Chapter Three: The Emergent Bond of Aspiring Heroes (夢の縁を結ぶ, Yume no En o Musubu)

Shared dreams take flight—

Brave hearts beat as one, they soar,

U.A.'s gate awaits.


The passage of three years brought significant changes to Eijiro, Shugo, and Mina as they pursued their dream of entering U.A. High School. The trio had weathered ups and downs together, carving out a path towards their shared goal with unwavering determination.

As academic challenges reared their formidable heads, Mina and Eijiro found themselves struggling to keep up with the rigorous demands of their studies. It was in these moments of academic turmoil that Shugo's quiet brilliance shone through. With a patience born of understanding, he offered his support to his friends, guiding them through complex concepts and lending a steady hand in their academic journey.

In return for his academic aid, Shugo requested assistance in navigating the intricate realm of social interactions—a world that often eluded his quiet demeanor. Mina, ever the embodiment of effervescence, took it upon herself to immerse Shugo in the lively camaraderie she shared with Eijiro. Together, the trio struck a harmonious balance—one that combined Shugo's intellectual acumen with Mina's social finesse and Eijiro's unwavering loyalty.

Amidst the academic challenges, Eijiro and Shugo continued to frequent the martial arts dojo, their dedication to physical training unwavering. The old master, who had become both mentor and friend to the boys, took note of their unyielding commitment and redoubled his efforts to hone their martial skills. The news of their ambition to enter U.A. sparked a fire within the old master, driving him to push Eijiro and Shugo harder than ever before, ensuring that they were primed for the challenges that lay ahead.

While Eijiro and Shugo immersed themselves in the rigorous training regimen of the dojo, Mina made a conscious choice not to enroll in formal martial arts training. Instead, she pledged to bolster her own strengths and to ensure that she was not left behind by her friends. Her determination to keep pace with Eijiro and Shugo, despite forging a different path, underscored the unbreakable bond that bound the trio together.

As the weeks leading up to the U.A. entrance exam dwindled, the pressure mounted not only from the academic front but also from their middle school, which took notice of Shugo's remarkable intellect. The quiet genius within him had not gone unnoticed, and the school's expectations weighed heavily on his shoulders.

The impending exam loomed large, casting a shadow over the trio's preparations. The knowledge that their future hinged on their performance in the exam fueled their resolve, driving them to push themselves beyond their limits. With Shugo's academic excellence, Eijiro and Mina found themselves leaning on his guidance more than ever, their trust in his abilities unwavering.

In the final stretch of their preparations, the trio found solace in each other's company. Late-night study sessions, grueling training regimens, and heartfelt conversations became the pillars of their shared journey. Mina's infectious positivity, Eijiro's unwavering determination, and Shugo's quiet strength formed a cohesive unit—a bond that transcended mere friendship and evolved into a shared purpose.

As they stood on the precipice of their dream, the weight of their aspirations hung heavy in the air. The knowledge that they had come this far, together, instilled a sense of unity and resilience in their hearts. They were not just individuals striving for a common goal; they were a team, a trio of souls bound by a shared dream and an unbreakable bond.

With the U.A. entrance exam looming on the horizon, Eijiro, Shugo, and Mina braced themselves for the challenge ahead. Each step they had taken, each obstacle they had overcome, had brought them closer to their goal. And as they stood united, facing the unknown with unwavering resolve, they knew that no matter what lay ahead, they were stronger together.


As the echoes of their training session at the dojo faded into the dusk, Eijiro and Shugo bid each other farewell, their bond strengthened by the shared exertion and unwavering support they offered each other. Shugo's farewell was conveyed in the graceful gestures of sign language, a language that spoke volumes without the need for words.

Feeling a restlessness gnaw at his core, Shugo chose to take a detour on his way home, the weight of his nightmares tugging at his consciousness. The dark alleyways and flickering streetlights seemed to mirror the turmoil within him, casting elongated shadows that danced in the periphery of his vision.

With each step he took, the memories of recent events clawed their way to the surface, intertwining with the vivid horrors that plagued his subconscious. The images of Gigantomachia's rampage, the chaos and fear that had gripped him during the altercation, all merged with the relentless nightmares that had haunted his nights.

Despite his quiet resolve and steady demeanor, Shugo found himself enveloped in a maelstrom of emotions—a tempest that threatened to consume him whole. The weight of his responsibilities, his desire to protect his friends, and the relentless battle against his own inner demons bore down on him with crushing force.

Navigating the labyrinthine streets, Shugo walked with a sense of purpose, his steps guided by an unseen force—a silent plea for respite, for clarity amidst the storm that raged within him. The city around him hummed with muted activity, the distant sounds of traffic and voices melding into a cacophony that mirrored the chaos of his own thoughts.

As he wandered deeper into the night, the darkness seemed to thicken around him, a physical manifestation of the turmoil that churned within his heart. The weight of his Quirk, the silent burdens he carried, and the unspoken fears that plagued his mind seemed to converge in the shadows that danced at the edge of his vision.

With each passing moment, Shugo's restlessness grew, a primal urge driving him forward, propelling him towards an unknown destination. The streets seemed to stretch out endlessly before him, twisting and turning in a maze of uncertainty—a reflection of the labyrinth he found himself ensnared in, both physically and emotionally.

The glow of the streetlights flickered overhead, casting an ethereal light upon Shugo's path—a guiding beacon in the sea of shadows that threatened to engulf him. His strides, though purposeful, carried a weight that belied the turmoil that churned within him. Each footfall echoed in the silence of the night, a solitary echo reverberating against the walls of his inner turmoil.

As Shugo traversed the unfamiliar streets, a sense of isolation gripped him—a stark reminder of the battles he fought alone, both within and without. The night air was cool against his skin, a sharp contrast to the heat of his inner turmoil, the weight of his nightmares pressing down on him with suffocating force.

With each passing moment, Shugo's restlessness transformed into a silent plea for solace, for a reprieve from the relentless cascade of nightmares that had plagued his nights. The city around him slumbered, wrapped in the cloak of night, unaware of the turmoil that raged within one of its denizens.

Driven by an indomitable resolve, Shugo pressed on, his steps guided by an instinctual compass that led him deeper into the heart of the city. The shadows seemed to writhe and twist around him, their dark tendrils reaching out in a macabre dance, a reflection of the turmoil that threatened to consume him whole.

As the night wore on, the weight of his nightmares bore down on him with ever-increasing force, their visages flickering at the edges of his vision, threatening to pull him under their suffocating embrace. Despite the darkness that encroached upon him, a flicker of determination burned within Shugo—a steadfast resolve to confront the demons that haunted his dreams, to find solace amidst the chaos that raged within him.

With each step forward, Shugo ventured deeper into the heart of the night, his restlessness a silent companion that drove him onwards. The city's pulse thrummed in the background, a steady rhythm that echoed his own heartbeat—a reminder that amidst the turmoil and shadows, a path towards peace and clarity awaited, illuminated by the flickering light of hope that burned within him.

As Shugo ventured deeper into the labyrinthine streets of the seedier parts of Musutafu town, a sense of calm washed over him—a peculiar calm that seemed to bloom amidst the chaos and shadows that enveloped him. The looming specter of crime that hung heavy in the air did little to faze him; if anything, it stirred a sense of familiarity within him, a recognition of the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

Lost in the winding alleyways, Shugo's footsteps echoed in the silence of the night, the distant sounds of the city's underbelly a whisper in the darkness. Despite the dangers that loomed around every corner, he felt an odd sense of ease—a feeling that bordered on acceptance, on a strange sense of belonging amidst the urban decay.

The flickering streetlights cast elongated shadows that danced at the edges of his vision, the fractured light painting a picture of contrasts—of light and dark, safety and danger, peace and turmoil. And yet, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the seedy underbelly of the town, Shugo found a sense of solace, a respite from the relentless storm of his thoughts.

In this realm of shadows and whispers, where danger lurked in the shadows and lawlessness reigned supreme, Shugo felt a strange kind of peace—a peace that eluded him in the polished veneer of the civilized world. The constant vigilance, the ever-present threat of danger, it was a language he understood, a reality that resonated with the depths of his soul.

The quietude of the seedy streets, the muted symphony of the city's darker side, it enveloped him in a cloak of familiarity—a familiarity that spoke to the scars he bore, both seen and unseen. The chaos that thrummed beneath the surface, the raw energy of the streets, it whispered to a part of him that thrived on the edge, that found comfort in the shadows.

As he navigated the twisted alleys and dilapidated buildings, Shugo's thoughts gradually began to quieten, the relentless cacophony of his nightmares fading into the background. The shadows seemed to embrace him, their cool touch a balm to his restless spirit, a reminder that amidst the darkness, there existed a strange kind of tranquility—an oasis of calm in the heart of chaos.

The pulsing heart of the seedy underbelly of Musutafu town beckoned to him, its secrets whispered on the cool night breeze. Despite the dangers that loomed on all sides, Shugo found himself drawn to this murky realm, a place where the rules were different, and danger was a constant companion. The shadows seemed to welcome him, their embrace a stark contrast to the superficial tranquility of the civilized world—a world that had never quite felt like home to him.

In the midst of the tumultuous streets, where crime and vice thrived, Shugo found a strange sense of belonging, a familiarity that spoke to a part of him long buried beneath the facade of stoic composure. The chaos that reigned in these darkened alleys resonated with the turmoil that churned within him, a reflection of the inner battles he fought on a daily basis.

Despite the dangers that lurked in the shadows, Shugo walked with a quiet confidence, an unwavering assurance that he belonged in this world of darkness and intrigue. The echoes of his footsteps mingled with the whispers of the night, a symphony of secrets that seemed to speak directly to his soul.

As he meandered through the dimly lit streets, Shugo's restlessness began to ebb, a sense of peace settling over him like a shroud. The weight of his nightmares, the turmoil that had plagued his thoughts, seemed to dissipate in the embrace of the seedy underbelly of Musutafu town, replaced by a quietude that soothed his troubled mind.

In this realm of shadows and whispers, where danger lurked at every turn, Shugo found a respite from the storm that raged within him. The ever-present vigilance, the edge of danger that sharpened his senses, it was a comfort—a reminder that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there existed a strange kind of peace, a sanctuary in the heart of the city's underbelly.

And so, as Shugo wandered through the darkened streets, his thoughts finally quieted, the restless tides within him stilled by the embrace of the shadows. In this world of danger and intrigue, he found a semblance of solace—a moment of respite amidst the turmoil of his own mind. And as he walked deeper into the night, the echoes of his footsteps fading into the darkness, a sense of acceptance settled over him—a quiet acknowledgement that, perhaps, peace didn't quite sit well with him, but in the shadows of the night, he found a peace of his own.

As Shugo finally made his way home, the heavy weight of the night's wanderings still lingering in the air around him, he was met with the worried countenance of his older brother, Taiga. The concern etched on Taiga's face was palpable, a reflection of the anxiety that had gripped him as he waited for his younger sibling's return.

Taiga, who had just returned from a long day at work, had heard the whispers of rising crime and unrest that had been circulating through the streets of Musutafu town. The news had set his nerves on edge, his thoughts consumed with worry for Shugo's safety in the midst of the darkened alleys and shadowy corners of the city's seedier underbelly.

As Shugo entered their shared living space, he was met with Taiga's impassioned voice, a torrent of words that spilled forth in a worried rant. The older brother's anxiety and frustration were evident in every word, his concern for Shugo's well-being laid bare in the cadence of his speech.

"Shugo, do you have any idea what's been happening out there?" Taiga's voice was tinged with a mix of fear and anger, his protective instincts flaring to life as he gazed upon his younger brother. "The news is filled with reports of rising crime, of danger lurking on every corner. I can't help but worry about you, out there in the midst of it all."

The words poured forth from Taiga, a deluge of emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface, unleashed in the wake of Shugo's unexpected nocturnal excursion. The worry that had gnawed at his conscience, the fear that had gripped his heart, all found voice in the impassioned tones of his voice.

"I know you're capable, Shugo. I know you can handle yourself out there," Taiga continued, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and concern. "But the streets are dangerous, especially now. Crime is on the rise, and I can't bear the thought of something happening to you, of... of losing you to the darkness that lurks in the shadows."

The older brother's words carried a weight that belied his fears, his love for Shugo shining through the protective veneer of his worries. As he spoke, his gestures were animated, his gestures punctuating each sentence with a fervor born of deep-seated concern.

Shugo listened in silence, his own emotions a tumultuous mixture of guilt and understanding swirling within him. He knew that his impromptu escapade had caused his brother undue worry, and he felt a pang of remorse at having inadvertently added to Taiga's burden.

"I'm sorry, Taiga," Shugo signed, his hands and face laced with a note of regret. "I didn't mean to cause you concern. I just needed some time to clear my thoughts, to find some peace amidst the chaos."

Taiga's expression softened at Shugo's words, his worry giving way to a flicker of understanding. He reached out a hand to rest on his brother's shoulder, a gesture of reassurance and affection that spoke volumes without the need for words.

"I know, Shugo. I know you have a lot on your mind," Taiga's voice was gentle, a soothing balm to the raw edges of Shugo's guilt. "But please, remember that you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, always. We're in this together, no matter what."

Shugo breathed, a sense of gratitude welling up within him at the unwavering support and understanding that his brother offered. In Taiga's words, he found a sense of solace—a reminder that, no matter the challenges they faced, they would always have each other to lean on, to find strength in the bond that united them.

As the tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by an air of understanding and shared resolve, Shugo and Taiga stood together in silent camaraderie. The weight of the night's events, the worries that had plagued them both, seemed to ebb away in the presence of their unbreakable bond—a bond that transcended the shadows and turmoil that surrounded them.

As the tense air between Shugo and Taiga gradually dissipated, a quiet sense of calm settled over the brothers, a fragile respite in the wake of the emotional tumult that had gripped them moments before. Taiga, his worry for Shugo still palpable in the air around them, sought to break the lingering silence with a gentle inquiry, his voice tempered with concern.

"Why were you out so late, Shugo?" Taiga's questions were soft, his eyes searching his younger brother's downturned gaze for answers.

As Shugo signed that he had gotten lost, Taiga's perceptive gaze lingered on him, a flicker of understanding crossing his features as he recognized the unspoken weight that bore down upon his brother's shoulders.

"Is it just getting lost, Shugo? Or is there something more?" Taiga's voice was gentle, his words a gentle prod, a silent plea for Shugo to share the burdens that weighed heavy on his heart.

And in that moment, as Shugo met his brother's perceptive gaze, the floodgates of emotions that he had kept tightly sealed burst open, a torrent of unspoken fears and secrets bubbling to the surface.

The weight of his nightmares, the specter of Gigantomachia's rampage haunting his every thought, the relentless echoes of his own insecurities and doubts—they converged in a tempest of emotions that threatened to consume Shugo whole. The walls he had built around his fears and vulnerabilities began to crumble, their defenses shattered by the unwavering gaze of his protective brother.

And in that vulnerable moment, faced with the overwhelming tide of his emotions, Shugo felt the dam of his composure crack, fissures of pain and turmoil seeping through the facade he had so carefully constructed. The tears that flowed down his cheeks were silent witnesses to the turmoil that raged within him, wordless confessions of the burdens he carried, too heavy to bear alone.

As the tears streamed down his face, Shugo's shoulders shook with the weight of his emotions, the facade of strength he had worn crumbling into dust. The sobs that wracked his body were a symphony of sorrow, a raw outpouring of the fears and insecurities that had long plagued his restless nights, the nightmares that had haunted his every moment.

Taiga, his heart breaking at the sight of Shugo's anguish, crossed the distance between them in swift strides, enfolding his younger brother in a warm embrace. The strength of his arms, the reassuring presence of his touch, offered a beacon of solace amidst the storm of Shugo's emotions. In that simple gesture of comfort, Taiga wordlessly conveyed his unwavering support, his unconditional love for the brother who stood before him, vulnerable and raw.

"It's okay, Shugo. Let it out," Taiga's voice was a gentle whisper, a soothing murmur that cut through the darkness of Shugo's turmoil. "You don't have to face this alone. I'm here for you, always. We'll get through this together."

And in that moment of shared vulnerability, of unspoken understanding and silent communion, Shugo felt a sense of relief wash over him, a catharsis borne of the release of his pent-up emotions. The tears that flowed freely down his cheeks were a cleansing rain, washing away the shadows that had clouded his mind and heart, leaving a shimmering clarity in their wake.

As the sobs gradually subsided, Shugo found himself enveloped in the warm embrace of his brother, the comfort of Taiga's presence a grounding force in the midst of the emotional tempest that had raged within him. In that shared moment of vulnerability, of shared grief and understanding, the bond between them deepened, strengthened by the raw honesty of their emotions.

And as they stood together, surrounded by the quiet sanctuary of their shared home, Shugo felt a newfound sense of peace settle over him. The shadows of his nightmares, the weight of his fears and insecurities, they seemed to recede into the background, replaced by the unwavering support and love that radiated from Taiga's embrace.

In that moment of shared vulnerability and unspoken confessions, Shugo knew that, no matter the challenges that lay ahead, he would always have his brother by his side, a pillar of strength and a beacon of light in the darkest of times. And as they stood together, united in their shared bond and unbreakable resolve, Shugo felt a glimmer of hope stir within him, a seed of healing planted amidst the ashes of his inner turmoil.

And in the silence that enveloped them, broken only by the steady hum of their shared breaths and the quiet comfort of their intertwined embrace, Shugo knew that, no matter the nightmares that haunted his restless nights, he would always find solace in the unwavering love and support of his brother, a steadfast companion in the tumultuous journey that lay ahead.


The next morning dawned with a sense of anticipation and excitement, the sun casting a warm glow over the city of Musutafu as Shugo prepared for his graduation from middle school. The air was alive with a sense of possibility, of new beginnings on the horizon, and as he donned his graduation robes and cap, a spark of determination ignited within him.

The prospect of trying out for U.A. High School, alongside his friends Mina and Eijiro, filled Shugo with a sense of eager enthusiasm. The renowned school for aspiring heroes held the promise of adventure and growth, of challenges to be faced and heights to be scaled. And as he made his way to the ceremony, the echoes of his tumultuous emotions from the night before began to fade into the background, replaced by a sense of hope and optimism for the future that awaited him.

As Shugo took his place among his classmates, the air was filled with a palpable sense of excitement and accomplishment. The familiar faces of his peers, the proud smiles of his teachers, all served to buoy his spirits as he prepared to take the next step in his journey towards becoming a hero.

The ceremony proceeded with a sense of ceremony and gravitas, each student taking their turn to receive their diplomas and bid farewell to their middle school years. And as Shugo's name was called, a ripple of applause and cheers echoed through the auditorium, a testament to the bonds he had forged and the milestones he had achieved in his time at the school.

As he received his diploma, a sense of pride and gratitude swelled within him, a recognition of the hard work and dedication that had brought him to this moment. And as he looked out at the faces of his friends and family in the crowd, their unwavering support a beacon of strength and encouragement, he knew that he was ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead.

After the ceremony, as the festivities continued and the air buzzed with celebration and camaraderie, Shugo found himself surrounded by his friends Mina and Eijiro, their smiles bright and infectious. The prospect of trying out for U.A. High School together filled them with a sense of shared excitement, a bond of camaraderie that strengthened their resolve and fueled their determination.

As they discussed their plans for the future, the trials and triumphs that awaited them at U.A., Shugo felt a sense of unity and purpose settle over him. The prospect of embarking on this new chapter of their journey together, of facing the challenges and honing their skills as aspiring heroes side by side, filled him with a sense of exhilaration and resolve. The support and camaraderie of his friends, the promise of new adventures and growth, all served to bolster his determination and ignite a fire of ambition within him.

As the day drew to a close and the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city, Shugo stood at the threshold of his future with a sense of optimism and determination. The trials and tribulations that awaited him at U.A. High School, the challenges and opportunities that would shape him into the hero he aspired to be, beckoned to him with a siren's call.

And as he looked towards the horizon, towards the unknown adventures that lay in wait, Shugo knew that he was ready to take on whatever challenges came his way, guided by the unwavering support of his friends and the unshakeable determination that burned within him. With a sense of excitement and anticipation coursing through his veins, he took his first step towards the future, confident in the knowledge that no matter what trials and tribulations awaited him, he would face them head-on, with courage, resilience, and an unyielding spirit that would carry him through the darkest of times.

And as he set his sights on the path that lay before him, the promise of U.A. High School shimmering like a beacon of hope in the distance, Shugo knew that he was ready to embrace the challenges and adventures that awaited him, with a heart full of determination and a soul ablaze with the fervor of a hero in the making. And with his friends by his side, their shared dreams and aspirations intertwining with his own, he knew that together, they would forge a future filled with courage, camaraderie, and the unwavering resolve to stand tall in the face of adversity, no matter what challenges lay ahead.


A/N: Hello everyone, and welcome back to Whispers of Fate. A shorter chapter this time, but in better news, we finally move onto the official plot. I'm excited to share Shugo's adventures and what changes he might bring to the table.

I've already decided (mostly) what major changes he may bring. Especially regarding Eijiro and Mina. And potentially Bakugo, because he desperately needs to be brought down a peg or two, more so in the beginning of the plot.

As always, leave a comment with stuff I can improve on.

-Vendicor: Oh she can be a handful for sure, but Shugo needs more social interactions apart from Eijiro. Thank you so much for your encouragement, I genuinely hope you're liking the story.

As always, without further ado, I bid you adieu.