Chapter 3: Cracks Beneath the Surface
The sun hung low in the late afternoon sky, a molten coin suspended on the horizon, casting an amber glow across the manicured training grounds of Mustafa Private Middle School. The field smelled faintly of freshly cut grass and ozone, a remnant of the earlier thunderstorm that had rolled across the city like a restless giant. The air was humid, clinging to Yui Kodai's skin and making every breath feel like she was inhaling through a damp cloth. She stood, panting heavily, her muscles trembling as sweat trickled down her brow. Her hands ached from repeated use of her quirk, the strain carving its way into her joints like dull knives.
Opposite her, Momo Yaoyorozu stood tall, her stance perfect, her breathing calm, as if the two had not been sparring for over an hour. Momo's hair, tied back into a sleek ponytail, glistened under the fading light, and her uniform bore no more than a few creases, betraying how effortlessly she had moved throughout their session. She was the image of control and composure, the golden standard that everyone—especially Yui—was expected to aspire to.
"That was a good effort, Yui," Momo said, her tone encouraging but tinged with the politeness of someone trying too hard not to condescend. "Your precision with resizing is improving. If you focus more on the object's density before you alter it, you'll conserve more energy."
Yui bit her lip, nodding without meeting Momo's eyes. Her cousin always meant well—too well. But every piece of advice felt like another grain of salt in the open wound of her inadequacy. Yui could see Momo watching her, concern flickering behind those piercing crimson eyes, but it only made her feel smaller.
"I'll try harder," Yui muttered, her voice barely audible over the distant hum of traffic and the rustling leaves.
Momo smiled warmly, oblivious to the storm brewing within Yui's chest. "I know you will. You're doing great, Yui."
Great. The word grated against Yui's mind like sandpaper. She wanted to believe it, but the weight of her family's expectations and the constant comparisons to Momo drowned out any sense of accomplishment. The world didn't see her as "great." She was always second best, always a dim reflection of Momo's brilliance.
Momo glanced at her watch. "I have to head home soon. Father wants to go over my strategy for the UA Recommendation Exam." Her tone was casual, but Yui knew better. The mention of Hisashi Yaoyorozu was like a dagger to her already fragile self-esteem.
"Of course," Yui replied, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You should go."
"Do you need help cleaning up?" Momo asked, already gathering her neatly arranged belongings. Her offer sounded genuine, but to Yui, it felt like pity.
"I'm fine," Yui insisted, sharper than she intended. "I'll handle it."
Momo hesitated, her gaze lingering as if she wanted to say something more. But she nodded, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Alright. See you tomorrow."
Yui watched her cousin leave, her silhouette framed by the dying light. Once Momo was out of sight, Yui slumped to the ground, her legs giving out beneath her. The grass was cool and damp against her skin, but it did little to soothe the fiery ache in her muscles or the tight knot of frustration in her chest.
The field was eerily quiet now, the sounds of the city muffled by the thick trees surrounding the school. Shadows stretched like clawed fingers across the ground as the sun dipped lower, the twilight air turning chill. Yui shivered, pulling her blazer tighter around herself as she gathered the training equipment into a bag.
"Hey, Kodai," a voice sneered from behind her.
Her heart sank. She didn't need to turn to know who it was. The voice belonged to Kenta Mori, a third-year with a quirk that allowed him to manipulate air pressure, a skill he often used to bully weaker students. He and his cronies had been targeting Yui for weeks, always waiting until she was alone, away from Momo's watchful eye.
"What do you want?" Yui asked, keeping her voice steady even as her hands trembled.
Kenta stepped into view, flanked by two others: Daichi and Riku, both as cruel as their leader. Kenta's smirk was a sharp line against his angular face, his dark eyes gleaming with malice. "Just thought we'd check on you. You look tired. Rough day training with the perfect princess?"
Yui bristled but didn't respond. She knew better than to rise to the bait.
"Must be hard," Riku chimed in, his tone mockingly sympathetic. "Always living in her shadow. Bet your parents love reminding you of that."
"Shut up," Yui snapped, her voice cracking.
Daichi chuckled. "Oh, she's got some fight in her today. Let's see how much."
Before Yui could react, Kenta raised his hand, the air around her chest suddenly compressing. She gasped as her lungs fought against the invisible force, her vision blurring at the edges. Her legs buckled, and she fell to her knees, the grass scraping against her skin.
"Not so tough now, huh?" Kenta sneered, releasing the pressure just enough for her to breathe.
Yui coughed, the metallic taste of fear and frustration filling her mouth. Her quirk flickered instinctively, the bag beside her shrinking slightly before she forced herself to stop. She couldn't afford to use her quirk here—not without escalating things further.
"Leave me alone," she choked out, her voice weak but defiant.
Kenta knelt down, his face inches from hers. "Make us."
The three of them laughed as Yui's fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms hard enough to draw blood. She hated them. She hated how powerless she felt. And most of all, she hated herself for not being strong enough to fight back.
The Offer
By the time the bullies left, Yui was a trembling mess. Her uniform was dirtied, her knees scraped, and her pride shattered. She sat there in the growing darkness, the distant hum of streetlights the only sound accompanying her shallow breaths. She didn't cry—she refused to cry. Instead, she stared at the ground, her mind racing with a torrent of bitter thoughts.
"You don't have to take that."
The voice startled her, low and calm but carrying an unsettling weight. She looked up sharply, her eyes scanning the shadows until they landed on a figure leaning against a nearby tree. He was cloaked in darkness, a hood and mask obscuring his face entirely. Only his silhouette was visible, tall and imposing.
"Who are you?" Yui demanded, her voice wavering.
"Someone who sees potential," the man replied smoothly. "Someone who knows what it's like to be underestimated."
Yui scrambled to her feet, her body tense. "Stay away from me."
"I'm not here to hurt you," the man said, holding up his hands as if in surrender. "I'm here to help."
She didn't relax. Her instincts screamed at her to run, but something in his voice—something calm and calculating—held her in place.
"I've been watching you," the man continued, his tone almost conversational. "I've seen how hard you work, how much you struggle. Always second best. Always in her shadow."
Yui's breath hitched, her fists tightening. "Shut up."
"But it doesn't have to be that way," he pressed, stepping closer. "I know a way to make quirks stronger. To make you stronger. Strong enough to never be stepped on again."
She froze, her heart pounding. "What are you talking about?"
"It's not for everyone," the man said, his voice dipping into a dangerous edge. "It's not easy. Not safe. But for someone like you… someone desperate enough… it could change everything."
Yui's mind raced. She wanted to run, to yell for help, but the man's words echoed in her head, igniting something deep inside her. Desperation. Anger. A hunger for something—anything—that could free her from the chains of her own inadequacy.
"What's the catch?" she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
The man chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Prove I can trust you. A test of loyalty. Show me you're willing to do what it takes, and I'll share the secret."
Yui stared at him, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear, anger, and a flicker of something dangerous: hope.
"I can handle it," she said, the words tasting like acid on her tongue.
The man tilted his head, as if considering her. "We'll see."
And with that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Yui alone under the cold, indifferent stars.
Chapter 4: The Weight of Shadows
Yui Kodai trudged up the stone pathway to her family's estate, her steps heavy and uneven as if the evening shadows clinging to her skin were weighing her down. The grand mansion loomed ahead, its elegant facade illuminated by warm golden lights that spilled from the tall windows. It was a beautiful home, one that radiated wealth and prestige, but to Yui, it felt suffocating—a gilded cage where she was constantly reminded of her shortcomings.
Her scraped knees throbbed with every step, the sting a cruel echo of her earlier humiliation. The bullies' laughter still rang in her ears, and though she had managed to clean herself up as best as she could in the school restroom, her uniform still bore faint traces of dirt. Her fingers trembled as she gripped the handle of the ornate front door, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.
The scent of lavender and polished wood greeted her, a familiar but unwelcome reminder of her mother's meticulous standards. The grand foyer was immaculate, the marble floors gleaming under the soft glow of the chandelier. A spiral staircase curved upward, leading to the second floor where her parents' study was located. She had hoped to sneak past unnoticed, to retreat to the solitude of her room, but luck was not on her side.
"Yui!" her mother's sharp voice cut through the silence like a whip.
Yui froze mid-step, her heart sinking. She turned slowly to see Sakura Yaoyorozu descending the staircase, her expression a perfect blend of disappointment and disdain. Her mother's emerald-green eyes, so similar to her own, locked onto her like a predator sizing up its prey. She was dressed impeccably as always, her fitted suit and flawless makeup projecting an air of control and authority.
"What happened to you?" Sakura demanded, her gaze flicking over Yui's disheveled appearance. "You look like a mess. Have you been fighting again?"
Yui hesitated, her throat tightening. "I… I fell during training."
Sakura's lips thinned into a line, and she crossed her arms. "Don't lie to me. You've been bullied again, haven't you?"
Yui's silence was answer enough.
Sakura's voice rose, sharp and cutting. "How many times do we have to go through this? You disgrace our family by allowing yourself to be targeted like this. Do you think the Kodai name can afford such weakness?"
"I tried," Yui murmured, her voice barely audible. "I—"
"Tried?" Sakura scoffed, her tone dripping with scorn. "Trying isn't good enough, Yui. Your cousin Momo doesn't 'try.' She succeeds. Do you ever hear about her being bullied? No, because she commands respect. She's everything you should be but aren't."
The words hit Yui like a physical blow, each one stripping away another layer of her fragile self-esteem. Her vision blurred as tears welled up, but she refused to let them fall. Crying would only make her mother angrier.
"Enough, Sakura," came her father's voice from the study doorway. Mangetsu Kodai stepped into view, his towering frame casting a long shadow across the foyer. His expression was calmer, more measured than his wife's, but his disappointment was no less palpable. "She's just a child. Bullying isn't something you can always control."
"She's not a child anymore," Sakura snapped, turning on him. "She's fourteen. In two years, she'll be applying to hero schools, and at this rate, she'll embarrass us all. Do you want to be the father of a failure?"
Mangetsu's jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his silence cutting deeper into Yui than any words could. He was a pro hero, a man known for his strength and leadership, and though he rarely raised his voice, his quiet disappointment was often worse than her mother's wrath.
"She's an embarrassment," Sakura continued, her voice cold. "How lucky you must feel, Mangetsu, that your brother-in-law has such a capable daughter. Momo is everything our Yui should be. Strong, intelligent, respected. And here we are, stuck with a girl who can't even defend herself."
"Stop," Yui said softly, her voice cracking. "Please stop."
Sakura ignored her, her voice growing harsher. "If you can't handle something as simple as standing up for yourself, how do you expect to survive in the real world? Do you think anyone will respect a hero who can't even protect herself from a few schoolyard bullies? You'll bring shame to this family, Yui. Is that what you want?"
Yui clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to keep the tears at bay. Her chest felt like it was being crushed, the weight of her mother's words suffocating her. She wanted to scream, to run, to disappear, but all she could do was stand there, rooted to the spot, her silence speaking volumes.
Mangetsu finally stepped forward, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder. "That's enough, Sakura. Let her go to her room."
Sakura huffed, clearly dissatisfied, but she relented. "Fine. But we will discuss this later, Yui. And you'd better think long and hard about how you plan to fix this."
Yui didn't wait for further permission. She turned and fled up the stairs, her footsteps echoing through the empty halls like the pounding of her heart. When she reached her room, she slammed the door shut and leaned against it, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
The room was immaculate, just like the rest of the house. Her bed was neatly made, the shelves lined with books and trinkets that felt more like decorations than personal belongings. Even here, she couldn't escape the pressure to be perfect, to meet expectations she knew she never could.
Collapsing onto her bed, Yui buried her face in her pillow, her tears finally spilling over. Her mother's words played on a loop in her mind, each one cutting deeper than the last. Weak. Embarrassment. Failure.
The memory of Momo's encouragement earlier that day only made it worse. Momo's kindness felt like pity now, her achievements a mirror reflecting everything Yui wasn't.
I'll always be second best, she thought bitterly. No matter how hard I try.
Her thoughts drifted to the man in the hood, his words a whisper in the back of her mind. I can make you stronger. Strong enough to never be stepped on again.
For the first time, the idea didn't seem so terrifying. It seemed… tempting.
Chapter 5: The Path of Blood
The day had been unbearably long. Yui's head was still buzzing with her mother's harsh words, her father's disappointed silence, and the crushing weight of their expectations. She had sat through class after class, the tick of the clock the only sound accompanying her, her every move calculated to avoid her classmates' eyes, to hide her weakness. But despite her efforts to vanish, to become invisible, the school—her family—reminded her of her inadequacies at every turn.
It wasn't until the final bell rang that she allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief, stepping out into the courtyard with a mixture of dread and anticipation. The warm air felt oppressive against her skin, thick with the tension of a world that had no place for her. As she made her way to the exit, she felt a familiar knot form in her stomach, a sensation of inevitability, like the calm before a storm.
She turned the corner, hoping to make it out unnoticed, but as if summoned by the sheer force of her thoughts, Kenta Mori and his cronies emerged from the shadows. Their sneers were like knives to her heart, their presence a constant reminder of her status as prey.
"You think you can run from us?" Kenta's voice was low and mocking, a predatory growl that sent a shiver down her spine.
Yui gritted her teeth, trying to walk faster, but Daichi and Riku blocked her path, their eyes gleaming with malicious intent.
"Where are you going?" Daichi taunted. "We've got a lesson for you."
Kenta smirked, stepping closer. "You've been hiding behind your little cousin long enough. But not anymore. You can't escape us, Yui."
She took a deep breath, her pulse quickening as they began to circle her like wolves. Her mind raced, desperate for a way out, but there was no escape this time. No one was around to help her—no Momo to save her from her tormentors. She wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or resentful of her cousin's absence.
Then, the unexpected happened.
"Kenta!"
The voice—sharp, commanding—cut through the air like a blade. Yui's head snapped up in surprise, and there, standing at the edge of the courtyard, was Momo Yaoyorozu. Her crimson eyes were locked onto the scene, her gaze steady, filled with something Yui couldn't quite place.
"Let her go," Momo said, her voice low but filled with an undeniable authority.
Kenta's eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything, Momo had already closed the distance between them, her form moving like liquid grace as she stepped in front of Yui.
"I won't stand by and watch you bully her," Momo continued, her words sharp and firm, almost… protective.
Yui's stomach twisted. Momo had always been perfect, had always been the one others rallied around, admired, and now—now she was making Yui feel even smaller than she already did. There was a slight rustle of movement, and Momo shifted her stance, prepared to defend Yui. She was ready for a fight.
But Yui's heart sank. Her chest tightened, and for the first time in ages, a surge of hot anger flooded her veins. She couldn't explain why, but the sight of Momo standing there, claiming to protect her, made something inside Yui snap.
"Stop!" Yui's voice rang out, her words harsher than she intended. "I don't need your help!"
The words stung as soon as they left her mouth, but she couldn't take them back. Her eyes met Momo's, and she saw that faint flicker of surprise before her cousin's expression softened. But Yui didn't care anymore. She couldn't.
"Yui," Momo said softly, taking a cautious step forward. "I just—"
"Don't!" Yui snapped, stepping back. "You always do this! Always come in like some hero, and make everything worse!"
She didn't even wait for Momo's response. She turned on her heel and pushed through the group of bullies, feeling a sharp sting as she bumped into Kenta's chest. She didn't care. She just needed to get away. She needed space.
Behind her, Momo's voice called out, but it was lost in the noise of her thoughts. Yui kept running, her feet pounding the pavement as her emotions swirled in a storm of fury and frustration.
By the time she reached the school gate, tears were already welling up in her eyes, but she swallowed them down. She refused to cry, not now, not in front of anyone. Not even herself.
A Dark Offering
Yui wandered aimlessly through the streets, the anger bubbling inside her like a cauldron. Her hands shook, and her heart raced. She couldn't go home. Not yet. Not after everything that had happened. Her mother's voice still echoed in her mind, the weight of her failure pressing down on her chest. She was nothing—weak, useless, unworthy.
It was then that she saw him again.
The hooded figure was waiting for her at the same dark alleyway he'd been in before. His form was barely visible under the shadow of the building, but his presence was undeniable. The cold edge of his voice reached her ears before she even saw him.
"You failed."
Yui froze, her blood running cold at the sound of his voice. She turned, half-expecting him to be gone, but there he was—standing as if waiting for her.
"What do you want?" she asked, her voice trembling despite her attempt to stay steady.
"I told you," he said, stepping into the dim light. "Power must be taken. It must be earned. Through force. Through blood."
Yui swallowed, her throat dry. She wanted to turn and run, but her body refused to move. Instead, she stood there, rooted to the spot, her fists clenched at her sides.
"Do you want to keep being weak?" the man continued, his voice low and hypnotic. "Do you want to stay under the boot of others, forever discarded as a nobody? You will keep doing the same thing, over and over, and get the same results. Or…" He stepped closer, his masked face inches from hers. "Or you can take a new path. A path where you are recognized. Where you are in control."
Yui's breath hitched. The temptation was unbearable. For the first time, someone was offering her a way out. A chance to be someone worth remembering.
"What do I have to do?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
The man smiled, his lips hidden beneath his mask. "I've been watching. You know Kenta Mori, yes? The one who bullies you? Take his power away from him. Show me that you're worthy of what I offer. Defeat him. And then inject him with this."
He handed her a syringe, the liquid inside a dark, toxic hue that almost seemed to swirl with menace.
"Why him?" Yui asked, her voice shaky, but a part of her already knew the answer. She didn't want to think about the implications. She just wanted power.
"Because he is the one who has held you down," the man said smoothly. "You must prove that you are stronger than him. That you are worthy of what you seek. Take this step, and you'll be one step closer to your true potential."
Yui hesitated for a moment, her mind racing, her heart thundering in her chest. The darkness beckoned. This was the moment, the moment where she could finally break free from her cage.
"I'll do it," Yui said, the words tasting like ash in her mouth. But she no longer cared. She was desperate. Desperate for power, for recognition.
The man's smile widened. "Good. Go. Do what you must."
The Ambush
Yui followed Kenta home, her footsteps silent as she tracked him through the city streets. He was alone now, walking with a cocky swagger, his head held high as if he had won the world's favor. He didn't notice her. Didn't sense the storm brewing behind him.
With a sudden burst of motion, Yui acted. She focused, concentrating on the pebble beneath her foot. In an instant, it grew, morphing into a large rock, sharp edges glistening in the twilight. She swung it at Kenta's head, the impact making a sickening crack as the rock connected with his skull. He collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain, dazed but still conscious.
"Wh—what the hell?" Kenta sputtered, looking up at Yui in disbelief. "You—what are you doing?"
With a steady hand, Yui pulled the syringe from her pocket. She injected the liquid into his arm without hesitation. Kenta's eyes widened in confusion, but before he could react, his body began to convulse violently. The Trigger coursed through his veins, and in seconds, he was unrecognizable—his quirk enhancement making him dangerous, unpredictable.
"W-what have you done?" Kenta gasped, the world around him beginning to spin.
Yui took a step back, her heart hammering in her chest. "Prove that I'm stronger."
But Kenta didn't listen. The Trigger had taken full effect. He roared, his body expanding in size, the effects of the drug sending him into a berserk frenzy. He tore through the streets, knocking over pedestrians, throwing cars, and causing chaos in his wake.
Yui ran. She didn't watch the destruction she had caused. She didn't see the citizens screaming in panic, nor did she hear the sirens wailing in the distance. She only heard the pounding of her own heart and the voice of the hooded man echoing in her mind.
You're ready.