Age: 12
Two years passed by in a breeze. Natsu, Gray, and Shoto stood in front of Endeavor at his desk in his home office. A space he rarely used. The only time the boys were ever called in here was important news. Shoto was standing straight in front of the table. His uniform was pressed, tidy and perfect. His half red and half white hair was short and clean. Gray was standing next to him. He was holding onto his jacket, slowly untying his tie. He was staring at Endeavor lazily. His snow white hair had grown long over the months, falling to his neck. And lastly, Natsu, who was lazing on the couch with his feet up on the table, eyes half closed and chewing gum. He was attempting to blow a bubble. His jacket was on the floor by the door, his tie loosened and his sleeves rolled up. His fiery crimson hair was wild and untamed.
–
Endeavors stared at his three sons. He was proud of Shoto, who excelled in school and his training was coming along nicely. He was getting stronger by the day. There was no doubt he was the perfect heir. He would be the one who would be able to succeed him and finally surpass All Might. He looked at Haise. Haise also had good grades, and expressed his desire to become a hero. Endeavor had no reason to deny his request. He didn't care whether Haise wanted to be a hero or not. But since he wanted to, he would provide the resources needed. The rest was up to him. Finally, he stared at Yakuto, who wasn't even looking his way. His eyebrows twitched looking at his youngest son. He was so uncouth and undisciplined. No matter what Endeavor tried to do to fix his behavior, it somehow had no effect. Worse off, the amount of stress he caused him over the years turned some of his hair gray. He had also said he wanted to be a hero. He assumed the two boys were likely influenced by Shoto. He didn't see Natsu even passing the written exam. He sighed.
–
Natsu was already bored. Endeavor was probably talking about something.
"The three of you are approaching the end of your current school term. It's time we look ahead. There's an opportunity to enroll in Corusan Private Middle School, it has a rigorous curriculum, hero track aligned, top-tier reputation. I've already spoken to the administration."
Natsu perked up slightly. 'Hero track aligned??'
"Isn't that where third years already do mock internships?" Gray asked
"And I think Best Jeanist has a cousin there who teaches combat strategy as an elective." Shoto pointed out.
A wide grin formed on Natsu's face.
"Private school, huh? Bet they've got a huge cafeteria. Finally, a place with decent food. I'm in."
Endeavor's eyes narrowed as he looked at his youngest
"Haise and Shoto have been accepted, pending final placement exams. Their grades and extra extracurricular qualifications qualify them."
"Nice. So when do we start?" Natsu asked with a wide grin still on his face, ignoring that for some reason, his name wasn't mentioned.
Endeavor's demeanor did not change.
"You won't be attending here."
Natsu's smile froze and he stared at Endeavor blankly.
"What?! Why not!"
"Your academic performance has fallen consistently below expectations. You barely passed your last term. The school won't consider applicants below their threshold." Endeavor said with a sigh.
"Wait! You're telling me I'm too dumb for your fancy school?! That's crap! Who needs their stupid tests anyway?! And why the hell is that pervert able to get in?!" Natsu roared, pointing at Gray.
Gray approached Natsu and grabbed him by the shirt.
"Who the hell are you calling a pervert you-"
"Haise…" Endeavor groaned. "Put your damn clothes back on…"
Gray looked down at himself. He was completely naked, his clothes all on the floor.
"What the hell? When did that happen?!" He panicked and began grabbing the clothes on the ground.
As Gray scrambled to put his clothes on, Endeavor continued.
"Anyway, you're not getting into that middle school. Instead I've enrolled you in Aldera Junior High. It's a public school. If you still want to be a hero, make sure you pass here and take the entrance exam three years later.
Natsu just slumped in defeat. "Its totally unfair."
"How did you barely pass…" Gray mumbled
"It's alright Yakuto, you can join us in three years when we all attend UA." Shoto tried to encourage him.
Natsu just smiled. He was slightly disappointed, but it wasn't enough to completely bring him down.. "Yeah, I can do this!!"
–
The trio left the room. Rei was peeking in from the door. She had a slight frown on her face. She was trying to say something.
"Just say it." Endeavor urged. He already knew what she wanted to ask.
"This… I am sure Yakuto wanted to go as well, right? I am sure of your influence-" Rei mumbled.
"I tried, but it wasn't enough." Endeavor interrupted. The school is highly selective. Having Haise and Shoto alone was difficult. Thankfully, their grades were good. I talked to them, but they drew the line at the two. It's unfair, but it is how it is. If I push too much, it will negatively impact me and my agency. What do you want me to do, threaten them?" Endeavor grunted.
Rei remained silent. She felt bad for her youngest. He's probably down in the dumps. 'I'll make his favorite dinner.'
—
"Whooo! The Edgeshot trading card dropped. Let's go!" Natsu shouted as he ran out the door.
Shoto was stunned as he watched his brother merrily run out the door. He turned over. "Doesn't he feel down at all."
Gray sat down next to Shoto with a bowl of popcorn and a soda. "You should know by now right? He probably forgot about it the minute out the door. Leave him to his idiocy." He turned the TV on.
_________________________
Natsu slumped into the desk by the window, watching the morning sun spill across the chipped floors of Aldera Junior High. The classroom was mostly quiet as they listened to the teacher. Natsu wasn't really listening. He leaned his cheek on one fist, eyes flicking toward the empty seat beside him.
It wasn't a bad school. The teachers were okay, the food was decent, and there was enough space on campus for him to sneak in some light training. But the annoying part? Shoto and Gray weren't here. They were both in the expensive private school with state of the art learning tools and amazing food. He slumped back and groaned. He was about to drift off when a flying chalk stick hit him square in the forehead.
"I am sorry Mr.Todoroki, am I boring you?" The teacher said with an angry expression.
"No..." Natsu said as he wiped the chalk off his forehead.
"Great, then I am sure you can solve this equation for the class to see?" The teacher questioned.
"No…" Natsu sighed.
"Well, in that case, you'd be wise to pay attention, correct?"
"Yes…"
Some of the kids in the class chuckled. Classes were difficult and he was having a hard time paying attention. But he still began writing in his notebook, or at least tried to copy what was on the board to review later.
He had a goal now. He was going to pass. He had to pass. No way he was falling behind while Gray and Shoto trained with the best. He'd just have to take the long way around. Three more years. Then UA. He silently cried at the thought of 3 more years of this. He felt like his brain was already turning to ash.
The first few months were rough. Between trying to pay attention in class and getting lost in daydreams about fighting villains or finally punching Endeavor in the face, Natsu's grades weren't exactly thriving. That's when he finally had the sense to ask for help, so he knocked on Fuyumi's door.
–
Natsu stood in the hallway, bouncing slightly on his heels as he stared at Fuyumi's bedroom door. His backpack hung loosely from one shoulder, weighed down more by frustration than books. Middle school? It was different, and now, he was behind on his first week's assignments.
He raised his fist and knocked twice.
There was a pause, then Fuyumi's gentle voice called from inside. "Come in!"
He cracked the door open and peeked in. She was sitting at her desk grading some papers, glasses perched on her nose. "Hey… you busy?" he asked, stepping in awkwardly.
Fuyumi turned in her chair, blinking in surprise. "Yakuto?" She smiled warmly. "Not too busy. What's up?"
He hesitated, then plopped down on the edge of her bed with a groan. "I need help. Like… real help. With school."
Her eyes widened slightly in amusement. "You? Asking for help with school?" She stood and crossed her arms, a teasing smile on her face. "Alright, who are you and what have you done with my little brother?"
Natsu blushed. "C'mon, don't make it weird. I'm serious. I actually want to try this time. I just… don't get it. The teacher talks like I'm supposed to already know this stuff. But the words are confusing me."
Fuyumi's smile softened into something more sincere. "Well, it's a good thing I happen to love teaching." She pulled her chair over and sat across from him. "And it's even better that you finally came to me."
Natsu stared at her for a second, then grinned. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get all sappy. You're lucky I like you."
She rolled her eyes, reaching for his backpack. "Let's see what we're working with."
As she flipped through his notes, half doodles, half burnt edges she was stunned. "We've got a lot to cover."
It wasn't easy. Natsu groaned, flopped over dramatically, and tried everything short of lighting his homework on fire to escape. But Fuyumi never got mad. She never yelled. She just kept explaining things, changing her approach, drawing little comics to help him remember, and letting him take breaks when his focus slipped.
"I want to be a teacher," she told him one evening as they worked late. "I think students just need someone who doesn't give up on them."
Natsu blinked, genuinely surprised. "You're seriously good at this, y'know."
Fuyumi smiled. "Thanks. And you're not as hopeless as you think."
Eventually, it clicked. Bit by bit, he started understanding. Not everything, and definitely not quickly but enough.
–
A few months later
Natsu lazily stretched as the final bell rang, arms raised high above his head before flopping back down with a grunt. Chairs scraped across the floor as students bolted for the door, Natsu took his time, slowly stuffed all his things into his Red Edgeshot backpack.
As he slung his bag over one shoulder and made for the door, the teacher glanced up from his desk.
"Mr. Todoroki," the man called, voice less sharp than usual. "Despite your faux paus today based on your recent test scores, I can see you're making an effort. Well done."
Natsu blinked. He paused mid-step, then turned and gave a lopsided grin. "Thanks, teach."
The praise was small, but it landed heavier than expected. As he stepped outside, the sun hit his face, and he let out a sigh that was relaxed. It was Friday. No homework tonight, and a nice day off tomorrow. He finally had a phone now, too. He, Shoto, and Gray had all gotten theirs when they turned twelve. About time. It was an amazing device. He could talk with anyone, no matter where they were. It was like a communication lacrima but far more advanced. He could watch videos, play games and take photos.
He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. Messages in the triplet group chat were mostly nonsense, with a few all caps threats from Gray about stealing his bento. The family group chat was quieter, with Fuyumi's last message reminding everyone about dinner plans.
He yanked off his tie and stuffed it into his backpack, then pulled out a white scarf and wrapped it around his neck. It was soft, still his favorite. But it was getting a bit worn out. He had to get a new one soon.
He was debating whether to head straight home or wander the city for a while when he heard familiar footsteps pounding toward him.
"YAKUTO!"
He turned just in time to see Itsuki Shou, his spiky haired classmate with energy matching his own on a Friday, skidding to a stop beside him. Right behind him was a tall, lanky boy with an owl head and wide, blinking eyes.
"Yo!" Shou grinned. "Are you heading home to punch trees again or what?"
Natsu rolled his eyes. The one time they saw punching trees as part of his training and they assumed that was all he did. "Nah, not today. I feel like relaxing today."
The owl-headed boy gave a small, polite wave then immediately squinted as his feathers glowed faintly golden, his quirk accidentally activating again.
"Bro, you're glowing again," Natsu said, amused.
"Dang it," the owl boy muttered, blinking rapidly. "I forgot it goes off when I get excited."
"Why does it even do that?" Shou asked.
"I don't know, man! My parents said it's a stress response! Or joy. Or carbs. I might be photosensitive."
Natsu laughed. "You're a walking lightbulb."
Shou snorted. "Yeah. Lightbulb, your new hero name."
The owl-boy groaned. "Nooo. Don't start. Not again. I told you, call me Glowl!."
"Your hero name sucks, dude," Natsu smirked.
"Well then, let's see you come up with one."
Natsu tapped his chin, pretending to think hard. "How about... Owluminator?"
"I swear to Owl Jesus I will peck you."
Shou doubled over laughing, and Natsu finally relaxed, the tension of the week slipping off his shoulders.
Not with weird glowing owl people and idiots like Shou around.
"You wanna hit the arcade?" Shou asked, already bouncing on his heels. "They got that new rhythm game in. Plus, you owe me a rematch on the punching machine."
Natsu grinned, eyes lighting up. "Hell yeah, I'm in."
He pulled out his phone and quickly tapped a message to Rei:
(3:45 PM) The strongestTodoroki: Gonna be late. Arcade and food with friends. Don't wait up.
A message soon followed.
(3:46 PM) Mom: Don't stay out too late, be home before 9:30 PM
Natsu responded with a quick thumbs up and stuffed the phone back in his pocket.
Glowl, still glowing faintly around the edges, tilted his head. "Are we going straight there or food first? I skipped lunch for reasons."
Natsu's stomach growled right on cue. "Ramen first," he declared. "Then games."
The three of them hit a local ramen shop just a few blocks away, squeezing into a corner booth with bowls big enough to drown in. Steam wafted up as they tore into their food.
As Natsu slurped down a mouthful of noodles, he casually flicked his lighter under the table. A small flame danced to life. Without thinking, he leaned in and swallowed it like a noodle strand, letting out a satisfied sigh as the warmth spread through him.
Both Shou and Glowl froze mid-bite.
"Did… did you just eat fire?" Glowl asked, eyes wide and feathers flaring slightly.
Shou's jaw dropped, ramen hanging from his chopsticks. "Bro. You ate it."
Natsu blinked. "Yeah?"
"Like… not metaphorically. You literally inhaled it like a spaghetti noodle."
He shrugged. "It's part of my quirk. I gotta eat fire. I used to need it more often, but I've been working on my endurance. I can go days without it now. Did I never do it in front of you guys??"
"No!" Shou replied. " It's not something most people do. But I have seen this guy eat grass once when I was a kid. Maybe he was just getting bullied…" He sat down, feeling bad.
Glowl leaned in, fascinated. "That's wild. Is it like… a craving? Or do you get sick if you don't?"
"Both," Natsu said, grabbing more noodles. "If I don't get it for too long, I get dizzy and weak. And really cranky, and if it goes too long, I can die. Natsu responded.
Shou burst out laughing. "Okay, you officially have the coolest survival requirement ever. I need, like… fruit and hydration. You eat literal fire."
Natsu smirked.
They all laughed, finishing their food and tossing their trays before making their way to the arcade.
—-
The arcade lights flickered in the background as Natsu and his friends made their way out of the building. Natsu stuffed his prize tickets, most of them from the most successful skee ball streak he's ever had, into his backpack. He wanted to save the tickets for the edgeshot mask and scarf. He almost had enough.
"I think next time, I'll be able to grab the Edgeshot scarf." He declared with a cocky grin.
"I don't understand your fascination with edgeshot. All might is way cooler than him." Shou replied, throwing some popcorn kernels at him.
"No! Everyone knows that ninjas and dragons are the coolest!" Natsu shot back.
"How come I don't see you wearing Ryukyu merch? She's the dragon hero." Glowl argued back.
"There wasn't anything cool for Ryukyu in the Arcade or stores for casual wear. I do have posters though." Natsu replied.
The three of them stepped into the night air, the streets buzzing with distant traffic and city chatter. It was already 8:30 PM, and the air was finally cool. The trio walked shoulder to shoulder, trading jabs and showing off their prizes, and stuffing themselves with snacks.
Just another night.
—-----------------------------
The city was too quiet for Goto Imasuji's taste. He prowled the alleyways of Shizuoka every footstep echoing off the damp concrete. A ragged black hoodie hung off his broad shoulders, masking his grotesque form. A mask with narrow breathing holes covered his face, more to avoid attention than for protection.
"Tch..." He rolled a shoulder, stretching the stitched-together mess of muscle underneath. "No All Might. But I hear sometimes Endeavor is around. Perfect."
He cracked his knuckles like thunder. The urge to fight had been gnawing at his brain for days. He hasn't had a good fight in weeks now, the itch has grown worse. He needed blood. Screams. A real brawl.
Maybe if he killed enough people, Endeavor, or someone else would show up. Yes, that would be perfect.
That thought made him grin behind the mask. Yeah… Endeavor. The number two hero. Let's see what his fire's really made of. He was excited at the prospect of fighting a pro hero.
Then he heard it, laughing. Kids.
He saw the trio of kids turning the alley, unknowingly walking in his direction. He smiled under his mask. It was fate. The perfect sacrifices to summon the pro heroes.
"Guess you'll do."
—-
Natsu barely had time to think. He saw the strange guy with the hoodie and mask, but didn't really think much of it. This was a busy place and it was Friday night. However, he was suddenly disrupted from his thoughts.
Something heavy slammed into the pavement just yards in front of them. Dust and cracked asphalt kicked up like an explosion. The figure stood up slowly, broad, looming, and dangerous. The stranger didn't speak. He just rolled his neck, and his muscle fibers began to swell, writhing under the hoodie like serpents.
"What the hell?!" Glowl shouted, staggering back.
Natsu's eyes narrowed. Danger. Real danger. He stepped forward instinctively.
"RUN!" he barked.
"But-!"
"Go!" Natsu shoved them back. "Call the cops! Call heroes!"
They hesitated. Glowl started forward, but Itsuki grabbed him. He sensed something was wrong. Although he didn't want to run, he had to get help.
"Yakuto's faster than both of us. He'll get away. We have to get help."
Natsu didn't wait to hear the rest. He sprinted ahead, then suddenly cut left into a tight alley.
Muscular's grin widened.
"Clever boy."
Natsu wheeled around, breathing hard. The stranger burst into view like a freight train, crashing through a chain-link fence like it was paper.
"You got guts, kid. Luring me away to save your friends" He cracked his fists. "Let's see if they're worth squashing."
He lunged. Natsu ducked under the punch and countered, driving his foot into Muscular's gut.
Nothing. It was like hitting a wall
No, worse than nothing, The man barely even budged. When Natsu punched a wall, it would at least crack.
Natsu darted back, weaving between crates and debris, fists tight. He jumped, twisted, struck again. His training kicked in, and he landed clean punches, elbows, knees. But nothing did more than annoy the monster in front of him. He threw objects at him from nearby to distract him and use it to his advantage, but nothing.
The hooded man chuckled.
"You're not bad. For a brat." He said as he charged forward.
Another punch came, and Natsu barely blocked it. His arm screamed in pain. The force of the blow sent him skidding across the alley.
Natsu coughed, dazed. His knuckles were bleeding, and his breathing had gone ragged.
Damn it. What am I doing? Am I this weak?
Another crash. A dumpster flew past his head. The stranger was coming again. Something in Natsu snapped.
He stood, blood dripping from his knuckles. His eyes glowed faintly gold in the darkness.
"Guess I needed a reminder," he whispered. I've been avoiding using my quirk because I am scared of getting caught? Since when was I scared to act? I never gave a shit about getting caught before! Screw the rules!! My Friends! If I fall here, he will go after my friends!
The air warped around him. Flames spiraled up from his body, glowing red-hot. Flames licked at his shoulders like a cloak reawakening from slumber.
The hooded man paused, intrigued.
"Oh?" he chuckled. "You've got guts."
Natsu grinned savagely as the fire danced around his body. His flames flared around him, setting the nearby trash alight. He raises his fists.
"I'M GETTING FIRED UP."