SYMBOL

CHAPTER 002 – THE PATH BEGINS

Several large green colored robots floated in the air for a while before all of a sudden they came crashing down to the earth. Crushed by their own weight before exploding, none of them were left intact. Their attacker took in several deep breaths and then continued on her way.

That's eight more points. I'm doing well but I gotta keep going! She had been doing pretty well for herself but she pushed herself further. The brown haired girl kept looking around for more robots to destroy so she can add to her total. Passing several other contestants, there were many who were engaged in battle with other robots while several others were looking for their own targets. Knowing there was little point in sticking around this particular area, the brunette decided to head down another street.

It was after traveling a short distance into said street when it seemed the very ground began to shake that caused the girl to stumble about. "What the heck?!" Her shouting was coated with worry and fear, same as others a short distance away from her. Yet no one was able to say anything when multiple buildings collapsed all of a sudden as a gigantic building sized robot rose from beneath the ground. Filling up the entire street, it seemed to dwarf the buildings near it. Each time it swung its massive arms, a building was crushed beneath its power.

Screams of terror filled the make shift city with everyone running away for their lives. No one bothered to take on the behemoth, for it was worth no points in the exam. Even worse, if one did engage it, that action would reset their points back to zero. And the girl was no different. Turning back towards the way she came, the girl started running as fast as she could away from the colossal threat.

But she didn't move quickly enough. Being so close to the destruction the robot was causing put her within range of pieces of rubble from the broken down buildings falling all around her. As a result, a piece of the debris clipped her, causing her to fall to the ground. Shouting in surprise and pain, she attempted to get back up but was prevented from doing so when a far larger piece of rubble fell onto her legs, pinning her down and fracturing her lower leg bones. "Aargh!" Feeling the intense pain, her eyes watered before involuntary tears escaped from her eyes. She struggled with all her might to break free from her trapped position. But each time she tried to move her legs, it seemed as if fire spread up her body, making her whimper as more tears fell down her cheeks.

Mechanical sounds drawing closer made her look towards the direction it was coming from and saw that the towering robot was getting nearer. She could feel the vibrations of its treads digging into the ground. It was so heavy, that dust rose from the ground as it rolled down the street, somewhat hiding it from view. Her heart hammered within her chest and her widened teary eyes stayed glued onto the obscured personification of death coming for her. No, not like this! Mommy! Daddy!

Sounds of hurried footsteps behind her made her turn her gaze towards it. A green haired teenage boy, the same one who she had helped at the entrance to the academy, was running towards her with a serious gaze on his face. "What are you doing?! Run away!" She didn't want him to get hurt because of her. But he ignored her and kept sprinting towards her. Next moment, she could see red glowing veins appear all over his body for a second before they faded only to be replaced with greenish blue electricity arcing all over him for a moment before they too vanished from sight. She was about to say something else when he suddenly shot into the air a short distance away from her.

She gasped in shock, snapping her gaze upwards to where he went with her short brown hair flying all over the place due to the speed at which he shot up with. His speed also blew away the dust in the area, clearing her vision and she was able to get a good view of what he did next. The pinned down girl watched in awe at seeing him travel up into the sky towards the robot's head. And then she heard him shout out when he got close enough to it.

"FINAAALLLL…SMAAAAASH!"

He punched the building sized robot in its face, or what could be called its face, directly in the middle of it. The sheer power behind the strike made the metal plating cave in from it, with its head snapping back followed by the force of the hit traveling through the robot's entire structure. Sudden multiple explosions burst out from within the robot, as it toppled over backwards with its arms being thrown upwards towards the sky. The teenager began to fall back down as gravity took hold but used the robot's colossal body as would be platforms, jumping down from one spot to another, as it toppled to make his way back down.

Landing hard on one knee in front of her, it took him a moment to shake it off and slowly stood back up while holding his right arm with his left since it was bruised horrifically with dark purple coloring with some blood slowly dripping out through his joints. Facing her, a small smile formed on his face as if to show that everything's alright. She couldn't help but smile a little too, even while still in pain and how he looked so injured.

As he began walking closer to her, the girl's heart started beating a little faster and her perpetually pink cheeks reddened more as she thought about how he saved her. She wanted to say something to him, to thank him for what he did. But when she was about to do so, something moved behind him that made her look at that instead.

The titan robot's hand came hurtling down towards him as it fell like dead weight, no longer functioning. "Look out!" she screamed. She saw him stop and turn to look at what she was screaming about but it was too late. Unable to react in time, he was crushed by the heavy metal hand as it landed on top of him with blood and small pieces of him splattering everywhere. "NOOO!" she screamed shrilly, with many screams echoing around her…

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"NOOO!" A brown haired girl screamed as she shot up in bed with her hands in mittens extended out in front of her. With a rapidly beating heart, her chest rose and fell swiftly while she breathed heavily and looked around wildly, her brain trying to process what had happened and what was happening. Slowly taking in her actual surrounding, it took her a moment to realize where she is, which was inside her bedroom in her apartment that her parents had rented out for her. Calming down some, she lowered her hands to her sides and looked down towards her lap while sitting up in the bed. "A bad dream. Thank god it was just a nightmare…but it felt so real…"

The image of the green haired boy flashed in her mind's eye and she let out a sigh. Of course, it didn't end with his death in reality and though he was injured in the end, he was treated by the school's head doctor, Recovery Girl. But her worry about him not passing because of her ate away at her conscious. It's been a couple days since the entrance exam and she kept thinking about him. What he did for her and what she did for him afterwards.

She had gone to speak with the faculty staff after the exam to convince them to let him still enter UA and to take her points and give it to him if need be. She believed that even though he had attacked the zero pointer robot that would reset his points back down to zero, he still deserved to get into the school because of his selfless act of saving her. The faculty members told her that they couldn't do that but also told her not worry. It was easier said than done as she kept thinking about him and hoped that he would get in as well. All of that worrying and thinking led to her having this nightmare about what happened that day.

Shaking her head after being lost in thought for a bit, she forced herself to calm down by breathing in slowly through her nose and then exhaling through her mouth. It was at that point that she realized she was drenched in cold sweat and figured she should go rinse off. Taking off her mittens while heading into the bathroom, she turned on the shower, peeled off her damp clothes and got into the shower once it was hot enough. At first she just stood there, relishing in the warmth provided by the heated water. Many thoughts went through her head consisting of her parents, UA, her goal and of course her savior.

"What was his name?" Her outspoken question to herself lingered in her mind for a bit until she realized that she never learned it. Feelings of sadness and disappointment filled her that she had difficulty in reigning in. Finishing up with her shower, she turned off the water, dried herself and then got dressed. Heading back to her bed, she noticed the notification light on her phone. Picking it up, she flipped it open and saw what it was. Damn, Mom and Dad called when I was sleeping? And its 230am?! Suddenly realizing how drained she was of energy, even after taking a shower just now, she decided to call them later on in the morning. I won't wake them up but I'll do the next best thing. Sending a text to her parents, the girl put her phone back down and then looked at her bed.

Right away she noticed the damp areas of the bed. Damn…I sweated like crazy. Rubbing the back of her head, she let out a sigh before moving to change the sheets, blanket, mittens and pillow cover to dry ones. Throwing the wet ones into her laundry basket, she then made her way back into bed. Lying down on her side, she pulled the blanket up to her shoulder, put on the new mittens and settled in to go back to sleep. Before sleep overtook her however, once again her mind was buzzing with many thoughts floating around. And the final ones were about UA, becoming a pro hero, helping her family and how hopefully she would see the green haired boy who saved her life again…

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"Yes, she's already fully recovered physically."

…

"No, no problems whatsoever in that department."

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"Of course but you and I both understand the proper etiquette required in these types of things."

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"Well, there is nothing to warrant such concern."

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"Thank you for your understanding."

…

"You are too kind with your compliments though I will most definitely forward your kind words."

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"But of course. For what we have planned and agreed on, it would be utter foolishness to not take advantage of the silver lining presented with this unfortunate event."

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"Yes, in person greeting would be for the best."

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"Very well. Since we're both preoccupied now and in the coming couple of weeks, perhaps they can meet the last weekend before their schooling begins."

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"That sounds like an excellent idea and agreed. We shall coordinate time and place soon enough."

…

"Thank you and we shall. And understandable as I too must take my leave. Good day to you."

Hearing the person bid their farewell on the other end of the line, the one speaking to them hung up the phone and took in a large breath before letting it out slowly. Looking to their side, they smiled slightly and nodded towards the person who was standing next to them, allowing them to relax some while asking a question. "So, everything is still on track?"

"Yes dear. Though the attack on our daughter was horrible and raised concern about multiple topics, it didn't cause any issues with them after letting them know the details."

"Good. I'm glad that the proposal is still on the table." Silence between the two for a bit. "We never should've given in to her request. How did we not see this coming? She had never before been on her own. Always she had someone with her. To think of what could've happened to her…"

Both of them shuddered at the possible outcomes that could've happened to their daughter but pushed it aside since she came out of it fine. "Well, it's good that nothing of the sort happened thanks to this green savior. Has she mentioned a name?" he asked his wife.

Shaking her head, she crossed her arms under her chest as she spoke. "No and to be honest, I'm glad that no names were exchanged. It might've…caused complications. More than they are now." He rose one of his eyebrows and she knew what he meant by doing that, being together for so long. "You know how she is. Even though we gave her the best education and training money can buy, she's been sheltered most of her life. She's latched on to this 'green savior' just because he saved her life. The way she's been behaving these last few days is unacceptable. But with no names, hopefully she'll get over it and move on to better things."

"For her sake? Or for ours?" questioned her husband with an insinuating tone of voice.

Glaring at him, she huffed before answering. "Both. We have wealth and influence, yes. But he has power and ranking. You know what it means to go up against that particular person. Have you forgotten the rumors about him and his family?" she asked him while also reminding her husband of who they were dealing with. He shook his head, commenting that he knows what they're capable of and what rumors say they've done. Satisfied with that, she continued on. "Exactly. And we don't want to get on his bad side. But it's not like we're not getting anything out of this either. We'll have a powerful and high ranking hero connected to us. And his son will be able to protect her, given what we've seen him do. All in all, it's the best course of action. For everyone. Even for this 'green savior', because no doubt they will have issues."

Thinking about everything she said, he couldn't find any fault with it. Agreeing with his wife's words and the logic behind it, he couldn't argue. "Very well, I understand and for this. How is our dear daughter by the way?"

"Probably in her room. She's been staying in there most of the time now, only coming out to join us for meals and such. I'll go check on her."

"Alright dear. Let me know of anything I should know. I'll be in the study."

Moving away from one another, the couple went their separate ways. As he went into the study to look over some documents about potential new acquisitions for their product line up, she went towards their only child's room. Passing some of the staff they have employed consisting of maids and butlers who were busy attending to their daily tasks and chores, they greeted her with 'My Lady', 'Mistress' and other titles while they continued. Barely acknowledging them back, she was focused on getting to her daughter's room while thinking heavily. Reaching her destination, she didn't hesitate in entering the room without waiting for a reply after knocking twice.

She found her child sitting at her desk with an open book in front of her, a pencil in hand and her body halfway turned to face her. "Mother? Everything alright?"

Her daughter's questioning look towards her was what she noticed first before scanning the state of things around her quickly while walking closer. As always, the bedroom was spotless and organized. No clutter or things left to be done at a later time. Even with the staff in the building keeping things cleaned and organized, her daughter was very tide herself.

However, there was an open book on the desk with a paper lying next to it. It wasn't too surprising since the girl's love for reading and books was well known. "Everything is fine dear. Why must you ask that same question every time I come to see you Momo?" she asked while getting closer and stopped beside her daughter at the desk.

"Because unfortunately that's what brings you to see me recently," replied back Momo swiftly.

"Well, it's not like some horrible event didn't just happen to make me act this way," shot her mother back sarcastically, making her daughter frown. "Come now, can you really blame me for being worried?"

Momo's frown didn't leave her face. "Worried for me, or for your plans?" she asked in an accusing tone of voice.

"Momo Yaoyorozu! I will not be spoken to like that from my own child!" snapped her mother angrily.

"And I will not be treated as a piece of property by my own parents to use as a bargaining chip in their deal makings!" fired back the girl as she stood up and faced her mother fully with a furrowed brow, narrowed eyes, hands clenched into fists and her entire body shook slightly from her rage.

Both mother and daughter stared at one another with angry expressions until one of them moved even closer and spoke. "I've had enough of this. These past few days you've been misbehaving and it needs to stop." She placed both of her hands on her daughter's shoulders and locked eyes with her, making sure she couldn't move away. "I understand that you're going through many things right now. But you have forgotten what we Yaoyorozus have come from. We built this company, our wealth, our influence, our respect and much more with our bare hands. Our ancestors clawed their way to the top and it's our responsibility as their descendants to make sure the family name, its legacy, stays there. You have your duties as a member of this family and you will own up to them. That is what you've been readying for your whole life and you will take this family, this life we've built, to the next level. You know this Momo and it was your dream as well, so don't try to run away from it now just because of what's happened recently," lectured the older woman, keeping her gaze on her daughter's the entire time she spoke.

Momo heard her mother's words, which got through to her and knew that she was right. It was then that she remembered that there was much riding on her shoulders and she had been preparing for much of it since she was a child. How could she throw it all away now? But still, there were some things that she just couldn't agree with nor come to terms with. Her maddened state dissipated as her fists opened up and her angry expression morphed into a neutral one. Letting out a defeated sigh, the younger female sat back down on her chair. Placing her elbows against her knees, she then buried her face into her hands as she hunched over in her chair. "I know. I know Mother. I just…I don't agree with some of them. I mean, why? Why must I go ahead with this? I haven't even started UA yet. Why must I do this?"

Understanding her daughter's words, she couldn't fault her. But also knew that things must go this way. So they can have a brighter future. For all of them. "I know Momo. It may seem unfair and that you might even feel that you're being rushed. But remember that you were actually open to this idea from the beginning. I know you've gone through a horrible ordeal recently and its making you question a lot of things in your life now. And that's alright and it's reasonable to do so. That's why I was and I am worried about you. I didn't say anything these past few days to give you time to get your focus back. But it seems to me that you're getting worse instead of better. How can I, your mother who loves you beyond anything else, just stand around and do nothing while you spiral out of control all because of some ridiculous thoughts caused by just one unfortunate event?"

Momo said nothing as her mother spoke to her, listening to her quietly while her mother revealed where she stood on everything. Understanding her somewhat and also feeling a little ashamed for causing her worry, the youngest Yaoyorozu raised her gaze to her mother's. "I'm sorry Mother," she said quietly, her eyes becoming watery. "I just…I thought I could take care of myself. I thought I could go on my own. I just wanted to explore on my own, to feel independent because I thought I was ready. But I was wrong. And if…if it wasn't for him…I-I don't know w-what would've happened…and I still have nightmares about it…and I don't even want to think about it!" she started crying, taking in shuddering breaths. Instantly the elder woman took her daughter into her arms. Momo hugged her back as she sobbed against her bosom. "But I can't stop thinking about it! About what could've happened! About him! And now with this…merger and p-proposal…I f-feel as if I've lost all c-control in my life and I-I don't know what to d-do anymore!" Momo said no more after that and continued crying.

Feeling horrible over what her only child was going through but knowing that she needed a strong pillar to support her right now, she thought of what the best course of action would be. Looking around as she tried to think up of something, she noticed the paper on the desk once more next to the open book and when she focused on them, her eyes widened in surprise. For on the paper was a picture of a young man's face with many notes written on it in pencil surrounding the photo and the book contained drawing techniques and notes on how to make them more lifelike. She's never showed an interest in anything related to pictures and drawings before. This boy with green hair on the picture…wait…that must be the one who saved her! And are those…notes…on the picture? Has she been practicing her quirk to make photographic like pictures? And she's been trying to perfect his picture? It's worse that I thought. I cannot allow her to fall deeper into this pit she's made for herself!

Thinking quickly, she came up with a plan and began speaking in a soothing tone of voice. "I understand Momo. Trust me, I do. It may feel like you're losing control but you're not. You're just becoming aware of what's truly important and what isn't, which is scaring you. But that's how life goes. So don't be scared. We're right here and we will do everything in our power to make sure you live a long and happy life." Momo's crying lightened up a little, hearing her mother's words.

Taking that as a good sign, she continued on. "I know that sometimes our decisions may seem like we don't care, but the truth is that it's the exact opposite. We do the things we do, not just for our family name, but also to make sure our children, the future, are protected and set up for success." Momo calmed down enough but sniffed a few times while in the embrace. Moving her hands, Mrs. Yaoyorozu grasped her daughter's face with both and raised her gaze to meet her own. Wiping away the last trailing tears going down her daughter's face with her thumbs, she smiled warmly towards Momo. "Everything that happens, happens for a reason. This may have been a terrible thing you went through, but it opened your eyes to what you're lacking without any major consequences," she said as softly as she could and her daughter nodded slightly in agreement after a moment.

Letting go of her, she gently turned her daughter's attention towards her desk and gestured towards the photograph her daughter made with her quirk as her smile vanished. "And this savior of yours…he did a great thing in rescuing you in your time of need and taking care of you. But he also left you without a second thought. That means that he was only meant to show you the way. He's not meant to be there taking this path with you." Taking hold of the paper, she held it in her hand, showing it to her daughter who locked her sight onto it. "You even told me yourself that he said it would probably be for the best that the two of you didn't get to know each other. For all we know, he could've been a villain trying to stay hidden and just wanted to do one good deed in his life. Whatever the reason was, we won't know. But you don't need to put your life on hold trying to figure it out. He's not worth it." Taking a second for her words to sink in, Lady Yaoyorozu had a sudden idea and followed up on it. She crumpled up the picture in her hand and dropped it into the trash bin next to the desk as if to prove her point.

Momo did nothing to stop her, though her heart hammered with her eyes flashing several different emotions as she watched her mother do that. "Momo, you don't need to be afraid of what's coming. You'll still be able to go to UA and fulfill your dream of becoming a hero. And you'll have a far better person by your side to do that with who comes from a historic family line like us. You said it yourself that he wasn't bad looking at all and you were impressed by his abilities." Momo moved her sight from the trash back to her mother's gaze at that moment yet remained silent. Allowing a small smile to form on her face since she took her silence as agreement, Lady Yaoyorozu embraced her daughter who reciprocated it back a moment later. "No matter what, I love you my dear and I'll always want the best for you. Even if it doesn't seem like it, I promise it is."

Staying like that for a little, the two separated and looked at one another. "Thank you, Mother, for your words. I understand now. If you don't mind, I'd like to rest since I feel so exhausted right now."

"Of course Momo." A loving peck was left on her daughter's forehead before she turned towards the door. "If you need anything, please let me and your father know." Stopping after opening the door, she glanced back at her daughter. "Alright?"

Momo nodded back with a small smile. "I will. Thank you." Smiling back at her child once more, the woman left the room and closed the door behind her.

After her mother left, the girl's smile faded and she waited a short while before turning back towards her desk. Looking over to the side, she leaned down and took out the crumpled paper from the trash bin. Smoothing it out, she looked at the picture she made with her quirk. She did her absolute best to form his face from her memory. His messy, greenish black hair. His plain face that still looked cute. His freckles that if connected together would be diamonds on his cheeks. His compassionate green eyes.

Looking at it for a moment, she lowered it back down and placed it within the open book and closed the book. Picking it up, she went to her bookcase and shelved the drawing book in between a few other books on the top shelf. Going to her closet, she opened its door and rummaged through it towards the right side. Finding what she was looking for, which was a small, black plastic bag, she took it out of the closet, opened it up and took out what was inside it.

It was a black sweater that her savior had given her to wear so she can be covered. Placing the plastic bag back into the closet, she closed it and then maneuvered to her bed. Lying down onto her right side, she looked at the clothing item before hugging it. Holding the black sweater against her chest with such reverence, one would believe it was a divine item. And to her, it was, for it belonged to the one who saved her when she was in a horrible situation. Taking in a deep breath through her nose, she could still smell the beach as well as her savior's scent from it. Closing her eyes, she could see his image in her mind with perfect clarity.

It was then that she remembered her mother's words about him. Shaking her head while bringing up her knees closer to her chest with her eyes still closed, she tightened her hold on the black sweater. I won't forget my responsibilities and I will take our family's prestige higher. I will bring more honor and respect to our family name by becoming a pro hero. But you're wrong Mother. You're wrong about me for I won't be a bargaining chip. I will find a way out of this proposal. And you're wrong about him. He is worth it. I'll never forget him…I'll never forget…my hero…

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Hurried footsteps echoed throughout the hall as a tall and lean man made his way through it. Many thoughts floated around in his head and every single one of them maddened him as he couldn't derive any logic or reason from them. For a long time he had given the space that was requested of him and didn't say or do anything. Even when he knew the secrets surrounding the number one hero and what it entailed.

But no more.

He couldn't stand by in the sidelines anymore. Not after learning just recently about how the Symbol of Peace had finally chosen a successor. And in his mind, it was the wrong choice. Especially when he had found the perfect candidate that was everything that he used to be. And dare he think it, somehow even better.

That is the reason why Mirai Sasaki, also known as the pro hero Sir Nighteye, decided enough was enough. He couldn't stand by idly and wait anymore when the one who he always admired was making a fatal mistake. As a result, he did everything he could to seek out All Might at UA after learning he was going to start teaching there the upcoming school year. Reaching out towards the principal of UA, the pro hero practically demanded an audience with the Symbol of Peace since he wouldn't answer or reply back to any of his methods of communication. He was prepared to go into a lengthy argument about the reasons why yet the principal had accepted without any problems. That had a surprised him at first that the notorious Nezu agreed without hesitation before shrugging it off. Agreeing to an appointed time, he made sure to be there on time.

And now he was mere moments away from finally meeting the one who he had tried to reach for a long time now. Nighteye remembered everything he was going to use to argue and prove his point as he continued through the hallway towards his destination. As much as I admire you, I will make you see reason All Might! Even if I have to spoon feed you everything until you understand! Reaching the door that led into the principal's office at the end of the hallway, he didn't hesitate in grasping the handle and threw open the door without hesitation before entering the room.

A small, white, mouse bear hybrid animal that was wearing formal clothes was the first to speak up at seeing the new person entering his office. "Ah, Nighteye, right on time as always. Welcome," greeted the principle with his cheery tone of voice while smiling.

The new arrival didn't say anything just yet as another decided to speak at that moment. "You didn't tell me he was going to be here too, Nezu."

Looking at the one who spoke while seated in one of the couch seats, Nighteye narrowed his eyes slightly but again, didn't speak yet as Nezu cut in. "Toshinori, it was the only way to get you two to talk to each other again. Both of you need to bury the hatchet so to speak. A lot of things are changing this year and I want you focused on what you agreed to do while here. With that in mind, I agreed to Sir Nighteye's request to see you now rather than randomly in the future where it could be at a less than ideal time." Nezu calmly explained his reasoning and though he didn't say it, he knew that both pro heroes in the room understood that he wouldn't take no for an answer.

A sigh was let out from the practically skeletal looking blonde man since he was all skin and bones before he turned to look at his old sidekick. "Hello Nighteye."

"All Might…" An awkward silence filled the room between the two for a moment as each decided on how to start the conversation. "What the hell's going on?!" Until Nighteye just blurted out his question, unable to hold back his frustration anymore.

"W-What?" asked a bewildered Toshinori, looking at Nezu before looking back at his old sidekick. "What do you mean?"

"Why am I hearing that you picked a successor already without consulting with me?!"

Taken aback at first from his tone of voice, the Symbol of Peace however quickly recovered, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Nezu first, somehow knowing he was the one who told his old sidekick before moving his annoyed gaze towards his old sidekick. "It's not for you to decide Mirai. I get to decide who becomes my successor. Not you."

Glaring at the number one hero, Nighteye clenched his fists. "So my opinions don't matter anymore? Just like that? Why? Because we took different paths several years ago? After everything we've been through together?"

All Might shook his head. "That's not what I said or meant and you know it. Don't try and twist my words."

"Even so, why would you pick that boy? Why would you waste your precious time…even enlisting the help of others to train another from the ground up when there was someone already ready! When you yourself said that Mirio Togata had potential and you even asked about his progress several times these last couple of years!"

Eyes widening, All Might wondered how his old sidekick knew about all that before he had an epiphany and looked at the principal once more. "Nezu…" growled All Might.

Even though he was being glared at by the number one hero, the principal felt no fear and still drank his tea rather calmly. "I'm not going to lie to someone in the inner circle regarding One for All Toshinori, if asked about it and they deserve to know."

Grunting in reply, All Might moved his gaze back towards Nighteye before standing up and looking him in the eyes. "Alright, I have. I admit that I was curious about him and how much stronger he becomes. His personality is great, his quirk is amazing and he has much potential…"

"Then why didn't you pick him?! He's the perfect choice!" snapped Nigtheye angrily.

"Because that's not all I was looking for."

"Not all? What more could you possibly need?!"

"A spark," answered All Might calmly.

"A spark?" repeated Nighteye with confusion, glancing at Nezu who remained silent before looking back towards the blonde.

All Might let out another sigh. He knew that his old friend would have difficulty understanding his reasons but still he continued on. "Yes, a spark. Call it a feeling if you want. But there's a spark within Izuku Midoriya that captured my attention."

"And what, Mirio doesn't have this spark?!" growled Nighteye.

Shaking his head, All Might raised his hands to signal him to calm down. "No, he does as well. It's just…" He took a short while to gather his thoughts before clarifying as much as he could. "Best way I can explain it is that young Midoriya's spark burns just as brightly, if not more so. His drive, his will and determination to do what is right no matter the cost is almost asinine. He probably might've gone far in his life without me even being involved. And this was during my first day of interacting with him when he proved it so, rushing into danger to help out someone even though he was Quirkless while others and myself merely stood around. I started to imagine what he could achieve if given proper training, support and if he had a powerful quirk too…"

"I get it now," interrupted Nighteye, making All Might stop talking and sported a questioning gaze instead. "You gave One for All to him because he was Quirkless just like you."

"What?! No! Did you even hear what I just said?" asked All Might, irritated at his words.

"I did. But I understand it better than even you. You think it's because of this…spark…but it's because he reminded you of yourself. And that's why…"

"No, that's not it and just so you know, he's more like Master!" interjected All Might all of a sudden while yelling.

Absolute silence in the room, though Nezu was still smiling at the interactions in front of him as if he wasn't listening in on a conversation about a very important and closely guarded secret. Then again, he did already know all this, having been involved with One for All and its users for a very long time. He was one of the few that the current number one hero could easily talk to regarding it.

Nighteye was astonished over what he just heard and for the first time in a long time, he was speechless for a moment. Finally recovering, he voiced the thoughts in his head. "You…you mean…he's like…Nana Shimura?" he asked in a whisper.

All Might nodded. "Yes. He's like her…but to a much greater degree."

Collapsing into one of the couches in the room since this revelation was one that he wasn't expecting at all, Nighteye brought his left hand towards his forehead and started rubbing it with his fingers as he started thinking heavily. He knew how much respect and admiration the Symbol of Peace has for his predecessor. Even looking at her as a mother figure to him. Nana Shimura was the perfect example of how a hero should be. Always with a smile on her face. Always helping others even where there was nothing in it for her. Always looking for the good in people. Always doing her best to not allow the darkness of the world to keep her down. And so much more.

Of course Nighteye didn't know about her personally. He only heard stories about her from All Might. And if he says that this…Izuku Midoriya…reminded him of her…then it would be almost impossible to convince him of choosing Mirio. But then again, Nighteye was never one for giving up so easily. Finishing up his thinking, he stopped rubbing his forehead. Standing up, he moved his gaze onto All Might's and spoke after a few seconds. "Alright. I understand now."

Letting out a relieved sigh, All Might smiled a little. "I'm glad to hear it, Mirai. I know that…"

He stopped talking when he saw his old sidekick raise his hand to signal him to stop. "I said I understand. I didn't say that I approve of it."

All Might's smile vanished at once and was replaced with a frown. "I don't need your approval."

Scowling slightly, Nighteye felt like he was betrayed but still he pushed on. "Even so, I feel like I'm the only one thinking logically about this. You're allowing your emotions and feelings to hinder your decision making and it will cause consequences that you wouldn't be able to foresee…"

"Not all of us can see the future and act so robotically towards it! Sometimes all we have is our feelings to guide us!" retorted All Might. He didn't like saying that to one who used to be his sidekick and close friends with him but he was starting to get angry over his behavior.

"No, you can't. I can. And that's why you should listen to someone who's not biased on this!"

"As if you're not! I know how much you want Mirio to succeed me and that's why you've been training him personally too!" snapped All Might.

Nighteye felt anger rising within him. He admired and respected All Might and would never stop doing so. But it still frustrated him to no end as to how stubborn and illogical he could be at times. And this was one of those times. He had to make him see the truth. "That's because he's the perfect choice!" he shouted back all of a sudden, making the number one hero go quiet. Taking advantage of it, he kept going, voicing the reasons why. "With his quirk, Permeation, and One for All, he'll be unstoppable! Not only that, but with his personality and who he is at his core, he won't become power drunk and won't look down on others! He'll become the greatest hero who ever lived! Better than even you!" finished Nighteye as he pointed his right index finger at him.

All Might didn't react for a moment until he shook his head while maintaining eye contact with Nighteye. "Even if you're right, that doesn't change anything. I already made my choice. Izuku Midoriya is my successor, the ninth user of One for All. And he will surpass me one day as the greatest hero the world has ever known in his own way. I only wish that I'm lucky enough to live long enough to see it!"

Growling loudly, Nighteye spun around and made his way towards the door and opened it. Taking a step outside, he glanced back as he spoke. "I will make you see reason. Mark my words; you'll see how special Mirio Togata…Lemillion…is." With those final words spoken, Nighteye left and slammed the door shut behind him.

Taking in a long breath, All Might then let it out. "I already know how special he is Mirai. But that doesn't change anything." Sitting back down onto the couch, he did his best to glare at the principal in front of him. "Nezu…"

"That could've gone worse," remarked the hybrid looking animal, not at all worried about All Might's glare on him. "Then again, he doesn't seem to be taking it so well. I would prepare myself for another…discussion…I assume in the future. Probably should let your successor know as well."

All Might sagged in his seat. "Why do you do this to me?" he asked rhetorically.

A small chuckle escaped the principal. "Oh come now, you knew this would've happened one day sooner or later. It was inevitable. And what better time than when you were resting before completing the remaining letters?"

All Might groaned at that. "I should've known something was up when you called me in before finishing those up."

Nezu chuckled some more before asking a question. "So, have you done Midoriya's yet?"

Though he was feeling a bit annoyed with the principal at the moment, All Might still had a smile form on his face. "Not yet. I'm leaving him for last. There's a lot I want to say to him and need to take my time on it."

"I see. But you do know that the projectors only have so much time available on them right?"

"Damn it. Really?"

"Yes. Perhaps a letter would suffice along with the school documents that he'll need to fill out."

"Alright. Guess I'll do that as well."

"Good. Are you also going to mention your little trip?"

All Might nodded. "Yes. And I have to apologize for not responding back to him this whole week. I even told the others not to respond to him. He's probably going crazy right now but it'll be good for him too, since he'll learn to be a little patient and not over think everything all the time."

"Not really your fault with everything going on and you have a point. But then again, did you ever learn?" All Might flinched at that and Nezu smirked. "Well, hopefully he doesn't hold a grudge on you for doing that. Anyway, good luck with the rest of the recordings." Nodding again, All Might stood up and made his way towards the door. "Oh, and do please extend my greetings to the Shield family on my behalf. It's been a while since last we talked."

All Might turned his gaze back towards Nezu as he grasped the door handle. "Will do. Anything comes up regarding Midoriya, please let me know."

"I will." Smiling, Toshinori nodded and opened the door before leaving the office and closing the door behind him.

After he left, the principal of UA drank some more tea while many thoughts floated around in his head. I have a feeling that this year will definitely be more exciting and that's not even counting all the changes we're making. Mad laughter filled the room as Nezu began brainstorming about all the possible scenarios that could occur as a result of the changes they'll be making starting this upcoming school year.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

An envelope.

It's funny how such a small item was taking all of his attention as he stared at it for the past ten minutes. Izuku had been anxious and nervous for the past week waiting for its arrival. And now that he had finally received it, he couldn't open it. Lost in his internal debate of whether he wanted to confirm his failure or not, the green haired young man just didn't know if he was ready to face the truth of it.

The entire time he had been waiting for his entrance exam results was just pure anguish for him because of many reasons. His constant thoughts of what he did wrong during the test and how he wasn't able to do what needed to be done. On top of that, All Might, the one who gave him his chance to make his dream become a reality, wasn't answering his phone calls or text messages. Even the others who the Symbol of Peace had enlisted to help him on his path wouldn't respond as well whenever he attempted to contact them. It didn't help either that he kept remembering the two girls he had run into that day as their images kept popping up into his mind. All of that was messing with his mind and kept him in a state of constant unease.

And now with the letter from the most prestigious hero school in the country, if not the world, sitting on his desk, his feelings were going haywire. A few times he had lifted his trembling hands to pick up the envelope but then stopped a few inches away from it as they fell back down onto his legs. Gripping his knees and thinking a mile a minute, the young man's mind was envisioning all the possible rejections he was about to read and it was keeping him from taking action.

Until sudden knocking on the door snapped him out of his funk before he heard the kind and soft words of his mother. "Izuku, honey, you've been there for a while. Are you alright?"

"Yeah Mom, I'm okay. I haven't opened it yet," he replied back so as to not worry her further.

Understanding dawned on her and she let out a quiet sigh before responding back. "I see. Well, take your time and no rush. But know that no matter what, I'm proud of you Izuku."

His eyes tearing up, he kept his voice as level as he could. "Thanks Mom."

"Of course. I'll get some tea ready for us." And with that, Inko let her son alone for the moment.

Sitting there with no sound or movement made for a moment as he allowed his mother's words to resonate through him, the young man came to a decision. He couldn't let this keep him from moving forward. Taking in a long breath through his nose, he exhaled it out of his mouth to calm himself. Drying his teary eyes with the back of his hands, he then lightly smacked himself with both hands against his cheeks. "Okay, I can do this. No matter what, I will see this through to the end."

Moving quickly so he wouldn't lose his nerve, he reached for the envelope and in one fluid motion, ripped open the side of it and held it up diagonally. Expecting a piece of paper to fall out, he wasn't ready for the thin electronic device that slipped out of it and landed onto the desk, which caused him to not see the actual documents still inside the envelope. "What the heck…"

He wasn't able to say anything else since the device began to glow and suddenly a holographic image was projected upwards from it, showing the image of the number one hero. "It is I, appearing as a holographic projection recording!"

"All Might?!" exclaimed the green haired teenager in shock. He wasn't expecting the high tech letter, let alone his idol and mentor being the one delivering the message.

"Yup, that's right, it's me, All Might! Hahaha!" replied the recording, somehow knowing how the young man would react. "Before we get into the entrance exam results, I'd like to let you know that I will be a teacher at U.A. starting this year!"

"No way!"

"Yes way!" Once again, All Might knew how he would react and chuckled a bit before taking on a serious expression in the recording. "Sorry I couldn't tell you as I wanted it to be a surprise. And also, I want to let you know that I did your recording last, so I can take my time on it. First off, I want to let you know that I couldn't answer your calls or messages because I was busy with these recordings for all the contestants…"

So that's why he couldn't reply back, thought the young man. He felt a little better since he now knew that it wasn't because of something he did that the Symbol of Peace wasn't replying back to him. It was just that he had to make many of these recordings. But wait, what about the others? Why didn't they answer?

"...and for that I apologize." Deciding to think about that later, Izuku listened to the recording again. "I also wanted to let you know that I had no hand in your upcoming scores. Everything that you're about to receive is based on your own effort."

Nodding at that even though the number one hero couldn't see him, Izuku wasn't surprised but thanked him within his mind over that. But then he began to dread what that meant. If All Might didn't help him in any way, then for sure he wasn't going to pass. Swallowing the saliva that had accumulated in his mouth, he waited to hear the outcome of his exam attempt while his heart beat increased.

All Might's signature smile appeared on his face before he continued on. "Now let's get started! For the written portion of the exam, you passed with flying colors! You, along with one other, got the highest score of 95 points! Well done!" Smiling a bit at that, Izuku felt a little pride over that but nothing more, since he knew that he had done that part well. He wondered for a moment who the other person could be but then left that alone to pay attention to the rest of the recording. "And now, the meat of the test, the practical portion of the exam! You had accumulated a total of 17 combat points before engaging the zero pointer, which unfortunately resets your score to zero. I'm sorry to say, but even without that factor, 17 points is still a failing score. You needed at least…"

Hanging his head in defeat, the green haired teenager had his eyes water and barely heard the next several words as his thoughts entered his head once more. I knew it. I failed. I couldn't do it. I'm so sorry for being worthless!

"…that is, if that's all we were looking for!"

Huh? Izuku raised his confused gaze back up to the projection after hearing those words, his eyes still watery but no tears fell yet.

"That's right! We weren't just looking for how many villains future heroes can beat but for those who embody the true meaning of being a hero!" Right after he said that, the projection showed All Might turning towards the side where the television on the wall began showing clips of his actions during the practical portion of the exam.

Izuku widened his eyes as he watched himself help those who were in trouble. Helping someone who had twisted his ankle get to a safer area that was away from the main roads. Giving someone else the means to defend themselves after they had used up all of their energy. Getting someone out of trouble who was surrounded by several robots that were about to fire their weapons at her. Several other short videos were shown of his actions helping others. And the final video was him basically sacrificing himself in order to save a trapped girl from the zero pointer robot.

All Might's smile somehow became larger after that last video. "There's nothing nobler, nothing more heroic, than those who sacrifice for others! Who do everything they can to help others! How can we, a school for training heroes, turn away someone so heroic?! And so, there was a hidden grade within the practical portion…rescue points!"

"Rescue points?!" repeated Izuku to himself in a whisper, as he was starting to understand, with his heart beating quicker.

"That's right!" responded All Might's recording, once again knowing how the teenager would react. "But before I tell you more, here's something else I want you to see!" The number one hero turned towards the side once more and another video showed within the projection but this time it was of someone else.

"What?!" blurted out Izuku, seeing who it was. It was the pretty brunette who he met before the exam started, which he in turn had saved against the zero pointer and one of the two girls who he couldn't get out of his mind. He watched the video as she spoke with one of the faculty staff, describing him and asking if she could give him some of her points so he wouldn't be disqualified because of her. Moved from her actions for him, the green haired teenager was in a trance.

The video ended right there and All Might's projection turned to face the young man with an even larger smile than before on his face. When he started speaking, it broke Izuku out of his trance and he listened to the hero. "She came straight to us after the exam. Your actions moved her to go out of her way to help another. That's what a true hero does; motivates others to do what is right and it's a great quality to have. Now, for what you did during the practical, from the panel of judges who look for these kinds of things, they collectively agreed that you deserve the most points possible in that category for your heroic actions! A total of 60 rescue points!"

"60 points?!" repeated Izuku in shock.

"Yup! And also, the points that you 'lost'…" All Might used some air quotes in the projection as he said that final word before moving on. "…because of fighting the zero pointer was just another test! You still have those points too! So along with your 17 combat points and the 60 rescue points, you earned a total of 77 points! You tie for first place again with one other and this time in the practical portion of the exam!"

Izuku couldn't believe what he just heard and his emotions were going all over the place. His heart began beating madly while he was shaking in his chair.

All Might was silent for a few seconds to let his words sink in before he spoke but this time in a much softer tone of voice. "Someone who has all the qualities of a hero…someone who does all he can to help others…someone who moves others to do the same and perform heroic actions…how can we possibly say no to such a person?" It was because of those words that he finally understood what was happening and the negativity he had been feeling all week was being wiped clean, with his eyes starting to leak out water. All Might had his right hand open as he extended it towards him in the projection at that moment. "Izuku Midoriya, on behalf of UA, we welcome you with open arms! Welcome to your Hero Academia!" Heavy and fast tears fell from his eyes as he cried loudly in relief and happiness while the video continued for a little while longer. All Might mentioned to read the letter with the document since he had more things to tell him before it started showing the scores of the top contestants but he didn't see it.

The bedroom door suddenly swung open and Inko quickly moved towards her son while speaking. "Izuku, I'm sorry for just barging in like that but I heard you crying and I…" She stopped talking when her son turned to face her and his expression wasn't one that she was expecting because of his crying.

He was smiling. "I-I did it, M-Mom," he said quietly at first before standing up and saying it with more confidence. "I did it! I passed!" he exclaimed happily, his smile spreading wider while tears still fell.

Inko felt her heart skip a beat at seeing her son so happy. "Oh, Izuku, that's amazing!" Hugging her son and him reciprocating it, she felt so happy for him, crying tears of happiness as well. "Congratulations! I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks Mom." Separating after a short while, the two wiped their tears away before they looked over at the desk when a sound caught their attention. The electronic device was making a beeping sound and they both moved closer to it and saw that there was a message printed on it that said to check the envelope that it came in for some documents that needed to be filled out along with a letter. Reaching for the envelope, he then pulled out the papers inside and quickly scanned through the first page, with his eyes widening. "Ah, Mom, looks like there's some changes at the school and there's some things I need to prepare for before attending U.A."

Raising an eyebrow, Inko took the paper when he offered it to her and she too scanned through it while her son read the next paper inside, which was a personal letter from the Symbol of Peace. "Oh my, this is new. Dorms? Combined class activities? And all these other things…but, did they do these things last year?" she asked her son.

All Might told the others not to contact me so I can learn to be patient and not over think things? And he's going on a trip for a bit but he'll be back before UA starts? Thinking to himself after reading the letter at first, he decided to worry about that later but did decide on something. He's definitely getting punched for doing that to me. Finishing up with the letter, he looked at his Mom when she asked him the question. "No, they didn't," answered Izuku as he shook his head. "I know things will be difficult for us on some of them…but Mom, I have to do this. I can't back out now."

Moving her gaze away from the documents to her son, she saw the determined expression on his face. Remembering how happy he just was after finding out he was accepted, she couldn't say no to him. She couldn't make him give up his dream when it was finally starting to take form, especially after not being there for him the first time. Letting out a sigh, the kind mother nodded after a moment. "Alright. But, we're going to discuss this and figure out how we're going to make it all work. But we'll do that tomorrow since we have time until the start of UA. For now, we'll just celebrate. Sound good?"

A wide and bright smile formed on his face before he nodded. "Alright! And thanks Mom."