Izuku looked blankly at the sight of the number one hero kneeling before him, as he pondered the Hero's request in his mind.
"So let me Get this Straight..." he began, the Symbol of Peace lifting his gaze to meet his own.
"You came to apologize for saying I couldn't be a hero..."
All-Might Nodded.
"And to tell me that you'll support me from now on..."
All-Might Nodded again.
"And to ask me to be your successor?"
A third Nod.
"Even tho I'm Quirkless?" He Finally asked, a skeptical cold tone seeping into his voice, his presence becoming nearly suffocating.
After only responding with nods so far, the Symbol of peace reflexively stood up, backing away at the boy's tone and presence that reminded him of a bygone enemy he had once fought.
The greenette quirked an eyebrow at The Number 1 hero's reaction. 'What's that reaction about?'
Snapping out of his momentary flashback, the Number 1 hero attempted to soothe the greenette's apprehension, clearing his throat as he began telling his piece to the boy. "I know you're still skeptical about this successor talk...especially after what happened on the rooftop, but, young Midoriya, it is because you're Quirkless that you reminded me why I fight. You reminded me of how I used to be. Powerless to do anything but, still wishing to be in the service of others. It was because I too was Quirkless that I was reminded that..."
"It is us with no power, or purpose that are the most sacrificial. The most disposable." Continued Izuku, understanding present in his voice, as he gazed at the twilight, and away from the Symbol of peace. "Is that why You decided to shoulder the responsibility of being the Symbol of peace?"
"Yes..." All-Might answered honestly, he's previous weariness over the boy's similar aura to that of his nemesis now gone, as the tone of sadness and understanding took over the boy's voice. "I thought at the time, that I who had no family, no life, and no future to speak of should be the best suited to becoming a Sacrificial Pillar that would hold the world together."
"A sad, yet understandable conclusion." agreed the green haired teen.
"To be honest with you, All-Might, the real reason why I asked you that question on the rooftop earlier today was not because I was hoping for you to fuel my delusions of heroism in the daylight..."
The Number 1 hero momentarily looked baffled at the boy's statement.
"...I simply wanted to make sure that I was heading down the right path, and thanks to your answer, I now know that to be the case."
"What are you-" Attempted to inquire All-Might, but the Young greenette Interjected him, answering the question before it could even be asked.
"What I'm trying to say, All-Might, is that you failed" Pointed out Izuku, his tone laced with a certain grimm elegance that carefully picked apart and critiqued his tired form. "You failed in your mission to create a Perfect World."
"I'm sorry?" Was the only way the Number 1 hero could respond.
"You created a pillar that held the world together, yes, but... you only created One." Said Izuku, the Assertive tone in his voice intensifying, as if he were a teacher lecturing a student. "You created One Pillar that if destroyed, would mean the downfall of society as we see it. To put it simply, you've created a bottle neck. You handled all the responsibilities, you served as an inspiration to the masses and a deterant to villains. One might even say that you were treated like a Higher Being that no one could ever reach. But now that you're about to retire and pass things on to a new successor, you can't find Anyone that would fit the bill because Everyone has become complacent and care free. There's no longer anyone who truly knows of the dangers that lurk out there in the world."
All-Might let out a pained look. "So you think that everything I've worked for were all for nought?"
"No one person can be the sole example of heroism, All-Might, no singular individual can, or should be held onto by the entire world as a pillar. Now, I'm not saying that the world you've created the past 40 or so years hasn't been a better one, especially if you compare it to how it used to be, but..." Izuku let out a sigh, before shifting his gaze back to All-Might, the setting sun lighting his eyes with an Emerald glow. "It Will Collapse in the long term. What you've created is a society of dependency, allowing people to put less effort due to your presence alone. But what if you aren't there to help anymore?"
All-Might gave him the answer he knew the boy was expecting. "Heroes who are unprepared to face the evils that are suppressed by my presence are suddenly thrown into situations they never thought they would have to face."
"Exactly. We've already seen a potential future ahead of us today. Fake-" Izuku paused for a second and frowned, trying to figure out a less Derogatory term to refer to the heroes at the sludge villain incident site today. "Improper and Unprepared heroes watching in the sidelines as a kid is held hostage and is being killed infront of them; waiting for "someone with a better suited Quirk" to come along. And when you inevitably disappear and that "someone" with a better suited Quirk no longer exists..."
"society will tumble like a house of cards" Painfully Admitted the Symbol of Peace.
A frown made it's way to All-Might's face as the 14 year old before him carefully critiqued and broke down his life's work. "Mirai was right...What have I done?!"
Izuku quirked an eyebrow at this"You're still in contact with NightEye?"
"Umm...as of recently, Yes" Answerd the number 1 hero. "He kept insisting for me to retire when I first got my injury, and I was also supposed to meet him so he could present his chosen candidate as my successor today."
Izuku put a hand to his chin and pondered about this for a bit. 'A Successor candidate?...He must mean Mirio. He's a good choice. Lots of potential. certainly better suited to being the Symbol of Peace than someone like me. Should I just tell All-Might to go ahead and choose him?' Izuku didn't know why, but a deep pit seemed to stirr in his stomach at the thought. 'I'll need some time to properly think about this, and what my stance is in all of this.'
Pulling a pen out of his chest pocket, Izuku began writing down something on the burnt notebook in his hand. "Very well...I will need some time to process and make a choice regarding your offer, All-Might, please allow me to ponder about if for tonight. I'll give you my answer tomorrow, please meet me at 16:00 in this address." he ripped a page out of his notebook and handed it to All-Might. "Please notify Sir NightEye of your delay for today's meeting, and fairly and properly assess the successor candidate he has chosen for you. I will give you my answer then, If you still haven't changed your mind after meeting the other candidate."
Turning on his feet, the greenette continued walking towards the station with a wave to the Number 1 Hero. "Goodbye All-Might. please say hi to Mirai-San for me."
All-Might, just stood there, still somewhat contemplating the boy's words and now baffled at the boy's last actions.
'Mirai-San?' Thought the number 1 hero. But that can't be, right? He must've just misheard the boy, or so he thought, until he looked at the address the boy had given him.
"How does he know Mirai's Agency Address and Phone Number!?"
A/N:
Aaaand chapter 2 is out!
I hope I managed to sprinkle enough similarities between AFO and Deku, tho that small PTSD flashback All-Might had in the beginning might be hammering a little too much on that point
Welp...pls comment your thoughts and CONSTRUCTIVE criticisms (key word being constructive) on the chapter.
See ya naxt Monday with the next Chapter exploring Izuku's Liasons and his Network!
Bye bye!