9. Hero
What is a hero?
Hero is people who give meat for free, an apt description by Strawhat Luffy.
I'm just joking.
But honestly though, what is a hero? Is it someone who helps people? Because, really, if I'm a villain and I helps other villain, doesn't that mean I'm a hero too? At least for that one villain? Is it someone who did a good deed? What's considered to be good and what is bad? How a hero knows it? Is it someone who have the license for it? If I don't have the license then does that mean I'm not one? What about the police or teacher, can they be called a hero? Or only Pro-hero are true Hero? What's even Hero anyway?
In this society?
Hero is nothing but glorified worker.
One that get paid according to how many people they safe and their popularity.
In exchange for endangering their own life to fight the villain.
Do you wanna be a Hero, Mary?
I'm not sure. I'm still young. I can't make a long term decision on the fly like that. Hero life is difficult, and I'm just gonna keep everyone constantly worried for me too. I don't even have to go into detail about the fluctuating number of hero mortality number.
I don't even care about the people. Why should I put myself in danger for a society as ungrateful as this messed up, messed up, world.
Not to mention the elephant in the room; Plot.
I wish I can say that I don't give a damn about the plot. But that would be a lie. It's something to be wary of. Especially since I'm a reincarnator.
I don't want to accidentally destroy the world or something.
Do you wanna be a Hero, Mary?
But in the same time. I was born with a ridiculously strong quirk. I was trained since young control it. My martial art and accuracy as well as my overall body slowly but surely become something I know I'd be proud of. I know my parent's proud of my growth. Gramma's proud of my drive. Meltarmor's proud of my tenacity.
(Oh he has too, or I'm gonna spike his tea the next time I see him.)
Do you wanna be a Hero, Mary?
As much as the scale tipped to the negative side. I cannot not become a hero. What with the power I was born with and the training given to me. Not when I have my own conscience. When I know people who is important to me feeling so much pride when they see how much effort I give at every training session.
Well I can... but I don't think my consience would allow it.
I also don't want whatever efforts I spare to master this overpowered quirk to go to waste. I don't suffer Meltarmor only to become a civilian or something equally boring. Might as well use this second chance to cause chaos in this world.
(The system is already broken, it can't get any worse anyway.)
''Do you wanna be a Hero, Mary?''
''Yep.'' I made up my mind. ''What about you?''
''Me too. I guess.'' Shoji nodded. ''You gonna apply for Hero School then?''
''Yup. Probably gonna apply for Yuuei. It's close, so I don't have to torture myself with public transportation.'' I throw my juice box to the can. Crap, I missed. I move and picked it up.
Shoji snorted. ''You and your motion sickness.''
''It's gross and uncomfortable, and it's always feels like packed sardine inside that.'' I shivered. Why people prefer it over something like bike is beyond me.
Then again I hate small enclosed space. Small moving enclosed space is even worse.
(Then me rides bike everywhere that might be one of the reason...)
''Gramma is there too, so it's convenient for us if I'm in her vicinity.''
''Still accidentally poisoning people are you?'' Shoji throws his can. It's in. Show-off. ''You never do that around me though.''
''Shoji, Shoji, Shoji.'' I tutted. ''There's accident and then there's accident. Not my fault they're being stupid.'' I smirked. ''And I have to make a good example in front of my little octopi.''
He raised his eyebrow at the nickname but choose to ignore it. ''Stop adding Recovery Girl's works, Mary.''
''Eeehhhhh...'' I whined unrepentant.
''I'm being serious Mary.''
''Psh, fine, fine.'' I pouted. I'm already at the age where losing control over my own quirk will looks kinda lame anyway. Maybe I can create some nonlethal and apply it personally. Like good old reliable itching powder or laxative. The applying process is the part that need to work.
Shoji probably saw something on my face, because he then sighed a long suffering sigh and softly head-chopped me in reprimand.
See that. The nerve of this cheeky octopi.
''I'm going to apply for Yuuei too.'' He deadpaned. ''Somebody needs to keep an eye on you before you burn the entire school or something.''
I blinked.
''Awwww are you worried?'' I poked his side. ''That's cute. Don't worry, I won't destroy Yuuei. I don't think destroying public property is a good way to become a hero anyway.'' I snapped my finger. ''Unless a villain suddenly appear. Pro-hero do it all the time anyway. Then maybe I can too just a little bitー''
He just rolled his eyes and head-chopped me again.
Seriously the nerve.
Where is that timid little octopi I met at kindergarten! Give me back that adorable baby Shoji!