Chapter Text
Edit: I realized I hadn't included a photo of how Izuku looked. I had posted one on Wattpad, but I didn't know how to do it here. Now, I've figured it out, so here's the picture. I hope it makes sense... Anyway, I hope you enjoy this. Credits to the artist: Athenoot
The late afternoon sun bathed the quiet streets of Musutafu in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows as it began its descent beyond the horizon. The air buzzed with the sounds of children playing, their laughter echoing through the neighborhood. Among them, a young Izuku Midoriya, only about five years old, ran with all the energy his small legs could muster, his green curls bouncing with every step. His freckled face was lit up with joy, a sight that would warm the heart of anyone who saw him.
But Izuku wasn’t alone. A few paces behind him, keeping a watchful eye, was his older half-brother, Oboro Shirakumo. A middle schooler with the world’s brightest smile and a heart that was even bigger. His white hair, a trait inherited from his father, stood out like a beacon against the evening sky. Shirakumo’s presence was a constant in Izuku’s life, as reliable as the sun rising each morning.
“Shirakumo-nii, look at me!” Izuku called out, his voice filled with excitement as he tried to leap over a small puddle. He barely made it, stumbling slightly on the other side, but managed to stay on his feet.
“Nice one, Izuku!” Shirakumo cheered, clapping his hands in exaggerated applause. His voice was full of pride, his blue eyes sparkling with encouragement. He jogged over, ruffling Izuku’s already messy hair. “You’re getting faster every day!”
Izuku beamed up at him, the praise from his older brother more precious than any treasure. To Izuku, Shirakumo was everything. His protector, his hero, and the person he wanted to be like more than anyone else in the world.
“Can I be a hero too, Shirakumo-nii?” Izuku asked, his voice small and filled with the innocence only a child could possess. There was no doubt in his eyes, only pure belief that his brother held all the answers.
Shirakumo knelt down to Izuku’s level, his smile softening into something more serious, but just as warm. “Of course you can, Izuku,” he said, his tone firm yet gentle. “Being a hero isn’t just about having a Quirk. It’s about having a heart that cares for others, and you’ve got that in spades. You’re gonna be a great hero one day, I just know it.”
Izuku’s eyes sparkled with hope, but there was a flicker of uncertainty too. “But… I don’t have a Quirk yet. What if I never get one?”
Shirakumo’s heart ached at the question. He knew how much it weighed on Izuku, how every day without a Quirk made his little brother feel more distant from his dreams. But Shirakumo also knew that Izuku’s spirit was far stronger than he realized.
“Quirk or no Quirk, you’re going to be amazing,” Shirakumo said firmly. He placed his hands on Izuku’s shoulders, looking him straight in the eyes. “And I’ll always be here to help you, no matter what.”
Izuku’s worries seemed to melt away at his brother’s words. He launched himself into Shirakumo’s arms, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, Shirakumo-nii. I’ll do my best, just like you!”
Shirakumo hugged him back, his heart swelling with affection for this little boy who had such a big heart. He wanted to protect Izuku from the harshness of the world, to shield him from every hurt and disappointment. But he knew he couldn’t, not forever. Still, as long as he was there, he would do everything in his power to keep Izuku safe and happy.
As they walked home together, hand in hand, Shirakumo’s mind wandered. He hadn’t told Izuku yet, but he had recently been accepted into U.A. High School. It was a dream come true, the first step towards becoming a professional hero. But it also meant that things would change. He would have less time to spend with Izuku, and he worried about how his little brother would take the news.
But as they approached their house, the sounds of his mother preparing dinner filtering through the open windows, Shirakumo pushed those thoughts aside. He would tell Izuku soon, but not tonight. Tonight was for them, for laughing and playing and forgetting about the world outside.
As they stepped inside, the warmth of home wrapping around them like a blanket, Shirakumo looked down at Izuku, who was already bouncing with energy, eager to tell their mother about his latest feat of agility. Shirakumo smiled to himself. Whatever the future held, one thing was certain: he would always be there for Izuku, no matter what.
And that was a promise he intended to keep.