Upon This Broken Rock, I Shall Build the World Ender.
About half an hour later of following Enoshima, they finally found themselves at what apparently was their destination.
Its open entrance was a metallic grey hallway lined up with fluorescent blue lights giving it that futuristic vibe they were clearly intending for their spatial theme. At least that was Izuku's assumption, what with the outlet's name in big bold yellow letters being Big Bang Burger, with a burger in the shape of an oval spaceship just above.
Just to make sure though, Izuku decided to confirm it with Enoshima "So this is where are we going, right?"
"Yepperoni! I thought it was good to indulge us one last time before we begin our new diet" That made sense…wait, we? Was she talking in third person again? "Anyways, I know it is kinda late to ask this, but did you bring some money?"
He will ask what she meant by that later, for now… "Ah, you shouldn't worry about that, Enoshima" Izuku reassured, although he couldn't help getting embarrassed by what he said next "When I told my mom I was going to be late because I was hanging out with a friend, she, um, thought it was appropriate I received some extra allowance in advance just in case" …With some 'More like a fountain of' tears in between, forgot to add Izuku.
Of course, he kept to himself what else his mother told him.
My baby has a friend! Ah, I'm so happy…Izuku! Make sure to invite this person for dinner within the next days. The sooner you do, the better! And don't worry, I will make sure to have prepared extra Katsudon when they come. This is worth celebrating!
At least until later…and to stall when Enoshima could come home as much as possible. He had to prepare his mom 'And himself…' beforehand after all.
Izuku can only imagine how his mother would react if she were to see his friend was a girl…and one as pretty as Enoshima at that. The far-from-small possibility that she would begin to make crazy assumptions out loud about the true deep of his relationship with Enoshima was a terrifying thought.
"Oh, is that so? She sounds like a charm of a woman" She had never shown any hint of being the type of person to be bothered by stuff like his mom lending him some money or her having an emotional burst in the process, but it was still reassuring to hear Enoshima confirm so with her own words. That added some extra points to the already high opinion he had of her "Besides, I just wanted to make sure. In case you weren't prepared I woulda lend ya some cash anyways. I mean, there's nothing wrong with a girl paying these days, y'know~?"
"Y-Yeah…" So he said, but he would still have felt terrible at having Enoshima covering up anything for him all because he didn't had the forethought to be properly prepared.
"Welp, we have dilly-dallied enough as far as I'm concerned, so how about making our bellies go big bang, eh?"
That…was a terrible joke.
Of course, Izuku didn't had it in him to point it out. Rather, he merely gave Enoshima an awkward nod before both of them made their way inside the establishment.
By the time they did so, the last batch of clients ahead of them were already on their way to pick up a table, fortunately allowing them to be immediately addressed by the employee behind the counter.
With a practiced smile, the female cashier addressed them "Welcome to Big Bang Burger! Open twenty-four hours a day because there isn't anything like day or night at space! Would you guys be interested in participating in the Big Bang Challenge?"
"Big Bang Challenge?" Raising his brows in curiosity, Izuku was the first one of the two to speak "What is that?"
If the woman in front of him was bothered by his question, she did a perfect job in hiding it "Oh, you guys are imparting on your first journey through the galaxy of salty yet also sweet meat and crunchy fries? Then let me do a brief explanation! The Big Bang Challenge is an individual contest in which you daring traveler will compete against the galactic contenders our menu has to offer. Each one bigger than the other with each success! Seeing that this is your first time, you would begin with the Cosmic Burger! Do you believe in having what it takes for this challenge?"
Those were quite a lot of space-related terms. They truly were intended of sticking to their theme, weren't they? "So, uh, just out of curiosity…What does this Cosmic Burger look like?"
"Well, that would be…" The woman trailed off for a moment. Then, her eyes gleamed with recognition at something somewhere within the tables "Ah! That young man over there is just about to start one of them. So long as you can consume it without the use of your quirk as an advantage, you are free to participate too!"
The mention of a quirk would've stung if Izuku wasn't overwhelmed by shock the moment he saw where the cashier was pointing at.
Sitting in one of the corners by the window, was a teenager with messy black hair and glasses, with his only company being…a black cat?
That pets were allowed here would've become some food for thought if it weren't because what truly had his attention was the monster of a burger the boy was about to eat. Sure, it was a single-stack cheeseburger, and it was accompanied by a drink to help pass down the food…but the whole thing occupied half the table!
That's the easiest one!?
"Hmmm, meh, doesn't seem like a big deal…" Enoshima said nonchalantly "Why don't ya give it a chance, Zuzu?"
"W-What are you saying, Enoshima!? I would explode before finishing half of it!"
"Eh, are you sure don't wanna give it a try? Not even for me~?"
Guh!
"Y-Yeah, I...I-I'm pretty sure about this one!" Izuku then rapidly turned to the cashier before Enoshima got any other strange ideas "Um, w-we won't take on the Big Bang Challenge, miss!"
Clearly a professional in her job, the woman at the counter continued as if the exchange between the teenagers in front of her didn't happened at all "That's a shame. In that case, are you interested in our couple-exclusive combo: The Honeymoon Trip?"
C-C-Couple-exclusive combo!? "No no! E-E-E-Enoshima and I, w-we aren't―"
"Honeymoon Trip? What does it include?"
…
…
…
…Eh?
While his mind was reeling with the fact that Enoshima was not only not rejecting the cashier's misunderstanding, but also furtherly prodding about what caused it in the first place, the employee wasted no time in replying to her question "Ah, you see, our offer includes two moon burgers, two Saturn fries and a pair of supernova sodas, only that with the Honeymoon Trip discount its price goes down as if you were only paying for a single one of each!"
It was pretty decent for a discount, Izuku could admit that…but it was only for couples! There's no way they could― "Sounds great! We will have that!"
…Huh?
"Excellent! That would be 1600 yen, please!" HUH!?
"B-B-But…you…me…b-but…" Shaking his head so he could regain his bearings and stop this before it got out of control, Izuku turned to his friend with growing panic "W-Wait a moment, Enoshima! W-We, uh, w-we aren't―"
"Zuzu!" Enoshima exclaimed, in a strangely stern yet cute tone of voice while doing a pout of all things "I know ya can be quite shy, but this isn't the time to act on it and deny what we have. Understood? Now don't make the nice lady wait and pay up, alright?"
W-What…we…have…?
Izuku didn't knew at which moment it happened, but somewhere in between what Enoshima was saying, his brain short-circuited.
The last thing he remembers though, was a single thought that developed in his mind before losing it.
Enoshima…she can be terrifying sometimes.
By the time he regained consciousness, the cashier was already done registering their order before handing him the change.
"Alright, please take any of the tables available and wait for your food. It will be ready to be served at the speed of light…Oh, and enjoy your Honeymoon!"
To the surprise of no one, Izuku let out a squeak at that.
"Thank ya, will do~!" And Enoshima wasn't helping at all!
Still, it wasn't until they were out of earshot that Izuku hissed at her "W-W-W-What w-was that about!?"
"Hm? Oh, that was me getting us food at a killer price. Pretty smart, isn't it?" Enoshima admitted with a bold smile.
"I-I know that! B-but…uh, t-the cashier, she…s-she could get the wrong idea…"
Something flashed through Enoshima's face for a fraction of a section, though faster than Izuku could get an idea of what was it, the strawberry blonde spoke up "Meh, who cares about what some person we won't meet ever again thinks of us? There's her opinion and then, up above, what we know is true. That's what truly matters at the end of everything, doesn't it?"
"I-I…I guess so…" Ignore what others said of you…it was easier said than done. At least it was for Izuku, considering he had been judged by people almost since he learned to walk. Not only with harsh words, mind you. As Kacchan had explicitly demonstrated, getting those opinions through physical means wasn't out of the table either.
Of course, Enoshima could allow that pragmatic way of thinking with such confidence, she's not the quirkless one here…
Izuku's eyes widened and his stomach twisted with shame when he came to his senses and recognized the horrible thought he just had for his friend.
What…what was that about…?
"Regardless, don't think too hard about it, yeah? For now, let's focus on getting a seat before they are done with our food"
Hoping to somewhat clear his mind in the process, Izuku hurriedly nodded at the blue-eyed girl before getting on the lockout of an appropriate spot.
Thankfully it didn't took him long to find one, with some of his composure recovering in the process when he did so.
On just the opposite corner from where that black-haired boy from earlier was consuming his food, which surprisingly enough was already a third away from finishing it 'H-How!? It hasn't been more than three minutes!', there was a spot available. What made it special though, was that it was filled with memorabilia related to Thirteen, the Space Hero!
There were pictures and newspapers attached to its sage green walls, with even a real size cartoon figure of the Pro-hero with some of her catchphrases on text bubbles just beside the table!
Without thinking twice about it, and quickly forgetting what had him so concerned a moment ago, he turned to his friend with an excited look on his face "Enoshima! Quickly, let's sit over there!"
A moment before he could enter into panic mode once he realized how he was acting in front of her, Enoshima spoke with a shrug and a smile "Sure thing, I don't see why not?"
Thanking for the umpteenth time his fortune at having someone like Enoshima as a friend, he took her consent for granted and hurried up, with the strawberry blonde following close behind.
After taking his seat, Enoshima did the same on the opposite side…and that was about it. With neither of them having something to say.
"So!" For three seconds more or less "Tell me about yourself, Zuzu"
"Huh?" Was the smartest response Izuku could come up with.
Enoshima apparently deemed it enough to elaborate on what she was talking about "I mean, is good and all that we have made our oaths in camaraderie official, but having an understanding of each other would be a plus, wouldn't it? Communication is essential after all. Otherwise, you could stump with I dunno, the physical incarnation of despair or something crazy like that, and it would go past you! Wouldn't that be terrifying?"
Leave it to Enoshima to make the strangest of comparisons.
Putting that aside though…
Being put on the spot was admittedly making him a tad self-conscious. Still, Enoshima already knew most of the things people were the most judgmental about and hadn't been bothered by any of it so far.
That in itself gave him the necessary push to go with her request "A-Alright then…" Steeling his nerves one more time, the green-haired boy continued once he felt confident enough "Well, I am Izuku Midoriya, fourteen years old, I live in Musutafu with my mom. I go to Aldera Junior High…but, uh, you already knew that, didn't you? Haha…" Honestly, the only reason he wasn't further panicking was because of Enoshima's encouraging smile telling him he still had a chance to correct this mess of a presentation "I, um, my favorite food is boiled Katsudon, and I guess I can be considered a big hero fanboy. While my interest in them goes for them in general, I admit I have some favorites. There's, um, Thirteen, as you might have noticed, hehe…uh, there's also Eraserhead, and of course, there's obviously the number one hero! All…Might…"
…
…Was he just imagining things or did the mention of his idol didn't come with the reverence he initially expected? That's weird, why would that be the―
"All Might, huh?" His eyes widened in realization when he saw how the mention of the number one hero had apparently soured Enoshima's mood, making her develop a conflicted look on her face.
That's…that's right. How could he forget that he met Enoshima on that very day? On the very same date where that incident took place. When he and All Might…
I'm sorry, kid…
The very same day when his idol put an end to his dreams…only for Enoshima picking up the pieces, putting them together, and then bringing them back to him as whole as they could be.
Sure, Izuku would be lying if he told himself that the Symbol of Peace wasn't still the hero he looked up to the most. Even if in retrospect it truthfully wasn't with the same fervor as before 'That the last two weeks I haven't thought of getting new merchandise of him should be telling enough about that…', but again, given the circumstances in which they met, it makes sense that Enoshima wouldn't be the biggest fan of that declaration.
He didn't even attempt to fight the guilt that caused him "I-I…I'm sorry Enoshima, it's just…"
"Nah, it's cool. You don't have anything to apologize for, Zuzu. Regardless of…what happened that day" Even without getting into specifics, Izuku couldn't resist wincing "I guess it makes sense you still hold some respect for the big guy" Enoshima said, although her expression was still filled with mixed emotions "However, and although it isn't precisely related to him, seeing that we are touching this territory…there is something I want to ask you"
It was interesting how the sensation of both relief and wariness felt when they occurred at the same time. While grateful that they were moving from talking of All Might 'And wasn't that a crazy thought? If someone had told me that I would have been glad for that more than two weeks ago, I would've given them a weird look', he couldn't hide his reservations at what Enoshima was saying "Sure, I…I guess it's okay…"
"Alright, then…" Her expression was still somber, but that didn't detain Enoshima from sending him a grateful nod "It's about that thug of Bakugo. Why do you call him Kacchan? Sounds like a way too kind of a nickname for a cretin like him if ya ask me"
Saying that topic was uncomfortable for Izuku would be the same as saying he had a passion for quirks. Both were true by a wide margin. Worst of all was that the only surprising part about Enoshima bringing it up was that she took the consideration of doing so until they were out of earshot from any familiar faces.
That didn't mean it was easy though. As the silence drawled on following Enoshima's inquiry, he could hear the beating of his own heart, how his hands clenched and unclenched, and even the beats of sweat threatening to trail down. All of them that it was more likely than not he would end up clamming up from giving any answers.
And yet, when he looked at the blue-as-sky orbs of the person in front of him, carrying no intention of pressuring him into anything along with a smile, that while it had hints of concern, was filled with all the patience in the world, for him and only him…Izuku knew he couldn't keep this particular detail about his life a secret, not to her at least. If it wasn't addressed now under controlled circumstances, it will eventually do so in a position he most likely would regret in the future for allowing happening in the first place. Today's encounter between Enoshima and Kacchan, in which the former didn't cower at the might of the latter under no circumstances, already gave him a glimpse of something he would prefer to avoid.
So, with that in mind and after gathering his thoughts while calming himself down, he looked up at Enoshima "Y-You see, the truth is that Kacchan and me…we used to be childhood friends. I guess you could say that I've known him since I have memory, perhaps even before that. We…we used to do everything together. From playing heroes and villains, not missing when every time a big pro appeared on the news, all the way to acquiring collections of our favorite heroes whenever we could" His lips twitched up at the remembrance of that. Of those times when their mutual goal of becoming Heroes wasn't some sort of a personal offense to the ashen-blonde "More or less that would be it. Kacchan had been an important part of my life, so the nickname has kind of, uh, stuck with me"
When Izuku was done with his explanation and looked up at Enoshima, he was concerningly surprised to see that rather than a look of understanding, she had her eyebrows furrowed even further.
With that same wary expression, she spoke up "I…see. And if I am getting this right, it was around the same time that he came up with the Deku nickname for you, am I wrong?"
It was merely a passing mention, she obviously wasn't at any moment addressing him like that…but the moment the word Deku came out of Enoshima's mouth, something twisted and uncomfortable crawled up all the way through his body. His arms itching to the point the skin itself was becoming uncomfortable. The walls suddenly getting so oppressive to such a degree that his chest hurt, feeling how his lungs begged for some liberty. Meanwhile, his stomach was becoming a volcano, making it all too tempting to hurry the waitress up. Not for their food, but for the refreshments so he could appease the inferno raging inside him.
All of this transpired just in the span of a few seconds. As soon as they happened, he could already feel those aforementioned symptoms receding to the point of unrecognition. Nevertheless, the memories of them lingered for a while longer. Enough that whatever that was about, it made one thing crystal clear for Izuku.
He hoped with all his might that Enoshima would never desire to call him like that.
Wanting to forget of that weird and uncomfortable feeling, he hurriedly addressed Enoshima "N-No, you aren't wrong. He, erm, he has always called me like that, but…um, why do you ask?"
There was nothing wrong with asking that much…right?
"Weeell…" Enoshima didn't look nervous, but it was just as weird seeing how cautious she was acting "…We haven't known each other for that much, and it's not my place what you should do with your life…still, don'tcha think it's wrong to hold him in such high esteem?"
"Eh?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming ya or anything" Enoshima reassured, even if that wasn't precisely what was worrying him "It's just that, former childhood friend or not, I don't feel like a detriment in your dream like him deserves your appreciation"
…
…
…
…A…what…?
If Enoshima didn't had his attention before 'She obviously did', what she said in the middle of that statement for sure acquired it "D-Detriment…? No, I-I think there's a misunderstanding here" He felt bad at correcting Enoshima, but he was determined beforehand at clearing any misconceptions, so there was no harm in keeping doing so now "It may be true that he doesn't go out of his way to lend me a hand and sure, Kacchan is, uh…erm, rough around the edges. But calling him an obstacle to my dream? I feel like that's a bit much. B-Besides, I know you haven't seen it to its fullest, but Kacchan's quirk has a potential that I have only seen on the most famous Pros! Plus, he doesn't stop at that. He has dedicated himself since he was four years old to not only master everything his quirk has to offer but also to train his body and mind, all with the purpose of turning himself into a perfectly oiled machine capable of reaching the very top…no matter how you see it, he has everything it takes to easily become a top ten Hero. It may not be an easy road, but I don't believe there's any harm in taking inspiration from someone like that, is it?"
It was longer and more passionate than what he would've liked, but nothing of what he said was a lie. Izuku could truly see Kacchan becoming one of the greatest heroes this world had ever seen.
Surely Enoshima could see where he was coming from based on that, right?
"Hmmm, I dunno…" Just as she had become used to doing ever since she came into his life, the blue-eyed girl subverted his expectations by doing the exact opposite "As I said, I might not know the entire history between the two of you, but something tells me that the crappy behavior I saw on him towards you is a common thing rather than a coincidence of the moment, isn't that so?"
"W-Well, I-I mean…"
"Then you say that he stops himself to act like a bystander and nothing more, but those harsh comments he said before leaving tell me he does more than show antagonistic behavior towards you and your goals. I mean, you saw how he acted with me, and I didn't even know the guy! I find it hard to believe he isn't worse with someone he's familiarized with"
"Um…t-that's…"
"And I know I'm basically beating a dead horse with this, but that nickname? Maybe it was just kids being kids a decade ago, but if the guy still keeps at it while going around with the derogative comments in relation to your lack of a quirk, that's a whole different and problematic ordeal. He's big enough to understand how inappropriate it is, don't ya think?"
"…"
"Zuzu" Looking straight into his eyes, Enoshima spoke up with a significance that offered no room for argument "You pointed out that his apparent 'Awesomeness' is what draws you in, and that you can actually acquire something out of that. In that case…can you confidently say it? Can you swear without a single hint of doubt that this guy has something remotely positive to offer you? Did he ever had it?"
Just like him, Enoshima wasn't content to leave her words short and simple. There were so many things to pick up on what she said, and yet…every single one of them surrounded themselves on the same subject.
His relationship with Kacchan.
Izuku wasn't as naïve as to believe they were still friends, less so when his former childhood friend made sure of remarking it every now and then…
But was it truly that far gone?
Izuku told Enoshima that his insistence on keeping some sort of link with him came from his expectancy of getting something out of it, as if with just standing near such talent some of its crumbs would stick to him. And while the truth was that Izuku admired all the potential to become a hero Kacchan had, he still held some fondness for that friendship he used to have with him…
But a decade had come and gone, and shamefully as he was to admit it to even himself, Izuku hadn't been capable of reaping anything other than cruel remarks at his existence, the occasional scar hidden underneath his clothes, and…and…
Why don't you give it a try by jumping off a rooftop and hope for a quirk in your next life, eh Deku?
A part of him. A tiny, minuscule fragment of his subconsciousness wanted to retort at the implications Enoshima was making. Wondering what right she had to meddle with something she herself admitted lacked the time, experience, and context of its circumstances.
The rest though, besides feeling guilty for those dark thoughts, couldn't find a way to argue with what she was saying. Time and time again Enoshima had done nothing but look up for his sake, and that just an hour ago she had already done so without a hint of shame at his person for the entire world to see proved that she meant business, no matter how his self-depreciation might try to twist it.
So, without any biases, or second thoughts that put in question Enoshima's integrity or intentions toward him…could he do it? Could he prove to her 'And himself…' that there was something worth rescuing from the past glory that used to be his link with Katsuki Bakugo?
…
…
…
"…I…I will think about it, Enoshima…about calling Ka―…um, about no longer using that nickname" And about what he has been doing his whole life apparently.
In its own way, it was impressive. Observing how many of his perspectives on all kinds of subjects have been changing so fast in the short period of time he had met Enoshima. He practically dodged her final question with the answer he gave her, and yet…that didn't mean it lacked an impact on him.
"Mhm, as long as you are considering that much, I believe that's a step in the right direction" Even if he didn't gave her the response she most likely wanted from him 'Although I do not doubt she has a gist anyways…', Enoshima still conceded with approval gleaming on her eyes "After all…I don't believe there's anything to gain for people like you and me from individuals like him"
What? "You…and me? Enoshima what do you mean by―"
"Sorry for the wait!" A waitress happily exclaimed as she put his and Enoshima's plates on the table "Two moon burgers landing right into your atmosphere!"
"Cool, I was starving!" Enoshima grinned at the employee, with the previous tension gone without a hint of ever existing. Then, she turned to him with one of those endearing smiles he couldn't help feeling drawn to each time she did them "What do you say we bury the doom and gloom from a moment ago and check out if these burgers precede their reputation, Zuzu?"
Izuku would admit it, regardless of the somber and soul-piercing conversation they were having a moment ago, Enoshima's mood was contagious. Perhaps not to the point of him recovering in his totality. Heck, he would have to be far too optimistic to say he was feeling legitimately fine…but it was enough to allow leaving those negative thoughts for later "S-Sure, let's do that"
Still…
When she said that…what does she mean by 'people like you and me'?
"Welp, that hit the spot~" Enoshima cheerfully announced "I woulda preferred it to be accompanied with some butter, but eh, it is what it is"
Izuku could admit that the food was good enough that he almost forgot what they had to through to acquire it in the first place…almost. Leaving that aside though, something of what she said caught his attention "Do you like butter on your burgers, Enoshima?"
Perking up at the question, the blue-eyed girl spoke up "Ah, it's not about having this food accompanied with it in specific. It's just that I know of this special recipe for corn butter that is sooo good that I even came up with its own name. I call it Mondo Butter!"
"Mondo Butter, huh?" Izuku never heard of it, but if Enoshima was saying it was that good… "Well, maybe we could try it on some other occasion?"
"Perhaps. Although, I admit that the ingredients required for it might be next to impossible to come by around here"
"I-I see…" She just moved recently, didn't she? "Was it a specialty from your past home before moving, then?"
"Yep, from back there…" There was a wistful look on Enoshima's face as she said that. It was almost nostalgic if Izuku was honest. Before he could feel remorseful for reminding her of home, Enoshima shifted back to her usual sparky self "Anyhow! There's one more thing I want to address about you~"
"…I-Is that so? I…uh, I don't know…" Considering what it involved the last time, Izuku couldn't help feeling a bit wary, even if it was Enoshima they were talking about.
Easily noticing his concerns, Enoshima spoke up "Ah, you don't hafta worry about me bringing up another uncomfortable topic. Sorry 'bout that by the way. This time around it is about something I get the feeling will enjoy talking about!"
That admittedly put some of his guard down "Really…?"
"Yeppers!" His friend confirmed, "You see, back when you were introducing yourself, you talked about your enormous interest in heroes, correct?" Izuku nodded, unsure of where this was going, but nonetheless feeling reassured that just like Enoshima previously said, this was a topic he could get behind "I take it that quirks come included in the package, right?"
"Yeah…yeah, they do. Why do you ask, though?" Now also a bit pumped up at where this conversation was going, he felt daring enough to make another question of his own "Do you, uh, perhaps…also have an interested in them?"
Izuku released a breath he didn't even knew was holding when Enoshima gave him a nod "Something like that. Remember that notebook you brought out when you were writing your number? If memory doesn't fall me, its title was―"
"Hero Analysis for The Future" The words came out of his mouth before he could control himself.
Much to his relief though, rather than getting annoyed at being interrupted, Enoshima gave him a knowing smile "The very same. Do ya have it with you?"
At this point, Enoshima was becoming an expert in making him feel contrasting emotions simultaneously. She didn't directly asked for it, but Izuku understood Enoshima was requesting to show her his notebook, or at least the one she knows of. And while Izuku was excited at the prospect of sharing what was undoubtedly one of his biggest passions…he dreaded it just as much.
Would she like it?
Would she think it's lame? Weird? Gross perhaps?
Maybe it was a dumb worry, seeing that it was Enoshima herself who asked for it in the first place, which meant she already had a gist of what it could be about.
That didn't stopped him from worrying though.
Still, as concerning as it was, he already told himself he wanted an opportunity like the one Enoshima was giving the initiative to. He will have to hope that, just like she had already proved time and time again, Enoshima won't be disappointed in what she saw.
"Yeah. I, um, have it with me" Izuku said before grabbing and putting his backpack in front of it. It took him just a moment to find what he was looking for and then handed it to Enoshima "Here…I, erm, hope you like it"
Enoshima didn't said anything to that, doing nothing else other than giving him a silent nod, picking up the notebook, and then giving its cover a look over.
"Hero Analysis for The Future Volume Twelve" Enoshima read aloud and then turned back to him "Oh? You have twelve of these then?"
Izuku couldn't help blushing at the appreciative tone Enoshima used when she asked that "W-Well, there are actually thirteen, but the last one is, um, going under some edition"
More like a whole remake though, seeing how Kacchan saw fit to practice his quirk on it.
Seriously, what was his problem? He didn't obtain anything out of that other than push for the umpteenth occasion his superiority over me…as if his ego required more of that…
"Is that so? What a shame then" Enoshima's voice brought him out of those…strange thoughts.
Although Izuku didn't reply to that, and neither dared to pull about that thought a moment ago. After all, he was more interested in seeing her reaction to what was practically the work of his life.
Holding out a breath, he saw when Enoshima opened the notebook, gave it a glance at the first page…and then flipped through its entire contents in a matter of seconds, not sparing a single page more than a fraction of a moment as each page fell faster than cherry blossoms on autumn.
Before he could understand what was going on, Enoshima reached the last page, then closed the book with a loud thud, and offered it back with a smile on her face "Well, I admit that was an interesting read, Zuzu"
Izuku numbly took it back. It was more of an instinctive reaction rather than being conscious of it. With his mind being way more occupied with far more distressing thoughts.
What…what just happened?
The way she only spared it a few moments, it was almost as if she were disinterested in his notebook…
Was this a…a way to mock him? No…there was no way, is there? Enoshima, she wouldn't dare be so cruel to him, right? Then again…what other explanation could be for what Enoshima did?
"Hm? Why the long face?"
Snapping his head upward, an amalgamation of mixed emotions surged up within in the moment he saw that a grin was still plastered on her face.
Regardless of those sentiments, he still spoke up "I…w-well, it's j-just…"
"Ah, let me guess. You thought I didn't do anything more other than give it a glance over, didn't ya?"
"…Wasn't that what happened?" Izuku winced at the way he said that. It wasn't what one would call hostile, but there was a hint of accusation that he couldn't keep under control.
Although most surprising, rather than feeling offended or developing an apologetic look, a smirk of all things formed on Enoshima's lips.
"Alright then, why don't ya test me?"
What?
"Test…you?"
At that question, her smirk only grew wider "Just as ya heard it. Put how much attention I truly put to your notes to the test. Pick whatever page ya want, say its number out loud and I will tell ya a summary of its hero. Its name, quirk, description of its power, and other stuff like that. What do ya say 'bout that, hm?"
He gave the strawberry blonde a skeptical look for a brief moment, wondering if this was part of an elaborate prank. He wasn't finding it funny…but he saw no option other than comply and see where it would end.
Flicking his notebook open at a random page, Izuku did as Enoshima told him with some cautiousness in his voice "Page…seventy-six"
"That guy goes by the name Backdraft. Rank one hundred and twenty-two on the Hero Billboard Chart. While he's a full-time pro, his quirk allows him to work as a firefighter whenever his main job allows him the time for it. Speaking of his quirk, it's called Water Pump, which not only gives him the appearance of a humanoid fire hydrant, but also allows him to generate water from the metallic outlets that he has for hands. Oh, and your notes also mentioned that while his quirk has it referenced in its name, you point to the possibility of including actual pump pressures as support gear, which in theory should allow him to exponentially increase the potency of his quirk by at least forty-three percent. Regarding that last part, that's kinda obvious if ya ask me. Ah, before you say anything, I'm not discrediting your work though, it's just that I am wondering why that doofus who has been a pro for more than two years hasn't also thought of that already. It's so weird! Isn't it? Anyways…what do ya say? Did I miss anything?"
The way she said that last part made it sound like a question. Her face though, told him she already knew the answer. He was also sure that his jaw dropping to the ground and his eyes bulging out of his sockets were helping build said confidence.
Just like Enoshima promised, she did a summary for the Pro of his choice, with a brief yet compelling recompilation that covered the entire segment for that Hero.
But how?
That was the new mystery at hand that Izuku couldn't find the answer to, no matter how much he racked his mind about it. Was it a trick? Could it be that she studied beforehand and lucked it out with the Hero he asked her about?
That is unlikely. I have about two hundred different summaries in each volume!
In the end, Izuku came to the only conclusion that could give some enlightenment on the matter.
"Enoshima…do you mind if we give a few more tries?"
At that, Enoshima's grin did nothing but grow even smugger.
Impossible.
Izuku couldn't simply believe it.
But…despite how much could he want to deny it…
Half an hour had already passed since he asked her about the first hero, and right now Izuku was just finishing questioning Enoshima about another aleatory Pro by the fortieth occasion.
The results were just as extraordinary for each one of them.
Eel Boy.
Mister Blaster.
Snatch.
Ryukyu.
Fourth Kind.
Ms. Joke.
Recon, Patrolling, Rescue, Support, Maritime, Underground. He asked Enoshima all varieties of Heroes from every field he could think of, and on every occasion, the strawberry blonde was capable of instantly recalling the details he wrote on his notes. Sometimes he dared say the page while also adding an erroneous name of a Hero as to throw her a curveball, but all that did was to make him be on the receiving end of an even more boastful Enoshima who not only didn't fail for those traps but once she was done with her flawless summary, she went as far as making her own observations!
His previous worries about Enoshima not having the tiniest bit of interest in his notebook were long since placated. In its place, his mind began to swell with joy at the prospect that he could not only share his notes without being looked down upon, but also for the person in front of him to easily keep up with his fountains of hero trivia while bringing her own contributions!
How…how long I've wanted to meet someone like that in my life…?
Still, given how said concerns came in the first place, a question pierced through Izuku's mind that he just couldn't ignore anymore.
"Enoshima, this may sound a bit bold, but…can you tell me what your quirk is, please!?" His brain was quickly racing with dozens of theories about it "Is it some sort of photographic memory? Of course, there's the possibility that it enhances your thinking process. Oh, could it be that it is similar to the principal from U.A.? I've heard that his quirk grants him inhuman levels of intellect. Others come to mind, but from what I have seen so far, these are what I believe to be the most likely candidates! Did I get it right with one of them?"
Or could it be that it is something even more amazing!? Izuku didn't doubt that, seeing that apparently a quick scan at what he humbly thought counted as a decent-sized encyclopedia for quirks was all she required to consume all its contents.
Whatever the case might be, Izuku was confident that Enoshima had a great quirk!
…At least…that was what he thought until he saw the face Enoshima was making.
She still had a smile on her face, but it was a restrained one. Certainly not one meant to express happiness if the look in her eyes was anything to go by.
"So, you think like that too, huh? Can't say I am surprised…"
H-Huh? What happened? Did…did I insult her somehow!? A wave of alarm set on Izuku's psyche at that possibility "S-Sorry! I-I don't know what I said that offended you Enoshima, but I-I swear I didn't mean―"
"Ah, you don't have to be Zuzu" There was an apologetic look on Enoshima's face as she said that. That at least allowed him to calm down a little bit "This was on me. I mean, it was my own volition to make it seem like that in the first place"
"Make…it seem like that? Um, what are you talking about?"
She didn't give him an immediate response. Instead, it was until a regretful look tainted her features that she spoke up.
"…I haven't been completely honest with you, Zuzu" She confessed, the same guilt on her face smearing her voice "I can't say I have lied to you, but neither I have revealed the truth, so that isn't an excuse"
To say this was making Izuku anxious would be an understatement "Enoshima…?"
Having enough of dancing around the subject, she spoke with a firm voice "What I did just now wasn't because of a quirk. Rather than that, I was born with a condition that allows me to process information at a broader and faster pace than what humans usually do. That stuff with your notebook? It was me reading through all its contents and memorizing it, and then analyzing the data whenever I brought out a suggestion. Just me and my brain, with no power whatsoever involved at all"
"I…I see…" Sort of. It was admittedly quite a lot to process. That Enoshima was some sort of genius wasn't that much of a surprise for Izuku, and neither it was hard to believe. He had already seen first-hand how analytical and sharp she could be. It just so happened that he was looking at those details from the wrong angle. That such intelligence came because of an extra well-developed brain rather than a quirk…well, it was still impressive nonetheless. Besides, it wasn't as if she was the first prodigy in the brain department to ever exist in human history, right?
Still, while it was a relief that his worries about Enoshima confessing some sort of grave affront at his person were wrong…there was one thing that was one last mystery without a proper answer "…What about your quirk, Enoshima? What does it do then?"
At that, Enoshima only gave him a long stare.
That earned her a quizzical look on Izuku's part. For the good of him, he couldn't figure out why the sudden silence. The way she was looking at him made it seem as if she already revealed the answer at some point. That was ridiculous though. She already said that that powerful mind of hers wasn't a quirk, and so far, she hadn't shown him anything else that could at least hint at being part of a power. That meant she was yet to reveal what was her quirk, wasn't that so?
Unless of course, Enoshima was implying that she…that she…she…
…
…
…
…No…there's no way she was implying what he was thinking. No matter how he thought about it, the possibility of that being the case was abysmal.
But…
With a shaky grin, more a nervous tick than an actual smile, parting up his lips, he dared prod for an answer "E-Enoshima, you…you can really mean that, r-right? I-I mean, no matter how you see it, t-that's…"
"I am not messing with you Zuzu," Enoshima said, earning her an involuntary sharp breath from his part. Then she followed with a mirthless chuckle "Heck, if I had it with me, I would even show ya the x-ray picture where it shows I have two joints on my pinky toe"
…Two joints?
That was the magic word for Izuku to understand Enoshima wasn't likely messing around "W-Wait…y-you know about that too?"
"It was about the first thing they told me once they were done with the medical checkup," Enoshima said with a resigned shrug "Hard to forget something like that, y'know?"
"…Yeah…" It truly was. Not a day had passed without him remembering that tragic day in which he was told for the first time how different, how much of a pariah he was to the rest of the world.
And yet, here he was, with someone stuck in the same boat as him.
Then…was that what she truly meant, didn't she? When…when said people like you and me…
"I take it you are surprised?" The strawberry blonde asked, no doubt seeing the shocked look on his face.
Surprised? That was putting it lightly. An explosion of emotions was flowing through him at what already was a mind-blowing revelation. With his thoughts running a million miles per hour, unable to formulate a coherent response with the chaos that was his mind at this very moment.
At least, until something about this discovery made way to an uncomfortable possibility.
"Is that the reason, Enoshima?" Izuku asked. With a contrastingly serious tone smearing the voice of the just a moment ago shy boy.
"…What?" While Enoshima sounded taken aback at the sudden change in his tone, Izuku could see her body language was impassive.
It wasn't like that stopped him from saying what his heart was forcing out though.
With his head held down, he continued "That day, when you told me I also could become a Hero…it was because you are in the same position as me?"
Was that the true reason? Not out of genuine belief for him, but because…because of…pity? Izuku didn't want to believe it, and yet, what else could explain that someone, anyone, would believe someone as miserable as him?
The green-haired boy raised his head to look directly at Enoshima, hoping that her face would give him any hint of what were her honest thoughts on the matter. Hoping that his accusation was the delusion of a naïve boy. Hoping that…that…
…
…Eh?
With a blank look on her face, Enoshima was doing nothing more other than sending him an owlish blink. That was all he required to suspect he should've worded that better.
Much to his misfortune, Izuku was proven right with what she said next.
"Zuzu…are you implying that my opinion has less value because I am not like them? Like those who do have a quirk?"
Whatever bravado he had to question Enoshima was crushed under an iron heel. All of it was replaced with pure horror.
W-W-W-What the heck I am doing!? The only person in the entire world to ever believe in me and what do I do? Spit on her face because she is the same as me! What the hell!? How does that make me any different that every single person that has rejected my dreams!? Oh god, w-what have I done!? How could I be so stupid!? I-I need to apologize! No, that wouldn't suffice! The least I could do is to kneel, beg for her forgiveness, and hope that she accepts it!
With that resolve made, Izuku prepared to rise up from his seat.
"It's okay, Zuzu. I am not mad at you. Sorry if I made you believe that for a moment" Only to be interrupted by a sentence he couldn't have hoped to hear anytime soon.
Still, his instincts honed from dealing with Kacchan made him approach the conversation with caution "You…aren't? R-Really…?"
The cold neutrality of a moment ago quickly melted away with a serene yet sad smile. It was only when the impassiveness in her features was gone, that Enoshima spoke again "No, I am not. Given the circumstances people with our…condition have to deal with day by day, I can't say I am surprised you felt I was either tricking or pitying you" When Izuku was about to stutter a bunch of apologies at that, Enoshima raised her hand "As I said, you aren't at fault here…if anything I think it would be better if I elaborate in why I agreed that you could become a hero, as a reassurance of sorts. After all, I told ya you could be one, but I never gave ya my reason as to why I believed it, did I?"
"Huh? No…I don't think you did…" Izuku himself didn't give it much of a thought back then if he was honest, more than satisfied at hearing someone believing in him. So, discovering now that Enoshima apparently had a special reason for said faith in him…
Bracing himself, Izuku prepared to intently hear what Enoshima was about to say. This time, making sure his biases couldn't get in the way.
Enoshima also prepared herself in her own way. Placing her elbows on the table, and then resting her head on both hands in a way that was making it practically impossible for Izuku to not notice how adorable that was making her cheeks to puff out.
When she looked comfortable enough, Enoshima addressed him again.
"You do remember that I was there during the Sludge Creepo incident, yeah?" He gave Enoshima a nod "Alright, and you recall what those who already carry the mantle of heroism did during it?"
"Well… they prioritized the safety of civilians and once done with that, the Heroes focused their efforts on defeating the Villain" Granted, he wasn't there when they did the former, but the fact that no person resulted majorly injured makes it an easy assumption to reach.
"True, true…but eventually all of them gave up, didn't they?"
Huh?
"U-Um, saying it like that is…"
"The truth," Enoshima said, flatly enough to make Izuku wince "The crowd saw it, I saw it, and I am pretty sure you also noticed how the very moment their quirks failed them, they didn't do anything else other than sit and stare like a bunch of ducks. All the power and proper education in the world and they raise the white flag because apparently, they don't like the matchup. I dunno about you, but that sounds quite irresponsible, doesn't it?"
"I…well…"
"Couldn't they have used that time for something? Anything?" Enoshima prodded further "Maybe thinking of a distraction, or looking for a weak spot. They teach stuff like that a hero schools, right? I have never set foot in one of them, but with how common hostage situations occur during Villain confrontations, it would make sense to be a topic to be taught, yeah?"
"…" What can he say about that? Try as he might, he couldn't see how Enoshima was wrong on that one. Sure, she was being a bit crass about the subject…but just as true was that Kacchan was suffocating in the clutches of the Sludge Villain, most likely a minute or less before dying from asphyxiation, and the Heroes just stood still, almost as if entranced in morbid fascination.
Seemingly taking his silence as an agreement, Enoshima spoke again "So yeah, that day nobody was willing to do what was necessary for the sake of what was right…save for a certain green-haired brave boy~"
While he was having some mixed feelings about what she was talking about 'I couldn't say I disagree with them, but…', what Enoshima said near the end in combination with the look she was giving him took his entire attention "…M-Me…?"
"Bingo! While all those people were chickening out of doing the right thing, you were different from all of them. Regardless of the consequences, no matter how much danger you put yourself in, you did what you believed to be right. I've read enough comic books to know that's one hundred percent hero material!"
Hero…material?
Izuku truly wanted to believe her, bask in those sweet words coming out of the strawberry-blonde, but… "I…I still interfered with the work of the Pro Heroes, didn't I? No matter how you see it, what I did was wrong"
"Is that so?" If that raised eyebrow on her face was anything to go by, Enoshima wasn't thinking as such "From my perspective, you were the only one who actually put that hamster wheel to work and did anything at that Slimy Creepo. Best of all things, it worked! You might see it like a futile endeavor, but weren't those precious seconds essential for All Might to make his appearance? As I see it, the only one who made a difference that day was you and only you"
"I…did?" It was true that aiming at the Villain's eyes allowed Kacchan some precious moments to regain his breath, and also that All Might came not so long after he distracted the Sludge Villain. Still… "I…I don't know what to think of this…" All this time, he saw that incident as him being nothing but an obstacle on the job of the Pro Heroes. Thinking his instinct to save Kacchan was a mistake…
Could Enoshima be right though? What he did was what any true hero should have done?
"Take it for what it is, Zuzu. My sincere opinion. The why I believe you can become a hero and why I will make sure to help you become one"
At this point, the only thing preventing him from turning into a fountain of tears was that they were in a public space and he didn't want to shame Enoshima. Because otherwise? Izuku was confident that he would've long since become a wailing mess.
Leaving aside the rush of emotions that he had felt in the last hour, and even though it wasn't the first time, it was like music to his ears hearing Enoshima reassure with absolute conviction her faith in Izuku having what it takes to become a hero. All the while also going as far as being willing to…to…
…
…Wait, what was that at the end?
"Enoshima, did you just say that you will…help me become one?" He didn't heard that right, did he?
"As ya heard it!" He did, apparently "With Enoshima's training program you will take Hero Society by storm!" Enoshima declared with a thumbs up and an ear-to-ear grin "With proper guidance granted by my analytical abilities I'm sure we can figure out the most optimal path for your dream!"
Before Izuku could manage some weak retort, brought no doubt from his lack of confidence in himself, he clapped his mouth shut. Instead, his brain took the opening to mull over Enoshima's proposal. Growing exponentially optimistic the more he thought about it.
He already saw the potential of the talent Enoshima was born with. If he took his time to think about it, wasn't she the ideal candidate to give him a chance? Proper diets, ideal exercises to begin with, how to progress with them as time goes on, what goals to achieve, and their timelines, among other details that she could easily figure out. If Enoshima genuinely intended to help him…wouldn't she be capable of developing a plan that could work with even someone like him?
Then…it was possible after all, wasn't it? Izuku, he could really…
…
"…I…I, Enoshima…I-I don't…I don't know what to say…" Seriously. What could he tell to someone who was going beyond and above what was expected of them? Someone who not only brought his dream back to life but was also willing to put her own effort into making it a thing?
Was it true, then? Dreams…they can become a reality?
"Well, I think it's obvious there's only one way to answer this…" With a pleasant smile now adorning her face, Enoshima made what was likely the most important question he would answer in his entire life "…Do you accept, Zuzu? Will you become my hero?"
Ignorance.
If there was one thing humanity had always sinned of since the dawn of time, was ignorance. From not knowing that fire burned as a kid, to going as far as causing a cultural misunderstanding that ended up escalating into a war between nations. Your ignorance could be for the simplest of things…or for details that could make difference between saving or condemning yourself.
That day, I, Izuku Midoriya, sinned of ignorance.
At the time, I was ignorant of what Enoshima was truly proposing to me. I didn't knew what the difference between becoming a hero and becoming her hero meant. I noticed the slip on her declaration, yes, but I dismissed it thinking of it as Enoshima meaning very much the same thing.
I couldn't have been more wrong about that.
One thing was clear though…
With tears of gratitude trickling down, the green-haired boy gave the strawberry-blonde the only answer ś̷̢̛̬͕̀͋h̴̦̜̓̎͛̇̏̔e̸̜͖̯̊̆͘͜ ̵̢̮̳͖̫̬̈́͆͐͛́̄̕ͅw̸͎͖̔͆̌͋͆͜o̸̘̝̼͒̈́̑͂̿̀̑u̵̮͙̽̍l̸̢͓̜̼͇͕͆d̶̨̥̫͇͇͕̲͗̽̿̈̍̄͝ ̶̢͚̙̠͛̑̉a̸̙̲̲̲͈̲͋͊͗̾̅ḽ̴̈́̑̈́̌͆̀̕l̵͔̐o̵̭̝̱̱̐̅̀̍ẇ̸̡͊̀ ̵̨̧̩̪̻̒͂̈́̕ he could give to that question "Y-Yes, Enoshima, I…I accept!"
Even if my destiny was already decided two weeks prior to it, much to my ignorance that day officially marked the beginning of it.
The story about me becoming t̶̘̯͍̀͂͗̊̈́͌h̵̦̭̻̭̪̹͋e̸̦̾̅̌̽͂͠ ̷̘͈̭͉̗̙̝̓͆ẃ̴̹̰͑̇̓͗̆͝ŏ̷̧̫͎̪̪̱̂́͝r̵̭̈́̔̓̍̕l̵̢̟̱̺̍̓̐̆͜d̴͓̭̳̻͈͈̓̉̉̐'̵̛͔̃̒̍̚s̵̥͒̎̔̏̽͊̕ ̷̥̏̓̀̕͜͠͝m̸̞̤̳̺͗͂̇ŏ̸̧͙̥͓̱̭͐̄̅̽̉͂ͅs̸̻̃͒͑͑̇̄ṯ̶̝̳̂͊̔̂͛ ̷̡̡̟̩̙͙̭͆̀̾̏̈́t̶̖̩̝̗̤̄͂͆e̶̱͂̔̾͋̒̊r̵̮͈͕̖̪͓̫͂̚͝͝r̶͙̎͂͐̊̾͠i̶̧̺͈͕̫͚̜̾̑̕b̵̰̱̣̈́̕͝ĺ̶̞̝͕̟̻̎ͅe̷͉̊ ̵͕̊͑̈́̇̅̿͛h̷̩̪͌͂e̷͈͍͛̎̈́ͅr̴͖͊̆̓͛͝o̴̦̲̺͇̅̂́ Enoshima's greatest hero.