My Sensei is an Assassin
Chapter 07
What's a Hero?
...
NARRATOR'S POV
When school started, students attempted to kill Nagisa again. But Nagisa, being Nagisa, stopped them without breaking a sweat. Nagisa's reputation as an untouchable target only got stronger during the course of the year.
"Sensei, you're really unbeatable. How can we 'kill' you before graduation?" Kaminari said, as he was exhausted, and other students also agreed with him.
"Nothing is unbeatable, and nothing is invincible; that's what I taught in our first class. You must observe and learn the one weakness your opponent is hiding from you," Nagisa said, picking up the chalk to write.
"Sensei, I would like to ask something that has been on my mind." Midoriya respectfully addressed.
"Go ahead, Midoriya-kun."
"How did you become so strong? Are you a government agent as well?"
"I am not a government agent, and as for how I became strong, it's simply a result of doing exactly what all of you are doing."
"What? You also tried this kind of thing?" Kaminari asked.
"You shouldn't be surprised; it's quite likely that he did the same thing. After all, it's clear he's using that method for a reason," Jiro anticipated.
"Jiro is correct. My sensei gave me and my whole class the assignment of killing him before the end of our junior high. During the school year, we met some more teachers, who helped us make us what we are." Nagisa said with his eyes closed. Anyone can tell he is fondly reminiscing about his old days.
"What kind of teacher gives such an assignment?" Kaminari said.
"The best teacher. He gave a goal to a bunch of kids who had lost the purpose of their life."
"Goal? Lost the purpose of life?" Everyone was saying this.
"I told you before that our school used to discriminate against students who either had low grades or behaved badly regardless of their reasons." Everyone nodded. "We were those students, the ones often overlooked and underestimated. This school was the place where they sent us, a building, an example that those who cannot meet the standards will be sent here."
Everyone was shocked, but Midoriya and some students like Saito, whose brother was treated the same way, knew what it felt like.
"As we approached the start of our third year, we had lost sight of our purpose in life. Then he arrived; he provided us with a goal and the confidence to shape our future. He and several new teachers guided us in becoming who we are today. By the end of the school year, we excelled in the school's top ranks and graduated with flying colours."
Everyone smiled. "Sensei, where are your teachers now?"
"Two are currently working in the Ministry of Defence, which clearly explains to you the nature of our training. Regrettably, the teacher who played a significant role in our development has passed away. He had a terminal condition, which only gave him a year to live, but he still remained committed to teaching us and guiding our education until his final days. Before he left us, we all gave him our final goodbyes with smiles on our faces, just like he wanted." A small tear formed in the eyes of Nagisa, which he quickly hid.
Everyone was sad on hearing that such a teacher is no more. "Truly an inspiring teacher you had, sensei?"
"Yeah, he was inspiring, and he would be happy to know that we are doing good in our lives. But we cannot stop our class for him, can we?" Nagisa again went back to his usual self. "I told you about my idol; who is your inspiration?"
"Well, if I say so about myself, my brother is my inspiration," Saito said.
"Heroes who help people are my inspiration," Jiro said.
"Mine too," Reiko said.
"Shouta Aizawa, AKA Erasure Head." Shinso simply said. Nagisa smiled at the mention of Aizawa's name.
"All Might," Midoriya said.
"Mine too," Kaminari said.
"Scientists and researchers who push the boundaries of knowledge," Tsubaki said.
"My grandfather, who started the family business from scratch," Ryu said shyly.
"Mine too; his grandfather also helped my father start our family business," Michiru said.
"Good thing you all have someone who inspires you. So let's start our class, which will be a philosophical debate. So are you ready?"
Everyone in unison said, "YEAH."
"So starting with heroes, what trait about heroes actually inspires you?"
"Is it their bravery, selflessness, or determination?" Shinso asked, looking around the room for responses.
"Anyone else?"
"Helping others," Jiro said.
"Defeating villains?" Kaminari said unsurely.
"Then what's the meaning of a villain?" Nagisa asked.
"Those who break the law for personal gain."
"Then what is the difference between a criminal and a villain?" Nagisa again asked.
"Aren't both the same?" Tsubaki asked.
"No. Not every law offender is handcuffed with Quirk-suppressing bracelets. Those who break the law but do not use their quirks for breaking the law are called criminals, and those who use their quirks for illegal use and personal gain are called villains. Keep in mind, every villain is a criminal, but not every criminal is a villain.
But 'villain' has one more difference, and that is intentions. Can anyone tell me why that is?"
Midoriya raised his hand. "They have the intention of hurting a civilian without any reason; on the other hand, criminals have some kind of reason for committing a crime."
"Correct, Midoriya-kun."
"But sensei, how can we determine what their intentions are?" Saito asked.
"To better understand this, I will give you a scenario; tell me if it's a villain or criminal situation. Let's say a man held an innocent civilian hostage in a bank while robbing."
"Villain, because the man is trying to hurt a civilian," Kaminari said.
"Criminal," Midoriya interjected. "Because he is 'trying' to hurt a civilian rather than downright killing. By taking a hostage, he shows that he also doesn't want to hurt anyone."
"But he is still committing a crime," Kaminari said.
"But we don't know his intentions, right?" Midoriya countered him.
"Midoriya is correct. You don't know his intentions; therefore, you cannot brand him a villain, and if he isn't a villain, that means there is still a chance of saving the hostage." Nagisa said.
"Then how can we tell what their intentions are?" Jiro asked.
"By talking to them. This is a hostage situation. He wants someone who can talk with him, listen to what he wants to say, and empathise with him. Every hostage situation has a demand or fear behind it."
"But by listening and completing their demand, aren't we helping the criminal?" Tsubaki asked.
"I said listening to them. Many hostage situations are dealt with just by talking, while some are dealt with proper planning. Try to stall the situation with as much as you can until the backup arrives, and talking is the best choice here. Remember, civilian protection comes first on the priorities list; if there is no choice, then completing a demand should be what you do."
"But isn't he still a criminal? Completing a demand means encouraging him."
"He is robbing a bank, so what would he think of demanding most importantly?
"An escape?" Tsubaki answered unsurely.
"Correct. Can you tell me what would be the reason for him robbing a bank?" Nagisa asked the whole class.
"Maybe Greed?" Saito said.
"Maybe or maybe not. He may be doing it because he has a starving family to feed, an urgent need for money for a surgical operation, or someone is blackmailing him. This is why it's important to understand the full situation. If we were to split it into categories, we could say... People do good or bad things, and they can do them for good or bad reasons. Obviously, I'm oversimplifying—good and bad rarely exist in reality—but bear with me. The criminal who robs may or may not be doing it for a good reason. If they are, is doing a bad thing for a good reason better or worse than doing anything for bad reasons? Does it really matter? Either way, your job is to arrest them. Your job isn't todemonisethem. Calling them a villain, for example, when you don't know the whole story. Hero society tends to do this to people, which further pushes petty criminals down the illegal path. You've been raised to see things as black or white, hero versus villain, good versus bad. When it comes to determining the right choices to make in the grey area... There's no simple answer, but I'd like you all to think about it." He gave them something to ponder.
"Does that apply to heroes too? Means grey or bad heroes." Shinso asked.
"You could say that. Underground heroes are mostly grey heroes who do their work sometimes away from the morality of their work, and not every hero is doing herowork for the genuine goodwill. Many of them are doing it for fame and money. You can even find such heroes even in the top 50. Underground heroes are also not always goodwilled; they use their underground status to work for mafias and underworld leaders for money."
"So, there aren't heroes who are pure at heart, just what kids like to imagine." Shinso said.
"Maybe or maybe not. But there can be. You people can be heroes and change the society by hard work." Nagisa continued and said, "So now tell me what it truly means to be a hero. What makes them a true hero?"
Mdoriya, this whole time, was in his own thoughts, thinking deeply about what Nagisa had said. He put his own life before himself to give him an answer and finally got it.
"It's hope." Everyone's eyes were on him. "It's about giving a powerless and helpless person hope and courage to face the darkness and keep moving forward. It's about inspiring others to believe in themselves and strive for a better future." Everyone nodded in agreement, understanding the true essence of being a hero.
"Correct, Midoriya. A true hero's job is not only to selflessly help people or have indomitable will and determination. It's about how you can change people for the better or how you can inspire people to fight for themselves. Always do good work, but also inspire others to do good work."
Everyone was smiling; they got the message loud and clear—being a hero is not just about physical strength but also about uplifting others and spreading positivity. They were ready to embrace the true meaning of heroism and make a difference in the world.
Just 10 minutes were left before the end of the homeroom period, so Midoriya asked him another question.
"Sensei, why didn't you become a hero? You can easily become a fine hero.
"Midoriya, what did I tell you? Always do good work and inspire others too, and just like a hero, being a teacher also lets me do this."
"Sensei, I have another question: Do you think I can become a hero like All Might? Just like how you continued your sensei's legacy."
"I want to clarify something to you and everyone present: I didn't continue his legacy; I can't continue such a legacy; I was just inspired to help students like he did. And Midoriya, yes, you can become somewhat like All Might, but you cannot become All Might."
Midoriya was confused. "Sensei, but don't you use your sensei's teaching methods and philosophies in your own classes?"
The sensei smiled, "Yes, I do incorporate some of his teachings in my teaching, not only me but also every teacher present here, but they all combine it with their unique teaching style. Using different styles of teaching helps us reach a wide range of students. Blending different good drinks makes a fine cocktail; teaching is also similar. Do you remember my 1st class?" Midoriya nodded. "I told you that continuing legacy wholeheartedly means sometimes losing your own individuality and becoming a shadow of their glory. You can get inspired by others, but it's important to find your own path and make it your own. That's how you can truly become a hero in your own right."
"But sensei, what if I had to carry someone's important legacy?"
"That's a valid concern. It's important to honour and respect the legacy you may carry, but also remember to add your own unique touch and perspective to it. Finding a balance between tradition and innovation is key to making the legacy your own. But one thing you shouldn't forget: while you're carrying someone's legacy, don't forget about yourself."
A seed of introspection has been planted inside him, as he contemplates what he has to do: follow All Might's footsteps and carry 'OFA' and become the symbol of peace or reject 'OFA' and become a hero of his own. The whole day, he thought about it, and at night he decided something:'I should wait till the last day before making any wrong judgement. I should have to think thoroughly about what kind of hero I want to become.'
...
Chapter 06 End
Thanks For Reading
Sorry for the short and boring chapter, but as I had said earlier, my exams are coming, so I wrote it with the help of my friend; he did most of the work, and I just reviewed and added some points.
The whole point of this class was whether Midoriya should carry on All Might's Legacy or begin his own legacy with OFA or without OFA.
Tell me in the comments, but I don't think you would comment. Just kidding, I know you would comment. You would, na?