[This! Book! Has! Fallen! Into! A! Slump! I! Don't! Like! It! Chapters! Haven't! Done! As! Good! As! Past! Ones! And! I! Haven't! Been! Able! To! Update! Weekly! To! The! Point! This! And! That! Has! Happened! Revolving! Around! This! Book! And! Others! That! Is! Why! Today! I'm! Going! To! Be! Angry! Steve! And! Use! My! Aggression! To! Bring! You! All! An! Angrily! Good! Chapter!]
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[3rd Person POV]
The sound of cars and faint voices filled the background of Shinkensan City Distroct as (Y/n) found himself walking along the sidewalk. He was still on his journey toward the location where this Gran Torino guy was located. Thankfully, after dealing with a bunch of leftover texts from an eager Mirko, (Y/n) was finally able to find some peace from the constant inquiring about when he'd be arriving to meet up with the aforementioned Rabbit Hero later that night for training.
But with that now out of the way, it meant he was free to finally speak to someone he had been waiting to speak to ever since he arrived at Shinkensan, and that was his girlfriend, Uraraka. The voice of the young girl echoed over the phone as (Y/n) continued to make his way through the busy sidewalk.
"Yeah, I'm doing okay here. Gunhead is a pretty tough teacher. But his fighting style is really starting to pay off. Before long I'll be kicking and punching everyone like there's no tomorrow!"
Even with only being able to hear her voice, (Y/n) knew Uraraka was grinning on the other side of the call. It was enough to make him grin himself as he replied.
(Y/n): "Haha. Yeah? Well, I'm sure Bakugo would be happy to hear that. Though, if you ask me, I still sometimes struggle to imagine you actually getting into a fist fight with someone."
"What's that supposed to mean? You don't think I can punch anyone?"
And just like that, (Y/n) got a wave of chills down his spine, as if Uraraka was standing right behind him with a terrifying glare that stabbed him right in the back of his head.
(Y/n): "No! No! No! I'm not saying you can't! Not at all! I-I'm just saying I find it hard to see someone so loveable and goofy like you wanting to actively punch someone is all."
"...O-Oh."
A brief silence came from Uraraka. That was until a cough echoed from the other side of the call, seconds later, Uraraka's voice rapidly began speaking.
"Y-Yeah, well, I'll have you know, (Y/n), I'm not just some loveable goofball. I-I'm actually a trained fighter right now. Yep. Best believe it. Gunhead said I've got a lot of potential in fighting criminals hand to hand."
(Y/n): [Grins] "Oh, yeah? Well, I'm very happy for you, Uraraka. Maybe when you get back you'll have to show me what you've got."
"Ha! You wanna fight me? Y-You'll lose...Ya big nerd!"
(Y/n): "Big nerd?"
The words came out as nothing but a mutter, mainly due to (Y/n) trying to figure out if he just heard his nervous girlfriend right. However, due to nothing but a phone screen being between them, Uraraka was unsure of her boyfriend's reaction. And seeing as they had only just started dating, and were still a little uncomfortable around each other involving love and relationship stuff, it was better to be safe and cautious.
"...I'm sorry, (Y/n), when I get nervous I kinda turn into this other person who just blurts out random stuff whilst screaming."
(Y/n): "Oh! You mean your 'Bakugo Mode'?"
"...Bakugo...Mode?"
(Y/n): "Yeah, you know, like that time it was you and me versing Iida and Kaito at school in All Might's class. You starting shouting 'Nerd' all the time?"
"...Um...I think so?"
She did. She most definitely did.
(Y/n): "Yeah, well, since then, Bakugo and I have referred to that as your 'Bakugo mode' I notice you get that way whenever you get frustrated. Hehe~"
"H-Hey! It's not funny, (Y/n)! I'm just--"
(Y/n): "Honestly, it's really cute when you scream and act like that. I remember I had a hard time concentrating with how adorable I thought you were when you were fighting Bakugo in the Sports Festival."
For the second time within as many minutes, Uraraka had gone completely silent. Once more, it was due to the words (Y/n) chose to say. Now, whilst the pair had only just started dating, which led Uraraka to feel slightly nervous whenever (Y/n) and her would do anything that a... couple... would do. That didn't take anything away from how she had felt for him so long now.
So when he'd call her 'adorable' or 'cute'; there was little she could do from adverting her mind to go into a complete girlish manner. Especially one where it felt like steam crept out her ears as her face heated up with red colouring. All because her boyfriend decided to act sweet and compliment her. In the end, Uraraka was only just able to pull herself back to reality as (Y/n)'s voice echoed on the other side of the call.
(Y/n): "Uraraka...? Uraraka?"
"H-Huh? Yes? Yes! I-I'm here...Sorry. I was, um--" [Coughs] "--I was just thinking of something."
(Y/n): "Oh. Okay."
"Um...A-Anyway! What's up with you? How's it been working under Mirko?"
(Y/n): "It's been alright, I guess. She likes to train a lot!"
That got a noticeable chuckle from his girlfriend.
(Y/n): "Like, a lot a lot! And she likes it a particular way. In a particular place."
"O-Oh..."
(Y/n): "And if I don't do it at the right tempo, with enough force, she'll say I'm pulling out too early with my attacks."
"...Is that so?"
(Y/n): "Yeah. But it's not too bad, I guess. I've got a lot of stamina so I can last awhile."
"...Oh...I'm sure you...do."
It was at this particular point that (Y/n) began to pick up on Uraraka's odd replies. Thankfully, it only took a few seconds before his eyes widened in shock, realizing what his previous words had just sounded like.
(Y/n): "Uraraka! I'm so sorry!" [Madly blushes] "I, um, I-I can hear how that sounds and...I didn't mean--I've just been up really late lately because of Mirko's training and I--" [Sighs] "...I'm an idiot, I'm sorry."
(Y/n)'s voice freely spoke through the phone once more, no response came straight away. Now, whilst up to this moment Uraraka's face had been moulded into a mixture of red embarrassment out of hearing the words her boyfriend was saying, Uraraka soon found that embarrassment soothing ever so slightly at hearing his last sentence. It was with those five words that reminded Uraraka that no matter how strong (Y/n) was, he was still a teenager at heart. One who had no social life growing up and who still had trouble talking to girls. But instead of looking at him in a different light because of such, she couldn't help but smile softly.
This was the side of her boyfriend that made Uraraka realize that (Y/n) really did think she was cute, and that he really did care about her. Because he wouldn't share this side of himself with just anyone. Only those he felt really close to, like Bakugo. And whereas Bakugo had the title of (Y/n)'s best friend, Uraraka was his girlfriend. And whilst their relationship was still awkward and in its opening stages, it was moments like this that made Uraraka really happy to see that whatever they did have, it was growing in the right direction. And it was because of that, that Uraraka found it in herself to do nothing but smile into the phone screen.
"What are you talking about, (Y/n)? Why are you calling yourself an idiot? You were just telling me about how Mirko is driving you hard at training...Right?"
(Y/n): "Um...Yeah. Yeah. Exactly! Haha..." [Thoughts] "Damn it. The way Mirko acts is really rubbing off on me. I'm just glad I didn't give Uraraka the wrong idea. Because I'd hate her to think anything bad, especially with how she makes me feel whenever I hear her voice. Or see her. Or think about her..."
As his thoughts continued, (Y/n) couldn't help but smile softly to himself, and it was a smile that remained as (Y/n) spun a corner and reached the street that Gran Torino's house was apparently located. Nothing more than a hundred steps separated (Y/n) from meeting the old friend of All Might.
"So what are you doing now?"
(Y/n): "Nothing much. Just going to meet someone whilst I'm in Shinkansen."
"Meet someone? That's cool. Who, uh...Who are you meeting?"
(Y/n): "Oh, just um..." [Thoughts] "Crap. I can't tell her I'm closer with All Might than they already think. But I don't wanna lie to Uraraka..." [Through Phone] "Just an old friend that Mom knows. Yeah! She wanted me to go say hi to him."
"Oh...Okay! Well, I'll let you get back to it then. Gunhead's training is about to start anyway. I'll talk to you later?"
One confirmation later and (Y/n) hung up his phone, placing it back into his pocket. It was as he did so that he glanced down at his left hand, one which currently held onto his U.A. suitcase. It was within this metal box that his Hero Uniform was located. It was as he stared at it, he wondered what exactly meeting Gran Torino would hold for him. Thankfully, (Y/n) wouldn't have to just think about it for long, as the next thing he found himself standing in front of an old, seemingly rundown, four-story building.
Going alongside the rundown exterior was withered bricks that made up the building, broken metal railings on the roof, a foray of metal black and yellow caution fences positioned around the side and front of the building. Honestly, (Y/n) would have thought he was in the wrong place if it wasn't for the note in his hand. A note which All Might had used to write down the address for his old friend, Gran Torino.
He was the man All Might wanted to meet (Y/n) in hopes of helping him progress more with One For All. However, even with (Y/n) being ninety per cent sure that this was indeed the right address written down, he still found himself glancing down at the slip of paper in his hand. And sure enough, upon doing so, the numbers matched with what (Y/n) saw in front of him. After such was confirmed, the young boy lifted his head once again, this time to ask another question.
(Y/n): "So Gran Torino lives here, huh? I've never heard of him before. But if All Might knows him, I'd guess he'd be pretty strong. Maybe too strong going off the vibes I was getting from All Might when he was talking about this guy."
A mere mention of such a scene was enough to remind (Y/n) of the presumed fear the Number One Hero had plastered across his face when he first told (Y/n) about Gran Torino. The memory alone was enough to bring about a raised eyebrow from (Y/n), but he couldn't just go off of the unknown for long. Sooner or later he'd have to meet this person. And that moment of coming face to face with some from All Might's past was quickly approaching. All it took was a single lift of (Y/n)'s enclosed fist.
A fist that was prone to begin knocking on the door before him, and his heroic life would be taken into the next step. That was, until his hand suddenly froze in place. For just as (Y/n) was about to begin knocking, out from the corner of his eye, he noticed something odd. And that odd thing was the fact the hinge of the door was not placed into position properly. In a sense, the door was left a little bit opened. Far enough before the lock on it could even connect with the other door opposite it. But it was small enough to the point (Y/n) only noticed it now.
But now that he had, he couldn't remove the image from his mind. It was this thought that led to another, that (Y/n) eventually lowered his hand, one which was previously ready to knock, and instead positioned it to slowly open the door. After all, it was not locked, so he decided a simple call for attention was all it'd take before he could open the door in front of him. So, that's what he did. Slowly, (Y/n) opened the door, sticking his head into the dark void within, the light from outside slowly giving him a sight to see, as he called out into the unknown.
(Y/n): "Um...Hello? I'm here from U.A. High; I'm (Y/n) Midori...ya...?"
The final part of his name was left to sound more like a question instead of anything else. But the curious sense in (Y/n)'s words was not because of the normal type of confusion. But a twisted, sudden surge of such a feeling. One that (Y/n) was suddenly given a truckload of when through the process of opening the front door, one which allows more light to come into the room, brought along a clear view at the floor in front of him.
At first, all seemed normal...Until (Y/n)'s eyes noticed a dark red colouring spread out across the floor. The sight alone reminded him of one thing, or more accurately, one moment. The tender red color, like blood splattered along the ground. It was the same sight as that night Izuku lost his life. (Y/n) remembered the image vividly. The image of his brother's dead body lying on the ground, surrounded by a pool of blood.
What set the image ablaze within his mind, however, was when (Y/n) noticed within this pool of the dark red before him, a hand glad in a yellow glove could be seen. Motionless. Without life. The only hint of the lifeless body that lay amongst the red. All (Y/n) could do was stand there, his hand doing all it could to open the door further, as it did, in return, the body of Gran Torino, one surrounded by blood on the floor...could be seen for (Y/n)'s eyes to take in.
-Elsewhere Within Tokyo--
It was as (Y/n) found this harrowing discovery, however, that within an unknown location within Tokyo's city, at a place that seemed to be positioned as a type of bar, a thorn that had unknowingly been growing at (Y/n)'s side ever since his attack at USJ could be seen taking his first moves from the shadows. That person, of course, was Tomura Shigaraki. And alongside this young man with a withered hand covering his face, was Kurogiri, the shadowy being able to create portals, who was once more decked in a suit.
It was because of Kurogiri's teleportation quirk that he was able to get Shigaraki out of danger when he last faced off with (Y/n). But it was also because of Kurogiri's quirk, that Shigaraki now stood before the person he believed could help him get revenge of the hero who had stopped his plans up to this point. And that person he believed could help...was none other than Hero Killer Stain. But going off how Stain eyed the boy positioned at the bar in front of him, it appeared like things were not going to go down as smoothly as Shigaraki may have hoped.
Shigaraki: "I already told you, Mr. Hero Killer, we don't plan on fighting you. So you can put the swords away."
Stain still seemed sceptical, despite the deranged look on his face. But instead of putting his weapons away, he just tilted his head slightly.
Stain: "So you're the guys who attacked U.A.; and now what? You want to add me to your numbers?"
Shigaraki: "Yeah. Come on, you've got so much more experience as a villain, sir."
Stain: "What are you after?"
Shigaraki: "For now, all I want is to kill All Might. I want to break everything I don't like. Oh! And I wanna crush damn kids like this brat..."
At that very moment, Shigaraki placed a set of photos onto the bar bench to his side. It was close enough where Stain could see them as well. All it took was a slight lean of his head for Stain's gaze to land on the photos. But out of the half dozen placed down, there was one in the centre that caught his attention. The photo was of (Y/n), decked in his terrifying hero suit. His glowing green ones, one that brought even a sudden chill to Stain's body, if only for a second, didn't go unnoticed. So much so it brought a sense of curiosity in the mind of the hero killer.
Stain: "You sure that one in the middle is a kid? Or a hero at that? His looks don't say that."
Shigaraki: "Oh, but his actions do."
Stain: "How so?"
Shigaraki: "He's a student from U.A., he was there when I attacked the place. But whereas other students stayed back...He stepped forward without any fear."
Instantly, Stain's head lifted from the photo to look at Shigaraki.
Shigaraki: "Ha! The kid thought he was the main character or something. Even threatened to kill me if I came face to face with him again. I told him that wasn't very hero-like, but he--"
Shigaraki was suddenly silenced, however, when before he could even finish speaking, Stain had turned around and went to leave the room. This caused Kurogiri to glance down at Shigaraki, who just stared at the back of Stain's head in confusion.
Shigaraki: "You're not going to hear more of what I have to say?"
Stain: [Still leaving] "I've heard enough. I was foolish to come here. You're the type of people I hate most."
Shigaraki: "Huh?"
Stain: [Still leaving] "You want me to go along with your childish tantrum? There's no means in killing without conviction. I'd kill you right now...But you've raised my interest in something else."
Shigaraki: "And what would that be?"
The words of Shigaraki fell into the air. A few seconds later, Stain's movements came to a stop. His head slowly turning around. But before he said anything, out of nowhere he flung his right hand through the air. As he was in the process of moving his arm, he grabbed a dagger from the holster on the side of his body, and flung it outward. The sharp blade spliced the air in half before finding its target in the photo of (Y/n). Shigaraki was only given a second to notice this before Stain spoke once more.
Stain: "...The future state of what it means to call oneself a hero."
That was all he had to say before turning around and leaving once more. This time, Stain stopped for nothing. Once the sound of a door closing shut echoed in the distance, Shiagraki showed the anger he held inside by clenching his fist and slamming it onto the bar bench. He was fortunate to not activate his Quirk, but even so, that did little to stop the rage from coming out into the world. As this happened, Kurogiri just stared at the spot Stain once was.
Kurogiri: [Thoughts] "Hero Killer: Stain... The man brought in to spur Tomura Shigaraki's growth, since he cares only about destruction... But what could have just happened..."
Thankfully, the darkest outcomes were left a mystery that only the mind could think up of, as silence filled the hidden hideout of Shigaraki and those that followed under him. But as for what not intrigued Stain was left beyond the concepts of one's mind. At last, only time would seemingly tell what the go was. But whereas mystery surrounded the villains side of things, over on the Anti-Hero front, (Y/n) found a wave of confusion flooding through this own system, as he now stood in the home of Gran Torino. More precisely, the kitchen of Gran Torino. One located on the first floor of the building.
(Y/n) had only been here for about five minutes now, and in that time he had already thought the hero had died twice. The first being when (Y/n) first stepped inside, to find the aforementioned hero lying on the ground covered in what he thought was blood. Only to find out seconds later, due to a groan, and movement from the body, that Gran Torino had simply fallen over and spilt kitchen onto the ground. The second was when (Y/n) went to help him toward the kitchen to clean his hands, when out of nowhere Gran Torino dropped to the ground. But just like before, he wasn't dead, simply having fallen to sleep mid-walk.
Which was something (Y/n) didn't think was possible, yet seemingly was. Now, he found himself standing awkwardly in the centre of the kitchen as the three-foot-something elderly Gran Torino went about washing the ketchup off his hands. It was as he did so that (Y/n) took in the sight of the old friend of All Might. Now, when (Y/n) first heard 'old' friend, he thought All Might meant they hadn't spoken in years. But no. He literally meant old. Like old, old. Gran Torino seemed to be in his late seventies at the youngest. Definitely not what (Y/n) was expecting. And definitely not who (Y/n) would think would be able to help him in progressing with One For All.
Gran Torino: "Man... You gave me quite the startle calling out to me earlier, so much so I fell and dropped my lunch." [Shakes heads and mutters] "Damn ketchup and sausages...They really make a mess, huh?"
An elderly laugh escaped his mouth as he continued to wash his hands, all the while (Y/n) offered the tiny Gran Torino a look up and down. He didn't know what was odder. The fact he actually looked dead when he opened the door to see all the ketchup on the floor and his hands, or the fact that Gran Torino walked around his home dressed in his old yellow hero suit? Either way, it made (Y/n) second guess about coming here now.
(Y/n): "Um...Yeah. I'm sorry to have scared you in anyway, sir. I-I, um..."
Gran Torino: "Oh. Oh, It's fine, Young Man. Now..." [Slowly turns around and looks at you] "...Who are you?"
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Did he forget? Or is he asking?" [Out Loud] "I'm, uh... I'm (Y/n) Midoriya. I'm from U.A.!"
A brief moment of silence followed as Gran Torino's tiny body shivered. It was only thanks to the wooden walking stick that he could stand. Standing there and just...Looking at (Y/n).
Gran Torino: "...What?"
(Y/n): "I'm (Y--"
Gran Torino: [Louder] "What?!"
(Y/n): "I'm (Y/n) Midoriya!!"
Gran Torino: "Oh! Oh!" [Smiles softly] "...Who are you?"
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "...I miss Mirko's training already."
That was the thought (Y/n) carried as he awkwardly smiled down at the Senile old man standing before him. Countless thoughts filled his mind. From questioning whether or not this was really All Might's teacher. To the surprising age of the old man. To just how tiny he was. However, he was suddenly brought from his thoughts when Gran Torino suddenly dropped to his ass on the ground. Shocking (Y/n) in the process. Quickly he placed his suitcase with his uniform on the ground and went to step toward Gran Torino.
Gran Torino: "Ah!"
(Y/n): "Gah! Are you alr--"
Gran Torino: "I'm hungry."
(Y/n): "Wha-What? You wanna eat right no--"
Gran Torino: [Stares at you] "Toshinori!"
(Y/n): "That's not me! I told you, I'm (Y/n) Mido--"
He was about to continue his words when (Y/n) decided to cut himself short. As he did, he slowly reached into his pocket as he smiled the best he could toward Gran Torino.
(Y/n): "Um, would you excuse me for a moment? I'm just going to make a call to someone..."
His smile was quick to drop, however, once (Y/n) spun around and stepped out the front door. Unfortunately, before he could even put in All Might's contact information to call him, his focus was abruptly placed back onto Gran Torino when (Y/n) glanced over his head to see the aforementioned elderly hero looking through his U.A. suitcase. The folded form of his suit and mask could be seen, with Gran Torino's hands fiddling around the place. And with (Y/n) not wanting him to accidentally ruin his uniform, he quickly went to resolve the problem.
(Y/n): "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Um, hold on a second, sir. I don't really know if you should be--"
Gran Torino: "--Fire off a One For All at me."
(Y/n): [Chuckles awkwardly] "Okay, sir, I really think--Wait... What did you just say?"
Gran Torino: "I wanna know how well you can handle it."
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "...Handle...It...?"
Confusion now marked (Y/n)'s face. Not only from the words that were just spoken to him, but mainly due to how Gran Torino had seemingly switched out from a dazed old man, to someone with complete control of his thoughts and actions. It only added to the strange factor as he continued searching through (Y/n)'s U.A. suitcase.
Gran Torino: "This a good costume you've got. A little scary looking, but I guess that makes sense due to your original Quirk...I want you to wear it and fire away!"
(Y/n): "Um...Sir? What are you talking about? Before you were just..."
Gran Torino: "Just what, son?" [Turns to you and smiles] "...Who are you?"
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "HE'S NOT SERIOUS, RIGHT?!"
Unfortunately, (Y/n) never got an answer to that question. But in the end, he didn't need one to make a choice. Only a few seconds of silenced had passed by as Gran Torino continued to glance through (Y/n)'s U.A. suitcase. But as he looked over (Y/n)'s hero outfit, the aforementioned young boy found a surge of anger beginning to course through his body. A surge of anger that eventually reached its limit as the tight embrace of (Y/n)'s right hand formed into a fist.
(Y/n): "...I don't have time for this."
Gran Torino: "Huh?"
The sound escaped the elderly hero's mouth as he turned to look at (Y/n), in doing so, he was greeted by a serious look. One no kid should really carry at such an age.
[Your POV]
When I first heard from All Might that he wanted me to come meet his old teacher, I didn't really want to do it in the first place. After all, I saw it as being rather pointless. But after everything All Might has done for me, and the admirable closeness I've come to share with him since Accepting One For All, I decided to put aside my selfish nature to do it nonetheless. However, now that I stand in the presence of this old...geezer, I realized I made a mistake.
I didn't come to this city to waste my time. I came here for an internship, all because I need one of those to progress further in school. A school I need to attend to be accepted as a hero by the public and keep my promise to Izuku without having to deal about heroes coming to chase me down for operating without a license. But this right now...Me being here...I don't need it... So it's about time I get back to the things that matter.
(Y/n): [To Gran Torino] "I came to see you today because All Might asked me to. He said you wanted to help me progress further with One For All. But now I realize you're just here to waste my time..."
The anger inside only continued to grow as Gran Torino tilted his head whilst still smiling at me. It was enough to send me over the edge. But instead of sending a foray of punches his way, I simply kept my thoughts within and proceeded to turn around. I was only able to take a few steps toward the exit of the building before a voice from behind called out.
"A waste of time, huh? You really think that's what this is?"
(Y/n): [Turns around] "Huh?"
Gran Torino: "Well then, in that case..."
Dropping his smile and taking a moment to stare at me, Gran Torino hesitated not much more before he proceeded to crouch down toward the ground as low as he could go. At first, I was confused. But that confusion soon shifted to shock when out of nowhere Gran Torino launched off the ground with all his might and ricocheted towards the roof of the first-floor kitchen. But he didn't just stop there.
As soon as his feet touched the roof, he quickly launched to the other side of the kitchen. His speed was unmatched by nothing I had seen before. I even questioned whether my Fear Second power-up was as quick as Gran Torino was right now. I was given more indication of that when Gran Torino moved again. A trio of dashes and jumps followed swiftly. All before he suddenly came launching right toward me. On instinct I quickly raised my fists, ready for an attack.
But instead of striking in any way, Gran Torino showcased his full control over his movements by effortlessly travelling between my legs like it was nothing. What made it even more impressive was by the time I swung my head around to catch another glimpse of him, he was no longer on the ground. Instead, he was positioned on the part of the roof just above the doorway entrance, a small crator formed in that particular area of the ceiling where his body now rested.
Gran Torino: [Smirks] "If I truly am wasting your time right now, kid... Isn't that even more of a reason for you to give me a taste of One For All? You zygote!"
It was safe to say...that in this moment...I had no fucking clue what was going on. All I could do was look up at Gran Torino, still perched in the wall, left there solely due to the strength in his arms and legs, as the shock on my face continued to grow. But Gran Torino, he took the moment to truly put me in my place.
Gran Torino: "After I heard from Toshinori that he had chosen a new successor for One For All, I was intrigued instantly. I wanted to see who exactly that fool decided to give something so special to in such a time like the one we live in now. So when I heard his successor would be taking part in the U.A. Sports Festival, I knew I had to watch it..."
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Wait. He's been watching me since then?"
Gran Torino: "And when I saw you go through all the games, I'll admit...You've got potential. The raw aggression your original quirk gives you, and the way you mold it to the anger you carry inside is quite impressive. The fact you were able to single-handedly avoid an attack from everyone else during the Cavalry Battle is enough proof of that."
(Y/n): "Um...Tha--"
Gran Torino: "But it's your lack of use for One For All that pisses me the hell off!"
(Y/n): "Wha--"
Gran Torino: "You barely used it! You're so prone to just using your original Quirk that you seem to forget you even have One For All at your disposal! The amount of disrespect you show it is beyond me! It makes me question what Toshinori was smoking when he gave you the power!"
(Y/n): "But I--"
Gran Torino: "But nothing! Do you know nothing about the prestige that comes with carrying One For All! That power has helped so many! Saved so many! And seeing you use it to wipe your ass is something All Might's Predecessor would never want to witness from anyone! You zygote!" [Sighs] "...That's why I asked All Might to send you to me. So I can truly teach you what it means to have One For All as a chosen Quirk! Now put your costume on and show me what you can do!"
As Gran Torino's sentence came to an end, for a good thirty seconds I could only just stand there. Sure, I had witnessed old people yell before. But there was something by the passion in Gran Torino's words that really stuck out to me. It made me think back to the Sports Festival, and how I truly never really used One For All. I had grown so used to using Nightmare my entire life, that even when I used One For All, it was more so as a back-up.
And whilst I had no problem with any of this, as long as it meant keeping my promise to Izuku, I couldn't help but feel the pain that was hidden behind Gran Torino's words as he spoke. There was enough of it that I felt that ten minutes later I found myself still standing in the kitchen of the retired hero. Though, unlike before, I now wore my hero costume. Everything but the mask over my head was on display as I stared down at the disgruntled old man before me.
Gran Torino: [Glances up and down] "Hmm...Your suit really reflects your inner character, huh? No other One For All user ever chose something so...Unhero-like before."
(Y/n): "Wait. Other user? What do you mean? All Might's old predecessor?"
Gran Torino: "Ha! You really think she was the first to have One For All?"
(Y/n): "Um...Yeah? I mean, all All Might has told me is he got One For All from her and--"
Gran Torino: "And that's all he told you? Ha! Why am I not surprised that kid has only told you that much so far!"
A disapproving shake of his head followed from Gran Torino upon saying that. It left me wondering what else I needed to know. But before I could ask anything, Gran Torino decided to get right into the lesson.
Gran Torino: "Now then, enough talking! From this point on, I want you to try and hit me with One For All! But only One For All, none of this other Quirk. Understood?"
(Y/n): "Yeah."
Gran Torino: "Good..." [Grins] "In that case..."
(Y/n): "W-Wait. Can we really do it in here? I mean, this is your kitchen and--"
Gran Torino: "HYAH!"
I wasn't even given enough time to think before the scream escaped Gran Torino's mouth. It came quick and loud as he launched off his feet. But instead of shooting to the roof, like he did earlier, Gran Torino wasted no time in sending a powerful kick right to my gut. The pain of his foot digging into my stomach was easy to be felt, and brought about enough attention to my mind that as I was forced over, I could barely breathe properly. However, Gran Torino seemed to care very little about how much pain I was in.
Because even as I still remained hunched over he proceeded to dig his foot further into my stomach, allowing him enough force to launch backward. Through water-filled eyes, I watched as Gran Torino's blurry body launched from one wall to another. All happening in the blink of an eye. As for me, I could only stumble forward, gradually waving my arms around, all thanks to the pain that still coursed through my body. Of course, even when I started to regain my strength, Gran Torino looked to keep me on the low.
Doing so by every few seconds he'd ricochet from one part of the roof to slam into my body with a powerful force. Whether it be a kick, punch, or anything in between. Gran Torino's body was used as a weapon itself, one that was going so quickly that I was shoved left and right, unable to do anything about it due to how quick he was. But eventually, the knocks and jabs from the elderly hero became too much. The rage inside growing until I could finally release it. And I went about doing so by slamming my fist into the ground and activated Fear Second. Instantly green fog began forming from my body, when out of nowhere...
Gran Torino: "Oh, no, you don't. You want to fight back, use One For All only!"
He called out whilst perched atop the fridge in the kitchen. Something I found out as I spun around. When my eyes finally landed on his own, I relinquished Fear Second, and ceased the fog that was growing from my body. Instead, I did as Gran Torino wanted and activated One For All in my right hand. One which I quickly formed into a fist as I launched off the ground without hesitation, heading straight for Gran Torino's position. The sight seemed enough to make him grin, but when I went to pull my fist back, the retired hero had disappeared from his position in the blink of an eye.
(Y/n): "What the--"
Gran Torino: "Not fast enough, kid!"
The voice of Gran Torino was the only warning I got before he appeared right behind me. I wasn't even able to turn my head before he delivered a powerful kick to my back, causing the force of my previous jump to quicken. I was going so fast at this point that I wasn't able to stop myself from smashing into the edge of Gran Torino's kitchen fridge.
CRASH!
That loud bang was soon followed by sharp groans, one that came straight from my mouth as my body rolled over into my back. As I did so, my eyes glanced at the large dint that now found itself in the side of the fridge that remained fairly unharmed other than that. However, I wasn't given a lot of time to take anything else in before my head slowly rose as Gran Torino landed at my feet.
Gran Torino: "You're using One For All like it's any other quirk. Keep going like that and you'll get yourself killed, kid."
(Y/n): "That's why I use my own quirk more! I'm used to it, I only use One For All as a backup when I--"
Gran Torino: "And that's where you're going wrong! What happens if you can't use your original Quirk anymore?!"
(Y/n): "H-Huh? Why wouldn't I be--"
Gran Torino: [Sighs] "...Look. If you continue to go down this path of being a hero, you'll eventually come across villains that are stronger than you are now. Villains that are relentless. Villain that will use and take your power for themself."
(Y/n): "...There are villains like that?"
Gran Torino: "Of course there is! There are villains for everything! And when those villains see just how powerful your original Quirk is, they'll do whatever they can to take it from you. That's why...That's why you need to know how to use One For All properly. Don't just treat it like a backup! Because if you disrespect One For All...Then what is the point of having it?"
Once more, Gran Torino's question stuck out like a sore thumb within my head. And with our fight seemingly coming to a pause, I didn't hesitate to slowly pick my body up as I looked at him directly.
(Y/n): "But if I have both Quirks, why I can't I use my original here? Wouldn't that help me beat you?"
Gran Torino: "It probably would, yes. But you can't just rely on using your original Quirk. If you do that, you'll become lazy with One For All. So when a time comes where you can only use One For All, you'll be left stumped because you never took the time to properly use it. That's why I'm having you use only One For All now."
(Y/n): [Sighs] "I don't really see a point in my life where something like that will happen, but...sure. If it gets me out of this quicker. Fine."
Such was spoken as I outright picked my body up from the ground and stood once more. The pain of colliding with the fridge was still present in my back and ribs, but I pushed through the pain as I took a battle stance in front of Gran Torino. As I stood there, One For All was activated in both of my hands, enough to make Gran Torino grin once more.
Gran Torino: "Well, at least you don't complain a bunch like others. So I guess that's something you've got going for you."
A simple grin was all Gran Torino offered before he suddenly launched off the ground yet again. And just like before, he headed straight for me. This time around, however, I was prepared for it. So with One For All rearing to go in both hands, I was able to quickly block the first few quick strikes from Gran Torino's feet. The powerful attacks seemed to nullify upon making contact with my fists, One For All doing its job to enhance my strength. However, as I'd soon come to know, simply blocking the attacks wouldn't be enough. For with each strike that I blocked with my hands, the force in which Gran Torino was kicking me with was still enough to send me moving backwards ever so slowly.
It continued like this for about a minute, until Gran Torino had pushed me far enough that my back now brushed up against the edge of the kitchen bench. It was this sudden feeling of being blocked off that caught me off guard for just a moment. But it was in that moment that Gran Torino picked up his speed. In a thunderous blur, Gran Torino dropped to the ground before ricocheting upwards. It was as he travelled into the air, towards the roof, that a powerful uppercut was delivered right to the bottom of my jaw. The strike was enough to send a sharp groan from my lips, my body forcefully turning to the side due to the attack.
Unlike earlier, I didn't let this stop me. Before Gran Torino was even able to reach the ground after gravity took control, I quickly launched forward. My fists, fueled by One For All, cutting the air, trying their best to strike Gran Torino in any way whatsoever. But as I had come to know already, Gran Torino was faster than anything I had seen before. So much so that he seemed even quicker than my attacks. The scene from a third-person point of view was a simple one. Gran Torino bouncing up and down, from the floor to the roof, slowly moving backwards each time he did. Whilst my body marched forward after every punch.
But every time I slung my fists through the air, Gran Torino's body would appear just a little higher, or lower, on every attack. There eventually came a point where through my movements I managed to reach the opposite side of the kitchen, where an opposite set of cupboards and a bench awaited me. But with my forward path blocked, the only thing I could do was turn my body around. However, it was in doing exactly that, that Gran Torino used the ledge of the bench right in front of me as a proportion to change directions on his bounces. It was with the curved edge that he went from bouncing up and down to suddenly cutting a straight line right across the kitchen.
And, of course, it just so happened that I stood directly in this straight line. So when Gran Torino's body came flying right for me, I went to block the attack by crossing my arms together until they shaped up like an 'X'. But that only managed to stop the full force of the attack from injuring me. Gran Torino already had enough pressure that the attack sent me flying backwards and crashed into the bottom of the bench back next to the dented fridge. The exact spot I was seconds ago. This time around, as Gran Torino landed at my feet, I was less than willing to speak.
Gran Torino: "And that right there just goes to show just how little you know about what One For All holds for you. It also shows me that what you did in the Sports Festival is only the bottom of the barrel."
(Y/n): "Yeah, well, maybe it'd be different if I could actually use ALL of my power!"
Gran Torino: "Oh, please do. I didn't know you were holding more of One For All back from me!"
The smug look Gran Torino gave me as he said that only caused the anger inside to keep growing. Now I was starting to understand why Bakugo didn't like old people.
(Y/n): "I was talking about using my other quirk! I know you say I should only use One For All, but this is just pointless! Why wouldn't I use the abilities I have on hand to help me catch someone quicker than me?! All I need to do is use the speed from my first quirk to catch up to you--I could even use One For All for the rest!"
Gran Torino: "But why do you need to use your first quirk to be quicker?"
(Y/n): [Clenches fist] "Because there's no way I can be quicker with One For All than I already can be with my--"
Gran Torino: "--You truly haven't learnt anything, huh?"
No words came from me as I simply lifted my head abruptly. Even so, Gran Torino was more than ready to continue speaking.
Gran Torino: "You think that One For All is just a means to get stronger. But have you not seen the same All Might I have? His speed in his prime is far faster than I am now."
(Y/n): "Yeah, but--"
Gran Torino: "--Did you not inherit the same Quirk he has?"
(Y/n): "I--"
Gran Torino: "Then what type of silly excuse is saying you can't be quicker with just One For All?!"
(Y/n): "Because I've never tried!!"
When I finally did manage to get a full sentence out, it was enough to bring about exactly what Gran Torino was talking about. I knew exactly that when my eyes shifted to the retired hero, who just looked at me with a blank expression. That was before a sigh escaped his lips alongside a shake of his head.
Gran Torino: "This is why I want'd you to use only One For All. There is still so much you have left to learn involving it. And the more you learn, the stronger you will get. And the stronger you get, the more people you'll be able to save."
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "...More people I'll be able to save?"
Gran Torino: "So get whatever stick you have out of your butt! Stop being selfish! And listen to someone who knows more than you! Because One For All has far more secrets and abilities that your little mind could barely imagine. There are all these small things that bring it together to formulate what is believed to be one of the strongest Quirks ever to exist. But only once you bring these small things together, will you truly master everything is has to offer. Once you do that, then you can chose whatever Quirk you prefer. But whilst you're here..."
"...From this point on... I forbid you from using your Original Quirk!"
(Y/n): "Wait, what?! No way! Why would I do that when--"
Gran Torino: "You'll do that because seeing you use One For All the way you are now is sickening to see. Not only are you disrespecting All Might, but to his teacher...And to everyone out there who dreams of having a Quirk to help people. Because face it, kid, not everyone's lucky like you to have a Quirk. Let alone two..."
As seconds after he spoke this very sentence, he told me he was leaving to go get something to eat, and that it was my job to clean up the mess. Now, normally I would have probably disregarded all of this and returned to my actual internship. But as I stood there, without moving, I couldn't shake the last part Gran Torino had said.
"...Not everyone is lucky like you to have a Quirk. Let alone two..."
When he said that, my mind instantly turned to an image of Izuku. As it did, I was reminded of the nights I'd lay in bed and hear his silent voice from across the room we shared. His silent pleas and prays that he'd be given a Quirk to help people, just like All Might, they went through one ear and out the other. Back then, I felt sorry for Izuku, but there was nothing I could do. But now... Now that I'm in this position, and with what Gran Torino had just said, I question what Izuku would think of me right now. I had been blessed with two Quirks. Two Quirks that'd help me keep my promise to my brother. And as much as I didn't want to admit it, it was obvious that I didn't use One For All as much as my first Quirk.
Now, I never meant anything bad by that. But after hearing what Gran Torino had just said, I can't help but think about people like Izuku, and what they'd think if they saw me, someone with two Quirks, going through life without properly acknowledging the second one. This thought process only grew when I realized, in a strange way, Izuku's pray was given to me. And if that was a case, it felt like a part of Izuku was still with me in the form of One For All. And I loved my brother, I'd never want to disrespect him. So after all this, with what Gran Torino said, and my new recollection about treating One For All like it was a part of Izuku, I came to second guess everything going on. My head was struck with a ton of bricks.
My mind was just a blank space with these thoughts playing over and over again. It was due to all this that I found myself unable to get up and leave Gran Torino's home. It kept me here, to stay and clean up the mess until Gran Torino returned about an hour later. When he did, he told me to leave, but only to return the next day for more training. Admittedly, when I heard that, I wanted to tell him I might not be able to attend due to me having patrol with Mirko in the morning, but the thought of saying that was pushed to the side when I remembered Izuku, and how I was the one who ended up being given his pray. One For All...and Izuku... thinking on it now, it felt as if I was given this extra power not just by chance. But for a purpose.
A purpose...To bring hope to those who feel powerless. A showcase that anything can happen. To never give up. Now...I don't know whether that was true, or my mind was just stuck in a ditch. But it was a thought process that stuck with me for the rest of the day, and was further pressed onto me when I finally did go to leave Gran Torino's home, only reminded me of his final demand yet again...That I wasn't able to use my Nightmare Quirk for the rest of the time I'd be working under him. And even with how much I hated hearing that, because it made me feel like I was being blocked from putting my all into keeping my promise. The matter of getting stronger with One For All, in order to make Izuku's pray worth it, kept me quiet.
However, even with me willing to accept this, it didn't stop me from questioning the choice at times. Such as later that very night, when I was greeted by a conundrum unlike any other when I found myself standing atop the Shinkansen 24/7 Gym rooftop. And, just like every other time I came here, upon stepping out onto the roof...I was greeted by a certain Rabbit Hero.
Mirko: [Smirks] "There you are! I was beginning to think you were going to keep me waiting here." [Chuckles] "If you did that...Haha...I'd have to hunt you down myself, huh?"
(Y/n): "Um...Yeah. Sorry about that, I, uh--"
Mirko: "Eh. It's alright. I guess. Anyway, you all set? Let's get into the action!"
The enthusiasm of Mirko was only showcased further as the smirking rabbit brought her fists together with a powerful force. Instantly, I began questioning what exactly would go down once she found out. But the mere remembrance of how she was the first night I showed up for our nightly training without automatically going into Fear Second was enough of a warning to make me not want to ask. So, I simply went along with her. The two of is proceeding to get into positions ready to fight. For the longest time I thought, perhaps, she wasn't even going to notice or care that I wasn't powering up. But in hopes to get her mind off of that, and more so on the fact we were going to fight, I decided to activate One For All throughout my body. At first, I thought this would be enough to get me by. When suddenly..."
Mirko: "Wait a minute...Something isn't right."
(Y/n): "Huh?" [Lifts head] "What's up?"
Mirko: "You're not doing the thing."
(Y/n): "Thing? What thing?" [Thoughts] "I realize playing dumb here probably wouldn't be the best option, but I don't really have much of a choice right now."
Mirko: "The thing when fog comes out fo your body! Argh! We're not having this conversation again, (Y/n)! Just hurry up and transform." [Mutters] "It's been a long day and I need help scratching my itch."
(Y/n): "O-Oh, um...Yeah! About that! I was thinking instead of using that Quirk, I could use my other one!"
Mirko: "Your other Quirk?"
I could tell by the raised eyebrow and hand on her hip that Mirko wasn't exactly excited about such a prospect.
(Y/n): "Yeah! I mean, I already showed you plenty of what I can do with that Quirk, s-so wouldn't it be fun if we changed things up a little?"
Mirko: "Ha! Change? What's there to change? You fighting the way you were before is fine! Now, come on, change to your other Quirk and let's get down to business."
(Y/n): "No. No. Yeah, I get that. I just thought, you know... If we keep fighting the same way all the time wouldn't it get...Old?"
There was clear hesitation in my words, and even more now present on my face. But that hesitation soon turned to potential regret when that one final word caused Mirko's eyebrow, who was already lifted, to rise even more. Clearly, I had chosen the wrong thing to say.
Mirko: "Old? Old?! You think I'm old news? Is fighting me not enough for you?"
(Y/n): "W-What? I was--'
Mirko: "You're tired of me already, huh? That's why you don't want to fight me. You think I'm not enough of a challenge for you?"
(Y/n): "I never said that, I was just--"
Mirko: "--You were just looking to not waste time, huh? Because that's what I am to you, aren't I? A waste of time?"
(Y/n): "I-I never said that!" [Thoughts] "What the hell is going on?"
Mirko: "Well, it certainly seems that way! I mean, we've only had this internship for a few days. But you already seem sick of me!"
(Y/n): "How do you get that from me saying I want to try something different?"
Mirko: "Um, pretty easy actually! For one, you don't answer any of my texts during the day. I texted you thirty times today, and not a single response! And now when we're finally together and I wanna fight, you wanna try something different when what we already had was working perfectly fine!"
I honestly couldn't believe what I was witnessing right now. So much so I could only stand in place with a completely confused look on my face as I stared at Mirko, who seemed to just keep going.
Mirko: "You know, when I saw you during the Sports Festival, I thought I had finally found someone who could keep up with me. Both as a hero and in life! But no! (Y/n) Midoriya has better things to do! Just admit it...You find me too boring to fight!"
(Y/n): "I never--"
Mirko: "--And even after I was kind enough to let you have earlier today off from hero work to go see your sick Grandma! And this is how you repay me? By calling me old and uninteresting?"
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Where the fuck did she get uninteresting from...?"
Unfortunately, that seemed to be a question I wouldn't get answered. Not that Mirko would even let me think about it. For a good minute or so, I was left to just stand in place as Mirko walked circles around me. As she did, she went on and on about how she was trying her best to make this work, but I wasn't putting in the effort. Now, whatever that meant...I had no idea. Honestly, I stopped paying attention like half way through. I was suddenly brought back into the mess, however, when a loud gasp suddenly escaped from Mirko's lips. But the real shocker didn't come until my eyes landed on hers a few seconds later.
Mirko: [Gasp] "...You're cheating on me."
(Y/n): "W-WHAT?!"
Mirko: "You are! That's what you were doing today! You were cheating on me!"
(Y/n): "What the hell are you talking about? We're not even dating?!"
Mirko: "See! That just goes to show how stupid boys are! I'm not talking about relationship cheating...I'm talking about hero partner cheating!"
(Y/n): "...Hero partner cheating?"
Mirko: "Yes! That! You were cheating on me by training with another hero today, weren't you!"
For a brief moment I just stared at Mirko, questioning whether she was being for real right now. But going off the way she currently glared at me...I'd say she was very serious. For a few seconds, I was left contemplating what to do as I just stared at her.
(Y/n): "Mirko, this is--This is ridiculous!"
Mirko: "This is ridiculous? You're ridiculous! You think I'm old news and don't wanna fight me when clearly I'm the best you'd ever have!"
(Y/n): "Ugh...The best of what, exactly?"
Mirko: "The best everything! Fighting! Hero training! All of it! You wouldn't know how to properly kick butt from any other weak-ass hero around here! But, no! That doesn't seem to be enough for (Y/n) Midoriya..." [Mutters] "You just go around cheating whenever you feel like it."
(Y/n): "I wasn't--ARGH! I wasn't doing anything like that, I--"
Mirko: "--It sure seems like it to me."
(Y/n): "How?! How?! How is anything like this cheating?!"
Mirko: "Because! I asked you to be my intern! Mine! And you agreed! And...And I thought we were getting along." [Awkwardly scratches arm] "We were having fun and everything...Tch! But you just had to go and ruin that!"
And to further prove her dissatisfaction, Mirko didn't hesitate to cross her arms and look to her side. Honestly, this is what I imagined life would be like if I was dating a stuck-up rich girl. AND ESPECIALLY NOT FROM A HERO WHO WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MY TEACHER RIGHT NOW! But it seemed that no matter what I thought was right, Mirko was set on what she thought. And, honestly, I couldn't really deal with the extra pain to my mind. And seeing as this internship still had another two weeks to go, which I definitely couldn't survive if things like this were still going on, I did what any sain man would do... I just went along with whatever crazy shit this girl was thinking about. Of course, going along with it to solely mend it. For whatever the fuck reason I had to anyway.
(Y/n): "Mirko, I..." [Sighs] "...I'm sorry you think that way."
Mirko: "Hmph!"
The only noise she made as she tightened her grip on her crossed arms, and further moved her line of sight away from me.
(Y/n): "Look, I wasn't...argh...I was cheat--Do we really have to call it that?"
Going off the way Mirko just glared at me from the corner of her eye, I'd say the answer was a resounding 'Yes'. Which didn't leave me with much wiggling room.
(Y/n): [Sighs] "...Okay. Fine. I'm sorry you think that way, I would never actively...cheat...on you I just--"
Mirko: "--Was a big idiot who doesn't know he has a good thing even when it's right in front of him?"
The sudden response was enough for my head to instantly raise. However, when it did, I was greeted by Mirko having the smuggest of grins anyone could possibly have. She just looked off into the distance, grinning as much as she wanted, whilst she continued to go ranting.
Mirko: "I mean, I get boys are silly. But seriously, (Y/n), I expected more from you. Though...You're alright, I guess. So I suppose I can forgive you...I mean, I am quite a forgiving person..."
Now, normally when I met people like this, I'd think they're the scum of the earth. But because I know Mirko was only doing this to get at me, I just found it annoying. Yet, despite realizing she was only doing this to get under my skin, I couldn't help but get agitated the more and more she said something. Until I couldn't handle it anymore...
Mirko: [Smirks] "Hahaha! You know, you're pretty lucky to have me. I could have chosen anyone to be my silly intern. But I decided to take pity on you because you're strong. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe that itch you've scratched the last few nights was just out of luck. Maybe I'm too good for you. Might have worked you too much that the real reason you don't wanna go at full strength is because you're tired. And you're too afraid to--"
[3rd Person POV]
WHAM!!
Whatever Mirko planned to say from that point on was never heard, as she was abruptly cut off by the sound green aura-infused fist punching deep into her right shoulder blade. The impact was quick and without fault, enough strength was put behind the attack to send the Rabbit Hero launching off her feet and flying through the air. It all took place in the blink of an eye, that a few seconds later when another explosion went off, it was shown to have taken place because Mirko's lifeless body had been sent crashing into the wall of the building opposite the gym rooftop. There was some twenty meters between where Mirko was previously standing, and the place she now found her body buried into.
Even better that, a twenty-meter drop from the gaps between building rooftops was also present. Yet, despite all this, it didn't take much to see the cause of Mirko's sudden attack. And that sudden attack came from none other than (Y/n) Midoriya, the boy she had been toying with, who now stood completely still with his fist aimed outward. The glowing green aura, and matching fog, that rose from his body could be seen even through the smoke that found entrance into the air. It was a sight to showcase he had forgone any demands from Gran Torino about using his original Quirk, as he found himself reeling in from what just happened.
(Y/n): "Who were you calling 'tired' again?"
There was clearly a playfulness in the tone which he used. But the emotion did nothing to hide the annoyance that was dominating the young boy's mindset. The previous words of Mirko seeming to do enough to tick (Y/n) off that he decided to give Mirko exactly what she wanted... Him at full force. It was with this full force that (Y/n) was able to, for the second time since meeting Mirko, send her flying off her feet with a powerful attack. But just like the previous time, Mirko was able to gather herself. Something (Y/n) soon found out as from within the cloud of smoke that hovered on the building rooftop opposite the one (Y/n) was on, a familiar voice called.
"Don't tell me that's all you've got, rookie~"
With a slight raise of an eyebrow, (Y/n) watched as a dark silhouette began to form from within the dust cloud in front of him. Not much longer and the outline of rabbit ears and strong muscular thighs could be seen. But (Y/n) didn't let his thoughts waiver due to any of this. Instead, he just brought forth a grin, his body now fully embracing the Fear Second energy that coursed through his brains.
This seemed to be enough of a sign for Mirko to get herself into the fight, something she was quick to announce as she abruptly launched straight from the roof opposite (Y/n)'s one. Her body slamming through the dust and freeing her form for the whole night sky to see. But the one thing (Y/n) focused on most, was the energetic smirk that triumphant across her lips. A sign of forgiveness from Mirko, and a call for (Y/n) to keep going.
******
And keep going he did. For the next Nine days, (Y/n) found his life torn in two. During the day, he trained alongside Gran Torino, where he'd only use One For All. (Y/n) found the training boring and rugged, without purpose. But the idea around Izuku and inheriting One For All kept him going. But even when the day became tiresome, with him wanting to just use his full strength for all the power he had, he was finally able to release it and do what he wanted as soon as the moon rose. For that was the time (Y/n) and Mirko would meet each other atop that gym rooftop and showcase the strength they had.
For hours upon hours the pair would fight through the city night. Trading blows and accepting tips and improvements whenever available. Now, at first, it seemed Mirko was the one out of the two that really enjoyed this time. After all, (Y/n) never saw her smile as much during their personal training sessions compared to during the day when they would patrol and fight criminals. There was a sense of freeness about what they did at night that brought about a different side of Mirko.
And as the days built up, (Y/n) began to understand where she was coming from more and more. Add in the fact he could freely use his Nightmare Quirk without being judged by Gran Torino, and it was something (Y/n) began looking forward to as well. So by the time (Y/n) entered his last week of internship, he had reached a pretty good place, where during the day he'd act as if he hadn't been using his Nightmare Quirk at all whilst around Gran Torino, whilst at night he could truly take in and learn what he really wanted too.
Nothing about holding back and only using One For All. With Mirko he was able to grow in strength the way he believed could help. Of course, Mirko's 'tantrums' were something that (Y/n) still didn't know how to handle. But it wasn't enough to outright ruin anything. (Y/n) just had to go along with what she was saying, or cut the sentence short by punching her with all his might. That seemed to be enough to get Mirko's mind focused elsewhere. However, just because (Y/n) had gotten his internship life under lock and key, didn't necessarily mean the other students of Class 1-A were any luckier.
--In The Centre Of Tokyo--
(???): "Frankly, I don't like you."
"I don't like your hair."
(???): "You only chose my agency because I'm one of the top five most popular heroes, right?"
Within the third floor office of a building in Tokyo, the Number Four hero, Best Jeanist, could be seen speaking. Upon turning around, the person he was speaking to was revealed. That person, by no surprise from their previous response, was Bakugo. The young blonde-haired male left carrying a bored expression as he faced off with the hero he'd be interning under.
Bakugo: "Actually, that's not true at all. Whatever boring rank you are doesn't matter to me."
Best Jeanist: "That so? Then why did you pick me?"
Bakugo: "You're the one that put in the offer, Nerd!"
Best Jeanist: "You're right." [Straightens hair] "Recently, I've only been getting good little kids, so you were the first one in a while who struck a chord with me."
Best Jeanist said such as he removed the hand that was straightening his hair to point at Bakugo. As for Bakugo, he just stared at the hero with jeans past his mouth standing before him...Before suddenly turning his head to the side.
Bakugo: "Uh, someone call the cops? I've found the weird guy that's been hanging around the city parks."
Best Jeanist: "See. This is what I mean..." [Chuckles slightly] "...I've been watching you since the sports festival."
Bakugo: "Ooooh. You're one of those sickos who picks out their targets, huh?" [Twists head] "What's the ETA on those cops?"
Best Jeanist: "Bakugo..."
Bakugo: [Suddenly turns back] "Hey, quick question. Do you wear pants up to your mouth because that's where you normally have dicks most?"
Best Jeanist: "Bakugo."
Bakugo: "Hey, man. I ain't judging. I'm just wondering how much you had to drink to think that wearing jeans up to your damn mouth was a good idea."
Best Jeanist: "Bakugo."
Bakugo: "That's my name...Don't wear it out."
A smirk now found Bakugo's lips as he snapped his fingers. But as Bakugo joked around, Best Jeanist simply shook his head. Eventually, he managed to get enough time to speak once more.
Best Jeanist: "When I was watching you in the sports festival, you were freely able to manipulate a Quirk with high potential, and had a good grasp of application as well."
Bakugo: "And I'm awesome. Your point?"
Best jeanist: "...You're an outstanding talent, Bakugo, I won't deny that. Even one who is already good enough to recruit as a sidekick. However, you have a fatal flaw."
It was that final part that caused Bakugo to focus in on what Best Jeanist had to say next.
Best Jeanist: "You believe yourself to be the strongest. You may not think you think that, but when looking properly at someone, you can tell their true thoughts. You have a ferocious nature."
Bakugo: "...So...What? Did you really just pick me to give me a damn lecture you kid stealing--"
But just as Bakugo went to move, he found himself unable to. His entire body trapped in place when he looked down to see an endless foray of denim strands from Best Jeanist jeans wrapped around his arms, shoulders, and legs.
Best Jeanist: "It is my part as a hero to correct people like you. Heroes and villains are two parts of the same coin. I'll show those glaring eyes of yours what makes someone a hero."
Bakugo: [Groans] "What are you trying to do..." [Grins] "...Kidnap me YOU PERVERT OLD FU--"
The final part to Bakugo's sentence was cut off by the sound of a bird crying out into the sky above. What happened next was unknown, but Bakugo's rage could still be felt for some distance to go. Even a few blocks away, within the Fourth Kind Agency building, where on the fourth floor, Tetsutetsu and Kirishima could be seen standing together in the office of Chivalrous Hero: Fourth Kind.
Tetsutetsu: "You ever get the feeling like someone close by is so angry you can feel it?"
Kirishima: "Ha! Tell me about it! My bros (Y/n) and Bakugo know exactly what that's like. Haha. My bros back at school are the best. Like, one time, my bros (Y/n) and Baku--"
Tetsutetsu "Uh...You know we go to the same school, right? I know who (Y/n) and Bakugo are."
Kirishima: "Y-Yeah, I know. But me and them are bros, so, like, I kinda get the inside scoop before anyone else."
Tetsutetsu: "Oh, um...Okay?"
The notion was left unattended to, however, because before anyone else could say anything, they were silenced by the voice of Fourth Kind, the hero both students would be interning under.
Fourth Kind: "Alright, so we were able to full in two offers. That's why you both are here. Now, let's get started without ado."
Tetsutetsu/Kirishima: "I look forward to working with you!"
Both said with a bow, however, even so, it did not bring a smile to Fourth Kind's lips.
Fourth Kind: "I saw your guts at the Sports Festival. I like you two. However, being a hero is not so easy where you can rely on brute force alone. I will teach you that as someone with more experience."
Tetsutetsu: [Grins] "As expected from the Chivalrous Hero!"
Kirishima: "I can't wait to tell my bros (Y/n) and Bakugo about this when I get back to school!"
BANG!
Fourth Kind: "Wait for me to finish!"
"S-Sorry, Sir!"
The sound of fear flooded the combined voices all thanks to the raised voice and a sudden bang on the desk of Fourth Kind. But this was only part of what the U.A. students would be going through, as elsewhere with in the streets of Tokyo, Uraraka could be seen walking on patrol next to Gunhead. The much taller with a white mask could be seen leading the motion as Uraraka followed from behind.
Gunhead: "Basic hero duties involve controlling crime, you see? When a crime occurs, the police will contact heroes for support. The requests will come all at once, you see? We file reports on the services we provided, like assisting with arrests or rescuing people, to the government office."
Uraraka: "R-Right!"
Gunhead: "And then we receive pay based on the examination conducted by a special agency. We usually get a percentage."
Gunhead proceeded to raise a finger as he spoke. However, before he could say anything more he was silence by the sound of light giggles coming from behind. Upon looking over his shoulder, he saw it was coming from none other than Uraraka.
Gunhead: "Is something funny, Uraraka?"
Uraraka: [Opens eyes] "Huh? O-Oh...Uh, N-No, sir! I was just...I was just..."
Gunhead: "Hehe~ It's okay. We're a fun hero agency. We laugh all the time. Though we have one rule..."
Uraraka: "What's that?"
Gunhead: "You have to tell us what's so funny!"
Uraraka: "Oh, uh, well..." [Blushes and smiles] "It's just...What you were saying about getting paid for fighting and getting a percentage, I was just thinking what my boyfriend would say if he heard that."
Gunhead: "What would he say?"
Uraraka: "Oh, probably just something along the lines of..." [Coughs, imitates your voice] "...Heroes shouldn't fight for money. A hero's job is to protect those who can't protect themselves. Yada yada...I'm serious 24/7...Fighting...justice...Darkness..." [Goofy smiles] "Probably something like that."
Gunhead: "Oh...I see."
Instantly Gunhead proceeded to turn his head back to the front. However, as he did so, sparkles immediately appeared underneath his mask as he muttered one word.
Gunhead: [Thoughts] "...Adorable!"
But as Gunhead realized such, elsewhere in a skyscraper, both Yaoyorozu and Kendo from Class 1-B could be seen in the presence of Snake Hero: Uwabami; who was currently stationed in the dressing room on the twenty floor of this towering building. Where a large mirror reflected the hero's beauty as she applied makeup.
Uwabami: "In addition, heroes are allowed side jobs. When this was made official, there was a lot of arguments about this. But that ended thanks to our popularity and public demand. So now I'm about to film a commercial. So stick around, okay?"
Kendo: "Forgive me, ma'am, but, um...I thought...I want...I-I thought we'd be doing something more...hero-like?" [Giggles nervously] "Right, Yaoyorozu? Uh, Yaoyorozu...?"
However, upon turning to the aforementioned female, Kendo was surprised to see that Yaoyorozu had been preoccupied with her gaze focused on her phone screen. It was on this very screen that an unsent text message could be seen. Yaoyorozu wasn't brought back to reality, however, until Kendo began waving her hand between the phone screen and Yaoyorozu's face.
Yaoyorozu: [Lifts head] "H-Huh?"
Kendo: "Yaoyorozu, is everything alright? You've been staring at your phone screen for a while now..."
Yaoyorozu: "O-Oh. Right...Yes..." [Sighs and smiles] "I'm sorry, Kendo. I've just been thinking about what to send (Y/n)... He sent me a message earlier and I'm just wondering what to send him back."
Kendo: "Oh. Well, what did he send you earlier?"
She asked gently with a soft smile, knowing her and (Y/n) weren't exactly sharing the best history together.
Yaoyorozu: "Well, we started off by saying hey to each other this morning, and talked for a bit. But I wanted to send him another message now...But I don't know what to say."
Kendo: "Okay. Well, um...Why don't you--"
"(Y/n), huh? Who's that, Momo?"
Instantly, Yaoyorozu lifted her head. In doing so, she was greeted by the sight of Uwabami grinning her way. The sight alone was enough to make Yaoyorozu blush and smile down at herself.
Yaoyorozu: "O-Oh, um...Well...(Y/n) is just a boy I know from school and--"
Uwabami: "You think he's hot?"
Yaoyorozu: [Blushes madly] "W-Wh-What?! N-No! I mean...Yes...I mean...I mean--"
Uwabami: "Haha! Boy, you children sure are innocent. Here, hand me your phone, I think I know exactly what to send him~"
When Yaoyorozu saw the smirk which the Pro Hero carried, it didn't exactly calm the young girl's nerves. Nevertheless, she didn't hold herself back from handing her phone over to Uwabami. So, for the next minute or so, Yaoyorozu was left to nervously stand there, a blush crashing across her face, as she witnessed Uwabami continue to smile as she typed away on Yaoyorozu's phone. It wasn't until half a minute later that Uwabami finished what she was doing and handed the device back to its owner.
Uwabami: "Alright. There you go. All set. You should be getting a response back any second now."
Yaoyorozu: "What? Really? What did you send him?"
Uwabami: "I just asked if he wanted to hang out when the internships were over--"
Ding!
Uwabami: "And by the quick response, I'd say you just got your answer~"
And sure enough, upon glancing down at her screen, Yaoyorozu was thrilled to see that (Y/n) had agreed to meet up with her. Just the mere fact they could hang out made the young girl excited. Such an expression only caused Uwabami to grin.
Uwabami: "You see, Momo, you've got to realize that pretty girls don't have to do much. If a guy is interested in you, he'll be more than willing to hang out with you. So you don't need to stress about it."
Yaoyorozu: [Still blushing] "R-Right. Yes. I under--Wait...If you were just asking him to hang out after all this, why'd you take so long?"
Uwabami: "Oh, that?" [Chuckles] "Well, I was originally writing something else before half way through I realized you guys are still practically kids, so I kinda had to redo everything and shorten it to wanting to hang out."
Yaoyorozu: "Oh...Okay."
Kendo: "Wait. If you were just shortening it, what were you writing in the first place?"
Kendo asked with confusion. Something Yaoyorozu soon matched. As for Uwabami, she just smiled back, closed her eyes, before responding innocently.
Uwabami: "...You'll find out when you're older~"
Such words were enough of a hint to cause both Yaoyorozu and Kendo to blush. However, Yaoyorozu's blush soon drifted to normal. A gentle smile crossing her lips as she looked down at the phone screen once more to see the confirmation from (Y/n) that he wanted to hang out with her. But this was just one of many outcomes for the students of 1-A, who were dispatched across all of Tokyo with their designated Pro Hero coaches. Others such as Mineta could be seen basically being a slave for Mt. Lady, who chilled on her couch as the young boy cleaned her apartment.
Whilst Todoroki could be seen standing before his Father, Endeavor, who could be seen carrying a bruise from the spot (Y/n) had punched him during the Sports Festival. But these were all stories that were going on the side. The real story still centred around (Y/n), who, for yet another day, had finished up his nightly training with Mirko. The clock was now striking around Eleven, with the young boy seen walking through the streets with a plastic bag in hand.
He had just gone to the nearby service station to grab some dinner and was now walking back to the Gym where he currently stayed whilst interning under Mirko. However, as (Y/n) wandered through these dark streets of Tokyo, he failed to notice, from the shadows of the night sky above, a dark figure was watching him in complete silence. The identity of this person was only hinted at when a sharp, wicked, grin crept through the night. The evil glow in his red eyes was ever-present. A dark, chilling voice spoke out as this figure ran the edge of his knife across his tongue.
"So you think you know the true meaning of being a hero, huh? Well then, let's put you to the test. Let's see if you're worthy of killing me...Just like 'he' is."
It was only in the final seconds that the light from the moon above reflected down on this particular part of darkness. As it did, the identity of this figure was revealed. And as it was, the blood lust eyes of one, Hero Killer: Stain...Was revealed to the world. And not long after, they'd be revealed to (Y/n) as well. The only question was...Would he be enough to kill the Hero killer?
[NEXT CHAPTER: READER VS. STAIN!!]
[Only time will tell...But for now, that's it. A 13.5k word chapter of ANTI-HERO. Now, as mentioned above, ANTI-HERO is in a weird place. It's still doing good, don't get me wrong. But it just feels...Weird. And perhaps it's because this ARC is rather slow until the action fight. That's why Im hoping the next chapter, with all the action that awaits, will truly be something worth the wait...And it might not go the way you think. So be sure to come back again next week for the next chapter of ANTI-HERO, where we'll finally witness the first fight of STAIN VS. ANTI-HERO! It's definitely not something you wanna miss~]