A Familiar Keepsake, A New Bond

All three Nomus were dead. There were zero civilian casualties. The Hero Killer: Stain had been taken into custody after being taken down by Endeavour. Shigaraki and the League of Villains were nowhere to be found. The internships had ended. Some students came away happy and content. Some came away furious believing they had wasted their entire week. Yet Goku felt immense sadness at the loss of his mentor. Roshi's death may have been peaceful but the effect it had on Goku was great. He already missed his mentor even though it had been a day since the attack on Hosu. People were moving on with their lives and rebuilding. Goku on the other hand had one last thing to settle.

"What did you want me to see Master Roshi?" Goku asked quietly as he stood outside the front of Kame House. He held the piece of paper that he found in Roshi's pocket the night before in his left hand. He had already read the paper. It read:

To Goku,

If you are reading this then it means I passed away this week. Not surprising really all things considered. My quirk has enabled me to live way longer than I was supposed to so I guess it's only fitting it happens now.

What can I say about my time training you really? It was better than I could have ever imagined. You were a fantastic pupil and the progress you made was more than I could've ever imagined. Your grandfather taught you well. Yet I have the feeling our relationship went a lot further than just a teacher and his student. You made me feel alive during our time together in a way I haven't felt in years. For that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You gave this old man a purpose one last time. Truly thank you.

Anyway no more dopey stuff. I bet you are wondering why I decided to take you on as my pupil for the week. If not I'm telling you anyway. You see you weren't my first pick regardless of you being Gohan's grandson. I was actually going to train that Midoriya lad. Then your final fight commenced. I saw anger throughout your entire fight even before you transformed. When you did transform my interest for you skyrocketed and I found myself wanting to help you harness that power. What really sealed the deal was the end of that fight. The moment when you lost control and went berserk. While others may have seen a monster I saw something completely different. I saw a young man with a power he had no grasp on controlling struggle to regain control over himself. Just before your pupils disappeared I didn't see hatred or glee at hurting someone. I saw fear. The fear that you would kill Bakugo regardless of what he had said. The fear that you would lash out in such rage that you would potentially annihilate the entire city. That was when I knew you were the one. The only one.

At the end of the day I grew to see you as my closest friend which is why I want you to know that I will watch over you forever. Before I forget I want you to have something. I need you to go to Kame House and find a key which is in the drawer next to the television. Then go upstairs and look for the Turtle School insignia on one of the floorboards in my bedroom. It's a faint outline but with your young eyes I'm sure you'll be fine. Push the floorboard down and it should pop up allowing you to remove it. You'll see a box underneath it and you will need to remove the box. Then using the key you will open the box and what is inside is yours to keep. I gave it to your grandfather after he finished his training and it was given back to me after his untimely demise. Look after it and use it well.

That's all from me Goku. Do me one last favour. Be the best hero you can be. That is the greatest gift that you, Son Goku, will ever give the world.

Yours truly,

Muten Roshi

Even re-reading the letter now brought tears to Goku's eyes. He wiped them away before putting the letter in his pocket and slowly opening the door to Kame House. He entered and silently took in the inside of the house. Snapping out of his daydreaming he made his way over to the drawer Roshi had mentioned and opened it to find the key awaiting him. He took the key, placing it in his other trouser pocket. Closing the drawer, Goku made his way upstairs to his late teacher's bedroom. His eyes opened in surprise when he saw it.

"Wow. For a guy with a personality such as his, his room sure is standard" he muttered. Goku smiled at that before noticing the Turtle School insignia on a floorboard. Goku crouched down and immediately pushed the floorboard down slightly. Nothing happened. Goku looked puzzled and a few more moments passed before he leant over the floorboard to see if something was jammed. It suddenly sprung into the air and Goku's eyes opened in shock as he barely managed to dodge it. The board flew into the air and just as Goku breathed a sigh of relief it crashed down on his head.

"Ow ow ow" he yelped in pain as he rubbed his head to numb the pain. The floorboard was on the floor next to him now and he made a mental note to be careful when placing it back in its position. Goku looked into the hole now created and barely made out what appeared to be a box. Reaching into the hole, he picked up the box in a firm grip and placed it on the floor next to him. Then slowly but carefully he placed the floorboard back in its original position, making sure not to activate the spring again. Once he was certain it was in securely, Goku picked up the box and carried it over to Roshi's bed, where he placed it. He pulled the key out of his pocket and placed it into the lock before turning it once to the right. The lid popped off slightly.

"Okay then. Time to see what this is" Goku said as he lifted the lid and peered inside. What he saw caused him to open his eyes in joy and he gave a huge smile. He flung the lid back and immediately picked up the object, hold and all.

"Nyoibō! I thought this had been destroyed in that villain attack! What did I use to call it? Power Pole?" laughed Goku as he cradled his grandfather's heirloom.

"You know what? Nyoibō won't sound as good when I use it. Guess I'm calling it Power Pole!" he announced to literally no one but the staff he now held. Goku closed the box, locked it and placed it under Roshi's bed before making his way outside. On his way out he put the key back in the drawer. He took one final look at the inside of Kame House before smiling and closing the door. The Power Pole was in its holder and strapped tight over Goku's chest with the staff itself on his back. Goku removed it, smiled and began to spin it in his hands before assuming a staff fighting posture. He swung his arms forward with the Power Pole firmly held by both hands.

"Power Pole extend!" he yelled triumphantly and instantaneously the staff extended to be about 6 foot long. Goku laughed before causing the staff to recede at will.

"If I remember correctly the staff responds to its users commands. Whoever created this thing is a genius!" Goku exclaimed in excitement before placing it back in its hold. His right hand still held on it, he took one look at Kame House and smiled.

"Thanks Master Roshi. For everything" he gave thanks before letting of Power Pole and using his quirk, shot off in flight towards the train station that he had used to get to Hosu the night before. He promptly purchased a ticket back to Musutafu and got on the train heading there. The train journey was monotonous although Goku did notice one change.

"You're that Nimbus aren't you?! You saved my parents from that creature! Thank you so much!"

"Y'know I was wrong about you kid. The sports festival showed you in a bad light and I think you're a decent kid. Can't wait to see you as a pro one day"

"You're so strong and awesome! Can I get your autograph?!"

"UA really chose the best this year didn't they?!"

"You're so selfless! Nothing like that Bakugo kid! What a jerk"

That last comment made Goku laugh. He was glad he wasn't alone in thinking that Bakugo was ruthless and arrogant. Goku liked the attention but for the good reasons. People had begun to warm up to him and this meant that he begun to regain the public's trust.

"You'd be so proud Master Roshi" he smiled to himself before finding himself at the Musutafu stop. As he waved the crowds goodbye they began to cheer him on and chant 'Nimbus' over and over again. The doors closed and Goku made his way to the exit of the station. He soon made his way back to UA and found Jiro, Kaminari and Momo waiting for him.

"Sup guys!" he exclaimed cheerily. The three of them made their way over to him with Jiro hugging him and Kaminari simply giving him a fist bump. Momo looked distant but still smiled.

"You had us worried! Going up against that Nomu by yourself!" scolded Jiro but Goku just laughed. The three looked confused before he was suddenly enveloped in a golden glow.

"No way. You got it under control?!" asked an ecstatic Kaminari. Goku smirked before dropping out of Super.

"I'm impressed. Although disappointed" admitted Momo.

"Why's that?" asked a concerned Goku.

"While us three had a week of learning new skills, Yaomomo spent a week with Kendo being a part of many beauty advertisements" sighed Jiro while giving Momo a sympathetic glance.

"It wasn't a complete waste of time. I learnt some valuable presentation skills in oneself" she defended.

"Momo you haven't been the same since the sports festival. You've lost your confidence completely after you were beaten by Tokoyami haven't you?" asked Goku sympathetically.

"No I haven't. I… I have not idea what you're talking about" sputtered his most intelligent friend. Goku pulled her into a hug surprising his friends. Momo began to cry into Goku's shirt.

"It's okay. Let it all out. You know I was there when my mentor passed away. I understand the emotions you're feeling way more than you think. You're not alone" he comforted as her crying increased. Jiro and Kaminari left the two to talk and made their way to their homeroom but not before gesturing to Goku that they'd see him later. Goku gave a slight nod in response.

"You okay?" he asked when Momo finally pulled her face away from him. Her face was wet from the tears and her makeup was coming off. She also looked slightly embarrassed.

"Not really but thanks" she sniffed before noticing the state of his shirt. Goku looked at where her gaze was focused.

"Don't bother yourself about it! I've got another one in my bag" he laughed. He made eye contact with Momo.

"Why you wearing makeup anyway?" he asked curiously.

"Because it helps people notice you more" she confidently said although the confidence was half-heartedly shown. Goku lifted her chin and gave a small smile as he eyes opened in surprise.

"You don't need makeup to be noticed. You're already beautiful and intelligent enough" was all he needed to say for Momo to start crying again. Yet this time it was tears of appreciation. Goku offered her another hug and she took his offer with the hug being shorter this time. When it eventually ended they looked at each other and Goku decided on something that he never thought he would be doing ever.

"Momo" he stated softly. She looked at him curiously.

"What is it Goku?" she asked. Goku kissed her forehead and crouched down to look her in the eyes.

"Call me Kakarot" he smiled genuinely catching Momo off-guard completely.

"Wh..what? I thought you didn't want anyone to call you that" she was dumfounded at Goku's suggestion. She was also blushing from the kiss he gave her on her forehead. It wasn't one of romantic affection. It was more like one that a caring brother gave his upset sister. The name was an even clearer sign of this.

"I've not let anyone call me Kakarot willingly since my parents passed away. You're the first. You may as well be family. This is because you always know what to say and do. You're the brains and I'm the brawn. You remember the battle sim. You called the shots. I admire that about you" he explained as Momo listened in silence.

"I made a promise to my parents that I would only ever let someone who I deemed family and worthy call me by my given name. Momo. You're that person. You will only ever be that person. Jiro may be my best friend but I think she prefers Goku. So this is me asking you if you will call me by my given name" he finished and Momo gave a small smile.

"Sounds good to me. Kakarot" she finally said and the pair of them smiled at each other. Goku, who would normally flinch at the mention of his given name, showed no resistance to her saying it.

"She may still lack confidence but I can help her with that" Goku thought to himself as the pair of them made their way to the girl's bathroom so Momo could get herself cleaned up. They had their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders the entire time and Goku was making Momo laugh to keep her spirits up.

"Wait what's that Go… I mean Kakarot. That's going to be weird to say" said Momo while gesturing to the Power Pole still on Goku's back.

"Oh that's Nyoibō. Or as I'm calling it Power Pole. It's a staff that belonged to my grandfather and was given to my mentor who gave it to me as a passing gift. I can make it extend and shorten at will" he explained.

"Just make sure to keep it away and out of sight of Miss Midnight" Momo chuckled. Goku didn't get the innuendo.

"Huh why? What's wrong with her seeing it?" his naivety showed itself once more. Momo just continued to laugh.

"I'll tell you when you're older" she managed through laughs.

"But you said that last time" whined Goku.

The exchange continued like this for some time until they reached the girl's bathroom. Momo went in for a few minutes and came out looking fresh. Then not wanting the topic to disappear Goku asked her again what she meant with her laughter ensuing once more. After what felt like hours they arrived at their homeroom to see Aizawa waiting impatiently for them.

"Hurry up you two. You missed the curfew from homeroom fifteen minutes ago! I didn't expect this from you Yaoyorozu" he scolded. The two gave sheepish looks before apologising and made their way to their seats. On their way in Aizawa heard a very short exchange that made him give a pleased smirk.

"Kakarot?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for being my friend"

"Anytime sis"

Author's Note

All done. Momo needs that confidence boost and a shoulder to lean on. While I haven't explored the friendship between these two as much I would've liked I can now expand their friendship. Goku is going to be the brother figure to Momo who is the catalyst for her confidence to rise but we all know who will also play a part.

That's all really.

Til next time,

Ethan