I watched the streets pass by from the window, monotonously waiting for what could be an important situation. I had mentally reviewed different scenarios just so I wouldn't be caught off guard in the nest of rats that U.A. would soon become.
Toshinori, for his part, drove oblivious to it, more focused on the road than anything else. Even being as naive as he let on, I recognized the man's deep reasoning; he surely had various hypotheses as to "why" my presence was needed.
If I had to be honest, I would simply admit how much I underestimated his capabilities. Acting clueless doesn't make you less pragmatic, and All Might exemplified that well.
For a moment, I observed the man, remembering that instant when he exploded against All For One, imposing a firm and dangerous presence. I never thought I'd fear him until that very day.
"It's a nice day, isn't it?" I did a double-take at the question, which broke the quiet silence that surrounded the cabin. Toshinori didn't take his eyes off the road, but he turned down the volume of the radio that served as background noise.
I had to stretch my body before answering, too comfortable in the leather seat where I had unknowingly relaxed. A sigh escaped when I finished the action, eliminating any possibility of falling asleep soon.
"Yeah, the heat hasn't hit too hard lately." I lowered the window a bit, enjoying the light breeze that came in. The past few days had been excellent for recovering strength. "Besides... people look well."
I found it difficult to express the last part; I was looking for another word, more fitting and less abstract. I had a different expectation of what I would see in the streets, but I couldn't quite distinguish what it was exactly.
"'Well'? Why wouldn't people be like that, Young Midoriya?" I smiled ironically. I found the question valid, as I carried the same uncertainty.
"You know, after... Kamino and... your retirement... I thought everything would be..." I looked outside again, at the quiet scene at first glance, the vehicles going back and forth. Nothing seemed wrong. "...out of place."
I gave words to the thought, perhaps not with the exactness I had hoped to show, but correct even in its ambiguity. I didn't want understanding from All Might either; if I couldn't understand it myself, then I would get little from others.
He laughed lightly, glancing at me for a moment. I raised an eyebrow in surprise; I hadn't said anything stupid, just confusing.
"I understand the feeling," he replied after a moment, returning his gaze to the street less than a second later. There was a certain emotion in his voice. Light, cheerful, understanding, and amused. "You expected to see big, immediate changes, you might even have felt anxiety, isn't that right?"
Uh... correct. How curious.
"Yeah, you could say so." Interested, I paid closer attention; I would get more answers than I expected.
"I felt the same way when I took on the role of the Symbol of Peace. I was a new and powerful hero in the eyes of the world, perhaps the greatest in many previous generations..." I became even more interested. I understood where he was going with his words, and that increased their value.
All Might was offering wisdom, practical and honest experience. I wouldn't get anything like it through other means.
And all teachings make it clear that this aspect surpasses any other, offering solutions to questions not even considered, tactical advantages against linear paths. All at the mercy of the natural understanding one as a listener can have.
"...I expected turmoil, doubt, criticism, and even negativity towards the complete trust and security I could offer. I never felt greater fear of the world, which was made worse by it being a non-existent rival." The next traffic light turned red, which Toshinori took advantage of to lightly pat my shoulder, supporting and trying to extinguish those complicated-to-express doubts. "...You've made a change, Young Midoriya. It may not seem like it, but you have..."
I nodded, grateful to hear such honesty with respect and trust. These things, these simple attitudes from a man whose reason is simplified to the mere desire to help. Rarely does someone show these values together.
"...You'll be able to see it little by little, in greetings, glances, comments. Society is made up of a collection of people, and each person reacts to change as they can." I remembered the unfair desecration of the place I could briefly call home. Yes, there were various reactions. "Use that concentration to keep improving, you'll get better results and thus... appropriate answers."
I stored the advice. It was practical, it suited the path I had chosen to take, and it didn't include unnecessary diversions. To expect anything more would be to dream the impossible.
"I understand... And thank you, your words are incredible, All Might." I smiled. I would leave those who detested the presence I would bring over time eating dust. Being aware of the untapped potential that One For All offered, limits were not a problem.
"You don't have to thank me, young man. As a mentor, I have a duty... and I only wish to fulfill it." He shared his own smile, maintaining absolute control on the streets we were traveling.
Little by little, U.A. became visible, with its security gates activated. The nearby streets were emptier than usual, facilitating the upcoming entry. I could see various heroes strategically posted, walking in selected patterns to cover the entire nearby area.
It was discreet, managing not to scare any nearby civilians. However, Gran Torino had given great lessons on how to analyze the environment and those who surrounded it.
-(Are they protecting the institution... from Villains or something else?)- If I was aware of the "Bureaucratic" enemies, then why not Nezu? -(The cunning rat is trying not to stir the already turbulent waters.)-
Prevention over risk, planning over physical strength. That chimera represented exactly the other path adjacent to my own. I sought to face every problem until I destroyed it, while Nezu covered his back as much as he could.
Both worked and were respectable, but it showed how many variants one can choose when facing a critical moment.
All Might continued driving; soon the entrance was forgotten to give way to the opposite side of the building. I started to feel confused. Another alternate route made for direct employees?
And indeed, a part of the wall slid down, allowing entry without problems. They had decided to install the parking lot right there, facilitating vehicular movements within the premises.
-(How practical.)- When something was well-executed, it deserved praise. -(As an emergency exit, it's perfect, though knowing Nezu, he probably already has underground alternatives.)-
I stretched my whole body, watching Toshinori stop the truck after parking inside a discreet garage. I wanted to get out of the vehicle, however, the man himself stopped that action by suddenly grabbing my shoulder.
Puzzled, I looked at him, noticing the contemplation that covered his face. He seemed unsure if he wanted to express what he desired. I even thought he was having some kind of heart attack.
But his next words were enough to cut through any latent doubt...
"Gran Torino informed me about... the license." Said like that, so brief and clipped, it was truly surprising. I had forgotten how little informed Toshinori was about recent events.
It was... embarrassing. He deserved to know everything from my own mouth; otherwise, it would break any trust he had placed in me.
Knowing that, I relaxed my body, waiting for the next comment he would make. If he understood what had happened, then I would thank him from the bottom of my heart. If things didn't go well, I would also understand what he said; he could have different stances and still not be wrong.
"I won't give you a dirty look, or negative speeches. I'm sure Gran Torino has already covered that part." He gave a lopsided smile, knowing easily how his master took things.
"But I deserve them... right?" I questioned without hesitation. The man was well within his rights to do so. And even, he was the only one whose right surpassed the rest.
All Might erased any latent smile; a grimace took its place. Sadness showed on the face of the greatest retired hero.
He was sad. No boy should expect a reprimand when hearing an opinion.
"Young Midoriya, I am the man who killed All For One. The one who delivered a blow so devastating and powerful that it went through his head." The sudden description of the event was unheard of; I lost all natural control upon hearing it. It was... strange when someone like All Might expressed it. "Was I right to do that? Should I have appealed to my heroic position to let him live? Or better yet... did I do the right thing?"
I didn't know how to answer, perhaps because they were questions without answers, perhaps because I didn't know what hole I would fall into by opening my mouth. Perhaps... I knew the answers, but I respected the man and didn't want to cause him more disappointment.
"You're asking yourself that, doubtful about what you consider is right in the long run, and I couldn't ask for less from you." He held my shoulder firmly, fearful of any unwanted reaction. However, I would do anything but act against him. "You experienced an important moment in life, one where no one can help you. You could have felt fear, responded with feigned anger..."
I lost my breath for a few moments, astonished, amazed, and above all other emotions... grateful.
"...But you chose a logical alternative, avoiding unnecessary altercations, and that... is something few adults can manage to do." His voice was calm, accompanied by a subtle, well-hidden pride. "I'm not going to impose concepts on your decisions, only support you, because I'm the person who introduced you to this heroic world. You can count on me, Young Midoriya. Don't forget that."
Really... All Might deserved more credit than he received.
I inhaled and exhaled, largely optimistic in the face of the good and unexpected words I had heard. If I had gained confidence not long ago, then now I was crossing a different threshold.
"Thank you... Master Toshinori." I used the uncommon title, knowing it wouldn't be used again. It was the honest way I could express how profound it was to hear such words from the man.
He understood the same, letting go of my shoulder so I could finally leave the vehicle. I witnessed the wide, full smile he now wore, happy to see how everything had a correct resolution.
"Then let's go, young man. The others must have gathered by now."
I nodded at his words, eliminating any palpable emotion I might or might not express. Another important task came into play. There were many possible variables, none less simple than the last.
I followed All Might at a slight distance, acting as an improvised bodyguard, when all I was doing was thinking deeply.
The internships would get a lot of attention, I had no doubt about that, maybe they would even be stricter. Then they would talk about the risky presence I presented by studying at U.A.
Would they try to keep me away from the media? Would I lose internship opportunities?
No, impossible. People would ask questions. Worse, the Commission would ask questions.
Go abroad? All Might did that. However, he was already a graduate at that point.
Continue as normal? Pretending they don't have the "Young Symbol of Peace"? Possible, although... awkward, very awkward.
The echo of our footsteps resonated inside the empty school, offering a dull and boring image. The natural midday light entered thanks to the giant windows that made up the place. It was strange, so much silence, so much... emptiness.
Without knowing it, I had become accustomed to the constant noise, to hearing chats and comments everywhere. Filled with nothing but little value, but common for the average student.
I observed the classrooms as we passed, replicating that previously detailed image. All Might seemed to feel nothing at the sight, walking normally towards the meeting room where everyone was waiting for us.
I quickened my pace a bit, catching up to the man. His gaze was calm; he seemed sure of whatever was going to happen in there. I considered it incredible to have that confidence, or for that matter, to hide whatever was causing him worries.
We were going into the lion's den, and he wouldn't even flinch?
"We're here," he announced, calm in front of the oversized door. A common sight at U.A. "Let me go in alone; there will be matters to discuss that don't require your presence."
I nodded, giving more importance to the fact that, without fear of saying it, I was just a few meters away from another critical moment depending on how everything developed.
He entered. Curious darkness greeted the quick, evaluative glance I tried to take. Only a long U-shaped table could be seen illuminated. I raised both eyebrows after seeing that; it seemed a certain rat liked dramatic concepts from the movies.
All Might gave a thumbs-up before closing the door, crossing and closing it behind him once he was completely inside the room. I found the first minute anxious, constantly thinking about what might happen next. Then, boredom took control; no one has fun just waiting.
I started walking, going from one place to another but without leaving the hallway. I observed the calm panorama that the large windows offered. It was beautiful, quite so, considering the warmth of the day.
Soon, the phone rang. Mirio Togata was sending messages as usual. He had gotten into the habit of sharing chats about various training methods or routines of famous heroes.
Mirio had the knowledge and experience that few could gain on such points, polishing his quirk with only physical dedication. This time, he was sharing a curious tab about Death Arms; it seemed to be a textual narration from the man himself about what important points he found to define when using reinforcement-type quirks.
I replied gratefully. Although I doubted I would modify my own polished and practical routine, I lost nothing by giving it a quick read. I thought the conversation would end right there, however, Mirio commented that he needed to express something important and asked to see me soon, as (from his point of view) it was quite crucial.
Again, I was very curious. I quickly accepted the request; I also wanted to ask for his help in private. Only someone from the "Big Three" would be useful as a training partner.
In the end, we agreed to meet soon. He mentioned asking for a training ground, and there was really nothing better; I would gain knowledge quickly without lifting a finger.
"Young Midoriya." All Might's voice cut the moment, causing me to turn to look at him to find out the situation. One can learn a lot by reading the person in front of them, and I was looking for just that. "You can come in."
His eyes showed no worry, shame, nothing. He was calm, perhaps because he was in his comfort zone, with no villains, dangers, or any other incidents.
-(Nothing bad then?)- I felt a slight confidence. It was perfect. I could be the one to give the big surprise. -So be it then.
I smiled, hiding doubt with security. The beginning of the change was starting, the turning point... the race to ascend.
I walked, slowly and methodically, crossing the threshold to enter the dark room. As the light from the long bench grew brighter, so did the figures surrounding it. All Might closed the door behind me, returning to the seat that was rightfully his.
I examined every eye, every gaze, every possible expression directed at me. I expected a murmur, but no one made one. Finally, I focused my sight on Nezu, noting the cordial greeting he made with his small paw. He was smiling, happy in a way that was very little appreciated.
I stood in the center of everyone, as if I were a criminal about to be judged. I understood the tactic; it was intelligent, quite so in fact. They sought to make me feel pressure, leaving no room for confident and risky feelings.
"Izuku Midoriya, it's always a pleasure to see you." Nezu was polite, but flat. I found the simplicity of the comment precarious.
"The pleasure is mine, Director." I bowed my head slightly, expressing respect to the director, even if I didn't feel the same. "The same to all of you."
I repeated the greeting, this time to the rest of the professional heroes and teachers. Some nodded their heads in return, while others, like Midnight, gave a lopsided smile.
"I'm sure you understand the reason why we've summoned you here, right?" I responded affirmatively, unnecessarily, considering the clear nature of the question. "Excellent, then you will also understand how vital it is for us to clarify your situation. As well as, of course, the position the institute presents in response to it."
I nodded again. I wanted to hear the words he would use to express the complexity of the situation. I wasn't stupid; Nezu had to know about the dangerous intervention of the hero committee. He held a privileged position regarding such matters. With his superior intellect, it shouldn't take much time to connect the dots.
"Everyone catalogs you in many ways, but in short and simple words, you are... the New Number One." The comment was swift, however, we couldn't say the same for its impact. "Not in the future, nor in the past. you are from today. People are judging you as the best among the best, and that won't change... not anymore... It's too late."
I noticed the similarities; All Might and Gran Torino had expressed similar sentiments, sure of how society was responding just a few days after the event.
It was... interesting, how society responded to me, ignoring clear details and choosing to take the simple thought. I wasn't an inexperienced teenager, nor a hero prospect. Nothing. I was the fucking number one, as simple as that.
"That wouldn't present a problem on its own, but... we are not facing such a case." He stopped smiling, showing concern as he placed both paws on the table. I didn't need to see up close to know he was applying force. "U.A. is responsible for you, and in turn, you must offer commitment to the institute."
I understood, I really did. In short: "Your actions have repercussions on us."
Heh... I really screwed them over without trying.
"It is due to the eccentricity of the event that we have thought of various measures to take to avoid... bad experiences."
I listened, both attentively and uncomfortably. No teacher added comments; it seemed like a seedy cult.
"U.A. will act as your legal representative, accompanying you and giving you advice on whether or not to take certain actions." I crossed my arms. That made sense, of course it did, but...
"Excuse me...?" I waited, trying to earn the right to interrupt, which I obtained after an awkward second. "Aren't... all students directly represented by the school?"
That had to be the case; otherwise, we would be facing clear institutional negligence. How could an educational statute not represent the student?
"Correct. However, we look after the student when their actions and their own common development demonstrate the young person's validity. In another case, what would happen if we had an undercover villain? Would we give them protection just the same?" He smiled again, knowing the terrible subliminal message he was letting drop. Only his twisted and methodical mind found the verbal game amusing.
I couldn't help but open my eyes, surprised, exalted... and distrustful. The rat was indirectly trying to hear the words that would follow what was said.
He thought... he recognized the infiltrator... Oh, good game.
I can imitate it.
"I understand... Privileges, like everything in life... have a limit." I returned the smile, identical to his. He wouldn't be the one having fun.
For an instant, I saw his smile falter. For an instant, I surpassed the board and the pieces within it.
"Indeed. It is due to this that U.A. will take greater control and regulation over the actions you may offer to the world. Consider it... like a spoiled only child." He quickly returned to the main thread of the conversation, crossing his hands to express calm on the matter. "This was necessary to explain to you before anyone else; you must be more aware of the change than anyone else."
I found it correct; in fact, it was perfect. If U.A. wanted to put up a wall to divide the rest from me, then so be it. They had the function of a protective shield against the Commission and its possible orders.
"However, don't expect to find changes in the level of teaching or attention. After all, U.A. offers the best to every student uniformly and without change." Nezu began to laugh, amused by the incongruity of his own declaration and perhaps... excited by the new challenge he now faced.
Some shifted uncomfortably; their boss didn't seem to stop exhibiting those... maniacal and dangerous tendencies.
-(Ha... They take pride in a lot, but deep down they're still the same as the rest.)- No one said anything, no one protested, no one... acted like a hero. -(Selfishness, however small, will always accompany us, even if we hide it with great attitudes and values.)-
It was what I was looking for, to cross over to the most primitive and simple side of humans as a species: the need for self-protection.
And they... were watching their backs.
"Anyway, there isn't much more to say, so you may leave." Nezu stopped laughing, offering the polite order to the heroes/teachers, who, without a word, took different paths, leaving the room to become empty.
Even All Might headed for the exit, going to what I assumed was his vehicle.
However, I decided to remain in the room. As far as I had heard, he hadn't mentioned me specifically, so I should stay there. Besides... I needed to express something important.
"Anything else I need to know, Director Nezu?" I questioned with kindness and respect, approaching the head of the long table where the chimera was still smiling, waiting.
"How about an internship in the short term?" he replied, using another question, leaving no time for empty spaces.
"Practical, agile, and efficient if you wish to polish students in short periods. Why? Fearful, perhaps?" I returned the metaphorical ball, starting a back-and-forth between us. I was annoyed, while Nezu...
He was having fun exploring new and unpredictable possibilities.
"Is the Commission imposing too much? I hope I'm not giving them too much credit." He hit the easiest point, confident of getting the winning hand.
Eh... nice expectation... time to cut it short.
"Yuga Aoyama."
I dropped the name, calmly, almost casually. Of course, that's if the predatory and victorious smile wasn't present. It was impossible to get a better response; I had used the winning card.
But above all, I took the first step to eradicate the surrounding problems. One by one, cleaning up small elements that, separated, perhaps don't do much. However, united, they presented problems.
I saw the confusion, the understanding, the denial, the pain, followed by the well-known feeling of "betrayal," and finally... the raw disappointment.
It was fast, too fast for a human in the face of words with that much weight on them. One would cross who knows how many psychological boundaries to accept it, but Nezu...
Pragmatism dominated his emotional side, allowing him to slide out of emotionally stressful situations. It was perfect for sending men to die, however, that same ability... served as his Achilles' heel.
In the infinity of his exciting arrogance, he lost concepts, details. He didn't conceive of humans in the same way as himself, a minuscule detail and yet: powerful.
"I see..." He lowered his head, scratching one of his ears to hide his view. He didn't want to show the reflective point where he had fallen. "How long have you known?"
Even seeing such attitudes, I found no empathy. The rat went and exposed me to the world in a cowardly way. Perhaps it was stupid to hold resentment for it, but he deserved it. I would no longer play based on individuals like him.
"All For One is quite talkative when he fights. You'd be surprised how open to conversation that man is... or well... was." I turned around, starting to walk towards the exit of the dark room. The steps echoed in the forced silence, a faithful witness to the moment.
It will sound antagonistic, incorrect, like a bad person. Still, I had to express it; I loved the resolution that everything ended up having. It felt right. A just payment for an unjust and cowardly debt.
I didn't enjoy poetry, but I wouldn't hesitate to call the moment just that.
"For what it's worth, I haven't told anyone about this, not even Toshinori or Gran Torino. So... it's in your hands... honest Director." I closed the door. Triumphant, selfishly and poorly-achievedly happy. Even knowing it, I couldn't care less. After failure after failure, a victory tastes excellent.
The sunset began to take center stage, illuminating the warm and empty hallways of the institution. Once again, each step resonated. Powerful. Different. Superior. I beat the genius of the board, I surpassed his own game, I used knowledge he could never have obtained even by foreseeing every move.
The chimera wanted a safety valve, something to distract the media. To protect U.A. at the cost of a "small price."
The Commission wanted a scapegoat, someone to use and exploit to protect the only thing they value above all else... control.
They would both have it, of course they would. They would receive the best version of myself. However, they have overlooked the most important value regarding the elaborate equation.
The human factor.
That human would blow up in their faces, probably... literally.
Because they challenged the Ninth User of One For All.
And highlighting the obviousness of the fact... the steps continued to resonate.
One at a time.
Author's Note:
Hey.
So... a month? Yes, but... guess which author got all the new Fifth Anniversary characters in Dragon Ball Legends?
That's right, you guessed it, this fine author.
Alright, in this chapter I focused on bringing two important characters up to date.
Number one: Toshinori Yagi.
He needed to know about the Provisional License and, of course, support the protagonist; it's his nature, otherwise, it would be a very OOC character.
I really like that he supports the MC, but not like the Second User does. It creates an interesting paradigm, as it brings the boy back down to Earth, reminding him that he has legitimate support from him.
So you have Gran Torino (a resounding, disappointed NO), the Second User (the man wants to see all the bad guys fall in record time by any means necessary), and the good Toshinori, who falls between the two. He's not disappointed, nor does he want to see the world burn.
It's perfect; once again, there's a synchrony between the three faces.
Yes. No. Their midpoint.
The MC has three pillars to use as a foundation for every action he takes and especially as he grows. Again, a balanced development of each aspect is achieved, without breaking the others or generating unnecessary conflicts.
Ah... When things go right... everything goes right.
And then we have the second character: Nezu.
Whom I stress, is not a villain. I just delved deeper into that interesting aspect of "I'm a human experiment, I don't hate them, but I clearly have differences."
So no, Nezu is not the final villain of the work. I think we all know who has earned that spot, right?
Nezu is a trap card because he gives me access to many new and interesting situations, while at the same time saving me from a lot of unnecessary drama.
Several of you commented some time ago that the Commission would give the protagonist more problems than advantages, but that's because you didn't give me time to get to this point (Blame Dragon Ball Legends for that, you damn beautiful game).
U.A. is a super practical shield to reduce consequences and reap benefits.
Is it a Deus Ex Machina? No, because the concept as such was set up a long time ago, after all. Why do you think Nezu gave so many details in that interview? And above all, why did he use the protagonist as a shield? Yes, it was to lead to this.
It might not seem like it, but I have major moves planned well in advance.
Now... what's next for the protagonist? Simple, getting Inko up to speed, who is another SUPER IMPORTANT character who is out of the loop.
I need to give her development, then the Big Three (because they are very useful as a gateway to other scenarios), and practically all of Class 1-A.
Is there work to do? Yes, a lot. Do I have a life to live? Yes, I still can't lower the difficulty on it. Are there AIs to automate this dilemma? I'm sure there are, but it would be for failures to use them.
The result will come from my hand and nothing else.
With this, I believe I have closed everything important for the moment.
Oh, and I went to the stadium to see my dear U-20 national team (specifically against New Zealand, what a great match). Does it matter? No, but I posted some good stories on my IG.
Anyway, for real now, take care. See you.