Patronus Maximus

Chapter XXIX: The Times Ahead

Tokyo, Honshu

Japan, Sea of Japan

Shunshining atop Tokyo Tower, Patronus stared at the scenery of the metropolis. It always amazed him about this country's ability to adapt and evolve from past transgression. As much as he wants to tour the sights, Naruto had hero business to attend in this country and it is not on behalf of the United States.

In the back of his mind was the Aquila whose modification was delayed due to the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.'s arguments about what they should enhance or put into the vessel. There was also Lara's protest about the naval ship's modification and argued that a historical artifact should not be tempered with at all. Naruto had to convince her—for a week—that the armor and weapons will ensure its survivability for generations ahead.

For now, the ship was back in the cove at the Homestead until the Hulks can agree on their plans for the ship without breaking its structure integrity and layout.

"Karen, remind me what I'm doing here again," Patronus asked the A.I. "Karen?"

No answer came from the female-voiced computer, prompting Naruto to correct his previous words.

"Sorry, Jocasta."

It turned out that, after the Time Storm, both copies of Lyla—Miguel O'Hara's AI from the future—and Karen—Peter's AI—merged somehow into one entity with the capabilities and databases from both timelines. As such, she deserved a new name and chose the one from Greek mythology about Oedipus's mother. Jocasta was also an acronym and stood for Justified Optimistic Capable Artificial System Aid, a name she gave herself.

"Yes, Patronus. Three days later, All Might had sent you an invitation, regarding Japan's national security. The details are classified."

"And?"

"And I already hacked through the mainframe and left no trace of my existence in their system. It appears that Japan wants you as a consultant for a… public safety project."

"They need me for that? And what does All Might have to do with this?"

"Recent data shows multiple sightings of heroes throughout the islands of Japan. The logical conclusion is that the public safety project is not a normal one."

"Again, why me, Jocasta? Why not the Avengers or Fantastic Four or the Defenders?"

"For an A.I., I cannot find a definitive answer, Patronus. I suggest you go to the meeting and find out from the source. I put the Office of Public Safety in your map just now."

"Thanks, Jocasta," Naruto answered before he felt the floor shake slightly. "How long did it take your government to track me?"

"Not long, but we had to use satellite when we lost you in the airport."

Patronus turned around and came face-to-face with the smiling All Might, "How have you been, big guy?"

"Plus Ultra, my friend! The citizens are safer than ever before."

"Because of you?"

"Because of us."

"Us?"

Leaving nothing further to discuss, All Might jumped high in the air and afar at the distance, forcing Patronus to sigh heavily before he followed his fellow hero in the direction where the map had pinpointed the Office of Public Safety via Shunshined-roof hooping. Hopefully, he will get some answers to the super Public Safety project Jocasta had informed him about moments earlier.

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"And that is the end of the presentation. As I hope you can understand, Patronus, we need your expertise in this matter."

"…"

"Patronus?"

Hidden under his hood, Naruto was simply stunned about Japan's special Public Safety project. Their intention was to train those with Quirks—terms to describe the powers manifested in people in Japan—into professional heroes. The professional heroes would get paid by the government depending on their performance as well as fame and glory along with it. This was to quell tension among the populace and possible villainy.

A ranking system has also been established and All Might would be ranked number one in Japan due to his popularity and amazing power. To inspire new generations to help society even if they do not want to be pro heroes, the government plans to build schools for those with Quirks and the Quirkless in others thereby separating them.

"So, why me again? I keep thinking in my head and I'll said it aloud to you lot: there are other heroes who have been at this gig more than me. Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the Defenders… hell, even the European heroes can help you guys."

The man in charge of the project stood up from his seat across the American hero as he pressed a small remote. The projector in the room switched slides and revealed images of Patronus in Boston, helping the citizens in any way possible. There was even one where he aided construction workers rebuilding a structure that was damaged by a robbery gone wrong and halted by Patronus himself.

"Officially, we were searching for a known terrorist said to be hiding in Boston, but unofficially-"

"—You were spying on me. Not sure how I feel about it," Patronus said lowly before intentionally breaking the glass of water in his hand. "Guess I do: not cool. Not cool at all."

"I understand your being upset at the invasion of privacy, but our Emperor wanted to make sure if you are the right person for the job. Unlike most heroes in America, you help not only the citizens, but law enforcement as well. There are reports of you standing near an active crime scene whether a homicide or robbery occurs, but you do not take action due to some circumstances. This in turn led to a significant all-time crime decline in your city. Why is that?"

Patronus sighed heavily as he stood up from his seat. "Because that is their job, Mr… I'm sorry, I don't think you told me your name."

"That would be Special Agent Kaishin," Kaishin introduced himself. "This is the seventh time he's asked for my name. Is he doing it on purpose or really just a spazz?!"

Inwardly, Naruto chuckled behind his breath as he liked teasing the agent about his name. "He's so easy to tease!" He cleared his throat before returning to the topic at hand. "The police officers in Boston—across the world in fact—aspired to serve their cities, the citizens. I can only imagine how they feel when suddenly superheroes showed up to do their jobs. So helpless or insignificant in some way. So, I do not intervene at crime scenes as I see they can handle it themselves and I do not want them to rely on me solely. They know this, and even work harder to better themselves as police officers. Whenever they need help with a particular crime, the captains of the precincts call for me and I, in turn, learn more about police procedure and such."

"Appealing, but I supposed this is key to your success in Boston," Kaishin conceded as the reports do not lie. "In complete honesty, what do you think of our project?"

"You want my honest opinion?"

"It'd be appreciated from a famous hero such as yourself."

"… Well, it's a very good plan, but I foresee problems with it. What about the mutants who live here? Should they not be given the same opportunities and protection as the people with Quirks? And also the Quirkless population; they are already separated just by not having Quirks, so why widen that gap with separate schools? I understand that this may lead to problems, but it'll be even worse if you go through that plan."

All Might were pleased as he too saw this problem when his detective friend informed him long ago. "He's shrewd. That's a great quality for a hero."

"And another thing: why solely heroes? I mean I get that is what everyone dreamed about at one point in their lives, but that is not the only job they can take. Of course, they need to learn control of their abilities, but what about other fields? I mean if one person has a Quirk for water or something, then that being can decide to become a fireman or wildlife protector. I'm just spitballing here. And what about children if they develop their abilities at early age."

Kaishin spoke after the pause, "We already thought of that and had psychologists perform studies with the Quirk-bearing people over the past 20 years. They in turn trained the current generation and are ready."

"And the police force? What is their role in this?"

"They will continue their duty as always, but if a crime is performed by a Quirk person, then they'll call a hero for assistance."

"I see. What about their identities? Honestly, that's the most concerning topic on my mind right now. If they are compromised, the hero or heroine will have their families, friends, associates in jeopardy. What are your government planning on dealing with this problem?"

Kaishin furrowed his brows, "Do you mean 'potentially'?"

"Mr. Kaishin, we live in a world where anything is possible for better or worse."

All Might nodded as he too was concerned about the security of the heroes' identities, "We do have a plan, but from what the agent tells me, that they won't tell you or me unless you agree to help with the project."

"So, I guess that's it, huh?" Patronus cracked his knuckles as he was about to leave. "Thanks for including me in this, and now, I'll enjoy the sights that is Tokyo."

"And where do you think you're going?"

"Huh?" Naruto suddenly found himself tucked underneath the smiling All Might's armpit. "Hey, what do you think you're doing?!"

"Taking you to the site! I need to convince you otherwise!"

"What site?!"

"You'll see!"

With that said, All Might ran out of the room, leaving behind a trail of dust throughout the building. When the cloud cleared, an annoyed Kaishin huffed amidst his dirty room and misplaced clothing. "Heroes."

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Blue Site, Training Facility

Outside of Metropolitan Tokyo

The huge muscular frame that is All Might landed in front of the heavily guarded fortress that is said to be one of the training sites for adults with Quirks. Of course, Patronus wasn't paying attention to the Japanese hero's explanation as he tried to free himself during the trip.

"That's it!" Naruto shouted in defiance before driving his elbow into All Might's side.

The shadow-eyed man grunted when he released the hooded hero. "Strong you are, Patronus, but why did you hit me?!"

"You just snatched me up and landed us in the middle of nowhere!" Naruto argued hotly.

"um, excuse me?"

"What?!" Both heroes shouted at the guard who instantly became afraid.

"The platoon is ready for your assessment, All Might and Patronus."

Confusion struck Patronus once again as he instantly calmed down as did All Might, "Assessment? What assessment?"

"The next generation of heroes, of course," All Might responded with his ever present smile. "Let's get moving, shall we?" He followed the guard with the wary Patronus behind him. "Though I have to warn you that their Quirks are different from mine."

Naruto tilted his head, "How so?"

"There are different types of Quirks: emitters, transformation, and mutations. The last one doesn't refer to Mutants to clear your confusion. It is when one Quirk combines with another to become completely new like mine."

"So, your Quirk is, what, super strength?"

"It's called One For All."

"You named your Quirk?"

"All of us do according to their nature. Mine gives me power on superhuman levels throughout my body," All Might explained as Naruto realized something about his abilities.

"That explains your incredible power during our little bout back in the States. Geez, man, if you were holding back then, I'd say you are easily as strong as Hulk now."

"Hulk? The Strongest One There Is vs the Symbol of Peace… that would be an epic bout."

Patronus nodded with an audible 'hum' as they entered the Blue Site, walked past several rooms including the main room, and reached their destination. They found the platoon, who stood stiffly when their presence was noticed, as Naruto glanced at the singular row of people apart from the platoon.

"Hey, All Might, who are they?"

"Ah, my colleagues and fellow heroes. I'll introduce you to them later," All Might said lowly as Patronus could only nod at this point.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but are the people in the platoon military?"

"I… don't know."

Cue Naruto falling to the ground as a result of his answer. "Did you have to pause for that?" He asked muffled on the ground before recovering on his feet.

"Yes… yes, I did," All Might responded with a thumbs-up.

"What a weirdo." Naruto thought inwardly as a sweat-drop slid down his head.

The platoon's captain was a fit man with spiky hair that reached his neck in the back and a goatee. His uniform, like his platoon members, was tight and had combining colors of red and white—the theme of Japan's flag—with black boots. "All Might, Patronus, I am Captain Shokichi Komachi of 1st Platoon, ready for inspection."

"Relax, dude, you're not in the military unless you particularly were a soldier."

That's when All Might remembered something else regarding the new heroes. "Oh yeah, the captains of the platoons are from the military to give them a sense of security and authority."

"I thought we were training heroes, not soldiers."

"And that is why we are here to assess them."

But Naruto wasn't convinced about this notion, "How exactly are we going to assess them?"

"With this!" All Might somehow pulled a remote from his person and pressed a button.

In doing so, the ground spilt open behind the platoon and emerged was a complete copy of the Tokyo district in full scale with actual street signs and buildings.

"A replica city. That'll work," Patronus nodded vigorously. "Let's begin with two members. Uh…" He scanned the members before choosing the ones to go first. "You two. Go. Everyone else, stand by me and All Might."

Everyone heeded his words while the chosen two members stood in front of the city. The ground then rose high enough for the audience to see with a bird's eye view on the city and two members. They were both men and looked to be either older or younger than Naruto, but the ninja can't really tell at this point. He will have to look at their files if he even agrees to aid the project.

The man on the left had short spiky blonde hair and green eyes while he took off his long-sleeve jacket, revealing a black sleeveless shirt hugging his muscular frame though paled in comparison to All Might's.

"That young man is Marcos E. Garcia from Mexico," Shokichi informed the American hero. "So is the man next to him; Alex Kandley Stewart. Both of those men are childhood friends with another classmate in the platoon. They lived in the northern part of Mexico where the cartels were in control. Eventually their Quirks developed and they came here to escape prejudice."

Alex was also a fit young man with black hair and gold-like eyes as he stretched his arms and legs before the simulation commence. Unlike his friend, he kept his jacket on, which didn't hide the fact there was a noticeable bulge in the small of his back. What it was, Naruto and All Might will have to wait and see.

-Garcia and Stewart, your objective here is to stop a robbery in progress. Begin!-

"Let's do this, Marcos!"

"Got your back, Alex!"

Both men charged straight into the city as they ran down three blocks and eventually reached the bank where men in black clothing and ski masks emerged with bags of money. "Heroes! Shoot them down!" One of the robbers shouted before he and his partners fired upon them.

"Marcos, watch the men on your right!"

"I got it!" Marcos retorted before he willed his Quirk to come forward. His body frame slightly grew in size as the arms turned light green scale-like skin with eye-like pupils in them. Four eyes emerged on his forehead while the chin had fang-like protrusions as a result of his transformation. "All right, Huntsman, let's do it!"

Both All Might and Patronus were already surprised by the transformation alone, but the new speed he just displayed was incredible. Marcos had already reached the robbers and quickly punched each of them until they were in the wall with their asses hanging out.

The remaining robbers aimed their weapons and fired at him, but Marcos quickly grabbed a nearby pipe as he deflected the bullets, thanks to his additional eyes. He would not be alone as a high-velocity object was thrown at each of the robbers' hands, forcing them to let go of their weapons. The evil-doers looked to the one responsible and saw that he was transformed as well.

Alex's appearance was similar as his body frame slightly increased in muscle size while his hair looked rigid and hard. Feathers adorned his arms, resembling wings as his chin sported a noticeable horn and part of his face had feather-like skin on his cheeks. "Guns are dangerous, you know? With my Harpy, I can disarm you lots without getting near you."

Somehow, a lone robber snuck up behind and attempted to stab him in the back with a knife. Alex heard footsteps and simply flipped over the man before kicking him into the street, causing a cave-in as a result of his enhanced strength.

"Alex, Fastball Special!"

With a nod, Alex got rid of his jacket, revealing the canister filled with red baseballs as he pulled out a couple of them. "Batter up!" He declared before quickly pitching the balls at Marcos in rapid succession as the latter deflected them to the robbers' bodies. More baseballs were thrown and deflected until none were standing anymore.

-Simulation ended.-

"Ah yeah, we passed!" Marcos high-fived Alex as they deactivated their Quirks. As for the robbers, they convulsed with electricity before morphing into steel machines. "These things are no match for us."

"And so are the citizens," Patronus countered as he approached the two heroes-in-training. "Take a look at the street."

Alex and Marcos looked at the area before dread filled within them as bodies of citizens laid dead with their blood spreading from the bodies.

"First rule of heroes: always secure the citizens and be aware of your surroundings. This, especially a team, is vital for you and the people you want to protect. Do not just charge in."

"Yes sir."

"And another thing: do not call me 'sir'. Call me Patronus since we're going to be colleagues; this isn't the military." Naruto assured with a smile, even though they couldn't see it. "Go with your teammates and choose the next two."

"Hai!"

Patronus didn't move from his spot as he told All Might and the captain about his plan: give the next two about a real fight between heroes and the villain… which is him. He didn't need to hear footsteps as his sense already pinged their ki before turning around to face another young man around his age who kept bouncing on his toes as he had short red hair, black eyes, and had the physique not unlike that of a boxer. He even assumed the position of a boxer when raising his arms up with the right arm forward and the left arm close to his side.

"A southpaw."

His partner in this bout was also muscular in frame, but looked to be older than Naruto. He had short brown hair and matching eyes as his jacket was taken off while stretching his limbs. "Hizamaru," He said out of the blue.

"What?"

"The name's Akari Hizamaru and don't you forget it, dumbass."

A deadpanned Naruto responded back, "With a loud mouth like that, how can I?" A stifled chuckle managed to be heard from above the platform, causing an irritated Akari to shake in his place while Patronus noticed the blonde woman in the crowd. "You two ready?" They nodded in response. "Come on then."

Akari took the first move as he charged at the hooded hero and threw a punch, which the latter effortlessly dodged. This only incited the hero-in-training to attack more, but faster. Patronus didn't get hit once, but he noted that the guy had good form with surprisingly speed and power despite having not activated his Quirk.

Suddenly, the wind around them shifted as if it was pushed away by an unknown force. Naruto ducked under Keiji's surprise left hook from behind, but Akari wasn't so lucky. "Gah!" Hizamaru cried out as he staggered from the punch before his legs were swept underneath him by Patronus's leg.

Keiji threw a downward straight punch as Patronus pivoted on his right foot while in his crouched position and countered with an uppercut. Naruto hummed in contemplation while the red-haired student landed in the ground hard, creating a small crater as a result. "Is that it?" He asked genuinely surprised rather than condescendingly.

Hearing debris falling on the ground, the American hero looked at the wall and saw Akari pull himself out of it. This time he looked different. Two small bug-like antennas protruded from his head while light green markings appeared around his face like tribal tattoos as his hands slightly increased in size with silver pronounced knuckles and claws.

"So, what's your Quirk called?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Multi-Force."

"… Really?" Patronus asked before casually raising his right forearm to block another attack. "What about yours?" He glanced over his shoulder as Keiji had activated his Quirk as well.

The boxer's prominent changes were his arms as they grew in size while segmented hardened armor covered the forearms and the inside of them had black softer armor. His knuckles were deep brown bordering black with light green hands as two small antennas were on his head, protruding from two small black ovals resembling eyes.

"Boxer Mantis."

Keiji's abilities are based of the peacock mantis shrimp. It gives him incredible strength combined with endurance and durability though it didn't seem enough as his fist ached when upon their first contact.

"Hhmm… not catching like One For All, but whatever," Naruto thought as Keiji put more force into his fist, trying to move the ninja's arm back. "At least, you are not holding back."

Akari, using his enhanced speed, leapt at Patronus who quickly grabbed Keiji's arm and tossed him at the airborne hero-in-training, causing them to crash into each other. Recovering in mid-air and landing on the ground, both men ran at the hero before launching attacks but synchronized: Keiji focused on the upper body while Akari handled the legs.

To their classmates and friends, their speed and attacks were blurs, but to Naruto and All Might, it was a different story. Their speed was decent, but far slower than either of them anticipated for this assessment. Of course, it was to be expected, but not at this capacity.

"Are you just going to be on defense the whole time? I heard you are one of the strongest heroes on the planet, but I bet you're not as strong as the Hulk or Thor," Akari taunted, trying to rile up the ninja into making a mistake.

Patronus knew better and kept his defense up until it was time as he casually flipped over their attacks. Quickly fixing himself after the flip, Naruto kicked Akari and Keiji's backs as they were slammed into the street, creating two craters from their impacts. The two men recovered quickly with moderate scuffle marks on their faces and charged at him again.

Suddenly, they backed off and Patronus was confused until he felt his body restrained by something. He looked around and saw something glint from the sunlight as it became clear that it was wiring…except it didn't feel the ninja wire he'd used. "What do we have here? String? Clever."

It didn't take long for the ninja's trained eyes to notice the glints that reflected the sun off said restraints. "It's part of my Quirk," Akari informed as he felt pretty proud of himself. His abilities were that of the bagworm moth, which allowed him to produce very thin, but incredibly strong silks threads on a human capacity. "We won!"

"Young Patronus, stop holding back!" All Might said aloud, silencing the cheery duo of Hizamaru and Keiji. "We want to show how the world of heroes really is. Be the villain as they say."

Patronus pondered loudly as his head lazed to one side, then the other while the two men in front grew increasingly wary. "Okay," He responded before extending both Hidden Blades and cutting the threads in the same motion. "After all, I am the villain in this scenario…so, prepare to die, heroes!"

Before he knew it, Akari's face was snapped backward by a knee strike while he flew and crashed into the top floor of an apartment building. Keiji barely reacted to Patronus's punch and dodged it, but doubled over when the punch found its way to his stomach. "Double punches?! And he did it without alerting us!"

"Who do you think you're talking to?!" An irritated Akari jumped from the roof in a rage as he readied his right arm.

Patronus responded in kind by grabbing Keiji and slammed him into the approaching Akari, right in the head as the force upturned the street as well as a debris cloud. All Might winced slightly while the captain, lieutenant, and their platoon groaned in place. As the debris cleared, a wounded Keiji was held in the air by Patronu's arm while a struggling Akari remained on the street under his foot.

"Another thing you guys need to know is teamwork being absolute in the field, especially against someone who is stronger, faster, or smarter than you," Patronus informed the weakened men in his space. "It'd be your downfall if you let your guard down out there against criminals or villains."

Akari tried to get up, but he was quickly stomped by the foot on his back. "His strength, speed, reflexes… they're beyond our Quirks. I can keep hearing from the government about him: the Unknown Variable, the Avenger who's not an Avenger." That's what Japan and the rest of the world calls him now due to his working together with the Avengers in the past. "How can someone like him not pop up in anyone's radar?"

"It's over."

Those words were the last the two men heard before darkness consumed their eyes.

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(Four Hours Later)

Akari jolted out with a scream before he groaned in pain, holding his stomach with his arms. "Son of a bitch!" He cried out.

"Hey, keep it down, idiot."

The hero-in-training looked to his side and saw the lieutenant of his platoon sitting beside him. She was a beautiful American woman with short blonde hair and blue eyes as frameless glasses adorned her sight. Her military attire did nothing to hide her incredibly lean yet muscular body and the bust size that always grabbed the attention of every male that came her way… except from All Might and Patronus, to everyone's shock. This was Michelle K. Davis, daughter of Donald Davis who was a hero and granddaughter of one of the first people born with a Quirk in Japan long ago.

"Michelle…" Akari said under breath before being hit in the head by her hand.

"That's Lieutenant Davis to you."

"Hai," Akari whimpered as he rubbed his head. "What happened?"

"All of you got your asses kicked is what happened."

"Tch. Can't believe he beat us like that—Wait, all?"

Michelle didn't answer verbally as she chose to open the curtain that separated them from the rest of the infirmary. Stunned, Akari could only watch as all members of the platoon laid on their individual beds with different body parts wrapped in bandages like him and Keiji who was next to him.

"Did he do this to all of them?" Akari asked, getting a nod from Michelle. "Damn him! Was he doing this to prove himself better than us?"

"Nope." The curtain of the bed from across Akari's bed opened, revealing a sitting Patronus who had just finished his meal of ramen. To their surprise, the plastic bowl was cut by an unseen force. "I wanted to test not only the four, but your entire platoon."

"For what?"

"Remember what I said."

Akari furrowed his eyes as he pondered about the hooded hero's past words. Michelle shook her head with a hand on the face after moments passed and no answer came from the member. "Teamwork. He talked about teamwork amongst yourselves," Michelle mentioned in an annoying tone.

"Correctamundo, bonita (beautiful)." Naruto snapped his fingers in confirmation. "I wanted to see if your platoon will step in to help you two. And they did… after a couple minutes of thrashing your bodies around the fake city."

"You went too far," chastised Akari as he glared at the ninja.

"Did I? Answer me this: did you feel powerless or hopeless?" Patronus asked as Akari stiffened moments later. "I'll take that as a 'yes'. I wanted to see if your colleagues have heroic potential aside from their abilities. Also, I wanted to show them and you guys that the world of heroes and villains are different from your current perceptions. So far, you passed; sorry about being rough. Just wanted to let loose after a while."

Akari scoffed at his statement, "And we were just convenient for you?"

"Would you rather that I and All Might fight in the facility, destroying the area in the process and endangering your lives as well?"

"…"

"Thought so. Get some rest; you're going to need it."

"Wait, why?" Akari asked, only to see the retreating back of Patronus leave the infirmary. "It's going to be good, isn't it?"

Michelle let a small smirk etch her lips. "For you, no."

Outside of the infirmary, Patronus walked to the veranda and breathed in the fresh air that the forest always provided. Standing next to him was the one who brought him to the Blue Site against his wishes. "So, what do you think, Patronus?"

"I honestly don't know, All Might. The plans, project… it seems you, the heroes, and the government thought this out carefully, but…"

All Might pressed him, "Speak your mind, Young Patronus."

"Are we really training heroes or soldiers? Because I didn't get that sense of heroism from the platoon today. In fact, they act like they're in the military with romanticized views of our jobs. They have no idea what's in store for them out there," Patronus said with a heavy sigh. "I haven't even begin rebuilding the Brotherhood. How the hell am I going to do this, especially since I have a family?"

All Might understood what the American hero was talking about, but knew that, like the students here, they made the choice to become heroes and protect the world. "We all reach a crossroad at some point in our lives, and we have to make a choice. That one choice defines who we will become in the future. The people who are here have made their choice and decided to use their abilities to make the world a safer place like us. And we can guide them how to do it."

"… If I agree to do this, things need to change."

"Oh, how so?"

"Think outside the box and more."

All Might couldn't help but feel a little worrisome as a nervous sweat droplet slid on his head, "What do you have in mind?" He asked after seeing the evil glint that penetrated the darkness of Patronus's hood.

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(A Week Later)

Class Zero slept soundly in their dormitory instead of the barracks they were sequestered before. It was after Patronus's reluctant acceptance of aiding Japan's Pro Hero Association project. The first phase of the modified plan was to get rid of the military atmosphere since the objective was future heroes. The second consisted of basic and college-level education regarding hero-related decisions in the field. And the third was something called "Hell Week."

All Might and Patronus stood afar from the dormitory as one of the Japanese Heroes stood in front of the building. He is a tall, slender man with long, spiky hair and a moustache. His attire consisted of a black jacket with an upturned collar completed with studs as tanned, studded shoulder pads adorned said body parts. Black pants adorned his lower body with a red studded belt, black boots, and black fingerless gloves while his neck was covered by a directional speaker. The last piece of his costume was a pair of headphones with a word 'HAGE' written on the headband, and sunglasses.

This was Present Mic, the Loudest Man in the World.

"Do your stuff, Mic, but don't bring the building down."

"You got it, Patty Boy!" Present Mic responded after a twirl and hands pointed at the hooded ninja who sighed at his nickname. He focused his green eyes at the dormitory before warming up the throat. Then, his Quirk did the rest, "WAAAKKKKEEEE UUUPPPPP! CCCOOOMMMEEE OOONNN, HHHEEERRROOOEEESSS!"

A powerful green soundwave shot forward at the dormitory, scaring the sleeping animals away from the area while All Might and Patronus covered their ears since being near Present Mic affected them as well. His Quirk was Voice, which gave him high-pitch, low, and loud tones against his enemies, or in this case, the heroes-in-training.

"All right, that's enough!" Patronus told the screaming Sound Hero by tapping his shoulders. When he didn't stop, Naruto went for the alternate route and tapped his temple, ending the soundwave. "He takes 'loud mouths' to the highest level possible that I never thought. Ah, there you guys are."

The sleepy class slowly walked out of the dormitory with hunched backs and loose arms. Well, almost all of them as a few were ready for the new direction under Patronus's command. Since the American hero agreed to help Japan, the government gave him full reign with the changes albeit consent with All Might and the other Japanese heroes' decisions.

"Morning, guys! Welcome to your first day of Hell Month," Patronus shouted at the groaning students. "Oh come on! You all knew this was happening."

Akari muttered, "Not at three in the morning and wasn't Phase Three going to be in six months?"

"Expected the unexpected. This is how I was trained back home so I get to inflict-teach the same way onto you future heroes," Patronus finished with a chuckle. "Yo, Komachi and Davis, is it?" Said people nodded as they waited for his orders, "Take them around the mountains—" Collective groans interrupted him, causing Kurama to take over for a moment, "ten times."

"No problem, Sensei. Let's go, everyone!" Komachi shouted as he led the tired group to the route that led into the mountains.

Before they were completely far away, All Might shouted almost as loud as Present Mic, "And no using Quirks for the entire time!"

"Aw!"

Naruto decided to skip to Hell Month since it was too tempting to wait for six months. "Wants some tea?"

"Again, why are they running instead of just training?" asked someone in a low tone compared to Present Mic. He was a slender, tall man with messy shoulder-length black hair, which partially hangs in front of his face, and half-opened eyes. His pale skin contrasted his hero costume: a ragged black long-sleeved shirt and matching pants tucked into his boots as a utility belt fastened around his waist while a scarf bundled around his neck. Ultimately, his unkempt facial hair and droopy, tired eyes combined with the outfit made him look like he just got out of bed. "Unless you are a yokai with a penchant for torture."

This was Shota Aizawa AKA Eraser Head whose Quirk was unique amongst the powers encountered in the world.

"Like you are not enjoying their torment, Eraser Head," Patronus answered with a devious smirk, which was shared by Eraser Head. "When I wiped the floor with them, almost all the students had no sense of combat or initiatives with their Quirks. Plus, their reactions were way too slow than I expected so we're starting from the basics… my version of course."

A sweat-droplet slid down All Might's head as images of his mentor punching him in the stomach and vomiting as a result. Patronus certainly has the menacing teacher vibe like him and that scared the hero.

"Let's make it more interesting for them," Patronus suddenly spoke before he lightly stomped the ground. A lone ripple spread underneath the earth towards the forest before collective screams came from most likely the students. "That's better."

"What did you do?" Eraser Head asked stoically as he somehow had a yellow sleeping bag and slipped into it. "Whatever, just don't wake me for three hours." He then commenced sleep with audible snores.

"…"

"…"

"Shall I?"

"Do it."

Present Mic readied himself as he faced the sleeping Eraser Head and opened his mouth, "YYEEA—" His voice suddenly coughed violently as he heaved over his head. Patronus and All Might looked at him before directing their attention to the awakened and clearly mad Eraser Head. "Damn it, your Quirk is the opposite of mine."

Erasre Head's Quirk was Erase, which allowed its user to 'erase,' or temporarily deactivate someone's abilities. His red eyes are the indication of his ability's utilization instead of his normal green. "Do. Not. Wake. Me. Up!"

Cue the pouts from Patronus and Present Mic before Eraser Head returned to sleep. "Young Patronus, what exactly did you do up there?" All Might asked after feeling a tremor from the distance. His response was a low laughter from the hooded hero. "I don't want to know anymore."

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(Meanwhile)

Up at the Mountains

"AAAHHH!"

The entire group were running away from the monster currently chasing after them: a twenty-foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex. Its body was made entirely of the earth, thanks to Naruto's chakra animating it. "I freaking hate Patronus!" Akari shouted as his classmates yelled out their consensus.

"Man, that Patronus isn't making it easy for us," A sweat-dropped Komachi chuckled while Michelle simply huffed at their predicament. "Come on, it's good for them not to rely on their Quirks."

Michelle wasn't pleased in the slightest. "I feel like he doesn't think we have what it takes to be heroes," She stated sternly, causing Komachi to chuckle once more. "You and I trained for this the past three years with no problems. Now the government brings in an outsider to help us."

"You're American as well, Michelle, but I see your point. Still, if the Emperor feels we are missing something, then we must accept his help. Besides, he got us a new living quarters to boot, so give him a chance. So… how are things?"

"With who?" Michelle asked as stoic as ever.

Komachi's expression turned cheekier. "You know who~" He smirked when a very subtle blush appeared on Michelle's cheeks. "So, did you two do it yet?" He asked like a schoolgirl in school. Only he knew of the budding romance between Akari and Michelle during the past months.

Michelle's response was a quick jab to her friend's face. "Silence."

"Okay," Komachi answered with a swollen cheek, seemingly not bothered by her action.

The screaming Group One continued their running speed away from the chomping Tyrannosaur as it was united by more creations, courtesy of Patronus. Now, a Velociraptor, Triceratops, and a Pterodactyl chased them as well.

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(The Next Day)

Musutafu, Honshu

Japan

The city of Musutafu was located just near of Tokyo, but its population rivalled that of the capital city on the island. Mainly, because it was the base of operations for some of the heroes like Present Mic, Eraser Head, and others. The fact about its location near Tokyo as the hero.

"So, this is the high school where you intend to teach students?" Patronus asked his guide.

It was a grand-looking institution with four tall glass buildings interconnected by hallways between them. In front of the buildings was the gate and twelve-foot walls on both sides, stretching around the perimeter of the school. Emblazoned with gold-like color was the letters of the high school and its motto was Latin for "something beyond."

The school was U.A. high school for heroics.

"Come, let me show you the place," All Might insisted the hero as they entered the premises.

It wasn't long of a tour, but Patronus was impressed about Japan's plans to teach future generations of heroes. U.A. had sophisticated-looking classrooms and each of them were organized by letters such as Class 1-A for the Heroics department. That was also a surprise for Naruto as the school also had different departments for students who either didn't pass the entrance exams for the heroics department or wanted to heroes in other ways. The two departments are the General Studies and the Support departments.

The General Studies involved students with Quirks, but didn't pass the exams. Still, they're to be given top-tier education for college throughout the nation, but if a student improved their grades throughout the year, then he or she can be transferred to the heroics department.

As for the Support Department, students who want to support heroes are accepted with ideas in technology and equipment. Basically, they are the future Tony Starks in the world. Companies recruit these students once they graduate after their inventions or equipment captures their interest.

Back to the school, it possesses a full-scale cafeteria with quality chefs, a grand-scale P.E. field, and three different sites unknown to Patronus at the moment. All in all, the facility seemed ready with heroes as teachers who focused on specific skills and subjects needed for the world such as history, English, and so on.

"What do you think, Young Patronus?" All Might asked in a boastful way.

"It's very impressive. I assume there are applicants for the school already?"

"Once the Emperor declares the Hero Association Project to the world in two days, we hope the population will be at ease with us as the teachers."

"So, who trained you?" Patronus asked All Might out of curiosity. "I mean there was nothing like this until now. What's-" He paused and flinched upon seeing the taller hero beginning to tremble at his spot. "Uh, All Might? You okay?"

"Y-yeah," All Might stuttered as his legs trembled before they shook slowly in intensity. "I mean the government knew about us, b-but left us alone to our affairs. My master taught me at first, but her fr-friend took o-over after her death…" His entire body began to shake as well. "H-he was always strict, but taught me many skiiiillllll…" He was shaking so badly that Naruto could see the space around distort horribly. "Stop trembling, legs!" The hero whimpered while slapping his shaky legs twice.

"Who the hell is this guy?"

"I don't know, but I like him," Kurama said for a moment before returning to sleep.

Underneath his hood, Naruto rolled his eyes while All Might still shook crazily. "His n-name is Gran Torino."

"Is he alive?"

"Yes."

"Take me to him," Patronus said seriously. His answer was a completely terrified All Might running away, leaving a massive dust trail. "Come on, it was just a joke!" He waited for the hero to return, but flinched when his ears heard a 'boom,' indicating an explosion. Naruto looked around and found a trail of blackened smoke at the south where Tokyo was located. "Okay, then. Time for the marker or…"

Raising his hand out casually, Patronus grabbed ahold of a passing bus and let it take him towards the city like a flag.

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Minato Ward, Tokyo

Shunshining in an alley from the bus blocks away, Naruto ran out to the cluttered streets and shouted to the fleeing citizens, "Get to safety! Shelter or anywhere!" He helped a woman to her feet before running to the site of destruction and found the source of the destruction. "Oh my gosh."

The source was a nine-foot tall large black humanoid monster. Its musculature was similar to All Might's, but more pronounced with many scars. On the top of his head was exposed brain with large eyes around it while the mouth resembled a bird's beak and sharp teeth attached within. The only attire visible on its body were soft yellow shorts reaching its knees with concrete knee guards.

The creature smashed the bus's body before tossing it into a McDonald's restaurant. It roared and rushed towards a burning car as its right fist caved through the metal.

"Nomu is amazing, isn't it?"

Reacting with a fast reverse elbow strike, Patronus was stopped when an opposing hand halted his limb. He then double-kicked the stranger's body and landed away from his new opponent as his sight caught her appearance. It was the woman he fought back at Kitzech, the goddess Esdeath. "You again?"

"It's nice to see you too."

"Why are you here?" Patronus asked before entering Sage Mode. The ground underneath his feet caved in slightly from the increased power, much to Esdeath's delight. "Answer me."

Esdeath waved her index finger from side to side. "Not yet. Right now, I want one thing."

"And what's that?" Naruto asked even though he was afraid of her answer.

"You."

Nomu, as it was called by the goddess of snow and winter, turned its attention when a shockwave brushed against him and viewed the clash between its master and Patronus in a grappling match. With no thoughts, Nomu charged at the one hostile, but was blindsided by a force comparable to his strength as a foreign hand crashed against the beak.

A tremor cracked the street as it spread to the next three intersections and the shockwave pushed the other combatants out of their fight for the moment.

"Huh?" All Might muttered as he was somewhat surprised by Nomu's lack of reaction. He punched him two times, but his enemy didn't flinch by the slightly stronger punches. "Looks like you're tougher than you look like." All Might leaped away from the Nomu who tried to hook him, then dashed back towards him with his arms above in a cross position and downwards chopped at the head. "Karoraina Sumasshu (Carolina Smash)!"

Nomu barely moved from its position while the force behind the technique passed through him and blew away the stationary cars off the street. It threw a hook at All Might, but the hero ducked underneath and swiftly positioned himself behind the Nomu as he grabbed the waist with his arms and suplexed him to the street.

Quickly releasing his grip, All Might recovered and threw an uppercut punch at the beak. "Detoroito Sumasshu (Detroit Smash)!" Again, no reaction from the Nomu, but the windows of the surrounding buildings shattered from the air pressure blast.

Meanwhile, Patronus dodged a palm strike from Esdeath and retaliated with a roundhouse kick to her stomach. The goddess skidded sideways, but stopped before launching a barrage of punches and kicks as the ninja dodged and parried them unlike last time. Naruto was surprised that his reaction time improved from last time, but in terms of strength and speed, Esdeath was still a level higher than him.

"Show me!" Esdeath shouted suddenly as she started to push Patronus back with stronger force. "Use your power like last time!"

Naruto responded back, but not what she demanded as he crossed his index and middle fingers. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Jutsu)!" His clones emerged from the smoke clouds around them and pounced at Esdeath. They all quickly turned shifted their bodies as more clones appeared around the area and formed spiraling spheres of chakra in their hands. "Rasen Bunshin Burasto (Spiralling Clone Blast)!"

Esdeath, smiling the whole time, took on the challenge and met the clones as he created a frosting ice naginata. "Burizado Reido (Blizzard Raid)!" She hurled the spinning naginata at the first wave of clones, cutting through them around her before they could even get close enough with their technique. "Is that all?! Show me that power!"

Her response was a pair of hand grabbing her feet before a tower of Patronus clones spun out of the street, swirling Esdeath around until the A.I. spoke to the ninja. "Patronus, now!"

The clone holding Esdeath's feet released her as she was flung away from the city street. Naruto dispersed his clones as another shockwave from behind caused him to stumble while the area was upturned. "All Might, we have to get them away from the city. Hit Nomu to the direction of Esdeath!"

"Yosha!" All Might grabbed Nomu's outstretched arm and spun around a few times before flinging him to the sky in the direction. "Let's go!" He mightily leapt in the direction along with the flying Patronus towards the direction.

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Sea of Japan

"Young Patronus, do you know that woman?"

Patronus let out an audible groan. "Not really. Her name's Esdeath, the goddess of snow and winter. I fought her once before and she's really strong."

"How strong?" All Might asked before he landed on solid ground.

Except it turned out to be sea water frozen in a frozen land mass courtesy from Esdeath who was the center.

"That strong," Patronus responded as he Shunshined behind his opponent while channeling wind around his body and slide-tackled Esdeath. "Uindo Dasshu (Wind Dash)!"

Esdeath apparently had the same idea as she summoned frost to her body and countered his attack with a slide-tackle while their shoulders connected. "Aisu Dasshu (Ice Dash)!" She shouted as the opposing elements of wind and ice blew them away from each other. "Ha, you're better than last time." Her hand touched the shoulder where scratches and tears were visible on her clothing. "But I want to see the power from before."

Rubbing off the frost on his clothes, Patronus entered Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, much to Esdeath's great delight before they disappeared from sight. Shockwaves boomed across the sky as a sign of their clash. Meanwhile, All Might continued to punch the Nomu with little to no effect and the latter retaliated an uppercut that hit the mark as the hero was flung off his feet in mid-air.

He recovered in time and landed on the ice before blocking another of Nomu's power blows. "Can't speak?" Nomu sent four more punches, which All Might blocked and parried its attacks as shockwaves emanated from their clashes. "I'll just go at you with 100% of my power!" He cocked back his right fist and launched it at Nomu who retaliated with its own.

A bigger shockwave blew around as the ice mass caved in from their colliding power. All Might and Nomu clashed their fists against one another at rapid speed, faster than before as it was an all-out barrage. The icy land mass cracked from the power and caved in after each clash.

All Might's head recoiled back by the few punches, inciting him to increase his rate of barrages and force. It worked as Nomu struggled to keep up with him and bludgeoned by the opposing fists of the hero. Seeing this, All Might delivered a hard left hook and sent his opponent flying backwards.

Nomu bounced on the ice floor few times before he latched his hands into it, stopping himself as he leaped in the air and met All Might with another haymaker. The hero blocked it with crossed arms as he crashed into the ice and pushed Nomu back upwards before jumping after him.

He missed, but All Might wasn't one to be to down as he cocked back his left fist and thrusted it into the air with enough force to propel himself backwards. "Nyuhanpusha Sumasshu (New Hampshire Smash)!" All Might's body smashed into Nomu's back, driving it deep into the frozen ground as an ice cloud gusted out from the upturned area.

The hulking black figure reverse-elbowed him in the stomach two times before a head strike hit All Might's face and flipped over the shoulder. All Might recovered and braced his knees in the crater before reversing their roles as he shoulder-tossed Nomu away. Digging his feet, the hero ran in incredible speed akin to teleportation and kneed the villain's head at the back followed by a kick upward to the sky. He jumped high to meet Nomu, grabbed his arm and spun around four times, releasing him back to the ground.

Massive ice blocks upturned from the force as Nomu slowly stood up while All Might landed in front of him and clenched his right fist tightly. "Plus Ultraaaaaa!" He smashed it deeply into the stomach as the villain was rocketed through the clouds, then the sky. "Patronus, I got him!"

Another shockwave 'boomed' before two lights clashed and appeared in All Might's sight as they glared at each other. The Japanese hero stared in awe at the power they emitted. Esdeath slightly panted as did Patronus with their respective weapons, covered in respective elements of ice and fire.

"Hm, that Artificial Human was specifically created to destroy this human," Esdeath mused aloud as if she was disappointed by the outcome. "He won't be happy about this. Now, to say good bye for now, but I'll be back, darling."

"Darling?" Both Patronus and All Might thought internally.

"Good bye, darling… Toripuru Pasuto (Triple Pursuit)!"

Esdeath swung her naginata in a wide downwards sweep at her 'darling'. Nothing happened almost instantly before a series of ice chunks slowly emerged from small ripples behind the woman. Swift as the wind, the chunks flew at Patronus who created several chakra arms with multiple Rasengans for a counter.

His retaliation was set and Naruto saw them approaching his range, but his heart told him otherwise. The low beat pulsed throughout his body as if to tell him use something else. The pulse spread and ended at the sword hand as Kurama's yellow chakra flickered wildly while the blue blade's flames changed from blue to the sky variant and the fox head pommel's eyes glowed sky as well. The arms and chakra spheres were gone. He assumed a slight low position with Kogitsunemaru facing forward, then switched it pointing to the sun.

The ice chunks were still at their rocket speed yet Patronus was not alarmed as he waited… until now.

"Reijingu Sutomu (Raging Storm)!"

As quick as an explosion, three blue fire pillars birthed by the single stroke from Kogitsunemaru as they swirled around Patronus. The ice floor rapidly evaporated from the intense heat while the projectiles met its opposing element as the fire storm picked up speed to the other side. The ice chunks had melted from their train-size to needles after passing through the flames.

Esdeath was not disturbed by the power. Instead pleasure washed over her as she watched the storm burned her makeshift island, but knew her departure was imminent since the experiment failed with All Might's victory. Her body evaporated into frosty flakes and left the area as the opposing fire attack burned the land she once stood.

Meanwhile, Patronus and All Might regrouped before they left the melting ice island via flying and a mighty jump. Their journey ended up at the dry land as they walked back to the scene where the Nomu laid unconscious in a crater, surrounded by wary police officers aiming their pistols at it.

"All Might, do you have a containment cell for villains?" Patronus asked, expecting a positive answer.

What came was a big sweat-drop on the smiling hero before heaps of sweat fell from his head as his expression slightly faltered. "No, we don't," All Might answered nervously.

"You might want to discuss with your government about supervillain prisons," Patronus said with a tap on the taller man's shoulder.

"Hai."

"Ramen?"

"Sure, I'll pay… after we secure this guy."

Patronus nodded in agreement, "Right."

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(Four Days Later)

Main Hall, Inari's Temple

Takamagahara

Naruto sat in seiza with Lord Inari and Lady Leone as they were silent after the ninja's summoning. Laid stationary in front of his knees was the sheathed Kogitsunemaru, the actual topic of their conversation. The atmosphere was tense, more tense actually as the divine couple stared at the blade.

So, he tried to break the ice. "Um-"

"What was it?" Inari asked seriously, much to Naruto's surprise. The fox god was usually laid-back and easy going, which meant this is serious. "The technique you used four days ago in the Sea of Japan, what was the name?"

"How did you-"

Leone interrupted her adopted son, "Naruto, this is serious. Which technique of the sword did you use in recent days?"

"The…Um, the Reijingu Sutomu," Naruto answered unsurely as the couple glanced at each other in surprise. "And the crazy thing is I didn't even know about it."

"Explain," Inari insisted.

Naruto continued his explanation, "I was going to use one of my Ninjutsu against my enemy's ice attacks, but I felt the sword… talking to me. It's like it wanted me to use that technique."

"This is good but troubling," Leone said under breath. "Naruto, that technique is one of Kogitsunemaru's arsenal. It can only be used by those of divine power. Did you use your godly powers at any point of the fight?" Naruto shook his head. "What did you use then?" Leone pondered about the circumstances and recalled the strange power he used against her in their first 'spar.' "Was it that yellow form when I kicked your ass?"

"Uh, yeah."

Inari's serious expression switched to one of intrigue. "Really? I see…"

"What?" Naruto and Leone asked the god.

"It's only a theory, but I think your transformation leaked into your divine powers, which enabled you using one of Kogitsunemaru's techniques."

Leone gave her input. "It's one of the blade's secret techniques. Divine Regalia have distinctive attacks that makes them unique from other weapons aside their creation by deities. The fact that the blade 'spoke' to you tells us it has accepted you as its master."

"And that concerns you both," Naruto retorted softly after seeing their glances. "Why do I have a feeling you two are about to tell me something that'll bring me in a bigger thing than now."

"Takemikazuchi."

Naruto glanced at Inari with a stupefied look, "The Thunder God? What does he have to do with this?"

"He covets Divine Regalia. Kogitsunemaru had been on his mind ever after I used one of its techniques long ago."

"And why does he want Divine Regalia?" Naruto asked curiously.

Leone answered him rather hotly. "Because he's an arrogant bastard who wants to prove he's better than anyone in combat. Especially after Susanoo destroyed him."

"He challenged Susanoo?" Naruto asked stupefied. "Either he's an idiot or courageous, but I think he's the former." Inari and Leone shared a chuckle with each other. "I take it he'll come after me for the sword."

"Most likely," Leone answered. She then asked, "Who did you fight four days that forced you to use the technique?"

"…"

"Naruto?"

"Esdeath was back." The couple tensed up as Naruto explained, "She had this weird humanoid beast to kill All Might, a fellow hero, but he won and she left. She also called me darling, which only raised her overall creepiness."

Leone did not like this at all. "What is she playing at? Regardless, you fared better than the first time I assume." Naruto smiled confidently though the lion goddess didn't seem convinced. "Tomorrow morning, training starts."

"Huh, but why?" Naruto asked before sweating bullets upon Leone's 'soft' glare. "Yes, ma'am."

"Ma'am?"

"Got to go, bye!"

Inari watched his adopted son teleport with Kogitsunemaru back to his home just in time as Leone barely missed him and punched the tatami, leaving a fist hole in the process. "Sweetie, remember about your temper. We don't want you destroying the temple again and that was WITH the sake." He wasn't fazed by Leone's 'watch it' face while drinking his tea. "I didn't expect Kogitsunemaru to accept him so early. This really proves his potential as a god, Leone."

"I know though I didn't want it to be… not for him," Leone admitted softly, much to her husband's amusement. "What?"

"You're really starting to care about him." The amused fox god watched his peeved wife leave the room for the training hall to vent her displeased attitude. A frown took hostage of his mouth. "Esdeath is working with someone, but who? Come out, Yato, I know you're there." A small yelp came from above the ceiling before the younger god made himself known and fell in a kneeling position in front of him. "Why are you here?"

Yato flinched when he heard a creak in the hall. "Hiding."

"From Bishamon?" Inari asked knowingly. "What'd you do this time?"

"Nothing." Yato answered before whistling innocently under Inari's incredulous gaze. "I'm serious."

"Okay."

The God of Calamity watched the God of Rice and Foxes muttered an enchantment before he left the room. "Lord Inari, where'd you go?" The wall next to him burst from the outside, scaring Yato as an evil smirking Bishamon purposely aimed her Regalias—two pistols—at him. "Gorilla!"

"DIE YATOGAMI!"

Outside of the main room, Inari listened to the chaos with an amused smile. "Thank goodness I'm a god or I wouldn't have to put up with this."

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Uzumaki Manor, Homestead Grounds

Forested Massachusetts

Placing Kogitsunemaru on its pedestal in the closet where his Patronus outfit, Naruto walked down the stairs and sat on the couch. The Codex was next to him as he intended to write down his latest adventure as Patronus Maximus in Japan. Ashla and Masaki played with each other by his feet. His wives were in Boston with the Homesteaders to buy commodities like books, comics, cereal, drinks, and more.

"Ashla, Masaki, no hitting each other," Naruto softly told his children as they listened to him. The twins then turned their attention by playing with the air spheres he created for them. "You like that?" Ashla patted his right foot while Masaki gave a small nod as she reached for the elusive spheres. "Good."

"July 15, 2006

What really defines a hero? I had to look back on what made me want to be a hero. If we have the power and skills to save others, then is it all right to let the next generation of humanity to be heroes? I admit I was conflicted when All Might invited me on Japan's behalf to aid them training future heroes. At first, it seemed their Hero Association project was a means to control the population against their will, but that wasn't the case. The agent in charge and the Emperor will reveal the project to the citizens of Japan and the world—to allow them to choose whether to pass the project into effect or not.

I saw the scared faces of citizens, but they were grateful towards All Might's and my efforts to handle the latest threat: Nomu. The mentioned creature was a humanoid being with blacker than night skin, covered in scars, and beak-shaped mouth. Portions of the brain was exposed between its eyes. Its power was comparable to All Might's own as Nomu managed to equal him in strength and speed for a time. Though this was not natural as divine intervention had a hand in this.

The divine intervention was named Esdeath the Frost Queen: goddess of ice and winter. The Lion Goddess and Inari's wife, Leone, seems to have a past with her though she keeps it to herself. I do not know if Inari has knowledge about her past. Esdeath is a woman with no regards to anyone but herself and her ambitions and that includes me as well. I fear I have not seen the last of her, but I'll be more than ready when she comes back.

What you need to know is that myth and legends are real as seen with the Mighty Thor of the Avengers and Hercules of the Greek pantheon. They are heroes by nature and nurture as well. For me, I grew up alone, but I was taught right and wrong by Old Man Icharaku and his daughter, Ayame. Then I was taught the skills and teamwork by my previous senseis who made lasting impacts in my life.

I think Japan is taking the right directive by allowing its citizens to vote on a project that would change their lives and the world forever. It's just a matter of time whether it will be positive or negative."

Finishing with a loop in the 'i' of his name, Naruto closed the Codex and snapped his fingers as the inheritance flew from his lap to the room upstairs. He picked up the twins in his arms before securing them with the hands and lifting in the air as they played around the living room. "Here comes the Twinsters~" Naruto cooed at his laughing children as they played around the world.

"Dada, dada~" Ashla playfully reached for his father while Masaki assumed a flying pose akin to Naruto's.

Luckily, Rexy was asleep in her territory like Raicho and Sui in their respective homes in the Homestead.

Father and twins continued playing 'Airplane' with each other throughout the manor. The main door opened as Uzumaki ladies entered the building with bags of groceries and books. "Naruto, we're home!" Saeko called out as the trio made themselves known. "Hello, you two~"

"Mama!" Ashla and Masaki cried out joyfully as they reached for their mother.

Naruto walked over to his wives and handed the twins to Saeko before he helped them with the bags. They all walked to the kitchen and began to unload the bags into their respective places. Naruto kissed and hugged each of his wives as Kuroka was the last to receive his affections.

However, she winced in pain, causing her husband to back away. "Kuroka, are you okay? What happened?" Naruto asked in concern.

"I-I'm fine, Hubby. Just sore breasts," Kuroka weakly assured, but the others couldn't hold back their concerns as well.

"She's been feeling nauseous lately," Medusa pointed out as she grabbed an apple and bit into it. "I don't know why."

Lara, his current girlfriend, wiggled her finger at the playful Ashla before she gave her input. "She keeps throwing up every two hours, maybe three."

"And she's been eating more than usual," Saeko answered with a knowing expression like Rhea.

The others didn't catch their expressions, which made them feel more positive. "So, is she sick?" Naruto asked confusingly. "Wait, why does this feel familiar?" Sore breasts, nauseous, increased appetite. The only time he saw this was with Saeko and she was… "Really?" He looked at his Nekomata wife. "Really?"

Kuroka nodded as she shared a joyous smile with her husband and he yelled excitedly while hoisting her around. "It's finally happened, Naruto. I'm going to be a mother!" Saeko, Medusa, and Lara rushed over to hug the Nekomata in a congratulatory manner after Naruto put her down. "Well, not just me."

"Someone else?" A surprised Naruto asked excitedly. "Who?" Kuroka looked over to the mother of the clan with the ninja's eyes on her. "Rhea?" The Titaness smiled as well before her husband approached and hoisted her in the air. "How long?"

"13 weeks for me and seven weeks for Kuroka," Rhea responded confidently. Confused or surprised looks came from her family. "Titaness of Motherhood, remember?"

Medusa suddenly shouted excitedly, "This calls for a celebration!"

Naruto kissed his now pregnant wives and had them sit down to relax as he joined the others in the cooking along with Lara. All of them brimmed with happiness as the twins wanted to be Rhea and Kuroka. The women gently accepted the kids in their arms: Kuroka held Ashla and Rhea carried Masaki as they played with their stepmothers' hairs.

The atmosphere was blessed with incomparable joy as the Uzumaki Clan will welcome new members in the future ahead. It also gave Naruto new initiative to be not only be stronger in power and skills, but also smarter against the evils hiding in the shadow. They are out there, but he and his family will be ready for them.

END OF CHAPTER

This chapter took a little while to write regarding the material from Boku no Hero Academia and the characters of Terra Formars. Don't worry about the humanoid roaches since they won't appear in the story. The heroes appear before the children does sometime later with modified origins about the Quirks and Hero Association.

"Death of Superman" will come out in two weeks and I am excited about the film since it is supposed to be better than the 2007 version. I'm also excited about the sequel coming out next year in 2019, "The Reign of Supermen."

Spider-Man PS4 is gaining more hype as we approach the release month of September. I certainly hope it lives up to or exceeds expectations us fans have. The next chapter will either be Avengers or X-Men, then Spider-Man before one of the major events in the Marvel Universe.

Chapter XXVIII Q&A's:

Ryan L. Spradling (Jun.22): Supergirl is in the harem, but the rest of the women you mentioned on the list will not be in spite of their looks and powers. But my decision might change as time passes by.

Nick terakidan (Jun.22): Lara does count as being part of the Marvel Universe along with Black Cat.

Kamikage86 (Jun.22): Thanks, man. How was the pregnancy reveal? Did you enjoy the latest chapter as well as For Storm that Follows?

Shirou Emiya1 (Jun.22): Yes. Let me know when you figure it out. Did you like the chapter?

Perseus12 (Jun.22): This chapter focused on the creation of the Hero Association with Boku no Academia and Terra Formars characters.

Alaxbird (Jun.22): Yes, it was and I still can't believe Wu is an antagonist. Never thought of him like that after the first film.

Gwb620 (Jun.22): It was actually tricky, the previous chapter, since the Savage Land episode was before the Hulks on Ice and Wendigo ones in the series. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

Ddraig The Invincible (Jun.23): Is this the Apocalypse from the latest X-Men movie before Logan? Um, the Apple of Eden doesn't exist in the story; I modified the origins of the Assassins and Templars. Naruto and Lara could meet Bayek and Aya in Ancient Egypt. Time traveling through multiple periods makes me feel tentative as it delays the story and the next dimension, which I really want to get to.

(Jun.23): Did you like it?

Calderoneric758 (Jun.23): He didn't kill Kronos, but his Space-Time Ninjutsu, the Hiraishin no Jutsu, was amplified by the quantum particles from the Time Storm, which allowed him to time travel. Eventually, he will develop temporal-related abilities like he did against Hercules in 2099. The next world will take place in the final frontier-related dimension.

ShadowBloodedge9396 (Jun.23): Both Spider-Man and Agents of SMASH are good series to work with. Now, Naruto has control of the air, sea, and land through these creatures. No dragon since it is an overused trope in fanfic. Yato got in trouble again with Bishamon, but next time he and Naruto will do some trouble together in Takamagahara.

R-king 93 (Jun.23): I will check it out when I can.

Jebest4781 (Jun.23): Thanks. How is the progress of your stories?

Guest (Jun.23): Yes, he is looking for the keys; I did mention this in a few chapters ago. The time limit for him to enter the next dimension increases with each use: doubling the limit as the Uzumaki Clan waits for two years.

Ravage88atlas (Jun.23): Odyssey looks good, but I hope it is mostly historical accurate; Achilles is supposed to appear in the game, but he lived and existed before the Peloponnesian War. Chaos will be coming for the ninja, but now peace is with him and his family. The Alpha Rex will eventually be used for training purposes and combat.

Dragon and Sword Master (Jun.26): Me too and I heard that the Collector's Edition was sold out. Incredibles II was amazing and funny as hell. I haven't watch the Jurassic World sequel yet. Edge of Time was a thrilling game. Did you enjoy the latest chapter?

Alexandero62 (Jun.26): Lo seinto. No entiendo espanol bueno.

Writing Warrior (Jun.26): The exterior of the ship will remain in size, but the inside had been enchanted by Kuroka before it was dropped off to the Smashers. Almost all of them makes it to the ship's development. The spell will increase the interior for living and combat situations. Hulk and the Smashers are pretty cool inventors seen from the show, and Naruto trusts them and Peter more than he does Stark. The Jump Jet crashes are for comedic effect.

Arkham Inmate (Jun.26): That's impressive. I can't actually since it'll be a long time before the story reached that world.

Dinosaur Samurai (Jun.27): That's what Rexy looked like from the latest Jurassic World film and trailers. Perhaps in the future battles she will gain more scars.

(Jun.27): Is this from the powerlisting wikia? Thanks for the information about quantum manipulation. The Speed Force gives Flash the ability to time travel, which is part of quantum manipulation.

Titanzilla (Jun.27): Every family has certain quirks that make them unique from each other. A chapter with Lara's friends seeing Patronus in action as a hero at Boston, handling a runaway T-Rex.

The Question (Jun.27): It'll be named Rexy and fight with Naruto in the future.

Wiz (Jun.27): Karen and Lyla were linked together in Naruto's wrist computer during the Edge of Time arc. The backlash of the time storm merged the two AIs into one being after Naruto traveled back to the present for the final time. Her name is Jocasta from the comics and mythology.

Action Hero (Jun.27): Thanks, and after reading your review, I should have written the battle more between the Rex and Spinosaurus.

Romancer (Jun.27): It won't be long for those two to meet again. There will be a flashback about the Rex's living arrangement with the Homesteaders and the Clan. Yes, there will be a chapter about an excited Lara studying the Rex while begging her boyfriend to take her to the Savage Land.

Erebor (Jun.27): Next time, Naruto will explore with the land with his girlfriend. I haven't seen the movie yet.

Match Maker (Jun.27): Thanks. Red will get a little overzealous with the weapons, but it'll work out eventually. How was the ship?

Monster Planet (Jun.27): He will eventually return to the Savage Land with Lara. We'll see about the Velociraptor joining the family.

Rexy (Jun.27): I see. Pretty sure about his return and more collecting of creatures and plants.

Kombat Instinct (Jun.27): I hope you enjoyed this chapter with MHA and Terra Formars characters. My apologies if the explanation about the Hero Association isn't understandable or confusing; I did the best I could. The Evolve or Ark series that the Alpha Rex is from has technology to enhance its capabilities.

Frank West (Jun.27): A girl and Rexy from the films.

Middle-Earth (Jun.27): I know. I thought it was beneficial to the ship, but you know I think you are right about the weapons.

Inspiration (Jun.27): Good to see you enjoyed the chapter.

Gojira Rex (Jun.27): It was the Tyrannosaurus Rex he wanted to see.

The Encounter (Jun.27): Thank you. You too.

Arkham Inmate (Jun.27): He will eventually.

Fanfic Fan (Jun.28): Thank you for the comment about reaching 1,000 reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

Inspiration (Jun.28): Yes, I did. Hold on there; one thing at a time.

Dracopedia (Jun.28): He will encounter the real and remaining Templar who happened to be one of the hero's rogue galleries. I did see the trailer and I can't wait for the release next year. Hopefully, it has transitional levels like the DC vs Mortal Kombat game.

Shipwright (Jun.28): It won't be just the Smashers, but the people will be the ones whom Naruto trusts during his time in the Marvel Universe such as Peter Parker.

Frozen Forest (Jun.28): Is this the Marineford War you're talking about? Whitebeard went down like a total monster in front of the world. Eventually, they will be brought down. Yeah, it looks like it.

Genesis (Jun.28): It really would be an interesting adventure. I don't know about Kuroka having an animal ride, but we'll see.

Disney Fan (Jun.28): It is; the only game I played although briefly was Kingdom Hearts II and that was a very long time ago. Kingdom Hearts III will be one of the games I plan to buy next year. I'll consider it.

Lemon Lover (Jun.28): Well, Kuroka is finally getting what she wanted along with Rhea since she is also the Titaness of Fertility as well.

Mutant Kind (Jun.28): I have already stated that Lara and Black Cat are the only girls from the Marvel Universe to join.

Adventure Craze (Jun.28): They are great game franchises.

Critic (Jun.28): Always been a fan of Black Cat and her competiveness with Kuroka could be a running gag along with being the Marvel-like counterparts to Batman and Catwoman.

(Jun.29): There'll be more creatures from mythology and games to appear in the story.

SMASH UP (Jun.29): As I have said before, Lara and Black Cat are the Marvel girls in the harem.

Idea Guy (Jun.30): And faster with greater durability than a normal Rex. Plus, I have another idea for the Alpha.

Spirit IS (Jun.30): I do not know how to do that actually. I know that Oturan Namikaze made anime openings for his Naruto/RWBY crossover and it was good.

MARVEL MAYHEM (Jul.2): You are right about that. Stan Lee will make a cameo in the story.

GREAT CELESTIAL-DRAGON (Jul.9): There'll be more from S.H.I.E.L.D. Lara and Black Cat are the only Marvel women to enter the harem, no more. I have not seen or read the series until you mentioned it. Red Sonja might make an appearance in the story through the small arc in Spider-Man where she took control of Mary Jane and battled her enemy from the past.