "I'm sorry, young man, but it's not just the villains who distrust the prospect of a boy with powers equal to the retired All Might."
I felt my blood boil. This... was disrespectful. They were desecrating the humble dwelling of someone without tangible reasons, blinded by the hypothetical situations I could or could not cause.
If I wanted, no one would be left with what was necessary to even try to do that again. I had the ability to break them into oblivion.
"Cowards, they are pathetic cowards," I spat out each word, limiting my vocabulary so as not to say something worse.
"They are, from the criminal who took the trouble to do this... to the bitter person with little empathy who lives among us," Gran Torino offered pats on the back, empathetic but no less severe for it. "You have to understand something important, brat. You no longer enjoy fleeting popularity..."
"Now you carry the fame of a professional, and not just any kind. They are equating you with me, with a Symbol," the retired hero imitated his master's action, observing the ground in pity and shame. "The world is going to judge you as an adult, Young Midoriya, whether you like it or not."
Any anger I felt dissipated, giving way to the cold resignation of the fact. He would act the way he would act; this wouldn't change. The decisions I made formed the now, and... I had to face it.
I wouldn't live under the shadows and legacies of others, waiting to be protected when things got dangerous. The reins of life were in front of me. It was just a matter of taking charge as the capable person I am.
If I can't deal with it even with so many advantages and powers... then I'm simply not cut out for this.
"...I understand..." I inhaled and exhaled slowly. I had stopped meditating a long time ago, but maybe I would have to resume the habit. "I didn't consider that in a society where being a hero is a source of pride, they could go to such extremes."
It seemed so stupid. They applauded at the spectacle that was the Sports Festival, they saw everyone's abilities, and then... a select group has reservations about what I'm capable of?
"That's how it is with everything in life. Nothing will be completely accepted or completely repudiated. Gray tones exist, and here is where they stand out," Toshinori raised his gaze, revealing deep experience in the blue of his eyes. "The best you can do is ignore them. Continue on your path, and you'll see how they eventually give in to their shameful stance."
I nodded. If I had to turn a blind eye to avoid problems, then I would accept that. It wasn't something I really appreciated, but that's where maturity can stand out.
And besides, being impulsive was one of my mistakes in the past. This is the perfect opportunity to redeem it.
Like... a small new beginning.
Failure.
They had failed.
They lost the kidnapped brat, they didn't manage to kill All Might, and... the true leader of the group was dead.
Beyond all that, they still had problems, many of them. In a single night, things went downhill. Any tactical advantage was lost. That firm position they had obtained in a short time now remains as a shameful memory.
The League of Villains, dangerous and influential in its day, was reduced to the general mockery of the public. They were no longer just outcasts, but also humiliated in the face of the bitter taste of defeat.
"If a child can beat them, what makes them a threat?"
That headline was a trend, highlighting how pathetic they looked to the world, reminding them that they had lost to the total power of the heroes. Like a bad joke or even worse... the harsh reality.
"Master Tomura, Giran is here to see you," Kurogiri made an appearance, maintaining formality despite his new situation. Nothing about him had changed, like a good memory of the past.
"What does he wish to discuss?" He didn't face the Nomu, concentrated on observing the vast forest behind the cracked window.
"He does not wish to express it with anyone other than you."
He growled, irritated by the pathetic man's unnecessary annoyance. He wanted to reflect on what had happened nights ago, to understand where they had gone wrong and why, but as things were going, not even that would be possible.
"I'll be there in a moment." If he went down now, only dust would remain. He was furious, and keeping that emotion inside was becoming more and more difficult.
"As you command." Kurogiri made a small bow, saying goodbye to return to the floor below, back to the place where the rest of the League resided.
A pathetic one, in that case. Going from being in a run-down bar on the outside and useful on the inside... to this... he hated it.
(Sensei, where was the logic in your death? What path did you see us taking?) He observed the sunset, delighting in the arrival of darkness. That's where people like him acted. (I hate to admit it, but... without the security of his existence, I can take few steps.)
Risks. He is now playing with new dangers that he hadn't accounted for before. The League is strong, so is he. However, he doesn't have free rein. If that were the case, everyone would die instantly.
He had ideas, of course they were there. He was taught from a young age for this moment. He just... couldn't see the beginning.
He would work perfectly with a base. He simply... needed that.
(And a decent place.) He snorted. One step at a time. Didn't Sensei repeat that shit often? "Maybe Giran will solve the latter."
Lazily, he decided to give himself the luxury of listening to the man. Maybe he would say interesting things.
"Or just trash. In that case, it will serve as practice." He went down the wooden stairs carelessly, damaged and dirty to the point of being embarrassing. They creaked under the weight they were subjected to and seemed like they would fall soon.
He wanted to distract himself by looking at the walls, poorly painted aluminum plates. The red was faded, a witness to time and how badly it was treated.
He thought it was a good analogy, because in essence, that's how he felt about the whole thing: a bad move that ended up ruining the triumphant path they were on.
When he finished his journey, he found himself on the spacious first floor, with no walls to delimit anything and only a sofa to not leave the space empty.
He had decided to send most of his retinue in search of temporary provisions: food as a fundamental and the necessary appliances to keep it. From there, they would get the rest.
Besides, he had a certain visit to make after talking with his guest. A certain subject was eluding appearing after the leader's fall.
"Giran," he called the mediator, who was smoking with his back to him. "Don't waste my time and speak."
The alluded one turned in recognition, raising his hand to greet him. He was smiling as always; tranquility emanated from him, or so he wanted to make him believe.
It was easy to notice the falsity of the detail. He could see the unease in his eyes and the doubt in the face of the new scenario.
That made him smile. He had a metaphorical advantage. He had to use it intelligently.
"Shigaraki, well as always, it seems," he walked until he sat on a barrel, taking a long drag on his cigarette. "Do you mind if I'm direct? We're both busy."
Oh, it seems he was also revealing his true mood.
"It's either that or die. You choose," he imitated the guest's action, only he opted for the worn-out sofa, the best thing there was so far.
"Perfect. I have new contacts, novice recruits. They think they have the world at their feet. They'll be excellent for..." He raised his hand, demanding silence. And for the speaker's fortune, it was complied with.
"I don't want people for the cause. The moment is not ideal, and mistakes are inadmissible." He found the offer poorly structured. More people inside meant possible information leaks, not to mention moles from the law pretending to be criminals. "Leave. If that's all you're offering, then you're wasting time."
Ah, why did he even bother in the first place? Few hopes were placed, and he received even less. How pathetic.
"Listen to me, boy, these brats..." Giran ventured, trying to gain something at least. He didn't want to lose his chance to sell. Money was always lacking wherever he went.
However, he only ended up ruining things even more.
"Watch your tongue. You don't want to lose it," he observed the mediator coldly. It seems he still didn't know his place. "Now disappear from my sight, or I'll do you the favor if you wish."
He extended each finger, a faithful message of the destiny that awaited the unwanted guest. He was doing enough by allowing his knowledge of the place.
He wanted to make it clear that he was not like Sensei. Contemplations had little place if their value was nil.
"Fine... no novices then." Giran clicked his tongue, refusing to leave empty-handed. He frowned in thought. He knew the interests a criminal could have. "And... how about a deal with experienced people?"
The question made him stop his possible attack. He was still reluctant to have new acquisitions. However, he said "a deal."
And that... involved a certain group of criminals, just like his League, in fact.
"Who are we talking about?"
He wasn't taking anything for granted, but the information was vital, no matter how and by whom it came.
"...The Yakuza."
I sighed, extremely bored with... nothing at all! The hospital no longer had reasons to keep me inside, and yet I'm still here.
I have complained to the staff to at least be able to receive visitors, but that was also denied. Only "authorized visitors," according to them.
Which reduced the expression to my teachers, and even so, I saw them little. They had already been discharged and had greater matters to attend to. The world didn't revolve around my hospital room.
All Might has begun with the international announcements to formalize his retirement, thanking the world for the great affection they gave him during the heroic role he fulfilled.
Apart from acting as a legal representative for the hero "Flashkicker," because yes, you don't directly tell the world, "Hey, I have the perfect successor here," without consequences.
Gran Torino, for his part, is only investigating the whereabouts of the League. He denies it, but there is a certain moral duty involved. I think he wants to be the one to imprison him to end a great cycle of guilt.
Something positive is that I managed to have a conversation with my mother. A phone is not the same as face-to-face, but it was enough to dispel any passing fears. She... was overwhelmed. Suddenly, there are so many new situations, and she can barely deal with them.
She has wanted to visit the hospital several times. However, among all of us, we managed to make her understand the vital importance of not going out until further notice.
I hate to deny someone's freedom, especially a mother figure, but I prefer limited days of solitude to the eternity of a death.
If I have to see something positive in all this, it's that I've had time to reflect and understand the upcoming conflicts to deal with. There are priorities whose solution must be immediate, and I can do that on my own.
I feel that... great changes are coming, and... they will be well-treated...
"Izuku Midoriya?" The door to the room was opened, and a woman passed through it. Authority and control emanated just from her gaze, a fact that was reinforced by the shameless intrusion she made. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
She was a leader.
"Uh-uh... the pleasure is mine..." I replied confusedly. "Who had they sent?" "Excuse me, but... may I know your name?"
She crossed her arms, and that action was enough for me to be firm and alert. She had that "something" that forced you to keep your distance.
Hundreds of ideas crossed my head, each one more far-fetched than the last. Have the villains finally infiltrated to end my life?
"I am Majimena Josei, director of the Hero Public Safety Commission."
Or... maybe not?
Author's Note:
Hey.
As always, what did you think of this brief interlude?
I wanted to explain many things here, something I don't usually do because it feels forced and awkward, but everything is getting very long, and I wanted to cut down on time.
Yes, the protagonist does not have unanimous support from society, because that never happens, and I felt that the detail was good. He will have a very small faction that will view him with distrustful eyes (not evil, I stress that detail), thus widening the existing gap in MHA a bit more.
I had almost forgotten how to write Shigaraki, haha. I haven't given individual value to the character in a while, and in fact, he was not going to have a role in this chapter. But it's fun to work with both sides (protagonist and antagonist) at the same pace. That way, each one carries an equal and important background, in addition to improving the already existing development.
By the way, the director's name is not official; it's something I made up. So don't bother looking for it in the manga (as far as I remember, she doesn't even have a name). I just gave her one because her lack of information bothered me.
The end of the chapter is more of a narration by the MC to get the story in tune, since I can't write everything that continues to happen. There's a lot at once, and fitting it all in at once would be unnecessary, so to facilitate reading (and to make it comfortable in the process), reducing it was the best thing.
Oh, by the way, we reached [X] reads! Incredible, without a doubt!
As I always say, I didn't expect such a number. I'm very humble, and I know I don't write the greatest of works. I recognize the medium talent I offer compared to other authors, and for that very reason, I thank you.
Not every story has such a great reception in the face of the simplicity of its proposal and the person who executes it (namely, "me"). I think I'm a lucky one in that aspect.
Now, for real.
Anyway, take care. See you.