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Chapter Text

Izuku knew he was going to die the moment he started running. But he didn't care, not when Kacchan was in trouble. It didn't matter that he was Quirkless, or what All Might said. The so-called Heroes weren't doing anything.

He hefted up his backup, watching as the Sludge Villain taunted them and readied himself to attack. A part of him hoped that he would receive help, or something. That he had some deep, hidden power that would help him be the hero he so wanted to be.

But before he reached the Sludge Villain, warmth engulfed him. Orange fire flooded his field of vision as he desperately threw his arms out.

I'm dead.

"Kacchan!" His mind screamed as he reached out, only to be stopped by a hand. The flame burned all around them, and in the next second, Izuku could see Kacchan dumped next to him.

And then, his mind clicked. Orange flame. He had been saved by a hero. But only one hero had such fire.

He would have smiled any other day, but now he only wondered how lucky he was — who met both the number one and number two in a single day?

That thought only lasted until he looked up. There was no way this was Endeavor. Endeavor was all large muscle and blistering strength, and Izuku was pretty sure that the flame hero did not have a disguise quirk.

The man in front of Izuku had long, white unkempt hair, which was almost see-through in the light. His deep blue eyes gave a cutting gaze, as cold and piercing as a glacier. But most of all, Izuku's eyes were drawn to the blazing ruby attached to the men's chest.

Golden armor was fused to the man's pale skin, so pale Izuku thought that the man must have been sick. But somehow, looking at the shine and inhuman radiance in the man's expression, Izuku could only feel awe. He was thin, but made of lean muscle, leaning forward slightly.

A tattered red cape flew from his shoulders, floating haphazardly in the midday sun. He wore a round earring from his left ear, which was engraved with an image of the sun (possible connection with his quirk?).

In his hands he held a shining lance of purest gold, which he twirled absentmindedly.

And of course, he was much taller than him.

Izuku gulped. Everything about the man should say hero, but no hero ever had a costume like that— it looked more like some type of medieval cosplay, with the spikes. Not to mention the spear whose edge was sharpened to perfection.

That wasn't a tool used to neutralize Villains. It was an instrument of battle.

"Are you alright?" Again, Izuku was surprised by the voice. It was both harsh, and cold. There was no passion in it, but yet it had a surprising cadence, and Izuku was utterly convinced that no lie would ever be uttered with such a tone.

"I—I–I am, sir!" he managed to squeak out.

"That's good." The man said, before Izuku had a chance to ask any questions. He looked at Kacchan, and then nodded.

"Your courage is admirable," he continued, and Izuku's jaw dropped.

"What the fuck are you saying," Kacchan snorted, raising his head into the air, "the useless Deku would have gotten himself killed."

"Useless?" The man asked, but it wasn't a question, "You should watch your tongue, child. Such worthless pride will only lead to your demise, and your 'Deku', was it?"

Izuku didn't like that he felt joy watching Kacchan's face fall. Regardless, the fiery hero continued, "He stepped in when no one else would. It does not matter if he is useless, as you describe him, but only that he had the will to save you. That in itself is admirable, for is it not better to judge the worth of a man when he is powerless?"

It was hard to place, but the man's Japanese was… archaic, for lack of a better word. He used old vocabulary, and avoided contractions, and seemed to take extreme importance in speaking in a formal manner.

Seeing Kacchan's shocked face, the man nodded. "Consider your actions, child. Think of what you would have done if you were in your friend's place, without any of those explosions I witnessed."

His gaze was sharper than that of his spear. "Tell me that you would have placed even a single step forward, knowing that you might have died. Tell me that, and I will retract my previous statement."

"You—YOU!" Kacchan retorted, and Izuku was about to speak up, before the man cut them both off.

"Let it be said. Courage is not about the strength to push forward— it is going on when you lack any strength." And with those passing words, the man turned, moving to leap away.

And Izuku spoke up. Because he wanted to know— this was a new hero, maybe a debut, but the man's words rung in his head. The other heroes, Kamui Woods and Mount Lady, hadn't stepped in, instead hanging their heads in shame.

"We're waiting for the hero with the right quirk!"

It seemed that the effect the man's words had was universal.

"Can… Can you be a hero without a quirk?"

Izuku waited for the no, and the returning feeling of despair when the man turned to face him.

"I do not see why not."

"I under— what?!" Izuku squeaked out, barely able to contain his surprise.

Once more those blue eyes fell on him. "There was a boy, a man I once knew. He had the same eyes as you did."

"E–eyes?"

"He was born sickly, without the strength to live any longer than a few years. But when his friends were in danger, he sacrificed life and limb in a desperate attempt to protect them."

"What happened then?" Izuku asked.

"A hero saw the boy's courage, and was so moved by it that he passed his own power to the boy."

"You mean giving someone else your quirk?" Ok, that was not something Izuku could ever expect. The crowd was surprised though, and he could see some of them moving forward in curiosity, finally getting over their initial fear.

The man raised an eyebrow, but continued, "Using the power, even at the risk of his body, the boy fought for those he loved."

Izuku noted the past–tense with a dry mouth.

"At the end, he faced me, and won."

"W–what?! I mean, you must be pretty strong, right!?" And why would they fight— they were heroes!

"Tell me, why do you wish to become a hero? Surely you know of the risks?"

"Because I want to help people! Ever since I saw All Might, I wanted to save people like he did!" All he ever wanted to do was be a hero, but Izuku didn't understand why that mattered.

A smirk fell on the man's face (Izuku should really find out his name). "I became a hero to repay my father. He gifted me this flame, this radiant authority. If I, blessed with such power, did not become a warrior, then I would never have been able to live with myself."

"Huh?" Izuku didn't understand.

The man sighed. "It would have been an insult to all those who never received such blessings. That is the answer I reached— such as I was gifted, I must repay an equal sum. Only then will my karna be equal."

Izuku's jaw dropped. "But, that… "

"It is not selfless, no. It is selfishness that moved me to do such a thing. I perhaps could have lived a comfortable life, free from bloodshed and the violence of the battlefield, but I devoted myself to the arts of a warrior, and took up arms." The man returned his gaze to Izuku. "Others might call me a hero, a saint of virtue, but I have never considered myself one. I am simply a man who does what he believes is his duty."

"So?" There had to be something else, like a moral.

"You simply wish to help people, even though you never received any gifts," he said, as his eyes flickered to Kacchan, who looked pissed, "I saw it then, the spirit of a warrior who has something to protect. That courage in your heart is all you need."

…All you need. The words echoed in Izuku's head, and he could feel tears pooling at the edges of his eyes. "Thank you— thank you!"

"--But!" The man looked to the sun, before meeting Izuku's eyes head on. "There is a thin line between courage and foolishness. Surely, there are people who care about you. What would they say when you gave your life to a boy who calls you 'useless'? How would they feel?"

"...They would be sad." That was an understatement.

"I am not admonishing you, rather I am only pointing out the hypocrisy in your beliefs, child. Before you act, first think, and resolve yourself to your actions, so that you do not regret them; and when you face the results, you can say you are happy."

Izuku nodded wordlessly.

"Then I wish you luck."

As he turned to leave, Izuku called out.

"W–wait…What's your n–name?"

His head tilted back slightly, and he answered.

"Karna."

And with a burst of flame, he was gone, soaring into the sky. Izuku could hear Kacchan yelling, could hear the other heroes rushing forward along with the paramedics, but he ignored them.

His dream was possible. His dream was possible.

Karna sighed as he adjusted his jacket, pulling up the collar slightly. He quickly scanned the rest of the alley, and when his eyes could not see any hidden watchers, he let himself fall against the wall.

He did not know why he had been called to this world, not when he had lost the War. He didn't even have a wish!

But even then, his body had moved. He had heard the calls for help, and even though reason ordered him to hide, to find information about this foreign place, he had acted.

Of course, the results themselves were decent. This world had some form of meta–powers, which he was sure weren't related to Magecraft. These 'Quirks' were simply the result of some evolution in the future, judging by the date on the newspaper he held in his hand. The Grail had not supplied any info on this time period, which meant this was not a Grail War.

A world of Heroes and Villains. Never would he imagine such a thing, nor was it his calling. He might have acted as a Hero in that moment, but he would never judge based on such labels.

Both were warriors, at least according to whatever information he could pry from the articles on Villain Attacks and Hero responses. If one is a warrior, then to Karna it did not matter what you fight for. He had no right to pass judgment the moment he had declined Krishna's request to fight with the Pandavas.

What man denied the wish of the Protector of Dharma himself, all for a friend who Karna was in the wrong. Oh, Karna knew. He knew of the foolishness and sickly pride that lay in Duryodhana's eyes, and how he had indulged it.

To raise sword and bow, to face his brothers in battle– Karna how he had sinned.

Karna's fingers brushed his neck, feeling the golden band mounted there. If he moved just a little, he could feel it, an arrow, soaring through the air, piercing through soft flesh and cutting the nectar of life in a single strike.

For just a second, Karna recalled his greatest failure. Remembered his cursed battle with Arjuna, of Astras and divine might unleashed. How he had relished it, even knowing his death was approaching.

He had decided a long time ago; if he and Arjuna fought, only one would live. That was the promise he had made to his mother.

He had forgiven Arjuna a long time ago. The man was everything Karna had hoped to be— brave, virtuous. A true paragon of a King and Archer, in all manners.

Karna had killed Arjuna's son. He had disrobed his wife. And yet…

Arjuna refused to kill him in cold blood. He had refused until Krishna had reminded him of his sins, and even then, Karna recalls his face.

Karna had thought there would be hatred in his eyes. Maybe some anger, buried deep within the man's calm visage. Anger towards the killer of his son. Anger towards Duryodhana's most staunch supporter.

But all he saw was…

Hesitation. Fear. Regret.

And when the wicked truth was revealed, Arjuna had not cursed Karna's name— he had cursed Kunti's, raged against ignorant pride, of both mother's and son's.

If Karna would have ever asked for a wish, he would have asked to meet Arjuna once more. To tell his brother that he was sorry.

"Can you be a hero without a quirk?"

He hadn't intended to stay that long, but something about the green–haired child's plea had stirred something within his soul. It had reminded him of himself, in a way; of a boy who had always aspired to be more.

For a second, he had thought he had seen a child crawling up the steps to the ashram, foolishly tricking a Sage to teach him. He had seen that blazing hope of youth, yearning so desperately for something so far out of reach.

So he had indulged the child, but not without warning.

He did not want to let such ambition be twisted into simmering hatred, like Duryodhana's had so long ago.

(He did not want to see himself, to see Icarus, fly into the Sun.)

But for now, he was left without purpose. He had always followed the whim of another (his greatest fault), regardless of right or wrong.

He was simply a soldier.

He was a warrior, whose duty was to fight.

And he had failed at the end.

(He had given his armor to Indra. He had promised Kunti not to hurt her sons.)

At the end of the Great Holy Grail War, he had told Sieg that Heroic Spirit's purpose was to guard the wishes of the future.

It was a worthy purpose.

And like that, the son of Surya & Kunti once again rose into the sky.

Karna entered the ice cream parlor, ignoring the gasps that came from his presence. Now, why was he here?

The answer was simple: he needed a job. He needed money to live— while being a Heroic Spirit removed the need for food, he had found that he had a limited supply of prana. While being in sunlight provided him a large amount, he would need more to truly use his full strength.

Caution dictated that he do so, if he even used it.

And to get food, he would need money. He wouldn't steal; his pride prevented it.

Turning to the counter, he opened his mouth. "Excuse me, but would you have a job opening?"

Dead silence. The lady behind the counter had frozen, gaping at him in surprise. He sighed, pinching his nose in frustration.

Was his appearance so odd? From his research, there appeared to be mutant quirks that would be far more distracting than his white hair and pale complexion— he wasn't even wearing his armor!

In its place, he wore a red scarf, a black jacket and shirt, along with gray pants and formal dress shoes. Completely regular clothes, the perfect blend of casual and formal wear. Oddly enough, they had been gifted to him when he entered this world, through some strange turn of luck.

Whoever had sent him here had wanted him to be prepared.

"My name is Karna," he added, trying his best to smile. Duryodhana had once told him that he scared others, though Karna was unsure how.

"Karna," the lady began, mouth opening and closing.

He nodded.

"And you want… a job?"

He nodded again. If there was anything he had, it was patience.

"Aren't you a hero?"

"I do not understand the nature of your statement," Karna answered, "Verily, I need to support myself, and a job would be the best way."

She looked at him once more, eyes wide. "Doesn't the HSPC… pay you?"

Ah. Karna had heard about that. He was unsure why he had not been branded a vigilante, but it was best not to bring attention to that small tidbit.

He told the truth instead. "No. As I stated before, I do not raise my blade for promises of gold. I do it because it is right; verily, if I was a soldier, I would accept such compensation, but I am not."

"... I see." She didn't appear convinced, which he would need to rectify later.

Karna did not believe that the actions he did deserved any payment— all he had done was offer a helping hand.

"Well then, do you have an ID?" she asked awkwardly, fidgeting in place.

"I do." he said, handing her his driver's license. Once again, whatever power had dumped him here had seen it fit to make sure he was well accustomed to stay for quite some time.

Karna was familiar with the concept of reincarnation; and that of the multiverse, and a part of him wondered if this was his.

"It would be a way for me to atone for my sins," he thought idly.

"Enji Fubuki," she said, looking at him.

Karna nodded. He did not know why that name was chosen for him, or its significance.

"Very well then, Fubuki–san. You are hired."

He nodded. "May I have your name then?"

She blinked. "It's Megumi Sae." After a second, she added, "You can call me Megumi, though."

"Megumi," he said, testing the word, "It is a good name."

Her face turned red as she stared at him, and he could hear giggles in the parlor. He hid a sigh; it appeared this would follow him no matter where he went.

Karna had not ever placed much value in love; he had a son, who he loved dearly, but at the end, it was Arjuna who raised him. Arjuna who taught his son how to shoot, how to fight, when Karna had killed the light of Arjuna's eyes.

Karma was a cruel, fickle thing. And Karna had no interest in letting others get entangled in his troubles.

"Would you mind showing me what to do, Megumi?"

Now that he was closer to her, he noted her appearance. She was a woman of modest beauty— not like the princesses he had glimpsed during his past life, but perhaps it added more splendor to her appearance.

She was earnest, and all the more open— like a spring breeze blowing through an open door. Brown hair pulled into a bun, and light, almond eyes that glowed ever so slightly with pride when she handed scoops to customers.

She, Karna thought, would be a splendid wife. For him, a man who could glimpse through facades and lie so well in life he had been awarded the skill Discernment of the Poor as a Heroic Spirit, such a thought was the truth.

She was gentle in the way he remembered his adoptive mother to have been, too removed from positions of ambition to wish anything but for some mundane happiness for her children or friends. But at the same time there was a hidden strength within her meek frame, the kind that is only cultivated by a life of hard work and challenge.

He decided then that she would be a fine woman to pledge his loyalty too.

"If any accident should befall you, Megumi, all you must do is ask of me, and I shall do my best to resolve it." He said, "If you require anything, just ask."

Megumi gasped as she ducked her head. The customer at the head of the line, an old lady grinned.

"Now, Megumi–chan, you've got quite a fine man here," the grandmother said, "Why don't you let him help?"

"Of course," she said, recomposing herself, "Enji, can you help Chiyo–san?"

Karna nodded, picking up the ice cream scoop like he had seen Megumi do.

"What flavor would you like, Chiyo–san?"

"Vanilla."

"How many scoops?"

"Two, and add some sprinkles." She winked at him as he handed her the finished cup, handing the cash to Megumi, who rang her up at the register. "Thank you, young man."

"It is an honor to be able to help, Chiyo–san," he replied. He felt satisfied with the interaction.

Turning to Megumi, he suddenly felt that he should ask her for her thoughts.

"Megumi, if you would not mind me asking, was that satisfactory?"

She giggled at his question, and Karna wondered what was so amusing about his query.

"You did good," she said, "but pay attention; the customers are waiting."

"I see."

At the end of the day, Karna found himself enjoying the job. He had been able to meet a wide variety of people.

Some of them asked about his quirk, to which he answered that it was fire. Some wanted autographs, which was new.

He still signed all of them with a pen Megumi gifted him. She said it was a signing bonus.

Above all, he had found an apartment to rent.

Now that he was situated, he could finally start figuring out what he wanted to do in this world.

When Megumi got home to her apartment, threw her keys haphazardly on the kitchen countertop, she finally let the events of the day sink in.

She had met the Karna! All of her friends were talking about him— the mysterious hero with a quirk like Endeavor's, who had swooped in to save the day when no one else would.

A part of her shivered in excitement as she remembered his words. He was so honest, so open, that she had hired him on the spot.

Enji— Fubuki-san, she corrected herself, was far too good at his job. Of course, he had left the shop after a single shift, to which a customer had remarked, "He's going on patrol? And not even asking for a single Yen?"

She had nodded her head, because of course Fubuki–san seemed to view payment as unnecessary. He was like one of those old–fashioned heroes from the time before quirks, always so observant and gentle.

And what kind of hero name was 'Karna? The name sounded familiar, but she couldn't place where she had heard it before.

She had gotten his phone number as well. A part of her wanted to text him, and the other part of her said it was a horrible idea.

She hadn't even eaten, and she was already thinking about this mysterious man! What would her parents think? The shift was easy, because Enji was there— he was fast and strong, able to do the work of two men without breaking a sweat.

The customers loved him, especially the children.

At the end, she gave in.

Hey, Fubuki–san. This is Megumi.

A minute later, he responded.

Hello, Megumi. You can call me Enji if you want.

She gaped. This was moving much too fast.

Isn't that…?

I never liked such terms. I suppose my viewpoint would be more Western, then.

Oh! I see, you studied in another country?

There was a brief pause before he answered.

I learned and grew up in India.

Wow! How come you moved to Japan then?

This was getting awfully personal… she didn't even know him that well!

Something happened.

Ah, I'm sorry if I bothered you… that was a little personal…

It's fine. I don't mind telling you about myself.

How come? You're being really candid…

Honesty has always been my virtue. At least, I try to make sure it is.

Megumi chewed her lip.

A lot of heroes aren't really forthcoming with this kind of information…

I don't fear villains learning where I came from. It doesn't change a thing, if that's what you're worried about. And I trust you, Megumi.

She blushed. Why was always so damn honest?

You're really straightforward, you know?

I have been told that.

I'm disturbing you, aren't I?

Megumi.

Her eyes widened. There is some sense of power behind that single text.

I said honesty was a virtue, and between lord and servant, there should be no lies. You must be clear with me; do not speak in veiled statements— it only does you a disservice. I would not have agreed to work in your store if I did not approve of you, and the little time in which I have known you, you have only impressed me. It is the hallmark of a fool to discredit yourself, so do not do that.

Now she realized why he sounded so weird— he didn't sound like a hero, he sounded more like a soldier. Like some form of general.

And the way he spoke was so formal— 'Lord and servant'?

I get it, Enji! You're really so formal all the time.

It was taught to me by my father.

Father? He was the one who you inherited your flame quirk from, right?

That is correct.

I just have a minor quirk— it lets me sense emotions if I activate it.

A pause.

That is a wonderful ability. Do not discredit yourself, like I said before. Such an ability is not 'minor'--- and I am unsure where you received such descriptions from. It would allow you to discern truth and lies, to understand intent if used correctly. If you wish, I could help you train it.

Really…?

Did I not say that all you need to do is ask?

I thought that was just hyperbole…

I do not make such empty statements— my words are the truth, right or wrong.

Megumi finally figured out what it was that had irked her about Karna— it was his pride.

You're really confident, you know?

I know the consequences of my actions, hence I do not lie. There is no point in deluding myself with false promises and scenarios.

Like you told that kid?

A pause.

What I told him was the truth— the only obstacle in his way is himself. If he wishes to be a hero, then I shall not hinder him. It matters not what one fights for, but their conviction. That is what judges a warrior— faith in their cause; if they do not believe in one, they will fail.

You sound like you have personal experience… 🤔

There was a long pause, where Megumi had thought that Enji had gone offline. He was a hero, after all— maybe he was on patrol.

Until her phone beeped.

I do.

(She did not know that of all heroes, Karna knows what not having faith in a cause is. He had fought a hopeless war because of his pride. He had been doomed to lose from the very beginning, but perhaps if he fought just a little bit harder, pushed more, he could have won.

But he never says this, because he is a soldier, and a soldier fights for their lord. Duryodhana had shown him kindness first, so he fought for him.

Yet he still listened to his mother, the mother who had abandoned him.

Because at the end, Karna is human. He does not question, he instead obeys.

When Kotomine had told him to eliminate Ruler, he had obeyed.

That is the type of man he is.

He thinks his fatal flaw is pride.

It isn't.

It's loyalty— the same kindness that earned him the title of Hero of Charity was the same that killed him.)

Chapter Text

Karna lifted up the chocolate syrup in his hand, the brown bottle hovering over the cup of vanilla–strawberry ice cream on the counter. Standing in front of him was a child, who looked to be around six or seven years of age.

Of course, next to the child was his mother, who was shuffling back and forth. The son of Radha sighed, placing the bottle down. At the woman's opening mouth, he spoke.

"Do you want my autograph?" he asked gently. He would show no hate to children, of any sort.

The boy's eyes widened, and he nodded his head so fast it might have fallen off if not for Karna withdrawing a pen from his apron's pocket. The same pen Megumi had given him.

"What is your name, child?"

"Ritsu," was the answer, and Karna quickly signed the paper. Thankfully he was given knowledge of how to write Japanese. He was naturally fluent in Sanskrit, now a dead language akin to Latin, only learned for research purposes.

"Would you like me to add something special?" he questioned with a blank face.

The mother stepped in, "We couldn't bother you any more, Fubuki–san. Right, Ritsu?"

Karna could see the boy's disappointment a mile off. "It won't be any issue," he said, taking time to write out words that held a special place in his heart. Handing the leaf of paper back to Ritsu, Karna squeezed out the syrup over the sugary treat, before handing it off to the mother.

"What does this mean?" Ritsu cried out, gazing up at Karna with wide eyes.

""Let the world turn into a righteous place, where the reign of Dharma shall ensure prosperity to everyone irrespective of their not caste and their not so noble beginnings," Karna uttered, and he could see the mother's eyes widen.

"Woah, that's so epic!"

Karna shook off the boy's grandiose proclamations and praise, and accepted the cash offered, brushing off the mother's thanks.

"If you wish, try to learn more about that," Karna said at their parting, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Blessed is he who pursues knowledge."

"I will, mister!" Ritsu promised, "I'm going to be a super strong hero one day!"

Karna did not smile, but merely nodded, although there was the shine of pride in his blue eyes. He couldn't understand the fascination with his signature— all the kids who visited (and quite a few adults) wanted them.

He would frequently write phrases from the Bhagavad Gita or those that he recalled from his previous life. He didn't fear anyone learning the truth about him. The one he had gifted Ritsu was of a special significance to him.

On his deathbed, Krishna took the form of a brahmin and approached him, asking for alms. And Karna, mortally wounded, mortal form ridden by blood and injuries, promised to give the brahmin a gift of special value. Thinking of his own capitulation, he picked a great smooth stone and inserted it into his mouth, and with tremendous blows broke two golden teeth off. Drawing himself up, he presented them to the sage.

Krishna, impressed by Karna's courage, decided to test him further. Declaring that to offer him 'teeth stained with your spit and blood' was a great sin, the avatar of Vishnu urged him to try again. Karna, whose death was steadily approaching, refused to let his honor be stained in such a way.

With great effort, he righted himself, and crawled across the floor, blood spurting from his injuries and pain racking his nerves. Yet he continued on, will unshaken.

He reached for his bow, already in tatters from his final duel with Arjuna, only to find its string snapped and broken. Turning his head to and fro, he found a spare on the floor, and once more, pushed against the beating heat of the end, his face flush with the final breath of life.

Pulling back his bow, his fingers shook. To fail now would forever stain his pride and dishonor the promise he had made— to be a Hero of Charity. Only now did he find the last push of strength in his arms to launch his final arrow, which cracked open the earth, revealing a hidden spring.

Fresh, pure water bubbled from the embrace of Mother Earth, and Karna could see the last embers of flame washed away in the liquid. Yet he dragged his body to the water, washing the teeth in the stream and presented them to Krishna.

Krishna was so moved by such dedication that he revealed his true form and bowed to Karna, offering to bring the dying man back to life and crown him emperor of the world.

But Karna was too flustered, declining such a position. All he asked was for his sins to be forgiven, and instead for his story to be remembered for future generations. One life was enough for him.

"Let the world turn into a righteous place, where the reign of Dharma shall ensure prosperity to everyone irrespective of their not caste and their not so noble beginnings."

That was his final wish. To leave behind a glimmering tale of a man who defied fate, who exemplified charity and bravery— all to inspire those who would come after. After all, is that not why he fought?

"How are things looking, Enji?" He turned to see Megumi exiting from the backroom, wiping her hands on the ends of her apron.

"They are fine," he answered curtly.

He had been working here for a week now, and found Megumi to be a pleasurable companion. She had a sunny disposition, one filled with a certain lightness and hope. It reminded him of Rider of Black, although more subdued.

There was a lull in customers, so he relaxed against the counter.

"So, why do you do it?" Megumi asked, stepping right next to him.

"Do what?"

"You know, work a regular job! No other hero would have ever done it!"

Karna found the idea preposterous. "I have worked many jobs, as you call them, in my life. I shall not renounce my past simply because I have been gifted with power."

"Uh huh."

He turned to face her. "I see nothing wrong with accepting tokens of thanks, but my issue arises from the definition of the word…"

Megumi tilted her head in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"These heroes are nothing but mercenaries."

Megumi's face shifted through several expressions, anger being the most prominent. "You can't say that!"

Karna shook his head. "I am not saying I have an issue with them— merely that the worship of these so-called 'heroes' is not something I would expect." He crossed his arms. "You define a hero by someone who has been given license by this HSPC, and thus is a member of the government, who fights for the people. Thus, he is a soldier— only, there are not the ranks found in any such organized army. No commanders, tacticians, or ranks. Instead these people compete for jobs and wealth according to a ranking system tabulated by the government—"

"It is like a guild from isekai…" Megumi muttered.

"I suppose you could see it that way."

"So what— they still help people, so they're heroes in my eyes!" the young lady exclaimed, pumping her fist into the air.

Karna sighed again. "When you create such a system, you have established a hierarchy. These 'heroes' get their power from a Quirk, which stems from lineage. Established families have an advantage already, and those with Quirks not suited for Hero work are dubbed weaker."

She fidgeted under his heavy gaze. "And I have not even mentioned the Quirkless— naturally, they are the lowest in this new society you have created. In other words, a person's worth is derived from their birth."

"But… but…" the girl struggled to gather her thoughts, grabbing at the edges of her apron.

Karna broke her out of her momentary reverie. "And then there are those who use their quirks for personal gain, or those who squander power for selfishness. The definition of your Hero is 'one who fights evil' or 'those who break the laws'."

Megumi nodded her head.

"So when you wish to be a hero, do you not wish for an equal crime to occur?"

Megumi opened her mouth to answer, only to find no response. What else could she say?

"Thus, the core of a hero is selfishness. They save people because it is their duty and they receive pay— such is the cycle you have wrought." Karna scoffed. "A never ending stream of young children, all dreaming to be a hero. Similarly, an endless horde of dreamers who are denied, labeled as villains for their quirk or for other misconceptions—- where do they go?"

"... They become the villains."

"The bloat and waste of such a system is exorbitant." What was the point– countless academies would form around Heroes, constantly fighting for a spot in the limelight. "Instead, all you must do is place them into a system, akin to an army. Eliminate the ranking system, and promote camaraderie instead."

Karna knows what jealousy can do. The feeling of being the shadow of another man for so long. Duryodhana had swam in it, and pulled Karna in as well, the two of them promising to crush the Pandavas.

"... You sound like you have personal experience." Megumi guessed gently. He could feel the softness in her tone.

"... There was a man." Karna said, hesitating. Should he speak of Arjuna, or digress? But something within him hummed— perhaps it was his father's guidance, but he felt a sudden warmth within his chest. "All my life, I wished to beat him. He was a radiant warrior— a hero of superb moral quality."

"Every time we met, I was filled with sudden rage and bitter jealousy—"

"No way!" Megumi interrupted, leaning into his face, "You? Jealous!?"

Karna ignored the sudden outburst. "As I was saying, every time we met, we clashed. I hoped to beat him, but he disregarded me."

He thinks of Arjuna, the perfect man. Well, as perfect as a man could be. "He was generous in all his attributes, and superior to me in the skill of arms. He was filled with an untamable vigor, and endowed with the heart of a king."

"But above all, he retained his honor. Every action he took, he did so in accordance with the duty of a true warrior. But never did he do so as a machine of fate—"

Karna remembers the man he hated as an enemy but loved as a brother. "He was ever conscious of his heart, and faltered at numerous times. He would break into tears at loss, but never throw away his bow."

He sees Arjuna, poised on the chariot bearing the standard of Hanuman. He feels the hunger within his chest the same time turmoil racks his heart. It is a battle of life and death.

Karna remembers Kunti coming to him, begging him to join with the Pandavas. It would have been a story of light— of brothers reunited, of justice and truth victorious. But at the same time, he knows he cannot turn away from his path.

It was Duyodhana, not Kunti, who had acknowledged him in the tournament to win Draupadi's hand. She had remained silent out of shame, shame of her creation. But Karna is the Hero of Charity.

To come to him, to fully confess her sins, requires no small deal of courage. It is a form of courage and conviction that only mother's bear.

He did not know who she loved at the moment— the Pandavas or him. But he knew it was a selfish love, born of self–love, for Kunti would not have been able to live with herself if her sons had died.

So Karna had granted her a boon. No matter what, she would always be the mother of five heroes. She had given life to him, so he bore no resentment to her.

It is not in his purview to judge her actions, all he can do is act on his own for his own happiness.

Megumi waits, and Karna realizes that he must have hesitated again. Her face looks almost like Radha's in the light— the same concern in her eyes when he comes home, the same disapproval at giving away his life for someone other than her.

He smiles, and Megumi feels something.

"I may not know much of heroes, but I do know this." Looking at his pale skin, the wisps of flame burning deep within his pale blue eyes, Megumi can only watch in awe. Is this a true hero, a treacherous part of her brain whispers.

Because she has seen Karna. Seen the way he indulges every request, big or small. And when he speaks about Quirks, she can feel some deep–set sorrow, as if he had experienced something similar.

"When I was born, I was set on a river." She gasps in shock— Enji has been abandoned? "It was fate that led to my safety, and the birthright awarded me by my father—"

No wonder. It all clicked together. To have such a childhood…

"When I learned, I was mocked for my pale appearance. The other boys would laugh at me, insulting my father and myself. They saw no potential in I, the son of a poor worker." Karna says, "It mattered not my strength or talent. No matter how large my will or heart, they would forever look down at me."

"All I fought for was to live a life worthy of the gifts bestowed upon me, so—"

"Let the world turn into a righteous place, where the reign of Dharma shall ensure prosperity to everyone irrespective of their not caste and their not so noble beginnings." Megumi recites breathlessly, and she can see Karna's nod of approval.

A quiet silence engulfed the parlor.

"I do not resent my mother. She was fearful and ashamed of what she had done, and I forgave her a long time ago. But my father, who endowed me with my flame and set me on the path of a warrior, I—"

Karna does not know what to say, for once. He cannot say he met Surya after the God had appeared before him, so he instead leaves his words hanging.

"Enji, you, that…"

"I did much wrong in my life. I let my jealousy and anger sway me from the path of righteous—" He recalls his final moments, of a content smile and a promise honored. He had been able to be both son and friend. "But nonetheless, that is who I am. And to see such a system in place, it naturally stands against anything I believe."

Every student should be placed into a standard system of schools. He does not know, but these Quirks could be used for so much more than Hero work— his flame could keep hundreds of generators online, could power a city.

He recalled bitter words.

"Once a charioteer's son, always a charioteer's son." Draupadi had said. He had protested, and even with Duryodhana appointing him King of Anga, she still refused.

"..."

"I do believe we should return," Karna points out, motioning to the line of customers who have watched the two's argument.

Megumi looks absolutely gobsmacked for just a second, before resuming her business mode. "Alright," she grinds out, "But we are having words!"

As Karna steps forward, the first person in line speaks up— a young man, with black hair.

"Do you…?" he asks, waving his hand back and forth hesitantly.

He smiled politely, or at least wiped out any anger in his face. "Any place will have its faults or flaws. To assume such arrogance by taking a position such as that as the truth— no, I shall not do that. I just pointed out the flaws I observed from my stay here."

"I see," the man grunts, "And I think you're right."

Karna raises an eyebrow as he reaches for the banana tub.

"It's a sad day when kids know more about All Might than the Prime Minister who's supposed to be in charge of the whole damn HSPC."

He hums as he scoops out some blueberries, sprinkling them over the yellow sherbet cup.

"Heroes or vigilantes, doesn't make a goddamn difference. Just a piece of paper with some authority handed to children these days." The man handed over a neat pile of bills, "You're right about the whole ranking system. All kids these days want to be number one, cheering for a hero like they're sports teams."

Karna nodded quietly, passing over the finishing Banana Blast.

"What happened to serving quietly, moving up the ranks? No, now we just let them do willy–nilly, and the Heroes fight over everything, debuts, rankings, all for some cash. Before, we had the police. They worked honestly, were transparent, and never hogged the glory. Best of all, they were people— not some clowns in spandex."

"Like you," the man continued, "You don't wear a mask. You work a job part–time, and help anyone out. You don't give a shit about fame or stuff. You're just a guy who wants to help others— selfish or not, I don't give a damn."

Karna nodded quietly. "If I may, I would ask you to forgive those who wronged you."

The man blinked in surprise.

"Not many harbor such distaste for heroes, unless you had a personal experience. But being heroes, I can only assume that you felt wronged. After all, you aren't a hero. What can you say about someone who was doing their job?"

At the silence that followed, Karna handed the receipt to the speechless customer. "The Human spirit is imperfect, flawed. And Heroes are just like that— we can blame them, but to that end, should we not blame ourselves as well? Men like you, who preach from the safety of their homes, never knowing what the reality is like. But at the same time, was it not civilians who extolled quirks, who relentlessly praised Heroes, who gave their approval to this new order?"

The challenge was declared.

(Unbeknownst to Karna, someone had recorded the entire conversation, and naturally posted it to Youtube.

Later on, Karna will have regretted not reprimanding the young boy watching the scene.)

All Might stares at the screen in front of him with a grim face. He had been aware of it, of course. But he was the Symbol of Peace first, and a man second.

Looking at this Karna, a vigilante who the HSPC hadn't punished yet— Namosa had said something of another Hero interfering, which had left Yagi scratching his head. Mirai had always been the brains of their operation, and without him, Yagi was at a loss.

"All my life, I wished to beat him. He was a radiant warrior— a hero of superb moral quality."

All Might thinks of just a second of Enji— how odd that the two men share the same name, and flames. Wait. His brain nearly stops as he snatches his phone from the couch, hardily smashing 'Enji Todoraki' into the search engine. Clicking at the personal life tab, he sees a face with white hair and cool blue eyes looking back at him.

"When I was born, I was set on a river."

""I do not resent my mother. She was fearful and ashamed of what she had done, and I forgave her a long time ago. But my father, who endowed me with my flame and set me on the path of a warrior, I—"

He drops back against the couch, phone all but forgotten as the horrible realization flows through his mind. Endeavor's family troubles had been in the news, something about his wife hurting a child, but this?

It's a wonder the young Enji grew up so well— his foster parents must have been truly exemplary people, no matter how poor they were. When he speaks of being bullied, a pit forms in the Number One hero's stomach.

He knows that feeling, that constant anger against the world. Even now, he hasn't fully forgotten the way they used to look at him— once with distaste and dismissal, but now with admiration and hope.

"The system—"

All Might watches as this child dismantles everything people believed in. But throughout the discussion, he never loses his cool. Not once does he speak with hatred, in fact, the only emotion he shows is admiration; and that's for the mysterious rival.

He and Endeavor had never seen eye–to–eye, but what if…? Could the man resent Yagi for constantly keeping first place in the rankings? He had never considered it, because to him being a Hero was saving people— he didn't give a damn about his ranking or what not.

Karna, Yagi decides, is an alright boy. He doesn't deserve to be punished for his vigilantism– not when he's no doubt lived such a hard life. And to top it all off, he refuses to accept money for the services he renders.

"---was it not civilians who extolled quirks, who relentlessly praised Heroes, who gave their approval to this new order?"

The video cuts out, and All Might watches as a news report is played, but he ignores it. He had been complacent. But the more he thinks, the more he realizes that he had a shop to pay a visit too.

He still hasn't thanked young Enji for stopping that Sludge Villain, hasn't he? And those words he gave to young Midoriya were truly inspiring.

Another sigh left his lungs. To think that the boy would deny his power, instead promising that he would make it in his own way— All Might had wished him the best of luck, but he was left without a successor.

Unless…

His eyes flickered to the screen.

Enji Fubuki.

Could he be the one All Might had been looking for? The one to defeat All for One?

All Yagi knew was this— he had to meet this kid.

Chapter Text

When Karna wakes up and finds his eyes looking at alabaster white walls, he finally comes to grips with where he is now. Some small, insignificant, part of him had expected to be whisked back to the Throne of Heroes, awaiting whatever new duty he had been assigned by the will of Mankind. He closed his eyes slowly, and inhaled.

Pushing his body up, his feet meet the wooden floor as he exhales quietly. It's quiet— something he's never been quite used to. All his life there's been sounds, from the neighing of cattle and horses to his mother's quiet hum as she washed their clothes.

Even in the din of the Kurekshetra, there had never been silence. Perhaps, Karna muses, that would have all it taken for the tragedy to have been averted, if Duryodhana would have been able to remain silent.

But he had never been quiet with his ambition, and neither was his uncle— not even Krishna, Supreme Lord of the Universe, had been to convince the man to abandon his path! He moves to stand, stretching his muscles into the air and blinking tiredly.

Japan is… odd. He doesn't hate it, but he isn't overly fond of it either. He had preferred Trifas, in a sense. There was a spirit there that seemed lost in this world, a quiet stillness— almost as if everything had come to a stop.

Yes, that was it.

Karna realized that he simply wasn't used to this. How could he be, when his entire life had been a rollercoaster of emotions, a never–stopping battle? His hands aren't made to scoop out ice–cream or other sugary treats, they're fit for battle. It's the same restlessness in his bones that forces him out of his apartment and into the streets, but even then he feels claustrophobic in the crammed city roads.

His shift doesn't start till later in the afternoon, so he's free right now.

Free to do what?

That's the question: what will he do? For Karna, the hero who devoted his life to becoming a warrior, a purpose no longer exists. To him, a soldier without a lord, he is as lost as a ship without a rudder.

The sudden metaphor (how fitting, his mind supplies) causes him to stop where he is— a small park in Mustafu, where he can see a large amount of children playing together. A small smile forms on his lips as watches them. The innocence in the scene dazzles him, from the gentle laughs and loud cheers.

Until one of them notices him, eyes wide and excited. The boy runs up to him, and comes to a stop right in front of Karna.

"Fubuki-san! Fubuki-san!" he exclaims, and Karna recognizes him.

"Ritsu?" he asks, blinking owlishly. After a second, he adds, "It is good to see you."

It was odd to run into the child he had only met yesterday, but Karna knew more than ever that interactions like these were special. Perhaps the gods had glimpsed his uncertainty and guided Ritsu to him.

"What are you doing here? Don't you have to save people?" Ritsu exclaimed, the black–haired jumping up and down.

A wry smile formed on Karna's lips. He could tell that Ritsu meant no harm by such a question, but was merely young.

"Such curiosity is admirable," the Hero of Charity replied, "but just like you, I am also a person. While I have pledged my sword to the people, I have also pledged it to myself."

"Oh…" Ritsu scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, his cheeks turning red. "...I didn't know…"

"Now you do," Karna finished, "But it is a valuable lesson, is it not?" While we all should work for the betterment of our compatriots, it is essential to not lose sight of ourselves—" Karna remembered Krishna's words to Arjuna, and how it would be if they were switched. He knew what Arjuna would do.

"Our self, our feelings, they are meaningless in this grand world. All that matters is our Dharma; for even in death we will be granted peace for our karma. O' child! Surrender yourself to the mercy of our lord—"

Well. Arjuna probably wouldn't say all of that, but Karna thinks he knows his younger brother pretty well. Maybe. The man had been quite filled with rage the last time they had met.

"---But I can tell you're a little young." Karna finished, feeling quite proud of himself. "When you're older, you can worry about these things."

Ritsu meanwhile, was quite flabbergasted. "Old man, you talk so weirdly…"

"Talk oddly?" Karna asked. This wasn't something he understood— his Japanese was gifted to him by the Grail, or whatever force had brought him here. Now, he did talk a little formally, but he was a hero! "In what manner, child?"

"You stretch out all the words and use fancy words too!" Ritsu complained, "And you put 'em all around weirdly, all fancy like."

"Now, you just used 'fancy' twice." Karna chided, "One of the most essential blessings to us is speech, and would you not wish to make a good impression? Currently, you sound like a mere toddler, not like a young boy. Try expanding your vocabulary, so you may better use the language gifted to you."

The boy looked up at him with lost eyes, to which Karna could only sigh. "Nevermind." He paused for a second, trying to find the right words. "Try improving your language, so it is more varied."

Ritsu nodded slowly, his black hair— which looked more like brown in the sun— flopping about. "I will, Fubuki-san!"

He isn't sure what else to say. Usually, when interacting with his own son, he had been distant for the most part. His duties as King of Anga, and eventually as Duryodhana's right hand had pulled him from the joy of fatherhood.

Regardless, it wasn't as he had completely ignored his sons. He had taught them to the best of his ability, but that didn't stop them from dying alongside their father in the Kurukshetra. Perhaps now, he did have a wish. To see them once more, and apologize for dragging them into a battle that was never theirs.

(Deep down, Karna knows what they will say. That they were proud to fight alongside their father.)

(But he can still regret his pride.)

He recalled Arjuna's rage over Abhimanyu, and how the man had slaughtered Karna's own children in retribution.

(Nothing good comes out of war. Brother kills brother. War only begets more more, hatred creates only more hate.)

He returns to attention after he feels something tugging his sleeve, and his blue eyes meet Ritsu's own charcoal orbs.

"Can I introduce you to my friends?" Ritsu asked hurriedly, and Karna could not find the strength within him to refuse.

"Lead the way," he answers.

Izuku wasn't someone who gave up easily. But as he stared at the flickering screen of his computer, a wave of shock rushed through him. He, as he usually did, had been flicking through the various hero forums, until he saw the video at the thought.

The title? Flame Hero: Karna talks about his life.

Izuku's hands were shaking as he reached for his mouse, bringing his cursor right above the post. Did he want to…? Was he crossing a boundary? Looking around his room, at all the pictures of All Might looking down on him, he felt a sudden anger.

He clicked play.

"A never ending stream of young children, all dreaming to be a hero. Similarly, an endless horde of dreamers who are denied, labeled as villains for their quirk or for other misconceptions—- where do they go?"

The young Midoriya felt a pit in his stomach when he heard those words.

When I learned, I was mocked for my pale appearance. The other boys would laugh at me, insulting my father and myself. They saw no potential in I, the son of a poor worker."

Izuku's eyes widened at this new information. Karna had been bullied and mocked as a child, like him?

What was he saying… he didn't want to wish such a nightmare on anyone else, even if it only raised his goodwill for the flame hero. Absent-mindedly, Izuku scrolled down into the comment section.

▶TheM9ght
God damn, this guy has only been around for a week and he's already laying burns. And Karna? His whole backstory matches up with his hero name, which is hella weird.

▶Famboy19
+TheM9ght yeah it's hella odd. Just searched up Karna and the two's stories match up, plus this guy got a fire quirk. Not to mention his weird ass armor.

▶Te1p
Honestly, I think it's just a bizarre coincidence. Plus, in another video his name is literally Enji Fubuki.

▶MupPe3Endvor
God, not another Hero Killer fanboy. Can't these losers ever learn?

▶Famboy19
Stfu +MupPe3Endvor. I don't see what's wrong with pointing out your views. At least he's being honest.

A lot of the comments were like that, and Izuku himself smiled reading them. They were filled with praise for Karna, but levied criticism of the man for his ideology. It wasn't something Izuku was expecting, to be honest.

He had already been swept up in the Flame Hero's storm— why wouldn't he be, when it was Karna who told him he could be a hero? Ah— that was a reminder. Looking at the room all around him, Izuku frowned.

It was all All Might. Not that he disliked the hero, Izuku still looked up in awe to the Number One, but Karna was his Number One now. But as he looked back to his calendar, the pit of despair returned to his stomach.

How was he going to get into U.A.?

He wasn't the most physically inclined, and he didn't have the skills to make support gear. He did do Quirk Analysis, but that was just amateur level.

Courage is not having the strength to push onwards, but to continue pushing when you have no strength.

What was he thinking? Izuku snapped out of his funk— there had to be some way to use his ungodly skills at forum loitering and hacking (some hero statistics were hard to come by, hey!). He couldn't rely on Karna, or any other hero, for that matter, to save him.

If he wanted to be a hero, he had to do it his way. He had only around a year to train for the entrance exams, or get a recommendation. Yeah. As if he could get a recommendation from a professional Hero.

Then there was only one answer: train. Burn his body down and build it back up. He wouldn't be a useless Deku anymore.

After all…

If Karna had seen the potential of a hero in him…

He couldn't let him down.

Pulling open a new notebook, Izuku grabbed a pen and started writing. As he wrote, a plan had started to form in his head— a way for him to be a hero.

Quirk Analysis…

Information Gathering…

Planning…

Using all of these, I'll…!

And he knew where to begin. The video in front of his eyes played, and one word burned into his mind.

Quirkless.

The lowest of society. Those nobody would miss. And if his treatment was anything to go by, neither would the police. Of course, he knew what he was doing was risky. He didn't even know if there was any crime currently targeting Quirkless people. But in the back of his mind, he could almost hear a voice whispering to him, promising success. It just felt right.

If Izuku Midoriya couldn't be a hero the regular way, he'd make his own.

That was the man he was.

A hero.

Someone who saved others.

Yagi Toshinori's hands rested on the wooden doorknob, shaking slightly. He could feel the momentary turmoil within his heart; where All Might was filled with youth and energy, Yagi was quiet and reserved.

He wasn't sure why he was here, but a gut feeling. Seeing the young hero's debut had reminded Yagi about many things, things he'd rather forgotten decades ago— but now was neither the time or place to think about the past.

It was the time for the future.

He pushed open the door, stepping into the ice-cream parlor, a chime announcing his arrival. Not as bombastic as his usual entrances, though.

Of all places, Yagi didn't expect a hero to even work here— why would they, when money was far easier to get on patrol? Of course, the thought bought a queasy feeling to his stomach: he hadn't become a hero for money.

And standing behind the counter, speaking to a child, was his target. Well, target was a bit harsh. A young man with scraggly white hair and harsh white eyes met his curious gaze, almost challenging him.

Yagi stepped forward, quietly waiting in line. However, he could still listen to the conversation in front of him.

"Come on, Enji-san!" For a second, the breath was almost knocked out of his lungs. Why did the two have the same name, and same quirk? Well, he wasn't sure about the Quirk, but they were pretty similar.

He wasn't sure about the illegitimate son theory, though. The ages didn't match up, not in the slightest. Maybe it was a coincidence? Or a clone? God, he had been reading too much manga recently.

"Young man, I told you already, I'm busy right now," the white–haired man answered, "But if you wish, I can play with you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow…?" the boy, Ritsu, asked, voice hopeful, before adding, "Really? Aren't you a hero?"

There was a twinkle in Karna's eye when he responded, "Am I not helping you?"

"Ulp—" The boy gulped, before nodding furiously.

Karna raised a finger into the air. "Do not try pushing your luck, child. Sometimes be satisfied with what you achieve— if not: then dare to do more!"

"Like you!" Ritsu cried out, pumping a fist into the air.

He paused then, before quickly replying. On the outside, his posture was the same: calm and unfazed, but Yagi was sure he could see a small moment of surprise in Karna's eyes. As the blonde approached the counter, he could see the boy move to the side and study him.

A quiet smile formed on the injured hero's face, as he raised a hand in greeting. The boy nodded, before turning to leave, shouting out, "Bye!" as he rushed out the door.

"Is there something I can do for you?" All Might's eyes flicked back to the reason for his coming here. His lips were dry, oddly enough.

Looking at Karna, it was like looking at the sun. Oh, it was hard to see, but there was something inhuman in the other man's facial features, beyond just the pale skin or white hair. There was a light in his eyes, but it was shrouded, as if washed over too many times.

It took him a hot second to realize where he had seen those eyes before.

"Vanilla," he said, scratching his neck, "One scoop, small."

"Of course," Karna responded, before asking, "Any toppings?"

The Flame Hero's hands were worn, and although they were long All Might could see they were anything but delicate.

He had come here looking for the future, but all he could see was the present.

"So, how long have you been working here?" Yagi asking, feigning interest.

"A week," was the clipped response.

"And you're a Hero," Yagi observed.

Karna's hand paused right over the styrofoam cup, before he dropped the white treat into it. Meeting Yagi's gaze, he replied.

"And I thought the novelty would have worn out already."

"I'm afraid that when it comes to heroes, people are rarely rational." The words came out with a chuckle, although there was barely any humor in the sentiment.

His answer was his order. "500 yen."

Handing over the banknotes, Yagi took a look around the rest of the parlor. It was mostly empty, on account of the school day. Kids would come later in the afternoon.

"I was hoping to see Megumi-san."

It was a lie. All Might had done his research on the parlor, and it was registered to one Megumi Sae— a college student who was currently studying for her law degree. The actual shop was a family business, although the young girl's parents had tragically passed away in a villain attack.

A part of Yagi felt sorrow at the child's fate, but the other was tired of it. He supposed that after so many years of fighting, one naturally became apathetic to the tragedy of hero work.

Karna raised a single eyebrow. "She is not here. If you want to see her, come on weekends or in the evening." Somehow, even in the ridiculous apron and hat, the white–haired man managed to look intimidating.

It was clear this was getting him nowhere. So he played his next card— heroes didn't just come from nowhere, and Karna– Enji Fubuki– was suspicious. He wasn't a debut hero, not like All Might had initially assumed.

No rookie would ever have eyes like that.

He couldn't use One for All either, and Karna looked like the type of man who could be diplomatic. So it would be a battle between Enji Todoraki, ice-cream vendor, and Yagi Toshinori, All Might's secretary.

Even now, those words bounced in his head.

"A hero saw the boy's courage, and was so moved by it that he passed his own power to the boy."

It couldn't be— Yagi prayed with all his heart— One for All. But why did the descriptions sound so familiar? Courage, it matched his meeting with Nana, but then who was Enji Fubuki? A part of him suspected All for One, but he had disregarded that theory the moment he entered— the villain was far too prideful to have a pawn of his work in an ice–cream parlor or even be called a Hero.

And at the same time, looking at Enji Fubuki, All Might could see no deceit. The man didn't smile, or emote in the slightest to give no hint to lying, and in his gut All Might could see himself trusting the man.

He furiously rushed through the theories— bastard son, vigilante, or…?

No.

It wouldn't be. It couldn't be. He had only read about it in manga or watched it on TV, but with quirks, everything was possible.

The names, everything…

But what if it was?

He cleared his throat, doing his best to put on his most fatherly smile. "Ah, I can't eat. A health problem. It's for my nephew."

"I see." Karna nodded, and the silence resumed.

Both are stiff…

But the real question is: is he a father?

Now, All Might knew he was grasping at straws. But it seemed to be the only thing that made any sense!

Enji Fubuki was… Enji Todoraki's alternate counterpart from another dimension. He was stranded here, and had turned to vigilantism as a way to cope!

Yagi was pretty proud of himself. Somehow, Fubuki must have figured out the secret of One for All, or maybe the All Might of that world had told him?

Gods, that made him think. If Enji was like this, then what about himself?

Was he some quiet, taciturn man?

God, imagine the All for One of that world— probably some kind of lunatic who thinks he's saving mankind or something!

(Somewhere, in the vast reaches of the Throne of Heroes, a grey--haired knight smiled at the mention of his name, while a Japanese priest blessed with miracles cringed.

He wasn't a lunatic!)

He shuddered at the thought, only realizing the silence that engulfed the room. Was he really that awkward?

Thankfully, Enji didn't seem to mind. Gosh— he was already referring to him as 'Enji' when he hadn't even proved his theory. Well, better now than never.

"Fubuki-san," Yagi said, looking at the ice-cream vendor, "Would you happen to be from another dimension?"

Chapter Text

"Fubuki-san," the blonde asked quietly, "Are you from another dimension?"

The hero Karna considered the question quietly. To him, there were two paths branching from here: to lie, or to speak the truth. The roads led on, in a monetary moment, where neither thought could be put to words, only instinct.

Perhaps a more shrewd servant would have deflected, but the Son of Surya had always followed his heart.

"I am," he answered honestly. It was fate that led him here. Let it judge his actions once more.

The other man sputtered momentarily, shock flashing across his face. He coughed into his hand, before finally meeting Karna's eyes. They were blue, clear and bright, but murky at the edges, chips of azure weathered away under the quiet stillness of death.

As he opened his mouth to speak, he once again hesitated. Karna's patience grew thin. No man should have eyes like that – eyes that spoke of horrors inflicted upon the soul and a will to rival the greatest warriors.

Karna should know. He had seen a gaze like that before — the desire to protect. Thus, for him, it was incorrect for such a warrior to keep his head cowed in such a manner.

"You are not a child to falter at the slightest hint of the unknown, so do not cower. It is unbecoming of someone of your status."

"Excuse me?" the man asked sharply, before blinking in surprise.

"A warrior should hesitate to raise his sword. He should feel regret at death, should falter at battle and carnage — but never should he hesitate to speak. After all, words are where our first battle lies, and if you are unable to enter even that, then what sort of warrior would you be?"

Once again, the blonde was left speechless, before he sighed. And that was all the confirmation he needed — whoever this man was, he was a fighter.

"We should talk in private then, Fubuki–san. I doubt such information should be discussed… openly…"

"I see. Would the back room suffice?"

A pause. It was almost imperceptible, but Karna could see relief in the man's face.

"Yes." The blonde met Karna's gaze halfway. "Thank you," he admitted sheepishly.

To that, Karna just nodded. He turned to the side, opening a black door and gesturing for the other man to enter, before following, closing the room behind him. A small office greeted them, with a single desk at the back and coat rack cabinet combo on the other side. And two stools, propped against the wall.

The blonde hesitated once more, before awkwardly squatting on the stool. He looked just as out of place as Karna did, sitting on the other stool.

"Forgive me," Karna began, "Perhaps I should not have been so… judgemental earlier. Whatever reason you have for being here, I am unaware of; but my heart tells me you are a warrior, and one that is pure of spirit."

The blonde leaned forward, confusion on his face.

But the Hero of Giving continued, undeterred, "Then you must know to hurt Megumi is to strike at me. Whatever designs you have, be it ill or well, leave her out of it."

It was at once the truth and a statement of pure will.

"Of course!" the blonde answered back, immediately, "I would never hurt an innocent child!"

A pleasant smile formed on Karna's lips, and for a second the warmth of the sun could be visible in the air. It was a gentle, imperceptible heat — inconsequential in the grand scope of things, but to the blonde, it was a sign.

"Ah… I suppose I should introduce myself," he clarified, "My name is Toshinori Yagi. I work at All Might's agency, as his secretary. And I must also apologize for mentioning your employer's name in such a matter."

Karna nodded in response. His attention was drawn to something else — he could feel something, some sort of spirit inside the gaunt man's frame. It reminded him of Sieg, except far more muted but yet all the more lively.

All the more reason why Karna was intrigued by Toshinori Yagi. To guess at his extradimensional origin was one thing, but to work under the strongest hero of this world?

"Hmm. Then, Toshinori, what can I do for you?"

"Oh–oh…" Toshinori scratched his head, before clearing his throat. His tone became serious, and Karna smirked. "The Hero Public Safety Commision has already caught wind of you, but have held investigations… as it stands, you are a vigilante."
So that was the issue at hand.

"I do not see what a piece of paper could do to stop me from helping others." Karna fired back. If anything (his pride agreed with him on this), these heroes were kids compared to him.

"Of course! I understand how it must be, being stranded in another dimension…" The blonde offered, crossing his hands together, and leaning forward, "But perhaps we could work together, Enji!"

"'We'?" Karna questioned, "Are you a hero as well, Toshinori?"

"A hero…" The blonde looked at his knees, but Karna knew his mind was faraway, as were his eyes. Then he sighed, lips set in a thin line as he locked eyes with Karna once more, blue giving way to brilliant azure, shining with the intensity of a thousand suns.

"I am a hero, yes. But what I am about to tell you must remain confidential."

He stood tall, presence strong and commanding. It extended far beyond his thin body, and his hunched shoulders.

"I am All Might!"

This was the Symbol of Peace. The shining example of 'hero' in this future.

—This was who the golden knight had fought for, had entrusted the future to. And looking at the man, Karna felt pride. It was not pride in himself, but rather humanity. To choose such a warrior to represent them, one who carried the hopes and wishes of the world.

Selflessness. Bravery. Courage.

He found himself smiling, in spite of his taciturn nature.

"Watching you, I finally understand. This is what a 'hero' is, is it not?" Karna chuckled quietly. All Might — Toshinori — had given him his trust. As such, it would be improper for Karna to not return it.

He rose from his stool, letting the majesty of the sun shine from his body once more. In a single moment, splendid radiance filled the room, and he responded.

"I am Karna, son of Surya."

It was a simple declaration.

But All Might's face had fallen, and he stared at him in shock.

"...son of Surya? But isn't that… the mythological character?"

"You are correct. I am not 'Enji Fubuki' who chose the name 'Karna' — but 'Karna' who was given the role of 'Enji Fubuki'. For fate has guided my spirit here, to defend mankind once more. It is no coincidence the two of us met, is it not?"

All Might frowned. "That should be impossible… but you sound like you're telling the truth…"

"It is truly impossible for the two of us to meet. A ghost of a past long ago, and you, symbol of justice. But just as there are rules in this world and logic, so is there fate and fortune. We humans can pray all we wish, but at the end our destinies are known only to the heavens."

He paused, face looking distant at the mention of fate. "Then if what you say is true, you are the man who fought in the Kur–suraksha–Kurukshetra!"

"I am the same man who fought and died to Arjuna in that war. I am he, Radheya, Vasuneva, Karna — what name you wish, that is me."

Toshinori slumped in his chair. "Then your fire is some divine power…?"

"It is the manifestation of my father's authority, yes." Karna clarified.

"Gods…"

"So you knew I was a 'warrior' from the start?"

"Of course. No regular man should have eyes such as yours, or such a vast vision. But it is hard is it not?"

Toshinori met his eyes halfway. "Of course it is hard. Any man would struggle, but this is the path I chose: if you are the Karna, I would expect you to understand!"

It was a challenge to the golden hero. Of all, All Might presumed, Karna would understand.

But—

Where had such a path brought Karna? He did not regret it, but at the same time he would not wish such an end on anyone else. He was not the same man who had died in the Kurukshetra, filled with ambition and courage.

He was Karna, the Heroic Spirit. And now, Bhisma and Krishna's advice laid heavy on his heart.

"You claim to be an ally of justice, but have the bad habit of caring for the enemy. Can you not see the contradiction? Justice is ruthless, yet you try too hard to be generous!"

"That is not justice!" Yagi fired back, "Justice is fairness, but it is also kindness. Justice is giving everyone a chance, even villains! That is who I am! All Might! And if I have the power to back my words, then I shall enforce them!"

"Justice is an eye for an eye — do not conflate it with kindness. And life is rarely fair, so do not speak of it to me. All men are given the chance to perform true righteousness, regardless of their origins. Such is the gift of free will bestowed upon us."

Such was what Krishna had said to him. It was hypocritical of him to say so, but Karna never wished for others to follow his mistakes.

"Did you not disobey those rules, if you truly are Karna?" Toshinori glared back at him.

"That is precisely why I would offer you this advice, lest you follow my path. I am merely a specter, but people like you — you are treasures to all who fought in man's history. But history exists for us to learn, does it not?"

"... I suppose."

"Are you happy, All Might? Are you satisfied being at the top, giving your body to defend the masses, or are you filled with regret? If you can look me in the eye, and say that you are happy with your job, happy with your life, then I shall withdraw any such advice."

At that moment, All Might's eyes dimmed, fading from bright blue into faded azure. It was as the rug was pulled from his feet, as the world was drawing ever distant from his reach. And as his hand reached out, across the empty sky of pathos and logos, Toshinori stood up, under a black canvas.

He was once again a child, running through a world searching for something to fight for, to hang on his wall and touch in the mornings, when life seemed so wide and vivid. Perhaps in his large imagination, Yagi had conjured the image of 'All Might' and supplanted the weak Toshinori in his own inadequacy.

In his dreams, now marked on the canvas of reality, he too could be a hero, like the ones he saw day in and day out. He would no longer be separated by the invisible barbed wire that divided their world, and perhaps, the past would not seem so cruel when the future was so brilliant. And when he had reached the peak he had first seen as a young boy gazing up at the fuzzy screen of his television, and at the grave of his mother, then he could be happy too.

All Might could be the symbol Toshinori had wished for. He could be the bulwark of justice, one man against the world. Through the streets of Los Angeles, to the high rises of Tokyo, he blew through, smiling. All Might did not cry, nor did he fail.

But the more he smiled, the sadder Toshinori grew. The higher he climbed, the lonelier the path seemed, and when his feet reached the summit, he threw his head back and laughed, calling out, "I am here!"--- Toshinori remained alone.

He was Atlas, immovable and impenetrable, holding up the sky, a boy lodged in a myth far larger than that of a mortal man.

And Toshinori Yagi's silence was damning.

"Your spirit is admirable, and your bravery splendid. But what of your legacy, O' symbol of Justice? What next, when you crumble under the weight you bear?"

"...I will find a successor."

"Only one can bear the sky?"

Toshinori smiled. It was a smile of impeccable confidence, one of those once in a lifetime smiles of such reassurance that one can not help but smile in turn. And somehow, as it stretched across the gaunt face of Toshinori, it achieved a radiance that not even All Might could conjure.

"That is why I fight, to inspire the next generation to continue in my footsteps! Is that not why you fought, Karna? So I challenge you — show me your justice! You say I have met my limit, but I have not — there are no limits in life, as long as one keeps pushing forward! PLUS ULTRA!"

Karna couldn't hold back his own smile, small as it was. It was the type of smile that showed in the eyes, where the cold azure gave way to a warm sky.

"I can not refuse your plea, not when you have given so much, Toshinori. So allow me to take on your burden; such generosity only brings me joy."

"I have not gone on patrol yet for today, what say you?"

Toshinori knew that if Sir was here, he would demand Karna to be placed in a cell and interrogated. But looking at the ice–cream vendor across from him, he could see the future.

And of course, he had forgotten to ask how Karna had arrived here.

"My apologies, but I have already pledged to assist here."

Toshinori only grinned. "Would you need a hand?"

Karna blinked. "I would not refuse your help, if you offer it."

As the two left the backroom, Toshinori finally asked the question.

"How did you arrive here?"

"I myself do not know, but it is enough to say that it was fate that led me here."

Fate. How fitting, that something like that would make the two of them meet. Heroes of two different eras and places, working in an ice–cream shop.

"Hmm. You did say to follow my heart, did you not, Enji! So allow me to show you my justice!"

"It brings me happiness to work alongside you, then."

When Megumi arrived at the store, frazzled and tired after a hard day at college, she didn't expect to see a blonde guy hanging behind the counter. And chatting animatedly with Enji, because of course, the hero had somehow invited his friends.

"Excuse me," she said.

"Megumi," Enji answered, before noticing her stare. "This is Toshinori, he's a…"

The blonde— Toshinori — smiled at her befuddled expression. "You need not worry, ma'am. I'm merely helping out my friend!" And then, he held out a plastic card.

With Might Tower's emblem blazed onto it.

Yagi Toshinori. Personal Secretary.

"You're… you're All Might's secretary! And you know Enji!?" she shrieked out, before realizing what she had just said. Everywhere, customers swiveled to face the smiling blonde.

"Of course! I suppose you could say, 'I am here!'"

For a second, she thought that the thin, scrawny blonde in the oversized white shirt was actually All Might. And then she promptly shrugged her shoulders.

Dealing with Enji's brealey veiled eccentricities had made her accustomed to heroes.

"I'm not paying you!" she called out, opening the door to the backroom.

"I need no pay!" he shouted back, "After all, all scoops are on me today!"

And cue the rapid cheers from the massive (was it getting larger?) hoard of customers.

The blonde spread his arms out.

"All of you here, can you not see Dagaboh beach just a few steps out? Covered with junk and trash? What kind of people would let such filth pile up on your front door?"

Murmurs grew in number among the people piling into the small parlor.

"So then, what will we do?"

A boy called out in response. He had spiky red hair, and shark-like teeth.

"Clean it up, obviously!"

"That's right, my boy! So all of you who aspire to be heroes, or simply wish to help out, can I count on you?"

"YEAH!" the crowd shouted back.

"And we also have the aid of the Sun Hero: Karna!" Toshinori declared, slinging an arm around Karna who looked at him with amusement in his eyes.

"Then go! PLUS ULTRA!"

When Megumi came out, after taking a short nap, the sight that greeted her eyes was shocking. At least a hundred people, many of them kids (hero prospects), rushing across the beach picking up trash and dumping it into trucks. Even Karna was helping, along with the blonde.

A memory came unbidden to her.

"Megumi–chan, isn't the sea beautiful?"

Her mother.

And watching this…

She rushed down the steps to the sand, picking up a pair of gloves from the handily placed station and rushing up to Karna.

"Let me help," she exclaimed breathlessly.

He smiled at her.

"Of course."

By daybreak, with a surprise visit by All Might himself, and the help of hundreds who arrived after seeing Might Tower's official Twitter post, Dagaboh beach was once again pristine.

Chapter Text

Izuku was excited.

It was hard for the young boy to know how long it had been since he had such a feeling, tingles sparking up and down his skin. But as he adjusted the straps of his bright yellow bag, he couldn't help but smile.

And his smile was infectious, judging by his new friend's reaction. The black–haired boy grinned back at Izuku, as the duo looked at the now (mostly) clean Dagobah Beach. Sun shone from the sky, and he could hear others frolicking on the golden shores, no doubt taking joy in finally having a nearby gateway to the sea.

"Alright man, let's go!" Kirishima exclaimed, pumping his fist into the air as he ran down the surf, "Come on, Midoriya!"

Izuku quickly started sprinting, biting at Kirishima's heels. The boys jogged down the waterfront, coming to a stop in front of a wooden outlook point. As their feet met the floorboards, they could see a thin, gaunt blonde sitting on one of the benches, who smiled upon seeing their faces.

"Yagi–san!" Izuku greeted out, bowing. Even now, he couldn't believe the man in front of him was All Might. To think of how he had sacrificed so much, for people like him to live safely. It made the green head feel odd.

But when he saw that smile, all he did was want to know if could be like that. A symbol of justice.

"Yo!" Kirishima echoed, "What are we going to do today, Yagi–sensei? It better be super manly!"

The blonde chuckled. "Why don't you warm up, young Kirishima? I would like to talk to Midoriya, in private."

Izuku gulped at the words, but the hardening–user was unaffected. "Sure!" he replied, before running back to the sand, chucking his back to the side and dropping down to the ground.

Yagi scratched his neck at Kirishima's enthusiasm, but turned back to Izuku. "So, have you made your choice, Midoriya? Will you be my successor?" he asked, voice oddly hopeful.

"All Might…" Izuku whispered, looking at the floor. He wanted to say yes, to accept the gift, but then he saw Karna's face and cold blue eyes. He thought of being Quirkless, of the bullying, of statistics he read on a Wikipedia page when his mom wasn't looking.

He made his choice.

"I want to be a symbol of a Peace, I want to be like you!" he exclaimed, but his voice became subdued afterwards, "But at the same time, I want to be a symbol for the Quirkless. To show that the Quirk doesn't make the hero, that's it's the heart that counts!"

"Young Midoriya…" Yagi–san whispered, eyes wide.

"I know it's stupid and dumb but I have to, All Might!"

"I know."

"You—what?!"

"You're more of a hero than I ever could be, young Midoriya. " He sighed, looking back at the ocean. It seemed so large and all encompassing in that moment, and All Might appeared so tiny and weak, as a short breeze could knock him over. "I was Quirkless too, but I always wished to have a superpower, like the comic books I read. The dream of that boy… I suppose it never really died."

"...All Might?"

"You've got guts, young Midoriya. I don't know what's driving you, if it's spite or admiration, but I promise you I'll help." Yagi grinned, "Then maybe you can be the hero I wished to see as a kid, young Midoriya!"

"T–thank you!"

Izuku smiled softly. All Might believed in him, and so did Karna! It was possible.

"Now, no more slacking! If you think you can get into U.A. looking like that, you've got another thing coming!" Yagi bellowed, "GogoGO!"

"Of course AllMIGHT!" Midroya yelled as he ran out of the wooden outhouse, dropping into a plank as he shrugged off his backpack. Kirishima was stretching now, waiting for Yagi–san to come.

"So greenie, what did he say?"

"He just wanted to talk about my…"

"Quirklessness? Don't worry about it dude— you've got more guts and brains than me. If you can't be a hero, then you should be my manager."

"M—manager?"

"Yeah, like the guy in the chair. Or on my side in the ring, y'know? Like Mickey!"

"Oh…"

Kirishima only grinned. "You were super cool when we were cleaning this place up dude! Not to mention you helped me out with my quirk, so of course you'd be an awesome pick! U.A. has a business course too."

Izuku stood up, and met his friend in the eyes. "I'm going to be a hero too, and maybe you can be my sidekick."

There was a moment of silence, before Kirishima burst into laughter. "That was super manly dude! It's on — you and I are rivals now, so you're going to U.A. whether you like it or not. That's my promise, the spirit of the hero Red Riot!"

"...Red Riot?" Izuku asked, "Like Crimson Riot? The super tough rescue hero with a hardening quirk for his hair and ohhh…"

"He was my inspiration. Crimson Riot was super cool, bro. He was manly and strong. He didn't hesitate to help others."

"Yeah. I guess my favorite hero…"

"Come on, you got to tell me!" Kirishima exclaimed, "I bet it's All Might, isn't it?"

Noticing Yagi's watchful eyes, the black–haired boy quickly retracted his statement, "I love All Might too, Yagi–sensei!"

The blonde just chuckled. "It's alright, young man. I can understand why'd like Crimson Riot."

Izuku nearly collapsed under the curious glances being sent his way. Scratching his neck, he finally opened his mouth.

"Mine is Karna…" he admitted, voice quiet and soft.

Kirishima just grinned in his usual manner, the same boisterous cheer and bundled up enthusiasm that seemed like a never–ending ocean of positivity. But Yagi instead looked thoughtful.

"Why don't we meet him, then?" he asked, with a conspiratorial grin, "Maybe he would be able to teach you a thing or two, young Midoriya!"

"I know he works here, but I wouldn't want to intrude…" Izuku mumbled.

"Nonsense! As a her—ally of justice, I can't allow such a thing!"

"You know Yagi–sensei, sometimes you act like All Might. I guess you must be a super fan, right?" Kirishima asked, rubbing his chin in thought.

"What about training!?" Izuku hastily asked, racking his brain for excuses. He wasn't shy, it's just that… Karna was intense.

"You need a rest day too. It isn't good for heroes to overwork themselves." Yagi said, shuffling and smiling awkwardly under Izuku's side eye. Like All Might didn't overwork himself.

"Dude, maybe he can teach you something." Kirishima offered, placing a hand on Izuku's shoulder, "Everyone says he's really nice to his fans…"

Izuku chewed on his lip. "Fine! Let's go…"

"That's the spirit!"

Kirishima leaned down to Izuku's eye. "Dude, Yagi–sensei totally acts like All Might. They must be brothers or something!"

"B–brothers?"

"Yeah." Kirishima nodded, looking quite pleased with himself.

As the trio walked back up the steps, and crossed the road to a small black building, Izuku gulped once more. All Might pushed open the door, as the two boys shuffled into the stores. Under the afternoon's waning light, the store was half–filled.

"Enji!" Yagi called out, strolling to the counter, while Midoriya followed him.

"Toshinori," Karna— the Karna — answered, "What may I do for you?"

"I have two young boys with me today, and they need a break from their training." The man leaned over the counter, "Give them something special," Yagi said, winking inconspicuously.

Yeah, Izuku was suspicious. He knew All Might was friends with Karna, but they looked to be the best of buds.

"I see," he said quietly, before meeting Izuku's eyes. A look of realization dawned upon him, "So, you found your determination, child?"

"Y—yeah."

"Splendid. I shall look forward to our eventual battle, then."

"B—battle!?"

"Heroes are warriors, child. And warriors fight. I merely wished to see your resolve."

"Oh." Izuku breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Of course, I do not expect you to win. To stand against a warrior such as myself, you would undeniably lose unless by a miracle of fate."

"What?" Izuku half–snapped, half questioned. What kind of arrogance was that? He had thought Karna was humble…

"What sort of might did you expect to have to challenge myself, child? You are not even a man yet, hardly a warrior."

Izuku sweatdropped. He really was getting ahead of himself, wasn't he?

"But I am pleased with your progress. You do not bow your head to me, nor flinch from my words. Keep that resolve, and that spirit."

"Thanks, Karna–san… for everything…"

"You need not thank me. But perhaps, you may tell me what ice–cream you want."

"Ugh—!" The greenete quickly turned to Kirishima, who was scouring the menu, and All Might, who was chuckling at the shock on his face.

"I'll take a strawberry, Karna–san!"

"Vanilla then…" Izuku added weakly. Kirishima laughed quietly, amusement flickering across his face.

Izuku's hero nodded, while Yagi stepped forward to pay. "So, what do you think, Enji?" he asked, sliding yen notes across the counter.

"If you wish me to judge them, then I shall not refuse, though I have always been tactless at picking out those who are 'special'. In birth they have lost the lottery of fate—" Izuku blinked. Did Karna know Kirishima's quirk? "But I can see under your tutelage, they have grown strong of limb and mind…. It is good then, for them to learn at a young age. I only began training at the age of eighteen, after my father sent me to the city."

All Might seemed shocked. "Eighteen?!"

Kirishima seemed to agree, finally interrupting their little chat. "Woah dude, that's super manly. You started training at eighteen and became such a powerful hero? Then you must be some kind of prodigy!"

"I doubt that statement, child. It took me nearly ten years to complete my education under my teacher, and even then I still had much to learn to become the hero I am today."

It was said with such utter conviction and sincerity that Izuku had to take it as the truth.

"...How old are you?" All Might asked.

"Old enough to be a father," Karna answered cryptically.

"A father…" Izuku muttered, before he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he could see All Might's smile on Yagi's tired face.

"It appears our order is done, young Midoriya. Why not let Enji do his job now?"

Izuku nodded, as he followed the blonde's lead to a table in the back.

"...Dude. Don't tell me that Karna is like sixty and we've never heard of him!" Of course, it was Kirishima who voiced his opinions first. Izuku smiled at the memory that popped in his mind, of meeting nearly two weeks ago at a clean–up event sponsored by Might Tower.

The local news cycle had finally dried up, but Izuku could still see a hoard of reporters waiting in line at the counter. A shiver went up his spine — the media attention drawn to the small store had forced the owner, Megumi–san, to set up a 'press line' just for the media.

Of course, a part of him wondered how Karna did it. He had been keeping up with the new stories about the Flame Hero, and everyday the story got new twists. Nobody knew where he came from, except that his name was Enji Fubuki and he was roaring up the Hero Charts.

(Of course, the most popular theory was that he was the bastard son of Enji todoroki, Pro Hero Endeavor. Everything just seemed to fit together, except Karna's age. And Izuku doubted it even more now, after the man had kind of confirmed he had children…)

And then, he had somehow been able to rush across Japan defeating villains with a speed that only All Might had in his prime, and still had the time to work at this store! It was insane! Not to mention he mostly operated at nighttime, and through the morning or evening hours on rotations.

Izuku had plotted out the hero's entire patrol schedule with all of its randomness. Every day (except Saturday and Sunday), he patrolled for the entire night. No breaks. He had demolished entire gangs in seconds, according to some of the videos posted on HeroNet.

People were calling Karna the Flame of Hope, and a new title: "Hero of Charity", after his hero name's namesake. Izuku had intensely analyzed Karna's quirk, and had come to two conclusions: it allowed him to control energy, and was connected to the sun.

Why: Karna was stronger, shockingly so in the hours of the day where the sun's light was the brightest. Second: he frequently compressed his fire to form lasers, which had become something of a meme online.

"A true hero can kill with only a glare!" Karna had said to an overzealous reporter, before leaping back into the air.

So, there had to be some form of light usage or energy manipulation in the quirk, which tied back to the Sun. Kind of like Endeavor's Hell Spider, in a sense.

Izuku groaned.

Yeah, Karna wasn't beating the allegations. Endeavor hadn't commented on it yet, but people were keeping their fingers crossed.

"Young Midoriya… are you in there?" Izuku blinked in confusion, snapping out of his (momentary) haze.

"Ahh…" he laughed sheepishly, giving a nervous smile to Yagi–sensei. "I was just thinking about Karna–san, that's it."

"Were you now?" Yagi asked, a hint of mischief in his voice.

"You should hear him when we're training without you, Yagi–sensei! You'd think he'd be a pro analyst with how much he talks about Quirks and heroes. He's super knowledgeable!"

"I can surely see that!" The blonde said, "But young Kirishima, have you seen his, um, notebooks?"

"...There's notebooks?" Kirishima asked, a hint of awe in his voice, "Dude! Why didn't you tell me? That's super manly!"

A hint of red dusted Izuku's cheeks. "It's n–nothing… people tell me that it's creepy, that's all…"

"Creepy? Young Midoriya, with some lessons, I'd say you'd be a fine manager or strategist." Yagi mused, "you should probably apply to U.A.'s business course, as a back–up for the Hero course."

"O–of course!" Izuku scratched his cheeks in embarrassment, avoiding All Might & Kirishima's curious glances.

Kirishima scowled suddenly. "Dude."

"Y–yeah?"

"You said people tell you that your hobby is creepy, man. Who said that stuff to you?"

"O–oh, it's no one really!" Izuku cursed under his breath.

"Young Midoriya, I too am concerned. You do not seem to be the type of boy to, ahem, stalk others to look at their quirks. If anything, you seem to be a polite boy." Yagi echoed, looking with barely veiled concern at Izuku.

The boy in question shrunk under the glances being sent his way.

Breathe.

"If you are being bullied for your quirkless status…" The accusation in All Might's voice was clear.

"It's nothing." He said firmly, smiling. It didn't reach his eyes. "I just don't want to cause anyone trouble."

All Might blinked in surprise, a brief shadow flickering over his face as Izuku saw a shadow in his eye. But it was only for a moment.

"Ah, then I apologize for my questions. It must be personal, for you."

Kirishima hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry too Midoriya! It was unmanly of me to pry into your life, but I still stand by what I said!"

"Thanks." This time, it was genuine. "Thanks for being my friend, Kirishima."

"No problem dude," Kirishima fired back, grinning widely, "And thanks to, man. Just watching you… it makes me want to work even harder!"

Yagi nodded his head. "Young Kirishima is right. Your dedication is truly your greatest asset, Midroiya. To see you push yourself in such a manner…"

"You're remembering your glory days, aren't you, Yagi–sensei?" Kirishima asked.

"Um, I suppose you could say that…" Yagi said, looking to the entrance of the door and back to the counter.

Izuku followed his glance, only to blink in surprise at the sudden surprise spreading across the parlor. Most of the people chatting and talking had become silent as the newest customer entered.

Or customers.

They were a boy and girl, siblings by the look of it. The girl had white hair with streaks of red rushing through it, while the boy had full white hair.

All Might — or Yagi — suddenly gulped as he leaned back in his chair.

"Hey… is something wrong?" Kirishima whispered, waving a hand to the sudden silence within the room. You could drop a pin and hear it.

"They look like siblings," Izuku blurted out before realizing what he'd said.

At his statement, Kirishima suddenly understood the gravity of the situation. The reporters, smelling blood in the water, quietly motioned for their cameras to start recording.

The girl stepped forward to the counter, quietly staring at the people (totally) not watching her. Izuku wanted to slide back into his seat and disappear, and judging from the look of absolute panic and singular dumbfoundedness on All Might's face, the man knew too.

Wait.

All Might was friends with Karna, judging by the beach clean–up. But that means… Izuku shot a glance at All Might, and then back to Kirishima. And by that look in All Might's eyes— panic, hot and sharp, Izuku gasped.

It couldn't be.

It was impossible.

Enji Fubuki was just as old as Enji Todoroki.

"What may I do for you?" Karna asked, oblivious to the sudden attention focused on him. "Would you like some ice–cream, or an, autograph?"

The girl smiled, stepping forward. "Do you know Ritsu–kin? He told me all about this shop, and I couldn't help but want to try it…"

Karna raised a thin eyebrow. "Ritsu? I do, in fact. He is a kind child, and quite good at football. May I ask how you know him?"

"Oh! I'm his teacher, Fuyumi Todoroki."

"Then what can I get for you, Todoroki–san?"

An audible groan rose from the audience. He could hear some whispers, until the girl — Fuyumi — spoke up.

"Vanilla please. What about you, Shoto?"

"...Vanilla too." 'Shoto' said, gruffly.

Karna nodded, ringing up the cashier, and handing them a bill while he began scooping out chunks of sweet vanilla.

"Dude…" Kirishima whispered, eyes wide, "There's no way he's that oblivious…"

Yagi smiled weakly. "You shouldn't believe everything on the internet, my boy."

Izuku wanted to strangle Yagi and squeeze the truth out of him. He knew. And the soft–spoken boy could be spiteful, when he wanted too.

"It's like the theory that says you're All Might's brother, Yagi–san!" Izuku whispered back, looking quite pleased with himself.

Kirishima nodded sagely. "I can see the resemblance, sensei!" he added.

"I don't know what you're talking about…"

They perked up at the sound of Fuyumi's voice.

"Shoto is training to be a hero too," she said awkwardly.

Karna didn't react in any way to that. "Then best of luck to you, child. May fate smile on your fortune."

Shoto finally spoke up. "That fire of yours… I've heard you say it's your father's…"

"It is. It is the authority of my father, that splendid flame. It is as much as my inheritance as the radiance that shields my body."

"I see," the boy replied, blitley. Izuku sank even further into his seat. That face…

It was the look of someone who needed to be saved.

"Here you go. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day," Karna said, handing off the two cups. The two siblings took them, hastily saying thank you while looking for a spot to sit. Every table was full.

"You two!" Yagi suddenly called out.

Their heads swiveled around, and Yagi did his best to smile like All Might.

"Why don't you sit with us? We have some empty seats, and are almost done anyway."

Indiscreetly, Izuku's eyes flickered to the large picture on the wall of All Might inside the lobby. As they approached, the girl nodded gratefully, while Shoto scowled.

"Thank you," she said, while Yagi smiled.

"I know the hero business," he said, chuckling, "Toshinori Yagi. I'm All Might's personal secretary. And this is Izuku Midoriya and Eijiro Kirishima… they're my, um, students!"

"Yo!" Kirishma greeted, while Izuku settled for a meek "Hi."

"You." Izuku blinked at the red and white haired boy's sudden interest. "You're the kid he saved, at his debut."

"Y—yeah… I'm really thankful for that…"

His eyes narrowed. "What does he see in you? You're quirkless."

Izuku bristled at the insult, while Fuyumi appeared shocked.

"Shoto!" she scolded, "That's no way to speak!" Addressing Izuku, "I'm so sorry about that, Shoto's just blunt, in a way."

"Your sister's right." Kirishima said, friendliness leaving his voice, "Midoriya's one of the toughest and manliest guys I've met, and if you think he can't be a hero because of a quirk, you've got another thing coming."

"K–kirishima!" Izuku cried out, before cringing, "It's okay…"

"It's not alright." It was Yagi who spoke now. "Young man, if you wish to become a hero, you must leave that attitude behind. You should not project your own difficulties onto others."

Izuku wanted to cry. All Might and Kirishima were both defending him!

"I apologize then," the boy said, looking at All Might, "You were right. I acted hastily."

"It's okay! I forgive you!"

"So, are you two becoming heroes?" Fuyumi asked quietly.

"That's right! Me and Izuku over here are going to U.A.!"

"R–right!"

"Ah, Shoto is also going to U.A. — he could use some friends, actually. Maybe you could be friends?"

"Fuyum—" Shoto interrupted, moving to sit up.

"F–friends?" Izuku questioned, feeling awfully dizzy. Things were moving pretty fast, weren't they?

"I'm fine." Shoto said instead, to Fuyumi's disappointment, judging by the look on her face.

Kirishima stared at Shoto's face, and frowned, brows knitting together. "Hey dude, you sure? You seem pretty bunched up together, maybe we could help you chill out…"

"I'm fine." Shoto insisted, and Izuku frowned.

"Fuyumi, let's go." he said, standing up, "Thank you."

Fuyumi hastily got up, trying to talk to the boy but he brushed her off, walking towards the exit. The bell rang as they left, but not before Fuyumi waved to them.

"Geez. That guy was seriously unmanly, bro."

Izuku nodded wordlessly.

Yagi sighed, as the parlor erupted into chatter once more. "We should go. There's still some time for a final run, no?"

Kirishima nodded slowly, oddly subdued.

"Now, young Midoriya, young Kirishima. That boy… he no doubt has a lot of pressure on his back, so don't take it seriously."

Izuku sighed, moving to the trash can, following All Might.

"When you two become pros, this kind of media attention will be something you have to adjust to."

Izuku clenched his hand.

What does he see in you?

He would show that guy — Shoto — what a hero was.

That was a promise.

He'd be Izuku Midoriya, the first Quirkless Hero.

Chapter Text

Hiashi sighed as he placed his black briefcase into the security tray, smiling tiredly at the customs officers. Removing his watch, withdrawing his phone from his coat pockets, and pulling off his shoes, he placed them soon after his briefcase.

Running a hand through his blonde locks, he nodded at the officer and stepped through the metal detector, and then handed off his passport to the man.

"Midoriya?"

"That's right."

"Purpose of visit?"

"I want to see my son and wife, officer." His suit was already wrinkled from the late flight and rush at San Francisco, so he didn't want to dilly dally any further.

With a loud click Hiashi was handed back his passport with a red stamp and waved through the gates. He quickly rushed to pick up his electronics, clicking open his briefcase to gently insert his laptop back into its rightful spot. And then, with a smile on his face he strolled out of the final security check and headed to baggage claim.

Airports hadn't changed in the slightest — sure, they were faster, the flights were shorter, but at their core nothing was different. Like the rest of society ever since the dawn of Quirks. Somedays, he wondered why Japan had stagnated so much.

The United States had accepted them nearly instantly. Bodily autonomy had been a must have, and with the thirtieth amendment, the right to use Quirks freely had been enshrined within the Constitution, provided they do no harm to others.

It was odd how he felt. Coming back to Japan… it felt hollower than ever. He didn't have many good memories of this place, except his old man's last wish. A memory of one of his few friends surfaced, and he quietly pushed it down. Like they would ever meet again.

Picking up the sole suitcase he had brought, he dropped it into his trolley, and wheeled it out into the arrivals lobby.

As the doors slid open, a blast of cold air assaulted him. He shuffled awkwardly, scanning the crowd of people for Inko, before spotting a bob of green hair to the right. His breath hitched, as he quietly pushed his cart forward.

Izuku.

And then, he saw them. His son. Izuku was… more filled out, his baby fat whittling down. Was he working out? And Inko, she was just as beautiful as the day he had last seen her. He stopped in front of them, and did his best to smile, fidgeting with the collar of his shirt, before Inko embraced him.

"Hiashi," she whispered into his ear, fingers wrapping around the crook of his back as she squeezed him.

They didn't kiss.

He quickly released her, smiling. "Inko," he returned, before turning to Izuku, who promptly hugged him. He laughed at it, falling backwards as he embraced his son, the apple of his eye.

"Dad," whispered Izuku, voice filled with a longing and hunger that burned Hiashi's already fragile heart, "you're back."

"Yeah," Hiashi said, quietly massaging his son with his hand, "I'm back."

They let go afterwards, when Hiashi shuffled around.

"How was the flight dad?" Izuku asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet, and Hiashi chuckled.

"Tell me to never fly on Nippon Airways again," he returned, with a cheesy grin on his face.

Inko frowned, "It wasn't good?"

He waved her off, "It was alright, I guess. But I want to hear about you guys!"

She moved to take his trolley, but he stopped her. "I can do it. I know you had to stay up already."

"You're tired, Hiashi."

"Inko, please. I know you have to go to work tomorrow."

"How will this change that?"

He sighed. "I can push a trolley around, you know that."

While they were arguing, Izuku took it. Izuku. Hiashi nearly blinked in surprise, but let it go.

"I can do it," he said, with a teasing smile that made both Inko and Hiashi laugh.

"Alright then, champ. You've got to tell me all of what's going on, including that All Might autograph!"

"Hiashi."

"I'm not taking it or anything! I just want to see it!"

"I'll show you Dad, it's really cool. I've been training for UA too, you know!"

Hiashi hummed in understanding. "Have you?"

"Yeah, I found a mentor. His name's Yagi-san, and he's…"

"He's what? Nice, sweet, caring? Or hellish? Do I have to talk to someone, Izuku?" Hiashi joked.

""He's like you," Izuku finished, looking at the ground quietly, "Gaijin."

"Oh," Hiashi mouthed, lips curving upwards like a koi fish, "Then I probably will talk to him then. Yagi though, the name sounds familiar…"

Inko's eyes widened. "Hiashi, I don't want you to make a scene, now. My baby has been working very hard, and I've met Yagi-san. He's nothing but a pleasant man."

"Of course," Hiashi brushed off the comments, "Did he remind you of myself, Inko-chan?"

"In a way." Their conversation was cut short when they arrived at the parking spot where their car was, and Hiashi watched Izuku place his sole case into the trunk.

"That's some muscle, buddy."

Izuku nodded, and Hiashi scratched his chin as he watched Izuku enter the car. It seemed like there was some large distance between the two of them now. Hiashi had done his best to call, but with his schedule and time dilation… he wasn't sure if Izuku needed him.

It was a sobering thought. The drive back was mostly silent, though Hiashi did his best to talk to his son.

"I got you the latest All Might merch," he said, expecting a happy grin or an outburst.

Izuku nodded. "Thanks!"

The muted reaction only made Hiashi sink further into his seat. When they got home, he watched Inko put Izuku to bed before stepping out into the kitchen.

"Tea?" she asked, to which Hiashi nodded. She quietly began opening up cabinets, as Hiashi pulled out one of the chairs, looking at the fridge. It was mostly the same, except a picture of a gaunt-looking blonde man, with Izuku, a black-haired boy, and another boy with a bird head.

"That's new," he said, pointing to the photo, "I'm guessing that's Yagi?"

Inko hummed in affirmation, as she poured water into the kettle and placed it on the stove.

"Inko," Hiashi asked, "What's up with 'Zuko? Is he… mad about something?"

"It's late, Hiashi. He's probably tired from waiting for his dad," she answered. The sweet scent of jasmine tea filled the air.

"Ah, I forgot." Hiashi winced at the awkwardness of the moment. He rarely talked to Inko in their calls, as she usually gave most of the time to Izuku. "I'm sorry," he added, a moment later.

Inko placed a cup of tea on the table, sitting down with a sigh. "Izuku just wants to know his father," she said.

Hiashi took a sip of the sweet liquid. He let it fill his mouth, before swallowing. "I try, Inko. You know how it is, and what he wants to be…"

"Hiashi, he needs to know. You keep postponing it, but one day you'll have to fess up."

His eyes shifted away from Inko's inquisitive gaze. "Izuku's better off not knowing who his father was."

Silence hung in the air.

"He won't hold it against you, Hiashi. You know that."

"You don't understand, Inko. What I did… it won't ever be safe for him to know."

"You did the right thing."

"And what did I do? I ran away, Inko! I ran, like the coward I was! Izuku's quirk diagnosis was his way of revenge, I know it."

"You don't know for sure, Hiashi."

"Izuku had a quirk, Inko! That man took it, don't you understand? I can't let Izuku live like that, knowing that some boogeyman is chasing after him!"

"Hiashi!" Inko yelled, and Hiashi froze. "I've put up with your excuses for years, for years, I've done it! Every year, you say you'll tell, but you never do!"

"He can't know…" Hiashi protested, "What will he say when he learns that his father is a villain?"

"You are not a villain."

"I'm a thief, a good-for-nothing! I'm a coward!"

"Then why did you come back?"

Hiashi fell silent.

"Do you know what I did, Inko, while working for the CIA?"

"You've told me…"

"To take down that man, sure, the heroes did their amount of work. But it was us, the CIA, who provided the information. It was us and CIRCO here in Japan, who got the dirt on that motherfucker."

"You did the right thing," Inko assured.

"I know… it's just that… I've been having nightmares… I don't want Izuku to ever be like me, to work in such a field. He should be like All Might… a true hero."

"With his quirkless status…"

"I'll find a way." Hiashi stared at Inko. "Before, I didn't, but Izuku is finally taking things seriously, I should be able to use my contacts left to get him some help."

"I'm proud of our baby, Hiashi," Inko said, "and Izuku said he'd go to America after getting his hero license, so then you can show him around California."

He laughed dryly. "I guess whenever I come here, those memories…"

"Japan was never your home, was it?"

Hiashi nodded. "I, just… it was hard growing up here after mom died. I was the 'American' who couldn't talk, and it was…"

She smiled. "I can't forget how we first met, Hiashi. In a hospital, of all places… it's like something out of your Bond films."

"Hey!" he laughed, "It was just a golf injury."

"Somedays, I wonder if it would have been better to move to America, Hiashi. They treat the Quirkless better there, and with your pull…"

"It's alright, Inko. You said you wanted to raise him here, and now the kid's got his mind set on UA. I can't do much against that."

"I'd have liked West Point better," he faux–pouted, "always wanted to go there, and they've got a fine heroics program. Pump out some of the best, and you get a federal position immediately."

"That's a university," Inko pointed out.

"Oh," Hiashi facepalmed — how could he have forgotten something like that! "Then, I'm sure Kent High would have worked, or Lee High, you know?"

"If Izuku doesn't get into UA, then we can consider it…"

"Alright, alright Inko," Hiashi sighed, "I better get some sleep. The jet lag is kicking in."

"You know, Izuku likes a new hero now," Inko remarked, as the two walked to their bedroom, "His name is Karna, and he works as an ice-cream salesman part-time, Hiashi!"

"I've heard of him. People call him the next symbol of peace, right?"

"And he saved Izuku from that slime villain! I was terrified seeing the video, Hiashi… just thinking of what would have happened if he wasn't there…"

Hiashi scratched at his chest, feeling an old wound. But he doubted now was the time to linger on such thoughts.

"That's just life, Inko. Fate works in mysterious ways."

"You always liked that quote, didn't you?" she huffed, before turning on the lights in their small bedroom.

"I'll take a shower," Hiashi said, smiling at Inko, "I doubt you'd want me smelling of airplane food in bed."

"I wouldn't," she playfully retorted.

Hiashi shook as he entered the shower, taking the change of clothes Inko had unpacked from his suitcase, and staring at his reflection in the mirror. Spiky blonde hair, piercing blue eyes made of steel, and a welcoming grin.

And then slowly, he reached into the sleeve of his suit jacket, and withdrew a file. And staring back at him were a series of instructions.

Hiashi Midoriya, your mission, should you choose to accept it: Secure One for All to the United States of America's employ and ensure the demise of All for One.

He sighed.

It was obvious why he had been selected. Toshinori Yagi, better known as All Might, ninth holder of One for All. And now a teacher to his son and two others. He had to find the bearer of One for All, and ensure that its security was ensured and kill All for One.

The leech had been festering in Japan for too long; the HSPC was far too corrupt to notice but the CIA had. The thought of such a power… it was disastrous, but at least the man had been contained to the island nation.

He chuckled, remembering the idiot's previous attempts to enter the States.

The last time, he had been defeated by the Grand Wizard, one of the most notorious villains in all of America's history. The man viewed the Quirked as disgusting, sub-human vermin, and his own Quirk was just as powerful.

White Crusade, he had called it. He can declare a group of people, and those in his proximity instantly become what he believes them to.

When used on All for One, the man had become a rat – a strong rat, but crippled by the Wizard's insane racism. Thankfully, the government had made sure his daughter, Cathleen Bates had followed the right path.

All for One could not expand out of Japan. His acts of stealing Quirks had weakened Japan's Quirk pool, preventing the singularity theory to be reached. But the issue was his longevity, and his constant troublemaking.

You didn't need a Quirk to be a good villain, and All for One had used that to devastating effect. Human trafficking, financing, weapons, they all led to him.

It hurt to lie to his wife… but Hiashi had to do this.

For justice… and for his oldest friend, Kerry. He would avenge his death.

That was his promise.

The promise of Agent Dragon.

Chapter Text

Hawks groaned as he once again took to the clear blue skies around Mustafu. His latest 'task' —- as the HSPC liked to call them —- had taken a little too much time for his liking. The higher ups had become concerned over an American agent of all people returning to Japanese soil, and had sent Hawks to scout out the situation.

Why? They believed he was in Japan to recruit Enji Fubuki for the United States, after their failure with All Might, though the Symbol of Peace still performed frequent joint missions with American heroes, the last one having taken place in Okinawa after a villain proclaiming himself the true Emperor of Japan had assaulted Kadena Air Base.

The Yankees were allies to Japan, but the HSPC was extremely protective of its heroes, especially following the rise of All Might. Hawks personally didn't care too much about it, but had investigated the man, and found nothing damning.

Hisashi Midoriya, retired CIA officer and currently working for the US Department of Transportation, visiting Japan to see his wife and son. Yeah, he didn't want to spy on a dude trying to enjoy his vacation (Hawks had watched plenty of spy movies, and knew one thing: don't mess with them). It wasn't his style, but he'd keep a watch on the guy's son. Izuku, if he remembered correctly.

Could be a fine hero, and probably would, since he was a special force's officer's son.

And that brought him to where he was now, taking a nice look and see around Mustafu. It was a quaint city, all things considered, with plenty of chicken shops to stop by for a snack.

'Hawks, are you sure?"

"I'm sure," he drawled, relaxing on his perch on the top of a mall, "Hiashi Midoriya is retired, and all he does is look at hero merch." Hawks chuckled at the image, "His son though, is training to be a hero. He was at the beach, with some other kids!"

'What about the agent?'

"He dropped him off, and talked to the boy's trainer. Regular parenting things, y'know?" Hawks quipped, "Why did you even want me to look after some retiree, anyway. Jeez. Should have sent a cop or something…"

'That is unnecessary. We will mark this mission as complete. Remember your orders. Out.'

And with that, the channel cut out, leaving Hawks to his own thoughts. The boss's feathers were getting awfully rustled anyway, with the debut of the Sun Hero: Karna. Or his real name, according to his file, Enji Fubuki.

Hawks didn't buy it. He was sure the dude was Endeavor's son, with the amount of praise the guy heaped on his father. Karna didn't talk to the press much, but when he did, it was obvious the man had no skill in being tactful with what he said.

Like his takedown of Muscular a week back. It was still in the news, much to Hawk's surprise. The fight had been televised, and it was a doozer, if you asked this hero. Hawks wasn't sure if he would have been able to take on that walking screaming hunk of bloodlust, but Karna had, without even breaking into a sweat— the guy had been completely uninjured, and his armor, not even a scratch! It had worked up the HSPC into a dizzy — what kind of man had such monstrous strength?

No wonder people referred him to as the next Symbol of Peace.

And of course, the President wished to speak with him, politely. He could waltz into the man's ice-cream shop, but that would attract too much attention. Hawks sighed, why couldn't get a nice cushy task for once?

Whatever, he could just ignore their calls.

But he had lost track of his train of thought. Back to the objective.

Enji Fubuki, Hero Name: Karna. Born in Japan but subsequently raised in an orphanage, before being adopted by an Indian couple. Birth parents unknown, but according to a file of a DNA test being done he had 'large amounts of Indian ancestry'.

Now, Hawks would like to say he was a good guy. But the thing was, he was sure the father was Enji Todoraki. He wasn't a conspiracy theorist, but Fubuki's age was far too old to be born from Endeavor's wife, so maybe it was a romance before the guy's marriage? Eh, Hawks would bet a bucket of KFC on that, if only to spite the HSPC.

Karna had made it clear his stay in Japan was temporary. The hero's name, and his own affection for the land was painstakingly obvious, though he spoke of Japan as a 'kind land'. It was crazy how many interviews the guy was in for such a short time period.

No press skills indeed.

No wonder the HSPC was raising the alarm bells on this. Hawks had been forced to digest Indian & Japanese nationality law for a painstaking two hours, as the talking heads had discussed ways to ensure Karna remained in the country.

Well, the kid had lived in India for eighteen years of his life, his parents had been Indians, and so he was granted Indian citizenship, with all the benefits. And sadly, India did not permit dual citizenship, and neither did Japan.

They had been floating the idea of a 'permanent visa' by reaching out to Parliament, but it was deemed to be unimportant. The Prime Minister had mentioned it to the HSPC, saying that such 'cooperation' was good for improving bilateral relationships with India, especially with the resurgence of China.

Gods, Hawks had learned geopolitics, just because the HSPC had started saber rattling again. It seemed that they were never satisfied. He was the number three, and they wanted more! Sure, All Might had remained at the top for a long time, but Hawks was young and dashing. He'd surely become number one when Endeavor and the Symbol of Peace inevitably retired.

Sighing, he flung himself off his perch, gliding on a warm updraft, waving to his fans — or those who could spot him — before noticing another watchful figure.

White hair, golden armor — what was his luck?

Well then, it looked like a prime moment to introduce himself!

"Hey there man, didn't see you there!"

Karna watched him from the corner of his eye. Hawks felt oddly naked under it, though he kept his face in a friendly smile.

"What do you need?"

"Not much of the talkative type, huh?" Hawks noted, filing it away later. Karna only gave him a stoic stare. It was impossible to know what he was thinking.

"I prefer being straightforward, but to each his own. Sometimes such a face is merely a mask, but that is up to you to know."

Well, wasn't that ominous. "I don't know, but hey! Being a nice guy like my very handsome self is quite helpful, big guy." Karna wasn't really big, but Hawks called Endeavor big guy. And speaking of the dude… that armor was something straight out of a JRPG! The chest window, the gaudy gold necklace and choker, the ruby… god, which support company had signed off on that?

Plus that black jumpsuit, which covered his ashen skin.

"I will be heading out soon, so make your statement before I grow impatient with your hesitance."

"Oh, patrol?" Hawks asked curiously, humming quietly. "Why don't I join you then?" He had to get back to his agency in Kyushu, but the HSPC would quickly forget that once they learned he had met Karna.

Karna raised a brow. "I will not stop you from joining me, but neither will I slow down to accommodate you."

"Hey, they don't call me Japan's fastest hero for nothing!"

Another sigh. "Such exuberance to enter battle? A thought like that… it seems oddly fake, considering your character."

"I don't know what you're talking about, hot stuff, but part of being a hero is smiling!" Hawks smiled at his statement. Approval ratings were extremely important for all pro heroes, and the HSPC made sure that his image was suitable to the current environment.

"I see. Such a statement was a misunderstanding on my part, then."

Hawks titled his head to the side. "What do you mean by that?"

"A hero is someone who is idolized for their qualities, regardless of good or evil. It is a matter of perspective, for us, to determine the heroes and villains, by the rules we have laid out… it is merely a question of if one would care for such recognition."

"Oh, so you don't care for your reputation?" This was interesting, more than Hawks would like to say.

"I will act in what is right in my eyes, rather than the world's. Such blind faith led to the downfall of many; while I believe in the people, I also am their representative. Such is the duty given to the warrior, to exact his justice by the ethics of his position."

"That's an interesting take, my fiery friend." Hawks whistled, landing next to Karna while stretching out his wings. "Me, I'm a little different than you, I guess. I'm not really interested in that whole duty spiel you got, I just want to help people."

"You and I are not so different then, if you are more concerned with charity then adoration."

Hawks blinked in surprise. He didn't expect Karna to be so… insightful. This would make things more difficult, wouldn't it?

"Heh!" he chuckled kindly at the statement. "You're quite cool, for all your flames. Like your father, ain't you?"

Karna stared at him, face not even changing with the mention of father. "I have striven to live a life worthy of his benevolence and radiance. For you to compare me to him… I shall take it as a complement, then."

Hawks smiled. "Don't worry about it, you deserve it. I don't know how you cross the entire country in one night, or pull such crazy hours while all of us are sleeping." The winged hero lifted up his hand, and shot a peace sign to Karna. "So, got any dirty secrets? Any secret children?"

"I had sons.They were all splendid children. As a father, I could not be more proud of them."

What. What the actual fuck? Hawk's surprise must have shown, because Karna was looking at him with an amused expression. "W–well, that's a surprise and a half! I didn't know you had a family!"

"Is it not common for any man to wish to be a father, and experience such joy?"

Hawks inwardly soured. He knew how his dad was, and he personally wasn't interested in such a relationship, unless the right person came around.

"Yeah, yeah. But I'm still young, y'know? These wings were born to fly, not to stay cooped up in a cage and stuff."

The sun looked beautiful, from where it shone on Karna's form. It seemed to almost float around him, breathing the hero in a shine not too far from divine. The light embraced him as a red hand caressing its progeny, and in the glacial gaze of Karna, Hawks could only see a fierce warmth.

"I suppose there are risks in being a father as well, but such is the manner of life. Every day you risk your life for people unknown to you, do you not? It is simply another duty, and like all others, it must be discharged with care and love." Karna looked at his height once more, as if making a measurement. "You are still young, filled with hope and vigor that only the youth carry within their hearts. Treasure that, and nourish it, for one day, you will seek a nook of your own to nest on, O' bird."

Hawks blinked at the use of bird, but let Karna continue.

"The sun is both cruel and loving in the same breaths. It nourishes our plants, lights our paths, and warms our bones. Yet it drains the elixir of life from our bodies, dries our land and takes our water." He closed his eyes.

"We all wish to stand in the sun, and bathe in its light, till we become old and weary. But to find love… that is to see the sun in one another; when your child looks at you with warm eyes, then you will understand."

Hawks thought he looked unbearably cruel in his final words, but at the same time unbearingly kind. "We humans are dynamic creatures, we change with time and place. Such is the worth of our words and actions, and the definition of our love. We can not change the past, but we can learn from it… that is who I am, the hero Karna."

God, I'm spellbound. Hawks couldn't peel his eyes off Karna, not when he understood the meaning of his words so well. He had experienced such a renewal of faith that he couldn't help but smile like a child.

"You who have been sent to measure me, and my worth, know this… where once I sought fame unmatched, glory unchecked, and strength unrivaled… now I am merely an apparition."

Hawks sat down on the ledge, ignoring Karna's piercing eyes. Questions, he had so many of them, yet he couldn't bring himself to say Karna was lying.

"You once wished to be the best…?"

"Did you know something, O' winged one? The name Karna means 'rudder' or 'ear' — such is it fitting for me."

Hawks gulped, friendly persona all but gone. "You wanted your name to be known all over once, didn't you? To chart your own sea, to follow your own destiny—" his voice grew soft and filled with a sort of tragedy that only he could comprehend, "... unmarked by your birth."

"But sometimes, we must be content with what we have achieved. That is the lesson I learned. You who have wings must soar, such is your destiny…" Karna replied.

"But don't fly too close to the sun, Icarus." Hawks finished, feeling oddly pensive.

"That is an apt comparison." Karna said, "But people are often able to twist tales into whole new beings. In the story, the boy was also instructed not to fly too close to the sea, lest the water soften his wings."

"I shall say this: do not be complacent, but do not let mindless ambition consume you."

Hawks stared numbly at him. "This was supposed to be just a friendly chat, and you turned it into a discussion of philosophy…"

Karna tilted his head to the side. "Is it truly bad? I only wished to help you."

"Really?"

"Truly."

"Y'know, I can understand why people call you uncaring." Hawks said, "You like to talk, preach kind of… and most people can't handle it, I guess. You're cold too, man. Heck, you don't even smile!"

Hawks smiled at Karna then, "You truly are the hero of the sun, aren't you, Karna?"

Karna raised an eyebrow.

"Helping everyone, regardless of who they are or their wealth… They say the Sun shines on all equally. Buuuut!" Hawks chopped his hand to emphasize his argument, before pointing a finger to Karna, "you need to learn how to talk, buddy! I'm not letting the press drag you over for using excessive force or saying something they don't like!"

"I do not understand—-"

"Nope." Hawks sang, grabbing Karna's shoulder with an easygoing grin, "You and I are doing some PR work, sun-boy!"

Karna sighed. "Is this some way for you to repay me, then?"

Hawks beamed. "Of course!"

"... Then I suppose I shall accompany you."

In the next moment, Hawks lept from the roof, gliding down to the nearby Might Beach. "Beat me there, if you can!"

As his wings picked up a strong draft, he focused his feathers into the ideal gliding position and let loose a mighty wingbeat. Already, a plan was forming in his mind.

It wasn't an evil plan, but something oh so fun.

Surprisingly, Karna was keeping pace with him, buoyed by glittering red light, crackling around him.

A grin broke out on his face.

This would work quite so well.

It wasn't because while spying on a certain retired American spy, he had seen a certain movie about fighter pilots and working out differences…

Yup, this was a 100% Hawks original! Maybe even 120%!

They landed on the surf, attracting suitable attention from some late-beach goers. Hawks waved his wings in the air, shouting out to them.

"Everyone, please stay back! We're working here!"

Karna faced him, waiting patiently.

"Can you call All Might?" Hawks asked.

"What for? I can, but you must give me a reason. He is a busy man."

Eh, might as well be honest. "I'm doing what's called a PR move, buddy. And if All Might is here, along with you… then Japan will feel pretty confident in its heroes, eh?"

"I do not understand your reasoning… but I must admit that I am curious." Karna stepped away, pulling a phone from somewhere and dialed a number.

Meanwhile, Hawks dialed his own number. With a click, he heard the man pick up.

"What is it, Hawks? I told you not to call me—"

"It's an emergency. We've got All Might on the way, but need more backup."

A pause.

"Send the location. I'm on my way."

The man hung up.

Hawks grinned.

"Did he say yes?"

Karna nodded.

Endeavor would be so pissed.

Endeavor had rushed to Might Beach as soon as he could. Hawks's tone had been friendly, but there was an undercurrent of urgency even he could understand.

For that blonde gorilla to be called in, there must have been a serious crisis. There was nothing in the news, except the fact that heroes had begun congregations on Might Beach, which Endeavor interpreted as Hawks controlling the information leaving the scene.

Perhaps this time he could show up All Might, small as that chance was.

But when he arrived, in a burst of flame, rushing next to Hawks, he hurriedly looked around. Only for a loud voice to break him out of his thoughts.

"Endeavor! I'd never thought you'd show!" Yup, that was All Might.

"What's the situation?" he barked, flames bursting from his bodysuit.

All Might smiled at him, and Endeavor was half-tempted to blow him off right then. "Hawks and Karna are grabbing the last supplies!"

"...Karna?" he asked, recalling the new hero. To push himself so hard… it reminded Enji of himself, to be honest. He had watched the takedown of Muscular, and had been thoroughly impressed.

If only Shoto had that dedication, and that fire…

Endeavor was well aware of how similar Karna appeared to Rei, but had refused to comment on it. Such foolish drivel only fed the tabloids, and he knew he had never had sex before Rei. A tiny, childish part of him burned at such a thought— there had never been time for such frivolous things, not when he had to become number one.

And then Hawks landed in the sand, waving at the crowd standing a good twenty feet away from the congregation of heroes, before plunging two poles into the ground in rapid succession, and quickly stretching a volleyball net across it.

What.

"What is the meaning of this, Hawks?" Endeavor spat, flames rising into the air. He noticed Karna land gently on the other side, watching the scene with mild interest.

Hawks scratched his chin, before smiling, smiling. "Well, I was just thinking… you never do fun stuff, number two!" Endeavor bristled at the mention of his rank. "So, let's play some volleyball!"

He looked at All Might, almost praying the man would listen to reason. But the gorilla smiled, giving Endeavor a thumbs-up.

"Endeavor, I suppose I've realized something… I won't live forever, and I'm certainly not as young as I was! All this time, I've done my best as a hero… but not much else. You have a family, and children, but me…"

"What do you mean?" Endeavor questioned, fury spilling into his tone, "You're number one! You can't just step back!"

All Might opened his mouth to respond, before Karna beat him to the punch.

Those blue eyes… they were filled with a sense of quiet judgment that Enji had never seen in his life.

"I see nothing wrong with All Might's decision — he has answered the wishes of the people for so long, standing as one for all. Can we not even offer him the smallest gratitude of kindness? When a farmer grows tired, he takes rest. When All Might is weary, he still leaps into battle, with a smile on his face." Karna looked on quietly at Endeavor, "You are his rival. Just as you aspire to surpass him, so do you challenge All Might to keep pushing forward."

"What?"

"Karna is correct, Endeavor! I do not believe I would have worked twice as hard without someone as talented and strong as you on my side! That is why I know that when the time comes, I can retire in peace…" All Might said, but Endeavor's head was spinning.

"Knowing you, Endeavor, will take my place as number one, and keep fighting the good fight!"

No. All Might can't retire. He was All Might. The symbol of truth and justice.

And then, Hawks spoke up. "We can't rely on All Might alone, Endeavor. And if that day comes… then I'll gladly support you, the number one hero!"

Number one.

NO! It couldn't be this way, Shoto was supposed to surpass All Might!

All Might couldn't run away like this… he couldn't…

… could he?

"If the time comes for you to accept the mantle of symbol of peace, I shall gladly stand alongside you, Endeavor." Karna finished.

The crowd had grown completely silent, only small whispers heard.

'All Might is retiring? No way!"

"He's worked so hard…"

"He's my hero…"

"Endeavor as number one?"

"Karna would be better…"

Endeavor finally spoke up, mind spinning as he thought of plans, ways, to make his dream come true.

…except, when did his dream become to surpass All Might?

"All Might, if I win this game, then you can't retire!" Endeavor roared, snatching the ball from Hawks, who jumped back with a smile.

All Might only grinned even wider. "All right then, Endeavor! Let's see how good you are!"

And Hawks then landed on All Might's side. "Time out!" he yelled, "This is going to be a team match: the Enji's vs. me and All Might!"

Karna raised an eyebrow, meeting eyes with Endeavor.

"What do you say, Endeavor?" All Might asked.

"Fine," he grinded out.

"Great! Team huggle, number one!" Hawks called out, huddling up with All Might, but not before calling out to the press.

"Get ready, Japan, for the first pro-hero volleyball match! We are here, for all our amazing fans!"

The gasps and whispers become louder, before someone called out from the crowd.

"Go, All Might!"

And then the cheers came.

"Fire things up, Endeavor!"

"Karna! KARNA! TEAM ENJI!"

Endeavor quickly huddled up with Karna, and the two men quietly stared at each other.

"If you are curious, Hawks asked me to be here." Karna explained.

"Of course." Endeavor knew what kind of man Karna was. He must have misinterpreted Hawks.

"... I understand," Karna finally said.

"What?"

"The feeling of wishing to surpass someone. There was a man… he was a perfect hero, you could say, who I desired more than all to defeat. To be number one."

Enji blinked in surprise.

"I had sons. I had a family, but in the end… I lost them in my pride. In my foolish pride and ambition, I realized that what I had wanted was right in front of my eyes."

What.

"What are you talking about? You had a son?"

"He was the pride of my eyes. But he died, died with a smile for my ambition. He loved me, and only wished for my approval — thinking back, I was a hero in his eyes." Karna looked back at him with the same blue eyes that mirror the sky above, only this time they are cloudy.

Touya.

Who is this man, with a story so much like Enji's?

With his name, with his fire… with a desire to save others?

Who is Karna?

"I see," Endeavor says instead, because he is not a man who is ever open about such things. Shoto was his masterpiece, and Shoto would surpass All Might, because that is why he was born.

"It's never too late," Karna says instead, "I never understood what I was doing till I had nothing."

Touya, screaming. Calling out to Enji, begging him to save him.

Touya had looked at Enji like he was his hero once.

"I can't believe I'm playing volleyball with All Might," Endeavor thought, "But maybe, this time I'll win."

Hawks shouted out to them, "Ready?"

All Might flexed.

Karna looked at him, and nodded.

Victory was the only answer Enji had found.

The game was harsh, that was what Enji could say. But it felt different, oddly enough. When he fought villains, he had never bothered with his fans. But without his sidekicks to corral them away from fights, he could hear them.

Somehow, with the thought of All Might retiring, some fire had burned onto the beach and into the sea.

Every hit of his was perfect, every rebound aimed to win. Endeavor was tall, but so was All Might, but he could be fast as well.

Hawks were perfect in the back, scooping up long shots and returning fire through the air.

But Karna didn't stay in the back.

He stood next to Enji.

Ball after ball, he deflected. They had found a rhythm, Karna right and Enji left.

"TEXAS SMASH!" All Might roared, pummeling the ball with all his force straight at Endeavor.

"Jet BURN!" Endeavor retaliated, blasting the now fiery ball into the air, from where it spiraled downwards, a raging meteor, heading towards Hawks and All Might.

All Might leapt up, striking it down, to the right this time, where Karna intercepted. He stuck it forward, where the ball grazed the net and dived for the sand, forcing Hawks to swoop in and hit it back with the tips of his feathers.

But Karna was already right in his face, above the ball, fire burning bright and hot. Hawks immediately backed up, moving his feathers from the flame, letting Karna send a volley striking into the ground.

All Might ran.

The ball soared.

Down and down it went, through blue and white and green before striking a rough tan.

'It hit All Might's hand."

But a sudden quiet had descended upon the crowd, and All Might had stopped.

Another second.

Another.

"ENDEAVOR and KARNA HAVE DONE IT! THEY SCORED A POINT!"

"ENDEAVOR!"

"ENDEAVOR!"

"You're number one to us!"

"KARNA!"

"GO TEAM ENJI!"

The ovation, the crowd… everything.

It couldn't be.

"Karna, that was amazing! You have some reflexes!" All Might cheered, brushing the sand of his red and blue costume. "And Endeavor… it's been so long since I've had fun like this!"

…fun like this.

…died, died with a smile for my ambition.

Amidst the cheering ovation, he should have been happy.

He had achieved his dream… however small or petty this victory was… but he should have been happy.

…then why was it so hollow?

Namosa sighed as he stared at Toshinori.

"A volleyball game… with the number two and three heroes, and with Karna, of all people? What convinced you to accept that, Toshi?"

The blonde just sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It's something I've been thinking of, recently."

"Mhm."

"I've been reading the tales of old heroes, the old ones… before Quirks."

"You mean where Karna comes from?"

Again, Namosa still couldn't believe it. That was one interrogation he couldn't make heads or tales of, but for it to be true.

"The Throne of Heroes he spoke off… a part of me wonders if I'd go there, and wait."

Namosa raised an eyebrow.

"But at the same time," Toshinori motioned to his gaunt body, to his face, and then coughed up blood. Chuckling darkly, he sighed into his sleeve.

"I wonder what I'll end up like, my fate. I barely have friends anymore, I don't do anything, not anymore… what kind of life have I been living?"

"Toshi, you shouldn't—"

"Everything about me is One for All and All Might!" Toshinori yelled, "You know how happy I feel when talking to those kids on the beach, teaching them? When they thank me, not for yelling 'I am here!' but for just talking to them?"

"Toshi—"

"Do you know what it feels like, to make people smile, while having fun?" Toshinori asked, "That was the first time I played a sport seriously in ten years, Namosa. Ten years. And even if it hurt like hell afterwards, I… it stopped hurting when I was in the game."

Namosa remained silent this time.

"I'm sorry," Toshinori mumbled, "It just feels like, like, All Might keeps running and running, and I'm still the same quirkless kid I had been. Like I'm not good enough."

"You are good enough," Namosa rebuked, "Toshi, you can't beat yourself over it, and All for One is dealt with. You can rest. Karna… he's strong, stronger than you. He can take over for you."

"It shouldn't be Karna's… he's someone who already died!"

Namosa sighed.

"You should consider your own limits— not All Might's, but Toshinori."

He got up slowly, nursing his cup of coffee.

"Focus on teaching, it makes you happy. Find a successor… and then find the happiness you've been looking for."

Toshinori looked at him then, and Namosa felt for once the blonde idiot had actually followed his advice.

"Oh, and you suck at volleyball."

"--w–what?!"

"I don't know how you lost to Endeavor."

"It wasn't just Endeavor—"

"Then play me."

Toshinori blinked.

"I have a day off on Saturday. Me and you, volleyball at the gym." Namosa prayed All Might would listen. "Not All Might. Toshinori."

The blonde looked back at him, quietly considering it.

"Alright then, Namosa. Thank you."

"Anytime."

The news meanwhile had become attached to the idea of hero volleyball, so much so that rumors of a tournament were bounced around.

(The HSPC were extremely pleased with Hawks. He had gone above and beyond, and with some suitable rebranding, hero popularity skyrocketed after the match.)

(#Wearehere started trending on Twitter, along with #Here4AllMight.)

And Karna remained blissfully unaware of the wrench he had taken to fate behind the ice-cream counter.

(Megumi found it absolutely amazing though. She couldn't stop talking about it, and the store was flooded with customers for the following weeks.)

Chapter Text

Trees groaned in the wind, as rain poured upon the earth incessantly. The deluge did not break for even a moment, and the great Banyans cried out to their master for an easing of the strikes inflicted upon their broad backs.

Yet no such refuge was granted, for their master was a cruel one. Beyond the forest lay a tiny bungalow, but it was only tiny in the sense of being too tiny for its owner's desires. To any layman, it would have been a palace, for such was its opulence; made of white marble and gold trim, with a glimmering rampart of hard wood to curtain it within its tiny fiefdom.

Inside, the halls were all dark, save a single one, leading up winding stairs to the highest alcove within the mansion. Inside this room sat a man, behind a sturdy wooden desk. He was dressed in a fine silk white shirt, and a necklace wrapped around his neck.

His fingers drummed against the hard oak impatiently, and his eyes appeared as red as blood. But he wore a friendly smile as he stood up, and looked down, and finally, spoke.

"Tell me then," he uttered, with the gravity of such men that have only known the world in its extremes, "what you have found."

It was a paralyzing fear he had around him, the sort that seems to seep in the bones and never truly leave, constantly haunting. But he also had an impeccable kindness within him, a gentle love that seemed almost infinite.

O' to be like him, cruel to foes and loving to friends.

"Of course sir!" The other man handed him a folder, and smiled, "It appears he has made an ally in All Might."

The two vivid red orbs narrowed, before a quiet chuckle emerged from the darkness. "Splendid!"

"E–excuse me?"

"He should make many allies, many friends. It will make it all the more interesting when we meet. I might even grant him a favor."

"Sir, what do you mean?"

"Do you not see this man, friend?" His manner of speaking was akin to that of a father explaining things to a child. "He bears the name of Karna, and with such fine flame! Perfect! It shall only be a matter of time before he comes home, should it not?"

"I suppose."

"And with such charity, do you not think it a matter of time before he removes our mutual enemy?"

"Sir, you can't mean—"

"Japan is but a small rock in the ocean. My empire should straddle all the land, the entire world!" the speaker lifted his hand into the air, red eyes studying his fingers. A single ring, made of purple amethyst and wrapped with a band of shining gold lay upon them.

"I have no doubt in his ability to destroy the lingering remnants of that corpse." A warm smile then appeared on his face, "But of course, he might need some help, won't he? Last I remember, karma was not so kind to Karna…"

Dark circles appeared around the man's hands, rotating haphazardly around the air.

"Sir, you mean…?"

"Yes."

The power in the room suddenly disappeared.

"Unlike that idiot, I know when to work with heroes. Get a plane to Japan immediately, and summon my allies."

"Do you really believe in this Karna so much, sir?"

A harsh laugh was his answer. "When you choose an alias, it is chosen with clarity. Very few would take the name of our previous heroes, for who could live up to those men who wielded the very might of the gods?"

"I see, sir. I'll charter the plane right now."

"Wonderful." The other man left the room then, closing the door to the study behind him.

"To take pride in such a name? Absolutely splendid. I wonder what you'll do then, Don of Japan… a new piece has entered the board!"

Chapter Text

For Karna, life had devolved into a sort of rhythm. Wake up, eat a light breakfast, and then leave to patrol or work at Megumi's.

It was safe to say he would not be giving up that job, even with the fame he had obtained. Right now, he was sitting in the backroom before opening hours, drinking a cup of tea Megumi had made for him.

"Many thanks," he said, doing his best to smile, "It is a fine drink. I thoroughly enjoy it."

She didn't respond, instead staring glumly at her own mug, filled with warm cocoa (at least Karna thought it was). Truly, the modern age was filled with all new forms of innovations.

"Enji," she began, "Why do you always… speak in such a, um, formal manner?"

He studied her expression calmly. She looked curious, tilting her head to the side with the innocence only those unknowing of the arts of deception can muster.

"It is the result of my upbringing," he answered, "But if it pleases you, I am more than capable to speak in a manner befitting 'modern' speech."

Karna was unsure why so many people asked him this question. What was wrong with speaking formally? Was it not proper to treat others with respect?

"A–ah… I didn't mean to pry…"

It is the obvious answer Megumi Sae would choose. She is neither aggressive or confrontative, and places more value on the others around her than her own desires.

That is what Karna felt about her. Maybe it was her feminine wiles (loth for him to speak ill of the might of women, he had seen Shikandhi strike the impenetrable Bhisma down, and had not Vishnu taken the form of a woman to defeat Bhasmasura?).

But he had become more accustomed to the Quirks of this age, and let them temper his own judgment.

Megumi's demeanor was the result of nothing other than that.

Such was the result of the Quirk she was born with: Empathy.

Guilt, sorrow, and happiness…

Grief, love, passion…

She can see all of these.

A sordid childhood, following the death of her parents left her with a strong maturity, and desire to help the world… but she was too 'weak' to be a hero, so took the path of a lawyer.

But when her eyes shift to the golden knight in front of her, she feels nothing. Only a bare sense of joy and amusement.

In other words, she wonders who Enji Fubuki is. His past was a sorry affair, but to rise above it, he must have a splendid soul. She cannot deny the success he has brought her, nor his charity.

But when she looked at him, beyond the lens of her meta-ability, she could only feel a deep sorrow.

He was not expressive, nor was he reactionary. His demeanor was taciturn, following others instead of paving his own path. If she could use metaphors, she would say he was a completed book — whatever story he has to tell, it is to guide the future. He is one who 'reached' the finish line of life.

This was his 'charity'.

He lifted others up, and left none for himself.

"It is no worry to me, Megumi. Please. Ask your questions."

She meets his gaze.

This time, when she meets those blue eyes, they feel like the sea, inviting and warm with the twinkling rays of the sun.

But the sea is a cruel master, after all.

"So, your family… are they still… alive?"

He is quiet then, lips pursed together.

"They are alive in my heart," he says instead, looking through her, "For better or worse, I will always remember then — those of my blood and those I forged with my heart."

Ah.

There it is.

That feeling, so hard to describe. A sense of mystery that envelopes the already mysterious man across from her.

He is all blue in her vision. Blue can represent many things, but Karna's particular shade is something unique.

Remembrance, like the waves lapping at the sandy shores of the beach so close by.

Regret, murky like the overcast sky above.

Resolve, resolute and firm like the ice she is quietly dropping into her mug.

Ice, she thinks, is what Karna is like.

There are things lodged within it, visions of a past long ago, intermingled with the waters of today, but firm.

Yes, Enji is firm. Viewing him is akin to peering through a foggy spyglass in the deep oceans, searching for anything in an endless void.

"That's a really poetic way to say it." She giggles, watching the quiet flare of orange in his chest.

He smiles at her, and his chilling blue eyes once again convey a sense of infinite age that makes him seem all the more ancient.

It's something she's noticed.

Never once has he looked at her, nor anyone with a hint of romantic attraction.

He praised them as beautiful, or fair as the moon, or all manners of praise only his tongue could conjure, but seemed to believe in it as the bonafide truth.

They were not worthless praise — to the hero Karna, they were the truth written in the records of the universe.

"I knew many poets," he replies, gently, voice as lyrical as the wind, "But perhaps you are right. My friend had always said I was a good speaker."

Once more, he is blue, but this time it's more… fond. There's a sense of deep-seated nostalgia in words, like a quiet whisper of a past Megumi so desperately wishes to know.

She quietly notes the usage of past tense, but takes another sip from her cocoa, smiling at him.

"Come on Enji… I just don't know why you stay here, you know?"

Why would someone so radiant, so mighty, stay?

He watches her, and she wonders if he can understand what kind of gaze he gives so freely.

"Who am I to abandon you so quickly, Megumi? What if one were to target you, to strike at me? Being here puts my heart at ease, knowing you are safe." His fingers drum against the grain of the wood. "Besides, I know you like my company."

She blushes near instantly under his knowing stare.

"I do not know why you are so doubtful in my will to stay here, or why you worry so heedlessly of what I do with my time. If I work here, it is of my free will and choice, not yours."

He speaks to her as if she is a child.

His tone is patronizing, and sometimes, rude. It's direct. Like he knows every secret of hers.

It irks here, sometimes.

Sometimes.

"It's just that you're a hero! Don't you have to patrol a ton, especially if you're in the top ten?"

She hadn't been able to believe it at first. To reach the number six spot so quickly in the popularity polls was unbelievable, and he was still climbing.

"I do. While it may appear to you that I spend most of my time here, I fight at night and during the weekends frequently."

He appears almost offended by her remark.

A shiver crawls up her spine.

"Just as I have a duty as a warrior…"

His tone becomes gentle once more, as he smiles at her.

(She does not know that Karna can understand her easily —- that he knows why she constantly fusses over him.)

"I have a duty as a friend. So do not worry, Megumi. I will not leave you."

I will not leave you…

It was like he knew.

Fuyumi did not know why she kept coming back to this particular ice-cream stand. It wasn't like this place was the best at making ice-cream.

Maybe that was part of the charm.

Her visit had been disastrous, of course. Father had chewed her out on it, calling the theories 'preposterous' — and when he had indirectly teamed up with Karna on several missions, his mood at home had improved.

Father has refused to even enlighten the possibility of a bastard son, calling it outlandish. And Fuyumi did not have the heart to pressure her mother in such a manner.

She didn't know why, but he was less harsh towards Shoto afterwards. When he looked at Shoto, instead of the usual mixture of love — because Endeavor loves his masterpiece, like a dragon loves its jewels — and anger, there is a calm.

And then that volleyball game… she had seen it on television, of course.

But father had been oddly subdued when he came home. He had avoided her and Shoto completely, locking himself in the training room.

When he came out, he was… quiet. Calm, almost.

He still barked at her and Shoto, but refrained from his usual mocking manner of speech. Almost as if he was reflecting.

Shoto hadn't bothered to go back to that place ever since, but she had.

Why?

Enji Fubuki was the kindest person she had ever met.

For once, she felt like she was looking at a hero, a dashing prince from an exotic land who valued courage and honor over wealth. The heroes of her time didn't inspire the awe she had for those of the past, like Oda Nobunga, Alexander the Great, and even the original Karna.

The heroes she knew were failable, mortal creatures. Even All Might. But looking at Karna, she couldn't help but gasp at the sheer presence of the man.

When she looked at Fubuki, she felt like a kid once more. The way his eyes appraised her, the manner in which he congratulated her, like an awkward brother, or…

Father.

Fuyumi hated it. She hated how he made her laugh and smile. It didn't matter when; he always seemed to help.

"Thank you, Fubuki-san," she chirps, taking the offered cup.

He smiles at her, and her heart melts.

"Of course, Todoroki–san. It is a pleasure to serve you. Convey my greetings and well-wishes to your father."

She nods her head, before hesitating, scouring the shop. It's a slow day today, ever since the craze had died down. Fubuki too had started working different days, to stop the constant horde of press.

…Should she ask? She isn't sure if she even wants to try. And then she bites her tongue in frustration. What is she thinking?

She needs to have courage!

"Fubuki-san, would you be…" She gulps, staring at his vacant expression, before continuing, "would you please have dinner with my family? Father would love to see you!" Fuyumi is barely able to squeak out the request, praying that he accepts, no matter how queasy it makes her gut.

"I would hate to be a bother, Todoroki-san. But if you insist, I would be delighted to enjoy your hospitality."

"Thank you!" She hands off a slip of paper with their address, nodding politely before stepping to leave.

"Todoroki-san," Fubuki interrupts smoothly, "I am enthused by your kindness, but would like to say that I have no relation to you except by friendship."

His tone is gentle, and oh so fatherly, that Fuyumi wants to scream. It's so awkward but said with a straight-laced honesty that she can't help but believe him.

"..."

He takes her silence as permission to continue. "Please know that I bear you no ill will, but your misguided beliefs are mere beliefs. There is no truth to them." To Fuyumi, the words are damning… but true at the same time. "So, let go. Whatever you seek from me, I can not grant. If you desire my friendship, you have it now. If you desire me to be of your kin… I am no God to work such miracles. Perhaps in another life would such an opportunity be gifted to us both."

"I know," she protests weakly.

"You do not sound like someone who knows," he chides, and Fuyumi shakes quietly. "Tell me, what ails you so greatly? Is there some issue within your family?"

He doesn't know the start of it. And that's what makes it so goddamn hard to pull away, because he just looks so innocent! Like a puppy, desperately trying to console her.

"It's nothing!"

"Do not lie. I know that is not the truth, otherwise you would not look at me in such a manner. Please, tell me. You can confide in me, Fuyumi." A gentle hand massaged her shoulder. Looking up, she could only see blue. "I do not like such sadness, and while I know little of emotional topics, please — allow me to aid you. It would reflect poorly on my part if I could not help your distress."

"..."

Karna stepped forward, and took her hand in his, kneeling down, and looking up to meet her eyes. "Your manner is that of a daisy, blowing in a storm. You try and try, facing the sun, but are too petite to hold together, are you not?"

Her jaw dropped. That was uncalled for. "I'm not a daisy!" Fuyumi sputtered out, pulling away from Karna.

"My apologies then." He cleared his throat. "It appears that I still have a hard time communicating with others…"
"It's okay." Fuyumi looked up at Karna, meeting his eyes, doing her best to smile.

He nodded. "That determination in your eyes, embrace it. There is more use of courage than just on the battlefield." His eyes drift to the side, quietly.

"Perhaps if my mother had a tinge more, then I would have been a different man…" he muses, before looking back at her.

She nods, but her mind races at the mention of mother.

Fubuki looked at her, before heading back to the counter. "Remember something, Fuyumi. There is more strength in love and creation than there can ever be in hatred and destruction."

It is the absolute declaration of the hero who had lived his life filled with a burning love and smoldered jealousy.

"At the end, it matters not how you suffer, but the actions we took. The duties we were given, did we uphold them? You have told me you are a teacher and sister — any failing within your family falls upon your father."

"My father?"

"It is a father's duty to set an example for his children. To instill them values of kindness, of justice, of dharma, which I can see in you. But it is the mother's duty to raise the children, which I can see in you, Fuyumi."

He raised a finger into the air.

"You never mention a mother, so I can assume you took up that post due to some consequences unknown to myself, to which I can say you would make a fine one—" Fuyumi blushed under the praise, "so do not put blame where blame should not be placed. You are innocent, as a child. These matters of father and mother… they are difficult, sometimes…"

Karna closed his eyes slowly.

"We would all wish it to be perfect, for us to forget the pain inflicted in the past… to be a radiant tale of happiness… but such an ending is rare in our world. So do not cry, nor stress under such a burden: instead, take joy in what you have created, in the family you have cultivated!"

He idly thought of the woman who had saved him. "Fate is truly ill-defined, indeed! We are all boats, lost in a stream without rudder, praying for hope while building a dam with our own two hands! Family is what you make it, defined by love and not blood, Fuyumi."

"I still care for them," she answered back, stronger, voice resonant, "I can't run, not from them… because they're my family…"

"Then you have your answer. You only needed the courage to face it head on."

"Thanks…" Fuyumi stood up straighter, and moved to the door, "You're not as bad with emotions as you think, Fubuki-san. You just say too little."

"Too little? Truly…?"

She laughed. "Most people get flustered and don't want to hear you out fully. It's hard for them to face their faults— it happens all the time in my class. Kids don't want to admit they're wrong."

He blinked in understanding, "Ah, I see now. It makes sense, I suppose. Thank you for the advice, Fuyumi-san."

"Enji," she said, noting the lack of reaction, "You said family is defined by love, right?"

"That is correct," he answered back, "To myself, my adoptive parents are my true parents, then those of my birth."

She smirked. Let it be said that Fuyumi was not a doormat. "Then you're my brother from now on, Enji!"

He blinked.

Then blinked again.

A tired smile formed on his face.

"I suppose I have been bested, have I not?"

She laughed, a warm and kind laugh.

"I'm just joking, Fubuki. I don't believe what the tabloids say."

"You need not lie, Fuyumi. I can see clearly the way you look at me. I am flattered by your affection."

Gosh, can this man not break my heart every second?

"Then I hope you find your happiness with your family, Fubuki."

He didn't respond at first, but as she opened the door halfway, he did.

"I shall endeavor to do so, Fuyumi."

"Remember, today at eight!"

"Of course," Fubuki replied.

She came home with a smile on her face that day, and quickly called her father.

"Dad, we have a guest for dinner today."

"Who?" he asked. He must be on patrol then, judging by the side conversations she was hearing.

"Um, you know Karna, right?"

"Him?" There was silence afterwards, but she could feel the surprise in her father's words.

"Yeah, he's coming today! Me and him are… friends, you know?"

"Of course… of course…" her father muttered on the phone, "I'll be home, just tell me the time."

"Eight."

"Yes. I'll be there."

"Okay. Then, bye."

"Goodbye, Fuyumi."

She moved to the disconnect button, but heard her father speak once more.

"...Have a good day."

Eijiro had thought moving to the town of Mustafu was the saddest occurrence of his life. Hey, leaving behind the place he had lived his entire childhood years was pretty sad, if you asked him.

But his mom had gotten an amazing job there (hey, having a mom in the media would be a boon in the hero industry), so here he was.

First day at Aldera Middle School, in his final year of middle school. The stepping stone on his journey to UA.

But he had a friend — Izuku! They were pretty close now, after Eijiro had stayed a day at his fellow hero-in-training's house.

All he had to say… Izuku's dad was cool. The dude was jacked, and ultra manly! He had even offered to teach the two martial arts! Plus, he had the most rad collection of anime and movies ever.

Half of them were from the pre-quirk era too, which made them even more cool.

Uncle Hiashi was sometimes awkward though, but Eijiro chalked that up to natural adult behavior. The dude worked overseas, so it made sense if he was distant with Midoriya.

So far, class was chill. He introduced himself, sat down to Midoriya, and listened. Class was the same old, same old. Nothing too special there.

By the time lunch came, Eijiro had claimed his spot next to Midoriya, when the blonde-haired kid, Bakugo approached them.

"Deku…" he growled out, which caused Midoriya to flinch. That was odd. But then he stopped, looked oddly pensive, and then faced the ground.

"Dude, are you a tsundere or something?" Eijiro asked.

Izuku gasped in shock, nearly choking on his katsudon.

"What did you say!?" Bakugo yelled, explosions bouncing off his fists, "I'm not a damn tsundere! I don't like Deku! He's useless!"

"That sounds like something a tsundere would say," Kirishima noted dully, "Man, I'm not sure Midoriya swings that way. It's unmanly to harass him like that!"

"I'm not gay, you shitty extra!" With those words, Bakguo turned on his heels and stormed off.

"You didn't need to do that…"

"Hey, what do you mean? That guy was picking on you man, unless…" Eijiro's eyes widened, as his lips hung open.

"Unless what?" Izuku asked.

"Do you like him, Izuku?"

Dead silence.

Absolute silence.

Izuku's face was doing the best impression of a koi fish Eijiro had ever seen.

"N-n-no! I like girls, Eijiro!" He scratched his cheek awkwardly, and Eijiro decided to leave the conversation there.

That was, until Bakugo showed up after school and ran up to them. His face was in its usual scowl.

"Where the hell do you shitty extras think you're going, huh?!"

"To train, man," Eijiro answered in place of Midoriya, who was hyperventilating.

"Then I'm coming!"

"Kaachan!" Izuku blurted out, "What do you m–mean… coming?"

"Don't misunderstand me, you shitty Deku! I'm going to put you in your place… you think you can look down on me!"

"O–okay…"

Eijiro pinched his nose. And he opened his mouth, considered what he was going to say, and then closed it. And then decided to say it.

"Izuku, did you call him 'Kaachan'?"

"Uh, yeah, but…"

"Oh, don't worry. I think you're plenty manly, Izuku! It's alright if you're not straight!" Eijiro gave the two his best supportive smile, "I know that these things aren't the most…um, accepted. But you don't need to keep up the act in front of me! You can trust me, Izuku! And you too, Bakugo! As fellow heroes-in-training, we need to support each other!"

Why else would Izuku call Bakugo mom? That was the kind of stuff that you only saw in magazines, or the Tube (not that he watched that stuff, of course).

"You…" Bakugo growled out, hands shaking.

"Kaachan, don't—"

That confirmed it for Eijiro. Izuku was embarrassed and insecure about his masculinity. It was obvious based on his and Bakugo's relationship.

"FUCKING DIE, SHITHEAD! I DON"T LIKE DEKU, YOU FUCKTARD!" Bakugo flung himself at Eijiro, explosions popping off his hands as he screamed a tirade of insults.

Only to be knocked in the head by a swift karate chop. Following the tanned muscle, Eijiro's eyes widened. Blonde hair, bright blue eyes, dressed in a black suit and red tie…

It was Izuku's dad! That explained why Bakugo kept up the act!

Then it was only manly for Eijiro to do the same. It was what a true hero would do, of course.

"I can't believe you believed that, man! You're really funny!" He hoped it was believable.

Thankfully, Uncle Hiashi laughed as well.

"That's enough horsing around, boys. You too, Katsuki." His smile was radiant.

"U–uncle Hiashi!?" Bakugo sputtered, before quickly regaining his composure.

"I got back this weekend, so I didn't have the time to stop by to say hi, but I'm sure you understand."

Bakugo nodded.

"Anyways!" The man clapped his hands together. "I need to borrow Izuku — we're having a guest over, so he can't head out with Yagi-san today."

"A guest?" Izuku asked, head tilting to the side.

Eijiro took this moment to but in. "Of course, uncle Hiashi! Me and Bakugo will head out then!" He grabbed Bakugo, and ran off down the road, waving to Midoriya, "See you later, man!"

He had to talk to Bakugo, and reassure him that he could be trusted with his and Midoriya's secret.

That's what a true friend would do!

Of course, if he had stayed a moment longer, he would have heard 'Uncle' Hiashi's next words.

"You remember Uncle Kai, don't you?"

"T-the doctor?"

"Yes, and he's coming over today. It's been nearly six years since we've met, face-to-face, at least! He even has a daughter now, could you believe it?"

Chapter Text

Hiashi Midoriya was a conundrum, that much was obvious. He wasn't a foe or anything of the like, but someone who proclaimed himself an ally. The blonde had a certain 'never-say-die' essence to him, or 'distilled Americana', as Rappa described it.

It only made Kai more confused by the man's motives. In the void of general morality, or at least that espoused by the corrupted Quirked society, he and Hiashi were the same. Remnants of a world that had been buried beneath the surface.

Hiashi Midoriya was a man who valued results over morals. That was what a 'spy' was. But the man had a code, that much was obvious — otherwise the boss wouldn't have worked with him. Why they formed an alliance was beyond him, that was information he would only learn when he became the boss himself.

So here he was, sitting in his matte black Cadillac, watching the streets of Mustafu fly by as he geared himself for visiting Midoriya's home.

It had been nearly six years since the two had last met.

The memory was something engraved in Kai's mind —- never had he seen Hiashi so desolate, so terrified.

"Kai, I need one final favor."

"And what would that be?"

"Protect my family. Please."

"...An enemy?"

A moment of pause.

"A boogeyman… the kind of man who shouldn't be tussled with. We stirred the hornet's nest, and now I need to slip away."

"I see. Rest assured, the Shie Hassaikai shall protect them as family. That is the least I can do for you, Hiashi."

"Yeah, but you're family too, Kai. If you need anything, I'll see if Uncle Sam can oblige." A dry chuckle spilled from the man's lips.

"Would you be willing to tell me more about this enemy?"

"He can take quirks and give them as he pleases. He's been operating in Japan for centuries…"

"A boogeyman. A fitting name, I suppose." Kai sighed. "So this is your goal. I must admit Hiashi, it's… "

"Foolish?"

"Of course not. If the boss agreed to this, then it must mean something. And you've won, at least for now."

Hiashi met his eyes. "My work is never done."

"I would not expect anything less, Hiashi Midoriya. A fitting name, for one like you. 'Sun' and 'Support'."

"I don't need any of your chunni talk now, partner. My flight is tomorrow, so I figured I'd just say goodbye."

"Our paths will cross again, Midoriya."

"As long as that man is alive, yes."

"You seem so sure of it." Kai observed.

"Kai, have you ever heard of the American operation Rising Sun? During the Quirk Wars? The JSDF and American Armed Forces joined together to end the warlord Shigaraki's reign over Shizuoka prefecture —-"

"And firebombed Mustafu to the ground." A wry smirk formed on Kai's face. "You've told me many times about the American naming for so many buildings here."

"Shigaraki survived that. He survived nearly three APCs, I don't know how many RPG's, and somehow got away. He was injured of course, but since then, he didn't try to reemerge from the abyss we threw him into."

"An Archdemon of the Abyss… how disgusting. Given such a power, and decides to play a villain? What kind of man was he, I wonder?"

"A megalomaniac, that's for sure. He likens himself 'All for One' —- remember that name, Kai. "

"So that is the pestilence infecting this country… Was he the one who led to this wretched system of heroes and villains?"

"I suppose, in the sense that he loved it. He thought it was his perfect vision, a dream even. Comic books becoming reality."

Kai snorted, adjusting his gloves. "I understand, then. To him, he is still living out his own fantasy — of being the supervillain."

Hiashi laughed. "That's one way to put it, mate. But he is dangerous, ego aside. Ask the Boss for any more information, if you want."

"I do think I will. He is a cancer that must be removed, for society to move forward — you Americans know this, don't you? The old ways trampled into the ground, our honor, our code, all forgotten… to make way for some spandex-clad idiots."

"...Watched too much Kurosawa, Kai?"

"I too have dreams, Hiashi. To see the Yakuza's honor returned. Just as you salute to your own banner, I too bear the Precepts of Death in my mind. Japan has suffered too much from your infections."

"Comic books aren't an infection, Kai. We've been over this—-"

"They are an infection! They disgust me, they sicken me to the core! Once more, America exports its ways to the rest of the world… trampling over the locals, the natives… it's a way of life for you damn Yankees."

"I knew the Symbol of Peace wearing the stars on his suit was too much for you, wasn't it?"

Kai exhaled furiously. "We do not have to like each other to cooperate, Hiashi. But…"

Hiashi had the nerve to smile, leaning back in his plush seat. "We're friends, aren't we Kai? We even exchanged sake and everything…"

"Then we can disagree. You Americans want this man gone, for reasons I can not fathom…"

"All for One is a threat to the world, period. He tried expanding many times, and each time, he failed. Besides, Japan and the US are old chums, so of course we're going to help you guys clean out the trash."

"A grudge match then," Kai noted. "Very well then, I shall keep in touch, Hiashi Midoriya."

"Thank you, Kai. For everything."

"You are far too sentimental." It was… uncomfortable, how close Hiashi could be.

"Then you're lucky I'm a solo agent, buddy." Hiashi winked, emptying his cup of sake, and then slamming against the table. He then reached into his suitcase, handing Kai a case.

"What is this?" Kai asked, placing it carefully against the table."I didn't expect such a thing from you, but I'll take it."

"You need to lighten up a bit, which is why I got these!" Hiashi exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Everytime I talk to you, I'm reminded of this show I watched… ever heard of Cardfight Vanguard?"

"Great… a children's game, now? It's really funny, you know?"

"A CIA agent and a Yakuza boss playing a children's card game?" Hiashi asked innocently. "I think it's the start of an amazing friendship!"

"Fine… I'll play… but these cards better be sanitized…or else…"

"Gosh, you sound like a tiger-mom sometimes, man."

"Be quiet."

"Whatever, but here you go! Trial Deck: Toshiki Kai!"

"Are you really this idiotic, to propose such a game? Honestly Hiashi, I wonder how you even became a spy some days, with this sense of humor ...."

"I'm good at reading people, Toshi." Hiashi rolled a mat across the table, and then placed a deck across from Kai. "But still, we could play poker if you wanted, but I think you're still a little too young for that."

The two went back and forth, with Hiashi explaining the rules (which even an idiot could understand), and then they played.

It all came down to Kai's final attack, to defeat Hiashi.

And Hiashi had an idiotic smile on his face, as usual.

"You have to check the drive trigger, Kai."

You see, in Cardfight, each player has six health points. When a monster attacks, you check the 'drive trigger' by checking the card on top of your deck. Some cards have a critical trigger, which gives you more attack and allows you to deal one more damage — an 'extra critical'.

Each deck has a limited number of criticals… but not Kai's.

Because Overhaul did not lose.

He had removed his glove discreetly, to get some hand sanitizer during this round, and Overhauled his deck — literally 'creating' the card he needed for victory.

He smirked.

Hiashi was an idiot and a half.

"I don't believe in such things as luck, Hiashi —- if a system is broken, I'll overhaul it."

His hand flipped over the top card.

"Critical…" Hiashi muttered, leaning forward in his seat, "If you get one more, I'm toast…"

"What did you say…? Final turn?"

"Okay, that might have been a little presumptuous of me, but…"

"Twin Drive!" Kai checked the second card, smirking all the same, "'Imagination will become your strength, won't it?'" he taunted, "Let's see whose is stronger, shall we?"

It was a critical.

"Damage check!" Hiashi yelled, and Kai had to shake his head. Who was the real chuuni between the two of them? "I believe in the Heart of the Cards… and this deck my grandpa gave me — that's true, by the way —- draw!"

He lost.

Hiashi sighed. "To defeat me… I admit it, Kai Chisaki. You are the better between us… but I'll beat you one day! That I promise!"

"Whatever you wish, I suppose."

A quiet engulfed the two, as Hiashi rose, packing up the game field. "Keep it, Kai. Play it with your kids, if you have any, that kind of stuff."

"A memento, then."

Hiashi nodded. "A memento to our dreams —- however hopeless they may be."

"I'll show you, Hiashi. The power of my imagination. When you return, the yakuza will once again have taken their rightful place."

"Then we'll defeat All for One, together, and ride off into the sunset?"

"We are brothers now, Hiashi. Any enemy of yours is mine as well."

"Alright then. But you're not beating the allegations, Kai. And sometimes… dreams can't become reality. That's why they're dreams, because they only exist when we're asleep, in a world far away from here."

For a second, Kai could glimpse the true Hiashi Midoriya. The man sighed. "You know, there's a quote that's stayed with me for a long time, Kai. About dreams, and stuff. It's from the Gatsby, a great book. You want to hear it?"

"I doubt I would be able to stop you, so please, go ahead."

"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . And one fine morning—— So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." The man recited, awfully like a prayer, or some form of belief. "You and I, we both want to make the past… alive again, I suppose. We don't want change, we don't want to accept that time has left us by. Kai…"

Hiashi looked at his sake cup, and swirled it around tiredly. "You want to believe that yakuza can still thrive, like the samurai did during the Meiji Restoration… you want to fight for it. Die for it, for honor and courage, for a way of life that eludes us both. Idealistic, ambitious, filled with youth…"

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"I was like that once." Hiashi looked him in the eye. "I joined up with the army. I wanted glory, wanted honor like the heroes I had been raised on. George Washington. Lincoln. Grant. Alexander the Great. Caesar."

Hiashi Midoriya, Agent Dragon, laughed. "But all you want at the end is a war without end. You spend so much time fighting you forget what peace is, just—- you spend so much time in your dreams that you don't even know the ground you're walking on till it's slipped away, beneath your feet. Goddammit Kai, you want to bring back the past… but the world's moved on."

"Then what else should I do, Midoriya? Let the Hassaikai fall, crumple into themselves, and die like a rat from infection!?"

"Then let them die! Just try, just try to look at the world around us… look at the people who smile, knowing heroes are watching over them? My son loves heroes! He wants to be one, wants to be just as brave and strong as they are!"

"You can't understand… the CIA won't fall… you could never understand, Midoriya." Kai sighed. "If that is it, then you may leave."

"What I'm saying is Kai, your imagination… it's so small."

"Really?" Kai drawled, standing up slowly.

"Drugs, smuggling, crime… that's all you can think of. Yakuza stuff, right? Classic gangster shit? Bring back the glory days, control the underworld, and stay there…" Hiashi threw his hands into the air. "But with your power, you could change everything. Forget the yakuza, you could be the wealthiest man on the planet! You could cure cancer! You know in the US, how fucking rich pharma companies are? Forget the underworld, forget the yakuza! You, Kai Chisaki, have the single most fucking overpowered quirk I have ever seen. But no! Robberies are enough for you."

Kai sighed as he looked up at the white fence around the Midoriya home. Hiashi's tastes still hadn't changed.

"Come now, Eri." The girl looked up at him, clutching tight to his pant legs as he approached the door.

He didn't burst out into hives when she touched him. She was pure.

He knocked on the door.

After a second, Hiashi pulled it open. The man hadn't changed. Same buttoned white shirt. Same red tie. Same black dress pants.

And looking at his eyes, the same dream.

"Kai Chisaki, CEO of Hassaikai Medical."

He's smiling under his mask.

"Hiashi Midoriya. Father of one very talented son, thank you."

Ah, there it is.

He holds his hand out to shake. It's not something he does very often.

Hiashi grins ear to ear, in a manner that only Americans can produce reliably. "Corporate bastard," he sings, giving Kai a knowing look from his blue eyes.

"You do know that yakuza like to dabble, don't you?" Kai drawls. Hiashi takes his offered hand, pulling him closer, and then claps Kai on the shoulder.

No hives appear on his skin.

"That Department of Defense contract helped, didn't it, Toshi?" Hiashi whispers.

Kai Chisaki had named his quirk Overhaul. He had wished to overhaul the infected society of heroes and villains, to recapture the glory of Yakuza from eons ago.

Thinking back, he wonders if he's met that goal now.

He's won a Nobel Prize in medicine for curing cancer.

So many things he's achieved. People speak of the Hassaikai with awe and gratitude.

That's all he wished.

No one dares to mess with his people now. Who would, when he is the only one who offers medical treatment to villains?

And to think that he'd dreamed so small before. Where would he be now, if he hadn't met Hiashi Midoriya? A yakuza boss, trading drugs on the streets. He remembers that plan well.

Now, he can sell whatever drug he wishes. Nobody can stop him.

"Quirk-erasing bullets would help a lot, wouldn't they, Hiashi?"

"Think they can stop All for One?"

"I don't know… but I think they would, don't you?"

"I'm just a doctor."

Hiashi laughs.

"I'm just a dad."

Chapter Text

Karna relaxed his hands as he eased the brakes of the Mustang Toshinori had lent him for attending dinner at Endeavor's place. It was something about maintaining 'appearances' and the like, which Karna could care less about.

But he did possess the Riding skill at rank A, so to him, the vehicle was a breeze to drive. Pulling up into the paved driveway of the Todoroki home, Karna switched off the accelerator and engine, and quickly shifted to park.

Then, he opened the door, and left the car, inhaling the cold evening air. A hand brushed over his tie, and he quietly adjusted his clothes. He was wearing a black vest, buttoned up with gold buttons, and a matching lustrous tie.

Gold embroidery wrapped around the collar, finishing off the look. He had combed his hair down, and to the side as well, taking special care to make sure it did look 'unkempt' as Megumi described it.

Truly, fashion had changed greatly since his time.

He even had gloves, with similar etching as his suit! Quite frankly, he was quite taken with the clothing of this time. During his time as King of Anga, he too had indulged in the finest robes he could purchase for his wife and for himself, seeing it as a sign of his status.

If he would describe differences… Perhaps the lack of jewelry was the major one. Necklaces, collars, earrings — they all were lacking in the attire of today. Even in his homeland, except for special occasions (weddings come to mind), such wear was dwindling in use.

Just then, he saw Fuyumi step out of the house, and do a double-take when she saw him. She frowned, before quickly clapping her hands together.

"Wow… Fubuki, you look…um, good."

Oh, he had forgotten. Fuyumi was wearing a simple white sweater and black pants under an apron. It was foolish of him to assume such a thing — why would Fuyumi wear such radiant clothes when they would be dirtied by preparing food?

"Your compliments bring me much joy, Fuyumi." he bowed to her, doing his best to smile politely. "I am afraid that no matter how I dress, I can't match your beauty."

She gasped, hands shaking slightly. Karna looked up then, smiling softly. "You need no accessories or baubles… I do think that is worthy of praise, is it not?"

"Fubuki!" she choked out, cheeks turning as red as a tomato. "Just… just… " She sighed, before looking back at him and returning his smile. "You're handsome too, don't sell yourself short!"

"Of course," he answered, nodding politely as he stepped towards her. But he interrupted as a new voice joined their conversation.

"Karna."

Endeavor appeared from the gate, studying the silver Ford Mustang, and then Karna's own appearance.

"Endeavor." Karna bowed to him as well, "Thank you for welcoming me to your home."

The man was wearing a black button-up shirt, with simple slacks. Karna found that it complemented the bulky hero's physique quite well.

"You didn't need to wear such a get-up," Endeavor noted.

"My apologies, then. I assumed that this would be a formal meeting, at least."

The flame-hero pinched his nose, before nodding. "Of course," he said gruffly, "It is a fine suit, though. Perhaps you could tell me the tailor?"

"Ah, it was made by a friend of a friend. She has a quirk that lets her manipulate fabric, and created this for me." Karna smiled at the memory, "I believe she does fashion design as a side-job. She's a sidekick for Best Jeanist."

"That makes sense." Endeavor turned to enter the house, "But tell the name. I might ask her to make me a suit then too."

"Kanshudo Mikumi," Karna replied, following Endeavor and Fuyumi, "I'll send you her phone number, if you want it."

Endeavor nodded, and the conversation died down as they entered the man's home.

"Forgive me, Endeavor, but would it be alright if we used our hero names this evening? I understand that we share the same names, and wish to avoid confusion…"

"Yes, that will be fine, Karna." Endeavor huffed, placing his sandals by the floor. Karna stared at the traditional paneled walls, and sliding doors.

Karna followed Endeavor's example, placing his black dress shoes by the door, and then placing his feet on the floor.

"Use those," Endeavor ordered, motioning to a pair of black slippers, "They're for guests."

Fuyumi smiled then, "I'll have to go now! Dinner won't make itself, you know?"

Karna nodded. "I cannot wait to see what you make, Fuyumi. Admittedly, I know little of Japanese food."

"Really?" Endeavor asked suddenly, eyes furrowing, "I was aware you grew up in India, Karna, but you should have stayed in Japan for some time now…"

"Ah, I usually tried whatever western food one of my friends would recommend."

The temperature in the room shot up. "All Might…" Endeavor muttered, before facing Karna, "Never mind that then, Fuyumi will make sure you learn of Japanese cuisine."

Fuyumi laughed. "I'll do my best, Fubuki!"

Karna smiled. "I am looking forward to it." Truly, he did. It was not often one was given such an opportunity. If Duryodhana was here, he would have no doubt relished in the offerings. A whole new world of food awaited him.

Endeavor then steered him down the hall, moving him like a checker across a board. They passed the dining table, and then moved up a flight of stairs, before coming to a black door. Endeavor pulled it open, letting Karna step in, and then closed it behind him.

It appeared to be an office from the papers strewn across the desk in the center.

"This is your office, I presume?"

"Your presumption is correct."

Karna moved in front of the photos on the right wall. There was a picture of a white-haired woman, and another picture of Endeavor with that same woman. As his eyes moved to the side, he saw a young boy with similar hair, and look.

"You must be proud of your family," Karna mused. He did not know much of them, except Fuyumi, and the other boy — Shoto, if he remembered correctly — but they all appeared to be decent people.

Endeavor followed his gaze, pausing as he taught about it. "They are my greatest pride, I suppose. You are a father too, Karna?"

Karna nodded. "I am. It is not an easy thing… but there is no joy quite like it."

"Any children?"

"Seven sons," Karna said, before noticing Endeavor's shocked expression, "I really am telling the truth, Endeavor."

The man nodded slowly, remaining silent for a moment. Karna indulged him. The house had a quiet warmth to it, that much he could tell.

"I have four kids. You've met Fuyumi, but there's also Shoto and Natsuo, her brothers. As for the fourth…" Endeavor's gaze shifted to the portrait on the wall, "Touya… he passed away in a fire."

Karna's eyes widened. That would explain Fuyumi's reaction to him, at least. He knew very well what grief could do. "My condolences, then. You must be strong, to keep moving forward despite that."

Endeavor frowns, forehead creasing in thought — of what, Karna can not tell.

"Strong…" he mutters, leaning against the deck, "strong…"

His jaw sets into a thin line. "It didn't change anything, in the end. I couldn't even save my son."

"That is in the past, Endeavor. You can't save everyone." Karna points out,"You are no god, to reach that limit."

"Limit!? He was my son, and I couldn't even save him from a fire!"

"I know how that feels," Karna admits, "I couldn't save my son either… for all my strength, all my speed, all my will… he died." He doesn't know how to feel about it. Back then, he had only hated Arjuna more that day. Wished the man would die, just like how his bow shot down his sons.

But Karna had killed Arjuna's son too. It was a never ending cycle, one which he could have avoided, if he had thrown away his pride. Even now, Kunti's words still follow him. Krishna's warnings.

But now, he can admit it. "We can not decide on such things, Endeavor. All we can do is make the most of the time we were given, and remember our children by that. Hope that they find happiness beyond, even if their time in the mortal world was limited."

"What if he hated you?" Endeavor asks then, out of the blue. "What if Touya hated me?"

Karna stares at Endeavor. He thinks of it for a second.

"No. I do not think your son would hate you, Endeavor. All children like to admit to such things, in their moments of innocent anger and frivolities… that they despise their parents, for such small things! But I like to think that it is a fleeting feeling, this anger. Because at the end of our lives, all we can think of is our origin. Where we came from, and where we finished. It's fitting, how one when one life ends and another begins."

Karna meets warm blue eyes. "I think that your son loved you in his last moments, before he perished, and that he called out for you… wished for you…for in the great jaws of death, such trivial hatred became insignificant and blurry. Because I believe that your son knew his father was a hero."

It's oddly fitting, how their lives match. Karna can envision it too, the soft twang of the boy as his son reached out, thinking of his living father.

Endeavor nodded stiffly, eyes shifting to a picture frame on his desk. He picks it up gently, cradling it in his large hands, before showing it to Karna.

"My father, he was a… regular man. There was nothing special about him. He worked, came home, spoke to me, and rested." Endeavor says, "My mother died during childbirth."

His lips purse together, as his eyes drift back to the photograph held in his hand.

"One day, he tried to be a hero, and save a girl from some bastard."

Endeavor — no, Enji Todoroki, inhales quietly.

"He died along with that girl. He wasn't anyone special, yet he still tried. I thought back to that day when Touya died… about why I became a hero."

"It was your father, was it not?" Karna asks, leaning against the wall.

"My origin was my envy that those heroes could save people. That I, as 'Endeavor' would save those who could not save themselves… that my hard work would mean something, compared to those who effortlessly could put themselves into action." Enji takes a long breath, looking at his father. "That's why I dislike All Might so much… he was everything I wasn't. He was stronger than me, the number one…"

"That is your wish, Enji Todoroki? To be the strongest?" All Might had told him the hero rankings were based on popularity and total work completed.

"That's right."

Karna… is quiet. Looking at Endeavor, it's like facing himself all over again.

"Names have power… do you know why All Might chose that name?"

Enji scowls in response. "I don't."

Karna knows the story behind it. Toshinori had told him once, when the two were watching the stars over Dagobah beach.

"There was a boy once, who was born without a Quirk. All his life, he lived in awe of those around him, of those shining heroes who saved others. He had no power of his own, except his own desire and ambition."

"Quirkless?" Endeavor mutters, shock coloring his features.

"Back then, there was no 'Symbol of Peace' — villains ran rampant, and the divide between Quirked and Quirkless had not yet healed fully, and this boy, in his grand imagination, conjured the image of a man who could always 'be there'."

Karna recalls how Toshinori had described it to him. Of heroes he saw on the television, and read through his books only stoked his wish of helping others.

"He had one hero, this boy. Superman."

"...Superman? But he's a fictional…" Enji's eyes widen, as he murmurs something under his breath. The realization is drawing closer, Karna thinks.

"So he set out to make such a symbol a reality. It did not matter if even that was a dream, nor his own weakness — and then, All Might was born, the hero who could always be there, who would always smile, not even when he was falling apart."

"And what of the boy…?" Endeavor asks.

"The boy… perhaps, some things are best left to the unknown. Because this boy is each one of us, is it not? It does not matter the time nor age, not even the location —- always there will be a child, looking to the stars with dreams too large for his home, who sets out into the wide world, armed with his ambition and courage. Always will there be heroes, from the start to the end of this Earth."

"Their names may change. So may their beliefs, but no matter what, there will always be heroes who stand for mankind, who seek to etch their name into the heavens." Karna smiles, as he looks up the picture of Endeavor's family. "Heroes are not perfect, and neither are you, Enji."

"We do not admire them because they are kind men. Many of our heroes were monstrous tyrants, who killed hundreds to rise to their position… Alexander the Great, Caesar, even my—" and Karna has to stop himself, "my namesake. We admire them because of what they did, which is to go beyond their limits. They dared to make their dream reality, and paid the price. They were loved, cursed, hated, but I will tell you this — not one of them would ever take back what they have done!"

Karna stands, and lets the radiance of Surya cloak him. "We cannot change the past. I cannot bring my son back to life, as much as I would wish too. Just like that, our sins, they follow us. We cannot escape karma's hands. That is the nature of our world!"

"I don't expect some grand rebirth, or great reward once I reach the beyond! All I can do is keep moving forward in the past, for myself — because I do not owe anyone but myself anything!"

This is the answer Karna has reached.

All his sins, his actions… only he can pay for them.

He has paid for them.

But he has not stopped atoning. He cannot forget the mistakes he's made.

All he can do…

…is keep reminding himself of who he is. Of what he's fighting for.

"So, Enji Todoroki, if you blame yourself for the death of your son, atone! Do not beg forgiveness when there is none to be earned, if you believe yourself responsible! And do not delude yourself into believing that others can answer that question… only you can. Only your two hands can do so."

There is quiet in the office, until Enji Todoroki meets Karna's eyes.

"Enji Fubuki," he says, "I do not know who you are, or why everytime I look into your eyes I see myself. I know you feel the same way. Perhaps, in some other world… you are where I ended up, at the end of my endeavor…"

His eyes are distant.

"I am a hero… but when I think of my family, the truth is quite different. You say every child views their father as a hero…" he scoffs quietly, "but mine do not. Maybe they once did, but that was a long time ago… maybe then I convinced myself that by reaching the number one spot, that everything would make sense…"

He looks back to the picture of his father. The man is smiling. "I wonder what my father would have to say about me now, if he'd be disappointed or proud of the man I am."

"I am sure he would be proud of how far you've come, Endeavor. You are the number two hero, you are wealthy, you have a family—"

"That doesn't matter to me." Endeavor cracks his neck tiredly. "I've forgotten why I even became a hero in the first place… my origin, the mediocrity that created Endeavor… my own inferiority…"

It is the truth.

Karna knows that Endeavor, for all he wishes, is not the best father. He cannot judge the man, but Fuyumi's actions, and perhaps her brother's speak volumes.

So, Karna turns his back to Endeavor, reaching for the door.

"Don't tell me this, Enji. You are not a hero fit for speeches, are you not?"

The response comes quickly.

"No…I am not."

"Actions speak louder than words, I believe is the phrase that embodies you. You called yourself Endeavor by a wish made to your father… perhaps it is time to let that wish reach your own children."

"Fubuki," Endeavor called one last time. "Then watch me."

"I already am."

Karna walked into the hall, and this time, Endeavor followed.

"One more thing… your parents love you, Karna."

"Such a thought brings me joy, but I've made peace with my past. Still, you have my thanks."

Endeavor stops next to Karna in the center of the wood-lined halls.

But it's Enji Todoroki who speaks.

"Sometimes, we need more than ourselves, Fubuki. We cannot stand alone, afterall."

Karna smiles.

There's truth to both their words.

"Then watch me as well, Endeavor. Let us see how far we can travel."

Chapter Text

Toshinori Yagi, better known as All Might, was shuffling awkwardly outside Tatakai Gym. It was one of the more well known fitness centers within Mustafu — he had been staying in the city, to prepare for his new job at UA.

A part of him was apprehensive, obviously, considering the gravity of the situation, and his own hopes for a successor… but right now, he couldn't think of that. All he could think of was the paper in his bag, the offer young Izuku had passed to him.

A smile formed on his gaunt face as he thought of the boy. When Izuku hadn't been able to come to their daily training meets, he had taught little of that. His mind had been more caught up with young Bakugo, whose explosive temper had forced Toshinori to use a little more force than he would have liked.

Hopefully that attitude had been nipped in the bud, at least — Toshinori was sure that Bakugo could become a great hero one day. He sighed again, only to be stopped by a voice.

"Toshinori-san." It was quiet, and a part of Toshinori ached when he heard it. How long had that been? "It's good to see you again."

"Mirai," he returned, turning around and smiling weakly, "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

His former sidekick watched him closely, before adjusting his glasses. "I don't think a gym of all places is a secure place for a meeting."

"It was Namosa's idea," Toshinori chuckled a little, "I hijacked it, a little."

Mirai immediately tensed, "What happened? An injury?"

He shook his head. "No, thankfully. Just… something came up, in regards to One for All. I'll tell you more when everyone arrives."

"Very well." Mirai moved next to him, sitting down on the bench All Might was sitting near. He was wearing a plain white t-shirt, and contacts, to prevent recognition. Like clockwork, Gran and Namosa arrived, both in plain clothes.

"Toshinori!" Namosa greeted with a pleasant smile, while Gran — sensei — chuckled.

"It's been a while, zygote, hasn't it?"

"Namosa, it's good to see you. Ah, you too, Gran-sensei!" Toshinori rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

The odd group shuffled inside, and after dealing with the kind receptionist, found themselves in an open volleyball court. Private, of course. The detective sat down on one of the benches, quietly switching his shoes, while Toshinori followed his example.

Mirai sighed, before reaching for his own footwear.

"So…" Toshinori began, before sighing, "I called this meeting, or Namosa did, at least, to just talk…"

Gran nodded quietly. "And what do you want to talk about, Toshi? You haven't bothered calling all these years!" He bumped Mirai next to him, "This poor lad is probably even more shocked than me, to think about it."

Namosa motioned for him to continue.

"No matter what, I'm going to retire this year or the next." There, that bombshell was dropped. Mirai looked shocked, and Gran… his face was in a neutral expression. Toshinori winced. Those were the worst — you didn't know if he was pissed or proud then, not till it was too late. "My injuries… they're getting worse. I can only manage three hours now, and with my job at UA…"

"You're finding a successor," Mirai surmised.

"Yes," Toshinori agreed tiredly. Namosa sighed. "But, there's something else. I got an offer recently, to, ahem, —" and he could not stop the small smile that formed on his face, "--- heal my injuries."

"What?" was the collective response, before Namosa shot up in the air. "Toshinori, are you… are you serious? Is this real?"

Gran meanwhile was pensive. "There's a catch, isn't there? Otherwise you wouldn't have called us out here."

Mirai frowned, rubbing his chin in thought.

"No expenses. One of my students, Izuku Midoriya, has a close connection with Dr. Chisaki, who he told about my condition — not One for All, only that I, well, look like this—" Toshinori motioned to his body, "And he said it would be his honor to help me."

He reached into his bag, fishing out the manilla folder and passing it off to Gran. The old man stared at it for a second, before pulling the papers out and flipping through them, his eyes flicking back and forth. Mirai & Namosa peered over his shoulder.

Gran shook his head, before handing it to Mirai. "It's real, I can tell you that much, Toshi. But you know who Dr. Chisaki is, don't you?"

Toshinori winced. Nearly every high ranking hero knew just who Dr. Kai Chisaki, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Medicine. Few did not know the man who had been inducted into the Order of the Chrysanthemum (All Might too had received this award, and he remembered the ceremony very well. Few men received such an honor from the Emperor).

He had been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom as well. Again, even All Might had been gifted this medal — not that he viewed it any less.

Chisaki was rich, exceedingly so. His company, Hassaikai Medical, had dominated the pharmaceutical industry in Japan ever since its inception. It pioneered all kinds of new treatments, for both civil and military use — even the JSDF had given contracts to it.

Toshinori could have asked Dr. Chisaki a long time ago. The man was a genius, and seemed to be someone who genuinely wished to help others. But he had been suspicious of the man, especially due to his company's extensive study into Quirks.

And during that time, he only trusted heroes. Chisaki might be trusted by the government, but he knew how far All for One's reach was.

Mirai scowled. "He's yakuza, All Might. You know that. We can't do anything because the CIA protects him and he's cozy with the government, but he's a yakuza. A villain. Can we trust this man?"

Namosa stared at him closely, putting the folder down. "You're going to say yes, aren't you?"

Toshinori kept his head down.

Then, Gran chuckles. It's more of a cackle, the kind that Toshinori can recall easily; to Gran, it's second nature.

"You haven't known this brat as long as I have. I doubt we can change his mind."

Mirai adjusts his glasses slowly. It's an empty action, Toshinori can tell. "All Might… why?"

It's a question he's asked himself ever since Izuku had given him the folder with a quiet smile and hope. Why… why.

Why does he keep going, as All Might, even when the breath is squeezed from his crushed lungs.

As every night, he places the respirator over his mouth, and prays that today is not his last. When he has to count pills for pain-relief, for vitamin supplements, for digestive help, for everything.

When he coughs up blood nearly every second, but swallows it to keep the smile on his face.

Why?

Why can't All Might have dreams too?

Somehow, it feels right.

"I'm done." He laughs bitterly, "Mirai… I'm done. There's nothing in my life, except All Might and One for All." His hands flop to his side, so large, so useless. "I wouldn't change it. I, uh, don't regret it… not when I can think of all the people I've saved."

All Might smiles tiredly.

"I'm not a poet, but… every time All Might smiles, I just feel that— that, Toshinori Yagi dies a little more. And soon, there'll be nothing left. When I die… who will remember me?"

It's the sad truth.

Toshinori Yagi — Toshinori, the blonde Quirkless kid with a heart of gold, died the day All Might was born. And somehow, he knows, deep down, that he can't keep running.

Because, sooner or later, All Might will die as well.

(It's sobering, he thinks, as he flips through the copy of the Mahabharata he had bought from the bookstore. How happy his life was in comparison to Karna's. He doesn't know what to feel about the figures from that myth… about their courage, their honor, their pettiness…

But their tale ends in tragedy.

This he knows. There's no changing it.)

He wonders how it feels to die. How it feels to watch your life snap, and blackness swallow you.

(That night, in Dagobah, he and Karna had watched the night sky together.

"How… how does it feel to die, Karna?" he asks weakly, because, maybe, he too is dwelling on his own fragile mortality.

"Have you read my tale?"

He nods.

"Then you know how it happened. My chariot, lodged in the Earth. Arjuna, poised on his chariot, Krishna on the reigns… and then I died."

Toshinori cringes, as he turns away.

"There is no feeling like it on this Earth. To feel your soul fall away from the mortal body, to drift upwards, away and away." Karna stares into the horizon. "I accepted my fate, Toshinori. My curses… they are the net sum of my actions. The result of my karma."

"But that's not right!" Toshinori fires back, fists clenched, "You didn't deserve such an end, Karna! Just—"

"Why? There are many who have lived worse than me. Why am I so special? Those who have not lived past childhood, those never able to have children, or reach the rank I had." Karna questions harshly. "So don't say such things… my story is finished. I am just a ghost of the past, here to carry you people of the future forward. Such is the duty of a Heroic Spirit."

Toshinori chews on his lip, before sighing. "I don't know why, but I feel lost… what will happen after me?"

Karna laughs quietly. "Why do you bother about that? The future is the future. Only the gods know what will happen then… so leave it to them. We have enough in the present to think of."

It's true… Toshinori wants to hit himself now. He's All Might, the symbol of Peace, yet he's being constantly outwitted by Karna? What kind of hero is he?

"I just feel… so insignificant, in comparison to you."

Karna's mouth hangs open slightly, as he turns away from the sky.

"What… do you mean?"

"Karna-san, you always seem to have an answer. You don't waver, to be honest. You're… confident. I'm always doubting myself… just look at me!"

"Is this… what you think?"

Toshinori doesn't answer. He feels like a fake.

"When I look at All Might, I feel an awe that I have not felt for a long time, Toshinori. You do not need to be me… we are heroes of different eras. It feels natural to compare yourself to those who came before… so think of all those who watch your back, and feel the same. Endeavor, Hawks, countless others heroes… they measure themselves to your name, not mine."

"I guess it's because I know the truth, that I'm feeling this way."

Karna sighs.

"Have I told you of the Holy Grail War?"

Seven Masters. Seven Heroes. A battle to the death, for a wish.

Toshinori's eyes are wide.

"Toshinori, I would be proud to have a man like you as a master."

Coming from Karna, the words are the purest praise.

He can't help himself…

"T–thank you…"

"This is the reality of who I am, Toshinori. I am a warrior, a hero of old. Mankind has grown beyond us… but when the time comes, I will gladly stand by them. It makes me proud, knowing that there is still kindness in the heart of men."

As All Might looks up at the stars above, he realizes something.

"Karna, the sky… it hasn't changed. The stars, the Earth…"

Karna nods.

"Then you and I… we both are looking up at the same sky, no matter the time. I guess there will always be heroes, won't they?"

"...You are right."

"Jeez… I wonder if I'll be like this, if I ever see the heroes of the future."

Karna hums in response.

"But it makes me curious… just what is beyond that horizon?" He laughs under his breath. "I've decided, Karna! As the world's symbol of truth and justice, I can't let myself live in such a pathetic manner!"

He stands tall, buffing up with sheer will shining in his deep blue eyes.

"It's my duty to pave the way for the future… till I'm just another star in the sky, for a kid to wish upon."

…He and Karna have the same eyes, Toshinori realizes.

The gaze of a hero.

"So, I want to ask you… if you'll be there for me, at the operation."

All Might is a god among men.

He's not meant to be hurt, not meant to be mortal.

As a symbol, he's immortal.

But it's Toshinori Yagi asking.

Gran closes his eyes. "I'll be there for you, Toshinori." he says, "If anything happens… I'll do my best."

There's no disparaging remarks.

No.

These are the words of a teacher.

"Besides, Nana would have wanted it, I guess… she wouldn't have wanted you to end up like this, kid."

It's Namosa who answers next. "Don't worry, Toshinori. I'll make sure the doctor has your best intentions at heart."

Only Mirai hasn't responded.

Instead, he holds out a hand, quietly.

Toshinori stares at it.

He meets Sir Nighteye's gaze.

"Please, Toshinori-sensei."

Why do you bother about that? The future is the future. Only the gods know what will happen then… so leave it to them. We have enough in the present to think of.

He smiles, and takes Mirai's hand, and then pulls him into a hug.

"Mirai, I'm sorry." he whispers, holding his former sidekick close. The man's eyes are wide, unfocused as he slowly returns the gesture. "I don't know the future… but I know where I want to be."

Mirai swallows slowly. Gran and Namosa's eyes are fixated on him, on the two of them.

"I'll be there," Mirai answers, finally, He looks away, and Toshinori wonders what he saw. "I'll be by your side, All Might. Till the end."

His lips set into a thin line.

"You used your quirk, didn't you, Nighteye?"

"I did."

Toshinori nods. "What did you see?" he asks quietly.

"I saw you, in a small apartment." Nighteye begins, "And… Endeavor visited you. You spoke a little, and then, Endeavor gave you something. It was a book, I think. You smiled, and then Endeavor nodded… and it ended."

"When… when was this?"

"Ten years."

And Toshinori's heart stops.

"...Mirai."

Namosa and Gran share looks of shock.

"I should have believed in you, Toshinori. Can you… can you forgive me?"

"Nonsense, you were right to be concerned about me, Mirai. It should be me… I pushed you away… so can you forgive me?"

Mirai laughs, but it sounds like he's crying. "You're my hero, All Might. I can forgive you for anything. Till the end."

"Till the end." Toshinori repeats, and laughs as well.

("Did you ever think of the future, Karna?"

"When I was a young boy, I thought of the king's warriors, and wondered… if I could be like them."

"I see."

They're all looking up at the same sky.

No matter the time or place—-

—Their hearts look up to the great blue above.

Past, present, future.

Countless wishes, countless hopes, under the same sky.

A hero will answer. )

Chapter Text

Shouto's eyes widen as he stands by the door to his father's office.

"Watch me, Fubuki."

His breath is erratic. He never thought that Endeavor was a man to admit to his sins. But then he hears the click of the door, and hurries towards the stairs. He catches one final look back — stares at Karna, who meets his eyes.

His teeth grind together. He hates Karna, the new number four hero. Hates how he makes Endeavor smile softly, in a manner that Shoto has never seen or heard. Hates how Fuyumi laughs as she tells him about how he is, and how kind he is.

…Why? Why does Endeavor approve of Karna, who could be a threat to his position? Why?

He hates how the man acts. Hates his patronizing tones. The constant preaching, the confidence. It irks him.

Shoto has been thought to be logical, to be rational — but he can't be. Enji Fubuki, Karna, is something to Endeavor, some secret that the man has buried beyond brick and steel.

He doesn't believe that Fubuki is a father, the man looks far too young for such a thing (A part of him calls out that Endeavor has a son when he was twenty, but he pushes such thoughts deep down).

He's too lost in his thoughts that he doesn't notice Endeavor placing a hand on his shoulder. "Shoto, what were you doing?"

There it is.

But Karna intercedes. "He is just a child, Endeavor. Leave him. I doubt he means any harm, and especially to you."

Of course he has too.

"I was walking, father." Shoto is feeling particularly vindictive today.

Endeavor opens his mouth, lip curled into a scowl, before he stops. His face flickers for a second, before it contorts into a neutral position.

"Fine," he agrees, after what seems an eternity, "Just… dinner should be ready now."

Shoto nods, and heads down the stairs. He doesn't wait for him.

"I see what you mean," Karna says, and he can hear Endeavor sigh.

"Is it that obvious?"

Karna chuckles softly. "He reminds me of an old friend of mine. He didn't like his father's plans for him, and rebelled whenever he could… it's a weak comparison, though."

The next thing he hears is feet on the wooden stairs, and soon, the three are standing by the entrance to the dining room, where Fuyumi has already set the table. Natsuo's eyes widen as he takes in Karna, and whistles.

"Wow, Fuyumi wasn't lying when she said you look like us, man," Natsuo jokes, "My name is Natsuo, if sis didn't tell you." Fuyumi is blushing, and once again, Shoto scowls — this time, Endeavor shares his expression. Except it's more… scandalized, he supposes.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Natsuo. Fuyumi spoke highly of you," Fubuki returns, bowing deeply, in that fancy suit of his. Shoto isn't sure of the relationship, if the man got close to Fuyumi to get to Endeavor or Endeavor paid him to get close to Fuyumi — but both theories seem preposterous now.

"Did she?" Natsuo raises an eyebrow, before chuckling, "Well, it's nice to meet you, dude."

Karna nods, before taking a seat.

"You want to remove your coat? Wouldn't want it damaged, of course…" Natuso offers.

"It's fine, I'm used to it." Karna replies, before staring at the food in front of him. He then reaches for the chopsticks, stickling them together and fumbling around with them. Fuyumi giggles quietly. It takes him two tries to be able to pick up the pieces of fried chicken, and three to get to his bowl.

"Fubuki-kun, do you want some help?" Fuyumi opens her hands and flexes her own chopsticks, "Try like this."

Karna watches her closely, before successfully placing food in his mouth, and chews quietly. He swallows. "It's good, Fuyumi. Thank you for the advice."

Her smile is radiant when Karna thanks her. It makes Shoto frown — he and Fuyumi, even Natsuo, are more like strangers, but seeing them like this… it makes him wonder what things could have been, if not for him.

Endeavor watches closely, before returning to his own bowl.

"So, tell me, Fubuki, what's it like to be a hero? I got enough from the old man over there—" Natsuo says, "But I've never heard it from another guy."

"A hero…" Karna murmurs, face set in thought, "It's… boring, honestly."

"Yea—what!?" Natuso's mouth hangs open. "What do you mean, boring!?"

"The villains are pathetic, Natsuo. I haven't even used my full power in a single fight so far," Karna explains, and Shoto can only scowl at the sheer arrogance, or is it confidence, of the man in front of him.

Even Endeavor is surprised.

"Karna," he grunts, "Are you saying that you aren't even trying?"

"Ah, I'm not meant to hurt my foes, correct, or kill them?" Karna asks.

"Yes," Endeavor replies, befuddled.

"Then I can't use my full power, yet I hurt them." Karna sighs, "I myself still await that feeling, of the blood in my chest boiling as I clash with a worthy foe — to cross arms till our bodies scream for us to stop…"

"You want these villains to be stronger?" Endeavor asks, before shaking his head, "We heroes have enough to deal with as is."

"Of course, I understand… it's just, I'm a warrior first, hero second."

Endeavor scoffs quietly. "You're a battle 'junkie'" and the air quotes are obvious, "then?"

"I would not use such a term, of course, but yes." Karna muses, "But I am content. I guess that is why I work at the ice-cream shop, perhaps. Meeting people, hearing their wishes… it makes me smile, in spite of myself."

Fuyumi is the first to regain her wits. "What about a natural disaster, do you think you could help?"

Shoto too is curious, though he is loathe to admit it.

"I do, to be frank. My vision is akin to an archer's—" and Karna smiles, a secretive smile, "And my speed is unsurpassed. If I wished, I could move at the speed of light."

"I thought your quirk was fire, though?" Natsuo asks.

Karna frowns. Shoto wonders why — does he have some sort of secret.

"My…quirk…is the radiance of the sun, its flame, its light, its might itself. Such is the inheritance accorded to me by my father at my birth," Karna explains, "Though I may appear different, I assure you, my strength is far beyond any of you, and my flame can burn as bright and fierce as the sun if I wish. The reason I don't do so is because innocents would get hurt if I do."

"The sun…" Natuso mutters, "That's… even hotter than Dad, and Touya…"

Fuyumi suddenly jumps up. "Do you not overheat? Dad has that issue…"

Endeavor bristles at the last question, and Shoto does as well.

"Overheat? Why would I experience such a thing?" Karna asks, voice filled with confusion, "My body is impervious to all fire and heat… even if I summoned the sun itself on this Earth—" Shoto's eyes widened. That's oddly specific. "I would feel nothing."

Somehow, Shoto believes him.

It's preposterous.

But there's a certain certainty to his voice that makes it seem like the truth.

"What kind of quirk did your mom have…?" Natuso asks, a sharp edge to his voice as he shoots a glance at Endeavor, who frowns deeper.

"My mother…? She had none, to the best of my memory."

There is silence.

It's long and damming, and Shoto doesn't realize he's bitten his tongue until he tastes the copper on his tongue.

Fuyumi shares a shaky glance with Natsuo, who is too busy sneaking looks at Endeavor's face. The man… his father… looks perfectly shocked.

"All she wished for was my safety, and that wish carried itself to my father." He smiles tiredly, "Sometimes… There is no explanation for what occurs in our world, except by the wishes of others. A mother's love… truly there is nothing stronger."

"I thought that…" Fuyumi's voice drifts off, unsure of how to continue.

"My mother placed me in a river?" Karna asks, perfectly nonchalantly, "And you wonder why I believe in a mother's love?"

"I, just…"

"The truth is that my mother loved herself more than she loved me, or perhaps, she was fearful for her life. She was… a princess, I suppose, and having a child, at such a young age would no doubt ruin her. But when I was born, as she embraced me… there was love in her eyes, and that is the undeniable truth."

Karna sighs in recollection.

"So she begged, begged my father to protect me with all her might… She prayed that I would receive such a gift, and hence—" Karna waved a hand over his chest, "I received the radiance of the sun as proof of my birth."

His eyes shift between them. "Sometimes, I'd like to think that in an ideal world, I would have been her son, instead of… my adoptive mother, but in others, I wouldn't regret it. It's impossible to know what every person on this Earth is thinking. All we can do is believe in the best inside each one of us…"

"...When she told me the truth, I hated her with all her might. She had married another man, one chosen by her parents, and was the mother of heroes — and I was jealous in all my extremes. I raged against her, but at the end… she was the one who gave birth to me, who gave me life. That is the greatest debt I, the hero Karna, could owe… so I forgave her. Because to expose herself, to reveal her greatest shame, required no small amount of courage."

"Why did she do it?" Natsuo asked, voice cracking as he tightened his fists.

"Because, like I said, she was a mother of heroes, and they needed help." Karna finishes, "She loved them, and loved me, quietly, from out of the corner of her vision I'd like to think… in the end, I had no regrets with our meeting. I honored my duties as her son and a brother then."

"How can you say that? She abandoned you!" Natsuo exclaims.

Karna blinks. "She had her reasons. And at the end… she was my mother, not yours, Natsuo." He exhales, "I am not your brother, no matter what the tabloids say."

Endeavor snorts, but remains silent. It's oddly out of character for him.

"Yeah…" Natsuo sighs, "I know. Sorry about that."

The rest of the dinner, Shoto doesn't recall. Empty talk, and eventually, Karna leaves, before thanking all of them (again).

And then, Endeavor looks at them.

"I'll be in my office," he says, and then rushes up the stairs. Shoto has never seen the… apprehensive, scared…? Endeavor looks like he's swallowed vinegar. Karna seemed to make a good impression on father, so why was he reacting like that?

Shoto stares at Fuyumi and Natsuo, who both too are surprised by their father's behavior. Then, they hear their father yell, "Fuyumi!"

"Sorry, Shoto, Natuso… I'll try to find what's gotten him worked up…" Fuyumi says, and then heads up the stairs.

Shoto stares at Natsuo, who quietly moves to his room.

"What do you think of him?" Shoto asks.

"Karna?" Natuso asks.

Shoto nods.

"He's alright… don't go getting any of your stupid theories about him now, Shoto. He isn't our brother or anything, that's for sure." Natsuo smiles at him, "Why don't we play something? Father won't be down for a while, at least…"

"All right."

"Great!"

It's when they set up the Monopoly Board that Fuyumi finally returns. She shrugs at their curious stares.

"He just wanted to know what Fubuki told me about himself," Fuyumi clarifies, "I don't know, but it seemed that father knew a lot more than he let on… I wonder if he met Fubuki before."

"How do you know so much though, sis? Don't tell me you like him…" Natuso laughs at the rising blush on Fuyumi's face.

Shoto sighs.

"I don't like him, Natsuo! He's just…" Fuyumi struggles for a second, making Natsuo laugh even louder, "...sweet, I guess."

"Really?"

"Shoto, what was up with you? You were glaring at Fubuki the entire time!" Fuyumi scolds, but Shoto scoffs.

Natuso rolls his eyes, organizing the paper money. Fuyumi sits down on the floor next to them. "You didn't know, sis? Shoto was jealous… that Karna got more attention from Endeavor!"

"That's not true." Shoto picks up the car, moving it to START. "I don't like the way father looks at him. It's hard to describe."

Fuyumi crosses her arms. "Shoto, just… Fubuki is a nice man. I can tell he noticed, at least. Please, try to be nice to him… he's my friend, not father's. He doesn't want your power or anything."

"Allright." Shoto says, but it's not entirely true.

Fuyumi sighs, and they finally start the game.

Upstairs, though… Enji Todoroki stares at the open Wikipedia article.

Recognized for her pivotal role as the mother of Karna and the Pandavas, the central protagonists of the narrative, she is depicted as possessing notable beauty, intelligence, and shrewdness.

His eyes widen as he scrolls further down.

Intrigued, she employed this mantra to invoke the sun god Surya, resulting in the birth of her son, Karna. Faced with the societal stigma associated with bearing a child out of wedlock, Kunti found herself compelled to relinquish her son to safeguard her honor.

Karna… his father was the sun god, Surya. Everything here… how was this even possible? This was just a myth, a fairytale!

But…

As war approached, Kunti met Karna and in desperation to keep her all children alive, asked Karna to leave the side of Duryodhana and join the Pandavas. Karna denied the offer, as he could not betray his friend. However, he promised Kunti that he would not kill any of his brothers except Arjuna, thus following both Mitra dharma and Putra dharma. He also promised that at the end of the war she would still have five sons, the fifth one be either Arjuna or Karna himself.

Karna has said he fulfilled his duties, and 'helped' his brothers… that was one way of putting it, Enji Todoroki thinks.

He stares at his phone, lying next to his desk. He doesn't know what kind of answer he'll get. Heck, he doesn't even know if he's right. But after reading all of this stuff… he can't get the idea out of his head.

Screw it. His finger hits call. It takes two rings before Karna picks up.

"Enji? Is there something you need?"

Enji Todoroki takes a deep breath.

"Fubuki… don't lie to me. Are you the son of Kunti? The real 'Karna', from the Hindu myth?"

There is silence.

"I am."

Goddamn.