(A/N: Hello, my dear friends, thank you for checking out this update. Just wanted to put this brief note here before we start with the story just to say a few things. I wanted to include opening and ending songs just like in the anime. You don't have to check them out, but they do set the tone for the fic as well as give it another touch of that anime feel that I love. The opening/closing songs will change with either a new season or a major arc. Hope you like them! Okay, that's all for now, I've rambled on long enough. Thank you! Enjoy the chapter!"

Opening Song – Black Gold, by Flying Lotus & Thundercat

Summary: Link Start!

"Now arriving at Mustafa station."

The overhead announcement quickly roused a young boy who was on the verge of falling asleep. Standing at four feet, edging at the age of thirteen, he was about as tall as one would expect a twelve-year-old to be, if not a bit shorter. His hair was a large mess of raven black with black steel-colored eyes. A small cluster of freckles rested under each cheek that no doubt will fade away once he's older. As far as muscles go, he looked fairly lean in his everyday clothes, sporting a white tee with All Might plastered all over it, you'll think somebody would realize that a twelve-year-old is riding the train all on his own. As usual, no questions are asked

This is Ren Amamiya, an elementary school student who lived in Tokyo, home of Shujin Academy, one of the many most prestigious schools that litter all over Japan. But now he was traveling through the bustling streets of Mustafa to live with a family friend. Around him was a sea of unfamiliar faces, all men and women just trying to get on with their lives without a fuss, same as him. But he doubted that they faced the same difficulties that he had faced.

As the subway arrived at the station, Ren couldn't stop a heavy sigh from escaping his lips, taking a moment to breathe before stepping through the exit. He pulled out his phone and checked his navigation app, making sure that he was heading the right way.

"It's not that far from here…" he muttered to himself. As Ren moved to close the app, he jumped as another appeared at the center of the screen. It was a strangely persistent program, always returning no matter how many times he deleted it. The app's logo was an ominous red eye with a black star for a pupil against a jagged black starburst as if it were suspended in the remnants of a broken mirror. Its creepy appearance only made him want to get rid of it more.

"What kind of virus did my phone catch? I should probably have the new caretaker take it to a repair shop when he gets the chance…" Ren sighed, touching the app and sliding it into the trash bin. He looked up at the signs littered across the walls of the tunnel, following one that directed him to the backstreets of Mustafa.

In comparison to Tokyo, this tram was far smaller and was less crowded than the trains he rode earlier. Truth be told, Ren was grateful for the tamer scenery. After all, he was going to spend the rest of his life in a city known to be the home of U.A. High, the most prestigious Hero school in Japan, and for its massive crowds just to get to the school. At least he could relax in a place away from the worst of the hustle and bustle.

"Ironic, going to the City where best heroes graduate from, and I'm Powerless," he mutters to himself beginning to climb the staircase to reach the streets, Ren found Mustafa to be exactly what he expected: a quiet sub-section of the city with little foot traffic very similar to the rest of Yongen-Jaya station back in Tokyo. This certainly made it easier for him to find his way to the backstreets where his supposed guardian was now living. When Ren had arrived at the back alley, he realized his navigation app wouldn't be of any use in this part of town.

"Guess I should ask for directions…" Ren glanced about at his surroundings while scratching his head. For a backstreet, the area was oddly busy with both people and businesses than he thought it'd be. To his left, he saw several apartment buildings with pedestrians loitering around. To his right, he spotted a sign for several businesses: a public bath, a batting cage, a movie theater, and a coffee shop. Ren also remembered passing a small thrift store as well. None of these were particularly busy from what he could see, but the people that were here seemed to frequent the area.

"Baba did say that… Sakura-san owned a coffee shop, right?" Ren mused aloud, trying to recall the words his original caretaker had said to him before he departed. He can reminisce what she said to him

You're going to Mustafa…

Baba why..?!

Your mother called and decided that she wants you closer to her, now that she's going to be working there much more.

Will, She finally come visit me then…?

He already knows the answer, but he can hold onto hope…

Baba shook her head with a sad smile on her face…

Sorry kiddo, you'll be living with another one of your mother's closer acquaintances there. I'll miss you kiddo, make sure to make lots of friends there.

He nodded, then she took him to the station watching him depart waving goodbye...

Ren pushed back the memory of Baba's farewell, tears threatening to escape the edges of his eyes. No one was more broken up about his departure than Baba. Knowing the Caretaker for nearly half his life, no doubt that she saw him as one of her kids. She was very kind, loving, and supportive whenever he needed it.

It was a harsh reality for both of them to face the day the call came.

"Hey, kid. Aren't you a bit too young to be loitering around for?" A gruff voice disrupted the Child's line of thought. Ren turned to his left to see an officer approaching him. True to his young naive nature, Ren felt his voice catch in his throat as he waved his arms around spastically.

"S-sorry, officer! I-I'm just trying to f-find my way around!" Ren stuttered. He'd always been something of a nervous wreck.

Hopefully, I grow out of that…

he chastised himself mentally while cringing at what came out from the officer…

"A-alright kid, slow down. A little Jumpy aren't you?" The officer coughed, realizing how much he actually scared Ren. "Where… exactly are you trying to get to?"

"Oh, uh…" Ren nearly choked on his words, trying to collect himself and formulate a proper response. "I am-uh-trying to find Sojiro Sakura's place of residence, sir!" He said louder than he meant to. The officer raised a brow at this and nodded, pointing further down the alley.

"Sakura-san lives about three rows down, on your right." The officer helpfully pointed out before Ren offered a grateful smile.

"I see, thank you, sir! I'll be on my way, then." Ren bowed in appreciation as he spun on his heels to leave.

"Wait, kid. Sakura-san likely isn't home right now. He's probably at his cafe." The cop stopped him, pointing down one of the closer alleyways with his thumb. "Just go straight down, it'll be on your left. It's called Cafe Leblanc. You can't miss it."

"O-oh, I see. Thank you again, officer!" Ren gratefully nodded, following the man's directions and heading for the coffee shop. Once upon a time, Ren wanted to be a police officer and couldn't help but admire those in the line of duty. Of course, he knew that some of them were corrupt, but Ren had faith seeing how the officer went out of his way to help him.

But those dreams fell to the wayside the first time he saw All Might in action. It was then and there that Ren knew what he was going to do. He was going to get his Quirk, become a Hero and save people and steal hearts.

Emotionally and mentally of course…

Or so he thought, at least. When he found out that he was Quirkless at four years old, that dream seemed to be an ocean away. Now he was still a Quirkless twelve-year-old. With what little time he has to manifest a quirk seemed to be shrinking more and more with each passing day.

It only took Ren a few minutes to reach the cafe in question. It was a hole in the wall, charmingly modest in size. A peppermint-colored awning with the shop's logo, "Coffee and Curry: Leblanc", hung over the entrance, illuminated by a single red light bulb. Ren neared the door until he saw a shadow fly over him, he narrowed his eyes and looked up to the source of the shadow and saw a girl with periwinkle hair, maybe 2 years older than him flying over the buildings with surging energy waves emitting from her legs. He stares up at her with awe. She was utterly breathtaking at the moment.

"Woah…" he muttered

She must have seen him staring because she waved at him with a small smile and then continued to fly by.

He immediately pondered on something, "That was illegal right?"

Ren shook his head to clear his thoughts and with bated breath, He meekly pushed the door to the cafe open, a bell above the door jingling at his arrival.

The interior was no more extravagant than the exterior. A row of five booths sat on his left while a bar lined with jars of coffee beans was positioned to his right. The furnishings were all a chocolatey brown save for the rainbow mosaic ceiling lamps, the cherry-colored seat cushions by the bar, and the marble white tilings and tables. But the impact of all of these things paled before the rich, dark aroma of coffee that filled the teen's nose as soon as he stepped inside.

At the moment, there were only three occupants, an elderly couple and a middle-aged barista sitting on a cherry-colored chair in front of the counter. The barista wore a pink button-up shirt and khaki pants underneath an apron. His face was beginning to show signs of wear, a few wrinkles ran across his brow and on either side of his nose, but he certainly looked decades younger than the people he was serving. His hairline had receded all the way back to his scalp, but what remained was slicked back and as dark as the coffee he was serving. He sported a matching chinstrap beard with a goatee that protruded from his chin. His round, thin-rimmed glasses clung tightly to his pointed nose, which was currently stuck in a newspaper.

Seeing no one else around, Ren assumed that this was Sojiro Sakura.

"These Villain attacks are becoming rather frequent. I'm beginning to wonder what exactly is going on in the world right now." The old man of the couple commented aloud, most likely speaking to the distracted store owner. "Perhaps some of those Heroes will be able to put a stop to it."

"Four letter word for a shellfish that's used for farming pearls…" Ren heard the barista mutter, before shuffling closer.

"I-it should be clams" Ren answered, finally making his presence known and answering the crossword. The man Ren assumed was Sojiro pulled his attention away from his crossword, glancing down at the teen for a moment before sighing.

"Right… Ne-Your mother did call earlier… and thanks." The man hummed, folding his paper and placing it back on the bar behind him before standing up. At the same time, the old couple also stood from their seats, bowing politely.

"I believe we'll be heading home now, Sakura-san. It's nice to not have to worry about any Villains crashing in here." The old man chuckled, his comment seeming rather random to both Sojiro and Ren.

"What?" The coffee shop owner asked in confusion.

"The rampage accidents. They've been all over the news lately, after all." The old man reiterated.

Ren remembered hearing a few news channels mention the attacks. you'll think having U.A having a presence in the city it'll be better. Now that he was living where all of these terrible Villain incidents were happening on a daily basis, he couldn't help but shudder a little.

Sojiro, on the other hand, was entirely unperturbed.

"None of my concern"

"Nothing phases you, eh, boss? Anyways, have a good day." With that, the elderly couple walked out of the cafe, Sojiro waiting for them to disappear around the corner before sighing.

"Four hours for only one cup of joe…" Sojiro grumbled tiredly before straightening up as he looked down at Ren. "Sorry for the wait. I'm Sojiro Sakura, your new guardian until you become an adult, that is." He finally introduced himself.

The boy's composure collapsed in an instant under Sojiro's stern gaze.

"I-I'm Ren Amamiya! Please Take care of me! sir!" Ren sputtered out, bowing rapidly almost like a blur as he tried to make a decent first impression.

"Geez, kid. Relax a little. I was going for an intimidating, not terrifying…" Sojiro sighed, waving for him to stand up. "And enough of the 'sir' thing. You can call me boss or Sakura-san."

Sojiro looks Ren up and down mentally comments 'So you're her secret Love Child' he muses

"Ye-yes si-I mean-Sakura-san." Ren corrected quickly, straightening his posture as best he could as he continued to fidget. Sojiro gave the boy a quick once over before smirking.

"I figured you'd look like your mother, but to be honest you're almost the spitting image of her," Sojiro continued, leaning on the bar with his side as he spoke. "Now, I'm sure you understand the circumstances behind our arrangement. From today on until you become of age, I'm going to be your acting guardian. You'll be staying with me until you get your life settled. Though, to be honest, when your mother told me to watch over her son, I had no idea what to expect. Far as I can see, though, you're actually a carbon copy of your mother."

"Y-yeah, I get that a lot…" Ren sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. It was apparently no secret that Ren took after his mother when it came to his looks, after all everybody tells him that even though he's never met the woman. He just takes it at face value at this point.

"So let me get this straight before we move any further. you've never met your mother but know that she financially supports you. Am I correct?"

Ren nods and can barely hear Sojiro mutter about someone, calling them stupid. Probably his Mother.

"Well, don't worry about it too much kid, your mother cares about you very much." Sojiro instinctively pats Ren on his head.

"I'm sure I can trust you not to cause any trouble. From what your last caretaker Baba told me, you've never had an incident before, anyway. Just try to keep your head down and you should get through this Life just fine."

"I-I see… thank you again for taking me under your roof, Sakura-san." Ren nodded, bowing again in appreciation.

"Geez, kid. You're making it hard to give a stronger hand to all this," Sojiro sighed, shaking his head before turning around. "Come on. I'm going to show you to your room."

He led Ren to the stairs at the back of the cafe. Once they reached the top, Sojiro stepped aside to allow Ren to step further inside. The boy wasn't quite sure what he was looking at.

"This will be your room from now on. You've got a bed in that corner and some sheets I'll bring you a little later to put on," Sojiro declared, seemingly oblivious to the mess that had overtaken the room.

A half dozen cardboard boxes, canisters of gasoline, a heater, a stepladder, opaque garbage bags, and a tropical house plant of some kind sat on a tarp on the right side of the room. It was hard to decide what was trash and what wasn't. The floor was caked with dust and the left side of the room, which was littered with even more boxes and bags, looked no better than the right.

There were a number of shelves and even a coffee table, but they were all filled with old newspapers, chair cushions, and assorted junk that were all covered in cobwebs. A number of bare, white light bulbs hung from the ceiling. There was also a clouded glass window above the bed, but it was so filthy that little natural light filtered through.

Ren carefully kept his face neutral. Nearly breaking the poker face he's been working on.

"Hmm? You look like you wanna say something," remarked Sojiro.

"It's um… big?" Ren forced out, unable to come up with anything more polite to say. At the very least, it was bigger than the room he had at Baba's home, but there was just so much stuff in here that he couldn't use any of the space.

"You mean cluttered?" Sojiro chuckled with a smirk before placing a hand on the Raven-haired teen's shoulder. "You'll have to clean most of it all yourself, kid. I'll help at the end of the day with all the bigger junk, can't exactly have a twelve-year-old do a whole bunch of chores on the first day of summer. By the way, your mother sent all your clothes and things earlier. It's in that box over there." Sojiro pointed toward the dusty worktable on the far corner to the left of the window, a cardboard box sitting at the bottom.

Ren could only nod.

"Yeah. By the way, while I don't think you'll do anything of the sort, don't go taking anything from the shop, got it? I won't hesitate to throw you out, even if your mother is an old friend of mine."

The harshness in his words made Ren kinda flinch, but he nodded in understanding again.

"Now I've gotta keep the shop running," Sojiro continued. "Get yourself situated here, but try to keep it down. I don't want my customers bothered by the noise, got it?"

"Yes, Sakura-san. I'll do my best…" Ren glanced back at the ocean of clutter before him. Sojiro only nodded, turning around and heading back down the stairs to the cafe.

After Sojiro left, Ren changed into easier fitting clothes, which were in the Box sent ahead of his train ride here. He then started marveling at the epic proportions of dust and clutter. Ren took a moment to process his situation, trying to sort out what exactly led to this sudden change in his life.

Ren found it morbidly funny how a single decision could have changed his life so drastically. He could already feel the tears at the corners of his eyes as he gripped his hand in frustration.

But it wasn't moving away that hurt the most. Nor was it that he had to make new friends. What stung most of all was the fact that the woman he's never seen in his life controlled it so much, with all her various contacts, and doesn't have the time to see him. He doesn't hate or resent her, but maybe talking to her would clear his head of this frustration.

As if being Quirkless wasn't enough of a strike on his life already. They just had to add having an absent parent another..!

Ren shook his head, trying to erase those drifting thoughts from his mind for the moment. "No use dwelling on it… just have to endure it…" He muttered.

He glanced around the room at the clutter again. It was a bit of a depressing sight, but it was a welcome one. At the very least, it'd be the perfect way to get his mind off this day.

"I guess I'll start with this room!" Ren huffed, radiating a determined glow as he set to work. For the next few hours, Ren devoted himself to the tedious task of sorting through and throwing away the junk he found. He wasn't a neat freak, but he didn't plan on spending the rest of his life in a pigsty. After all, Heroes needed to be organized and ready for anything.

Becoming a hero was his dream, once upon a time ago, but it was such an uncompletable goal now that he was quirkless.

The day came and went, Ren, finishing whatever he could as night fell. By the time he realized that the moonlight was shining through the now cleaned window, most of the left side of the room had been cleared and the junk on the right side had been sorted into what was obviously junk and what he would ask Sojiro would be okay to throw out or keep.

"Damn~." Ren heard Sojiro whistle, turning around to see the coffee shop owner glancing around the room.

"So that explains the noises I hear you making up here. I didn't think you were cleaning though, I figured you were a diligent worker but I didn't think you'd get so much done already. Not bad. Though I guess it's normal to want to keep your room clean."

Sojiro paused, surveying the place. Ren paused from dusting and checked his phone. Whoa, he had been at this for hours...

"Actually, the place doesn't look too bad," Sojiro said slowly, nodding approvingly.

"Thanks. Although, I still have much to take care of," said Ren, gesturing to the ladder and boxes.

"Don't worry about that stuff, I'll take care of it early in the morning"

"Well… anyways, I'm getting ready to lock up. Try and head to bed. You don't want to stay up too late and catch a cold," Sojiro suggested, turning around to leave. "If you're hungry, I made you a plate of curry downstairs. Just warm it up and you should be good to go."

"I see. thank you, Sakura-san." Ren nodded, bowing in appreciation.

"Yeah. Just remember not to touch anything else. Oh, just as a reminder before I go, tomorrow we're heading to the mall so you can get whatever you want with the money your mother left you" A Million Yen! What is a kid gonna do with a million yen!

"I-I understand. Thank you again…" With that, Sojiro turned again to leave.

With that, the shop owner finally took off for home. Ren sighed in resignation, glancing around and looking at his new bed. With all the work he put into cleaning this place, even a beat-up mattress like this one looked welcoming and he felt too weary to venture downstairs and heat up a plate of curry. It wasn't ideal, sure, but at least Ren had a place to stay.

"Guess I'll just head to bed…." Ren took a step forward but paused when he heard his phone ring. He blinked as he whipped out his phone, only to be greeted by the familiar app that infected his cell. "Again? This spyware just won't go away…"

He finally had enough of it and decided to click on it, only for a popup to appear with the notification of 'NOT READY'

"Great," Ren muttered.

More for self-reassurance than anything, Ren moved the app to the trash bin. Releasing another weary sigh, the frizzled-haired teen trotted to his bed and collapsed onto his bed. The mattress made a funny groaning sound at the burden of his weight, lazily pulling the blanket to cover his legs.

How did it all come to this...? a part of him wondered.

Ren looked out the window, to the moon. Part of him was still in shock at how quickly his life can change.

"Guess this is a new start for me…" He muttered to no one in particular, his eyelids becoming heavier with each passing second. He didn't fight it, allowing sleep to consume him...

A dream of chains and captivity plagued his sleep…

Ending Song – A Sky Full of Stars, a Persona 4 Golden soundtrack.