Chapter 1- A Boy Dies, A Warrior is Born
Huh. Those Shonen protagonists weren't full of as much bullshit like I originally thought. Sometimes… power really does come to you when you most need it and not when you want it.
It took one selfless act; throwing myself in front of a wheelchair bound man to shove him and his wheelchair out of the path of one of Hookwolf's metal spikes. Let me tell you, getting a spike launched halfway into your body and out the other end is… the pain is speechless. I couldn't even force a scream or grunt out as I fell to the ground. That's how much agonizing pain I was in. Luckily for me, I quickly blacked out.
I was done for. My life over before it could truly begin. That indescribable spark of something I felt my entire reborn life… was it all just my imagination after all?
That tiny spark which has been cultivated till now only needed a great stimulus to flare. It would continue to grow to greater heights than anyone would ever comprehend. Not even himself.
''My baby! Why him! Why Jericho!''
''Mom? I-Is she crying?''
''I-I'm… there's nothing I could say to possibly make this up to you ma'am. Your boy gave his life to save my own. He shouldn't have needed to do that.''
''You're damn right! Jericho had his whole life before him! Now I have no one left! My poor baby!''
''… You have my utmost apologies ma'am.''
''The hell is happening!?'' Wanting to find out myself, I tried to open my eyes but found something covering my face. It was covering my entire body in fact.
I tore whatever it was off sitting up. ''Mom, what's happening!? Why are you shouting and crying?''
She, the wheelchair guy and who I just realized are EMTs stared at me flabbergasted.
''J-Jericho?'' She stuttered with tears streaming down her cheeks.
''Uh, yeah?'' Is my own just as confused answer.
"You're giving me that look again Naoto, like I did something moronic."
Hands folded beneath her deceptively medium chest, cute, blemish-free face screwed up in irritation, sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
"And just why would I be doing such a thing, Jericho?" There it was.
Teichi Shirogane- Naoto's dad- chortled and received a similar glare from his wife Naomi, which shut him up quick.
"I know what I did was stupid-
"Beyond stupid Jericho! You literally died!"
I sighed, knowing that I would only get a worse lecture if I tried to make an excuse.
"Look, I made sure mom was safe but I just couldn't sit there and watch an innocent man be murdered right before my eyes by a Nazi of all people. I just… moved without thinking."
Naoto sighed herself sitting down on the couch beside me. ''When I heard that you actually died, I was so afraid and worried that I would never see you again Jericho. And now that you're a Parahuman…"
It was left unsaid that we all knew Parahumans marched into danger face first and considering that I was already a bit reckless, this was a recipe for disaster.
"I know you guys are busy managing your businesses so hero-ing is the last thing you need to worry about, but my power lets me share it with others though at a lesser rate."
Teichi gained a thoughtful look. "What does your power do exactly? I assume it's nothing flashy."
"Potentially, maybe. Uh, think of a video game. In most games, the more one uses their weapon or skill, the faster and better it grows."
"So, just training but with increased benefits?" My mom- Marisa- summed up.
"Yes, but so much more! I did die for a few minutes, yet my power was enough to not only regenerate but also bring me back from death."
I rose my hands defensively as Naoto gave me "the look" again. "I don't think I'm invincible or immortal."
"I think I understand what you're trying to say, son. Eventually or potentially, we'll be able to steer our progression towards the esoteric side of things. Right?"
"Exactly! Normal people live among the titans that are Parahumans. Being targeted or even just by being a simple bystander can ruin and end a life. Like you taught me sensei; The smallest edge can sometimes make the difference between a win or lost."
He smirked cockily. "I did say that, didn't I? Well, you can count me in Jericho! And you, ladies?"
Mom, Naomi and Naoto looked between each other before sighing as one. I'm pretty sure they had an entire conversation with just their eyes in those scant seconds.
"Fine." My mom finally acquiesced. ''But, this goes for you and Naoto both. Until a time that we agree that you're ready enough, you will not go out. Are we understood?''
I felt like that was aimed for me instead of both of us. I agreed ether way. ''I understand mom. I'll make you guys proud. Dad too.''
Two Days Later- Saturday, December 25th
Having a start in armed and unarmed martial arts made the process that much faster. Especially with the enhanced reflexes, strength and high regeneration I revived with. My body could take so much stress which only meant more training.
''Think like a Shonen protagonist.''
Naoto, in her Kendo gear sitting on the side in seiza rose a brow. ''Think like a Shonen protagonist?''
Teichi, who stood beside his daughter shrugged. ''Whatever helps him.''
I crouched in a low Iaido stance similar to those in anime. This wasn't a correct Iaido stance of course but…
''Think like a Shonen Protagonist.'' I softly chanted. My grip tightened as I imagined myself facing off against Hookwolf. He was wide open just after I dodged his spikes and dashed into his guard. … now!
I swiftly swung my sword from the scabbard in an upwards arc at the log then diagonally down right, across right, diagonally up left and so on until I sheathed my blade with a click.
It did not fall apart as I was expecting.
Teichi walked over to closely inspect the log and poked at it with a finger for it to collapse into pieces off its post. He gave a whistle of appreciation.
''Incredible. That I would see the day this was made a reality. That has got to be the fastest Iaido in history.''
Naoto walked closer looking down at the log cubes in wonder. ''We too are capable of this? I must admit that I find myself eager to begin. I assume we must start with strength and reflexes training first.''
''Osu!'' Teichi cheered. ''Let us begin! We will record our progress every day even the progress of mental and education training before you two return to school.''
''Hai, sensei!'' We both exclaimed with as much enthusiasm.
Ten Days later- January 3rd, Monday- 5am
Today is the day Naoto and I go back to school, but before that we always have a friendly spar in her family's dojo.
''Thwack! Thwack, thwack!''
Our bokken clashed together though mine steadily forced her own back. That is until a gust of wind blew right into my eyes forcing them shut before I felt rapid strikes at my left side then to the back of my left leg.
''That's four points for me.'' She stated proudly.
''Damn it, you and your wind.'' I grumbled, getting back into position standing across from her.
''Maybe you should have trained in an element yourself?'' She smirked.
I smiled back. ''Maybe, but what I'm trying to accomplish should make element training much easier for those of us non-geniuses.''
''I'm not a genius, I just-
''Hah!'' I cut her off, dashing towards her and delivering an upwards diagonal slash at her torso.
''Thwack!'' She just managed to defend. Now that she's staggered…
I quickly pulled away causing Naoto to stumble forward then struck her left shoulder as I passed by before swirling around to hit her- ''Thwack!''
My eyes widened in surprise seeing her bokken risen up to block mine. ''How?''
In response, another gust of wind blew into my eyes. Unfortunately, I anticipated that she would again strike from the side or back and in moving my arms in position was struck cleanly on the head. ''Thwack!''
''That's four which makes eight to two. Two more points and it's my win.''
I groaned pitifully.
''As for the ''how'', I had wind push back my stumble twisting me just in time to defend my exposed back.''
I sighed yet couldn't help but smile. ''You impress me everyday Naoto. You really do.''
A light flush dusted her cheeks. ''Thank you.''
''Now, let's get on with the first round. I still have a few things up my sleeve too, you know?''
