It was finally here—the day before the UA Sports Festival.
I was heading to the cafeteria with Kacchan, just like any other day, when a massive wall of muscle blocked our path.
"Young Midoriya..."
The atmosphere was so heavy you could practically see the menacing sound effects floating in the air. Kacchan immediately tensed up, dropping into a defensive stance, while I immediately began to fear for his virtue.
He's a goner, I thought. Kacchan is about to get snatched up.
However, the muscle-bound giant suddenly shrunk his massive frame, looking uncharacteristically timid as he held out a small package.
"Would you... like to have lunch with me?"
"..."
"..."
I don't know what Kacchan was thinking, but I was convinced this was the real deal. Judging by the giant's bashful behavior, it was clear that despite his physique, he was playing the submissive role. The poor guy was probably the "maiden" in this scenario.
I thought Kacchan's virginity was at risk of being taken by force, but it turned out to be an even more dangerous trap of the heart. This was too much. I was terrified for him.
"Kacchan. Hey, Kacchan."
"...What?"
"Hang in there. I'm sure something good will come of this."
"What the hell are you even comforting me for?!"
I tried to offer some moral support for his uncertain future, but he just got mad at me. I was genuinely worried, and this was the thanks I got? How cruel.
As he watched us, the muscle-bound man's expression turned solemn. He was definitely thinking about how to "get busy" with Kacchan. This is exactly why I worry about these things. I quietly slipped behind Kacchan, using him as a human shield.
If the worst came to the worst, I was fully prepared to sacrifice him.
"Actually, I was hoping to speak with Young Midoriya alone, but I suppose it can't be helped. Bakugo, would you come as well? I have something to discuss regarding that matter."
"—Huh? That matter?"
"Yes. I should have told you both much sooner, but preparation for the Sports Festival kept me busy... No, that's just an excuse. Regardless, could you give me a moment of your time?"
Both Kacchan and the giant turned to look at me. Wait, was I the one making the decision? Seriously? Look, whatever happens between the two of you is your business. I really didn't want to get dragged into this mess.
That said, both of them looked determined to involve me, and what resistance could a delicate, fragile kitten like me possibly offer? It was impossible.
So, knowing it was likely a futile gesture, I decided to make one demand.
"Only if you buy me lunch."
He actually did it. He bought me a high-end beef bento with a drink to match. It really pays to speak up.
***
We were led to a private resting room. As soon as I saw the bed, I realized Kacchan's virtue had officially entered the red zone. I offered a silent prayer for his soul. Rest in peace, Kacchan.
The muscle-bound giant sat on the sofa, and despite Kacchan being right there, he suddenly deflated into a skeletal, frail-looking man and began pouring tea. I thought he was trying to keep that form a secret, but I guess it was fine?
"Hm? Oh, actually, ever since the first Hero Basic Training class, quite a lot happened between us. I've already explained this form to him. He knows a bit about my condition as well."
I glanced at Kacchan, who just clicked his tongue and looked away irritably. He really was good at giving a silent "yes."
"Well then, I'll listen while I eat my bento. Go ahead."
"Eh? Right, I mean, that was the plan, but usually the student waits for the teacher to speak—"
"Thanks for the food!"
"—Right. Enjoy. Bakugo, you should sit down too."
"Yeah, whatever."
I munched on my lunch while I listened. To be honest, I was so focused on the food that I tuned out about half of what he said, but Kacchan was listening intently, so I figured it was fine. From what I gathered, his "muscle mode" was losing its duration, or something like that.
"And so... wait, Young Midoriya. Were you listening?"
"Huh? Oh, yes! Of course I was. Your 'Hulk' time is getting shorter, right?"
"Is that all? No, there was much more to it than... Bakugo, if anything happens, I'm counting on you."
"I was gonna do that anyway without you telling me."
"I see. I'm glad she has you."
It seemed like they reached some kind of understanding. I wasn't entirely sure what it was, though.
"But back to the main point. I want you to think about it seriously one more time. About becoming my successor."
"—All Might!"
Kacchan suddenly stood up. I really wished he wouldn't; he was going to kick dust into my bento. I was about to complain, but when I saw his face, the words died in my throat. He was making an expression I had never seen before.
"I told you before, didn't I?!"
"I know that. If I had a choice, I wouldn't want to pass this burden to anyone. But it's necessary. Just as it was for me, the next generation needs a Pillar. For this superhuman society to remain at peace, we need an absolute hero—someone who will never, ever yield to evil."
"Then I'll be the one to—"
"I'm sorry. I appreciate the sentiment, Bakugo. Truly. But... I believe she is the one."
The two of them stared each other down, the tension in the room becoming suffocating. It was awful. I really hate this kind of heavy atmosphere. It was all too serious for me.
Since this was apparently about me, I forced the scary-faced Kacchan back into his seat and turned to face All Might myself.
"Um, I'm going to have to pass!"
"Yes, your reflexes are surprisingly sharp when it comes to that specific topic. I can see exactly how much you dislike the idea. However... please, I'm asking you to just think about it. The time I have left is short. I need to begin training the next generation as soon as possible. And it can't be just anyone. I'm asking you because it's you. I truly want you to be the one who inherits this."
I wondered why it had to be me. Was there really nobody else?
"I'm not saying this without reason. I've watched your character, your inner strength—"
"You don't have to say it. Even I can figure that much out. Besides, if you picked me based on looks, that would be pretty creepy in its own way."
"Ah... right. Yeah, you're right. Sorry."
"No, you don't have to apologize..."
Silence fell over the room again. I hated this. I realized I was going to have to actually talk about it. But honestly, it wasn't something I wanted to discuss in front of Kacchan.
Fine. No choice.
"Kacchan, I want a drink."
"...Huh?"
"I desire something carbonated. Go buy one for me. Right now."
"Why the hell should I—"
"Please, Kacchan. Go as fast as you can?"
"You little... Ugh, fine! Just wait there, you brat!"
Kacchan looked exasperated, but he seemed to understand. He left the room, probably intending to sprint back, so I decided to say what needed to be said quickly.
"Regarding the offer to be your successor—the answer is no."
"Does that apply to both aspects of the offer?"
"Yes."
To be honest, it wasn't that I disliked being relied on. I personally think I'm a perfect, beautiful girl, so being expected to do great things feels natural. But this... this was the one thing I couldn't agree to.
"—I'm not the kind of person you think I am, All Might. I only care about saving the people who are important to me. My acquaintances, my friends, my mother. That's enough for me."
"But if I take over for All Might, I'll have to save everyone, won't I? All those things you've spent your life protecting. I've seen it on TV. I couldn't help but see it. And I don't want to do that."
"I don't want to get hurt. I don't like pain. But I can endure those things. That's not what this is about."
"I've been thinking about it for a long time. Why your form back then scared me so much. I still don't fully understand it, and I can't quite put it into words... but I think I was afraid. I was afraid because everyone praised you, and yet nobody ever scolded you. You dove headfirst into life-threatening danger, and it felt like nobody was actually worried about you."
"I think I understand a little better now. I'm sure your friends and family were worried. But in that moment, in what I saw, that worry didn't exist."
"Seeing you laugh all alone like that... it's terrifying. I don't want to be like you. I'm not that strong. So, I'm sorry. I won't become the hero you're looking for."
Shortly after, Kacchan returned with the soda. I took that as my cue to leave the room. I didn't feel like going to afternoon classes, so I just ditched. For some reason, Kacchan ditched with me. Usually, he's a bit of a model student when it comes to attendance, so it was a rare sight.
We hung out for a bit to kill time and then went home.
Tomorrow would be a long day of physical exertion. I didn't even feel like prank-calling Kacchan. I just flopped onto my bed and fell fast asleep.
I hoped that by tomorrow, things could go back to the way they usually were.
***
After being rejected by Young Midoriya again, I stayed in the room alone, playing her words back in my mind.
"Seeing you laugh all alone like that... it's terrifying."
It was the first time anyone had ever said that to me. I had followed my master's teachings and kept a smile on my face, and never once had someone looked me in the eye and said those words. I'm sure villains feared it, but what she meant was fundamentally different.
She understood. She saw what I had accomplished, and she saw the price I had paid for it. Despite her age, she had sensed what lay behind my smile.
"I certainly spoke quite grandly to her, didn't I?"
I had once lectured her on the meaning of a smile—that it was a tool to mask the pressure and fear. I hadn't even realized that was exactly what she was afraid of.
It wasn't a burden just anyone could carry. That was why I had hesitated for so long to choose a successor. I had been searching for someone worthy of the weight. And when I finally found her, I simply tried to force it upon her without truly knowing who she was.
How foolish of me.
Whether she wanted it or not, if she were to ever inherit this power—One For All—she would undoubtedly use it. She talks a big game, but she is a meddler to her core. If her capabilities increased, her recklessness would grow right along with them. Because she currently lacks power, she has been forced to make the best tactical decisions available to her. At the USJ, her first instinct was to flee. The fact that she ended up charging a villain was a desperate, split-second deviation from her plan. It was her true essence taking over.
Bakugo likely knew that better than anyone. He knew she was the type to try and meet every expectation placed upon her. He knew that despite her words, she was the type to throw her life away for others.
That was why he had screamed at me. He was telling me not to burden her. Because he knew that if I did, she would carry it without hesitation and without regret, simply because it was asked of her.
"I'm a failure as a teacher."
Just when I thought I was reaching out to her, I had done this. I wasn't suited for education. Not in the slightest.
Her words echoed in my head. She hadn't said she couldn't do it. She said she didn't want to.
"I didn't call for you..."
I knew those words didn't have a deep meaning back then. I knew that. But the weight of them continued to linger in my chest.
"Tsukauchi... being a teacher is hard."
Was there anything I could actually teach her? That question continued to spin in my mind, round and round.
***
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