For some, this world seems like a cruel place, where only the strongest survive and the weak are condemned to oblivion. Where betrayal tears apart the soul of those who suffer it, and revenge devours the heart of those who carry it out. Ha... haha... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
But for me... it is simply nature revealing itself. Showing its true face. And that... that fascinates me, especially when the story reveals who the villain in this situation is, something I absolutely LOVE!
The strong one is nothing more than a coward hiding among their own, fearful of finding someone like themselves. Betrayal is the only way to reveal whom you can trust until your last breath. And revenge... oh, revenge is an exquisite spectacle, a feast for the soul. Because if you don't rise against the obstacle's life puts in your way..., how will you know how sublime it is to see them burn?
Stories hold all of that and more. They are broken mirrors that reflect the truth of the world, tearing it into pieces.
But this... this story I'm weaving with the remnants of tragedy and the ashes of hope... I find fascinating. I eagerly await to see if this game I'm playing manages to entertain me enough... or if in the end, I will simply decide to destroy everything.
Oh Literato, I hope to see that what you promised me comes true HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
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We are in Musutafu, Japan, where a decrepit blond man walks down the street, busy with his shopping. Many would say he's just another passerby going about his daily routine, right?
But suddenly!!... a mud monster bursts onto the scene, escaping after having looted a store. People reacted in terror at the sight, as expected from any normal person in the world: some fled in panic, others were paralyzed by fear or wondered who could possibly stop it. However... why didn't he?
The answer arrives in a matter of seconds. His body began to change dramatically as thick steam poured from his skin. His triceps became defined, his legs turned as thick as tree trunks, and his biceps grew to the point they looked as if they had been sculpted from marble. If a bodybuilder saw him, they'd be overwhelmed with envy at such a display of power. The fragile, skeletal man disappeared, leaving in his place an imposing figure. A being whose mere presence inspires respect. A warrior capable of splitting a building with a single blow. A symbol whose voice brings peace to the hearts of the innocent—and absolute terror to villains.
—If there's something that can be done, and why?... BECAUSE I AM HERE!!
That's right... he is the greatest hero of them all. The number one in Japan—and perhaps the entire world. A man whose name is synonymous with justice. And his name is...
—All Might!!! — The people shouted in admiration, showing that yes, HE WAS HERE!!!
He quickly launched himself in pursuit of the criminal with a speed that made the ground tremble beneath his steps. In a matter of seconds, he was mere inches away from the sludge villain, whose only response was to flee in panic, fully aware that doom was closing in. It was an inevitable feeling for anyone who faced this hero. It was as if death itself chased you relentlessly, wearing a triumphant smile, heralding the end.
The sludge villain slid away as fast as he could, desperate to escape. But the hero didn't stop. He followed without mercy, like a hungry lion stalking its prey.
—STOP, VILLAIN!!! RIGHT NOW!! YOU HAVE NO ESCAPE!! —roared the hero, keeping that unmistakable smile that set him apart.
The sludge villain couldn't bear his gaze. Desperate, he kept running, clinging to even the slightest chance of getting away. And then, by a stroke of luck, he found an escape route: the sewers. He slipped into them at the last second, managing to evade his pursuer... by a hair. But this wouldn't stop the number one. No, of course not. Without wasting a second, he began to search the area, following the path he knew would lead to the drainage system. He wouldn't let this villain escape.
A few minutes passed, and All Might was starting to fear he wouldn't find the villain. But giving up wasn't an option. Then, as if luck had suddenly turned in his favor, a loud crash shattered the silence nearby, right next to a pedestrian underpass beneath a bridge. Without hesitation, he rushed toward the source of the noise—and what he saw left him stunned.
—STAY STILL, YOU DAMN BRAT!!! I JUST WANT TO TAKE OVER YOUR BODY!! —roared the sludge villain, his voice filled with desperation.
There he was, more frantic than before, trying to catch a green-haired boy. However, the boy wouldn't let himself be caught; he dodged the attacks with surprising agility, as if the whole thing were nothing more than... just a game to him?!
—First of all, language, sir. Have some manners. Didn't your parents teach you how to speak to a young man? —The green-haired boy smiled playfully as he kept dodging the villain's attacks. —Second, trying to take over someone's body—if you really think about it—is completely illegal. It violates several laws and human rights. And third... I'm not planning to stop! This is way too fun! Hahaha!
He continued dodging the tentacles with astonishing ease, as if he were jumping rope in a child's game.
Everything would have continued as just a "child's game"… if it hadn't been for All Might's intervention.
With a Texas Smash straight to the villain's body, he obliterated him and tore him apart on the spot. The green-haired boy watched the scene with a mix of surprise and slight disappointment… as if someone had just broken his brand-new toy. After gathering the remains of the sludge villain and sealing them in a jar, All Might prepared to introduce himself.
—Hello, young man! You're truly very agile. But don't worry, because I'm...!
—You're All Might. Japan's Number One Hero, —the boy interrupted— no need for so many formalities. Let me introduce myself too. I'm Izuku Midoriya. Thanks for the help, really, I appreciate it. A little longer and I might've gotten bored from all the jumping.
He bowed politely, which caught the hero off guard. It wasn't the usual reaction. Most people would've gone crazy with excitement upon seeing him in person, but this young man didn't show a hint of euphoria. It was clear he was someone special to behold.
—Oh! A pleasure, young Midoriya, —said All Might with a smile. —But I must admit what you did earlier was a bit reckless. Even if you show great physical skill, it was a dangerous moment. If you had lost control even for a second, that villain could've finished you instantly. That's why I recommend you think more about your safety. Not everything is a game, young Midoriya.
—Hahaha, don't worry, All Might. Thanks for the advice, I'll keep it in mind next time, —Izuku replied with a smile, something that unsettled the hero slightly. Still, All Might simply exhaled and relaxed.
—Well, I think it's time for me to go drop this villain off somewhere he won't cause any trouble. Until next time, young Midoriya! —said All Might, leaping an incredibly long distance as if flying. —I'm counting on your support!!...
However, his surprise reached a whole new level when, mid-air, he saw young Midoriya hanging onto his left leg, shouting:
—WAAAAAIT!!! Haha, this is so fun! —he said, his face lit up with pure joy.
Immediately, for Izuku's safety, All Might landed on the rooftop of a nearby building.
—What's wrong with you, young Midoriya?! Are you okay?! Don't you realize what you just did was dangerous?! You could've fallen! —he scolded him with a mix of anger and concern.
—Sorry for doing that, it's just... you didn't sign my notebook, hahaha, —Izuku replied cheerfully, making All Might freeze with a giant sweat drop on his forehead.
—Seriously...? I thought I did that before I left... Did I not? Well, doesn't matter, I'm in a hurry. Talk to someone down there, I'm sure they'll help you get off this roof. See you.
—Actually... that wasn't it. What I really wanted was to ask you something. Since you're the Number One Hero... the Symbol of Peace...
—I don't have time for…
—Can someone without a quirk become a hero? —Izuku asked firmly, stopping All Might in his tracks. —It's just curiosity but... can someone quirkless become a hero like you?
He asked it with a bow and a seriousness that surprised the hero, making him pause and reflect. He knew those words weren't easy to say—and he knew they had everything to do with his own situation. Somehow, he felt he owed this boy an answer.
But… just as All Might was about to reply, a sudden pain in his chest froze him. He knew exactly what it meant… and he hadn't realized how much time had passed.
His time was up.
Several seconds went by, and no one said a word, until Izuku, now uneasy, stood upright and nervously looked around.
—Huh? All Might, so... does that mean I can…
He didn't get to finish the sentence.
His words faded into silence as, before his eyes, the mighty Number One Hero—whose presence alone commanded awe—vanished, leaving in his place a thin, sickly-looking man, gaunt and fragile, as if he could collapse right there and then.
An awkward silence fell between them. No one said a word.
Izuku kept staring, taking in the situation, until—with remarkable composure—he began to reason it out.
—Woooow! I didn't know your quirk was a transformation type. You learn something new every day. But how does it work? Does it have an activation time-limit? Does it only boost you physically up to a certain level, or…
All Might could only stare back, completely stunned by the boy's reaction.
—ARE YOU SERIOUS?!! —he blurted, half-annoyed, half-astonished. —That's the first thing you say after seeing me like this?! For heaven's sake, kid!
Izuku looked puzzled, yet oddly calm in the face of the hero's outburst.
—Well, Mr. All Might, what do you expect me to do? In this world there are mutants and people who transform into all sorts of things. It's pretty common nowadays—you can see anything. There's even a hero called "Godzilla" who's a 120-meter-tall lizard. Not really relevant here, but still. This world is fascinating if you think about it. —He spoke without the slightest worry, which only made a bead of sweat run down the hero's face.
—All right, I can't really scold you for that, —All Might said, rubbing the back of his head to calm himself. —But let me show you my situation quickly. Somehow, I feel you'll understand better with a brief explanation.
With that, All Might lifted his shirt, revealing a massive scar on the left side of his abdomen.
Izuku observed it calmly, intrigued by the sheer size of the wound.
—This scar was left by a villain in a battle I fought five years ago. From what I understand, I lost a large part of my respiratory system and my entire stomach. And if you're wondering, the news was kept from the public for my safety, so in theory it's impossible to look up what happened. Not only was my fighting strength reduced, but now I can use my power for only three hours a day. It's a problem I have to hide if I want to keep giving this world hope as the Symbol of Peace. I smile to mask the fear and the pressure of being a hero—showing everyone that… I am here! —All Might explained, worry clouding his face as he revealed the weakness that haunted him.
Izuku nodded in understanding.
—I get what you're trying to do, All Might. And don't worry—I won't tell anyone about this. I wouldn't want to see my sister cry because her favorite hero died after revealing his secret. You have my word I'll never mention it. —He smiled, putting the hero a bit at ease. —But, respectfully, back to my question… I need to know: can a quirkless person really become a hero?
All Might's face tightened at once. He lowered his gaze, his expression hardening.
—I'm sorry, young Midoriya, —he said, his voice subdued. —Professionals risk their lives all the time, and I can't tell you that you can be a hero without at least one quirk. I'm sorry.
Toshinori said it earnestly, expecting to see a flicker of sadness or disappointment in Izuku's eyes. He knew those words weren't easy to hear—they could shatter any child's dreams… Yet to his surprise, Izuku didn't flinch. There was no frustration, no hint of sorrow on his face. He merely sighed calmly and offered a genuine smile, as if that answer was exactly what he needed to hear.
—Don't worry, All Might. I know it sounds silly; plenty of people have told me so. I figured you might say the same. What a relief, really;I can take that weight off my shoulders. Maybe I'll look for a job that still helps society. I'm good at a lot of things, if you ask me. I bet I could memorize the laws well and become a good police officer, haha. —Izuku spoke with cheerful confidence.
—Well, I hope you keep that enthusiasm, young man. I'll be going now. And a bit of advice… it's good to have dreams, but you've got to accept reality, young Midoriya. —With that, he headed down the stairs leading off the rooftop, closing the door behind him and leaving Izuku alone.
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When All Might disappeared behind the door, Izuku let out a sigh of disappointment. But instead of getting stuck in his thoughts, he quickly pulled out his notebook. Although it was a bit scorched thanks to a certain explosive hysteric, it was still good enough to jot things down.
—"I can't tell you that you can be a hero"... Interesting. I thought the conversation would be longer, according to 'Literato', but I can't complain about the outcome, —he murmured as he flipped through the pages quickly. —Better to keep investigating. It's kind of sad, though… sometimes, a hero isn't there to support your dream.
Suddenly, an explosion echoed in the distance. Izuku looked up and, far from being alarmed, smiled.
—Well then… I think this will be a good way to make him change his mind, don't you think? — he said as he jumped off the building, heading straight toward the scene with indescribable agility.
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While Toshinori was going down the stairs, his mind was still caught up in the words he had told young Midoriya.
—("Maybe I was too harsh with him... but I don't want any more trouble. Being the number one hero means giving hope to others. But if that ends with someone hurt or, worse, dead, then my mission would be nothing but a joke. Well, at least this is over. Let's deliver the villain to the...")
His thought was abruptly cut off.
He froze, patting his pants in search of the villain... but it wasn't there. Horrified, he checked more thoroughly, but his pocket was empty. His expression tightened even more when, in the distance, an explosion shook the surroundings.
—No way!!— he shouted, before rushing down the stairs and out of the building with the little strength he had left.
—Damn it! If that thing escaped... I don't even want to imagine what it could do!— he muttered in frustration. Then, an even worse thought crossed his mind. He pictured several women, the villain present, and his...— AH, CURSED JAPAN AND ITS DAMN SICK +18 CONTENT!!
A crowd surrounded the area. There was fire, some heroes trying to put it out while others cautiously approached the mud villain, who held a blond boy hostage. The boy struggled, but the monster tried to shove itself into his mouth to control him, like a parasite invading a new host.
When he arrived, a crowd was surrounding the place. There was fire; some heroes were trying to put it out while others cautiously approached the mud villain, who held a young blond boy hostage. The boy struggled, but the monster tried to force itself into his mouth to control him, like a parasite invading a new host.
The heroes tried to intervene, but they couldn't get an inch closer. The narrow space, the villain's attacks, and the explosions caused by the hostage trying to escape made the rescue impossible. Also, the threat to kill him if anyone approached kept them paralyzed, just waiting for a hero with a quirk capable of attacking him. How poetic of them.
—Why isn't All Might here?
—"He fought that villain before, right?"
—Where is he when he's needed?!
Each word was a stab to his pride. He couldn't save them. Not this time. —("Pathetic… pathetic… pathetic…")— he repeated over and over. He was drowning in his own despair. He couldn't do anything to save them! He wasn't worthy of being called the Symbol of Peace! ...until a voice behind him suddenly pulled him out of his thoughts.
—Hero… I hope after this you take back your words...
Toshinori barely had time to turn around when a silhouette ran past him at full speed.
—Don't worry! And do you know why?! …BECAUSE I AM HERE! HAHAHA!
Toshinori's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the voice. Izuku Midoriya was heading straight toward the villain… without stopping!
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—("Well, I always wanted to say that phrase... Now... how do I defeat him?") —Izuku thought calmly as he agilely dodged the obstacles in his way. His goal was clear: save Bakugo from the mud villain.
—("I can't show 'that'... and the chemicals to counter his quirk are in the other suitcase... So there's no choice... gotta do it the old-fashioned way: pure brute force.")
With determination, he grabbed his suitcase and placed it in front of him. From inside, he pulled out two pencils and, with indescribable speed, threw them straight into the villain's eyes. The impact was precise.
The monster roared in pain, staggering just enough to become momentarily disoriented. Izuku didn't waste time. He lunged toward Bakugo, grabbing him by the torso. With a strong pull to the right, he took advantage of the villain's weak grip and managed to tear him away from his muddy prison.
They both rolled on the ground, moving to a safe distance. Bakugo was gasping, catching his breath, while Izuku got into a defensive stance, ready for whatever came next.
Bakugo, now recovered, fixed his gaze on Izuku with pure venom in his eyes.
—Damn shitty Deku!! What are you doing here?! Why the hell did you save me?! —he roared, his voice full of clear disgust and contempt.
Izuku sighed and looked at him, unaffected by the scolding.
—Hey, Bakugo, first of all, watch your language... You never learn. Second, I did it because I'm doing community service, don't you see? —he laughed, pointing at the chaos around them— And third, because it's the right thing to do. So, stop complaining.
His tone was relaxed, but his words had unbreakable firmness. That only made Bakugo angrier.
—Ah! And Aunt Mitsuki would be very sad if something happened to her 'unstable little bomb boy.' Family doesn't cry. So... MOVE! —he shouted, grabbing Bakugo by his uniform and pushing him forcefully away from the area, dodging an attack from the villain whose face was full of pure rage.
—DAMN DEKU!! —Bakugo roared in fury, frustrated at being saved once again.
—Language... I'm telling your mom.
Before Bakugo could reply, Izuku did a backflip and assumed a combat stance, confidently facing the sludge villain.
—Hey, that was rude. Can't you see I was having a conversation with an ex-friend? —he said with mock drama, then shrugged— "But hey, truth is, I've always wanted to punch a sick knockoff of Venom... So let's dance!"
Izuku dodged another attack with impressive agility, moving skillfully among the debris and using the environment to bounce from place to place. His movements were fast, almost unpredictable, and the villain's fury only made him attack more desperately.
—What's wrong, buddy? Are we fighting or dancing swing? —Izuku taunted with a confident grin— Seriously, you're pathetic. Let's spice things up... Maybe that'll get the Twitter toxicity out of you.
Saying this, he stopped dodging and caught one of the villain's tentacles with both hands. With a strong pull, he immobilized it and then smashed it with surprising force, destroying it instantly.
—Don't be shocked... —he said calmly as the villain roared in pain— You're made of sludge. All your strength is in your torso and legs. Your limbs? Just decoration. Even someone quirkless like me can break them.
Izuku continued with his strategy: dodging, redirecting attacks, and countering with precise blows, wearing down the villain little by little. Each movement weakened his enemy more, until he finally stopped and looked toward the crowd.
—Seriously, dude... I could do this all day, but I think someone doesn't want this to continue. Isn't that right, All Might?
He pointed toward a fully recovered All Might, whose imposing body stood tall, fist clenched and ready to strike.
—DETROIT SMASH!!
The hero's punch landed with overwhelming force, generating a whirlwind that swept everything around it and triggered a downpour that extinguished the remaining fires. The villain was defeated in a single blow, while the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
Izuku, meanwhile, simply let himself fall onto his back, feeling the raindrops hit his face. The sensation calmed him, bringing a wide smile to his face.
—Well... time to get scolded for being reckless and fighting a dangerous villain. What a day I've had...
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After the incident, the heroes began inspecting the area, mitigating the damage caused by the sludge villain and collecting his remains to hand over to the police. While Bakugo was being interviewed and praised for his "bravery" and amazing quirk, Izuku was getting scolded for his recklessness. However, he didn't pay it much mind; he simply apologized and walked away without another word, leaving the heroes confused and a bit frustrated by his calm demeanor. Either way, he was in a hurry. He still had to buy a few things for dinner.
As he walked, thinking about what would be the easiest meal to prepare, Bakugo suddenly appeared, furious. Izuku barely paid attention to his tantrum about being saved. There was no point in arguing. He did what he believed was right, and that was enough for him.
When Bakugo finally walked off, Izuku checked his watch, counting silently. Ten seconds. Right on cue, a powerful voice thundered down the street.
—I AM HERE!!!
Izuku sighed with a slight smile as the towering figure of All Might appeared before him.
—Oh, the great hero shows up again. I hope you're not mad I used your catchphrase. I promise I'll pay you royalties— he joked casually.
—HAHAHA! As always, you're a strange young man, Midoriya— the hero replied, letting out a hearty laugh before suddenly reverting to his skeletal form. —But I'm not here for that... I came to thank you and correct my words.
Toshinori paused, making sure Izuku was listening closely.
—If you hadn't been there, if you hadn't acted, I would have forgotten what it truly means to be a hero: to move without thinking, even when the odds are against you, because you know someone needs to be saved. You reminded me of that hope—of making the impossible possible! That's why, Midoriya, I say this with complete seriousness and joy... —YOU CAN BE A HERO!!!
Izuku stared at him, surprised by the declaration and happy because, apparently, everything was finally falling into place.
—That's why I'm here. I thought that... you could be my successor. If you accept, I'll give you my quirk... What do you say, young Midoriya?
A brief silence followed. Izuku simply smiled, triggering a flicker of concern in All Might—who, deep down, already knew what was coming... and didn't like it.
—Wow, so your quirk is transferable. That's amazing! —Izuku suddenly said, quickly pulling out his notebook—. Let's see... That doesn't explain much, but it gives me a starting point. If the quirk can be passed on and is strong enough to destroy buildings with one punch, there are plenty of theories… The most logical one to me is that it accumulates power with each user. The more it's passed on, the stronger it gets… How many users have there been? Are there any limitations to using it? If you're offering it to me, that means someone without a quirk can use it. So... was All Might quirkless?... Was there ever a...?
—Just shut up already, young man! —All Might yelled in frustration, cutting off Izuku's ideas—. You practically summed up the basic origins of the quirk and mine in less than thirty seconds!! What's wrong with you?!
—I'm sorry, Sir All Might, I just got really excited.
—Well... —the hero said, calming down—. I like your enthusiasm. But seeing as you've basically figured out how my quirk works and what I want to do... there's only one thing left for me to ask you, and I'll ask just once. Are you ready to be my successor and follow the path of the greatest?!
He ended with a serious, firm tone, showing there was no more room for jokes—he wanted a clear answer. Izuku just smiled, and with the same determination, replied:
—Alright, Sir All Might. I accept your offer! It'll be fun to become a real hero.
The sparkle in the Symbol of Peace's eyes intensified.
—Well said! In ten months, the U.A. entrance exams will be held, so we'll train hard to make sure you get in and pass with flying colors. It'll be tough, young Midoriya, but if you follow my instructions, I promise you'll succeed. Just trust me.
—Of course, All Might-sensei! I'll give it my all and trust in your teaching —said Izuku with determination, making the hero smile even more proudly.
—Then we'll start first thing this weekend. I have some matters to attend to before that, so let's meet at Dagobah Municipal Beach. I'll explain their how I'm going to turn you into a real hero. Nothing more to say… see you soon. And be on time, alright?
—See you this weekend then, sensei! —Izuku replied, energetic and firm.
With a final smile, both went their separate ways, ready for what lay ahead.
—By the way… —said All Might, catching Izuku's attention once more—. Call me at least Mr. Toshinori or Toshi. It'll be easier than my hero name. I don't know why, but every time you say my hero name, I get this weird tingle on the back of my neck that freaks me out —said Toshinori, walking away with a smile.
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Night had already fallen when Izuku returned home. But… was his home a set of elegant apartments? Despite attending a public school, he lived in a luxury neighborhood. The distance between the two places was considerable, which explained why he usually arrived home late after school. He didn't mind—he could get back quickly if he wanted to—but he didn't, because of the atmosphere at home. At least this way, he had a few hours just for himself.
—I'm home! —he announced as he closed the door. That was followed by the sound of hurried footsteps—his beloved little sister, Izumi.
—Onii-chan! How did it go? Did something happen? Did you bring me anything? —she asked excitedly, bouncing all over the place.
Izumi was 14, just one year younger than Izuku, but they shared so many traits that they could easily be mistaken for twins: same height, same haircut and hair color, even freckles in the exact same spots. Anyone who didn't know them would think they were twins.
—It went well. It was a... very interesting day. Also... I met All Might! He's a great person and, look—he gave me something for you. —Izuku pulled out a piece of paper and showed it to her—. His autograph!
Izumi's eyes sparkled like stars as she jumped and screamed with excitement. She really loved her gift. Unfortunately, even though they were great siblings, there was someone in that apartment ready to ruin any happy moment between the two of them: their mother, Inko Midoriya.
—Well, well, looks like the trash brought even more filth into the house. How disgusting!! —she said coldly, snatching the autograph from Izuku's hands and, without another word, tearing it into a thousand pieces.
Inko Midoriya was as beautiful as she was ruthless. Slim and a little shorter than Izuku, with the same hair color. Her personality was authoritarian and scornful, showing in every moment how highly she valued herself. And of course, why wouldn't she? Her husband was a top executive at one of the richest companies in Japan—and the world.
—Mom!! Why did you do that?! —Izumi cried, tears in her eyes as she tried to gather the torn pieces of the autograph to salvage them.
—I've told you over and over not to accept garbage from that waste of space! —she snapped harshly—. Go to your room right now!!
Izumi clenched her teeth and stared at her mother in helpless frustration, but in the end, she only lowered her head and walked away in silence, holding the shredded remains of the autograph in her hands.
Inko sighed with disdain and then turned her gaze, full of contempt, toward Izuku.
—And you, freak, you're lucky your father invited us to dine at a luxury restaurant tonight. At least I won't have to put up with the slop you call cooking. But that's enough for today. I don't want to see you. Go to your room and stay there. I don't care if you haven't eaten. Get out of my sight!!
Izuku kept his expression calm, with no sadness or resentment in his voice.
—I'm sorry, Ms. Inko. I'll leave right away, —he replied calmly before quickly heading upstairs.
His room was small—more like a closet than a proper bedroom. It barely had space for a bed and a tiny desk, so close together it was difficult to move around. In reality, the room had originally been a walk-in closet, but eventually, his parents decided to give it to him so they wouldn't have to see him too much.
Still... at least he had a small window from which he could see the moon. Something good, after all.
Just as he was about to lie down on his bed, he noticed a container with hot food waiting for him, courtesy of his sister. Izuku smiled tenderly and sat on the floor, leaning his back against the wall as he took the container.
—Wow... looks like even the dog is eating well tonight. Hehe —he whispered with a small ironic laugh before taking the first bite.
Suddenly, the sound of the phone interrupted his peace. He calmly picked it up and answered with a playful tone, knowing perfectly well who was on the other end of the line.
—Good evening, who might this young gentleman be speaking to?
—Greetings to you, master. It's me, Black —he announced firmly—. I'm calling to report that the infiltration plan was a complete success. We managed to eliminate the target and replace him with agent "Hakai to Sōzō." I will report any changes that occur so we can counterattack or infiltrate more agents according to our plans.
Izuku smiled, satisfied with the report.
—I'm glad to hear that, Black. I also have good news. All Might has considered me his successor, which is a great advantage for me to become the hero we've been hoping for.
Black did not respond quickly; it was clear that this news did not please him much.
—It's good to hear that, but, master... are you sure about going to U.A.? I know it's part of the plan, but if you remember well, that school has only produced hypocrites and fake heroes. Just a few hours ago we dismantled a human trafficking ring, and some heroes who studied at U.A. were involved. But well... "los pinches héroes fueron aniquilados." —he added in another language with obvious disgust. Was that Spanish?
—You're partly right, but I know those heroes are some graduates from more than 40 years ago. Not all the heroes from that school are trash. Also, thanks to our infiltrator at U.A., the institution was able to be reformed for our plans. A big step towards what we want to achieve— he said, then his tone softened and became more understanding — Also... remember this is not your home, you don't have to hold onto that hatred. You already have a family who cares about you. There's no need to keep dwelling on the past.
Black remained silent for a few seconds before sighing.
—Alright, master. I'll keep that in mind.
—Good. Keep me informed if there's any news or threat. If things get complicated, I'll be running at the speed of light to help you. We can't afford mistakes... not again.
—I'll keep that in mind, sensei. Well, I'll say goodbye. Have a good ni—
—GOODBYE, DARLING!! —suddenly interrupted a female voice full of excessive enthusiasm — I hope to see you soon to admire your greatness and...!
—SHUT UP, PERVERT, "HIJA DE PU..."!!! —Black tried to silence her angrily, but the call was cut off before he could finish his insult.
Izuku let out a laugh, setting the phone aside as he looked out the window.
—Ha ha ha, well... they never change. This is actually fun. Every step I take progresses acceptably. I just hope nothing gets out of control, since the circumstances have changed too much... —Izuku murmured to himself, watching the moon through the window. —But I don't have to worry, because if anyone dares to get in my way...
From the darkness behind him, a deep reddish tentacle slowly emerged, barely visible among the shadows. More than just an extension of his body, it seemed like a living creature with its own will. The grotesque limb slid silently through the air before descending toward the plate of food Izuku had left aside. Without making the slightest sound, the monstrous mouth at the tip of the tentacle opened and devoured the food in seconds, licking itself clean before retreating back into his body.
Izuku smiled, but there was a dark undertone in his expression.
—I will tear them apart... devour them... and make hell seem like paradise before the eyes of God himself. No one will ruin my fun.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the tension of the moment.
—Oni-chan... can I come in?
Izuku sighed and his expression softened instantly.
—Of course, little sister. This is your home anyway, right?
The door opened gently, revealing Izumi standing at the entrance in her green pajamas, matching her hair. Her eyes shone with a certain shyness as she approached him.
—Oni-chan... can I sleep next to you tonight?
Izuku raised an eyebrow, surprised, but smiled tenderly.
—Why do you say that, little sister? I think Mrs. Inko would get mad if she saw you sleeping with a "waste like me."
—YOU ARE NOT TRASH, ONI-CHAN!! You're someone who deserves respect, and I hope that someday this damn family finally understands that once and for all!
She barely finished speaking when she covered her mouth, knowing her brother didn't tolerate swearing.
—Watch your language, young lady. Seriously, why does no one have manners or education these days? And you're lucky Mrs. Inko is a heavy sleeper—I don't want to see her angry, she looks horrible when she is—Izuku joked, shaking his head. Then, with a calmer smile, he continued—And about your question… alright, Izumi. You can sleep here. But I'll sleep in the chair holding your hand. I don't want Mrs. Inko to punish you again. Remember what happened last time when she found out you slept with me. I'm surprised her quirk isn't her sense of smell. That woman really is a strange case.
Izuku watched his sister silently. The way she lowered her head, with pursed lips and tense shoulders, said it all. He didn't like what was happening at home. He didn't like the punishments he received. But what could he do? Their parents were the authority in that house, and he couldn't do much.
—Alright, oni-chan... —she finally murmured, with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Izuku didn't respond. He calmly got up and began changing the sheets and blankets on the bed, making sure everything was clean. When he finished, he nodded for her to lie down.
Izumi slipped under the covers without saying a word. Izuku sat beside her, on the old chair next to the bed, and gently took her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze to calm her. It was clear something was wrong.
—So tell me... why the sudden desire to sleep in my room?
He saw her hesitate. Her grip on his hand tightened. Her fingers trembled a little.
—It's just that... I dreamed you were no longer here. That Mom and Dad kicked you out of the house, leaving you to your fate. And then... I found you on the street... dead. Because no one helped you... and that scared me a lot... I panicked because you weren't with me, oni-chan... —her voice cracked and tears began to slide down her cheeks.
Izuku looked at her silently for a moment. It wasn't the first time he had a conversation like that with Izumi, but this time... this time he felt she was more desperate.
Then, with a smile full of tenderness, he squeezed her hand warmly and with his other hand gently stroked her head patiently, waiting for her to calm down.
—Oh, my sweet little sister... always thinking about such silly things —he whispered tenderly—. First, if they kicked me out of here, I'd find a home with the money I've saved from some jobs I've done, so you could visit me as much as you want. Second, your brother will never die. And if I do, I'll come back to life just to make sure you're happy. And third... no matter what happens, even if one day you come to hate me for some reason... I will always take care of you. Because you're my sweet little sister. And brothers take care of each other.
Izumi couldn't hold back anymore and clung tightly to his waist, hiding her face in his shirt. Izuku felt her body tremble against him; truly, he gave her a sense of security that couldn't be compared to anyone else.
—Oni-chan... thank you for being with me in this damn hell... —she whispered, clinging to him with her eyes closed.
Izuku smiled tenderly and gently stroked her head patiently, letting her calm down.
—Oh, my sweet little foul-mouthed sister... This isn't hell for me. It's heaven... because you're here.
Izuku remained silent, caressing his sister's hair until her breathing completely steadied. Slowly, the sobs faded and her body stopped trembling. She had fallen asleep, clutching his clothes as if she feared he might disappear at any moment. Izuku watched her for a few seconds before carefully laying her down on the bed, making sure she was well covered. Then, without making a sound, he leaned on the chair beside her and let out a soft sigh.
He lifted his gaze toward the window. The moonlight softly illuminated the room, filtering through the curtains. Everything seemed calm, yet his mind was anything but. He had long known that this world would not change on its own, that society was far less just than it appeared. He had learned this the hard way—experiencing firsthand what it meant to be at rock bottom, with no one to lend a hand.
History creates its own villains.
His thoughts darkened for a moment as he looked at his sister's peaceful face, but his smile remained.
"I will change this world... There is much to see and many changes to make. Because they will come... and they will see that chaos cannot be controlled without balance. Something... very entertaining to watch. And I eagerly wait for this to be very entertaining for me... Literato."
End of chapter 1