Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Reality Annihilator loomed like a specter over the skeletal remains of what had once been a thriving world. His laughtercold, cruelechoed through the hollow streets, a funeral symphony for the billions who had fallen.

A conqueror of worlds, a destroyer of existence itself, he had landed in this reality one month ago, his singular ambition: to annihilate all life across universes and reshape the cosmos into his twisted utopia.

One by one, he cut down civilizations, prioritizing those who dared resist his rule. In his wake, 7,999,999,998 souls had been erased from Earth’s history. Only two remained.

The Annihilator’s Plan

High Generals eliminated the big heroes and global defenders.

Middle Generals targeted heroes in formation, striking before they reached their prime.

Low-class fighters, like AHA, hunted children and pre-teens

Annihilator: You are pathetic! Every act of defiance is a joke, a whisper in the wind before the storm. Surrender and watch the inevitable unfold.

Hidden among the rubble, Toshinori Midoriya clenched his fists, rage boiling beneath his skin like molten steel. He knew he couldn’t defeat him.

Not now. Not alone. But each taunt, each reminder of his fallen friends, stoked the fire inside him.

Then, Mei Hatsume appeared, pushing him into a corner.

Mei Hatsume: Toshinori! We have to go! NOW! You can’t fight him!

Her grip was firm as she dragged him toward the time machine, but Toshinori stumbled, his foot slipping on loose debris. His body hit the ground hard, dust rising in the air as he struggled to get up.

Then, the laser came.

A surge of energy ripped through the air, aimed directly at him. Toshinori accepted his fate, knowing there was no time to dodge. His fingers tightened around the dirt, his breath slowing.

But then, Mei threw herself in front of him.

The blast hit her directly, a shockwave tearing through her body. Toshinori watched in horror as she collapsed, coughing blood.

The time machine hummed weakly, barely clinging to its last spark of energy. It was now or never.

Mei Hatsume: You have to survive! Toshinori, promise me! Get stronger! Defeat him!

Her voice was fading, each word strained. Her body trembled, but her eyes never wavered.

Tears mixed with dust on Toshinori’s face. He nodded, his voice breaking.

Toshinori Midoriya: I promise, Mei. For youfor everyone.

With the last of her strength, Mei activated the machine, and the world around Toshinori fractured into brilliant light.

Her final wordshis mantracame through a strained smile.

Mei Hatsume: Stay strong. Defeat the Annihilator. Give this story a happy ending.

Thendarkness. A silent snap. The future dissolved.

Future → Past

Toshinori felt the pullhis body weightless, his mind a blur of fear and determination. The machine whirred, lights flickering erratically.

Then, the impact.

With a violent jolt, the time machine crashed into a distant part of the city. The skyline loomed before himbut… everything was different.

He had gone back. Twenty-two years.

Toshinori staggered out, his breath sharp, his hands trembling. He was in the past.

For the first time, he hesitated. Did he need to hide?

His reflection on the shattered remains of the machine answered that question. His features, an unmistakable fusion of Ochako Uraraka and Izuku Midoriya, would be his downfall.

If anyone connected the dotsif his parents discovered the truthhis very existence could be compromised.

A plan formed instantly. A disguise. A new identity.

Toshinori searched through the compartments of the damaged time machine, scavenging for anything that could help him blend into the past without raising suspicion. His hands brushed against a small metallic case, tucked neatly among Mei Hatsume’s tools.

Inside, he found a pair of contact lenses, a bracelet, and a blue hair dye bottle.

Attached to the case was a handwritten note, scrawled in Mei’s unmistakable, hurried handwriting:

Dear Toshinori

If you’re reading this, congratulationsyou’re alive. Now, if you’re going to hide, at least do it properly!

- The contact lenses: custom-made, fully responsive. They shift color whenever you want. Practically undetectable. Set them to stay blue or let them adjust naturally to lighting.

- The hair dye: It belonged to my idiot husband, Tenya Iida. He used it to cover his non-existent white hairsdon’t ask. Now it’s yours.

- The bracelet: a quirk suppressor. It replaces your real abilities with a water-based quirk. Wear it at all timesyou need to stay hidden.

Use everything wisely. And try not to screw up history, okay?

Sincerely, Mei Hatsume

Kamui smirked, shaking his head. Even after everything, Mei still found a way to keep him ahead.

Sliding the lenses onto his eyes, he focused, and the natural green hue shifted into deep blue, perfectly matching his freshly dyed hair.

A flawless disguise. His last layer of protection before stepping into history.

With the bracelet secured, his gravity manipulation and One for All suppressed, and his new identity locked in, Kamui Nara was ready to begin his mission.

The first step was finding a job. The shattered remains of the time machine would serve as a makeshift home for now, but he needed money to blend in.

After days of searching, he finally found a job as an attendant in a mini-market. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was enough.

One afternoon, while arranging the shelves, a woman with white hair walked inher expression composed, yet gentle.

She glanced at him for a moment before speaking.

Fuyumi Todoroki: You seem new around here. I haven’t seen you before. Anyway, could you help me with one thing? I can’t reach that corn canit’s too high.

Kamui hesitated, then nodded.

Kamui Nara: Yeah, I just moved recently. Needed a job. And here it is!

She smiled, taking a few items from the shelf.

Fuyumi Todoroki: That’s good. Welcome to Musutafu, then. And thank you.

Her words were simple, yet comforting. The conversation was brief, but it was the first normal interaction Kamui had had since arriving in the past.

This was only the beginning.

The war against the Annihilator was far from over.

Chapter Text

Kamui Nara adjusted items behind the counter, the rhythmic hum of the mini-market’s fluorescent lights filling the silence. Routine. The same as always.  

Kamui Nara: (...Some clients here are so idiotic... seriously, what a disgrace, but I am not doing this for me...)  

Then—the door jingled.  

A young man with white hair walked in, tossing a few groceries onto the counter—milk and eggs.  

Kamui recognized him instantly, it was Natsuo Todoroki.  

Kamui Nara: (...I know him, he was the brother of my...!)  

Natsuo Todoroki: Hey man, how are you doing? You look tired, everything okay?  

Kamui looked at him, surprised, and said  

Kamui Nara: Just tired, man, my shift is almost over.  

Natsuo Todoroki: Crazy day, huh? I can say it, everybody has a lot of things to do, and have you heard about what happened at UA?  

Kamui lifted an eyebrow, scanning the items.  

Kamui Nara: Pardon me?  

Kamui Nara: You wouldn’t believe it.  

Natsuo sighed, grabbing his wallet.  

Natsuo Todoroki: A student got himself expelled. Some scandal—the whole academy is all over the news now.  

Kamui paused, eyes narrowing slightly.  

Kamui Nara: What? Are you serious?  

Natsuo Todoroki: I am not a man who jokes about these kinds of things, especially when it involves sexual harassment.  

Kamui turned on the old TV that was placed on a high shelf to see if that was true.  

BREAKING NEWS 

Announcer: Minoru Mineta, a first-year UA student, has been expelled for sexual misconduct after violating restricted areas within the academy. As a result, UA officials have announced an unprecedented opportunity—a single open slot for aspiring heroes, to be determined via a tournament next month! The subscriptions start tomorrow at midnight.  

Kamui Nara: Holy sh—  

Natsuo Todoroki: I didn’t expect this kind of thing from a UA student, you know, they have high moral standards.  

Kamui Nara: I can't blame them for doing the right thing, and that’s it, the cost of everything is 15 dollars.  

Natsuo Todoroki: Okay, have a good night!  

Kamui Nara: Same to you.  

Natsuo left the store, and there he was, alone again.  

Kamui Nara: I need to get into this tournament and win this!  

As soon as his shift ended, Kamui bolted from the market, sprinting toward the UA registration booth.  

He weaved through the quiet city streets, his breath sharp, his pulse hammering in his ears.  

Almost midnight.  

By the time he reached the academy’s plaza, a line had already formed.  

Despite the hour—it was just before midnight—hopeful applicants waited eagerly, clutching their forms.  

Kamui rushed forward, gathering his paperwork. 

He slid it across the counter, eager, determined.  

Then—the final step.  

Payment.  

His earnings from the mini-market?  

500 dollars. All the money that he got by working on the mini-market for 1 month

However, the entry fee was 1000 dollars.

Kamui’s stomach twisted with this information and his hands remained motionless on the counter, 

His earnings weren’t enough to enter on the tournament, how he will train to get stronger? Doing on your own is not an option

UA Official: You have until tomorrow to make the payment to validate your subscription, otherwise it will be discarded.  

Slowly, he stepped back, his chest heavy.  

Kamui wandered aimlessly before dragging himself back to the wreckage of the time machine—his makeshift shelter, his only refuge.  

Inside, the dim remnants of advanced technology sat lifeless, offering no solutions.  

He paced, his boots kicking up dust as desperation gnawed at him.  

There had to be another way.  

Then—a spark of memory.  

Flashback

Izuku Midoriya: There was an underground fighting circuit near here… a brutal one. I helped dismantle it years ago.

Toshinori Midoriya: Wow, you are so cool, Dad. Fighting against the bad guys!

Izuku Midoriya: Thanks, Toshi! But I am only doing my job, to protect and serve!  

Flashback Ending

Kamui stopped. His breathing hitched. His mind raced.  

And so, his next move was clear.  

Night fell over Tokyo’s periphery, the neon glow warped by the desperation lingering in the air.  

Kamui traced the streets, following a mental map drawn from his father’s memory.  

Then—he found it.  

A narrow alleyway, hidden in plain sight.  

No signs, no markings. Just a steel door tucked between crumbling buildings.  

Instinct took over. He pushed it open.  

The scent of sweat and adrenaline hit him instantly.  

A ring in the center. A modest crowd. Fighters locked in brutal matches.  

At the far end—a small booth with a faded sign:  

ENTRY REGISTRATION  

Kamui kept his head down, scanning the area.  

The rules were simple: anyone could fight, but if they were cops, they wouldn’t leave intact.  

His eyes landed on the prize.  

100 dollars per victory.  

A spark of excitement. A plan forming.  

Five victories. That’s all he needed.  

Kamui Nara: That's it! I need it to fulfill my destiny.  

In that same night  

Kamui Nara stepped into the underground fighting circuit, fueled by desperation—but reality hit hard.  

His first four matches were disasters. His attacks lacked precision, his reactions lagged behind his opponents, and his body struggled to keep up with the intensity. Every attempt at controlling the fight resulted in a brutal counter. Each loss bruised his body, each failure chipped away at his confidence.  

The crowd wasn’t kind to him, and they were underestimating him.  

Underground Fighter 1: Who let this kid in? Look at him flailing around!  

Underground Fighter 2: I bet 100 dollars that he will never win a single match.  

Kamui wiped blood from his mouth, glaring at the crowd. Every insult, every mocking laugh, burned into his skull.  

Kamui Nara: (...You think I’ll stay down? Not a chance...)  

He wouldn’t quit. He couldn't.  

Then, in his fifth match, something changed.  

His opponent rushed in recklessly—a mistake. Kamui saw the opening. A split-second decision—duck low, pivot left, drive a fist into the ribs. His opponent gasped, stumbled—then dropped.  

Silence. Then—the referee signaled his victory.  

Kamui exhaled sharply, hardly believing it.  

Underground Fighter 1: Hah! Took him five tries, but the kid finally got lucky!  

Kamui ignored the comment—but winning one match wasn’t enough.  

His confidence rose—just enough to push forward—but then, the sixth match knocked it back down. A crushing defeat.  

Kamui staggered off the ring, gripping his side, mind racing. If he failed again, UA would be out of reach.  

Underground Fighter 1: Just a matter of time to the next loss, what a loser.  

Then—something clicked.  

His movements sharpened, his focus heightened, and over the next four matches, he adapted. His punches carried precision. His dodges were tighter, calculated.  

Four consecutive victories followed—clean, decisive.  

Suddenly, no one was laughing anymore.  

Underground Fighter 2: Wait—did he just win four in a row?  

Underground Fighter 1: Tch… maybe the kid ain't a pushover after all.  

Just as his confidence peaked, his final match ended in a crushing defeat.  

But it didn’t matter—five victories were all he needed.  

Kamui clenched his fists, breathing heavily. His body screamed for rest—but there was no time for relief.  

UA registration was closing soon.  

Kamui bolted from the underground circuit at sunrise, ignoring his aching muscles. Each step sent pain through his body, but slowing down wasn’t an option. If he didn’t reach UA in time, everything would have been for nothing.  

The streets blurred as he sprinted through the night, each footstep pounding against the concrete.  

Kamui Nara: I—have—to—make—it—!  

His legs burned. Every second felt like eternity.  

He turned a corner, pushing past people. The bright glow of UA Academy loomed ahead, the registration booth still open—but barely. The line had dwindled, minutes left before cutoff.  

Kamui burst forward, shoving his payment onto the counter.  

UA Official: Whoa, kid—slow down! Almost missed it, huh?  

Kamui gasped for air, hunched over, barely able to speak.  

Kamui Nara: H-here… the fee…  

The employee took it, scanned the paperwork, then nodded.  

UA Official: You made it.  

Kamui collapsed against the nearest chair, exhaustion crashing over him.  

UA Official: Are you alright there?  

Kamui Nara: Y-yeah… just… damn.  

The UA Official smirked, stamping his registration approval.  

UA Official: You better make this tournament worth it, kid. Wouldn’t want all that effort to go to waste, right?  

Kamui lifted his head, determination blazing in his eyes.  

Kamui Nara: Oh, don’t worry. I will.  

He slept there, and someone moved him to a nearby bench.  

The adrenaline faded, replaced by fatigue. Kamui woke up on a bench outside UA Academy, stretching out his sore legs. He had come this far—but the real battle was only beginning.  

His mind drifted back to Mei Hatsume's final words.  

Flashback

Mei Hatsume: Get strong, Midoriya! Defeat the Annihilator. Give this story a happy ending.  

She believed in him. Now, he had to prove she was right.  

Kamui gritted his teeth, pushing down his emotions. He couldn’t afford to dwell on the past. Not yet.  

The next day  

He went to check the match draw and saw that he was sorted against Econ Nox, a foreign student with the quirk Super Speed.  

Kamui had seen people like him before—fighters who relied on speed alone. Their advantage was overwhelming at first, but with the right strategy…  

This was the Round of 64—the first step in a long, grueling path toward victory. No margin for error. No second chances.  

Kamui clenched his fists. The battles would start in one week, and everything was on the line.  

Chapter Text

The final match of the day—all eyes were on Kamui Nara and Econ Nox as they stepped into the ring.

The tournament had already provided plenty of spectacle, with victories ranging from decisive knockouts to grueling endurance battles. This one, however, promised something different—raw speed against tactical adaptability.

Kamui took a deep breath, recalling his father’s advice.

Flashback

Izuku Midoriya (30): Speedsters think fast but don’t think deep. Their speed keeps them from analyzing mid-fight.

Toshinori Midoriya (6): Thanks for the advice, dad

Flashback Ending

That was his key. He had fought in the underground circuit, endured brutal matches, trained through blood and exhaustion—but nothing compared to fighting someone whose body moved faster than his mind could process.

Across the ring, Econ Nox bounced on his feet, loosening his limbs. His movements were erratic, jittery—as if the energy inside him was bursting at the seams. Kamui didn’t need confirmation—this guy lived off momentum.

On the VIP balcony, Endeavor crossed his arms, eyes locked onto the fighters below.

Endeavor: This match won’t last long. If Nox plays it right, this ends in under three minutes.

All Might: You shouldn't underestimate the blue-haired lad.

Endeavor smirked, leaning back in his seat.

Endeavor: I’m just saying what I think... Anyway, want to bet? A hundred dollars that Nox wins.

All Might: Fine. A hundred says Kamui finds a way.

The referee raised a hand.

Referee: The rules are simple. There are two ways to win: forcing your opponent out of the ring or leaving them on the floor for 10 seconds. You guys ready?

Kamui Nara: Yeah.

Econ Nox: Bring it on!

The referee signaled.

Referee: Begin!

The moment the signal dropped, Nox was gone.

Kamui barely had time to register the movement before a whirlwind of strikes hit his guard.

Left hook. Right jab. Low sweep. Every attack blurred into the next.

Econ Nox: You won’t even see me coming!

Kamui braced himself. Nox was relentless—his movements made predictability impossible. Kamui focused on small details—Nox’s foot positioning, the shifts in his weight, the slight pauses before each attack.

Even speed had patterns. He just needed to find them.

Kamui kept his defense up, letting Nox circle, waiting.

Nox snarled, pushing faster, launching into his finishing move—

Econ Nox: Continuous Hurricane!

A surge of spinning kicks and rapid wind pressure aimed to send Kamui flying.

Kamui responded instinctively.

Kamui Nara: Auckland Splash!

A massive wave erupted from his quirk, colliding with Nox mid-rotation, disrupting his sequence. The crowd roared.

Nox staggered but recovered, resetting his stance, ready for another push.

On the balcony, All Might grinned.

All Might: Looks like your three-minute prediction was a bit off.

Endeavor: ...The fight isn’t over yet.

When the fight reached the ten-minute mark, Kamui’s breath was heavier now. Nox’s energy remained unchecked, his movements rapid, overwhelming. Kamui had lasted longer than expected—but he was losing ground.

He felt his balance shift dangerously close to the edge of the ring.

Then—a voice in his mind. From his deceased sister.

Flashback

Reiko Midoriya (4): Don’t lose, Toshi. I’ll be really sad if you do.

Toshinori Midoriya (6): Don’t worry sis, I will not lose! And after that we will get a chocolate for us!

Reiko Midoriya (4): YUPIIII!

Flashback Ending

Her voice echoed, soft yet firm—a memory from a time that no longer existed.

Kamui’s focus sharpened. He couldn’t lose. Not today. Not ever.

Nox darted forward, forcing Kamui toward the edge.

A final strike—a kick aimed straight for his chest, designed to launch him out.

Econ Nox: Mighty Hurricane!

Kamui felt his foot slip—half an inch from elimination.

Then—instinct took over.

Summoning the last of his energy, Kamui created a solid water barrier behind him.

The kick connected—but instead of pushing him out, the water wall absorbed the force and redirected it upward.

Kamui Nara: Teahupoo Splash!

The sudden shift sent Nox flying backward—straight over Kamui and out of bounds.

The referee signaled.

*Winner: Kamui Nara.*

Kamui exhaled sharply, staring at the wet tatami beneath him.

He had barely won—but a win was a win.

His sister’s words echoed again in his mind.

Kamui Nara: I did it, Sis.

His legs trembled as he walked off the stage, the crowd going nuts.

All Might turned toward Endeavor, holding out his hand.

All Might: Looks like Kamui found a way.

Endeavor sighed, pulling out his wallet.

Endeavor: Beginner’s luck.

All Might: He’s only getting started.

Kamui didn’t hear their conversation—his mind was already thinking about the next round.

One battle down. Many more to go.

Back at UA Dorms

The day’s battles had concluded, and the academy grounds were cloaked in silence. The moonlight cast long shadows across UA’s training halls, the echoes of fierce combat lingering in the air like an unspoken tension.

Neito Monoma adjusted his UA jacket, his usual smirk slightly subdued as he approached Shota Aizawa, who sat near the observation area, arms crossed, posture relaxed—but eyes sharp.

Neito Monoma: Sensei… I don’t mean to question authority, but—do we really need this tournament?

Aizawa shifted his gaze to Monoma, his tired expression unreadable.

Neito Monoma: If you ask me, it’s a waste of time. We have students more than qualified to join 1-A already. Instead of dragging this thing out, why not just promote the best choice?

Aizawa exhaled slowly, as if expecting the question long before it was asked.

Shota Aizawa: No... I don’t think it’s a waste of time.

Monoma scoffed, crossing his arms.

Neito Monoma: Oh? I think it is. The top students should be acknowledged for their worth, not tossed into some gladiator pit to fight for a spot. It’s beneath us.

Aizawa’s gaze didn’t waver.

Shota Aizawa: Don’t be stupid, Monoma. This tournament was already scheduled to happen anyway—we just needed a motive. After what Mineta did, we have one. And let’s say that the way UA divides its students is changing.

After that, Kamui left the lobby.

Kamui was returning to the broken time machine when he saw someone messing around with it—it was none other than Mei Hatsume, but the version from this timeline.

Kamui Nara: What the actual—?! Mei? What are you doing here?

Mei Hatsume: Do you know me? I am just scavenging in this deserted area, and I found this... thing.

Kamui Nara: It's my house.

Mei Hatsume: ???

Kamui Nara: I live here.

Mei Hatsume: So you live here and you know my name... Who are you? How do you know me?

Kamui Nara: I don't know you. A friend told me your name, so please, can you leave me alone?

Mei Hatsume: So, you don't know me... But why are my initials and my name on this wreckage? And why do you have a copy of a personal book of mine? And... wait... It's a lot bigger than what I have! Explain yourself now!

Kamui’s heart pounded. He had no way out of this.

Cornered, Kamui had no choice.

He took a deep breath and said:

Kamui Nara: Alright… I’ll explain everything. So, I have something to tell you...

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Continue...

Chapter Text

Kamui took a deep breath. He could feel his heart racing as he stared at Mei.

Kamui Nara: I have to tell you something; it's going to sound crazy, but please, I'm telling the truth.

Mei Hatsume: Go ahead and test me; I'll see if what you mean is credible or not.

Kamui Nara: I'm a time traveler... The reality is that I'm from 22 years in the future, and I came to the past to prevent the end of humanity. I intend to become stronger and destroy those who made my world a hell.

He had just revealed his true identity and his purpose: to prevent the catastrophic future he saw unfold before his eyes. Mei, however, was still not convinced.

Mei Hatsume: You expect me to just believe that? A time traveler? Look, I'm obsessed with technology, but I can tell when something is impossible.

Kamui Nara: But I'm telling the truth!

Mei Hatsume: Well then prove it! Show me something that proves it!

Mei crossed her arms, her eyes analyzing every detail of Kamui's face with suspicion.

Without hesitation, Kamui removed his contact lenses, revealing his true appearance. His eyes contained a deep pain, a result of the losses and suffering he carried.

Toshinori Midoriya: This is me; what you saw so far was a disguise so that no one would know my true appearance, and I ask you to look at the book that I supposedly took from you. How could I have made all these pages in such a short time? Since I'm not even in this area of ​​technology development, I'm just a 16-year-old boy who dreams of being a hero like my father was. This machine was built by you in the future; you sacrificed yourself so that I could come to the past.

He took out an old photo of his family—Izuko and Ochako, his parents, and his little sister, Reiko.

Toshinori Midoriya: This was my family, my two parents you already know, Izuku and Ochako from Class 1-A; this one next to me was Reiko, my little sister, who was also killed in the purge.

Mei Hatsume: Let me take a look at the book.

It was strange. The handwriting on the documents didn't match Kamui's. The analyses were too advanced for a teenager with no formal scientific training, and even one wouldn't have the knowledge to create something like this in such a short time, and even a professional wouldn't be able to do something so detailed.

And yet, it all made sense.

Mei let out a long sigh before looking at Kamui with a half smile.

Mei Hatsume: This would take a long time to write, and there's so much I don't know what it's about, and this is my handwriting, a little more refined, but it's... so if what you're saying is true, then you have a lot to explain. I need to know what's going on in the world you came from and a few other things.

Kamui relaxed a little, but his relief was short-lived. Mei suggested he sleep at her house, which was close to the campus, making it easier for him to get to the tournament the next day. He refused. The time machine couldn't be left for just anyone to see.

Mei Hatsume: I'm going to take this little thing back to my house and see what I can do with it. It's intriguing to know that I created a time machine in the future; it feels so... IMPORTANT!

After that, they went to their house, where Kamui explained everything in more detail.

Toshinori Midoriya: Well, I think it would be wise to introduce myself properly. My name is Toshinori Midoriya, and I am a UA student from the class of those born in 2023, that is, in the year 2037. I came from a future where an intergalactic empire destroyed life on Earth and decimated the human race. I was the last survivor. I returned to the past to try to become strong enough when they return to this time, which will probably happen faster than the last time. I don't know for sure, but I believe that these memory fragments can help this empire reach its goals faster.

Mei Hatsume: So, your artificial quirk... everything you told me... everything... anyway, since you proved your points, there is no choice but to support you on this journey. Count on me! I won't tell your secret, but hold back when interacting with your parents, or you might say more than you should.

Mei decided to support him. Even if he didn't win the tournament, she would try to get nominated for UA, even though she couldn't guarantee anything.

Exhausted, Kamui settled down in the basement, where Mei offered him a mattress and a blanket.

Mei Hatsume: I don't think my parents will see you here; I don't want them to think we're dating; it would be a pain to have to explain everything to them without mentioning... everything you told me.

Toshinori Midoriya: Okay, I don't think anyone will see me here, but that said, thank you for taking me in and believing in me.

Mei Hatsume: You're welcome. I'm doing this because I don't want to die in this dystopian future, so I'll do everything I can to help.

Toshinori Midoriya: Thank you, Mei... now I'm going to try to sleep; my match is at 6 am tomorrow, so I have to wake up early.

Mei Hatsume: Huh? Why the hell would the UA guys put on a tournament fight at this time?

Toshinori Midoriya: Ah... I don't even care about that; I just want to fulfill my destiny.

Mei Hatsume: Okay, I'll let you sleep; I'll lock you in here, okay? You won't be able to leave until 6... because I don't want anyone from home to see you.

Toshinori Midoriya: Okay, I already went to the bathroom earlier and got some water; you can lock me up if you want.

Mei Hatsume: Okay, see you tomorrow!

Toshinori's Midoriya: See ya!

It took Toshi a while to fall asleep, due to the anxiety that was beating through his body and not leaving so easily

But eventually he managed to sleep.

His body relaxed, but his mind did not. During the night, he had a terrifying nightmare. He was on an execution table.

Annihilus: You... you have delayed my plan to turn the earth into an extension of my empire... You idiot! Your punishment will be death.

AHA: KILL HIM! KILL HIM! KILL HIM!

General Thanatou: DEATH! DEATH! DEATH!

Annihilus ordered the final blow, and as soon as the blade descended, Toshi woke up, sweating cold.

The anguish led him to leave early, before dawn, but not before returning to disguise himself as Kamui Nara.

Toshinori Midoriya -> Kamui Nara

He left a note explaining everything to Mei and left her house. It wasnt difficult to not wake the people in the house, and he had to leave through Mei's bedroom window, using his gravitational floatation quirk so he wouldn't have to tiptoe and make the wooden floor rustle.

As soon as he left, he walked to the arena where UA was holding the tournament.

It was 4 AM. The fight would be at 6, giving him two hours to wander around the still-sleeping city that was preparing for a busy Saturday.

However, he wouldn't have any quiet time before the storm, as he came across a patrol. Endeavor and Hawks were hunting a group of villains, and without Kamui noticing, one of them approached and grabbed him, trying to use him as a hostage.

Generic Villain: You! Either you don't chase me or I'll kill this kid!

Kamui reacted instinctively. He manipulated the water around him, creating a bubble that trapped the villain. The man struggled to free himself but ended up fainting without air. Endeavor watched, impressed.

Endeavor: You shouldn't be out at this time; your parents might be worried.

Endeavor, he said, his voice stern. But then his eyes narrowed as he recognized Kamui from the tournament.

Kamui Nara: Hello... Endeavor...

Endeavor: I'm taking you to your parents!

Kamui made up a quick excuse. He said he was an orphan and worked at the market to save money to pursue a career as a hero.

Endeavor studied him for a moment before being interrupted by another villain, who tried to attack. Kamui reacted faster—he fired a jet of water with enough force to launch the enemy into the air.

Endeavor: You don't look like an orphan! I'll take you to the authorities!

Kamui Nara: Endeavor... I'm a orphan; I got this outfit from Mei Hatsume, who helped me when she felt sorry for me. In fact, I'm her friend, and she was the one who helped me get a job at the grocery store! I even saw her son there! I saved up the hard-earned money I earned to enter this UA tournament and try to be someone in life! I don't have parents! I don't have anyone other than Mei! So! If you take me to the police station to try to find my parents, you won't find a damn thing! I was never registered! I was raised on the streets and depended on handouts to finish elementary school! So go ahead; you're just wasting your time!

Enji saw the young man's situation, and when he saw the way he spoke, he didn't seem to be lying, but there was still some information missing.

Endeavor: Where do you live, young man? Under a bridge?

Kamui Nara: I live in an abandoned house; it's falling apart, but it's better than not having a roof over my head.

Kamui couldn't reveal that he had spent the night at Mei's house, because Endeavor could report it to her parents, and they might suspect that they were a couple.

Endeavor: Do you really have nowhere to stay?

Kamui Nara: No... I'm really alone. I'm going to this UA tournament as my big chance to change my life.

And then he made an unexpected proposal.

Endeavor: So... I watched your fight against Econ Nox; I liked what you did there! I honestly thought you would be swept out of the arena like trash... but you showed your worth; besides, your quirk has a lot of potential.

Kamui Nara: Ah, my water quirk? That's nothing special; I train it to survive on the streets.

Endeavor: Young man, would you like to spend a few nights at my house while you're at this tournament? I can invest in you in your hero career.

Kamui Nara: Seriously?! Are you serious?!

Endeavor: But on one condition... you will have to participate in my training sessions, and I must point out... I am a very strict teacher with my students, and I think it would be nice for my son to have someone to train someone who is his age.

Kamui Nara: Shoto?

Endeavor: Do you know him? How?

Kamui was at a crossroads; how did he know about Shoto's presence if he had never met him? He thought for a moment, and his brain made a synapse: the UA internal tournament, where Shoto faced his father in the past.

Kamui Nara: I saw him in the tournament on TV; I went to a restaurant and saw him on TV.

Endeavor: That makes sense; anyway, do you want to come?

Kamui Nara: Not now; my fight is in less than 2 hours. I need to stay here and warm up.

Endeavor: Okay, I'll watch your fight, and I hope you don't disappoint me. If you win, meet me at the park in the star plaza here in front; if you lose, don't even go because I won't wait for you.

Of course, Endeavor had his reasons. He wanted to evaluate the boy's true potential. If All Might was right, maybe it would be worth having Kamui as a trainee.

Kamui Nara: (...Kazumi was right...)

Flashback

Kazumi Todoroki: Toshi, I can't believe that my grandfather, as caring as he is, was so strict with my father when he was a child. I can't believe it.

Toshinori Midoriya: Sweetie, it's normal for this to happen; parents become softer and sweeter with their grandchildren, so I kind of expect it.

Kazumi Todoroki: Easy to say, Inko has always been a sweet person.

Toshinori Midoriya: Yeah... indeed...

Flashback Ending

So, Kamui wandered around the arena until, a few minutes before the start, he went to the locker-room and got ready.

The crowd began to fill the stands. The tournament was moving on to the round of 32, and now it was Kamui's turn to face Hideo "Shade" Miyazaki. The opponent could create tangible objects with shadows, making him an unpredictable opponent.

Kamui took a deep breath and walked to the center of the arena.

The fight was about to begin.

The fight between Nara and Shade was brutal from the beginning. The blows exchanged echoed throughout the arena; each impact made the ground shake, meaning that those who were still sleepy suddenly woke up to watch the fight.

Shade dominated the fight; his control was one of his fighting philosophies, since he loved having the fight in his hands. Nara didn't know he was so strong, and he was having difficulty landing incisive blows.

Every blow that Nara took, his muscles ached and his head entered in a state of progressive confusion.

Shade, however, was a sadistic being who, instead of ending the fight quickly, decided to humiliate Nara.

With a cruel smile, he tossed his opponent from side to side, as if he were just having fun with a stuffed toy.

Nara staggered, his body aching, his muscles throbbing with pain against exhaustion. The taste of failure settled in his mouth, but something inside him refused to accept defeat. He would not accept failing in the most important mission of his life.

Even dazed, he observed Shade, analyzed his attack patterns, and, finally, saw an opening. With one last effort, he channeled his strength and, in an explosive movement, pushed Shade out of the ring. Silence took over the stadium for a brief moment before exploding in screams of surprise and celebration.

Nara had won! But it would not end there, because Shade, overcome by the fury of having the fight in his hands and seeing everything slipping through his fingers, returned to the ring and attacked Nara without mercy. Punches, kicks, and blows shrouded in shadows.

Aizawa had to intervene, using his authority and his skill to stop that cowardice.

Shota Aizawa: Shade! Stop this insanity, you imbecile!

His voice was deep and strong enough to scare Shade, who left the arena immobilized amid deafening boos from the audience. Nara, in turn, lay unconscious on the floor, his breathing weak, his injuries serious.

Minutes later

The silence of the infirmary was broken only by the constant sound of the heart monitors and the murmur of distant voices. The smell of disinfectant hung in the air, mixing with the lighting of the fluorescent lamps. Nara was lying on one of the stretchers, his body covered in bandages and dressings.

????: Like father, like son... Do you have this tendency of resistance in your family?

Mei Hatsume burst into the room and came to check on her time-traveling friend.

Mei Hatsume: Don't even try to move too much.

Mei Hatsume said, her eyes scanning his state.

Kamui Nara: When will the next fight be?

Kamui said, struggling to stay conscious.

Mei Hatsume: The next fight will be in four days... if you want to be fit, try to recover as soon as possible

Nara closed his eyes, feeling the pain slowly subside. The battle was not over yet; on the contrary, it was just beginning.

Chapter Text

U.A. Infirmary Room

The U.A. infirmary room number 3, was plunged into a silent gloom, lit only by the soft glow of heart monitors and the pale light of dawn filtering through the curtains.

Toshinori Midoriya lay motionless, his body wrapped in bandages and wired to sensors that tracked every heartbeat and fluctuation in blood pressure. His medical records listed him as Kamui Nara, which was a fabricated identity to conceal his true self.

The battle against Hideo “Shade” Miyazaki had left deep scars, both physical and emotional. The cowardly beating after the fight proved that someone didn’t know how to lose... and that someone was Hideo Miyazaki.

Beside him, Mei Hatsume sat in an uncomfortable chair, pressing a cold compress against Kamui’s arm, where the marks of the attack were still visible. Her eyes were red from sleepless nights, but her hands were steady. She knew everything. And she was determined to help him complete his mission.

Mei Hatsume: What a bastard, that Miyazaki. Trash and a coward.

Kamui Nara: I didn’t expect it to be easy... but I didn’t expect someone on Earth to be such a coward... cough... cough... cough...

Kamui said, coughing up blood. Mei sighed and adjusted the compress, her jaw clenched.

Mei Hatsume: Calm down, Toshi. You won’t be able to fight if you push yourself like this.

Kamui tried to speak, but his vocal cords gave out. His throat burned, and his body trembled with the effort.

Mei Hatsume: Be quiet!

She was the only one who knew the truth about the injured boy, Toshinori Midoriya. And she was willing to go to the ends of the earth for him.

Kamui stared at the ceiling, eyes fixed on an invisible point. His thoughts drifted to the countdown that haunted him.

Kamui Nara: Four days... that’s all I have. How depressing... I don’t know if I can handle it.

Mei Hatsume: Enough self-pity. You can’t give up now!

Kamui Nara: But how? I only have four days, and I’m completely wrecked.

Mei Hatsume: Don’t worry. I’m already adjusting a muscle support system with microstimulation to speed up your regeneration. The book that my future self wrote is very useful.

Kamui Nara: What would I do without you?

Mei Hatsume: Sit and cry?

Kamui Nara: Touche

She stood and walked to the makeshift workbench she’d set up with tools and parts scavenged from the infirmary and her own tech stash. Even in the hospital, Mei never stopped working. Her fingers moved with precision, her mind racing ahead of time itself.

Kamui Nara: Even here, you’re still working on your “babies”?

Mei Hatsume: You didn’t think I’d stop, did you? Anywhere can become a workbench.

Kamui Nara: I’d question it... but cough... cough... I’m so weak... cough... cough...

Mei Hatsume: Please, get some sleep... you shouldn’t be wasting energy. Save yourself for now.

Kamui Nara: But...

Mei Hatsume: No is no! If you want to fight with any dignity, then REST YOUR DAMN BODY AND MIND... NOW!

Kamui slowly closed his eyes, obeying Mei’s request. His body was collapsing, and rest was all he needed.

The pain was constant, as if every cell were screaming. His muscles twitched involuntarily, and his dreams were vivid—almost too real.

During those days, he spent most of his time asleep, waking only to eat and use the bathroom. Mei monitored his vitals, adjusted the devices, and kept a log of every improvement. She barely slept, her focus unwavering.

In his dreams, he saw familiar faces: His mother and father, Ochako Uraraka and Izuko Midoriya, and his sister... Reiko Midoriya and his girlfriend... Kazumi Todoroki, yes... Todoroki

Mei watched silently, adjusting the sensors on the muscle support system she’d improvised using time machine parts and infirmary components. She connected microconductors to the points of greatest muscle tension, programming progressive stimulation to accelerate regeneration without overloading Kamui’s nervous system.

She whispered to herself as she worked, 

Mei Hatsume; You’re going to make it, Toshi. You have to.

Day Four – 5:59 AM

On the morning of the fourth day, the clock read 5:59 AM. The sky outside was a soft lavender, the city still half-asleep. Kamui struggled to his feet, tearing the sensors from his body. Alarms blared. Two doctors rushed in, panic etched on their faces.

Doctor 1: You can’t leave, Kamui! Your body is still in critical condition!

Doctor 2: If you persist, we’ll have to contact the U.A. administration!

Kamui just stared at them. His eyes were calm and resolute. Without saying a word, he ran off, successfully evading the hospital staff.

He moved like a shadow through the corridors, his body aching with every step.

Outside, Mei Hatsume was waiting. She walked toward him with a backpack in hand, her expression unreadable.

Mei Hatsume: I knew you’d try to escape, so I prepared for it. Here’s your outfit. It’s all set. Good luck, Toshi.

Kamui nodded, accepting the gear. He didn’t need to say anything. Mei understood.

He moved through the city’s alleys, ghost-like, avoiding busy areas to stay out of sight. The streets were damp from early morning dew, and the air was cool against his skin.

His bracelet hummed with energy. The muscle supports activated with a subtle glow. He took a deep breath and walked toward the stadium.

The Stadium—6:45AM

He entered the locker room, still wrapped in bandages around his wrists, shins, and left shoulder. The room was quiet, the tension palpable. He could hear the muffled roar of the crowd outside.

In the stadium, the audience was growing restless. Rumors swirled. Some fans were beginning to suspect that Nara wouldn’t show up to face his opponent, Aimi Dansei.

10... 9... 8...

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Disappointment hung in the air like fog.

7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1

Narrator: KAMUI NARA ENTERS THE BATTLEFIELD

The arena erupted in euphoria. He emerged from the tunnel, his bracelet glowing blue, eyes burning with hunger, for a victory.

Despite the bruises and the memory of that cowardly attack, he chose to move forward.

Mei watched from the sidelines, emotional. She knew the risks. But she also knew he hadn’t come this far to give up now.

Chapter Text

The timer has stopped. Silence hovered for a second... a long second.

The arena doors opened with a metallic bang. The sunlight reflected off the blue bracelet Kamui Nara carried on his wrist. He entered with a gaze fixed on Aimi Dansei. The audience erupted in cheers and applause, but Kamui didn't look away for an instant.

Aimi smiled and soon said

Aimi Dansei: You came. I thought you were a bigger brand coward.

She said, her voice was heavy and filled with irony.

Kamui stopped a few meters away from her. His body still ached.

Kamui Nara: Cowardice? I would really be one if I didn't appear today to face you. I didn't come this far only to fail now. I'm not a failure like my previous opponent; I will fight until my last breath.

The referee looked at the two hesitantly. The tension was palpable. Aimi flexed her arms; her quirk of elasticity was activated, and she was ready to strike. Kamui clenched his fists, feeling the water from his circular artificial quirk.

Referee: Everyone ready?

Aimi and Kamui: Yes!

5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

0...

Referee: Fight!

The arena turned into a warfield right at that moment; Aimi advanced with her superhuman speed and elasticity, while Kamui deflected with calculated movements, since he was returning from injury and was not even 100% for it.

But it was that or nothing.

Kamui kept his feet firmly on the ground, his eyes attentive to Aimi's movements. He knew he couldn't afford to attack first, so the strategy was to stay on the defensive and wait for gaps to counterattack.

Aimi, on the other hand, had the absolute advantage at the beginning of the fight; she could use long-distance blows and defend herself easily.

Kamui dodged, trying to make few moves so as not to spend it all at once.

Aimi Dansei: Will you just keep like that?

Aimi shouted, throwing an outstretched leg like a spear in his direction.

Kamui turned his body, letting her leg pass inches from his face. He didn't answer. Aimi wanted to tease him, get him off the axis. But Kamui was focused on a window of opportunity to win.

He knew that the first opening he made would be fatal. Aimi was quick, smart and she was 100%

The arena seemed frozen in time, a duel between Kamui's patience and the pressure Aimi was putting on him.

After much trying to pierce Kamui's defenses, Aimi manages a breach, her arm stretched out like a live arrow, hitting Kamui in the abdomen with brutal force. He staggered. Another blow came, this time in the ribs. Then on the shoulder. Then on the face.

Kamui fell. And the countdown began.

Referee: 1...2...3...

Aimi backed away, panting but confident. She knew she had hit the right points. Kamui didn't move at all after that.

Referee: 4...5...6...

Mei Hatsume, in the stands, tightened the bracelet on her wrist as if she could transfer strength to it. All Might watched in silence, eyes half-closed.

7...8...9

Kamui unexpectedly gave a kick-up and returned to activity.

Referee: Can you continue?

Kamui Nara: Yes, no problem!

Referee: Everyone ready?

Kamui and Aimi: Yes!

Referee: Fight!

Aimi Dansei decided to bet on the same strategy as before and go all out against her opponent; her body was her greatest weapon, and the elasticity of her quirk was a trump card. Kamui had his dreams and the power of friendship by his side; more or less, he had a good quirk and a little energy, but it had to be used in the best possible way, without miscalculations or desperate attacks. All he had left was to wait for Aimi's mistake.

And then, she commited one.

When she attempted to hit a spinning blow with her right arm, Aimi missed the retraction time. The movement back was slower than usual, and it was at that moment that Kamui saw the opportunity he wanted so much, so he grabbed her arm and used the retraction of it to concentrate the acceleration moment and he went all out with his water technique

Kamui Nara: Teahupoo Smash

The impact was direct on Aimi's abdomen. The force of the compressed water added to the momentum caused her to stagger backwards, her eyes wide. The audience went crazy.

But Aimi did not fall.

She steadied herself, feet adjusting, body reconfiguring with impressive elasticity. The blow was gruesome, but not enough for a win

Aimi Dansei: Nice try! But you're going to need more than that.

She said, wiping the corner of her mouth, which has some blood

Kamui took a deep breath.

Kamui Nara: But you have to admit that the coup was well done.

Aimi Dansei: It was, yes, but me... I'm not as weak as you think.

Aimi Dansei backed away, still feeling the impact of the blow. Kamui remained standing, eyes fixed on her, body shaking. And then, without saying a word, he took his hands to the bandages that covered his torso.

The audience fell silent. Mei stood up from the stands, her eyes wide. All Might folded his arms, attentive.

Kamui pulled the bandages firmly, gradually revealing what was underneath. The shirt fell together, torn and soaked. What one saw there was his back was purple, marked by deep bruises, fresh scars, and muscles strained to the limit.

It was as if every previous stroke had been tattooed on his skin.

Aimi Dansei: Apparently they weren't joking when they said that your injuries were serious.

Kamui looked at her, his face sweaty, his eyes burning.

Kamui Nara: I would be dead if it was not by my will to win, I AM HERE TO STAY

The audience exploded in ecstasy; even though he was hurt, he decided to stay and fight until his last breath of strength.

Aimi clenched her fists. The fight was not yet over. But something had changed.

Five minutes passed. Aimi Dansei kept pressing, trying to pierce Kamui's defense with his elastic and precise attacks. Kamui stood his ground, swerving and fighting with his heart on the tip of his hands.

And then, the sky roared.

A dark cloud formed over the arena, as if the universe had decided that moment needed more drama. The first drop fell. Then the second. Within seconds, the rain poured down hard.

Aimi hesitated. Kamui smiled at that; it was the key change he needed.

Water flowed down his body, pooling around his feet, running down his arms as if the field itself had become an extension of his quirk.

The bracelet glowed deep blue. Aimi tried to move forward, but the water around Kamui rose up like living snakes, whipping the air with an absurd speed.

Kamui Nara: Water Whip!

Aimi was forced to retreat. Kamui was no longer just defending himself. He was accelerating. Like a car that activates the nitro at the right time, he fired with everything it had and what it did not have.

The rain was falling hard, drenching the arena, the spectators, and especially Kamui.

Aimi Dansei noticed the change. She tried to move forward, but the water around Kamui rose like liquid walls, blocking her attacks and redirecting her elasticity against herself.

Kamui Nara: Water Pulse. Water Whip. Hydro Step.

Aimi staggered, forced back. For the first time, she was on the defensive after the sequence of attacks from Kamui

Kamui stepped forward, eyes burning, body lit up by the storm.

And so, the coup de grace

Kamui Nara: Teahupoo Splash.

The liquid wave formed in seconds, propelled by its quirk and the force of the rain. With an explosive move, Kamui launched the mass of water at Aimi Dansei, who was brutally thrown out of the combat square.

The audience held their breath. The referee was already preparing to declare the fight over. But then…

Before her body touched the ground outside the area, Aimi stretched out her arm with surgical precision, her elastic quirk extending like a living string. Her fist touched the ground inside the fight area, and therefore, she had not been eliminated.

Using the strength of her own arm as a lever, she pulled her body back, spinning in the air and landing on her knees inside the ring.

The audience exploded. The referee hesitated. Kamui widened his eyes.

Aimi Dansei: Did you think I was going to fall like this?

She said, panting and soaking wet.

Kamui watched Aimi Dansei pull herself together after the Teahupoo Splash. She had used her quirk masterfully, keeping a fist inside the area and returning to the ring as if pulled by an invisible cable. He took a deep breath. The rain was still falling, but now it was not enough to push it out.

He knew he couldn't kick her out. She was too elastic, too resilient. Every throw attempt would be nullified by an outstretched arm, a bent leg, an impossible twist, or whatever Aimi could do.

Then two options remained:

Knockout.

Submission, being three taps on the floor or fainting

Aimi advanced again, but now Kamui did not retreat as before. It absorbed impacts with water, redirected, and counterattacked with precision. A Water Elbow. A Hydro Sweep. A lock with a liquid shield.

Kamui thought of all those he saw die in his dystopian future, all those who put their trust in him, and he would not weaken until the last drop of sweat.

He left his guard open. Deliberately. An invitation to error.

Aimi did not hesitate. She moved forward with so much speed, her arm stretching out like a living spear. But Kamui was ready. In the two thousandths of a second before impact, he swerved with surgical precision and grabbed his outstretched arm.

Aimi's body was thrown back.

She had fallen for it before. And she was ready to swerve.

But Kamui knew that too.

The instant she was preparing to spin and cushion the impact, Kamui activated his final technique.

Kamui Nara: Aqua Dome!

A water bubble formed around Aimi's head, sealing her sight and her breathing; she was in a jam.

Instinct spoke louder. Aimi fell to his knees, trying to break through the dome with his arms, but Kamui kept control, adjusting the pressure precisely. It was a net submission.

The referee approached, attentive. Aimi hesitated. And then…

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Three touches on the floor. Submission confirmed.

Kamui undid the dome immediately, the water falling like a curtain. Aimi coughed, taking a deep breath, she was conscious.

The audience exploded with happiness and applause for the young man who went against everything and everyone to win another fight in the tournament.

Right after Aimi Dansei's submission, Kamui remained standing for a few seconds, as if the body was still in battle mode. But then, without warning, he fell to his knees... and then he fainted. The bracelet flashed a faint blue before turning off completely.

The medical team rushed to the center of the arena. Mei Hatsume jumped the railing and was the first to catch up to him, shouting his name. All Might remained motionless, but his countenance showed that he enjoyed the boy's strength.

And so, Nara wins one more time

Chapter Text

The online community exploded in debates and outrage. The hashtags #JusticeForKamui and #UAUNITEDASSHOLES rose to the top of trending topics; among the most relevant comments were:

@Sharapova552a

This is inhumane; the interval between fights is insufficient for them to recover. They’re not professional heroes yet; they’re kids fighting for a chance to enter U.A. High. I even have my doubts whether such a spot wasn’t just a pretext to make money with the tournament.

@Gapvyatara

Professional hero tournaments have better welfare policies than this crap.

@NikoNikoNii

How did U.A. authorize Kamui to fight after spending several days at the hospital?

📰 Hero's Daily Journal [TOP]

Hero or martyr? Kamui collapses after victory and sparks debate on U.A.’s ethics in the selection tournament.

Today was marked not only by a story of perseverance that moved many people, but also by heavy criticism of the event’s organization for allowing someone in terrible physical condition to fight.

U.A. has not yet made an official statement, having only postponed the next matches to 4 days after the original date.

Could this be an attempt of damage control?

📰 Hero's Daily Journal [BOTTOM]

Meanwhile, at the Todoroki household

Endeavor watched on TV the news reports about Kamui’s case and all its repercussions.

He noticed that little was said about the boy’s combat expertise, but only about the aftermath of the match.

He saw something in that boy.. He had the ability to become an elite hero, maybe even surpass All Might himself.

Endeavor’s eyes gleamed.

Enji Todoroki: I found a rare gem! This kind of hero doesn’t appear every day. If I train him, I could have two elite heroes under my wing! He and Shoto would be perfect training partners, one using fire and the other water!

Endeavor was plotting the idea of taking the young man as his pupil. He hadn’t seen such raw potential since Tou… Oops, he preferred not to talk about that now.

Hours later, at U.A.’s press room

The press conference was brief but forceful. Nezu stood with a serious posture and the clinical gaze of someone who had seen too much. He stepped up to the U.A. podium and announced:

Nezu: After analyzing recent events, we decided to grant a two-week interval before the next phase of the tournament, the round of 16. The students need time to recover. U.A. has decided to heed the public’s criticism! We are deeply sorry for not having this approach from the start. On behalf of U.A., I offer our sincerest apologies.

The decision was sensible but late. The image of Kamui Nara collapsing in the center of the arena still circulated as a symbol of negligence from a place that should never allow such a thing.

Reporter: Why did U.A. allow a candidate to fight injured? Doesn’t that sound unfair?

Nezu: He was the trigger for the changes in the rules. We couldn’t stay silent and watch him suffer like that.

Reporter: You even made a countdown for a W.O.! This is pure damage control!

The press conference still had more unfriendly exchanges between reporters and U.A. teachers, who tried to smooth things over and prevent it from escalating into a full-blown fight.

The conference was short, as said before, but it was necessary.

Meanwhile, at the Hospital

Kamui woke up with the white hospital light burning his eyes. His body ached in places he didn’t even know existed. Around him, three doctors argued in a reproachful tone.

Doctor 1: You shouldn’t have fought that match! You left the infirmary without our authorization and… YOU COULD HAVE DIED LIVE IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS IN THE STADIUM AND MILLIONS ON TV! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU DID?

Kamui looked at the ceiling, took a deep breath, and answered with a hoarse voice:

Kamui Nara: I would do it again if I had to. I see this tournament as my only chance to become a hero. I can’t let body aches and bruises stop me from achieving my dream.

The doctors exchanged incredulous looks. One of them checked the file and muttered,

Doctor 2: He doesn’t have health insurance. Not even a fixed address. Who’s going to pay for his treatment?

The silence was broken by firm footsteps. The door opened. And there he was, Enji Todoroki, the number two hero, still with his coat wet from the rain.

Enji Todoroki: Don’t worry, I’ll pay for the boy’s treatment.

Everyone turned. Kamui’s eyes widened. Enji approached the bed without ceremony.

Enji Todoroki: You fought like a professional and proved to me that you have talent. So… remember that deal we made some time ago?

Kamui Nara: How could I forget, Mr. Todoroki?

Enji Todoroki: Then, would you like to be my student?

Everyone was in shock. To be accepted as the pupil of Japan’s second-best hero, one had to know exactly what they were doing and possess absurd talent.

Kamui Nara: It would be an honor! I accept!

Kamui tried to get up to thank the man, but Enji stopped him with a gesture.

Enji Todoroki: It’s better if you rest a little. After all, you’ll need to be 100% for the next matches and especially for our training. I’ll see you soon.

The silence after Enji Todoroki’s words was deafening. The doctors fell quiet. Kamui remained still, trying to understand what had just happened.

And then, the door opened again. Mei Hatsume rushed in, eyes wide, hair disheveled from the rain.

Enji Todoroki: Can I help you with something, young lady?

Mei Hatsume and Enji Todoroki exchanged a few words, and when she heard what Endeavor had said to Kamui, she was astonished. Seeing that the number two hero had decided to support her friend was… fantastic.

She then said goodbye to the red-haired man and decided to talk a little with Kamui before leaving as well.