Madara is enveloped by warmth. That's the first thought that emerges from the depths of his consciousness. He feels as though he's floating, suspended in a sea of soft clouds, the sensation of weightlessness wrapping around him like a comforting cocoon. It's nice, his second thought as he drifts in a numbed bliss.

This serene tranquility is abruptly shattered when something brushes against his shoulder. It's a gentle nudge, barely registering in his numbed state, but it stirs his curiosity. What could possibly touch him in this endless void? Is there something else floating in this empty space? Madara senses he's forgetting something important, a feeling that settles deep within his bones but continues to evade his grasp.

Slowly, Madara's limbs grow heavier as his senses settle down into his flesh, pulled from the skies by a growing worry that coils tighter around him with every heartbeat. Gone is the easy weightlessness, replaced with a deep exhaustion pressing down on him from all sides.

Despite the leaden weight of his eyelids, Madara manages to open them sluggishly and is met with darkness. It isn't a complete absence of light, he realizes, but rather a spectrum of shadowy grays and deep blacks that offer no distinct shapes or features.

"Nii-san?" A soft whisper asks to his left, followed by another gentle nudge. "Nii-san, are you awake?"

It takes a moment for recognition to settle in. "Izuna?" Madara murmurs, his speech slurred and unfocused. Some of the unease that had coiled around him begins to abruptly unravel, but not all of it.

"Yeah, it's me. You're finally awake," a familiar, dark silhouette materializes directly in Madara's line of sight, its edges still hazy in the shifting shadows. "How are you feeling? Are you in any pain?"

Madara struggles to form words; his thoughts are like wisps of smoke, slipping through his fingers, while his tongue feels unwieldy in his mouth. "No… no, I can't feel anything at all."

"Ah, well, that's normal, I guess, with all the painkillers in your system. Nothing to worry about, Nii-san."

Izuna's voice, though soothing, can't entirely dispel the dread still nestled in the pit of Madara's stomach. "Izuna, something is amiss… I can't remember – are you all right, Izuna?"

A soft snort of amusement. "Yes, you overprotective moron. You are by far the worst off. Me and Obito are perfectly fine thanks to you."

"…Obito?"

"To your right."

Madara blinks, his confusion slowly transforming into understanding. He turns his head painstakingly to the right, finding a dark silhouette pressed against his side. Now that he is aware of it, he can feel the warmth radiating from it.

He releases a heavy breath, every shred of remaining trepidation vanishing as soon as he recognizes the disheveled mop of hair.

A wave of relief washes over him, and a weak smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "Obito," he breathes.

"It was a real struggle to get that stubborn idiot to finally sleep," Izuna says with a fond undertone. "And you should go back to sleep as well, Nii-san. You're barely keeping your eyes open."

Madara hums in agreement, Izuna's voice gradually fading into the far distance as his eyelids grow heavier, and the edges of his perception blur. He sinks into a dark slumber before he knows it, wrapped in the warmth of his brothers.

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"-extremely reckless and short-sighted. It's a miracle you three came out of this alive. You seriously endangered your siblings' lives by storming in there, Junichi. Villains are often unpredictable-"

And the lecture drones on, each admonishing word of Naomasa relentlessly raining down on them.

Madara understands the detective's anger, and he can't blame him for it. From his perspective, a child had recklessly sneaked into a villain's hideout, naively believing he could rescue his brothers. Inspired by the heroic tales portrayed on TV, blinded by glorious stories told in bright, flashing pictures and more opulent words. Madara can vividly imagine the fury he would feel if a mere toddler had compromised one of his missions by casually venturing into enemy territory, oblivious to the dangers he stepped into.

However, Madara knew what he was doing, and he possesses far more experience than any of the heroes who had been present at the scene combined. Not that the seething detective had any inkling of this fact.

Madara sighs internally, carefully keeping his expression blank. Showing his annoyance outwardly now, after delivering his matter-of-fact, unrepentant account of how he had escaped from the hospital and snuck into the villain's hideout, could potentially send the detective's blood pressure skyrocketing.

He silently appreciates the painkillers constantly coursing through his system, sparing him from the beginnings of a headache.

Obito, seated next to him on the bed, wears a blank face much like Madara's own. However, Madara notices his boredom in the way he crosses his arms and rhythmically taps his fingers against his biceps. His disheveled hair sticks out in all directions, and the pillow has left a vibrant, red imprint on his cheek, having just been woken by Naomasa's arrival. Madara and Obito both resolutely ignore the fact that Obito has been sleeping in Madara's bed, and has been doing so for the last couple of days. They have come to the unspoken understanding that they will continue to ignore the metaphorical herd of elephants in the room, steering clear of any discussion related to the villain incident or their past lives. Izuna, on the other hand, doesn't care much about hiding his irritation. Seated on Madara's other side, he is composed only marginally better.

"-you are a child, and not in any way qualified to do the job of a hero. What you did was beyond thoughtless-"

Madara's brow twitches. His patience is fraying, even though he understands the detective's perspective. He might be able to stay awake for longer periods of time now, but he still tires easily, and his injuries and his very limited range of mobility resulting from them have him in a constant state of irritation. "I succeeded where your heroes failed. In my opinion, that is qualification enough."

Naomasa's face contorts in frustration, convinced that his words fail to get through a child's thick skull. "Junichi, it was sheer luck that things didn't take a turn for the worse, and you still sustained severe injuries. Also, you broke several laws by interfering. Consider yourself lucky that your age shields you from legal repercussions."

"So, you're telling me that I'm legally forbidden from helping my brothers should they ever face a similar threat? That I must sit by idly and wait for the heroes to move their asses?"

The detective sighs wearily, as if bone-deep fatigue has suddenly set in. "Yes, if you want to put it that way. It's a hero's job-"

"Then I will become a hero."

Naomasa halts abruptly, gaping at Madara in bewildered disbelief.

Madara forges ahead unperturbed. "If I had a hero license, everything I did would have been within the bounds of the law, right? And we wouldn't have to have this senseless conversation."

"Huh?" The detective mutters, stupefied. "Junichi, to be a hero is a dangerous occupation, and without a quirk-"

Madara waves his hand dismissively - his not-broken one. "I'm not quirkless, if that's your primary concern. I know that you suspect Nobuyuki saved us with his quirk from the explosion, but it was actually my quirk. I created a protective shield around us."

Izuna's and Obito's heads snap simultaneously towards him. They hadn't agreed on how they planned to explain their miraculous survival yet.

The detective's frown deepens. "Haven't you undergone a quirk assessment test?"

"Mistakes happen, detective." Madara grins sweetly. "It appears that I have a quirk after all. So, I can get a hero license, and we can put all this behind us. Simple as that."

Naomasa doesn't seem to share Madara's enthusiasm, but ultimately, he has nothing more to add. With a few words about arranging a second assessment with the doctors, he leaves their hospital room once more. Madara doubts it will be the last time they have seen him.

As soon as the door clicks shut behind him, Izuna pounces on Madara, wearing a devilish smirk and a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"You are going to be a hero, Nii-san!?"

Obito snorts loudly from Madara's other side. "What the fuck? You, a hero?"

Madara scrunches his nose up in disgust. "Don't be ridiculous. If you think I will turn into one of those buffoons parading around in spandex and a cape, think again. I will get one of those hero licenses and be done with it. That piece of plastic comes with too many benefits to be passed up."

Obito narrows his eyes, his expression turning contemplative. "It does grant a lot of advantages. The fact that it allows the open use of one's quirk, without breaking any laws, would be reason enough to consider getting it. Then there is the quite frankly absurdly extensive health insurance that comes as part of the package, not to mention the easy access to weapons and other equipment."

"Well, I understand what you are saying, but we can get those things one way or another. Hero license or not," Izuna points out.

"Of course, sooner or later we could and would," Madara agrees. "There are other, less than legal avenues to obtain weapons and immunity from the law, but doing it through official channels gives us more security for now. Without chakra and a vast array of Jutsu at our disposal, we are far more vulnerable than ever before. Being a hero, however, grants easy and quick access to valuable resources that might not be as readily available through other means, at least until we're older and our bodies grow stronger. If we can, we should avoid any potential sources of danger until that time comes, including involvement in illegal weapon trade. Additionally, a hero license serves as a safety net of sorts, something to fall back on in case things ever spiral out of control again, as they did just a few days ago. You heard the detective; had I been a hero, there would have been no consequences for my actions."

Obito, wearing a skeptical expression, interjects, "You're saying this as if you could get that license by tomorrow. It's going to be years until you're old enough to apply for a hero school."

"I'm not planning on applying to any hero school, not now and not when I am old enough." Madara smirks as he elaborates. "I will have to admit, I have been looking into getting a hero license for a while now. The reason is quite simple: hero students, even with only a provisional license, can easily become emancipated without raising eyebrows, which I've been planning to do as soon as possible. On top of that, adoption requests from heroes are almost always granted with little scrutiny. That means I could adopt both of you at a relatively young age and get us out of the orphanage with minimal hassle."

"You still need to become a hero first," Obito points out with a quirked brow.

Madara's smile only widens. It's not a nice one. "You see, I have found a little loophole in becoming a hero that no one has thought about exploiting yet. It's a common misconception that you have to attend a hero school to become a pro-hero, but that is not the case. The only requirement one has to meet to become an official pro-hero is to successfully pass an exam issued by the Hero Public Safety Commission, the Hero License Exam. The confusion originates from the fact that a vast majority of the successful absolvents of that exam are indeed hero students that have recently graduated, or individuals trained directly by the HPSC. In some rare cases, a hero privately mentors their chosen successor for a few years before they take the exam. However, nowhere is it explicitly stated that you need to fall into one of these categories. Theoretically anyone and everyone can participate, regardless of quirk, previous career, or education. And here is where the HPSC made a careless mistake, they apparently haven't thought about including an age restriction in the regulations."

"What?! They forgot to put an age restriction on that thing?" Izuna screeches incredulously.

Obito chimes in with a much calmer demeanor. "It's not entirely surprising. The exam is notoriously difficult to pass, and no one without a certain level of training would ever consider signing up for it. Given that children generally receive no formal training, and even when they do, it only becomes serious in their mid to late teens, they wouldn't be remotely prepared to pass it until they reach the legal age anyway. An age restriction simply must have never been an issue before."

Madara nods pleased at the deduction made. "There is another barrier that prevents random civilians and minors from 'trying their luck.' Specifically, the exams come with exorbitant costs for participation. Graduated hero students have free access, thanks to an agreement between the Ministry of Education and the HPSC, and it's customary for a mentor to cover the expenses for their mentee. However, an average middle-class civilian with no support or connections in the hero world could never afford to take part in such an exam."

"So we'll need to get that money somehow," Obito muses, and Madara can see the gears already turning in his head. "It's safe to assume that we'll get only one shot at this. Once the HPSC becomes aware of this loophole, they will have it fixed in no time."

"Yes," Madara agrees. "I intend to participate as soon as I have recovered. Will you be able to gather three and a half million Yen while I focus on getting back in shape?"

Obito raises an eyebrow, scoffing. "I hope that's a rhetorical question."

Izuna, on the other hand, smiles widely and excitedly. "Of course we can! We will even make it seem believable that we somehow got so much cash, right, 'Bito?"

"Piece of cake," Obito smirks lopsidedly. "I guess only you will sign up for it, Madara?"

"Yes, we shouldn't test the HPSC's tolerance too much. Letting one minor take the exam is one thing, but three? That is pushing it too far. We will attract too much attention as it is."

"That can't be helped," Obito shrugs. "But we're already on the heroes' radar after the recent incident anyway, and the exams aren't broadcasted, nor are the results published. So, as long as you don't debut as a hero, the public shouldn't catch wind of this stunt. That's a pretty decent deal in my book."

"Nii-san, are you really fine with all the attention you will be attracting?" Izuna asks, worriedly. "A quirkless person suddenly manifesting a quirk is bound to cause ripples in some unsavory circles as well. Not to mention the fact that an apparently ordinary child without prior training will pass the exam. I, for one, would be suspicious as heck and keep my eyes on that child for a long time."

A valid concern, Madara thinks. "I will manage. Besides, as Obito mentioned, the news of me passing the exam will stay within the hero community, if simply because the HPSC will want to hide their blunder. Outwardly, I will remain the same plain old Junichi, just another unremarkable kid that no one pays much attention to. The heroes might be suspicious at first, but that will wear off over time."

"We could fake some records in local martial arts clubs," Obito suggests. "Make it seem like you have been a dedicated member for years and learned all kinds of fighting styles. That would lessen the suspicions on you considerably. Also, you should start wearing hero merchandise; it will help you to subtly endear yourself to the heroes and make it seem like you're on their side. Perhaps you should casually mention your favorite heroes when others are around-"

As Obito mumbles on, his contemplative frown deepens, causing the red imprints on his face to shift with his expressions.

Turning to his other side, Izuna flashes them a mischievous smile, an idea evidently sparked in his mind. "If we are going to do this, we should watch one of those UA Sports Festivals to get a better feeling for an average hero student's abilities." He declares excitedly, jumping from the bed and making his way to the television in the corner of the room.

"I'm sure there are recordings of the last few years," he mutters, taking the remote control and staring at it for a long while. Trying out a few different buttons, he eventually manages to switch from cable TV to an online video platform and hops back onto the bed. "Which year are we starting with?"

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Obito's expression is as grave as if he's on an S-rank mission - maybe in his mind, he is - his Sharingan is spinning as he scrutinizes every detail unfolding on the screen with the focus of a hawk.

Izuna also analyzes everything playing out on the TV with practiced ease, but his approach is much more relaxed, and he is definitely getting his enjoyment out of it.

"Bwahaha! That was one epic faceplant! Hahaha – wait, he's getting back up! By the Sage, he's actually standing back up!" Izuna exclaims, nearly doubling over with laughter as he comments on the events happening on TV.

Meanwhile, Madara is staring at the screen in blatant disbelief. While he did somewhat enjoy watching the third-year students' run in the Sports Festival, since there was some strategic thinking behind their actions, and they found creative ways to use their quirks; the first-year students' performance resembles toddlers brawling in a sandbox. There is no technique to their fighting, no tactical approach whatsoever, just brute force and careless use of their quirks.

As he continues to observe those children beating each other up without any finesse on national TV, Madara starts to earnestly question UA's integrity.

The third years have valid reasons for participating in the festival, given their imminent start into their pro-hero careers; this event presents an opportunity to boost the popularity of those who care about such things. However, the first-year students, fresh out of middle school, are still far from becoming heroes. So why are they trying to prove themselves already when they lack the combat experience and problem-solving skills to do so in the first place? The only thing they manage to do is to showcase their untrained quirks, its strengths and weaknesses, to friends and foes. In Madara's opinion, there is absolutely no reason for these children to expose themselves to the world just yet, when they are still too weak to properly protect themselves.

In a society that typically shields its children and values morality so highly, this event is unusually brutal. These kids are thrust into the limelight, to suddenly experience the best and worst sides of fame and all the dangers that come with it.

It reminds Madara of the Chuunin exams, where inexperienced shinobi were also confronted with situations they were almost never prepared for appropriately; with the difference that none of these hero-kids died at the end of the day, whereas a mortality rate of fifty percent at the Chuunin exams was considered the norm.

Madara just cannot see how a couple more gushing fans and a higher placement on a billboard could justify displaying one's abilities to the public, but that might be the shinobi in him speaking. A shinobi, at least, would get a promotion out of the Chuunin exams, clearance to restricted areas in the village, and access to high-ranking missions. Furthermore, shinobi constantly expanded their arsenal by learning new Jutsu and acquiring new skills, whereas here, individuals were confined to their one and only quirk. It would appear much smarter to safeguard the secrets of their quirk's workings for as long as possible.

"I don't see how you could possibly mess up that license exam if that is the golden standard," Obito remarks, pointing at the current fight scene playing out before them. "It's like they don't even know how to throw a punch; they only rely on their quirks. Take those away, and they're helpless kittens."

"Don't be mean, Obito," Izuna snickers. "They are first years and most likely have never been in a fight before, of course they suck at it."

"Then why is the whole country pretending this pathetic display is praiseworthy in any way?"

"It is cheap entertainment for the masses and blatant propaganda, nothing more and nothing less," Madara yawns. He is getting drowsy again. "To the untrained eye, this looks impressive, and that will strengthen the belief in the heroes of tomorrow."

Izuna groans long-suffering. "You two are insufferable. Can't you just see the fun in something for once? You don't need to be so intense about everything. Loosen up a bit, will you?"

Obito scoffs. "Coming from the nutjob who threatens to beat up kids when they look at us funny."

"Pah, if you are talking about those cocky assholes from last week, they had it coming." Izuna crosses his arms like the unrepentant brat he is. "And I regret nothing."

Obito gives him a deadpan look. "I don't need protection from elementary schoolers, you know."

Izuna starts to sputter indignantly, ready to launch into another round of their ongoing argument, "As your older brother, it's my duty to protect you from all sorts of dangers—"

But Madara tunes out their bickering, surrendering to his fatigue as he drifts into a deep, restful slumber.