Authors note:
Speaking: "…"
Thinking: '…'
_______
One Year Later
Endeavor POV
Tokyo, Top Hero Billboard Charts
"And for the first time in more than three decades, the spot of Japan's number one hero doesn't belong to All Might. After his retirement half a year ago, the top spot has been waiting to be claimed by its rightful successor. So please welcome with me the new number one: the Flame Hero, Endeavor," the narrator exclaimed to the audience.
Not wasting any time, the Flame Hero walked onto the stage and took his position to the right of the now-number-two hero, Hawks. Endeavor, now donning a new hero suit primarily of deep navy blue, presented a striking image. The dark hue served as a backdrop for fiery orange and red patterns blazing across his form like molten lava coursing through cracks in the earth. These vivid, jagged streaks seemed almost alive. Broad silver gauntlets adorned his forearms, their polished metallic sheen contrasting the fiery hues. His angular chest plate featured bold orange accents forming a stylized emblem. The suit hugged his athletic frame, designed for both aesthetics and practicality in combat.
What truly set him apart, however, was the roaring inferno that enveloped him. Flames erupted from his shoulders and crowned his head, forming a mane of flickering brilliance that moved as though it possessed a will of its own. His boots, designed to resemble licking flames, appeared almost molten, seamlessly blending with the fiery aura surrounding him.
Continuing her moderation, the narrator asked the new top hero a question. "Now that you've finally reached your seemingly unattainable goal of becoming number one, what do you wish to say to the people of Japan, considering the unbelievably great footsteps All Might has left for you?"
Handing him the microphone, the Flame Hero brought it to his mouth and spoke. "I'm not a man of many words, so just watch my actions." Handing the microphone back to the narrator, he stood at the podium beside the other top 10 heroes until the ceremony ended.
Backstage, accompanied by Hawks, Endeavor made his way outside.
"A killer speech from the new number one. Don't you think you could've said more?" the Wing Hero joked, walking with his hands clasped behind his head.
"Do not mock me, Hawks. What I said was the only right thing to tell them. Besides, not everyone talks as much as you," Endeavor scoffed at his junior.
"Chill out, man it was a joke. And who's to say I didn't say the right thing myself? A world where heroes have too much free time on their hands, don't you think that sounds nice?" Hawks mused, using his feathers to stop a petty thief before pausing to take photos with passing fans.
"You're delusional," the number one hero muttered before taking flight toward his agency. Hawks followed closely in the air.
Arriving at the enormous building labeled Endeavor Hero Agency, they entered through the main doors and took the elevator to the top floor. The two top heroes walked through the open office space, passing Endeavor's sidekicks, before reaching a massive door at the end of the room.
"Why's the door to your office so big? You'd fit through one half the size," Hawks teased.
"Why do I have to be stuck with you as the number two? Just go in. All Might wanted to talk to us about something, he should be here soon," Endeavor complained.
The doors slid open in a futuristic manner, closing behind them as they entered.
Deactivating his flames, Endeavor moved to sit in his office chair but stopped when he noticed someone already sitting in it, a man he didn't recognize. Reactivating his flames, Endeavor and Hawks both tensed as they sensed an overwhelming power emanating from the intruder.
The man in question had windswept silver hair and calm crimson eyes. He wore a long-sleeved black coat that fully covered his arms, a dark gray shirt, and black pants. Black leather gloves encased his hands, and golden earrings resembling two metallic rods connected by marbles hung from both his ears. Leaning back in the chair with one leg crossed over the other, he clasped his hands in front of his chest.
"Who the heck are you, and how did you get in here?" Endeavor demanded cautiously. The man ignored them, pulling a cigarette from his coat pocket. As he reached for another pocket, Hawks shot a feather, nailing the cigarette to the wall behind him.
"Could you not do that, Hawks? I have bad experiences with winged people. You're touching my sore spot," the silver-haired man said indifferently.
"Answer his questions, and I'll give it back. How's that sound?" Hawks quipped with a grin.
"Now's not the time for jokes, Hawks," Endeavor reprimanded, much to his junior's dismay.
The man stood from the chair, walked to the desk, and leaned on it. "The name's Theodor. And I don't think I want to tell you how I got into your poorly secured office," he said nonchalantly.
Before Endeavor could respond, the doors slid open again. Toshinori Yagi, formerly known as All Might, entered with a sigh. His gaze shifted to the room's tense atmosphere, and his expression briefly showed surprise before settling into neutrality.
"I see you've already introduced yourselves," Toshinori remarked.
"Toshinori! You really should do something about that frail body of yours, it's hard to look at you without feeling pity," Theodor said casually, shocking both Endeavor and Hawks with his bluntness.
"Now's not the time to discuss my appearance, sir. Please focus on the issue at hand," Toshinori replied, ignoring the comment.
"What is the meaning of this, All Might? Who is this man?" Endeavor demanded, still agitated but maintaining his composure.
"Please, Endeavor, just call me Toshinori. As for him, I assumed he introduced himself. But I guess he broke in again without explanation, right?" Toshinori said, leaving the active heroes bewildered.
‚Broke in!' Endeavor thought.
‚Again?' Hawks pondered, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"Care to enlighten us as to who exactly you are?" Hawks asked, stepping closer to Theodor and leaning against the desk beside him.
Theodor glanced at Hawks for a moment before pushing off the desk and standing before the two heroes. "Your superior," he stated casually, hands in his pockets.
"Sir, now's not the time for secrecy," Toshinori facepalmed as he watched Theodor step closer to Endeavor, who stood with his arms crossed, carefully observing the exchange.
"Will you introduce yourself properly, or do I have to do it for you?" Toshinori asked, watching as Theodor casually pulled out a new cigarette and lit it with the fire from Endeavor's shoulder, earning him an annoyed glare.
"Go ahead. I don't really care," Theodor replied, puffing out smoke.
Toshinori sighed and addressed the two heroes. "Alright, if you insist. Endeavor, Hawks, may I introduce you to Japan's strongest fighter and top spy, Theodor. He'll be responsible for handling external affairs and overseeing your upcoming training."
Both heroes stared at Theodor in shock.
‚Strongest fighter?!' Endeavor thought, narrowing his eyes.
‚Training?' Hawks sighed inwardly, already imagining the workload.
Theodor puffed out another cloud of smoke, completely unfazed by their reactions.
"All- Ah Toshinori, is this some kind of joke?" Endeavor finally asked, his voice low and laced with skepticism.
"Far from it," Toshinori replied, his tone serious. "Theodor operates outside the public eye, but his contributions to Japan's safety are immeasurable. His skill set and combat abilities surpass even the likes of me in my prime."
Theodor chuckled softly, flicking ash from his cigarette onto the floor. "Flattery won't get you anywhere, Toshinori."
Endeavor scowled. "If you're so capable, then why haven't we heard of you before?"
Theodor smirked. "Because I'm not in this for fame, unlike some people. My work doesn't require me to be on the front pages." He leaned closer, his crimson eyes boring into Endeavor's. "But rest assured, I could take that number one spot if I wanted to."
Hawks whistled softly, breaking the tension. "Bold claim, but I like your confidence. Still, what kind of 'training' are we talking about here?"
Theodor turned to Hawks, his expression unreadable. "You'll find out soon enough. Let's just say it'll push you to your limits, and then even further."
Before Endeavor could retort, Toshinori raised a hand to calm them. "Theodor isn't here to replace anyone. He's here to ensure the top Pro Heroes of Japan are prepared for the challenges ahead. Trust me, his methods might seem unconventional, but they're effective."
The Flame Hero's flames flickered slightly as he considered Toshinori's words. "Fine. But if he's training us, he better prove he's as capable as you say."
Theodor smirked again, stepping away from the group. "Oh, you'll get your proof soon enough. Just make sure you're ready when the time comes."
With that, he walked toward the exit, leaving a trail of smoke behind him. As the doors slid shut, Hawks turned to Toshinori with a raised eyebrow.
"So... what's his deal, exactly? He doesn't seem like the friendly type."
Toshinori sighed. "Theodor is quite... unique, but his results speak for themselves. Give him a chance. You might be surprised."
Endeavor crossed his arms, still skeptical. "He'd better be worth the trouble. I don't have time to waste."
The former Number One Hero nodded. "You'll see soon enough. For now, prepare yourselves. It'll be... intense."
Hawks grinned, his casual demeanor returning. "Well, this should be interesting. Let's see what the 'strongest fighter' has in store for us."
Endeavor said nothing, but his determination burned as brightly as his flames. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready to face it head-on.