Location: Los Angeles, California – Santa Monica Pier
Time: 01:00 PM
They arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport two days ago.
They didn't use teleportation.
They packed their bags, got their passports stamped, and sat through a ten-hour commercial flight from Tokyo.
They rented a sleek convertible car and spent the last forty-eight hours acting like complete tourists.
Makoto dragged Kaito to the Hollywood sign to take pictures. They walked down Venice Beach, ate giant ice cream cones, and relaxed on the sand.
Kaito completely ditched his usual dark suits. He wore a casual button-down shirt and sunglasses.
Right now, they sat in a red leather booth at a classic outdoor diner near the Santa Monica Pier.
Makoto leaned back against the seat. She looked at her half-eaten, massive cheeseburger.
"I completely forgot how bad jet lag feels," Makoto groaned.
Kaito grabbed a french fry from the basket in the middle of the table.
"You slept for almost seven hours on the plane," Kaito pointed out, taking a bite. "I watched three movies in a row while you were drooling on the window."
"Hey! I did not drool," Makoto argued playfully.
Her face turned slightly red.
An older local couple sat at the booth right next to them.
The man, Arnold, wore a bright Hawaiian shirt. He was pressing his index finger against the side of his ceramic coffee mug.
A small red glow radiated from his skin, using a minor heat Quirk to keep his drink perfectly warm.
His wife, Bell, wore a large sun hat. She casually used a weak telekinesis Quirk to float a sugar packet through the air and drop it directly into her tea.
Bell smiled warmly at them across the aisle.
"You two look worn out," Bell chuckled. "First time in California?"
"Yes, ma'am," Kaito nodded smoothly. "We flew in from Tokyo a couple of days ago."
Arnold laughed.
"Ah, a honeymoon!" Arnold cheered, raising his coffee mug in the air. "Congratulations! You picked a great spot to celebrate."
Arnold pointed his mug at Kaito.
"And you got a very sharp-looking husband, young lady," Arnold told Makoto. "Much better looking than I was at your age."
Bell rolled her eyes playfully.
"I remember back then, you were a complete mess, Arnold," Bell teased her husband. "You tripped over a chair and spilled soda all over my shoes on our first date."
"Haha..." Arnold laughed out loud, completely accepting the roast.
Makoto choked on her burger.
COUGH. COUGH.
Gulp. Gulp.
She quickly grabbed her water glass, drinking fast to clear her throat. Her entire face turned bright red.
"Oh, no!" Makoto stammered, waving her hands frantically at the couple. "We aren't married! We are just friends traveling together!"
Bell gave her a knowing smile. She clearly didn't believe her.
Kaito didn't make it awkward. He just smiled easily and picked up his soda glass.
CLINK.
He tapped his glass gently in the air toward Arnold across the aisle.
"You still look sharp to me, Arnold," Kaito said, playing along smoothly to keep the mood light.
Arnold grinned broadly. Makoto hid her red face behind her massive burger. She was secretly relieved Kaito handled the joke so well.
THUD. THUD.
Heavy footsteps approached on the sidewalk.
A massive, dark-skinned man wearing a tight green t-shirt and cargo shorts walked past the diner patio.
He had thick, spiky green hair.
Makoto noticed him.
Because she managed the Rank 4 O'Clock Agency back in Japan, she constantly studied international hero registries. She recognized the face instantly.
She leaned across the table and tapped Kaito's arm.
"Kaito," Makoto whispered excitedly. "That is Elecplant. The American Pro Hero."
Kaito looked over. He remembered the face from the industry files.
"Oh, I remember him," Kaito replied.
The massive man stopped walking when he saw Kaito.
His eyes went wide in pure surprise.
"Wait a minute," Elecplant said in a deep, booming voice. "Arisaka? The Golden Manager?"
Elecplant walked over to their booth. He offered a massive hand.
Kaito shook it.
"Nice to meet you," Kaito greeted.
"I saw the announcement online last week," Elecplant laughed loudly. "Your three-month contract in Japan just ended. What are you doing in California? Are you here to contract a pro hero?"
Elecplant flexed his huge arm with a wide grin.
"Because if you are, I want to submit an application right now," Elecplant joked. "My agency could definitely use your ideas and solutions."
Kaito chuckled and shook his head.
"I appreciate the offer," Kaito answered. "But we are just here to eat food and take a break."
"Haha... Fair enough," Elecplant smiled. He looked at Makoto and gave her a polite nod. "Enjoy the California sun. Stay safe out there."
Elecplant walked over to the waiter.
He handed the man a few bills to cover Kaito and Makoto's tab as a welcome gift to his city.
Then, the massive hero continued walking down the sidewalk.
Makoto watched him go. She looked back at Kaito in absolute disbelief.
"We are thousands of miles away from home," Makoto laughed, shaking her head. "And you are still getting pitched by top-tier heroes while eating a cheeseburger."
Kaito just shrugged and picked up another french fry.
"I can't help it. I'm known."
*-*-*
Location: Tokyo – Sir Nighteye's Agency
Time: Saturday | 10:30 PM (Flashback)
Sir Nighteye sat behind his large desk. He was signing a stack of patrol reports under the bright desk lamp.
CLICK.
The heavy door opened.
All Might walked into the room.
Nighteye looked up. A rare, hopeful look crossed his face.
"You took him to the rooftop," Nighteye said calmly. "Is the transfer complete? Do we finally have a successor?"
Thud.
All Might walked over to the couch and sat down heavily.
He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.
"He said no," All Might told him quietly.
CLATTER.
Nighteye completely dropped his expensive pen. It bounced off the desk.
He stared at All Might.
His usual calculated composure completely shattered.
"He said no?" Nighteye repeated in pure disbelief. "He turned down One For All? Did he understand the offer?"
"He understood it perfectly," All Might sighed.
All Might looked up at his old sidekick.
All Might explained. "He told me he spent three years bleeding in alleys, relying on his technology and his partner Kuro to survive. He said taking a Quirk right now would mean he gave up on who he really is. He wants to take the U.A. and becoming number one hero using only his skills, brain and his gears."
"..."
Nighteye sat completely frozen.
His brain processed the sheer logic and weight behind the boy's decision.
Nighteye always valued hard work over raw, handed-down power.
Nighteye slowly reached up and pushed his glasses up his nose.
A very genuine smile appeared on Nighteye's face.
"He has an unbreakable core," Nighteye said quietly. "Most people would abandon their morals instantly for that kind of power. Midoriya chose to stay true to his own identity. He is a completely different breed of hero."
"Haha.." All Might smiled back. "He really is."
*-*-*
Location: U.A. Academy – Principal's Office
Time: Tuesday | 10:00 AM (Present)
PWEEEET.
The tea kettle whistled softly on the small stove.
Principal Nezu sat behind his large desk. He grabbed the kettle with his white paws and poured hot tea into three small cups.
All Might sat on the heavy leather couch. He wore his yellow suit.
Gran Torino sat in the armchair across from him.
The old man leaned heavily on his wooden walking stick.
He was visiting the school today as a guest lecturer for the third-year students.
SIP.
Gran Torino took a sip of his hot tea. He looked directly at All Might.
"So," Gran Torino grunted. "You actually got rejected by a middle schooler."
"I did," All Might scratched his head.
Gran Torino stared at him for a second.
"HAHAHA."
A loud, raspy laugh erupted from the old man's chest. Gran Torino hit the floor with his walking stick.
"That kid has actual spine!" Gran Torino praised loudly. "Most brats are completely greedy! I like him already. But he was the second one to reject being your successor Toshinori."
Nezu picked up his own teacup. His black eyes shined with absolute excitement.
"I am incredibly happy about his decision," Nezu cheered brightly.
Nezu clapped his paws together.
CLAP.
"Young Midoriya wants to enter this school using technology, martial arts, and his cat," Nezu said with a huge grin. "Whether he wants to go to support or hero department, I agree."
All Might smiled warmly.
Gran Torino pointed his wooden stick directly at All Might's chest. "By the way, is his vigiliante profile completely deleted?"
"Yes, Mirai took care of it." All Might replied
"It's a pity I wasn't the one to unearth his hidden identity when he was still Greenhood." Principal Nezu lamented.
*-*-*
Location: Los Angeles – Skyline Residence
Time: 06:00 PM (Local Time)
The massive mansion sat on a high hill overlooking the city.
Christopher Skyline, known to the world as Captain Celebrity, paced back and forth across his massive living room.
He was holding his toddler in his left arm, bouncing the baby gently.
"I just don't understand it," Chris complained loudly.
His wife, Pamela, sat on the white sofa. She casually flipped through a fashion magazine, completely ignoring his whining.
"I do guest lectures at different universities!" Chris argued, throwing his free hand in the air. "I stopped three bank robberies this week! I am a total family man now! The public loves me!"
"They do love you, honey," Pamela said without looking up from her magazine.
"Then why am I Rank Two?!" Chris cried dramatically. "How is Star and Stripes overtook me?!"
BEEP.
"Hmm?" Chris's phone buzzed in his pocket.
He pulled it out with one hand and checked the screen.
His lead sidekick just sent him a text.
[Boss. Kaito Arisaka is in Los Angeles. Electoplant saw him at a diner.]
Chris's eyes went wide.
"Kaito is here," Chris told his wife.
Pamela dropped her magazine instantly. A massive smile broke across her face.
"He is here?" Pamela asked. "You can invite him over for dinner then."
Chris dialed the number immediately.
RING. RING.
["Hello?"] Kaito's voice came through the speaker. He sounded like he was driving.
"Kaito!" Chris yelled happily. "You are in my city and you didn't even call me?!"
["I am on vacation, Chris,"] Kaito answered smoothly.
Chris demanded playfully. "Pamela will actually murder me if I don't get you to come over for dinner tonight. We have plenty of food."
["Let me ask Makoto,"] Kaito said.
A second later, Makoto's voice came through the phone.
["Hi Chris! We would love to come over!"]
"Perfect!" Chris smiled. "I will text you the gate code."
...
Two hours later, a black rental SUV pulled up the long driveway of the mansion.
Kaito and Makoto stepped out of the car.
Pamela was waiting at the front door. She practically ran down the steps and wrapped Kaito in a huge hug.
"It is so good to see you," Pamela smiled warmly. She looked completely happy and healthy. "Thank you for coming."
Pamela turned and hugged Makoto too.
They all walked into the massive living room.
Chris walked over carrying his toddler.
The baby babbled quietly, grabbing at Chris's shirt.
Makoto gasped.
"Oh my god, he got so big!" Makoto smiled, walking over to look at the baby.
Pamela laughed and started telling Makoto about the baby's sleeping schedule.
Chris stepped back and walked over to Kaito.
He leaned in close. He looked Kaito up and down, then looked at Makoto.
"So," Chris asked bluntly, completely ignoring boundaries. "Are you two officially boyfriend and girlfriend now? You traveled across the world together."
Kaito grabbed a cold beer from the kitchen counter.
"We are just enjoying the vacation, Chris," Kaito answered smoothly.
Chris narrowed his eyes, totally annoyed by the ambiguous answer.
"You are so incredibly frustrating," Chris muttered, cracking open his own beer.
They sat down around the massive dining table.
The private chef brought out plates of grilled salmon, steak, and roasted vegetables.
The conversation was loud and fun. Pamela and Makoto talked about the hero agencies in Japan.
Chris bragged about his toddler taking his first steps last week.
But after three more beers, Chris's ego started acting up.
He slumped in his chair. He grabbed Kaito's shoulder and leaned heavily against him.
"You have to help me, man," Chris cried comically. "Cathleen is destroying me in the polls. I am stuck at Number Two. It is so embarrassing!"
Kaito just took a calm bite of his steak.
"You left America for years," Kaito reminded him casually. "You lived in Japan. Cathleen stayed here and grinded her way to the top. You just got back. Give it time."
"I don't have time!" Chris whined. "Manage me again! Just for one week! Give me one of your crazy ideas so I can hold the Number One spot again!"
"No," Kaito laughed, pushing Chris off his shoulder. "I am on vacation. You are on your own, Captain."
"..."
Pamela rolled her eyes and apologized to Makoto for her husband acting like a giant baby.
Makoto just laughed, thoroughly enjoying the chaos of the household.
*-*-*
Location: The Bate Family Home
Time: Few Day Later | 05:00 PM
Kaito parked the rental car in the driveway.
He walked up to the front porch holding a highly expensive bottle of California wine.
Makoto walked right beside him, carrying a large box of high-end bakery sweets.
DING DONG.
The front door swung open almost instantly.
Cathleen Bate stood in the doorway.
She was wearing a baggy college hoodie and jeans, her blonde hair pulled up into a messy bun.
"Kaito!" Cathleen cheered loudly.
She stepped forward and wrapped him in a huge, friendly hug.
"My mom completely lost her mind when she found out you were in the state," Cathleen laughed, stepping back to let them inside. "Sorry for crashing your vacation schedule."
"We had a free evening," Kaito smiled, handing her the wine. "It's good to see you again."
They walked into the warm dining room. The whole house smelled like roasted chicken and garlic potatoes.
Mr. Bate, Martha, and Cathleen's younger sister, Sarah, were already waiting by the large wooden table.
The moment Kaito and Makoto walked in, the room got even louder.
"Kaito! Welcome back! And you must be Makoto, nice to meet you." Mr. Bate greeted them with a massive smile, shaking Kaito's hand firmly. "It feels like it has been forever. Sit down, sit down. Let's eat."
They all sat around the table. Martha passed around massive plates of food.
The atmosphere was incredibly happy. For the first hour, they just ate and caught up.
Kaito asked Sarah about her accounting firm in the city, and Makoto shared funny stories about their road trip down the California coast.
Eventually, Mr. Bate set his fork down on his plate. He picked up his water glass and let out a long, happy sigh.
Mr. Bate smiled, looking around the table. "I am just so glad that monster, All For One, is finally locked away in a cell."
Martha nodded in complete agreement. She looked across the table at Kaito with a warm, grateful smile.
"I still think about that night sometimes," Martha said gently. "Last time. When he sat right in this room in disguise and tried to hold us hostage as collateral."
She raised her glass toward Kaito.
"If you didn't help Cathleen's quirk, he would have used us to break her," Martha thanked him sincerely. "We owe you so much for that, Kaito."
"I just gave her the idea," Kaito replied casually, taking a sip of his drink. "Cathleen trained for it."
"Well, I'm just glad he is gone," Sarah jumped in, her eyes lighting up with pure excitement. "But did you guys see the satellite feeds of the guy who actually beat him?!"
Sarah practically bounced in her chair.
"Hero X!" Sarah hyped up the table. "He was absolutely insane! There were bombs going off on all the global fault lines, mega-tsunamis, and thousands of those mutant monsters everywhere!"
She threw her hands in the air.
"According to the news, he stop the earthquakes and tsunami in the entire planet !" Sarah cheered. "And he looked so cool doing it! The pristine white suit? The gold glasses? He slicked his hair back and literally crumpled All For One into a ball of trash!"
Cathleen laughed out loud and poured some gravy on her potatoes.
"Haha.. Sarah is completely obsessed," Cathleen joked. Then she shook her head in total respect. "But she isn't wrong. I train every single day. Even with the upgrades Kaito gave me, my New Order Quirk is absolute farfetched compared to Hero X. Reality warping on that scale is totally untouchable."
"...." Makoto.
She held a piece of bread halfway to her mouth.
She looked at Cathleen. She looked at Sarah. She looked at the parents.
They were sitting in their dining room, happily praising Hero X as a literal god, completely unaware that Hero X was currently sitting at their table chewing on a piece of roasted chicken.
Makoto desperately bit her lower lip.
She grabbed her cloth napkin and covered her mouth.
She looked sideways at Kaito.
Kaito didn't even blush. He didn't look awkward at all.
Nom. Nom. Nom.
Gulp.
He swallowed his food, looked Mr. Bate dead in the eye, and nodded in complete agreement.
"You are absolutely right," Kaito said. His voice was totally smooth and serious. "Hero X is incredible. He sounds incredibly hardworking."
Makoto let out a tiny, high-pitched squeak into her napkin.
"Exactly!" Sarah agreed enthusiastically, pointing her fork at Kaito. "He just fixes the problem and leaves without waiting for others!"
"Yes, a true professional," Kaito nodded, keeping a perfectly straight face. "And based on the footage I saw, he also looks exceptionally handsome and stylish."
"Yes, that's it. He is totally my type. I told mom, that I can only marry someone with the same swag as that guy."
"You've got good tastes." Kaito replied.
"You understand me well, Kaito." Sarah agreed.
"That's the problem Sarah, you have high standards. I am getting older, and I need to see my grandchildren growing." Martha complained.
THUD.
Makoto violently kicked Kaito's shin under the heavy wooden table.
Kaito didn't even flinch. He just casually picked up his water glass.
"Oh my goodness, are you okay, Makoto?" Martha asked, suddenly looking very concerned. "Your face is completely red!"
"I am fine!" Makoto wheezed loudly. Her eyes were watering as she forced the laughter down into her chest. "The food is just... it is just very spicy!"
Kaito smiled.
...
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