I never really liked heroes.

They always seemed fake, selfish, and arrogant, and most of the time I've been proven right.

Yes, there are some with a genuine heart, but the bad far outweighs the good.

They're supposed to save lives, not fight for fame or ranking.

Sickening.

And they wonder why I did the things I did, it's not like they would be any better. So what if it was against the law? I did what I needed to do because I felt it was necessary, to make up for the flaws of the hero society.

Now then, that type of talk is rather ambitious, but that's how I truly felt.

Especially when I was a vigilante.

However, was it just an excuse? A way for me to focus my anger, fear, and resentment into the villains that crossed my path? How much of it was done with a sense of righteousness instead of a sense of rage? Sadness? Loneliness?

Was I truly any different?

I did things I regretted, but one of the things I really did, was getting involved in the NY Incident, the nation wide conspiracy. Had I not...

I am shaken out of my inner thoughts when I look inside my brand new oven to see a good looking pizza.

You gotta go, inner demons, I'm making pizza here.

I get it out of the oven, making sure to inspect it, making sure the old world pepperoni was crisp and curled up. I boxed it up and put it forth to the customer, receiving my pay. I look across the area, loving the newness it had. After I cashed a... Suitable check from that Mirko person, I was able to fix up the damage and do some slight renovations to the place.

So all's well it ends well, right?

That is when the door is slammed open, making everyone inside quiet. As the person was revealed to be... Mirko, the No. 5 hero.

Shit.

The crowd inside whispered to themselves, taking pictures of the illustrious hero.

And she walked... Straight to me?

Man I should've used my quirk.

She marched up right up to my counter, looking up at me.

I could only hope she only wanted an order.

"How can I help you?" I said, acting as if this woman couldn't kick my head off.

"I know what you are, dipshit!" She said.

"Huh?"

"Don't 'huh?' me, bastard!"

"Do we have to do this in front of the customers?" I said, motioning towards the wide eyed civilians in here. She looked, before she humphed and grabbed my shirt and drug me to the back?

I'm glad I didn't have anything in the oven...

"Was that really necessary?"

She seemed to grow angry, getting a tick mark on her head.

"Don't act so innocent now, stupid! I know what you did in here that one day!"

"Oh really?"

"Yes really!"

Fuck, she probably saw the cam footage herself. I would assume so, since it was her fight and everything.

"No normal person fights like that, I thought, but when I dug around, I found that you aren't a normal person at all!" She said. Did all heroes have the authority to just see into other's lives? Creepy.

"I asked my agent to investigate for me, only to find that you have little to no information on ya, only that you were born in New York! So let me ask you this... What the hell are you trying to do!?" She said with a steely glare.

"What do you mean?" I said, slightly curious myself.

"What? You telling me that doesn't sound suspicious? With skills like that and with nothing on you, who knows, you could be another bastard villain!"

Ahhh, I see what she is getting at, that's actually well thought out...

"Please, I'm just the pizza guy around here. I wouldn't hurt a fly. So what if I learned a little bit of combat, it's for self defense."

"Little bit my ass! That was a fucking ass whooping, not self defense!"

Ok, true, but damn.

"I'll fucking figure it out, I got my eye on you, I ain't gonna let you just slip under my fucking eyes shit head!"

"You can look, but you'll find nothing. I'm just a guy at the end of the day. Your wasting your time on me, don't you have villains to fight?"

"I'm on my lunch break..."

"And you came to see me? I'm flattered.~"

She sputtered, before replying.

"Wha- hell no! I'm just trying to stop a potential villain from fucking shit up!" She said, shoving her finger into my face when she said "potential villain".

"So is that why your so stuck on me?"

"Huh!? I ain't stuck on you, the hell?" She said a little too defensively.

"But you come in here, and pull me to the back where no one else is at... What're you really trynna do?" I said with a smirk.

She turned red as she growled in anger. Heh, got her.

"I already told you, I should just fuck you up already!"

"You can't hurt an innocent, miss hero." I laughed a bit at her furious expressions.

"Fucking whatever, just know that I got my eye on you bitch!" She said menacingly. Rude, but hey, she did pay for my stuff. She walked off, hopping over the counter. Damn, does she have any semblance of decency?

I pried my eyes away from her retreating figure to notice the people immediately pulled out their phones again, texting and taking pictures of the hero... And me?

It better not be what I think it is.

She launched herself away as many of the customers just looked at me.

"Hey! What are y'all looking at!?" I yelled, thankfully making them turn away and silencing them.

What the hell was all of that about?

This better not lead to anything stupid...

~~~~~

[Mirko POV]

I left the bitch's shop as I went on about my patrolling, jumping on top of the buildings to get a better look around.

That Jason guy... Who the hell is he.

He had nothing on him, and if anything the stuff that was there seemed fabricated, and that camera footage... Nobody just fights like that! So what if it was cool as hell!

Damn, if only I could beat his ass...

I gotta keep an eye on him, I don't know what his deal is but he is hiding something. Something big.

And I'll be there to stop it, as I always do!

...

I wonder if he serves salads...

~~~~~

[Jason POV]

I sighed as I finally closed up, I looked towards the TV in the corner of the place.

I wish I didn't.

I think it was turned to some news drama shit. Kinda like some radio show. The woman on there took plastic surgery to hell and back, it seems.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, do I have a story for you. Now, think about this one, the common, tough man running his own, small, pizza shop, and the fierce and fiery No. 5 hero! That's what we have today, everyone."

Oh no.

What the hell.

The show transitioned to show pictures of her talking to me at the counter and then her dragging me into the back.

"It would seem the untamable Mirko has finally met her match! Ho ho ho!" She said with her snobby laugh as all the co hosts did as well.

No.

No fucking way.

"This one is a looker, can't blame her!"

"Yes, nice looking and rugged... Look at his scars!"

It then showed a close up of my face...

"Well, this man seemed to have done the impossible-" I immediately turned the TV off in utter disappointment.

I can't believe it. No way.

I slowly breathed in through my nose and out my mouth, trying to calm myself down.

My long desired privacy was practically broken, now with my face all over the fucking internet. Thankfully my past is kept under wraps, but that was crazy. I didn't want to end up on some stupid fucking show!

I groaned as I heard another knock on the door, seeing Yamada with a massive grin. As far as I know, he didn't see the camera footage.

"What Yama-"

"YO! DID YOU SEE THE DAILY SHOW!?" he screamed in my fucking ear.

"Yes I have seen it, quit the fucking yelling!"

"Dude, Mirko? Why'd she get up all on you like that!? Oh wait, I do know!"

Oh fuck.

"I've seen the tape, listener, you used your quirk! And fought the villain! Since I was the one of those who were selected to watch you, I would totally see that of course!" He said, jabbing a finger at my face.

"However! Since I'm such a cool, nice, and understanding guy, I see you were simply defending yourself and your property!"

Despite how fucking annoying this guy is, at least he gets it.

"Just remember to ask for help if you see anything going on, okay!?"

"Sure..."

"Now then!" He said, planting a fist in his palm.

"You? Mirko? Hmm... I can see it!"

"See what? Seen how she was gonna kick my ass?"

"Ha! I can see the tension! The emotion! The lov-" I immediately grab the collar of his jacket, shaking the doofus around.

"Can you shut up with that!? My face is now on FUCKING TV!!! Aren't I supposed to be shrouded in confidentiality!?" I asked rightfully.

"Ah, don't worry so much! Besides, there was only so much we can do... The power of the people and the tabloids is insane..." He muttered to himself, a hand on his chin.

"And also, I doubt that anyone would come after you, they already had captured the villains in New York a while back! No enemies to worry about!" He said with a smile and a thumbs up.

"And if they do come, we will protect you-"

"I don't think I'd want you to protect me, you'd kill me with your voice before anyone else..."

He visibly deflated at my jab at him.

"Look I try my best ok?"

"Well you can do that while not bursting my eardrums. Whatever, now I got to think about what I'm gonna do about this..." I massaged my forehead, feeling a headache coming.

"What if this brings more attention to me? Heroes or villains?"

"Villains I'm not sure, but heroes... Perhaps, considering we're an altogether association. But your situation is wrapped up pretty tight... But even then, some keep other things from others so..." He answered semi-seriously.

"Well, you heroes better help me out with this shit, or I swear to GOD!"

"Don't you worry about a thing, Mendoza-kun! We promise this won't harm you in any way!"

"Cool, can you leave?"

"Ah, well it is about that time, goodbye listener!" He said, frolicking out of my restaurant.

Fuck my life.

~~~~~

I wake up much more grumpy than usual, how could I not after yesterday...

I did my normal routine, got a visit from Aizawa, and started off the day around 11 pm to the crowd of people.

Hol up, crowd?

I assumed right as I saw much more people than I usually see... And reporters?

Don't tell me...

"... Is it my birthday or something?"

"Excuse me, sir! Are you the one who the No. 5 hero, Mirko talked to?"

"No comment."

"How was your experience with her?"

"No. Comment."

"The people must know!"

"They don't need to know a damn thing! I'm just the pizza guy, shit. Now if you want a pie or a slice, you better come in!" I said, trying to take advantage of this amount of people. I may be a one man band here, but with motivation, I'll as right as rain.

The news crew talked amongst themselves.

"I mean I'm kinda hungry..."

"Isn't it a little too early for that?"

"It's never to early for pizza." I like that guy.

"Why not? We already covered a couple things today?"

"Ah... Sure." Said the head hancho. I infered that they would try to learn more about me by seeing me work.

Alright, let's get started. I looked across the seating area as a took my first order. It wasn't just the news crew, but new people overall. Most of them just sending looks at me or whatever. I didn't mind, they obviously couldn't look away from my handsome face. I hope this doesn't get out of hand however.

Maybe a peek wouldn't hurt.

I activated my quirk.

...

Alright, I'm in the clear. I set aside the dough, and began working. The crew just wanted a classic pepperoni, while a group wanted one of those and a sausage.

I spread out the dough with precision, putting the sauce and cheese on, and then the pepperoni, putting my signature garlic butter along the crust for that little flavor. I chuck that thing into the oven as I start my next batch.

~~~~~

It came to about midday at this point. The crew tried asking me questions, so I answered with the most vague or the most stupid response.

"Why did you start a pizza shop?"

"I like pizza."

"... I see, then where are you from? Surely you must've brought this type of cuisine from somewhere else."

"Not here."

"... Anywhere specifically?"

"Anywhere that's not here."

"Ah..." The guy groaned out, putting down the microphone.

As they left, the blonde female reporter wrote something down on a piece of paper, scurrying over to me in a whisper.

"Here's my number, call me sometime..." She said with a flush.

"Miwa! Stop flirting and come on."

"Ah, coming! Uh, call me!" She said as she left.

I examined the paper, putting it in my pocket. Glad to know I still got it.

Heh.

I bet my brother would be proud of me.

I wish he could see me now.

~~~~~

Villains.

A lot of them sucked, but some of them were complicated...

It is those that are affected by the status quo and the injustices placed upon them that make them turn to the other side of the coin. Many didn't know how much it took for someone to get pushed over the edge. Usually it's the mutation quirk users that turn to villainy, mainly due to the ridicule and assumptions for their appearance.

And it could take just. One. Day. One bad day, one bad event that could just really fuck up someone in the head. One bad day that just makes someone... Let go.

We never know who these people are, the media doesn't care, they just want to see the big fights that happens. It's all about money and fame at the end of the day. Sickening, like worms crawling towards a corpse.

Several villains are indeed rotten to the core, deciding to take out their pleasures on the people around them, causing chaos, death, and destruction.

Or it could just be someone trying to live.

Someone who is trying their best for their families.

Someone who is hated by society, so they hate back.

There wasn't a simple black or white.

Hate is a very strong thing, very strong. Too strong.

I had my fair share of it, especially during that time.

Especially when my own brother was killed right in front of me.

It was that same day when I had killed someone for the first time.

I was shooken out of my thoughts to see some new customers come in. I could see it that it was a small family. The bespectacled, brown haired man led the pack as the seemingly mother and son were... Arguing?

What the hell...

"Um, hey! Uh..."

Take your time pal.

"Can we get-"

"Give us the spiciest shit you got!!" I look to see a spiky haired, blond teen. I could already tell that he's a handful.

"Katsuki! Don't yell you brat!" She said, smacking the boy upside the head.

"You old hag, don't fucking hit me!"

"I won't if you stop being a little brat!"

The poor husband only sighed. Damn, I feel you. I was a little pissed off though, how dare that boy talk to his mom like that? I know if I ever did that... I wouldn't be on this planet right now...

"What's your order?" I asked, as I still haven't gotten a request.

"Hmm, let's see... How about this? All of us have a real good taste for spice!" He said with a smile. How did a nice guy like him end up with her? Eh, I don't question it.

"The Fiery Chili Pizza, huh? That things spicy, even for me. To go, or dine in?"

"Dine in..." The man said with a sigh. I could tell that he was tired.

"Name?"

"Bakugo Masaru..." Oh yeah, the last name is usually pronounced first.

"Shut up you stupid bitch!" The boy said to his mother.

Alright now.

"Kid, you shouldn't be yelling at your own mother like that." I offhandedly said. He quickly turned at me with a glare, marching up towards the counter.

"What did you say to me!?"

"I said you should stop cussing at your mom, kid." I said, hoping he would get it.

"You don't tell me what to do, you old ass!"

I didn't want to, but he gave me the inch, so I'll fucking take the mile.

"Whoa now, control yourself little man, don't need ya spitting all over the counter here..."

"Eh? I don't give a shit about your shitty counter!?"

"How about you give a shit about your hair, talk about nappy headed here."

"What!?"

I might be getting a little carried away, but this would be funny, trust me.

"The next thing you'll say is, 'Who are you even talking to, you old man!?'"

"Who are you even talking to, you old man!? Wait, what?"

The mother would've jumped in by now, but I could see her holding her laughter.

"Stop that shit, weirdo!" We both said at the same time, much to his immense anger.

"Damn, you're predictable. You're like a little dog, tryna act all tough, but you're just a small little guy. Now why don't you be a good boy and sit down somewhere, yeah? Before you get burned as dry as your ashy ass. Or do you want to keep getting violated?"

The mom began howling with laughter as even the husband stifled one. The Katsuki kid looked incredibly furious.

"This... This ain't over..." He said, still recovering from being served.

"Please, this was already over from the start. Now run along." I said with a smirk as the boy had to be dragged away from me by his parents. The mother looked over her shoulder and gave me a smirk and a thumbs up.

Did I regret arguing with a child? Absolutely not. If his parents weren't around it would've been worse. I'm just petty like that.

I get to work on their order, rolling out the dough and putting on my spicy marinara sauce first, following some classic mozzarella, and topping it with spiced red chilies, pepper flakes, along with just some extra spicy pepperoni and I chucked it into the oven, working on other customers orders.

I got it out to witness the gut-churning creation I had made.

I placed it onto the table with a smirk, feeling the boy's furious gaze on me.

"Here y'all go, hope you guys like it." I said before leaving off.

~~~~~

[Katsuki POV]

Fucking bastard!

Bitch!

Pussy!

Stupid Motherfucker!

I'll get his fucking ass, embarrassing me like that!

I take a bite of his dumb pizza...

...

SO WHAT IF ITS FUCKING GOOD!?!?

Damn it, this guy made some good ass spicy shit, I can't deny that...

Why the hell did mom want to come here!? Just for "something new"!?

The only new thing I got was getting my ass verbally DUNKED ON!

This shit ain't over, you bastard, I'll be fucking back! You don't fuck around with the future No. 1 hero!

~~~~~

[Jason POV]

I could feel the boy's gaze burning holes into me as he ate. I almost laughed, it was funny.

Aftet that family ate, they went up to me at the counter.

"We just want to say thank you for that, it was a lot better then what we thought it would be!" The mother said. I'm flattered, putting that thing on the menu was a risk.

"No problem, you guys have a good day now!" I said, offering a wink towards the Katsuki kid glaring at me, only fueling his anger further.

Thankfully, his parents wrestled him out of here. I have a feeling this wasnt the last time I would see him...

After a while, it was the end of a rather successful day. There was a lot more than usual, but I was able to manage, I sat on a booth, writing down ideas.

Ideas for what, you may ask, it's for the menu. Truthfully it's something I should have been added to the menu.

Bread sticks.

Either garlic or cheese, I think they'd be good as hell.

With that I decided I went to work on shutting down on the rest of the shop until I heard a knock. I looked to see Aizawa and Tsukauchi here again. I'm hoping it isn't anything bad...

I matched up and opened the door.

"And what do you two jokers need at this time of day?"

"Nothing much, we need to discuss a few things, like your potential future release." Tsukauchi assured.

Ok, that definitely piqued my interest.

"Well, come on in then!" I said, opening it wider for them. Aizawa gave me a curt nod, I can tell who is going to do most of the talking right now.

We sat at a booth, as Tsukauchi started pulling out some papers.

"The committee agreed that it was an act of self defense, as if you didnt do what you did, you most likely would've died, the villains grip strenght would be enough to dent cars, so imagine that on a human body." He said offhandedly as if it was not big fucking deal. Thanks Tsukauchi.

"And also, the topic of your release was discussed as well. I'm sure you understand, based off of what happened out there. They're mostly looking at what you did. We can't forget about the things you would do to some villains..."

"They deserved it, you know they did!"

"I do, but not everyone else thinks the same. A lot still see you as a crazed vigilante, waiting to be released, while others seem to want to throw you a bone here, so it's largely undecided. If you give it more time, and behave your best, there shouldn't be much holding you back. Hell, you're practically confined here, thought I doubt it's not much of a prison."

"I suppose you're right. Yeah I'll admit, I did some things that I shouldn't have, but sometimes I had no choice... And plus when they came it went to shit, so I had to act.

"And that's the thing. Without your effort they would've been successful with their plans, which is something the committee took into account too."

"The Crypt..."

"Yeah. The super villain team. Strong as all hell, but it was crazy reading about this. Vigilantes and heroes teaming up to fight them, it was a full scale war."

I remember it all too well.

The Crypt, a self proclaimed contender for the strongest there ever is, and they were definitely strong when together. There were about 4 members in total, each wielding devastating powers or such cunning it would put batman to shame. It wasn't just them, it was their followers too, I think the numbers excedded thousands.

The attack was swift and brutal, casting all of NYC into flames and rubble, along with other parts apparently inside the New England area of the U.S.

And I was caught right in the middle.

"Well, listen Jason. I just want to tell you that there's more leaning for you than the opposite. I'll let you know if there's any more developments." The detective said, before breaking out into a grin.

"Mirko? Huh, Jason? Didn't really expect that-"

"Shut up. Just shut up." I said with a groan, I'm tired of hearing about it.

He laughed a bit, taking in the dispair on my face. Bastard.

"Look, anything else you got to say?"

"Not much. How's the leg?"

"It's alright, nothing crazy. I'm glad it healed up nicely.

"That I can agree with. It's about time we take our leave." He said as the two got up.

"Don't do anything stupid." Aizawa said. That's the first thing you say to me, Aizawa? Prick.

"Yeah yeah, y'all take care now." I said as they left.

I sighed out. Haven't really thought about that in a while. Scary times, I tell you, facing off against a damn near army of people.

Luckily my quirk helped a lot.

I still haven't really told you, huh?

My quirk?

Up till now, you probably have a good guess at what it is, so I guess I give y'all something to chew on.

My quirk is called... Epitaph.

The ability to see into the future.

~~~~~

And that's a wrap! In really enjoying myself with this story, I can't wait for the other stuff I plan to put in. We now finally see Jason's quirk, and what it does.

But it doesn't mean that that's all there is to it...

And some developments are happening with Mirko as well.

And who knows how Jason would be released. The heroes might need some... Help in the future.

Anyways, thanks for reading and don't forget to vote for this story! Buh bye ;)