As November nears its end, the time to broadcast the Japanese Hero Billboard Chart has come. Everyone is eager to watch it as it will be presenting the new official rankings without All Might. I'm at the Todoroki estate, sitting in the living area with Fuyumi and Natsuo in front of the television.
"This is the first billboard chart since the Kamino incident," I say. "Where the Symbol of Peace, All Might, was driven to an early retirement. Everyone understands how important this is."
"There's a lot of hype for it," Natsuo says.
"Until today, heroes didn't appear on stage for the announcement, but this time it's different."
"Say, you're not in the hero ranks, are you, Akira?"
"No. Due to my circumstances, the Commission doesn't have me listed in the ranks."
"Oh, that's too bad," Fuyumi looks sad.
"It is what it is," I shrug.
"Number ten!" the billboard chart announcer speaks. "Dropping down one rank from number nine last time, Dragon Hero: Ryukyu!"
The audience erupts in cheers as the blonde woman waves with a smile.
"Number nine! He went down, too!" the announcer continues. "But he won't be defeated! Equipped Hero: Yoroi Musha!"
The camera pans over to a man with a long white beard wearing samurai-like armor.
"Number eight! From the Clean and Shiny commercial, Laundry Hero: Wash!"
The washing machine hero pops its lid open, revealing an enthusiastic gaze.
"Number seven! A huge leap! A promising hero whose growth won't stop! Kamui Woods!"
Kamui casually walks to the stage while waving at the crowd.
"Number six! From the orthodox school of manliness, he reliably keeps his ranking! Shield Hero: Crust!"
The man wearing a green cape has a determined gaze.
"Number five! A bunny with a determined spirit has risen in the rankings! Rabbit Hero: Miruko!"
The bronze-skinned woman with tall rabbit ears stands proudly.
"Number four! This mysterious ninja's had a huge jump in cases resolved and approval rating! Ninja Hero: Edgeshot!"
Edgeshot stands fiercely in front of the crowd.
"Even though he's currently on hiatus, he's still number three! With the number one approval rating for this round, Fiber Hero: Best Jeanist! We're all waiting for him to return as soon as possible!"
The screen on stage shows a picture of Jeanist.
'I only hope he's doing alright…' I think to myself as I see his picture.
"Number two! He does things his own way, but he's fierce! With great momentum, he's reached the number two spot! Wing Hero: Hawks!"
Hawks stands with such a nonchalant expression as he gazes out into the crowd.
'I just hope Keigo doesn't embarrass himself…' I think.
The stage lights turn off. Walking on to the stage lit up by his fire is none other than Enji.
"And...he's been the temporary number one, but today…" The spotlights focus on Enji. "He's really, truly in the number one spot. He's waited a long time! Flame Hero: Endeavor!"
Enji sports a new version of his hero suit. He keeps a stern gaze as he gazes out into the crowd.
"Does he really have to make such a scary face?" Natsuo comments. "What kind of a hero is that?"
I can't help but giggle with Fuyumi. On television, we see the Public Safety Commission President stand on stage.
"We chose to put on this kind of event this time because we saw that this was a critical juncture," she explains. "It's been about three months since All Might's retirement. There are still rumors that we are lacking an icon, but the heroes who will bear the future are right here. Let us work toward a peaceful society with them."
I stare at the Commission President with faint bitterness.
"And now, let's have a comment from each person!" the announcer says as she holds the microphone to Ryukyu.
"Thank you very much," Ryukyu nods. "But if I could have refused, I would have. There were lives that I should have been able to save but didn't… I will strive to become a hero worthy of the rank I received."
Crust is excitedly rambling on to Ryukyu, praising her for her heroic nature. Ryukyu tells him it's not his turn to speak, earning laughter from me, Fuyumi and Natsuo. The announcer goes down the line of heroes, giving them a chance to speak.
"What we must do now is no different," Musha speaks into the microphone.
"Wash!" Wash exclaims.
"I would like to work in a way that does not shame those who have come before me," Kamui says. "Starting with Edgeshot, who accepted me on his team."
"Oh why was I not at Kamino on that day?!" Crust shouts.
"For those of you planning evil deeds right now," Miruko warns. "Prepare to be sent flying by me!"
"You were third in approval ratings," the announcer tells Edgeshot.
"I am not concerned with numbers," he responds. "I am grateful for all the support I have received, but I am not doing this for the fame… I believe my job is to bring about peace."
"Who's gonna be happy listening to that? Stain?" Keigo comments as he appears to be unzipping his lips.
There's a sudden silence throughout the venue. I stare at Keigo with a sweat drop.
'There he goes…' I think.
"I'm just bad at controlling myself," Keigo takes the microphone from the announcer. "Let's see...If we're just talking approval ratings...Best Jeanist is number one with the boost he got from being on hiatus," he then begins to fly up. "Second is me, third is Edgeshot, and fourth is Endeavor. I'll skip the rest. I think approval rating is the most important number right now, though. Is this really the time to be dragging out the past? You don't think we need to change how we do things? The Symbol is gone. At this critical juncture, why are those less accomplished than me playing it safe? Say something that sounds more hero-like… That's all from me."
'He comes off as arrogant…' I think as I stare at Keigo with a sweat drop.
Keigo descends back down to Enji, holding out the microphone to him. Enji practically snatches the microphone from Keigo with a stern look on his face. Keigo returns the look with a carefree smile.
"A lot of people can understand what Hawks just said…" Natsuo comments. "I wonder what he will respond with," he crosses his arms.
Fuyumi watches with a worried stare. I also watch Enji, wondering what he'll respond with.
"After that young person has fanned the flames," Enji begins. "I won't say much...Just watch me," he holds his clenched fist up.
The fierce look in Enji's eyes shows how serious he is to prove himself as the number one hero. Everyone is silent at his words. The only one clapping is Keigo.
'Oh Keigo…' I think to myself. 'He's definitely gonna hear it from Enji.'
After leaving the Todoroki estate, I met up with Keigo. I'm strolling through the park with him late this evening.
"Congrats on ranking second," I say. "You really made some controversial comments."
"The other heroes were making such cliche comments," Keigo says. "Sorry for the trouble I caused."
"Don't apologize to me," I laugh. "Did Endeavor give you a shake down after?"
"Shake me down he did. All I was doing was helping him!"
"I'm sure that's not how he perceived it."
"It was good, wasn't it? I'm not an All Might fan or anything, and I've never wanted to become like him. Even so, his retirement came as a shock... I'm not saying Endeavor should be as iconic as him. But I think we definitely need a new leader right now."
"Knowing Enji, I'm sure he thought you were mocking him."
"You know him well!"
Keigo and I laugh. We spot a bench nearby and sit. The area is clear of people, leaving us alone.
"So what made you approach Enji?" I ask.
"I'd like to team up with him," Keigo replies. "In my hometown, there have been some troubling eyewitness reports. Do you remember the Nomu?"
"Yeah, what about them?"
"There are rumors...about remodeled Nomu."
"Remodeled Nomu?" I'm surprised.
"A few dozen stored in Kamino were captured along with All For One, and since then, the League has been busy, but no more Nomu have appeared."
'So this is why Touya's been gone this long…' I think to myself.
"Either that was all of them, or old A.F.O. was the only one who knew where the rest were."
"Do you have some definitive proof?"
"No I don't. They're seriously just rumors….Kyushu isn't the only place where Nomu have been sighted. They've been reported across the country. Not so much that they've been gathered into a news article, but among housewives while they gossip, or between elementary and middle school kids as they walk home from school."
"What do you mean?"
"I heard about it first on a business trip from the locals. At the time, I worked with the police and investigated quietly to not raise unnecessary panic, but I got nothing. So, it made me curious, and I flew around the country investigating on my own."
"Investigating?"
"There were some differences, but similar rumors were popping up in places that were completely unconnected. In the end, they were all just rumors, though. Now, this is just an unsubstantiated opinion, but after U.A., Hosu, and Kamino, everyone knows how creepy these remodeled villains are, right? So I think some idiot is telling scary stories to stir up the uneasiness and they spread across the country….Remember how I'm investigating the Metahuman Liberation?"
"Yeah."
"Well, a villain's biography from that group was republished and has been selling pretty well. Those kinds of books sell more when society's uneasy, like they thrive."
I stare at the ground in thought, worried about what Keigo is telling me.
"So where are you heading with Enji tomorrow?" I ask.
"To Kyushu District," Keigo replies. "I want to confirm with him if the rumors about the remodeled Nomu are in fact rumors."
"You do so much as a hero...Yet you don't want recognition for it. You'd rather stay in the lower ranks, huh?"
"Yeah, I have more freedom there."
"Having freedom would be nice…" I gaze down sadly.
"Don't make such a sad face. Even though the Commission restricts you, you've still made an impact as a true hero."
I stare at Keigo in awe.
"I want to make it a world where heroes have too much time on their hands," Keigo smiles. "And I've got you to help me do that!"
His smile brings me comfort and I return it.
It's just past 10pm. I'm entering my apartment, closing the door and turning the lights on. I spot Touya sitting on the couch.
"Oh, what a surprise to see you here," I head to my bedroom. "I hear the League is awfully busy nowadays."
"Yeah, they're getting into a buncha crap," Touya responds.
"What's this I hear about remodeled Nomu?" I continue changing in my bedroom.
"Where'd you hear that?"
"I've got my sources."
I walk out of my bedroom now wearing my black sweater and grey joggers. Touya sees the joy in my face as I adjust my hair.
"Where were you out so late?" He asks.
"Hm? I was...with someone," I keep my smile.
"Who?" Touya pries.
"Keigo."
Touya's hooded eyes are more stern after hearing that. He then gets up from the couch and heads toward the kitchen.
"Hey," I'm surprised. "Where are you going?"
"Seems you had enough company tonight," Touya opens the back window.
"What?" I'm confused.
Touya shuts the window and I stare after him.