"And that is why, after it is passed through the National Diet- and I know it will be the Villain Rehabilitation Act will allow former wrongdoers who wish to repent for their crimes a chance to turn over a new leaf and be reinstated to society instead of being locked up for the rest of their lives like the ineffective system of the past. Any questions?"
At the Prime Minister of Japan's closing remark, legions of reports and new journalists stood up and clamored for attention like a group of immature schoolchildren.
"Will the VRA raise taxes for the poor and middle class?"
"Prime Minister Midoriya, if the VRA goes into effect, what will happen to high-level threats like Tomura Shigaraki of the League of Villains? Surely, people like him wouldn't be allowed to roam the streets even after rehabilitation incarceration?" One reporter asked.
"That's a good question, ." The Prime Minister responded. "While he will do our utmost effort to save villains from repeating their former actions of terrorism and illegality, certain villains who cannot be fully rehabilitated or who still pose a threat will be under surveillance but be offered housing in correctional facilities. Does that answer your question?"
The reporter- a short redhead with thick-rimmed rimmed glasses- stood back down. "Yes, it does, thank you."
"Prime Minister, what about the rumors about the increase of taxes? Will the hardworking poor and middle class have to support more of Hero Society's splendor despite reforms?"
"No, Mr Kosuki, that is the opposite. Heroes and individuals who make over a certain income per year will be taxed more. Additionally, there will be limits to how much organizations and individuals can write off taxes. Paired with Uravity's Uplift Foundation, more funds will be allocated to impoverished areas and communities who need assistance."
"Thank you for answering my question, Prime Minister. "Spoke to the reporter.
"Prime Minister Midoriya, is it true that you are currently dating your appointed bodyguard, the Number Six Hero, Vine?"
Izuku's face transformed from calm to visibly annoyed. "Excuse me, but that question does not concern the contents of the meeting. Are there any more questions about the current topic?"
After answering a few more questions (and avoiding ones about his love life), Izuku exited the conference hall, escorted by his bodyguard.
Ibara Shiozaki was a woman of medium height, but more than compensated for how tall she was by sporting thick chain mail armor and a long scabbard holding her prizer sword, Tsuashi ( Sin Piercer).
"Thanks for standing guard again, Vine," he said as the two walked to a limousine caravan.
"Of course, Prime Minister. That's my job."
"You know you can call me Izuku, right? The green-haired politician asked.
"Only when I'm off duty, sir."
Izuku sighed. "Ibara, lighten up. You've been by my side for three years now. You deserve to call me by my name"
"Believe me, I know that it's been that long, but I will still respect you."
For the past three years, Vine- or Ibara Shiozaki- had been Izuku's trusted and loyal bodyguard (or something more than just a bodyguard to him, so claimed the press). After giving a speech about quirkless rights when he was the Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, a quirkist hitman nearly murdered him, but Izuku was spared when Vine showed up the recourse. She defeated the villain and protected the civilians and press with ease, so Izuku, in appreciation and awe, offered her a position as his bodyguard. She worked with him nearly every day, protecting him from all sorts of threats, from villains to mobs of frenzied fangirls (who knew politicians could be seen as heartthrobs?) Because of her hard work, Izuku paid her nicely, with paid vacation time (though she barely used it), bonuses, and a day off Sundays, (which she did enjoy).
Izuku smiled at his bodyguard. "Do you know? Well, election year is rolling right around the corner, so you might have to deal with me for another four years or so. But don't forget that I can be elected indefinitely, so who knows?"
"Only the Holy Ghost…and my patience," she muttered under her breath.
"What was that, Ibara?" he asked with a grin.
"Oh, it was nothing, Prime Minister."
As night came, Izuku relentlessly looked over the documents and reports that were sent to him from various intelligence agencies. He was burning the midnight oil, and he knew that; heavy bags lay under his eyes while a full pot of coffee sat on his desk. He wasn't alone, though; Ibara stood near the door, ready at a moment's notice to protect him.
"You should rest," she said softly. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
He chuckled. "Says the woman who never sleeps."
She stepped closer, her hand brushing his. "I worry about you."
Izuku's heart skipped a beat. "And I worry about you, Ibara."
A faint buzz-an earpiece, Izuku recognized, could be heard as Ibara opened the door. While she was his bodyguard, she also had her regular duties as a hero, like now, for instance.
"Stay safe, Ibara," Izuku called after her. "We need you."
She glanced back, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Always, Prime Minister."
Hushed whispers filled the Hero Gala ballroom as the Prime Minister of Japan and the Number Seven hero and his wife, Vine, entered the room. Conversations and small talk stopped immediately as the power couple entered through the doors, though both quickly resumed after a few moments.
The annual Hero Gala brought the Top 100 heroes, important politicians, and influential individuals together all in one place to celebrate the accomplishments achieved by high-ranking members of society. Originally, the purpose of the Gala was to recognize the efforts of the then-underpaid (or most cases, not paid at all) and underappreciated heroes of the time, but as hero society evolved, the event came to symbolize opulence and prestige; anyone who was anyone attended the event, though one could only go to the event via an invitation.
Many heroes, celebrities, and figures chatted around the room, while a third of the room hosted a dining room manned by world-renowned chefs. Finally, an expansive ballroom dance floor occupied the center-left section overlooked by a large stage for speeches.
Izuku wore a tailored custom-designed tuxedo (he wanted to wear his 'fancy' shirt that was labeled as a 'dress shirt' ', but Ibara vetoed it), and Ibara looked stunning in an emerald gown.
After talking to a few acquaintances-namely the Number One Hero, Genesis, and Secretary of Heroics Reform Akaguro, the two made it to an elegant dance floor as a waltz started to play. Izuku extended his hand."May I have this dance, Vine?"
Ibara gave him a slight smile and took his hand. "Of course, Prime Minister."
They danced, their steps perfectly synchronized to each other's rhythms and the beat of the waltz-Izuku believed it was the Blue Danube. The surrounding crowd seemed mesmerized by the dancing couple. It almost seemed like instead of dancing together, they were dancing as one.
As the music swirled around them, Ibara leaned in closer to Izuku. "You know, I fell for you long before you became Prime Minister."
Izuku's eyes widened. "You did?"
She nodded. "Yes. When you were the Governor of Shizuoka, you pushed for many issues that most have not in the past. Villain reform, the Quirkless Rights Acts bill, and recognition and appreciation of religious minorities throughout Japan." Ibara looked extra grateful at the last one. "Additionally, I felt your kindness, compassion, and earnestness all through your speeches and actions."
"Thank you, Ibara. To create a better Japan after the Paranormal Liberation War, we have to rebuild it from the ground up, brick by brick. That includes human rights, environmental protection, and everything else in between." He smiled as they swayed around. "Together, with me spearheading nationwide reforms, and you leading other heroes into saving heroes but just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, we can leave Japan a better country than we were born. How does that sound?"
She rested her head on his shoulder. "We make a formidable team, Prime Minister."
He chuckled. "Call me Izuku."
She smiled. "Only when we're off duty."