Chapter 37: Fiery ultimatum

It's been years since Endeavor was in Nezu's office. The two of them went completely separate ways after Enji graduated and became a Pro Hero. Even Shoto's recommendation was done via a signed and stamped letter. Todoroki always respected the rat's intelligence and resourcefulness, and principal respected the flame hero's productiveness, but they were never more than acquaintances. Thus, Number Two hero didn't know what to expect when he was summoned by principal directly.

The rat was sitting in his chair and drinking tea. There was already a cup for the visitor.

"Hello, Endeavor."

"Hello, Nezu."

"I won't beat around the bush. It's come to my attention that you've been abusing your youngest son Shoto, as well as causing your wife Rei to have an emotional breakdown."

"I won't insult your intelligence by feigning innocence, so I'll just tell you to get your nose out of my business." The hero's flaming hair became more pronounced.

"Careful, you might trigger a fire alarm. As forYoung Todoroki, his well being is my business as well. I'm his Principal after all, not to mention the smartest being in this country."

"Or perhaps the most overconfident." Enji thought to himself

"Honestly, I want to get rid of you permanently, but that would be its can of worms. You are too useful as a hero, so I need you to keep doing your job. Instead, I will ruin your reputation if you do not comply with my terms. You might have a fanbase and backing of HPCS, but I have many UA alumni on my side, including All Might and Best Jeanist."

The Number Two hero was furious, but he knew that Nezu might enough power and connections to pull this off.

"What do you want?"

"I want you to stop treating Shoto like a tool and others like extras in your story. Get your wife out of the asylum and treat her with respect. Hound Dog will be conducting counseling sessions with young Todoroki every week, so we will know whether or not if you are complying. We better not have this conversation again." The rat poured himself more tea.

"Fine! Farewell." Elder Todoroki left the office.

"It doesn't matter! Shoto has already used his flames in Hosu, so it's only a matter of time before he accepts his destiny." The hero smirked.

Shoto Todoroki's life took a sudden turn for the better. His mother was back home, his father wasn't nearly as strict and his newfound friends were about to visit him. He didn't know what kind of deity caused this miracle, but he was grateful for it nonetheless. Perhaps there was a place for justice in this world.

Izuku and Katsuki arrived at the evening. They were met by Shoto's sister, Fuyumi. She was thrilled that her little brother finally managed to make real friends. They made their way into the living room to greet Natsuo. Unfortunately, he stormed off as soon as Enji returned, much to Fuyumi's regret. The four of them sat at the table to eat.

"By the way, I heard that your mother has been released, Shoto. Why isn't she with us?"

"She isn't quite comfortable with strangers, so you won't see her today."

"I should take this talk into a different direction." Fuyumi thought.

"So, you two are Shoto's friends, right?" She wondered.

"Yes."

"No."

Izuku stared at Katsuki in disbelief.

"I'm here because Two-Face promised free food."

"You a real charmer, Kacchan."

"Do not call Shoto that!" Pro Hero was frustrated

"It's fine, father." Dual haired boy turned towards the blond. "Hopefully, you will be my friend some day." He went back to eating cold soba.

"Let's change the topic!" Green head took charge of the conversation. "How about I tell you how we passed our test against All Might?"

"Yeah, let's hear it." Boy peaked Endeavor's interest.

"Oh my God!" The woman was impressed and concerned. "It must have been very painful to have him crush your body."

"It was, but heroes have to endure the pain." Green head made a reassuring smile.

"Speaking of enduring pain, let me tell you how Nerd and I kicked hobo's ass."

"… and then I shot him a few more times just be sure and we ran towards the exit. I paid him for every idiotic ruse and stupid challenge he put me through!" Blond finished ranting.

"You are mmm, very passionate, Bakugo." The girl was slightly confused.

"Damn right I am!"

"Sometimes I wish I became a pro hero. Don't get me wrong, I like teaching kids, but sometimes I feel like helping people in a more direct way."

"NO!" Enji and Shoto shouted in unison, much to everyone's surprise and boy's horror.

"Fuyumi, hero is an incredibly dangerous profession. I can't let you put your life at risk with your weak quirk."

"I can't believe I'm agreeing with my old man." Heterochromatic teen was shocked.

While all of this was happening, Midoriya was looking at Fuyumi's hands. They looked smooth and silky. He was hoping that he wasn't too obvious. Would Shoto be mad if he asked to touch them a bit? Izuku tried talking to distract himself.

"Sir, did anything interesting happen in Hosu? I heard you and your sidekicks killed all the Nomus."

"Those beasts came in all shapes and sizes. Some of them were quadrupedal, others bipedal and some could even fly. What's more, they possessed various quirks, such as ice generators or spike launchers."

"Did anyone have super regeneration?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Huh, I guess USJ specimen was one of a kind."

"Did anyone show signs of heat resistance?"

"No."

"Do you have any idea who's behind this?"

"Sadly, that is also a no."

"Understood. Thank you for your time, sir!"

The Pro Hero volunteered to take the guests back home in his car. He wanted to talk to them in private.

"I saw your performance at the Sports Festival. While your quirks are impressive, you will not be able to keep up with my Shoto. Once he masters his fire side, he'll surpass even All Might."

"Here we go again." Izuku rolled his eyes.

"Endeavor!" Katsuki exclaimed. "Me and Deku WILL leave your son in the dust. Each of us has already kicked his ass before. But I'm sure Two-Face can settle for a bronze medal."

"You are delusional, boy."

"No, you are!"

"ENOUGH!" Izuku's patience wore off. "How about we ALL shut up now?" He raised his voice.

The rest of the trip went in complete silence. The boys were chatting with classmates and saw Todoroki partake for the first time.

"Shoto? That's such a lame username. I know something much better."