MHA: Hope and Justice

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AN: Hello there, my dear readers. It took a bit, but the chapter is out. Hope you enjoy!

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4 The Name of the Game

"Yeah, ma, I'm doing fine," Clark said as he walked back and forth in their room with his phone against his ear. "I already told you that yester- Uh, yeah, yeah, that test went fine. I'm sure the practical exam will be even better."

'I'm so glad my mom doesn't pester me as much. I swear there hasn't been a day that Mrs. Kent didn't call,' thought Pete as he the channel buttons on their TV remote. Sure, he could find something on his phone or whatever, but he was in the mood for the good ol' fashion telly and what it had to give.

After flipping through a few channels he stopped at what seemed to be an interview section where a middle-aged man in a black suit and a bright smile sat at a table. And next to him sat a man that Pete immediately recognized as the new Shield, having a bit less stocky build compared to the previous one and he actually had the iconic armor, as well having dark hair.

"And so, Mr. Higgins," the interviewer said. "How did you feel when you took on the title of The Shield?"

The hero smirked. "Honestly, like I was putting on my old man's underwear."

A laugh from the live audience was heard in the background, and even the interviewer gave a laugh.

"However, I eventually settled into the role, and kept the family tradition of keeping the innocent safe and sound," The Shield continued. "And that's what I'll continue to do for as long as I can. Fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way!"

"Ah, yes speaking of that," the interviewer said. "There's been quite a bit of complaining in recent years about that slogan. Specifically the 'American Way' part. I'm sure you're familiar with those."

The Shield sighed. "I am, unfortunately. I heard people say that seems exclusive, that only serving America's interests is a wrong thing, and sends the wrong message. I was even suggested to change the phrase to 'Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow', and many seemed to support that.

"And I'm sorry, but I have to disagree. The American Way isn't something that promotes modern American politics. It's an ideal that represents the unity that our country. A notion that anyone is welcome, regardless of their looks or views. Despite being called the 'American' Way, it's all-encompassing, and anyone can hold those ideals. Modern politics may not reflect that as much as we wish, but there is nothing wrong to strive to achieve those ideals."

The room was silent as they let those words settle in. The interviewer nodded. "A very nice speech, Mr. Higgins. You're truly an inspiration to us all."

"I am very glad you think so," Shield said with a smile.

"However. We seem to be out of time. But thank you for joining us."

"My pleasure," Shield said. "Now I have to return to my duties. The people still need my help." He rose from the chair and walked away out of the door.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was quite an amazing time, wouldn't you say?" The interviewer said with a large smile. "However, we have another surprise for you. A very special guest, coming from the Land of the Rising Sun!" He extended his arm. "Coming up, the number one hero of Japan! The one, the only… All-Might!"

Pete raised an eyebrow. The number one hero of Japan was here, in America? That's honestly something he didn't expect. Though from what Pete knew, All Might spent a bit of time in America so he probably had some connection to the country.

A loud boisterous laugh could be heard as a large figure suddenly jumped into the middle of the stage. All Might stood at full height, his fists at his hips and a large grin plastered on his face, his teeth practically shining.

"Hello, folks!" All Might exclaimed before pointing at himself with his thumb. "I AM HERE!" The crowd clapped at the hero's introduction, making him have. "Thank you. Thank you all for this welcome!"

"A splendid display, if I can say so myself," the interviewer said. "Now would you mind taking a seat?"

"Not at all," All Might said as he sat down where Shield was previously.

"We are so glad to have you today. Many are aware of your history with this country and how it helped shaped you to be one of the greatest heroes in the world. I'm sure that's the reason why you agreed to come to this interview."

"Of course. Japan is my country, but America still has a special place in my heart. And I'm glad to let this country know how deep my appreciation goes."

"Ah, excellent. I cannot express how happy I am to hear that," the interviewer said. "Now, for some questions. Why did you pick the name 'All Might' as your hero name?"

Japan's number one chuckled. "Why, you ask. Well, in case you didn't know…"

All Might then rose from his chair. "That's because I am here…!" He made a dramatic spin that put him in the middle of the stage. "...to defend the people…!" He then struck a pose with one of his arms flexing while flashing a big grin. "...with ALL MY MIGHT!"

There was a brief silence as the interviewer and the audience actually had no reaction as well, seemingly stunned.

"So…" the interviewer began. "It's not because it comes from the word 'almighty'?"

All Might chuckled again. "Why of course not," he said before turning to the audience. "Surely you all knew that."

There was a brief silence before some murmurs could be heard, but any comment that was more clearly heard was negative.

All Might's shoulders slumped. "Oh, come on, guys!"

Pete couldn't help but chuckle at the awkward situation All Might found himself in. "This is Japan's Number One? Man, what a dork."

"I think he's just fine the way he is."

Pete turned to see Clark behind him. "Ah, so your mom finally finished checking if you had clean underwear?"

Clark sighed. "Oh please, don't tell me. I know she means well, but sometimes I feel like she just wants me to quit school just so I can come back to the farm and she can watch over me again."

"Eh, give her time," Pete said before turning off the TV. "I'm sure she'll eventually get used to you being absent. Hopefully. Though, what did you say about All Might?"

"That I think he's fine just the way he is," Clark answered. "He is a very inspiring hero. And his positivity can be pretty addicting. I wish I can be inspiring as he is when I get my hero license."

"Without so much posing, I hope," Pete said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, that part I can do without," Clark agreed before checking the time on his phone. "Oh, now is the time for some lessons."

Pete raised an eyebrow. "What? But today is our day off. We promised to the guys we'd hang out."

"I know, I know. But this way I can get those lessons done quicker. Which means I'll have fewer of them in the future. Besides, it won't take too long, I promise."

"You better. Don't want you to turn into a workaholic."

Clark rolled his eyes. "See ya, Pete."

Clark grunted in pain as a fist struck the side of his face. He wiped his lips as he looked at the man in front of him. He was very tall and muscular, dressed in a blue suit with some red coloring on his shoulders, sides, and the bottom of his sleeves that were also adorned by white highlights, and noticeable three white stars on his chest. He also had military boots with some golden-colored platings on the front, gloves adorned with those same plates, making them appear as if they were gauntlets, and a similarly colored metal helmet that only exposed the lower half of his face.

That man was Clark's tutor for hand-to-hand fighting, and America's Number Five hero, Gladiator.

"Again," Gladiator said with a deep voice as he brought his fists up.

Clark wiped his lips and took a breath before imitating Gladiator's pose. He then dashed at the pro hero, sending several punches his way. Gladiator expertly blocked them before delivering some of his own counters, which Clark was able to notice and block as well.

Gladiator disengaged, avoiding Clark's punch by moving backward. The pro hero went on the offense, raining punches on Clark who was forced to block, avoid, and duck them. He had to give Gladiator props, he definitely deserved the position. His strength, speed, and endurance easily matched Clark's own. And he was also holding back!

After a few more punches Clark saw an opening, and made a counter, striking the tall man right in the cheek.

Clark panted as their fight stopped. Gladiator move his head back to its previous position, barely even affected by the punch, and relaxed his posture.

"Well done," Gladiator said. "You are improving."

"Hardly feels like it," Clark said with a small pant. "During all of our training, I think that's only a third punch I was ever able to land on you."

"True, but the improvement was there. And less time passed since the last time you hit me."

And that was the regiment Clark had for the last three months, training at one of the school's training grounds with Gladiator. After finding out that the number five hero in all of America was his fighting tutor, he honestly couldn't believe it. He knew the Principal wanted Clark to have special attention but that seemed to go a bit too far.

Not to mention Clark was pretty nervous. Seriously, he recalled seeing a video of Gladiator beating a villain the size of a building with one punch, so he expected a lot more pain. Thankfully, Gladiator knew how to control his strength so their training went without critical injuries.

"Now, I think your next instructor is waiting for you," Gladiator said with crossed arms. That was another thing about him. The man was pretty serious and straight to the point. "Better not keep her waiting."

"I know," Clark said. "Thanks for the lesson, as always."

"As I said, there's no need to thank me," Gladiator said. "I'm only doing my duty."

Within another section of the training grounds (seriously, even Clark was sometimes surprised with how big the school grounds actually are), several targets sprung up and soon after were shot down by red beams fired in rapid succession.

"Good work," said an Asian American woman with long dark hair dressed in a black bodysuit purple wristbands, boots, and on her chest a purple symbol that looked like an eye. She then pressed several buttons on a tablet and the downed targets rose, showing some small burn marks right on or near the bullseye. "And they were also on low enough intensity for non-serious injuries. Very good."

The red glow in Clark's eyes subsided. "Thanks."

The woman was another one of the tutors assigned to Clark by the Principal. Her Quirk was being able to fire energy blasts from her eyes similar to what he can do so she helped a lot in that regard. And while she wasn't as high profile as someone as Gladiator, she was still pretty high up. Number twenty two. Hero name, Optic.

"Okay, I have to admit, you have really gone far since our training sessions began," Optic commented. "Now, I'm certain that you're ready for…" She halted as she noticed Clark seemed to be deep in thought. "Hey, you there?"

Clark blinked. "Oh, sorry about that, Amy," he said. That was actually a thing with her. She insisted they be on the first name basis, with her saying 'I'm only twenty three years old. I'm not old enough for such formalities.' Amy was actually pretty fun that way. "I was just distracted."

"Is it because tomorrow you're choosing your future hero names?" Optic asked with a tilted head.

"I guess," Clark answered. "I mean, I have my name already chosen, but still…"

"Well, you know that you'll later have the option to change the name if you don't like it. That's what happened to me," Amy said with a smile before spreading her arms. "I mean, am I called 'Optic' or 'The Mighty Beam'?"

Clark chuckled. "Yeah, I can see why you changed it."

"Well, in any case, I'm sure whatever you came up with will be great," Amy said before pressing a few buttons. The targets descended before a machine rose from a sliding door on the floor. It was a metal box-like machine with a tube pointing in their direction. "While up until now we practiced with static targets, this time we'll practice for those that are in motion."

With a press of a button, the machine began revving up before it fired several ball-like projectiles in their way. Optic's eyes glowed purple before she fired beams of the same color, hitting all the projectiles with expert precision, with scorching remains falling on the ground.

"Whoa," Clark breathed out. "That's… impressive."

Optic smirked. "Why, thank you very much. It comes with years of practice," she said while tapping a part near her eye. "Now, you try. And don't worry about your lasers' intensity this time. We're only focusing on accuracy."

So Clark kinda wished he was as good as Optic was. It was a good thing the building they were in was a lot tougher than a usual one, otherwise, Clark was sure that his Heat Vision would have made several holes in it.

At least he hasn't missed every single of those balls.

Well, the next day came quickly, and he could practically see the excitement on the other students' faces. Today, they will choose their hero names. To some, it was weird that they were to choose their hero names so early, but apparently it was because they would end up doing some hero work before being officially licensed, not to mention considering getting into some hero agencies, so having a hero name should be a must.

Their homeroom teacher soon entered the classroom, getting the attention of all the students. He then sat at his desk as a holographic screen appeared.

The Phantom Soldier looked at everyone with a smile. "Well, I'd ask if you were excited, but I can already tell just by seeing your faces," he said making some students chuckle. "Now, I'm sure all of you have some great names. And I hope you don't mind if I give you some critiques. I have to admit, I did pass some names that other people found a bit silly but don't expect me to agree with every ridiculous name you say. All right… Who wants to go first?" More than half the classroom raised their hands. "Well, looks like I'll have to pick after all. And… Clare, you go."

The Uzbekistani girl smiled before rising. "For my name, I'll pick Moon Girl."

"Moon Girl, eh?" The Phantom Soldier said as he typed something on his keyboard and several pictures showed on the holographic screen. "Okay, that one is good," he said as he wrote it down in the system. "Okay, next is… Jack!"

The redhead smiled before rising. "I think I'll call myself… The Red Blazer!"

Richard scratched his chin in thought. "Hmm, good enough. Signed," he said before typing the name in. "Up next… Bart!"

Bart rose. "My name shall be... Daredevil!"

Phantom Soldier furrowed his brows for a moment before typing something. "Um, sorry, son. But that name is trademarked. You can't use it."

"What?" Bart asked surprised. "They can do that?"

"Yes."

"But... that's just a name."

The Phantom Soldier shrugged. "The law's the law. Heroes are recognizable for their names, and these days it's very important to them to have their names associated with them, and not to cause confusion." 'And brand recognition as well.' "Sorry, Bart, but you have to pick another name."

"Oh, okay, um…" Bart scratched his head as he brainstormed for some other name. "Okay, how about… Red Devil!"

Richard typed again. "No, that one is taken as well."

"Crimson Devil?"

Jack laughed a bit. "You really want 'devil' in your name, huh? That doesn't exactly sound heroic."

"You be quiet! The name is cool!" Bart protested.

"And taken as well," Richard said. "And this time by a villain. I don't think you should use it."

Bart rubbed his face. This was getting annoying. "Ugh, fine. How about... Death-Defying Devil?" 'No, wait. That's a mouthful.'

"All right then. Signed. Next?"

'Damn it!' Bart thought as he sat down, Jack snickering in front of him. Hopefully, he'll think of something better later because there is no way he's keeping the name 'Death-Defying Devil'. Seriously, was that best he could come up with at that moment?

Another student raised her hand. "Teacher, I have a question."

Richard turned to her. "What is it?"

"Well, are the names such a big deal? I mean, why are heroes so overprotective of them?"

"Hmm, interesting question," Phantom Soldier said. "It's similar to how companies cannot market their products with the same name as the product of another company. Or how character names from fictional publishings have been trademarked so you cannot just use the character's name and appearance."

The teacher then typed something before the projector turned on and shone on the board.

"Now, excuse me for the sudden history lesson, but I promise it's something you should keep in mind as it concerns your future careers as heroes."

A projected image of a newspaper appeared on the board, titled 'First Superhero Lawsuit?' in big bold letters. On the side was an image of two people side-by-side, both of them superheroes. One was a blond man with a red headsock, a blue skintight suit, with red gloves, boots, and trunks, and a white circled star symbol on his chest with red and white stripes coming out of the sides and going around the man's body. The other was dressed more or less the same, but he had a full blue mask with a white eagle on it that left his mouth exposed, no red trunks, and in his left hand he held a silver round shield with a blue eagle emblazoned on it.

"In case you didn't know, this is the first superhero lawsuit. It happened between two superheroes called 'The Fighting American' where the second Fighting American, Nelson Smith, thought he could profit off of the first, John Higgins' fame by claiming that his ideas were stolen.

"Several months later, a trial was held, one that Nelson Smith lost after his evidence was found faulty, forcing him to pay a fine and rebrand as 'Agent America'."

The projection shifted to another newspaper which now had the title "Lawsuit Over!" and beneath it, a picture of a grumpier looking Nelson Smith with his new hero name above him, and his costume changed to where he had more white on his arms and torso, and the logo on his chest was changed from a circled star to an eagle (he really liked eagles, it seemed) made from the red and white stripes, though it still held a smaller star in the middle.

"After that," Richard continued. "There were strict trademark laws made to make sure this doesn't happen again and have been in use ever since. So you better be careful with your name choice. Trust me, legal disputes are something you'd rather not deal with."

Some students actually looked a bit nervous after they heard all that. Clearly they wanted to have names similar to some more known heroes, but it looked like that was out of the question.

'Man, I hope that my name choice isn't gonna be a problem,' Clark thought as he waited for his turn.

John stood after his name got called. "I'll take Steel as my hero name."

Their teacher nodded. "Good and simple. Singed."

Pete was next. "I'll take the name Firebrand."

"Accepted."

Then came Jessica's turn. "I'll be called… The Blur."

"Signed," Phantom Soldier said before turning to Clark. "Young Kent, what will your name be?"

Clark breathed to his nose. "Well, I actually had something in mind since I was very little, and I hope it doesn't cause trouble. But… I'd like for my hero name to be… Superman."

Things were quiet for a moment as Phantom Soldier looked curiously at Clark. But the silence was then broken by the newly named Red Blazer.

"Really, Clark?" Jack asked. "Doesn't that sound a bit generic?"

"I think I understand," Richard interjected. "The name 'Superman' is something that Doc Savage was called on occasion by the media. However, that wasn't ever really an acknowledged title for him. Am I right to guess that you want to take that name as a way to honor America's first superhero?"

Clark smiled before giving a nod. "Yes, that's exactly it. The man was my idol since forever. And I want to embody the values he presented. I thought that taking such a name would be a good first step."

Smiling, the military-clad hero proceeded to type on the keyboard. "Well, that name was never under any legal lock, so… You can use it, young Kent. Signed."

Clark almost beamed after hearing that. It felt like his dream was coming closer to reality step by step. Becoming a hero that would give people hope and inspire them the same way that Doc Savage did is something he himself hoped to achieve. Now he just needed to prove himself with his actions.

After a while, all the students' turns came and they go assigned their hero names, with only a few of them needing to change it up due to the names already being used by some other heroes. But in the end, everyone seemed satisfied.

The holographic screen was dismissed, and Phantom soldier rose. "Well, I hope that you're happy with your new monikers, my students and that you'll use them with pride. This day was your big step into a larger world. And I'm glad."

The class erupted in a small cheer at their teacher's praise. Truly, the future never seemed brighter than right at that moment.

AN: Admittedly, not a lot seems to happen besides some worldbuilding and the hero names, but I thought that this would be a good place to end the chapter on. Hope you liked it.

And I implore you to check out my other stories. Trust me, they are worth it. And leave a review, they are great motivators.

See ya next time!