I don't own My Hero Academia or Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.
Please enjoy this story to your heart's content!
Chapter 12: Move Along
Letting out a hiss as the alcohol-stained cotton swab brushed over a long gash across his shoulder, Johnny barely suppressed the yelp that rumbled deep within his throat. It was an effort, but it was not helped by the rising irritation threating to boil over. Not because he got sliced up just before the climax of the battle. Rather it was the fact everyone else who had turned into dinosaurs or just in the process of their metamorphosis had not a single scratch on them. They mingled around several policemen and pro heroes examining them, their confused looks encompassed most of their faces as they wandered around as if being woken up from a nightmare, but not a scratch lingered on their bodies. He concluded that it was probably the result of Ferdinand's now missing Stand that healed his victims once they became dinosaurs—after all, a worn and cracked puppet was useless to the one that made it dance on their strings—but he still felt cheated that it didn't heal his wounds at the very end. Probably because Ferdinand had little to no strength left to use his Stand to its fullest potential. Though that indignation was swallowed up by a shudder of cold horror at the mere thought of what happened to the Doctor. It wasn't that the man was practically now a walking emotionless, cracked statue as he was escorted into an iron maiden holding device alongside a fuming Murdoc that chilled him to the bone.
Rather it was the fact that his Stand, the personification of his fighting spirit and his very soul, was ripped out of him by the Oni.
"Please hold still," the polite medical officer ordered as she carefully applied another careful swipe of alcohol on his shoulder before fiddling around a sealed bag of bandages. She stood over him while he sat on some propped stone tiles, but that didn't slow her down one bit.
Johnny let out a snort to cover up the second wave of heated pain, but never the less did as he was told. As the medic finally pulled out ropes of gauze and clean bandages, his gaze inevitably landed on Gyro. The long haired blonde stood in between Midoriya and Todoroki, with a fuming Bakugo standing behind them, his eyes glaring holes into the back of the emerald haired youth's head, as it was their turn to being interviewed by officer in charge of the investigation. Not a single blemish or scar marked where the arrow had pierced his cheek, nor the golden markings that mysteriously appeared and vanished without a trace mere minutes ago. If he hadn't seen how his own stab wound was healed when he got his own Stand, Johnny would've suspected that he was merely imagining things.
Though if he was being honest with himself, he wasn't that shocked. Puzzled, curious, but definitely not shocked. After everything that happened in the past twelve hours, no, over the past year, he'd come to accept that Stands, and how people obtain them, were beyond normal comprehension. And that's not counting how ignorant he still was about them as a whole. It didn't help that this was the second time his opportunity to learn from Mountain Tim was derailed by villains. He seriously started to wonder if the subject was cursed. No. That wasn't quite right. He knew deep down that he was the one cursed.
"How you holding up, Johnny?" Blinking, Johnny turned his head around—the medic letting out a sharp tsk at the action—before his eyes landed on the cowboy hero walking towards him. Fresh bandages covered up his face and his right arm was strung up on a sling much like Aizawa, but he walked with a steady, confident gait as he got closer to his student. Even after surviving an explosion, nothing seem to slow the hero down.
"Fine…" said Johnny, ignoring another sharp tsk from the medic and the burning sensation numbing his shoulder. "It's almost like I don't have a gaping cut that nearly exposes my shoulder blade." A jolting grunt escaped his lips as the medic suddenly tightened the bandage.
"There," huffed the medic, "that'll do for now. Be sure you go see Recovery Girl right away when you get back to U.A." She then turned to Mountain Tim. "Would you mind watching him until I fetch a stretcher?"
"I don't need a stretcher…" Johnny shot her a glare that would've melted harden iron, though she barely paid him any attention. If anything, her eyes gazed upon the cowboy's face far too affectionately than he would have suspected from a professional medical officer.
"Sure thing, darling," Mountain Tim bowed with his best leg. If he could have used his arms, Johnny suspected his hat would've flowed down till it was placed over his heart like an old western. "I've been meaning to talk to him anyway."
A dreamy smile blooming on her, the medic saluted him before quickly turning on her heel hastily, least he saw the rosy blush forming on her cheeks. Though her image of professional dignity quickly crumbled apart when her foot caught on the edge of an uplifted stone tile, nearly sending her tumbling forward if Mountain Tim hadn't caught her arm. Spluttering an apology she quickly pulled herself away just as her face now completely turned beat red.
"You sure have an effect on people, don't you?" Johnny quipped dryly as he continued to watch the flustered medic head towards other victims before turning his attention back to the cowboy.
"What can I say? It's all part of the job I suppose." The cowboy grinned for but a second before his lips flattened to a razor's edge. "…You kids got extremely lucky tonight. Those two have been on the wanted list for some time now for some rather unsavory exploits due to their Stands. Facing one of them is bad enough, but surviving both of them is nothing short of a miracle…." He them bowed his head as low as his bandages could allow him to. "Forgive me… As a hero and as a teacher, I should've been there to protect all of you…"
Johnny felt uneasy as he continued to stare at the bowing cowboy. Having someone feel guilty for him was uncomfortable despite the fact that Midoriya had apologized to him on a couple of occasions. He knew that it was a natural response, but to have his own teacher, a man who had earned the respect and love of a great deal of fans across the world, showing remorse for him simply felt odd.
Especially when he deserved far worse.
"…There's nothing to apologize," he said finally, scratching the back of his neck, turning his gaze to the side to hide the obvious discomfort in his eyes. "I doubt even All Might could have reacted fast enough after everything that has happened…" Although after seeing All Might in action, he just might have, but at the moment, it was best not to mention that fact. "So… what's going to happen?"
"To them?" Tim cocked his head over to where the villains were being loaded onto an armored van. "Murdoc will be sent to a special maximum security prison that deals with villains with dangerous Quirks. Due to how dangerous his Stand is, the wardens will be taking extra precautions and measurements to deal with him." His mouth tightened as he lingered on the still unresponsive doctor. "As for Ferdinand… if what everyone said about what happened to him is true… he'll still be heading to jail, but he'll be examined whether if he can manifest his Stand or not. If he recovers anyway…." His eyes shifted back to his student, locking him into place with a soul piercing stare. "This is the first time in history that someone had their Stand taken from them. Even though Stands are still a handful compared to the majority of people with Quirks, this… this is completely unheard of…"
Johnny blinked when he saw the cowboy's face shiver ever so slightly that he would've missed it if he wasn't standing in front of him. The revelation itself was more than a little upsetting, and frankly he still wasn't over what he just saw, but seeing his teacher, a professional hero showing even the tiniest bit of unease froze the blood within his veins. Ever since they first met, Mountain Tim always had a fearless confidence even when facing Oyecomova and the League of Villains. It was an act that all true heroes, especially All Might, pulled off without fail. To reassure and calm all those around them. Seeing the illusion crack to reveal that heroes could be vulnerable only made Johnny all the more unnerved.
"That's not what I was meant…" said Johnny, tearing his gaze away from the cowboy's. Best to change the subject before he went into a panic. "I mean what is going to us?"
"Oh. That." Tim gave him an understanding nod before scratching the back of his neck. "Well… considering how everyone is mostly unharmed—sorry, Johnny—everyone will be sent back to their homes under heavy escort. We're not taking any more chances if there is another villain lurking about. Also since everyone was acting under legal self-defense, everyone should be heading home shortly without any repercussions."
Johnny snapped his head back around, cocking an eyebrow as his blue eyed teacher stared at him. Repercussions? For defending themselves? "Just what the hell does he mean by that?" he thought silently to himself.
"Looks like your ride is here, Johnny." The paraplegic blinked before following Tim's gaze to see the medic returning with two policemen following close behind with a stretcher in hand. "I'll leave you in her care then. Get some rest, Johnny. You deserve it. Also don't worry about your horse. I'll be sure that both she and Valkyrie make it back to the ranch they're staying at."
"Wait, Mountain Tim!" The cowboy paused just as he turned on his heal, his gaze whirling around to lock back up with Johnny's even as the medic laid the stretcher down beside the youth. "Do you know what that Oni was? Is it a Stand or something else entirely?" Even though he tried to push the emerald spirit out of his mind, it lingered and simmered till he could take it no longer.
A stiff breeze fluttered through the courtyard with the soft, drumming taps from everyone's shoes echoing throughout the night's sky. Yet the American did not hear it. All senses were focused on the mummy-like man in standing in front of him. The moonlight now casting a shadow over Mountain Tim's hat, hiding his eyes as he met his student's questioning gaze. "…I honestly have no idea." With that said, he tipped his hat, as best he could with his bandaged arms—even then he still made that look graceful—before turning to go talk to with one of the policemen in charge.
Johnny felt his lips dug downward in frown, pondering whether Mountain Tim was telling the truth or not, before deciding to take his word for it. If he was being honest with himself, the fatigue he being staving off for so long was starting to crash down upon him. He didn't complain as the medic and policemen carefully placed him in the stretcher. Yet as he laid his head back and allowed his heavy eyelids to close firmly shut, his last thought was of the golden arrowhead and wondering what exactly happen to it.
"Let me get this straight…" Tomura Shigaraki started as he gripped a crystal glass filled with liquor with his good hand, two fingers held out least he accidently activated his Quirk. It was around five-thirty in the morning, their retreat was empty except for him and Kurogiri, but despite the aches from his healing wounds, he refused to rest. Especially not when his supposed good news had turned sour. "You're telling me that our two specialists, both of which have abilities that are hard to come by, have been defeated?" A sharp crack echoed throughout the bar as long jagged lines suddenly threaded along his cup, fat drops of liquid fire threatening to spill out if given the chance. It didn't help that one of his fingers had closed upon the fracturing glass, but he barely managed to rein in his anger least Kurogiri had to clean up his sparkling clean counter.
The misty man took in his tantrum in stride, calmly wiping a glass with a dry rag as he watched him. "That's correct, Tomura Shigaraki," he said, carefully putting down the glass next to its set. "It's unfortunate that they failed their mission to obtain the Golden Arrow of Nabou. Though we predicted a possible confrontation from the children and heroes on their way back from practice, it would appear that we underestimated their tenacity and the timing of their bus schedule."
"Tenacity? I'll admit that some of them got that much, especially that green mop head and jockey, but they're still wet behind the ears compared to our specialists. Both of their Stands are supposed to be invincible! So why did they lose to a couple dozen brats?!"
"Our informants have yet to find out the details regarding the incident, though it would appear that the children found the arrow first. Assuming they figured out its use, then it's likely that at least one of them gained a Stand and used it to defeat Dr. Ferdinand and Murdoc."
Shigaraki felt his teeth click with a loud crack as the remaining finger closed shut around the glass, swiftly turning it to ash with its contents spilling onto its remains. This was totally unfair! Here he was still recovering his HP and already the side characters found the item that could break the game! It was almost cheating at this point. No. It was cheating. The brats shouldn't have been there in Nabou, yet they managed to come out the victor in the end despite the level gap between his party members. "Those brats are so go going to pay. I'll double the bounty on their heads and—."
"Calm yourself, Tomura."
Shigaraki felt a chill down his spine before turning around to face the static filled television, wincing slightly as his recovering muscles protested loudly. "Master…" The towering fury that was burning hotly within his veins cooled at his mentor's words, if only for a moment.
"It is unfortunate that we lost two Stand Users and the use of a Stand Arrow, but you mustn't let yourself get consumed by frustration," the enigmatic leader of the League of Villains said gently as if he were lecturing a child. "There will be other opportunities to obtain the powers of Stands in due time."
"B-But Master, those wannabe heroes now have the Arrow! If more than one of them manages to obtain its power—!"
"Worry not, Tomura. I've just been informed by our associates that the Stand Arrow merged with one of the children: Gyro Zeppeli. It is no longer available to the rest of them or the pro heroes."
Merged? Was that even possible? He never heard of that happening before to those who had the potential to awaken their Stands. Yet the calm and knowing demeanor his master held told him that he must have already known this for a fact. It would appear that he still had much to learn from his teacher.
"Don't sulk, Tomura. As I have said, don't let this failure consume you. There's still another Arrowhead somewhere in Musutafu and several others hidden through the country. It's only a matter of time before one falls into our grasp. For now, we'll lay low. The events from the USJ are still present in the minds of the public. It won't be long before the morning news catches wind of the events in Nabou, adding more fuel to the spark you created, Tomura. But that also means that the police and heroes will be on high alert and you're still in no condition to fight. Until your wounds have healed completely, you must rest. Also, I'm removing the bounty over those children for now. At this point, it will only draw unwanted attention. In the meantime, I have something else that might interest you."
Shigaraki scratched his neck for a moment, before giving his master a nod. "Ok, Master…. I can wait." And he would wait. After all, he had all time in the world to grind his EXP till he was truly ready to tear down the Final Boss and the pillar of the so-called peace he created.
Squinting at the fat cold beads trailing down the side of his cup, Johnny peered up at Gyro, who casually sipped his cola without a care. Recovery Girl had healed his shoulder for the most part, but warned him that should be taking it easy. Which was fine considering school had been canceled for the day, more than likely due to the incident prior, and the two foreigners decided to have breakfast together the following morning. The café they visited was filled almost to the brim with costumers that it was a wonder that their waitress had even heard them over the near mindless chatter. Even the energetic pop band playing on the T.V. was nearly drowned out. Though Johnny didn't mind that last bit all too much. While he didn't hate it, he was more of a classic rock kind of guy.
"So," said Gyro, putting down his drink with a sharp clink, "what's up with the silent treatment, Johnny? You haven't said a word since we gave our orders. Do you have a stomach ache or something? Don't tell me you're my father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate?!"
"No…" Johnny answered flatly, resisting the urge to smack his forehead. How old was Gyro to reference that of all things? "That's not it."
"Then what is it? I'm pretty sure you didn't ask me out here for a date. So spit it out."
"Alright, alright…" Johnny pinched the bridge between his eyes as he tried to ignore his friend's awful humor. Somehow this conversation was turning more awkward than grilling Midoriya over his secret, but he couldn't back down now. "Gyro… are you feeling ok?"
"…Oh my god, I was just kidding about the date—!"
"That's not what I meant!" Johnny slammed a fist down on the table, startling nearby patrons as he glared at the long haired blonde. "I'm talking about what happen to you and the arrowhead that lodged itself into your eye! After you gained your Stand it disappeared. So what happened to it?"
The teasing, golden grin that Gyro wore quickly faded from his lips as his emerald eyes held Johnny's sky-blue. Though the constant babble from nearby customers continued onward, their words now failed to reach both foreigners' ears. "You don't beat around the bush do you, Johnny?" sighed Gyro, holding up a hand before Johnny could dryly retort. "I'll tell you, ok? Sheesh, keep your shirt on. Recovery Girl looked me over last night along with several other professionals. They all concluded that I'm healthy as a through bred horse and that there's nothing explicitly wrong with me. However… when they were x-raying me, they found where the arrow went."
Johnny quirked a brow at his mentor's words, before his eyes popped out as the implication hit him hard in the gut. "You don't mean—?!"
"Yep." Gyro tapped the side of his cranium. "It's still inside me… for the most part. More specifically it somehow fused with the bone and flesh, but not like a tumor or a growth. It's not interfering with my brain or nervous system or blocking blood vessels. Just sitting within my skull. I can't really explain it—neither could the doctors and Recovery Girl for that matter—but you really can't tell I have ancient antique stuck in my head."
If he had an elastic Quirk, Johnny knew that his mouth would've hit the polished table by now. Yet despite how outright bizarre, if not completely insane, it sounded, it was how casual Gyro explained it that caught him off guard the most. "You're taking this all extremely way too well, Gyro."
"What? You'd expect me to run around the city, half naked and screaming about how I have a supernatural arrow stuck in my brain? Give me some credit, Johnny. I know how to keep my cool." He then grinned, revealing his grills as he leaned forward on the table. "Besides, it isn't that bad. My vision has never been better. I think it's nearly 20/.0625 since I can see fine print of a bottle ketchup seven tables away from us. And that's not including the fact that I have a Stand now. A Stand! I never thought I would obtain one before, even after I find out how you got yours, but god damn, it feels amazing!"
"Well at least you're happy." Johnny couldn't blame him for feeling excited about his new gift. The wondrous sensation coursing through his veins when Tusk first materialized, there were no words to describe it. Even now his confidence surged whenever the little pink elephant clung to his arms or floated beside his head. With it by his side, Johnny felt like he had a chance, no matter how small that it was, of obtaining his dream. Judging by the pure elation on Gyro's face, he too felt the same way.
"In other news, the police department have confirmed the capture of two wanted criminals that attacked a bus load of students from U.A. academy late last night."
Johnny blinked before turning to face the T.V., its screen now showing a professional news woman showing images of policemen taking Ferdinand and Murdoc to jail.
"While it hasn't been confirmed as of yet, it has been speculated the villains involved are associated with the League of Villains. This makes it the second time that U.A. has been targeted by the League. The villains rampaged costed major damage to a communications tower that made calls for help via landlines, cellphones, or email in the surrounding area to be useless. Mountain roads leading to the small village of Nabou, which was caught in the crossfire of the deadly attack, were also damaged severely. However, it would appear that the villains were eventually defeated by the young heroes-in-training after some incredible display of self-defense. And while the police had yet to release a full statement regarding the legal status of such incredible bravery, the townspeople of Nabou has been reported that they wish their express their gratitude and thanks to the young students who saved their lives."
"Nyo, ho, ho! Looks like we might be getting statues of our class made in our honor, Johnny," Gyro laughed before taking a sip from his cola.
Johnny, however, didn't feel share his mentor's sentiments. "There it is again…" he thought silently to himself as he continued to watch the reporter show interviews of random townsfolk from Nabou, even at point showing the owner of the hotel they stayed at. "What do they mean by legal status? Mountain Tim was vague about it, but it's almost like—."
"In addition, Diego Brando, famous young horse jockey from England who recently came to Japan for a charity race, was also caught up in the incident when out training with his prized horse: Silver Bullet." The mere mention of the English horse racer cut off all thought in Johnny's head as his attention immediately shifted to the face of Diego Brando staring back at him on screen. "He was reported to be unharmed due to the efforts of the students, but we've been told just moments ago that he announced his retirement."
"What!?" spluttered Johnny, slamming his hands on the table, startling not only a wide eyed Gyro, but everyone else as they eyed him as if he just sat on a rusty nail. Yet he ignored them all, his eyes were glued on the T.V. as the newscaster continued.
"We'll now take you live to an exclusive a press conference provided by Mr. Brando's legal team." The screen immediately cut to video with Diego standing proudly before a podium with dozens of reporters clamoring for his attention.
"Diego! Is it true that you're really quitting the horse racing game?!" one reporter with a long horn sticking out of his head asked.
"Indeed I am," Diego confirmed with a confident grin. "After my last race for the charity event here in Musutafu, I shall be no longer be racing professionally."
"Is this related to the incident with the villains attacking the students from U.A. yesterday?" asked another reporter, this one had comically big eyes that he could barely fit underneath his glasses. "You didn't receive any disabling injuries during the clash, so could you explain your reasoning by this daring move?"
"Heh! I'd admit that the villains yesterday were a part of it, but it was the actions of the students of U.A., nay, the heroes-in-training that cemented my decision. Their bravery and courage to not only save me, but also every single innocent bystander in Nabou was inspirational. That's why I decided to make an announcement." A beaming grin bloomed on Diego's face as he leaned forward on the podium to glance almost imperiously at the reporters. "After my last race, I shall be enrolling myself into a hero academia. That's right, I, Diego, will become a hero!"
An uproar escaped the reporters' lips as they all tried to ask, no, demanded answers to their every question. All the while Johnny stared incredulously at the T.V., his eyes practically leaping out of their sockets, yet not a word escaped his gaping mouth.
"Does this mean that you intend to enroll into U.A.!?" the horn headed reporter shouted over the chatter of his peers.
"No. No. As much as I would love to attend the most prestigious academy in the world for aspiring heroes, the enrollment process is a sacred rite of passage for those privileged to get passed their doors. It would be rather unfair if I just took it any time I so wished. I'd be spitting on the name of U.A. if I did."
"Then what academy or school do you intend to enroll into?" asked a beautiful female reporter with luxurious hair.
"I've considered several places. There are many similarly prestigious schools throughout the world—Olympus Heights in America, and the Round Table in my native home of England—but there are several here in Japan that interest me. Such as Ketsubutsu Academy, Shiketsu, and Isamu. I haven't made an official decision as of yet, but I'll be sure to announce it soon." He then looked down at his wristwatch before giving the reporters a friendly wave. "I'm afraid that'll be it for this press conference. There are other things I must attend for the day, but it has been a pleasure." With a graceful bow, Diego calmly left the clamoring reporters behind him.
"He works pretty fast, doesn't he, Johnny?" Gyro murmured over his cola. "Managed to not only overshadow our accomplishments last night, but used it as good press coverage for himself."
"It doesn't make sense though," muttered Johnny, biting his thumbnail as he continued to stare at the T.V. even when the owner changed the channel. "Why would Diego quit horse racing?"
"Were your ears stuffed up with moldy gold? Or did your mind shut down with the way you drooled at the T.V.? He explained why in the press conference."
Ignoring his friend's continued poor taste in humor, Johnny turned to look him dead in the eyes. "Gyro… I know Diego. He wouldn't throw away his career at the drop of a hat. Even if someone tried to blackmail or threaten to kneecap him, he would always come out on top. I sincerely doubt what happened last night would make him quit horse racing."
"Aren't you being a little paranoid? I mean, he sounded pretty sincere about admiring how we saved him."
"And that's exactly why I don't believe him. That whole admiring bit was pure bullshit. There's no way that something so cheesy would cause him to retire so suddenly." Breaking his gaze with Gyro, Johnny hung his head over the pristine table top, his own perplexed reflection staring back at him as he brushed a hand underneath his hat. "Even if he was actually being serious for even a moment, why choose to become a hero? It's not something I would see him doing."
"I don't know, maybe he really admired heroes as a kid, like everyone else." Johnny raised his head back to give him a blank stare. The Italian gave him a bland shrug as he twirled the straw from his cola between his fingers. "Ok, ok. Let's say he really as bad as you say he is—which I'm still doubting is the case—then maybe choosing to become a hero would be huge publicity stunt. He already has a legion of fans that'll more than likely support his decision, and with heroes being the biggest thing of our generation, he'll probably make a killing in profits and popularity once he graduates from his hero academy."
It seemed like the most likely possibility, considering his own personal experience with the British jockey, but something didn't seem right to Johnny. An irrational piece of his mind, miniscule yet remarkably stubborn, gnawed at him even when all other logic pointed in favor of Gyro's theory. He blinked as he felt something poke his nose, drawing his focus away from his stubborn irritation. Looking down he saw the straw in Gyro's fingers threating to go up his nostrils as its owner gave him a lazy smile.
"Cheer up, Johnny. Whether the case, Diego's not our problem. He can do whatever he wants, for now we need to focus on something far more important."
"And what's that?" Johnny felt his brow twitch as he swatted the offending plastic away from his nose.
Gyro's grilled covered smile grew till it split his entire face into two. "Food!"
As if summoned by him, their waitress had returned with steaming platters of breakfast. Gyro's plate was mostly consisted of rice, miso soup, and an omelet that was a special of the café, complete with distinctively cute chibi art painted on its side made from ketchup. In contrast, Johnny's meal was pancakes with a side toast with melted butter glazing its crust. "Please enjoy your meal, sirs," said the waitress, giving them a polite, professional bow before walking away to serve someone else.
"Well? Eat up, Johnny! There's no use worrying about Diego or his publicity stunt. Let's enjoy ourselves!" Taking his own advice to heart, the Italian grabbed a fork and spoon before digging into his meal with vigor.
Johnny stared at his pancakes for a moment before giving a shrug. Gyro was right, Diego was something that was no longer his concern. For now, he'll settle with ceasing the increasing rumbling within his stomach before he had to return to the exciting life of his hero academia.
Once again, U.A. had resumed classes the next day, though Johnny noted that most teachers seemed on edge. Or rather, more vigilant as two teachers now stood on guard at the main gates leading into the academy. Not that Johnny cared about the understandable increase in security, though he did admit he was thankful that it deterred the paparazzi from barging into the school like last time. They still moaned and ranted to be let in outside the main gates, but at least they seem more complacent.
Classes quickly came and went like usual, despite the fact that Aizawa was still wrapped up like a fresh mummy. Everyone was present and accounted for, though some like Kaminari, Ashido, and Hagakure looked exhausted. Perhaps a side effect from being turned into dinosaurs? Whether it was the case or not, their messy haired teacher didn't hold back on them as he continued to drill important subjects into their heads without mercy or pity. However Johnny noticed that the hero lessons for the day consisted of basic excises followed by lectures that explained heroic codes. Nothing unusual about it, it was par for the course of any heroic academy, but it obviously wasn't as intense like the last few courses they had or the planned lessons that were rudely interrupted. Could this because of the last two incidents or were they already part of the scheduled courses for the year? He would've assumed the former, but he come to learn to expect the unexpected at U.A. by now.
By the end of the day, everything seemed to return to some form of normalcy. Johnny quickly packed his notes and textbooks into his bag before jumping into his newest wheelchair and got ready to leave with Gyro, but paused as a chattering buzz got closer and closer to their classroom. He wasn't the only one to notice as nearly everyone leaned out of their seats to stare at the main door to the room while others, such as Uraraka, Ida, and Midoriya, started to walk slowly towards it. A menacing air hung over their heads until finally the gravity girl took a deep breath and flung the door open. What she, and every else, saw caused them to gape in wonder.
A sea of students flooded the hallway, blocking every way exit out of the classroom as they crowded around it. Every one of them stared ominously at the heroes-in-training. Some muttering softly to themselves, others loudly commenting on how unimpressed by what they saw. Some even pulled out their phones to quickly snap a few pictures at the surprised students of Class One-A. The one thing they all had in common, however, was the critical, weighing stares they continued to give.
"W-whoa… What's going on!?" Uraraka demanded, quivering slightly as she stood just a few feet away from the overwhelming mob.
"No way out!" exclaimed Mineta as he stood close behind his brown-haired peer. "What're they here for?"
"Maybe to spread to the good news about Jesus Christ?" chuckled Gyro.
"I would've never thought of that, Gyro," Johnny said dryly. "Explains why they are taking pictures of us and judging if we're quality meat or not." Ignoring the Italian's laughter, he continued to peer over his classmates heads to eye the crowd suspiciously. He already had a pretty good idea why exactly they were here.
"Scoping out the competition, duh, small fry," Bakugo answered Mineta's question with a scoff, as well confirming Johnny's unspoken suspicion. "Cuz we're the kids who survived two villain attacks. Makes sense they'd want a look before the Sport's Festival." A condescending sneer morphed upon his face as he proceed to walk passed his stunned classmates till he was almost literally face to face with crowd. "No point, though. Move aside, cannon fodder."
Johnny raised an eyebrow as Bakugo continued to look down the rest of the first year student body. While what he said wasn't surprising considering his over inflated ego, but it was downright impressive that he would try to practically make everyone in the crowd his enemy in less than a minute. "He's got massive balls, I'll give him that."
He wasn't the only one to have similar, yet varied reactions to Bakugo's remarks, most staring incredulously at the back of the spikey blonde's head. "Can we please not resort to calling those we don't even know 'cannon fodder'?" Ida sternly chided as he jutted an arm towards his insolent classmate's direction.
"It's true," a sudden voice said over the multitude standing next to the door. "We came to get a look, but you sure are modest. Are all kids in the hero course like this one?"
"Huh?!" Bakugo perked up instantly, his eyes growing dark as he looked through the crowd to find the one who spoke up. Leaning forward, Johnny tried to get a better look at the one who made such a passive aggressive remark to probably the most violent student in the school.
Carefully pushing passed several of his peers came a young boy with messy indigo hair that stuck out at odd ends. He was rather tall compared to many other students behind him and there was no visible feature that defined his Quirk. Triangular purple eyes with dark heavy bags underneath blinked lazily as he stood in front of Bakugo, looking him up and down without showing a hint of what ran through his head. Scratching the back of his neck, he looked passed the explosive youth to eye several other students in the classroom. "Gotta say, I'm a little disillusioned. If this is what you're offering."
Johnny couldn't blame the guy if Bakugo gave him a bad first expression, but it was annoying that he was judging the entire class just because of one person's actions. At least, that's what he first thought until he noticed something in the boy's gaze as he stared directly at his classmates. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it was almost like… like he was determined.
"Those of us who didn't make the hero course are stuck in general studies and the other tracks. There're quite a few of us. Did you know that?"
"What're you going on about?" Rolling himself forward till everyone in the crowd could see him, Johnny glared at the daring boy. The mob of students in the back hesitated as soon as they saw him, their eyes wandering over him, but mostly lingered on his wheelchair.
"Hey, I seen this guy at lunch!" commented one sharp fanged boy.
"Me too, but I always thought he was in general studies or support due to his…" muttered a blonde haired girl.
"How's he in the hero course anyway?" asked a mop headed kid with purple colored sunglasses.
If any other time, Johnny would've sent them all his most scathing glare to shut them all up, but at the moment his eyes never left the purple headed boy's.
Surprise flickered through the boy's eyes for a brief instance as he stared at the cripple's chair, yet steel soon replaced it. "Depending on the results of this sports festival..." he started, "… they might consider transferring us to the hero course. I understand the reverse is also possible for you all…"
Johnny barely managed to keep his eyebrows from climbing to his scalp as he continued to stare at the daring youth. "Reverse transferring?! They could do that here?!" It seemed ridiculous, especially after all the crap he had to do get into U.A., but after dealing with Aizawa's logical ruses, he wasn't entirely sure if they wouldn't do it. He still wasn't entirely familiar with the rules of the academy, but U.A. is the world's most prestigious hero academy in the world. It was entirely possible they did have such an outrage rule set in place if anyone showed more Plus Ultra than their peers.
"Scoping out the competition? For a general studies kid like me… This'll be the perfect chance to knock you off your pedestals. Consider this a declaration of war."
"Is that so…?" Johnny blinked as a hand fell onto his shoulder. Cocking his head to the side, he looked up to see Gyro, the shade from his hat hid his emerald eyes as he grinned viciously, staring at the purple haired boy. "That's rather bold talk. In the face of such hostility there's only one way for us to retort... we're going to crush you beyond recognition."
Johnny could practically taste the tension in the air as the crowd behind the purple haired youth babbled loudly amongst themselves over how equally daring Gyro was. He didn't need to look behind him to know that, outside of Bakugo, most of his classmates were shocked over the Italian's cocky remark. Not that Johnny was surprised. They hadn't been with him long enough to know of Gyro's more competitive side, especially when faced with someone who was looking down on him.
For his part, the heavy eyed boy merely looked undeterred as he continued to lock eyes with Gyro. Neither of them seemed to blink as the tension continued to rise with every second that passed by. That is until an exceptionally loud voice rang out over the many students flooding the hallway.
"Hey, hey!" shouted a hot-blooded young man with long gray hair and razor sharp teeth, raising himself up on his toes till everyone could get a good look at him. Though Johnny noted that the thing that stood out about him the most was that his thick, pale eyelashes encompassed his eyes, almost making it like he was wearing a natural mask. "I'm from Class One-B, next door! Heard you guys fought some villains. Wanted to find out more, but all I'm seeing are these two arrogant bastards! You better not make fools of the hero course at this thing! Don't get so full of yourselves! We'll show you up at the festival for sure!"
"And the daredevils just keep on coming…" muttered Johnny, rubbing the side of his right temple as the razor toothed boy continued to aggressively rant. He paused when Bakugo casually passed him before pushing himself through the crowd without a word
"Wait, you jerk!" Kirishima rushed forward before planting himself beside the door. "What're you doing to us? Thanks to you we've got a whole mob of haters now!" He then rounded on Gyro with an accusing finger. "And you! You're not helping the situation by speaking for us and declaring something like that!"
"I don't give a crap…" scoffed Bakugo.
"Whaaaaaaaaaaa?!" The redhead stared slack-jawed at the explosive boy, but he didn't have time to utter another word as Bakugo turned his head back to the crowd.
"I'm heading for the top. Why should I care?"
"Well said, Bakugo," Gyro grinned, though the shorter blonde gave him glare. "The festival is like a race. If you worry about stepping on everyone's toes all the time, you're not even going to make it passed the starting line. That said…" His grills seemed to gleam as he locked eyes with Bakugo. "I'm going to be the one standing at the top."
"Wanna go right now, Gold Tooth?" Bakugo returned Gyro's grin with vicious eagerness.
"Nyo Ho! Let's save it for the festival, shall we?"
"Then why even bother declaring stupid shit like…" The spikey haired blonde let out a grunt before pushing himself pass the sea of students, even as the gray haired boy continued to rant after him.
"Tch…! So straight forward and manly," Kirishima trembled with barely kept admiration for his peers.
"The top… they're not wrong," noted Tokoyami.
"Well said," Sato agreed as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Don't let them play you!" Kaminari protested "All they're doing is winning us enemies!"
Johnny had to admit, the two of them weren't winning them any favors with the rest of their student body. However, they were both right. If what the purple haired boy said was true, then he wasn't going to hold back going all out. Not that he wasn't going to do so anyway. The Sports Festival, despite being a ploy for students to get recognized by not only pros, but the populace world round, was a good chance to practice his skills with the Spin. Speaking of which, he need to have a more through talk with Gyro about Lesson Four. He was going to ask him yesterday, but Diego's announcement, had practically taken over his mind for the rest of the day.
Letting out an annoyed tsk at the growing loudness of the crowd outside, Johnny decided that it was time to make his exit. Pushing himself forward, he spared the heavy eyed boy a passing glance, one which he returned with a curious flicker flittering through his eyes, before entering the hallway. The crowd practically melted out of his way, whether by the fact of his disabilities or the growing glare that darkened his face. Not that he cared—well maybe a bit—as he turned down the hallway where he intended to speed his way to the elevator. Yet he was forced to grab both of the handles to his wheels before making a complete stop just a mere foot from All Might, standing imposingly in the middle of the hallway.
"Ah! There you are, young Johnny," the Symbol of Peace beamed, his signature smile practically glittering off the sunlight that flittered in from a nearby window. "I was hoping to catch you before you headed home for the day. If you could spare a few minutes of your time, I would like to have a chat with you."
Johnny blinked at giant of man. If he was anyone else, they would've been squealing in glee that All Might was talking to them, let alone acknowledging their existence. But he already knew exactly what the great hero wanted to talk about. It was inevitable. Although, he had no idea how the conversation was going to play out, which slightly concerned him. "…Sure, All Might."
All Might stared down at cup between his fingers, its warmth spreading evenly into his palms while its heavenly aroma tickled his nose. There was a bitterness to it, but also a sweetness mingling deep within. He'd yet to take a single sip from it though, but as far he could tell from the brief glances upward, neither did his young foreign student. Awkwardness filled the air the second he closed the door to the staff lounge room he reserved for the rest of the day. If they waited any longer, it would surely get cold before they even said a single syllable, but for whatever reason, All Might couldn't bring himself to speak. Unlike with young Midoriya, who has bright and open expressions that made it infinitely easier to deal with, Johnny merely kept a neutral demeanor despite being in the presence of the Symbol of Peace. He'd expected something along bright eyed wonder or perhaps nervousness, but the boy's blank expression threw him in a loop. Was he secretly judging him for not being what he built himself up to be over the years; the pillar that everyone could lean on in times of darkness?
"This is going to be tougher than I originally anticipated…" he thought silently to himself, rubbing the back of his neck as he continued to keep his eyes low. "But there's no turning back now. I need to be sure that Midoriya's opinion about Johnny keeping my secret is accurate. And I can't do that remaining silent. It's time to go Plus Ultra and show young Joestar who the true Symbol of Peace really is."
Carefully placing the tea on the table, he gave the young man before him a thumbs up. "So how are your grades treating you, Johnny?" Ok, not the best start to a serious conversation, but it at least it was something other than silence. "I heard from Aizawa that you're doing well in your studies and taking your hero courses rather seriously. Not to mention your effort in fending off those awful villains two days ago was—."
"You can stop dancing around the elephant in the room, All Might," Johnny told him calmly. "I know why you wanted to talk to me."
"So… cutting to the chase it is then." All Might knew that he should did so at the start, but he wanted to ease the young boy into such a serious issue. No need to overburden him more than he already was. Clearly Johnny was made out of sterner stuff that he originally thought. Letting out a sigh, All Might decided to adhere to his student's request by simply showing him what he already knew for some time.
Wisps of steam quickly wavered off his body until it nearly engulfed him whole. It didn't take a second longer before his muscular body vanished, leaving only the skeletal shadow in its wake. The blank expression that Johnny wore melted wave with the steam as he leaned forward, placing his own tea cup on the table as he took in the hero's weak, natural form. "You already seen me like this a year ago, but... I'm Toshinori Yagi. All Might's true form!" On que, All Might felt blood immediately rushed up his throat like a boiling geyser before escaping his lips in a nasty cough. "Damn injury!"
"So it really was you…" muttered Johnny, not in the least disturbed by the blood leaking out the corners of the hero's mouth. Although he did linger upon it as he took in the rest of his skeletal appearance. "How... how long can you stay in your other form? Midoriya said that you could last about a day when I last talked to him. Although… he did mention that your time was getting shorter…"
"So he went that far into detail, huh?" Midoriya did say that he told Johnny everything, but it was clear that All Might underestimated how meticulous he could get. Still, it would save him time explaining things. "About fifty-five minutes." Johnny's brow immediately shot to his scalp as he stared at him. Good. He clearly understood how serious the situation was. "I can't even last a full hour any more. Day by day, my power gets weaker and my muscle form takes every bit of energy to last as long it can. You already guessed it by now, but… my time as the Symbol of Peace is quickly running out."
Johnny stared at him for what seemed the longest time before he lowered his gaze. "Then it'll be Midoriya's turn…"
"That's correct. Midoriya has inherited my Quirk, One For All, and will one day take my place as the next Symbol of Peace to lead the world to a brighter future. I fear that day will probably be sooner than I would've liked… Among villains, there are some who started to realize my weakness. Not specifically my injury, but rather how slow I've gotten and what little power I have left in this body." Johnny gave a solemn nod as he quickly picked up on whom All Might was referring to. Sharp kid. Perhaps that's why he figured out his secret through Midoriya. "However until then I'm still the Symbol of Peace and I must continue to say 'I am here!' until young Midoriya is ready. That is why I must ask you to please keep this a secret from the world. I know this is a heavy burden to bear—"
"Alright. I never planned on telling anyone in the first place."
"—one that I never wanted to place on someone so young, but if the public or… or…" All Might trailed off as he finally registered the boy's words, quickly locking gazes with his. "W-What? You agree just like that!?" Blood spluttered out his mouth again, crimson droplets scattering over pristine table while he continued to stare dumbfounded.
"Yep. Did you honestly expect me to go tell everyone I met that All Might was really a skeleton?"
"W-Well no, but... I expected some hesitation or something as you mulled over my plea!"
"Sorry to disappoint you then," Johnny dryly stated as he leaned back into his wheelchair. "I never really cared how Midoriya got his power or what relationship you had with him. The only reason why I bothered to look into this was on a whim."
"A whim!?" The sheer audacity of such a confession was such a punch in the gut that another geyser of blood vomited of All Might's mouth as he collapsed out of his chair. Was this kid for real?! Nobody just finds probably the world's most important secret on a mere whim! Placing a shaking hand on his stomach steady to the nausea that threatened to boil over along with his blood, All Might slowly rose back up to meet Johnny's somewhat concerned stare. "Johnny… I don't think you understand the severity behind my Quirk and the importance of it being kept a secret."
"I do. It doesn't take a genius to realize that if one idiot learned of your power loss and started to spread rumors about it around like the plague… then every villain in the world would start climbing out of their holes and cause all kinds of hell. And that's not including the shit show that'll be the public reaction… But I don't care! I don't care if you actually getting weaker or how powerful your Quirk really is. Midoriya can have All For One for all I care and you won't see me talking to villains any time soon. It doesn't improve my situation by telling people the truth about you. To me it's just one more burden that I have to live with…"
"Johnny…" All Might felt his brow furrow as he watched the young boy's blank mask slowly chipped way. Revealing something fragile, vulnerable to the skeletal man.
"…I never really cared about heroes before. Not even when I was a kid… was more interested in horse racing than donning a blanket and pretending I was flying through the sky… That said… I did look up to you, All Might. Seeing you go up against impossible odds and coming out was… is inspiring…" A bleak smile curved upwards as he held All Might's gaze. "And seeing you like this, someone who's like me… that feeling hasn't changed one bit."
As if a knife twisted its way into his old injury, All Might's heart clenched at the paraplegic's confession. It reminded him of all too much of when he told Midoriya that could fulfill his dream of being a hero, only much more somber and melancholic. Almost lifeless as Johnny looked like he had zero confidence in himself. Seeing such a pitiful and fragile spirit, compassioned well up in the hero's soul. Yet along with it came a question that simmered in his brain till it boiled over.
"Why did you decide to attend U.A., Johnny?"
As quick as a flash, the vulnerability in his face vanished in an instant with the cold, blank mask that All Might came to know settling back into place. "…At first it was to follow Gyro."
"Gyro?"
"Mmm. Ever since I met him and learn about the Spin, I was able to actually feel my legs…." Johnny stared at his legs, his fingers clenching his pants so hard that All Might wonder if his nails were going to rip the fabric apart. "Every doctor I visited said I would never be able to walk again, that the damage done to my spine was irreversible even with the help of healing Quirks… But… It was for a single instant, but I felt them twitch. I'm sure you can understand what's it like. Feeling something you lost for so long come back to you so suddenly, so briefly… that you would do anything to experience that feeling again. And since Gyro was enrolling into U.A. to become a hero, I knew I had to follow after him, to learn everything about the Spin from him.
"At least that was I originally intended… After I got my Stand, I felt my legs move again for a brief moment… It wasn't exactly like how I felt with the Spin, but it was close enough. If I could learn how to improve my Stand and combine them with the Spin then maybe, just maybe I could regain what I lost… to able to walk again. To stand on my own two feet without being stuck in this god damn chair!" A frustrated fist smashed down on the left armrest of the wheelchair as Johnny looked up to stare at All Might. "I don't care what it takes, but nothing is going to stop me from obtaining my dream!"
All Might felt the hairs on his neck rise up as he stared deeply into Johnny's eyes. It wasn't the tragic, desperate simplicity of his goal that taken him by surprise, but rather sheer raw conviction that went beyond normal comprehension. A roaring flame of determination burned with in the pits of his eyes that reminded All Might all too much of Midoriya. Of himself. Yet unlike the bright, hopeful blaze that would inspire anyone, Johnny's was darker, threatening to burn anything in his path along with himself just to reach the starting line. It was admirable in a fashion, something that All Might couldn't deny, however… if this kept up then there was no denying the possibility that Johnny could head down a dark path. A path that would forever damn him to the life of a villain.
As the Symbol of Peace, no, as a teacher, All Might would not allow that to happen to such a promising young lad. To see such anguished conviction mingled with the sharp edge of the despair that hung over Johnny's head, it reminded him of how he almost broke his protégé by neglect. He would never make that mistake again! And he knew exactly what the first thing he could do to make sure Johnny would tread down the right path.
Johnny leaned back as All Might sprung to his feet, his eyes glowing brightly with blue flames as his body quickly turned into his muscle form. Without any hesitation, he knelt down till his forehead pressed against the cold floor. "Johnny Joestar… Although my time as the Symbol of Peace is ending, please allow me to help guide you on your path alongside young Midoriya. To help teach you how to be a true hero and see you reach your goal of walking again on your two feet. And show you what it really means to be PLUS ULTRA!"
Johnny stared wide eyed as All Might continued to prostrate himself before him. A tense silence filled the air as the shock of such an incredulous display from the greatest hero in the world started to wane. All Might didn't mind. Despite his ailing condition, he'll wait as long as he needed until he was sure his heartfelt plea reached the boy's heart.
"What kind of cheesy lines was that?" All Might jolted his gaze upward as Johnny gave him a flat look, before his lips curled upwards, if only a little. "But I can't say I don't appreciate it… Thanks… All Might."
Though the burning determination in his eyes had to yet to falter, All Might could see the dark flames in the boy's eyes change. Not by a whole, perhaps not even by a fraction. Yet there was no mistaking the lack of menacing aura behind them. At least for now. The first step had begun for the youth, but deep down All Might knew it was never that simple. For someone like Johnny, the road was already long and arduous and old habits die hard. One misstep could lead him fatally crashing back down to the starting line, or worse, the path of villainy. It didn't help that he was standoffish and cold to nearly everyone around him except for a select few. But All Might was determined to see him become a hero. A true hero alongside Midoriya, his heir to the pillar of peace he created, and together they will make the world a better place.
"Can you believe those two?!" growled Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu as he complained to the rest of his classmates in their homeroom of One-B. "That spiky haired jerk straight up ignored me like I was even talking to him! And that guy with the weird hat! He has some nerve declaring he's going to crush us in the Sport's Festival."
"It does seem like our neighbors in Class One-A are pretty arrogant," said Neito Monama, a devilish grin forming on his lips. "I can only imagine surviving two villain attacks have boosted their egos quite a bit. Especially that one spikey haired guy you were talking about, Tetsutetsu. Bakugo, if I remember his name correctly. I heard that he survived a sludge villain before coming to U.A., and had to be saved like a little entitled child by All Might in the end."
"Lay off, Monama," Itsuka Kendo, the class president of Class One-B, chided as she gave the blue eyed a reproachful look. "They're looking to take first place as much as we are."
"Now, now, Kendo…" The Class President blinked before turning to face the back of a young boy with red hair sitting on table facing the golden sunset flittering through the windows of their classroom all the while twirling a pencil in his right hand. "They're nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition. This year's Sports Festival is going to get pretty rowdy I would imagine. Besides, if Class One-A wants to be arrogant about their current position, then it's only means that their fall will be that much harder for them."
Kendo let out a sigh, pinching the bridge to her nose as she couldn't believe what she had to deal with her own band of egotists. "That may be, Hotei, but just remember that you don't get hoisted up by your own petard."
"Please, don't compare me to those guys. Unlike them, I have standards." He then grinned as the pencil winked out of his hand with a shiny glittered. "Isn't that right, Hot Pants?"
Makoto Shuzenji didn't bother responding to boy's question as she merely stared out the window, watching several students lingering about in the court yard. Though she couldn't deny that what Hotei said was true. "This year's Sports Festival is going to be interesting."
Author's Note: AND DONE! Whew, this one was a hell of a lot easier on my sanity than the others. Though I did have some trouble getting started, laziness and work tiring me out. But no matter! I managed to get this done before my deadline, which is always by the end of month.
Also the title reference for this chapter is a nod to the All American Rejects Song of the same name. The song is basically, you guessed it, moving along after a particular event in one's life and since Class 1-A just had a massive arc fighting two nasty stand users, it would only make sense they have to move along so they can prepare for the Sports Festival.
Anyway, this chapter doesn't any action in it, well if don't count the stand off with Gyro, Bakugo, and Shinso, (Those three have balls the size of Jupiter). Rather this chapter is here to unwind everyone, both in and out of the story, after such a ordeal last arc. As well set up things for the next arc, like that preview of Class 1-B and their students getting ready for the festival, and for those who didn't realize this already, but yes, there is a Original character in 1-B alongside Hot Pants to balance out Class 1-A's 22 students, (since Johnny and Gyro bumped it up to 22).
Also I wanted to show how Johnny let go of his bitterness, if only for a moment, for his childhood ideal outside of his older brother. Though his job and status as the Symbol of peace currently limits him with teaching, until after the All For One arc anyway, (he gets more devoted to teaching), I wanted to stress how he's not just a hero who punches villains, but rather someone who can inspire hope and courage into others to make sure they don't stumble down into darkness. Like the golden age versions of Superman or Captain America. Like Midoriya. But Johnny is a tough nut to crack out his darken shell. It won't be easy, and I can assure you all that his friends will be the ones to be help him out of it the most, especially Midoriya and Gyro, but All Might is someone that can help in his own way.
As for Diego and his plans... well, let's just say, without giving away spoilers, that the genius horse racer has a lot plans in the making. :3
Anyway, the next chapter will be mix of training among class 1-A, with particular social interactions with Johnny and his peers, before starting the Sports Festival. AKA: TOURNAMENT ARC. TOUUUUUUUUUUUUUURNAMENT ARC! IT'S A FUCKING TOURNAMENT ARC! HYPE! HYPE! HYPE! *Ahem* Sorry... Gigguk infected me with that meme. :P Anyway, I don't know how long it will, considering how I want to go into detail how Johnny actually building relationships with the rest of his classmates outside Midoriya and Gyro, BUT I will try to get it to you all next month. Key word try.
Side NOTE: I'm considering on making either a Hunter X Hunter X Bloodborne story, where the good hunter is hunting the Chimera Ants in their arc, or a Fate Grand Order X Dark Souls 3 story, where a Holy Grail is accidently sent to dying world of Dark Souls and must get it back before it can be used by whatever is left of world for nefarious purposes. I don't really have any concrete plans for them as of yet, since I'm currently dedicated on ACBAH, but I would like to try these ideas out some day since I love these series as much as I love MHA and Jojo. That said, I wanted to hear what you guys think of my ideas.
Anyway, it's time for the comment reviews!
enarcoyufuin: I'm glad you like my last chapter! It was fun to write, but an annoyance to edit. And we'll see if more allies will appear to help our young heroes-in-training.
KingJGamer: Hmm. Maybe, but that depends if they get another arrow. :P In all seriousness, however, they might, but for the sake of not making class 1-A over powered, none of them will be getting Stands outside Johnny and Gyro. Midoriya, Bakugo, and Todoroki would be so OP if they did get them. Anyway, thanks for liking my last chapter!
Hercules8: One again, thank you for enjoying my story so far! :D
gold crown dragon: No. We're not going to see the Holy Corpse Parts in this story. We are going to see the legendary pizza song from Gyro though. :3
mastergamer14: Perhaps. Araki did mention that Kars existed in the Alternate universe along with the Stone Masks, before being being booted out off the world by the then Joestar of that time. Though if they did appear in my story, they will ONLY serve as a cameo as they would only take away from the plot rather than add to it.
kerrowe: Without giving anything away, yes. People with Quirks can have Stands. Though whether Diego has a Quirk to begin with is anyone's guess. :P
lolrus555: Already sent ye a PM, but thanks again for your wonderful review! I really appreciate it! :D
Guest #1: Thank you. :3
jalen johnson: Thanks for liking my last chapter! I hope to continue to please with my more of work!
Vinz Kristoffer Cellacay: Thank you for liking my story! And don't worry, the polar opposites of Johnny and Gyro will get their own arc in the future. :3
Doctor Homocide 157: WWWWWRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! :P
FrancisVamp0822: Thank you once again, Vamp. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the last. Stay tuned in for the start of the epic TOURNAMENT ARC! :D
Galaxy Creator of Pisces: As I already PM'd you, you have the go ahead for the translation. :3
DIO OVER HEAVEN: Oh he will. I didn't originally have big plans for him, but do to a video I watched explaining the importance of Diego and Johnny, or rather any of the Dios constantly rivaling the Joestars, I knew then knew that he needed a bigger role. So yeah, expect great things from Diego. :3
And that's about it for this chapter. I thank you all for sticking with me thus far and I truly hope to continue to please you all in the future! Until then, I hope you all have a nice day!
Sincerely, Count Chaos.
