Peggy frowned slightly. "Yah know, I had one when I was younger… but I stopped taking care of it for a little while and it died pretty quickly."
"I'm sorry about that." Izuku said sympathetically. "If it's any consolation, they are quite challenging to care for."
"They're not the only challenging things to care for..." She murmured under her breath.
"What was that?" Izuku asked.
"Uh, n-nothing!" Peggy stammered, turning away to hide her blush.
She quickly steadied her nerves. 'That was too close… Anyways, I think it's time to stop beating around the bush.'
Peggy sighed deeply. "Izu-kun, as intense as the training program has been, do you really want to remain in the SSR? In the military as a whole?"
'Granted, I haven't made it any less difficult for you.' She lightly chided herself.
"Well, yes. I do want to." Izuku nodded. "The physical stuff does get really hard, I won't lie. But I am undergoing the enhancement procedure tomorrow." He sounded optimistic. "If it works, I'll be able to keep up with the training. I won't hold anyone else back anymore."
"That's IF it works, Izu-kun." Peggy turned to him with a serious gaze. "Despite Doctor Hatsume's optimism, even she would concede that this procedure isn't foolproof. There's no guarantee it'll even work like it's intended."
Izuku's smile fell slightly. "She did mention there was a 5% chance of something unexpected happening…"
"I know." She absentmindedly replied. "It's a small percentage, yes, but it is still a possibility. Who knows what the side-effects will be. And even if it somehow does work," she frowned pensively, "your life will never be the same, Izu-kun."
"What do you–"
She cut him off. "This isn't cosmetic surgery. First and foremost, this procedure is meant purely for combat. That's why it's called a 'super-soldier' serum; it's the whole point behind the A.M.P. This procedure will alter the components of your body right down to the molecular structure, and once it's done the process is irreversible!"
Izuku was silent, taking in Peggy's words.
"I know it may sound cool. Getting an artificial Meta-Ability. Becoming stronger, but it's not that simple. Your life will essentially belong to the government! And even if they allow you to reenter the world as a civilian someday, you won't be able to live a normal life anymore."
"I'm sure it'll be okay, Peg-chan." Izuku smiled, albeit timidly. "Besides, I can take care of myself."
"No, you can't, Izuku! FACE IT!" Peggy snapped, making the smaller teen flinch.
"Peg-chan…" He uttered. She hardly ever used his first name. That clued him in that Peggy was very serious right now.
"I can't believe you're serious about this!" Peggy promptly stood up from the log; her gaze sharpened as her voice became louder. "Please, just quit while you still can! Go back home! Join college and study Meta-Abilities or something! Anything but this!" Her expression contorted to showcase her fear and frustration. "Stop treating this like some kind of comic book! If the procedure doesn't kill you tomorrow, then fighting in the coming war will!"
'Coming war? What does she mean?' Izuku felt sweat race down his face. True, he knew he'd eventually have to see combat in some fashion if he joined the Armed Forces, but he didn't think he would be shipped off to fight so soon.
"Please, Izuku…" Her eyes brimming with tears as her voice broke. "I…I don't want to be responsible for you dying… especially after the promise I made…" A small sob came unbidden as tears rushed down her cheeks.
"Peg-chan…" Seeing his friend in this state broke his heart. It was then, faced with the real prospect of death, that Izuku found himself momentarily considering her words.
He then recalled something Doctor Hatsume had told him. "What you're doing isn't a waste. Trust me on that, Midoriya."
He took a moment to mull over that statement. 'Doctor Hatsume's right. What I'm doing isn't a waste.' Izuku told himself. 'Not for the SSR, not for her, and not for me either.'
He then remembered his own words that he told the ruby red-haired doctor back at the Innovation Expo. "It may sound idealistic… and silly to some, but I think the coolest and noblest thing a person can do is risk their lives to save others, wanting nothing in return. I know I'm weak and frail, but I'm determined to help in any way I can…"
Izuku clenched his fists and internally steeled himself. Any shred of prior doubt in his mind was now wiped clean. He knew what he had to do.
He stood up and looked up at Peggy determinedly. "I'm sorry, Peg-chan. But I've made up my mind. I'm staying."
Peggy looked at him in shock. "But why?!"
"The whole reason I wanted to enlist was to serve and help those in need, especially with how dark the world is getting. And after what you just said with a 'coming war' on the horizon, it sounds like things are only going to get worse. This is my only chance. If I pass this up, I know I'll never get another opportunity."
"Izu-kun, I–"
"It's not just that, though." Izuku interrupted her. "After all the hellish training this past week, you helped me realize I can't get far the way I am now. If becoming a test subject for the military is the best way I can help others, then I'll do it."
Peggy froze at that statement. All of her efforts to make him quit had only further convinced him to go through with Hatsume's procedure. Everything had backfired in her face.
He went on. "But I can't just do this for everyone else, I have to do this for myself too. If I can't even save myself, I can't ever hope to save another person."
He paused and looked down at his hands glumly. "I've been weak and sick nearly all of my life… you know that Peg-chan. Mom had to work so many hours at the hospital to afford all of my medicine." He stopped to keep himself from tearing up. "Doctor Hatsume's serum could fix all of that. I get the risks. I understand I could die. I know I may have a better chance of living a longer life by going to college and pursuing another career, and who knows," he shrugged, "maybe someday I will. But right now, I want to be here."
"Izu-kun," Peggy said softly, "your chances of survival… there's no telling what will happen if you go through with this."
"Maybe so. But," he looked up with a resolute smile, "I don't want to just survive anymore, Peg-chan. I wanna live."
Peggy's eyes widened and lightly gasped. Shutting her eyes, the ravenette turned away and bit her bottom lip while slumping her shoulders in defeat. She knew there was no point in trying to convince Izuku anymore. The determination was etched onto his face and his words were filled with conviction. He was resolute and dead set on going through with this no matter what.
Izuku glanced away in the distance, noticing it was beginning to get darker as nighttime steadily approached. "We should head back to base, Peg-chan." He suggested. "Doctor Hatsume recommended I turn in a little early tonight."
"Right…" She quietly replied.
The pair began their trek back to the base in silence. As they walked, Peggy found herself glancing at Izuku quite often. The small, frail, kindhearted, and stubborn boy she had known most of her life suddenly seemed to shine in a different light. She couldn't help but think back on the many times he stood up for what he knew was right, despite getting beat up or punished in some fashion as a result–some of those times being more recent.
Even though he had been mostly bullied throughout his life, he still wanted to help people, never allowing himself to become bitter toward everyone else. He was someone with strong mental fortitude who didn't let physical pain stop him. Someone who kept going and pushing the boundaries of what she thought he was capable of. Going "Plus Ultra" as he used to say all the time when they were kids.
Peggy softly chuckled to herself as she recalled that saying. 'Such a dork, but… he's my dork.' When he wasn't looking in her direction, she'd look at him with a soft, affectionate smile.
'But I get it now… I see why you chose him, Teruko. Maybe I've always known and just didn't want to accept it.' She mused. 'I won't try to stop him anymore. There's no point.'
Her little fragile bonsai that she had always cared for was steadily transforming into a towering stalwart redwood.
Izuku was walking back to the barracks with a water bottle in hand. Doctor Hatsume had told him during their debriefing earlier that he couldn't consume any food for 24-hours and could only take in minimal fluids. He was definitely feeling hungry after skipping dinner and all the training, but he'd manage. It was only for one day.
He had just returned to base after his talk with Peggy. He didn't like seeing her cry, but he had to follow his path regardless of if she agreed with it or not. Maybe one day she'd understand where he was coming from; nevertheless, she would always be his best friend.
As he approached the barrack door, he stopped his hand inches away from the handle. The other recruits likely knew by now that his procedure would be tomorrow. He wondered how they were taking the news that he was chosen first. Would they feel cheated after all the work they'd put in so far, only to be passed up for an admittedly inferior candidate?
He could understand if they were, but it wasn't like they weren't going to undergo the procedure at some point anyway. Then again, there was some pride and ego in being the first of anything, especially when that something was being America's first super-soldier.
Taking in a deep breath, he pulled the door open and stepped inside. His friends were casually conversing with each other by their bunks. Noticing his presence, they stopped and turned towards him. Izuku felt a lump form in his throat the moment their eyes fell on him. He had been expecting angry resentful glares from his peers; instead, much to his surprise, they looked at him with pride.
"Hey, there's the man of the hour!" Bucky grinned while walking up to Izuku to clap his back. "Congrats, dude!"
"Huh?" Izuku stammered. "What do you–"
"On getting selected first, obviously." Bucky rolled his eyes. "C'mon, keep up with us."
"You're asking a lot." James jeered. "You have been paying attention the last few days, right?"
"Hey, Flagman, is the Colonel awarding you a Medal of Honor for falling on that grenade?" Nick chortled lightheartedly. "I know I would."
"It was a dummy grenade. So wouldn't it be a dummy Medal?" James remarked lightheartedly.
"So…the perfect kind of medal for you?" Namor snarked subduedly.
"HA-HA-HA!" Nick doubled over in his bottom bunk, bursting into laughter.
James stepped up to Namor, glaring up at the taller man. "Since when did you become a smartass, Tall, Dark and Silent?"
A small smirk formed on the edge of Namor's mouth. "Just now."
"You're just full of mysteries, ain't yah, bub?"
"Get a room, you two." Sharon playfully remarked, walking past them towards Izuku. "Congratulations, Zuku." Sharon smiled and offered a high-five for him, which he timidly returned. "The Colonel told us a while ago about your procedure tomorrow."
He'd admit that he wasn't expecting this. They were happy for him?
"And… you guys aren't mad?" Izuku hesitantly asked.
"Why would we be?" Sharon asked, confused.
"Well…" Izuku nervously rubbed his neck, "you don't feel cheated? Like I took the chance of being the first super-soldier away from you?"
Sharon shook her head. "Can't speak for everyone else, but I'm not. Didn't want to be picked first anyway."
Nick sat up and wiped a few happy tears from his eyes. "Maybe if they had picked you from the get-go for no rhyme or reason, I'd have felt a little jealous." He honestly admitted. "But after these past 10 days of Hell I can say you earned it, Flagman."
"You do?" Izuku blinked.
Namor nodded. "Your mental toughness is remarkably strong. I wish to see the outside match the inside." He proclaimed.
"Namor…" Namor was a man of a few words, so Izuku couldn't help but feel touched by that statement.
"Eh, I don't mind." James waved off, taking a seat at his bunk. "I'd rather let the doctor work out the bugs in her little serum before I take it."
"Heh-heh," Izuku nervously chuckled at that. "Y-yeah, makes sense. I am the first test subject."
Sharon turned and sharply glared at the shorter, rugged man. "Really James? Soooo not appropriate right now."
"What?" He shrugged nonchalantly. "Just being honest."
"There won't be any bugs." Bucky claimed, patting Izuku's shoulder. "I'm sure it's gonna work out. Doctor Hatsume's pretty smart and all. She knows what she's doing."
"Well, I don't mean to brag but," The barrack doors suddenly opened as Teruko stepped inside with her usual cheery disposition. "I'd like to think I'm smart. It's always nice to hear other people say it for me though."
"Doctor?" Sharon said, bemused by her sudden appearance.
The ring-eyed doctor glanced around the barracks. "Where are the other six recruits?"
"They're out back playing basketball in the courtyard." Bucky replied.
"And you're not with them?" Teruko questioned.
"We wanted to wait for Izuku. Congratulate him on getting picked first and all." Sharon responded.
"You guys didn't have to do that." Izuku was unable to suppress a smile. "You should have some fun while you can."
"Don't stress about it." Sharon assured. "We wanted to congratulate you. We most likely wouldn't have gotten a chance tomorrow even with our time off."
"Time off?"
"The Colonel gave us the day off for the 4th tomorrow." Nick elaborated. "Still can't leave the base, but at least we get a break from all the training."
"I'd say you've all earned it after all the crap the Corporal has put you through." Teruko commented. "Say… why don't all of you go join the others in the courtyard? I need a moment with Izuku here."
"Again? You already spent the whole afternoon talking to him." Bucky pointed out.
"That was all business." Teruko explained. "Physical checkups, updating vaccinations, debriefings… This is more personal."
Sharon nodded in understanding and pushed Bucky toward the door. "We get it." She glanced back. "C'mon, guys. Let's give 'em a moment."
"I'm always down for some hoops." Nick stood up from his bunk.
James got up from his bunk too. "Me too. Been looking forward to dunking on one of you."
"Dunk?" Namor looked at him in mild confusion. "But you can't reach the rim."
"Watch it, bub." James growled. "You're treading dangerous waters."
"Hmph," Namor looked away impassively. "No waters' are dangerous for me."
James blinked twice, flummoxed over the tall recruit's reply. "Where you from again?"
As James and Namor continued their banter, Bucky, Sharon, and Nick offered Izuku supportive smiles and nods of encouragement before leaving the barracks. Teruko and Izuku were now left alone.
"You got some good friends there, Izuku." Teruko stated truthfully.
"Yeah…" Izuku smiled bashfully. "I guess…I'm still new to this. Having a group of friends."
Teruko looked at him sympathetically. "Didn't have a lot of friends, huh?"
Izuku shook his head. "Aside from Peg-chan, no."
"That's a shame. People at your old school didn't know what they were missing." She remarked. "Why don't we take a seat?"
"S-Sure…"
Izuku was curious what Doctor Hatsume had to say that was so important that it couldn't wait till tomorrow. He sat on the edge of his bottom bunk, Bucky had claimed the top bunk on the first day, while Teruko sat across from him on another bed. It was then he noticed that the grey satchel hanging from her left shoulder as she sat it down by her feet.
The pair sat in momentary silence before Teruko spoke up. "Feeling nervous?"
Izuku lowered gaze to the floor. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."
The redhead nodded. "Understandable."
Izuku immediately looked back with a determined expression. "But I haven't changed my mind! I still want to go through with it."
Teruko chuckled. "I knew you would. You're very strong-willed." She paused momentarily. "If it's any consolation, I'm feeling a bit jittery myself; well, more so than usual."
"You are?" He asked worriedly.
Seeing Izuku's nervousness slightly increase, Teruko quickly elaborated, "Oh, I'm not doubting the procedure's success or anything! It's just… when you're doing something for the first time it can sometimes be nerve-wracking, yah know? I've run all the tests and simulations, and everything checks out. I know the serum's formula down to the last molecule. I'm fully confident it'll work and that it's safe. But this is the first time I'm using this version of the serum on someone, and I can't help but feel a bit uneasy."
'Especially after what happened the first time…' She thought nervously.
"I get it." Izuku nodded and smiled. "If it makes you feel any better, I trust you."
Teruko smiled warmly. "Thanks, kid. That means a lot."
'I swear, I won't fail you either.' She thought determinedly.
Teruko paused to reach into her bag, pulling out a sake bottle with Japanese writing inscribed on it. "This is from my hometown, Osaka. Pretty well known in Japan for delicious food; some even call it the Nation's Kitchen. Great blend of historical attractions and modern architecture." She looked back at him. "Ever been there?"
Izuku shook his head. "No. I haven't been in Japan since Mom and I immigrated here."
"Right, you were three years old. Too young to remember anything." She recalled her first conversation with him at the recruiting station. "If you don't mind me asking, why'd your mother move to America? What about your father?" She held up her free hand placatingly. "If it's too personal, I get it. I'm just… feeling a little nosy is all."
"It's fine." Izuku sighed and rested his arms on his knees, hanging his head low. "I… I guess my relationship with my father is complicated. Complicated in that there really isn't a relationship to begin with. I've never met him in person actually."
"Were your parents divorced or something?" Teruko carefully asked.
"No, not legally. They might as well have been, if you ask me." Izuku was downcast. "Every time I used to ask mom about it she'd just deflect or say it was 'complicated'." He shook his head, shutting his eyes. "From what she's told me, my dad is sort of a politician. A meta-human sympathizer, actually."
"Oh?" Teruko's brows furrowed, realizing something was off. "Wait, he couldn't have had a Meta-Ability. It's only been 28 years since the first generation of meta-users were born." Her ringed eyes slightly widened as a frightening possibility came to mind. 'No… don't tell me…'
"He didn't." The onyx-haired teen confirmed, causing the scientist to discreetly sigh in relief. "I guess he doesn't like how badly meta-humans are treated," he shrugged, "I dunno, I can't say what his reasons are."
"Okay… but that doesn't answer why your mom moved to America though." Teruko mentioned.
Izuku looked up at her with a grim expression. "I'm sure you know about Japan's Meta-Human Registration Act?"
Teruko's sunny disposition fell as she turned away with an angry frown. "Yeah… I know a thing or two about it." She tersely replied.
"Well, my dad was heavily against it. He knew what would happen if it was passed. All the civil unrest it would cause." Izuku trailed off.
"He was definitely right on that…" Teruko noted.
"Yeah," he continued, "he didn't want mom or me around any of that when you-know-what hit the fan. Weeks before it passed, he convinced mom to immigrate to America and take me with her while he remained in Japan to try and overturn the Act."
"Hmm…I see." Teruko ruminated on Izuku's answer. "Though meta-users in this country have their own issues, at least their rights aren't being legally stripped away."
'For the time being, at least…' She pessimistically mused. 'Hopefully those morons in Washington don't make the same mistakes other countries are making.'
Izuku went on. "Mom was fairly decent in speaking English, so the language barrier wasn't too difficult for her. She was a nurse too, so she could work anywhere with a hospital." He smiled ruefully. "Honestly, mom was one of the reasons why I'm so passionate about trying to help others; even though she didn't get much recognition for her work, she still did it with a big smile on her face."
Teruko smiled softly. "She sounds like a great woman. My condolences…"
"Thank you." Izuku then sighed heavily. "Anyway, my mom moved us here for safety while my father was too busy supposedly fighting against the anti-meta policies in Japan to spend any time with me." He chuckled and scratched his cheek. "Sorry I got a little long winded there."
"You're fine." Teruko grinned lightly. "I'm glad you told me. I feel like I know you a little better now." She stopped and reached into her bag, pulling out a small cup that matched the sake bottle. "While we're on the subject of backstories, why don't I share some things about myself?"
The corner of Izuku's mouth curled upward. "I'd like that."
"Alright, where to start?" She poured herself a cup of sake. "So, I was born in Osaka, Japan–"
"On April 19, 2015." Izuku excitedly interjected. "You were part of the first generation of meta-users too! You graduated with a doctorate in meta-biology from the prestigious Tokyo University, already making many key discoveries that contributed to Meta-Ability research and–"
"Okay, okay, you can stop!" Teruko stopped him from descending into one of his 'mutter-storms'. She nearly forgot this kid was a big fan of her Meta-Ability research and had likely already read up her profile. Well, it saved her some exposition time, she thought.
She sighed. "Since you already seem to know so much about my bio, why don't I tell you something about myself that you won't learn from the internet?"
"Really?!" Izuku's brown eyes sparkled with excitement, making the young woman snicker.
"Well, I guess I should start from the beginning when I first developed my ability. I was looking at a ladybug through my magnifying glass when my vision suddenly seemed to zoom in on it. All of a sudden, I saw the inner workings of the ladybug." Teruko grinned sheepishly. "Naturally I was pretty confused and terrified. When my vision refocused, I went crying to my mother and she took me straight to the doctor. That's when my first eye ring appeared."
"Your first?" Izuku questioned.
Teruko nodded, lifting her glasses to showcase her three yellow rings in her green irises. "Yeah, I started off with one and developed the other two as I grew older and started training my ability."
"Right…" Izuku cupped his chin thoughtfully. "Meta-Abilities are part of the body, so it makes sense that with careful training they can be developed further too like a muscle or skill. Fascinating stuff."
"That it is." Her grin became rueful. "When I was labeled as a meta-human, my life changed forever. Unlike in America, homeschooling isn't formally permitted in Japan, so I was still forced to go to school. I'm sure you can imagine how that went."
Izuku looked at her sympathetically. 'In a way I can; even though I was teased for being weak and sort of socially awkward, I'm still a normal human. Doctor Hatsume probably went through so much more teasing and bullying growing up.' His train of thought shifted to another individual. 'I have to wonder if Zak's ability had made him physically different, would he have been bullied and shunned like me?' Something to ponder later, he supposed.
Teruko continued. "Anyways, I buried myself in schoolwork and kept my head down. I covered my eyes with shades when out in public. Tried to stay as lowkey as possible. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life honestly… but then I met someone in my second year of junior high."
She wistfully smiled, recalling a cherished memory.
Osaka, Japan - May 2028
It was late evening as thirteen-year-old Hatsume Teruko walked out the main doors of a junior high building, wearing a traditional Japanese white sailor fuku. Her colorful reddish-pink hair was cut shoulder-length and she wore a big pair of glasses on her face that shrouded her eyes from view. A large schoolbag hung from her shoulders as she clutched a highschool textbook. The expression she wore was reserved and tamed.
As she approached the front gate, several third years stepped into view from behind the corner.
"Look who it is?" A gyaru girl snidely remarked. "Little miss know-it-all."
"Where ya been, Ring Eyes?" Another delinquent girl said. "We've been waiting for you."
"Trying to hide in the library again?"
Hatsume stopped and shrunk under the older girls' gazes. "Please… I don't want any trouble…" She said meekly.
"Well too bad," the ringleader sneered. "You got trouble the moment you stepped into our school, mutant."
Hatsume flinched at the term. Though she was pretty used to being insulted by now, that didn't mean it hurt any less to hear them.
"Is it true she has rings in her eyes?" Another girl asked.
The leader grinned callously. "See for yourself!" She reached out and snatched the glasses off the redhead's face.
"HEY! Give those back!" Hatsume tried to reclaim her speckles with a free arm while the other clutched her textbook; however, the gyaru ringleader kept them out of her reach.
"See!" She pointed at her ringed eyes.
"Whoa… that is freaky…" the other girl remarked.
As Hatsume tried to jump up and take back her glasses, the other girls snickered at her failed attempts.
"Seriously… how the hell can you look at yourself in the morning?" the gyaru leader belittled. "Why don't you do everyone a favor and gouge out your stupid e–"
"HEY!" A new voice shouted.
The group paused and turned to see a skinny boy with messy white hair rushing towards them, clad in the male version of their school uniform.
"What are you doing to her?" the boy demanded.
"Huh?" the gyaru leader lazily tilted her head. "Why the hell should it concern you, new kid?"
"Why don't you beat it and mind your own business?" Another girl added.
"No." The albino boy was undeterred. "I won't stand by and let you pick on her."
"Pft!" the gyaru scoffed. "As if you could do anything. One little gust of wind and you'll blow away, albino."
"Seriously? How skinny can someone be?"
"It looks so unhealthy…"
Hatsume took a moment to study the new kid's appearance and couldn't help but agree with her tormentors. 'He does look substantially malnourished. Is he not eating enough?' she inwardly wondered.
The apparent new kid stepped up to Teruko's side and directed an unsettling glare at the bullies, all while keeping his facial expression as neutral as possible. His dark eyes peered into them as if he were examining their souls.
The girls couldn't help but flinch from the disturbing display. The new kid was definitely creeping them out.
"Tsk," the ringleader clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Whatever. C'mon girls, we're done here. These creeps are weirding me out."
With that, the pack of delinquent girls began to stalk away.
"HEY! What about my glasses?" Hatsume called out.
"Oh?" the leader looked back, sneering. "These glasses?" She dropped to the sidewalk and crushed them under her foot, making Hatsume deflate and tear up a bit. "Oops! Sorry, they're broken."
"You b*tch!" The albino-haired boy yelled.
The gyaru girl smirked. "Word of advice, new kid, you hang around Ring Eyes and you can kiss any chance of a school life goodbye. Just throwing that out there." She turned and sauntered away.
"Those hags…" the boy growled under his breath. He turned to the nerdy girl who was now on her knees with her head lowered. Seeing her distress, he knelt by her and softened his expression. "Are you okay?"
Hatsume didn't respond immediately. "Y-yeah… I'll be fine." She whimpered.
"I'm guessing this isn't the first time that they've messed with you?"
She shook her head. "I usually stay late in the library and wait for them and everyone else to go home. Guess they caught on and waited for me outside today."
The boy shook his head in disgust. "Why did they pick on you like that? What did she mean by calling you Ring Eyes?"
Hatsume closed her eyes and looked away from him, confusing the boy. She could already picture it. As soon as he found out about her unique condition, he'd be disgusted and deride her like everyone else. Well, best to get it over with now so she could move on with her crappy day.
"This is why." She looked back and opened her eyes, ready for the barrage of insults or at least for his face to contort in disgust.
It took the boy a moment to recognize the twin yellow rings in her green eyes. When he did, his darkish-brown eyes widened slightly. Not in disgust, but fascination.
"Oh, you have a Meta-Ability too, huh?" He casually noted.
Teruko froze and blinked twice. Did she hear that correctly? Did he just say…
"Wait… do you have an ability too?"
He shook his head. "No. I don't… but my older brother does."
"Oh, I see." Hatsume perked up slightly at this revelation. "What ability does he have?"
The white-haired boy rubbed the back of his head in a nervous manner, confusing the short-haired girl. "It's… not my place to say. Family business, you know."
"I get it." Hatsume nodded in understanding but couldn't help feeling a tad disappointed.
The boy turned away and descended into a coughing fit, covering his mouth with his upper arm.
"Hey… are you okay?" Hatsume asked in concern.
He held out his other hand to keep her from getting closer. As he got his breathing under control, he looked back with a mildly embarrassed smile. "Yeah, sorry. My health isn't the greatest, so stuff like this happens sometimes. No big deal."
"If you say so," she sounded unsure.
The albino boy reached into his pocket to pull out a white glove and slipped it on. He extended his hand while wearing a friendly smile. "My name's Shigaraki Yoichi. My family and I just moved from Yokohama; Kamino, specifically. Pleased to meet you, Ms…?"
Hatsume was initially hesitant but accepted the handshake. "H-Hatsume Teruko." She timidly introduced herself. "T-thank you for your help."
"Think nothing of it." Shigaraki replied. "I just can't stand bullies. I'm glad you're okay though."
A short moment of awkward silence passed between them. Hatsume wanted to continue the conversation but wasn't sure how. This was the longest friendly conversation she'd had with someone close to her age in a while. She tried to wrack her brain for anything to break the silence.
"So… did you dye your hair?" Hatsume gingerly inquired. 'Stupid, Teruko!'
Shigaraki didn't seem offended as he chuckled. "Nah. I was born with it, believe it or not."
"Really?" Hatsume hummed, cupping her chin thoughtfully. "Melanin deficiency perhaps?" She murmured to herself.
"Eh, I don't think much about it. Anyways, do you live close by?" He asked. "If you want, I can walk you home in case those bullies come back."
Hatsume shifted nervously. "You don't have to if you don't want to… I mean, we did just meet a couple minutes ago."
Shigaraki smiled subduedly. "It's no issue. I'd be happy to do it. Also, I…" He rubbed his shoulder awkwardly, "... I dunno, it'd be nice to have a friend around here. Um, sorry if that seems too forward."
Hatsume blinked and stared at the white-haired boy in confused shock. He actually wanted to be around her. This was a new experience for the short-haired girl.
"Um… Hatsume-san?" Shigaraki was worried that he may have accidentally creeped her out. "You okay there."
Snapping out of her stupor, Hatsume smiled brightly. "Y-yeah! I'd love to be friends!" Realizing how excited she got, she shrunk and hid her face behind her book in embarrassment. "S-sorry! I guess I got too excited…"
'Stupid Teruko! Now he's gonna think you're a weirdo and avoid you like the plague!' She internally chided herself.
Much to her surprise, Shigaraki laughed a little. "It's fine. Nothing to be embarrassed about." He motioned for her to follow him. "C'mon, we should get going before they close the gates."
"Y-yeah, okay…"
The pair walked side-by-side and proceeded down the sidewalk with Shigaraki casually stuffing his hands in his pockets while Hatsume clutched her textbook like a lifeline. When they came across her crushed glasses, Hatsume frowned despondently while picking up the remains.
"I'm sorry I couldn't save them." Shigaraki's tone expressed guilt. "Can you see okay without them?"
Hatsume nodded, placing the crushed frame in her skirt pocket. "Yeah… I technically don't need glasses. I just wear them to hide my eyes."
Shigaraki frowned in disapproval. "You shouldn't have to hide anything. They're nothing to be ashamed of."
Hatsume smiled a little. "Thanks, but…" her smile quickly fell, "...they do weird people out. So, wearing glasses helps me fit in a little better."
"I don't think they're weird. They look cool to me." His sincere reply made Hatsume gasp in surprise as her face heated up. No one aside from her parents had ever complimented her eyes.
"Y-you mean that?" She stuttered. "You're not just saying it…?"
Shigaraki smiled and nodded. "Why don't you tell me about it on the way home? I'm a huge comic nerd. I think superpowers are pretty cool honestly. What do you call your ability?"
"Call it? I… haven't given it a name." Hatsume sheepishly admitted.
"Every superpower needs a name." he stated matter-of-factly. "What can your Meta-Ability do?"
"Well… I can magnify my vision to microscopic levels. Also, the longer I stare at something, the more I understand it apparently. I've noticed that it works on both living things and inanimate objects." Hatsume answered plainly. "Nothing special, really."
Shigaraki grinned. "What do you mean? That's a cool ability! Perfect for something in the science field if you ask me." He tilted his head back in contemplation. "Let's see… Magnify Lens? No, that's only one aspect of your ability. Micro-Cognition? No, that sounds weird…" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Hatsume sweat-dropped at the sight. 'Whoa, he's brainstorming hard.'
"Um, Shigaraki-san… you don't have to worry about it. It's fine. I don't really need a name for–"
"I got it!" The albino boy snapped his fingers and looked back with a wide smile. "How about… Micro-Insight?"
"Huh…? Micro-Insight?" She repeated.
"Yeah. Sums up your ability pretty well, right? You can see things on the microscopic level AND learn about it the more you stare at it." He explained. "What do you think?"
Hatsume blinked and briefly contemplated the name. She had to admit it did have a nice ring to it, and it summarized her ability pretty well.
She couldn't hold back a bright smile. "I like it!"
Shigaraki smiled at her. "You should smile more, Hatsume-san. You look prettier." He boldly stated.
"Huh?!" A hearty blush grew on the young girl's face. "H-hey!? D-Don't say things like that!"
"Heh, sorry." Shigaraki rubbed his neck, smiling awkwardly. "Sometimes I just speak my mind without thinking. But… I meant what I said."
Hatsume looked away, red-faced. "B-Baka!"
After that embarrassing moment passed, the two teens walked together down the pedestrian paths toward the train station. As they walked and conversed on various topics, Hatsume began to smile more and more.
Teruko smiled fondly after retelling the tale of how she met the boy that changed her life forever. Izuku looked at her with wide, fascinated eyes while his hand moved in a writing motion. If he had a notebook on him, he'd definitely be jotting this down.
"Whoa…" Was all Izuku could utter. "So, this is essentially your origin story, huh?"
Teruko snickered at the statement. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. Over time, Yoichi helped me see that my ability wasn't anything to be ashamed of. So, I stopped wearing the glasses that obscured my eyes." She then pointed to her smaller frames. "I just wear these smaller ones out of habit honestly… and for appearances. I look cool with them, right?"
Izuku nodded while smiling widely, thrilled over hearing personal stories from the life of a person he idolized.
"Yoichi and I hung out pretty frequently in and out of school. While I was into science, he was a big comic and fantasy geek." She giggled, and then briefly paused. "Well… we hung out when he wasn't out sick, that is."
"Right…" Izuku frowned slightly. "You said Yoichi had a lot of illnesses, huh?"
'Kind of like me…' He absently thought.
Teruko solemnly nodded. "Yeah… His immune system wasn't the best. He also suffered from a myriad of other ailments too. However, in my second year of high school, I realized something."
Osaka, Japan - February 2032
Seventeen-year-old Hatsume Teruko and Shigaraki Yoichi were both sitting in the latter's living room. While Hatsume was sitting cross-legged at a small table looking over a stack of papers, Shigaraki was lying on a beanbag chair playing video games.
Hatsume wore black stockings, a green skirt, and a white button-up shirt with the first two buttons undone; her beige school vest was tossed to the side. Her body had matured quite well over the years after puberty, and she had grown her ruby-red hair out too, putting it up into a ponytail. She certainly didn't grow it out because Yoichi-kun had offhandedly remarked she would look more beautiful with long hair.
That would just be absurd.
Meanwhile, Shigaraki wore a simple pair of gray joggers with a white t-shirt while wearing a disposable cloth facemask. His white hair had grown longer and messier; his bangs often hiding his brown eyes from view. Though he had grown taller since their middle school years, he still had a sickly appearance.
"Hmm," Hatsume hummed to herself as she looked over university application documents. She sighed and slumped her shoulders. "So many options… What do you think, Yoichi-kun? What college should I try to apply for?"
"Why're you asking me? I couldn't care less about college." Shigaraki didn't turn away from his game. "I'm going to be a Mangaka. Besides, I can't afford college even if I wanted to go."
"How's the Mangaka pursuit going then?" She asked curiously.
It had been a few weeks since she had seen Yoichi-kun after he dropped out of high school due to health reasons. However, she suspected that his parents' untimely deaths a few months prior had a part to play in it too. Now, he lived at home alone with his older brother (who she still hadn't met) financially supporting him from afar.
"I got something in mind…" Shigaraki smashed his controller buttons harder. "A story about a world taken over by a powerful Demon Lord… a hero of justice setting out to defeat him… defeating him and saving everyone. I like the sound of that."
Hatsume smirked. "Might need to iron out the plot a bit more, Yoichi-kun."
"Yeah, still working on–" Shigaraki dropped his controller and suddenly started coughing badly.
Hatsume dropped her papers and sprung to her feet, running into the kitchen to grab an inhaler off the counter. She ran back to her friend and knelt by his side and handed it to him. After the albino teen got his coughing somewhat under control, he pulled his mask down and took a few puffs before he waited for the medicine to enter his system.
"Thanks…" He nodded and pulled his mask back up. He then noticed the 'Game Over' message on the screen and groaned. "Man… and I didn't even reach the next save point. What a drag."
The ruby-redhead looked at the sickly young man with concern. "Your condition is getting worse, isn't it?"
Shigaraki sighed heavily. "Yeah… the medicines are hit or miss these days."
Hearing that, Hatsume had an idea and took the inhaler, spraying a puff onto her right palm.
"Um… what are you–" He stopped when he noticed the yellow rings in her eyes glowing.
She was using her Meta-Ability. Legally, she wasn't supposed to use it; nevertheless, he wouldn't ever dream of reporting her to anyone. Shigaraki absolutely despised the new meta-human related laws passed a few years ago anyways. They were unjust and a complete breach of human rights!
Several moments passed before the glowing dissipated. Hatsume furrowed her brows and turned to him with a frown. "I'm not an expert, but… it seems like all this does is alleviate symptoms, Yoichi-kun. It's not going to cure any of your ailments."
Shigaraki shrugged nonchalantly. "Already visited doctors. Not much can be done in terms of cures. All they can do is essentially dull the pain." He picked up his controller and went to the menu to restart from his last saved position.
Hatsume wiped her hand on her skirt and glanced back at the kitchen where the rest of Yoichi-kun's medicine was.
'All they're doing is putting a bandaid on Yoichi-kun. Pumping him full of different medicines isn't the answer. With all of his illnesses, he needs something specifically geared towards him.' Hatsume internally mused.
All of a sudden, it hit her like a lightning strike. Her eyes widened as she let out a gasp. She had come to an epiphany.
"That's it!" She suddenly yelled.
Shigaraki was so startled by the outburst that he made a wrong move and his video game character died. "Really, Teruko-chan!" He shot an annoyed glare at her. "I'm trying to–"
"Forget the stupid game, Yoichi-kun! I've got it!"
"Huh? Got what?" Shigaraki asked, feeling mildly annoyed that she had called his game stupid.
"The answer!" Hatsume beamed. "I know what I'm going to do with my future!"
Shigaraki was left further perplexed. "You're not making any sense…"
"I'm going to make a cure for you!" She happily exclaimed.
Shigaraki blinked twice, doing a double take. Did he just hear her correctly? "What…?"
"Micro-Insight! If I can study your DNA and your types of illnesses, then maybe… no, I CAN find a cure for you." Hatsume went back to the table where her college papers were scattered. "I'll apply to a school with an excellent science department, preferably something that offers courses over Meta-Abilities."
"That's… that sounds pretty cool actually." He considered something else. "But what about the law, Teruko-chan? You're not allowed to use your Meta-Ability without government approval." He noted. "And I doubt they'll let you use Micro-Insight for something like this."
"Like anyone will ever know." Hatsume grinned slyly. "My ability's activation is hardly noticeable, especially if I'm wearing shades or eyewear." Her demeanor became more enthusiastic. "But just think about it, Yoichi-kun! If I can cure you, then think of what else I could accomplish! I can further our own understanding of Meta-Abilities too. Find permanent cures for other pesky diseases. The possibilities are endless, Yoichi-kun!"
Shigaraki, meanwhile, sat in his beanbag chair staring at her with a small smile. He liked seeing her so driven and energetic. Still, he couldn't help but feel a tad apprehensive over the path his friend was heading down in her pursuit to help him.
"I see!" Izuku smiled widely. "You started studying Meta-Abilities in hopes of finding a cure for Yoichi!"
"Yep! After high school, I applied for Tokyo University. Took a lot of work and, despite being a meta-human, they accepted me. Even the board members could see my academic potential and couldn't turn me away. Got my doctorate in Meta-Biology and graduated with honors, all that jazz."
"You did a lot of amazing research while you were in school. You even discovered the link between meta-users only having one pinky toe joint as opposed to the usual two." He pointed out.
Another thought crossed his mind. "Were you ever able to find a cure for Yoichi then?" Upon asking the question, Izuku's eyes widened in realization. "Wait… the different versions of the serum that you mentioned earlier?"
Teruko smiled and nodded in confirmation. "You catch on quick, kid." She poured herself another cup of sake and downed it immediately, making Izuku sweat-drop. "In my last year of school, confident I had enough data, I secretly used the university's labs to synthesize an all-in-one cure for Yoichi-kun."
"Did it work?" Izuku eagerly asked while on the edge of his seat.
"Yes." Her smile then dropped. "Well… at least for a little while it did."
Osaka, Japan - June 2040
An adult 25-year-old Hatsume Teruko was in her home office, bent over by her desk and peering down at a microscope slide that had a tiny sample of blood on it. All three of her eye rings were glowing yellow as she concentrated on the slide with an intense gaze.
In the background, Shigaraki Yoichi was spinning in an office chair in a carefree manner. His attire was casual consisting of a white t-shirt with a light blue jacket, blue pants, and black shoes. He wasn't as skinny or malnourished as he used to be since agreeing to let his friend inject her miracle drug into him. She had been fully confident it would cure him and, honestly, he trusted her and didn't believe he had much to lose anyway.
Much to his shock, the effects had been immediate as his sickly malnourished form suddenly transformed into a healthy lithe body. His eyes had also somehow turned a bright emerald. Hatsume still wasn't sure what had caused that change.
Nevertheless, Yoichi had felt great, better than he ever had! For the first time, he was able to enjoy life to the fullest.
That was over ten months ago.
Over the last few weeks though, symptoms of his old illnesses had started springing back up; in addition, he had been losing a lot of weight recently. His sickly malnourished state was steadily returning as his physical strength declined too. It finally reached the point where he couldn't ignore it any longer.
Hence why he headed over to his friend's house on such short notice.
As Yoichi spun in the chair, he admired Hatsume's doctorate degree from Tokyo University (that she obtained a year early) hanging on the wall. Alongside it were other awards she had received from years of Meta-Ability research. He felt extremely proud of his friend's accomplishments. Her work was truly making a positive difference in the scientific world of Meta-Abilities.
'And to think she used to think her ability wasn't special.' He thought in amusement.
He turned and noticed a couple of framed pictures on the side of her desk. One was a family photo with Teruko, her parents, and her little 5-year-old sister, Miyane. He had gotten to see her on several occasions already.
Miyane looked very similar to her older sister, with the only exceptions being her hair was blonde while her eyes were blue with pink rings. It was still unclear if Miyane's Meta-Ability was an exact copy of her older sister's or if it was a mutation of some kind.
The second photo was of Yoichi and Teruko as teenagers with their arms slung over each other's shoulders with goofy expressions.
He smiled fondly at the pictures; the latter especially.
Yoichi was snapped out of his musings when Hatsume suddenly stood up from her desk, shouting in frustration. "ERRGH! Dammit!"
"What's wrong?" He stood up, sounding concerned.
Hatsume glanced back at him in distress. Yoichi's eyes widened in surprise. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen her this unsettled. She was the sunlight in his life, always smiling and optimistic no matter the circumstances. Something must be very wrong.
"Antibodies. Your own body is fighting the serum, the very thing keeping you healthy!" Hatsume clenched her teeth and pounded her fist against the desk in frustration. "Your illnesses are coming back with a vengeance."
Yoichi frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Is there any way to fix it?" He asked carefully.
"No. Not right now, at least." the ruby-redhead shook her head despondently. "I'd have to do more research; plus, I don't have the resources to synthesize another serum."
"I see…" Yoichi slumped back in the chair. 'Well, it was fun while it lasted.' He thought forlornly.
A moment passed before Hatsume looked back to him with a determined expression. "Don't worry, Yoichi-kun! I'll earn some more money. I'll make some calls. I will find a–"
"Teruko-chan." Yoichi held out a hand to stop her. "It's okay. You shouldn't waste anymore of your time trying to cure me."
Hatsume sharply glared at her albino friend. "Don't be ridiculous! You're my best friend, Yoichi-kun! Trying to cure you isn't a waste of time. It's the whole reason I immersed myself in the Meta-Ability field in the first place!"
"These last 10 months have been a gift. Far better than anything I ever deserved, Teruko-chan. I can never repay you for that." Yoichi smiled ruefully. "But I can't ask you to continue breaking the law for my sake, even if it is a stupid law. I don't want you to miss out on living your own life."
"Yoichi-kun, I can't live my life to the fullest if you can't live yours to the fullest too." Hatsume proclaimed.
"Teruko-chan…" Yoichi gapped.
"How touching." A deep masculine voice commented.
Hatsume and Yoichi swiftly turned to see a man standing in the doorway. Standing at an imposing 195 cm (6'4") tall, he had short white hair, a handsome chiseled face, and dark brown eyes. He wore a black business suit over a white shirt; his clothing did little to hide his muscular body.
"Who are you?!" Hatsume shouted indignantly. "How'd you get into my house?"
"Brother…?" Yoichi uttered, wide-eyed.
"Huh… brother?!" Hatsume exclaimed, frantically looking back-and-forth between the two men.
"It's good to see you again, my dear little brother. It's been a while." He said amicably.
"Not long enough." Yoichi retorted, narrowing his gaze.
'So this is Yoichi-kun's older brother.' Hatsume mused.
This was Hatsume's first time meeting her friend's older brother. Though the brothers were on opposite ends of the spectrum physicality-wise, Hatsume could see the similarities; their white hair was the most obvious trait. It appeared to run in the family.
Yoichi never talked much about him and whenever she brought him up, he'd get annoyed and try to change the subject. She eventually stopped asking altogether. Clearly there were issues between them, she deduced.
The older Shigaraki chortled to himself. Hatsume involuntarily shivered. She didn't know why, but something felt unsettling about this man.
"Now, now, don't be that way. You know I care about you deeply, especially since our parents' passing. You're my only living family." He paused to study his younger brother's appearance with a small frown. "You're not looking so well these days. Is the doctor's miracle drug wearing off?"
Hatsume and Yoichi both gasped in surprise. How did he know?! She directed a stern glare at her friend. "Yoichi-kun!? Did you tell him!?"
"NO!" He frantically responded. "I-I don't know how he knows!"
"There's no need for hysterics." The taller man placatingly held out his hands. "My little brother didn't tell me anything, doctor. From my understanding, he cares very deeply about you. He'd die before betraying your trust I'd wager."
Yoichi averted their gaze, hiding his reddening face from view. Hatsume would've felt touched by the statement, but it felt strangely unsettling coming from this man for some reason.
"I've only recently uncovered the truth behind Yoichi's miraculous improvement in health." He glanced at Yoichi with a half-smirk, noting his sickly appearance. "Although it appears his cure was short-lived, sad to say."
"What are you doing here, brother?" Yoichi sharply demanded.
"Straight to the point? Very well." The older man directed his gaze to Hatsume, causing the young woman to shiver once more. "I'm here to recruit your friend."
Yoichi balled his fists and grinded his teeth angrily.
"Recruit?" Hatsume cocked a brow.
"That's right. In the past few years, I've set out on a mission. I've gained an ample amount of funds that grows by the day." the elder Shigaraki explained. "I'm amassing many followers as well, expanding my influence across the nation. I need someone brilliant like you on my side, doctor. A fellow meta-human who understands our plight."
He continued. "If you could reverse my dear brother's illnesses with limited resources–albeit temporarily–imagine what wonders you could accomplish with me backing you? I assure you, Doctor Hatsume, I am not lacking in money or resources. Say what you need, and I will give it to you."
Hatsume narrowed her gaze at the taller man. His offer sounded way too good to be true. "What's the catch? You said something about me being on your side?"
An unsettling smile took shape on the man's face. "Yes. I wish to build a new empire."
"Empire?" She murmured, feeling more unsettled by the second.
"How dare you, brother!" Yoichi angrily snapped. "How dare you try to turn Teruko-chan into one of your pawns!"
'Wait…' Hatsume's eyes widened as she put the dots together. 'Is Yoichi-kun's brother a terrorist or something?!'
The older brother shook his head, still smirking. "No, no. Not a pawn. Her value is far higher than that."
Hatsume knitted her brows in annoyance. She didn't enjoy being viewed as a 'piece' in someone's game. She involuntarily shuddered when the man redirected his ominous gaze toward her.
"Forgive my younger brother. As you may already know, he lives in a fantasy world, unable to accept reality." He stated. "Meanwhile, I know what it's like to live with a Meta-Ability in this cruel, unfair world. Like you, I too was a part of the first generation of meta-users. We are a young people, but we grow stronger and more numerous with each passing year. Surely, you've noticed the trend in your studies?"
Hatsume slowly nodded in confirmation. It was a fact that the meta-human population was increasing. For unknown reasons, the percentage of children born with Meta-Abilities steadily grew with every passing year.
"Then you have already realized it." He asserted. "Meta-humans are destined to overtake this world. It's only a matter of time. However, I'm not willing to stand by and allow our people to be oppressed by their lessers any longer than necessary."
"Their lessers?" Hatsume didn't like where this conversation was going.
"Yes. Ever since our government passed the bad joke that was the Meta-Human Registration Act, our people's affliction has only grown. Doctor, despite your many accolades in the meta-sciences, I'm sure you've been faced with your own fair share of discrimination."
He wasn't wrong. Hatsume suffered plenty of verbal and sometimes even physical abuse from people growing up, both in public schools and in college as well when her peers learned through the grapevine that she possessed a Meta-Ability.
"I believe it is time for us to take control… as nature intended." Shigaraki darkly declared.
"You make it sound like you want to overthrow the government." Hatsume pointed out, her tone expressing apprehension. Yes, she wasn't a big fan of how lawmakers were handling meta-humans, but she wasn't ready to join a national revolt.
"Well… reform is the more accurate term." He corrected. "Led by our people."
"With you on top?" She questioned suspiciously.
He chuckled, the sinister undertones of his voice not getting past her. "Not quite. I prefer to rule from the shadows, my dear."
"Like the Demon Lord?" Yoichi snidely remarked.
Shigaraki ignored his younger brother's comment, focusing his attention on the ruby-redhead doctor. "Will you join me, Doctor Hatsume? I assure you I will make it worth your while." He glanced at Yoichi. "I'll even allow you to synthesize a new drug to cure my dear brother. Granted once you have completed more important tasks, of course."
Yoichi gritted his teeth angrily.
'What could be more important than saving your younger brother's life?!' Hatsume internally raged.
Still, Hatsume felt nervous under the man's disconcerting gaze. She turned to Yoichi, who was looking at her apprehensively, as if he were worried that she'd actually accept his offer.
She then remembered their first ever meeting, and the kindness he had showed her. Kindness that hadn't been afforded to her by those outside her family. The kindness that had spawned her Meta-Ability's name. The kindness that would inspire her to pursue her career in meta-biological research. The kindness that had changed her life for the better by providing her with a true friend, someone she cared deeply for.
Hatsume steeled her resolve and turned back to her friend's older brother with a determined frown. "I'm not interested. Now, I know you may be Yoichi-kun's brother, but I'm going to have to ask you politely yet firmly to leave."
"You've overstayed your welcome, brother." Yoichi spat. "Leave."
"Hmph." Shigaraki sneered, unaffected by the doctor's refusal. "Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed. However," his grin intensified, unnerving the pair, "I always get my way. I have ways of making you cooperate."
"Brother…" Yoichi stepped toward his older brother. "Don't you dare–"
Shigaraki casually pushed Yoichi aside into an adjacent wall. The frail young man grunted painfully and collapsed on his rear.
"Yoichi-kun!" Hatsume cried out.
"The adults are talking, dear brother." Shigaraki impassively commented. "I don't wish to harm you, but I will if you stand in my way again."
Hatsume stepped back as the larger man menacingly approached her. "S-stay back!" She reached into her pants pocket and pulled out her cellphone. "I'll call the police!"
Shigaraki was undeterred by the threat. "You're free to do so. But if you do, I'll be forced to share your own crimes with the authorities as well, doctor."
"W-what?!" Hatsume shouted, shocked. "W-what are you talking about?!"
"You used Tokyo University resources to create an unknown drug and administered it to someone without going through the proper channels and getting it approved. More importantly, you're also guilty of defying the Meta-Human Registration Act by using your Meta-Ability without authorization all those years at Tokyo University." His smirk intensified. "That makes you a criminal, doctor."
Hatsume gasped in shocked dismay. 'No… how did he find out? I… I was sure I covered my tracks! I wore eyeshades and made sure I only used it when no one was around…'
"Tch," Yoichi clicked his tongue in frustration. He had a feeling that his friend's decision to secretly use her Meta-Ability would come back to haunt her. The fact that it was his own brother holding it over Hatsume's head only infuriated him!
Shigaraki continued. "So, you may call the authorities, Doctor Hatsume, but then your own secrets will be revealed. Your degree, your accolades, your life… all of that goes up in smoke. In addition, your failure provides more ammunition for the Anti-Meta propaganda permeating the media. We wouldn't want any of that, would we?"
"Tch" Hatsume clicked his tongue in ire. She was really caught between a rock and a hard place.
The imposing man directed his gaze to the two framed pictures resting on the desk. Walking toward the desk, he picked up one of the frames; specifically, the one with Teruko and Yoichi as teenagers.
"I am truly grateful for the friendship you have given my brother, doctor." Shigaraki sounded sincere. "He and I are the only surviving members of our family. And, with my own personal pursuits, I have been unable to be there for him as much as I'd like. I'd hate to see such a beautiful friendship end with you behind bars… or worse." He paused to set the frame back down.
"Additionally," Shigaraki picked up the other picture frame featuring the Hatsume family, "I'd hate to see anything unfortunate happen to a beautiful family such as yours, doctor."
Hatsume's jaw dropped in terror. "You wouldn't…"
"Brother…" Yoichi grunted as he shakily returned to his feet; whether it was from pain or anger was unclear. "You're despicable!"
Shigaraki remained unfazed. "I have no reason for any of them to die, especially a budding meta-user such as your younger sister."
He placed the picture frame down and looked back at her with an unsettling sneer.
"However, if that won't persuade you either," Shigaraki slowly sauntered forward, making Hatsume step back until her back met the wall. The young scientist was shaking like a leaf as he gazed down at her like an apex predator. It was as if he could end her life if he willed it. "Well, I simply refuse to see such a useful ability waste away in prison. If you do not help me, then I shall give your ability to someone more cooperative."
He extended his right arm forward as a blackish-red haze billowed off the man's body and flickers of red electricity curled around his arm. Hatsume shrunk back, trembling in terror.
"NOOO!" Yoichi suddenly tackled his brother into the adjacent wall. "Don't you dare, brother! Her ability isn't yours to take!"
'T-take…? What does he mean by that?' Hatsume felt her knees shake underneath her.
Shigaraki cut off his power and merely grunted in annoyance. "I warned you not to get in my way." He grabbed Yoichi by his hair and easily tossed him to the floor like a ragdoll. "Still defiant as always. It seems I'll have to teach you another lesson…" He reared back his foot to kick his downed brother.
"Okay that's enough!" Hatsume cried out. "You…you made your point. I'll help you. Just don't hurt him!"
Shigaraki smiled devilishly and lowered his leg. "Excellent. I'm so happy we could come to this understanding."
Hatsume's legs buckled as she fell to her knees. She lifted her head to glance at Yoichi lying on the floor, who was looking at her in dismay.
With tears brimming in her eyes, she mouthed, "I'm sorry."
Izuku was speechless, still attempting to process everything Doctor Hatsume had told him. Teruko, meanwhile, used that time to pour herself another cup of sake and immediately downed it.
Moments later, Izuku finally found his voice. "No way… this man… Yoichi's older brother… He could give and steal Meta-Abilities? But… but that shouldn't be possible!"
"It is, at least for him." Teruko replied. "Honestly, with Meta-Abilities becoming more varied, I'm not sure anything will be impossible for humanity in time. Dreams becoming reality, yah know?" She chuckled wryly–referring to the title of her books.
Izuku shook his head, unable to fathom such an ability. "That's… wow." He looked back at her curiously. "What did he want you to do?"
"He wanted me to enhance his Meta-Ability as well as his physical body." Teruko answered. "He was convinced that I could do it after temporarily curing Yoichi-kun of his ailments."
"Did you?"
Teruko frowned and wordlessly nodded.
Izuku thought over Teruko's response and came to a quick realization. "This is when you made the first super-soldier serum, isn't it?"
"The prototype version, yes." Teruko confirmed. "Yoichi's brother was true to his word. He had plenty of funding and equipment for me to use; albeit, I was held captive for ten months. During that time, I was able to study all sorts of different Meta-Abilities from simple strength augmentation, durability enhancers, enhanced healing, sensory boosting, cognitive boosting, and much more. In the end, I synthesized a chemical that would replicate the effects of all those abilities into ONE ability, all without having to use 'Quirk Factors'."
"That's incredible." Izuku breathed in amazement. 'She truly did develop an artificial Meta-Ability…'
Teruko continued. "That original formula is what I based the A.M.P's serum on." She smiled smugly. "Only our version is far more advanced and refined. No nasty side-effects with this one."
"Nasty side-effects?" Izuku didn't like the sound of that.
"Right…" Teruko slowly poured herself a fourth cup of sake. "After I synthesized the first serum, I wanted to run further tests on it, however, Shigaraki was too eager to use it. I tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen. He was determined to become, and I quote, 'a superior being'. It made him stronger, yeah, but the effects were…" she lightly shook her head as if trying to forget an unpleasant memory, "... well, as I said, the serum was just a prototype. It wasn't ready."
Teruko immediately downed the cup, making Izuku sweat-drop in exasperation. 'Does she have high tolerance or something?' He thought.
Lowering the cup away from her mouth, she exhaled in satisfaction.
"After the procedure," she continued, "that man's already twisted personality became much worse. He was so sure he had evolved past humanity that he didn't want anyone referring to him by his regular name anymore–only by his Meta-Ability's name."
"What was that?" Izuku inquired.
Teruko leaned forward with a serious look, and uttered, "All For One."
"All…For…One?" The name itself didn't sound bad, but she had said it with such a grim edge in her voice. As Izuku mulled over the name, he quickly realized something. "The first half of the Three Musketeers motto?"
Teruko blinked before her own eyes widened slightly. "Huh… I never made that connection." She looked up with a thoughtful expression. "Hmm… Well, Yoichi-kun was a comic and fantasy nerd. Maybe he and his brother shared the same interests before he went nuts?" She murmured to herself.
'Now that I think about it, the name is quite fitting. The ability to steal other Meta-Abilities all for one's self…' Teruko internally noted.
"Hmm," Izuku tapped his chin in a thoughtful manner. "All For One? He can give and steal Meta-Abilities. Surely there's a limit to how many abilities he can steal and possess in his body at a time, right? Can he steal any ability and automatically know how to use it? Or would he have to practice using them? Can he only use one ability at a time? What about Mutation Types? If he steals those, would he gain the physical characteristics too?" Izuku continued to mull over the possibilities and limitations of the "All For One" ability.
Teruko, meanwhile, sat and stared at Izuku muttering with an exasperated smile. 'He's more fascinated over the workings of All For One's ability than he is intimidated. Still, the kid sure does cover his bases when he's talking about Meta-Abilities. I wonder how the serum will affect that aspect of his mind…'
"Those are all good questions." Teruko spoke up, snapping the teen out of his mutter-storm. "Sadly, I can't really answer any of them. All For One wasn't really the type to openly talk about himself nor his ability."
Izuku nodded, but it was then that another subject matter crossed his mind. "Speaking of, how did you escape? Surely he didn't just let you go after you enhanced him?"
Teruko nodded grimly. "You'd be right. He wanted to keep me around. Saw me as an asset." Her face temporarily twisted in disgust. "Not long after I performed his procedure, America's Marine Corps secretly raided the facility I was stashed in and rescued me. Somehow they caught wind of his operation and struck while he was away."
She further elaborated. "They snuck me out of Japan, trying to get me as far from All For One and his cronies as possible. The American government had heard of my work and wanted me to join their side. In exchange, I'd be granted citizenship here and acquire the resources I need to permanently cure Yoichi-kun."
"Also," she grinned proudly, "getting the chance to create the team that would take that monster down was too tantalizing to pass up. So I eagerly accepted their offer!"
Izuku nodded in understanding. 'Right. She probably feels guilty and wants to make things right. Even though it wasn't her fault. She didn't have a choice.'
The bubbly redhead then let out a deep sigh. "So yeah… that's how I got here. Crazy, right?"
"Thank you for sharing, Doc–uh, Teruko. I feel honored that you shared this with me." Izuku sincerely stated.
Teruko snickered but was happy that he finally used her first name.
"What about All For One? Is he still on the loose?" Izuku wondered. "And what happened to Yoichi?"
Teruko's smile fell. "Unfortunately, yes, he's still out there–hiding in the shadows." Her disposition became sadder. "As for Yoichi-kun, I don't know for certain. I imagine that his brother is holding him captive somewhere like he did with me. He won't risk Yoichi-kun reporting him to the authorities."
"I'm sorry…" Izuku said sincerely. "I wish we could help him."
'Maybe we can… Hopefully someday soon…' A small smile formed on the eccentric scientist's face. "I think you and him would get along very well. You share similar interests; plus, you're both kindhearted, have a strong sense of justice, and are stubborn to a fault."
Izuku chuckled weakly, rubbing his neck sheepishly. 'I won't deny that last one. Still, she speaks so highly of me…comparing me to her friend.'
It was then that an important question entered the forefront of Izuku's mind. Something that he had been asking himself since his arrival at the base 10 days prior and still had no clear answer. Maybe now was the right time to ask?
"If it's alright, could I ask you something important?"
"Of course!" She said cheerily. "Just one, though?"
Izuku adopted a bemused look. "Why me?"
It took her a moment to fully understand what Izuku meant. When she did, she turned away with a wistful smile. "I guess that is the only question that matters, huh?"
Izuku leaned closer in anticipation.
Teruko looked back at him. "You remember how the serum works, right?"
The onyx-haired boy nodded. "It's supposed to enhance my strength, durability, and endurance. Right?"
"Partially. It doesn't just enhance muscles, but your entire physiology as well. That includes your mind and personality; everything on the inside, basically." Teruko elaborated. "In layman terms, 'What's good becomes great. What's bad becomes worse.'"
A warm smile graced Teruko's face. "That's why you were chosen, Izuku."
Izuku blinked in befuddlement. Before he could ask for clarity, she continued, "You see, I learned something after all those years with Yoichi-kun and during those 10 months held captive by All For One." She paused for dramatic effect. "A strong man who has known power all of his life may lose respect for that power, but a weak man knows the true value of strength… and, more importantly, knows compassion."
Izuku was taken aback by her meaningful statement and how it applied to him. His eyes widened as his mouth went slightly agape.
He was momentarily speechless, struggling to even form a reply. "I… I….do you really think I'm worthy of this? I mean, I'm so frail and weak. I'm not strong like the others…" He trailed off, his gaze meeting the tiled floor.
Teruko set aside her sake bottle and cup before she sat up to approach Izuku. She stood in front of him and rested a hand on his shoulder, making him look up at her.
"You're wrong. You are strong. Besides, I'm not asking you to be something you're not; you just have to be you, Izuku." Teruko fondly said. "Heroes, soldiers or not, are measured by their heart; not their strength. And you… you got lots of heart!"
Izuku's eyes brimmed with tears as his bottom lip quivered. He hid his face behind his right hand and then proceeded to cry; a wave of emotions rushed through him.
Teruko continued to smile as she took a seat to his right and patted his upper back supportively, unaffected by his display of emotions. He sure had some leaky tear ducts, she absently thought.
It took Izuku a few moments before he got himself under control. Still looking down, he wiped the remaining tears out of his eyes. "T-thank you…" He sniffled. "Thank you so much."
Teruko patted him a couple more times before she pulled back. "I need you to promise me something though, Izuku." Her facial expression became more serious.
Izuku turned to her attentively.
"No matter what happens tomorrow, I want you to stay as you are. Not a perfect soldier," she pointed at Izuku's heart, "but a good man."
The short, frail teen stared at the brilliant, eccentric scientist for a brief moment–processing her request–before adopting a resolute visage. "I will!"
Teruko beamed at Izuku's determination. She was fully assured that she had made the right choice. Yoichi-kun would definitely approve of this one.
"Tell ya what," She sat up to reclaim her sake bottle and cups lying on the adjacent bed, "let's have a quick drink together!"
"I… um…" Izuku became visibly nervous. "I'm not 21 yet… also, recruits aren't allowed to have alcohol, aren't they?"
"Eh, don't be a stick in the mud." Teruko waved off and then poured two cups. "I won't tell if you won't tell." She winked mischievously. "One for the little guys?"
"Heh-heh, well…" Izuku rubbed the nape of his neck sheepishly, " I guess just one wouldn't hurt."
As Izuku took the cup from her, Teruko's eyes suddenly widened as if she had been hit in the face. "Oh, wait!" She quickly snatched the cup away from the teen. "I forgot you're supposed to have minimal fluids… and no alcohol especially." "She grinned awkwardly. "My bad…"
"It's okay." He reassured her. "Um… maybe we can drink it later?"
"Pft!" Teruko scoffed playfully. "Yeah, right! Why save it when I can have it now?"
She quickly downed both cups while Izuku watched with a sheepish yet amused smile.