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Toshinori couldn’t move.
No, it’s not that he couldn't, but he didn’t. He could’ve, should’ve moved but instead chose to do nothing as Gran Torino took him away. Toshinori shouldn’t have just let her go so easily, she gave him this power, this strength and this duty to save the world. “Nana,” he softly whispered, choking on his tears, “you should've seen me become the pillar of peace.”
You should’ve defeated that horrible monster and come back home to celebrate with us. You shouldn’t have had that face on you, you shouldn't have pushed me away, we could’ve- should’ve helped you and we would all have won. We would have! I’ve improved, I’m not that weak kid who tried to take down all the criminals with just a silly pipe, I’m stronger now.
Just then, the door creaks open. He wipes his tears before looking up to see who, or what, it is.
“Hey, kid are you alright?” Gran Torino asked, breaking his train of thought. He enters the room after getting washed up, yet he still looks bad. The dark bags under his eyes are obvious and has he gotten more wrinkles and grey hair since Toshinori first saw him?
Although Gran Torino can act like he’s not, Toshinori can tell he’s grieving. A small part of him whispers “traitor” to him, for betraying her and not helping her fight. He knows it’s stupid to think that, especially since Shimura was the one who pushed him first, but he can’t help it.
But looking at him, Toshinori starts to feel bad. It’s not him he should be blaming, it’s All for One. That terrorising monster that Toshinori, no, All Might has to defeat.
“I’m more worried about you sir. How are you feeling, are you… ok?”
Gran Torino replied with a scoff, although it’s more light-hearted one rather than the usual dismissive, annoyed one.
“Old enough to worry about this old man huh? Worry about yourself first.” He scolds as he walks over to ruffle his head.
Taking a seat next to the boy with curious and worried eyes, he said “Honestly, I’m less surprised by it then I thought I would be. Shimura was always going to fight All for one, that moment just happened to appear when we weren’t ready.”
Right, although it was never said outright, there was all this fear looming over Japan. Everyone was scared but the threat was more prominent to them, the people who are in association with this quirk One for all.
All Might decided, “Sorahiko. I’m going to fight him and when I do I’ll make him sorry. Sorry for hurting others, sorry for taking Nana Shimura away from us but most importantly for destroying the peace in this country and leaving only destruction in his trail.”
He had realised he had taken the situation a lot more lightly then before. This isn’t something that he can just try and it’ll be ok if he fails, no Japan needs All Might.
And for All Might to exist, he was to throw away Toshinori. He has to devote his life into being All Might just to see a sliver of hope of drafting the same man that killed his mentor. He has no time to spare as Toshinori, not anymore.
A proud smirk appeared on Sorahiko’s face, “Yeah, and I’ll help you brat.” Because he has to say brat, he had a reputation to keep up.
The burden of One for all had lifted not even a fraction of how much more was added but still, Toshinori smiled at his new mentor, not realising the next school day he’ll see him as an enrolled teacher.
~~
“You really ought to retire All Might.”
How much longer would he go on about it? From the moment it was certain All Might wasn’t going to immediately die, Nighteye would continuously pester him on retiring.
“Haven’t you seen the news? Everyone’s .. looking for me.”
The man who had to lean on the wall just to stand. The man who couldn’t speak without pausing to breathe. The man who fought a monster and came out severely hurt.
Because no matter how strong and brave and heroic All Might was, Toshinori was just a man.
“They’re waiting.. so I have to go.”
Despite his pathetic stubborn show, Sasaki continued to convince him to stop now, whilst he was still a legend. Even Nezu had offered to show his students to All Might, so he can pick a potential successor from there. But they didn't understand. How could they? This is a burden only the #1 hero could bare.
“And what of the symbol until I find them? All For One may be gone but in our superpowered society, his replacement won’t be far behind.”
Despite wanting to continue being the symbol of peace, he couldn’t even stand, swaying slightly, letting Nighteye catch him.
“I understand the symbol’s significance all too well! But look.. You can’t even smile.”
“If you insist on continuing with these theatrics.. I won’t support you anymore! I can’t! I don’t want to!”
Despite being All Might’s sidekick and his counterpart, he was left unheard.
Because no matter what stood in All Might’s way he would destroy it to bring the peace of the people. Even if what stood in his way was Sasaki’s peace. Even if what stood in his way was Toshinori’s, his own peace and life.
~~
A man? Woman? Some kind of slime figure runs past a crowd of people, trying to escape what seems like an unavoidable fate.
“Catch me if you can!” The villain said.
The crowd seems unfazed, as it was not a rare occurrence. However, the main reason for their calmness was…
“Because I am here!!” All Might had said.
But the sudden appearance had startled the villain into hiding - after all it’s not everyday you get caught by All Might.
Fortunately (Or unfortunately depending who you are), there was a sewer nearby which his liquid form could escape through.
However, it was too soon to feel safe. All Might would surely find him, one does not get the title of peace that easily. It was only by a stroke of luck that there was a young boy near the sewers, seemingly weak and easy to hijack into.
The green-haired boy tried to struggle as he teared up but it was to no use.
“I’m fluid you see?”
But even being a different state of matter couldn’t stop the invincible All Might!
Not only had he quickly tracked down the villain but also saved a young boy before he went to grant him his signature.
The villain’s strength had also become his weakness as he was made to be imprisoned into a small bottle. The young boy caught up in all this trouble had seemed to have forgotten his close-death experience as he saw his favourite idol in front of him.
“You can catch me again on TV!!”
All Might said as he was getting ready to leave. Mind you, this all took place about around a minute? Not to mention, All Might was running out of time, villains aren’t the only thing he battles.
The boy seemed to have different plans though, as he grabbed onto his leg in a last-minute decision.
They landed onto a rooftop where All Might had turned into Toshinori and revealed his fight from five years ago.
“Do you think I can become a hero without a quirk?”
“Without power can one become a hero? No, I should think not.”
“It’s not wrong to dream. However, you need to be realistic kid.”
He thought that would be the end of things. It was one kid, one fan. He saves millions of them weekly so this one shouldn’t be any special.
But when he arrived at the scene where the sludge villain found its next victim - he saw his true heroic nature.
Despite being the weakest one there, despite being others telling him to stop, despite having absolutely no power he still went to save his.. friend?
“You can become a hero”
~~
The aftermath of the Kamino Nightmare was horrible. There were high numbers of casualties, destruction to many homes and workplaces, and there was no pillar for Japan to rely on anymore.
To ensure the safety of the school, the principal suggested dormitories. So, Aizawa and Toshinori were driving house to house convincing each parent to continue to allow their children both attend and stay at UA.
Currently, they were at Jirou’s house with what looked like no luck.
“She may be getting better but my only daughter got hurt. Now you’re talking about dorms like nothing happened?”
Certainly, Nezu must be a sadist if he’s assigning them to do this. Although their worry is understandable, All Might just wishes he could’ve done more to help ease their doubt.
“We now realise we were overconfident and took these threats lightly so we need to reexamine our policies. Will you please trust us with this? I’ve no doubt we can still help Kyoka become the great hero she’s meant to be”
Aizawa says, bowing his head slightly. He can act like a stern teacher but throughout all these visits, Toshinori can see just how much he cares for each one of them.
“You’ve got plenty to regret as you die, All Might. Because you’ve also failed as a teacher.”
Even all the way in Tartarus, he still manages to take over All Might’s mind. However, there may be truth in his words.
I need to become a better teacher. So Midoriya can flourish, so Bakugou won’t have to worry about getting kidnapped, so the world can see these excellent heroes grow.
“Please stop Mr. Aizawa, you don’t have to beg!” Jirou said as she came in with a tray of delicacies, “We made a decision the second we got the notice in the mail.”
“My old man saw All Might’s fight on TV. He said ‘with this rockin’ dude teaching my daughter, she’ll be as awesome as Brian the sun!’”
Both men were shocked at the revelation. Jirou’s dad was shocked at the betrayal after trying to look like a good, concerned parent and Aizawa because it was easier than he had originally thought.
Back in the car, Aizawa said, “I was ready for a much harsher reception… I should buy you a drink.”
After all, it was All Might’s fight that convinced her father at the end. It was a shame All Might couldn’t drink.
The next house was to Bakugou, the boy they had let be kidnapped.
“I can’t imagine this going well.”
However, against their expectations in all the good ways, Mitsuki replied with an immediate “Sure sounds good!” as she smacked Katsuki in the head.
“This family has real issues.” Toshinori thought after seeing how the two Bakugou’s argued.
To get back on the topic, Aizawa confirmed, “So, you agree to this then?”
“Yeah we’re grateful in fact! Katsuki’s whole life, people have made a fuss about him and praised him for every little thing he does. So I was glad to hear what you had to say at the press conference. I was thinking that UA really understands our boy.”
“Our son’s trouble I know, but please work him hard. Make a good hero out of him.”
It was obvious that the press conference had earned her trust, as well as how much she wished for his wellbeing and health. Both parents (and Katsuki probably) were grateful towards them both as they bowed their heads towards the teachers.
Toshinori tapped Aizawa slightly before whispering, “Guess I’m treating you for this one?”
At Midoriya’s place, they had decided to split to get them all done within that day. All Might took Midoriya as Aizawa stayed in the car to go to the next house.
If Toshinori was going in, expecting Inko Midriya to say yes then he would be severely mistaken.
“This has nothing to do with how great a hero you are. It’s about the classes that keep getting attacked by villains and students who suffer injuries that the school can’t prevent. I don’t want my son going to a school like that.”
She was tearing up whilst saying it, not wanting to destroy Midoriya’s dreams but wanting to keep her son alive and healthy.
“You’re wrong mom!” Izuku interrupted All Might, “Me getting hurt was my own fault. The teachers gave me warning after warning but I just…”
No matter how much Izuku had defended the school, Inko was set on not letting her son get hurt again. The situation had even escalated into Izuku running to his room.
“You’ve got plenty to regret as you die, All Might. Because you’ve also failed as a teacher.”
It’s because Toshinori failed in his teachings that Izuku may not attend UA anymore.
“Look. Mom. All Might. Look at this letter I got.”
He then proceeded to describe another little boy he had saved during the training camp. Even something as small as a letter was making him feel like a real pro hero and the pure joy he got from that feeling had sharpened his determination to continue being a hero, even if it’s not at UA.
Perhaps Toshinori was a bad teacher. Perhaps it is late to try and become the teacher Izuku needs, not the image he has to fit himself to be. But it’s better late than never.
Getting on his knees, All Might bows down to express his sincerest apologies.
“As the former symbol of peace, I have to apologise. I took his admiration for granted and was lax in his education. For that, I’m sorry.”
It wasn’t long before he turned back into Toshinori, plain and old, but he continued.
“So now, as a teacher at UA.. I beg you. Please allow me to devote myself to mentoring Izuku. I will protect him and raise him right, even if it costs me my life.”
And this isn’t a fancy speech to woo Inko Midoriya into letting him mentor his son. He wholeheartedly believed it and will do exactly what he promised to do, if only Inko would give the green light for him.
However she said this instead,“I can’t agree to that.” Levelling herself to the ground - the same level as the former symbol of peace and the teacher of UA.
“Because, Izuku lives for you. All I want is for Izuku to find happiness in life… so don’t sacrifice your life. Live; and please look after him.”
Even with Inko’s reluctance, she had Izuku’s happiness in her mind as well. That with All Might’s promise had led to her giving her consent.
All Might had left the building to go onto the next house, Midoriya leading him out.
“You’ve got a good mom there, kid. She reminds me of my master. My predecessor..”
Live
Living the life of a natural-born hero… It’s been a while since he had heard that.
“Huh?! My mom does..?!”
Toshinori looked at the boy with fondness hidden behind a small smile.
“Yeah.” He confirmed, “Her hair. And how she’s so strong.”
~~
All Might. You’ve got to tell me everything All Might!!
Midoriya can just see All Might. He had previously gone to the staff room to find him but Midnight had directed him to All Might’s jogging route. Now, it was a lot easier to catch up to him.
Toshinori could hear him before he saw him. The little stomps he made as he caught up quickly.
“It’s you, Midoriya! Kid! Are you here to ask why ‘I am here’?!”
The two fall into silence and jog together as Midoriya collects his thoughts.
He whispers, “You knew everything, right?” with an underlying sense of betrayal.
When All Might didn’t say anything, Midroiya continued.
“How Nighteye knew about One for All, and how Togata was in line to be your successor. You knew right? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Clearly, Midroiya’s mind was a mess. He had to hear all the secrets that All Might kept from him from Nighteye, the man who seemed to dislike him from the start. He was All Might’s fan, so for All Might to break his trust like that must’ve hurt, even if it wasn't done deliberately.
After a moment of hesitation, All Might spoke, “Did I have a reason to?”
“Of course you did!” He screamed, “I just don’t understand what you could’ve been thinking All Might! And I’ve been in this weird haze trying to figure out why you kept it all a secret. Why not just tell me about it? I wanna know not as your fan but as your successor.”
All Might looked back to try to gauge what his successor was feeling before looking ahead again.
“You really wanna know? Just don’t regret asking.”
Then, All Might retold his story from six years ago. He started with the argument between the two men, revealed his soon-to-foretold death, then finished with the almost-successor, Togata.
Not once did he turn his back to see whether Izuku was listening, or his expression or even his presence. He didn’t need to.
“I’m sorry. I never wanted you to know this because you’re a fan of mine.”
But now you’re so much more than that Izuku Midroiya. You are the greatest hero even if you don’t know it yet.
Midroiya slowed down, from a jog to a walk now reduced to standing still.
“All Might, you’re.. going to die?” The news had shocked him so much he had to repeat it once more, this time looking up to the sky to prevent fluids from his eye falling down his face.
“All Might.. Is gonna..” He had a hunch before, a sort of vague explicable feeling. Death is an inevitable part of our human lives, everyone dies eventually. But.. having to hear it from All Might himself. Midoriya may as well be cut with a knife and that would still feel better than this current pain.
“Die..”
In contrast to Midroiya’s trepidation, All Might was as calm as when he reads the newspaper whilst drinking tea. For Midoriya, his life had essentially spun upside down but for All Might it was just another Tuesday.
Midoriya stayed still, trying to process this sudden information about All Might, his idol, his hero, his teacher suddenly dying. But All Might had hurried on with his jog.
“H-hold on!! That’s not.. Wait All Might!” Reaching out, he looked up to see his teacher further ahead than himself.
“When is Nighteye’s prediction supposed to come true? And is it really inevitable?”
This time, All Might didn’t spare any time to hesitate before he answered in a straightforward manner, “Six to seven years in the future. Apparently, he’s never been able to change a prediction.”
By now Midoriya was still sweating, but Toshinori had his head straight. Perhaps it was because it was too painful to turn and see the eyes that were once full of excitement and admiration be dulled with feelings of anxiety and dread.
“But.. that means this year or the next one. It can’t be true! How can it..? I mean.. It just can’t. You have to live All Might. At the sports festival, remember? My promise! I made a promise to you, but I haven’t come through yet! You gotta live until I do!”
“You gotta keep living until the day you can hear me say: ‘I am here!’”
It was now that All Might- no, Toshinori had stopped.
“Midoriya, kid. I.. when I heard that prediction, strangely enough I accepted it without question. With the goal in sight, I figured I’d just finish it with a sprint.”
“My fight against All For One in Kamino was my finish line. But you were there.”
Just like that first day I met you.
“You.. timid and quirkless have been there for me all these months. Our days together spoke to me: telling me to live. Then your mother told me to live so I could raise and protect you right. So, even now, I’m fighting to live! You changed my outlook, I’m still alive!”
“I’ll use this very hand to shape my own fate!!”
You may not know this Midoriya..
“I didn’t want to do anything to slow you down when you’re sprinting towards greater strength. For all we know, maybe my fate’s already been decided.”
“So..” Midoriya started, looking down at his hands with a shadow looming over his face. “We don’t know if the future in his prediction has changed. I can’t accept it All Might, No way.”
“I’ll.. whatever happens to you, I’ll be there changing fate by your side.”
Mirroring All Might’s position before, Izuku held out his hand with his fist clenched, eyes filled with determination once more.
But you’ve saved my life in every way possible.
~~
“There you are.”
The door opens behind All Might but he who was too lost in his thoughts didn’t realise until a voice spoke up.
“What’re you doing out in the cold?”
As he asked, as he visibly let out a breath. It was so cold that your breath could be seen and Eri certainly had a fun time with that.
All Might turns his head slightly to acknowledge his co-worker before answering, “Uh.. Not much. How’s Eri?”
“Fast Asleep.” Giving a quick short answer to the question as he closed the door behind him. “I’m gonna start training her this week.”
Despite the continuous assurances around her, reminding her that her quirk isn’t a curse, she still feels ashamed of it. It’s not easy to remove a few years of shaming and brainwashing. Still, it would be good for her and everyone around her to get her quirk under control.
“I can help.” All Might offered.
“Much appreciated,” Aizawa replied as he breathed into the warmness of his hands.
Relaxing silence fell onto the two once more. The relationship between the two had started off rocky, with All Might unsure of how to act and Aizawa disliking him but now they had grown more comfortable with each other.
Sensing his uneasiness, Aizawa questioned his situation.
“I decided to keep on living.” A small ‘huh?’ could be heard from Aizawa’s direction but Toshinori continued, “But it’s like.. How do I put this? This feeling.. Like I’m powerless keeps bubbling up inside of me.”
“Whenever the students grow and learn.. I end up frustrated that I can’t do anything for them. It’s torture.”
He casts his mind back to when the students were learning their ultimate move. Bakugou had done so well, but it had led to a rock falling where Toshinoriwas standing. It was solved as quickly as it started, with Midoriya once again to the rescue.
Many words of caution were thrown to Toshinori, reminding him that in everyone else’s eyes, he’s the one who needed protecting.
Aizawa walked closer, saying “Can’t cure a workaholic I guess. You kept this country on its feet for decades.Coming down from that high is like a stroke in your system.”
“Harsh..” Toshinori softly sighed. Nevertheless, Aizawa continued.
“You can do plenty for them. You can live. You can be here. For a lot of people, that’s all the push they need.”
Yes, Aizawa is a harsh and blunt man. That’s why you can rely on him to tell you the straightforward truth, rather than having to dance around it.
And the truth is that All Might lives on. Toshinori lives on.
Both the eighth and the ninth user of One for All will surpass and change even fate with their bare hands.