He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over his classmates, before slowly turning his board to face them. In neat, clear, block letters, it read:
AXIOM PEAK
A hush fell over the classroom. This time, the silence wasn't just confusion; there was an intrigued quality to it. "Axiom Peak?" Kaminari murmured to Sero. "Okay, 'Peak' sounds kinda heroic, like a mountain top... but 'Axiom' still sounds like a fancy science word." Sero nodded, looking thoughtful. The addition of "Peak" gave it a more aspirational feel, even if the first part was still obscure to many.
Midnight tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Axiom Peak! Now that has a certain grandeur to it, Souta-kun. A two-part name with an interesting contrast. Would you care to share your thoughts?"
Before Souta could reply, Momo Yaoyorozu's eyes lit up. "Axiom, as in a foundational, self-evident truth or principle," she mused aloud, then looked at the second word. "And 'Peak'... suggesting the highest point, the zenith, or a pinnacle." She turned to Jiro. "So, perhaps... the ultimate embodiment of a fundamental truth, or striving for the highest form of it?"
Jiro nodded slowly. "Okay, that makes it sound pretty epic, actually."
Midnight beamed, overhearing Momo's articulate breakdown. "Yaoyorozu-chan, your insight is, as always, impeccable! A wonderful interpretation! Souta-kun, is she on the right track? What does 'Axiom Peak' signify for you?"
The class's attention was now fully on Souta, the initial slight bewilderment replaced by keen interest.
Souta regarded them, his expression serious. "Yaoyorozu has grasped the core of it. 'Axiom' represents the unshakeable, undeniable truths I will build my hero career upon." His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of unwavering resolve. "In a world often clouded by deceit and hidden agendas," – again, that subtle, almost imperceptible glance that hinted at personal experience – "I will strive to be a foundation of what is fundamentally right and true."
He then gestured to the second part of his chosen name. "The 'Peak' signifies my aspiration. It's not enough to simply recognize these truths. My goal is to embody them to their highest degree, to be an unwavering summit of these principles. A beacon that stands tall and clear, representing the pinnacle of that integrity. 'Axiom Peak' is my promise to not only uphold these truths but to strive to be their ultimate defender and example. And for this, my name will not only be a promise but also a declaration why I want and need to become the number one and thoroughly reach the peak of heroism."
A profound silence filled the room as his explanation settled. The name, now fully understood, carried an immense weight of ambition and solemn commitment.
Midnight looked at him, her usual flamboyance tempered with genuine admiration. "Souta-kun, that is... quite ambitious. A name that is both a declaration of principle and a monumental goal." She nodded decisively. "The Hero of the Unwavering Summit of Truth: Axiom Peak! It is powerful, memorable, and deeply resonant. Approved!"
Souta offered a slight, respectful inclination of his head, accepting her approval. He returned to his seat, leaving his classmates to reflect on the profound ambition and steadfast character revealed not just in his performance at the festival, but in the very name he had chosen to define his heroic path.
---
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Class 1-A dormitory common room, but inside, the atmosphere was bright and lively. Streamers hung haphazardly, which was Kaminari and Sero's work, and tables were laden with an impressive array of snacks and drinks. It was a small, impromptu celebration, ostensibly to congratulate everyone for their hard work during the Sports Festival, but also a chance to de-stress before the internships began.
Many of the students' families who lived in or near the dorms were present – Inko Midoriya fussed good-naturedly over Izuku's still-bandaged hands, Mitsuki Bakugo engaged in a loud, friendly argument with her surprisingly subdued son. Even Mrs. Yaoyorozu, Momo's elegant mother, had made a special trip, eager to share in her daughter's achievements.
The undisputed star of the culinary side of the celebration was Toya Todoroki. With Fuyumi as his ever-efficient sous-chef, he had transformed a corner of the kitchen into a professional-grade operation. Plates of intricate canapés, savory takoyaki, sweet dango, and surprisingly artistic fruit carvings were disappearing fast.
Initially, some parents had been hesitant about having Toya alone be responsible for the food, but his prior experience as a chef, combined with a few strategically offered "test samples" that morning, had won everyone over.
"Toya-san, these spicy tuna bites are simply divine!" Mrs. Yaoyorozu exclaimed, daintily taking another. She, Momo, Fuyumi, and Toya had found themselves in a pleasant conversation near the food table. Natsuo hovered nearby, occasionally grabbing a snack, while Souta was across the room, observing the interactions with his usual quiet intensity. Shoto had made a brief, stoic appearance, grabbed a bottle of water, and retreated to his room.
"Thank you, Yaoyorozu-san," Toya said, a faint, rare smile touching his lips. It was still a little stiff, but genuine. "Fuyumi did most of the delicate work on those."
Fuyumi beamed. "He's being modest. The flavor profiling is all him."
"It's a true gift," Mrs. Yaoyorozu continued, her eyes thoughtful. "Momo has mentioned, Fuyumi-san, that Toya-san is… currently between full-time positions due to your recent move to be closer to your brothers?"
Fuyumi nodded. "Yes, he's been focusing on settling in and supporting Souta and Shoto. Finding something suitable that also allows him to be present here has been a bit of a challenge."
A thoughtful expression settled on Mrs. Yaoyorozu's face. "Well, now, that's an interesting thought. Toya-san, with your evident skill… I've been considering arranging a more consistent, high-quality meal service for the students here. Many of them, like my Momo, struggle to find time for proper nutrition with their demanding schedules. Would you perhaps be interested in a role as a personal chef for the Class 1-A students? Preparing daily bento boxes for lunch, perhaps some evening meals... The Yaoyorozu family would, of course, ensure you were compensated very handsomely for your time and expertise. It would be relatively simple fare compared to what you're clearly capable of, but vital for these growing heroes."
Toya looked genuinely taken aback, his scarred hand pausing mid-gesture. "A... personal chef? For the students?" He exchanged a quick, surprised glance with Fuyumi, who looked thrilled at the prospect. "That's... an incredibly generous offer, Yaoyorozu-san." The idea of a stable, and respectable job, one where he could not only remain close to his family, but also help them on their paths with the skills he had refined for many years now, as well as being paid for it all. "I... I would need to think about it, of course, but... thank you. Truly."
Fuyumi squeezed his arm, her eyes shining. "That's wonderful, Toya! It sounds perfect!"
Across the room, Kirishima clapped Souta on the shoulder. "Man, Axiom Peak! That hero name is seriously cool once you get what it means! So, your costume totally got wrecked in that final fight, right? Did the support department manage to whip up a replacement already for internships?"
Souta nodded. "They had a new version in progress. It was completed the day before yesterday, with just enough time to also get me the special PE uniform I wore at the festival."
"No way! Can we see it?" Ashido bounced over, Kaminari and Tokoyami close behind, their curiosity piqued. Even a few others, like Midoriya and Uraraka, drifted closer. Bakugo, from his corner, tilted his head almost imperceptibly, feigning disinterest but clearly listening.
"The hero costumes were delivered to the dorms this morning for final checks before the internships start next week," Souta stated. "Only I, and a few from the support department have seen the completed suit. But I suppose it doesn't matter now." He looked towards his siblings. "Toya, Fuyumi, Natsuo, want to see?"
Toya, Fuyumi, and Natsuo - who had joined the group around the food - nodded eagerly.
"Alright," Souta said, a rare hint of something almost like anticipation in his voice. "My room."
A small procession of interested classmates and his siblings followed Souta down the hall. He opened his door, revealing a room as neat and minimalist as expected. On a stand in the corner, draped carefully, was a case. Souta unlatched it, lifting out his new hero costume.
He held it up. The main suit was a sleek, dark blue, form-fitting material designed for flexibility and protection, clearly tailored to Souta's well-trained, athletic physique. Accents of vibrant red and orange highlighted the lines of the costume, with practical pouches integrated around a sturdy belt designed for the waist. Instead of faint lines, the suit was clearly designed to channel and display his quirk, with reinforced sections and visible conduits hinting at the crackling orange energy that would typically course across the chest, arms, and legs when active. The shoulders featured articulated, dark blue plating with red trim, and similar reinforced protection was evident on the knees. An integrated dark hood was attached to the upper part of the suit, ready to be drawn up. Notably, there was no separate mask accompanying this new ensemble; after the huge success in the Sports Festival, masks would basically be useless and unnecessary.
[Hero Costume]
"Whoa..." Kirishima breathed, eyes wide. "That looks seriously awesome, Souta!"
"The color accents are a nice touch," Tokoyami observed. "They truly showcase the many aspects of your quirk. A true harmony."
Fuyumi smiled. "It looks much more durable than your last one, Souta. And that tactical components are very... you."
Toya simply nodded, a look of quiet approval on his face.
Souta held it out slightly. "It's designed for better temperature regulation and mobility with all my strengths in mind. The support department called it 'Version 2.5'."
The new costume, much like its wearer, seemed to hold more than a few secrets and a great deal of potential.
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This marks more or less the end of the first Volume/Part, whatever you want to call it. It will, of course, continue with the internship, but there will be a short break, about a week, to gather everything of importance and continue with it afterwards.
Also, if you're interested, check out my other fan fiction. It is a shadow slave fic. So, if you have some free time, just risk a look ;)