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Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

Hey lads!

 

I'm back and with another chapter!

 

Now I don't plan on spoiling this, so you better get to reading!

 

MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

 

 

My bad, I don't why, but I feel very eccentric today.

 

Start:

 

The bustling streets of Musutafu thrummed with life as Naruto strolled casually, his hands tucked into his pockets and an amused grin playing on his lips. In his normal appearance—sun-kissed blond hair, sharp cerulean eyes, and a casual outfit—he was utterly unremarkable.

 

Well… not exactly true.

 

He grinned as he smiled at a couple of blushing women who glanced his way. He was handsome so it wasn't that his appearance was unremarkable.

 

But more in the sense that he was just an average, albeit good-looking, guy, someone who wasn't pray tell, a villain.

 

Pedestrians passed by him without a second glance, too absorbed in their daily routines to pay attention to the King of Villains casually walking among them.

 

Naruto chuckled to himself. The irony of it all never failed to amuse him. If only they knew. The same man who had turned half of Tokyo into a living stink bomb just days ago was now leisurely browsing storefronts and enjoying the scent of fresh street food. The thought made him grin wider.

 

He turned down a quieter alley, relishing the anonymity. After all the chaos he'd caused recently, he decided he deserved a break—a vacation, so to speak. His name had already spread worldwide, and the weight of his exploits ensured that even those across the globe had heard of Sukuna.

 

The screech of tires and the hum of engines filled the air as the streets grew busier. Naruto meandered aimlessly, taking in the sights of a city that didn't know it was hosting its most infamous villain. He passed a group of teenagers discussing hero rankings and laughed softly to himself when Sukuna's name inevitably came up. The fearful awe in their voices was almost flattering.

 

At this point, being the king of villains was no longer about intriguing Mirko, but simply for the pleasure of it.

 

Though he still wanted to impress her and all that.

 

But as he walked, something caught his attention—a blur in the sky, high above the cityscape. His sharp eyes narrowed, focusing intently on the fast-moving figure. It was far, but his enhanced eyesight quickly picked out details: the iconic golden hair, that bulky frame

 

"All Might…" Naruto murmured, raising an eyebrow. "But… what's that?"

 

Clinging to All Might's leg was a small figure, a boy no older than fifteen. The kid's green hair stood out against the clear blue sky, and his terrified expression was evident even from this distance. Naruto's curiosity piqued. What in the world was All Might doing carting a kid around like that?

 

Without hesitation, Naruto slipped into an alley. He moved quickly, silently, his form vanishing from casual sight as he blitzed in the direction he guessed All Might would land. Weaving through the city with inhuman speed, Naruto scaled walls and leaped from rooftop to rooftop with ease. Cameras didn't catch him; neither did the wandering eyes of pedestrians.

 

He was a ghost, unseen, unheard, and unnoticed.

 

It didn't take long for him to find his destination: a building overlooking a quiet industrial area. All Might and the boy landed on a rooftop, the world's greatest hero gently setting the trembling child down. Naruto perched on a nearby rooftop, keeping to the shadows, his interest thoroughly piqued as he eyed the scene.

 

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Izuku stood on trembling legs, clutching his notebook tightly to his chest. The wind ruffled his messy green hair as he looked up at the back of All Might with wide, desperate yet hopeful eyes. "All Might," he began, his voice shaking but resolute, "can someone without a quirk become a hero?"

 

Naruto's eyebrow twitched as he observed the scene. The boy's question was bold, naive even, but it carried an earnestness that caught Naruto's attention. He leaned forward slightly, intrigued by how the legendary hero would respond.

 

All Might, however, froze in his track. His confident grin faltered, and for a moment, he looked almost… hesitant.

 

Then, before he could respond, steam began to rise from his body. Naruto's sharp eyes narrowed as he watched the transformation. The towering, muscular figure of All Might shrank, his frame becoming thin and almost skeletal. The steam dissipated, leaving behind a gaunt man in a baggy suit.

 

Izuku gasped, stumbling backward in shock. "W-what? No way… you're not All Might! This has to be some kind of trick!"

 

Barely quelling a sigh at having his secret ousted like this, All Might held up a hand, his voice raspy but calm. "It's me, kid. The real me."

 

Naruto tilted his head, his curiosity deepening. He had suspected there was more to All Might than the public image suggested, but this was something else entirely.

 

"But how is this possible?" Izuku questioned frantically.

 

This time, he couldn't hold it, All Might sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "This isn't something I like to show people, but I suppose you deserve to know the truth."

 

With that, he pulled up his shirt, revealing a massive scar that ran across his abdomen. The wound was jagged and grotesque, a stark contrast to the pristine image of the world's greatest hero.

 

Izuku's eyes widened in horror. "That scar… did Toxic Chainsaw do that to you?"

 

All Might let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "Him? No, he was never strong enough to do this to me. This wound…" He trailed off, his expression darkening. "It happened five years ago in a battle with a villain that society doesn't know about."

 

Naruto's ears perked up at that. A villain that society doesn't know about?

 

His mind raced with possibilities. What kind of foe could have injured All Might so severely, and why had it been kept a secret? He leaned forward slightly, careful not to reveal his presence, his interest piqued.

 

All Might lowered his shirt, his expression somber. "That fight nearly cost me my life. Ever since then, I've been living on borrowed time. My hero work is limited now—I can only maintain my form for about three hours a day."

 

Izuku's expression crumbled, tears welling up in his eyes. "I… I didn't know… All this time, you've been fighting like that?"

 

The world's greatest hero nodded, his gaze steady but filled with regret. "That's why I'm telling you this, kid. Being a hero isn't just about dreams. It's about power. Without it, you can't protect anyone—not yourself, and certainly not others."

 

True, Naruto couldn't and wouldn't dispute him there.

 

Izuku clutched his notebook tightly, his tears spilling over. "But… but I've always wanted to save people! Even without a quirk, I thought if I tried hard enough—"

 

All Might cut him off gently but firmly, his voice tinged with sadness. "I'm sorry, kid, but without a quirk, you can't be a hero. We risk our lives every day. Face unimaginable danger at every turn. It's not something a quirkless person can do." He paused, softening his tone slightly. "Try being an officer. Sure, it's not the most glamorous job, but it's still a noble profession."

 

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. He could see the pain etched on Izuku's face, the way his small frame trembled as if the weight of the world had just been dropped on his shoulders. He could also see the regret in All Might's expression, the way the hero seemed to wrestle with his own words.

 

The scene struck a chord with Naruto. He had been in Izuku's shoes once—shunned, underestimated, told he couldn't achieve his dreams.

 

Though he couldn't fault All Might for his stance. The hero was speaking from experience, from the harsh reality of a world where power ruled.

 

Izuku's sobs broke the silence. "I… I understand," he choked out, his voice barely audible.

 

All Might placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. "You've got the heart of a hero, kid. That much is clear. But sometimes, heart isn't enough."

 

Naruto exhaled quietly, his gaze softening. He could see the truth in All Might's words, but he also saw the spark of determination in Izuku's tear-filled eyes. A spark that reminded him of himself, and one that began to dim in its radiance...

 

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Many minutes after, and Naruto had to marvel at the events that happened in that time-span.

 

It had started with him following Izuku after their encounter on the rooftop, concerned about the boy's dejected state. It was evident that All Might's harsh truth had crushed him, and Naruto couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.

 

As they moved through the city, Naruto kept to the shadows, watching as Izuku walked aimlessly, lost in his thoughts.

 

From there, a sudden commotion snapped Naruto's attention to a nearby intersection. The grotesque form of the sludge villain had reappeared, this time engulfing a blonde-haired teenager who thrashed helplessly against its suffocating grasp.

 

Naruto's sharp eyes had caught the desperation in the boy's movements, but what enraged him was the inaction of the heroes present. Kamui Woods and Death Arms shouted orders, but none of them acted decisively.

 

To Naruto's surprise, Izuku ran into the chaos, hurling his backpack at the villain and clawing at the sludge to free the boy. Naruto was ready to step in himself, but before he could, All Might arrived in the nick of time. With a single, weather-changing punch, quite literally, the hero dispersed the villain and saved the blonde boy—Bakugo.

 

The aftermath left Naruto simmering with disgust as the heroes berated Izuku for his recklessness, praising Bakugo as though he had contributed anything. Kamui Woods and Death Arms were etched into Naruto's mental hit list for future pranks.

 

Now while he already tormented Kamui Woods a few days ago, he certainly had no problem with doing it again and more ruthlessly this time.

 

Anyway, during that scolding, he noticed All Might's discreet attention on Izuku and decided to follow the boy again, intrigued.

 

And of course, he had to have witnessed Bakugo storming in and berating Izuku in a quiet alley, the blonde's loud insults grating on Naruto's nerves.

 

It was a good thing he had left, otherwise, the shinobi would have revealed himself and taught that stupid kid a lesson himself.

 

Was it too much to ask the universe to show some kindness to this boy?

 

Fortunately, it seemed like his question/prayer was answered as a minute later and to the shinobi's surprise, it would seem that All Might was personally waiting for Izuku.

 

All of that, occurred in less than two hours.

 

Which led to right now.

 

Naruto crouched silently on a nearby rooftop, his sharp ears tuned to every word exchanged between All Might and Izuku. Hidden from view, he observed the unfolding moment with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. He leaned slightly forward, ensuring he missed nothing.

 

Izuku turned around, still rubbing his red, puffy eyes from earlier, only to stumble back with a shriek as a massive figure came barreling out from a nearby alley.

 

"I am here, Young Midoriya!" All Might's booming voice carried through the air.

 

Naruto tilted his head, amused as Izuku's heart nearly leaped out of his chest.

 

"A-All Might? I thought you got hounded by the press! What are you doing here?" Izuku stammered, his voice cracking as his idol stood before him.

 

All Might let out a hearty laugh before suddenly coughing violently, spitting an absurd amount of blood onto the pavement. The steam rose from his body, and within moments, his towering frame shrank back into his gaunt, skeletal form.

 

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he watched, still fascinated by the transformation. He'd already witnessed it once, but seeing it again up close confirmed it wasn't a fluke.

 

"Oh my god!" Izuku screeched again, recoiling as the reality of All Might's true form sank in. His already teary eyes threatened to unleash a biblical flood.

 

All Might wiped his mouth, waving dismissively. "Sorry about that. Anyways, I wanted to talk to you about your actions back there."

 

Izuku looked down, shame painting his face as his trembling hands gripped his notebook tightly. "I know... I-I'm sorry I caused so much trouble. I just... I don't know what happened. It was like—"

 

All Might raised a hand, cutting him off gently. "Your body moved without thinking, right?"

 

Izuku's head snapped up, his tear-streaked face wide-eyed as he nodded quickly. "Y-Yeah!"

 

 

Naruto remembered a time back then.

 

When his stupid dunce of a teammate remarked the same thing while saving him from Haku so many years ago.

 

For all his arrogance and stupidity, it was evident back then that Sasuke cared back then despite claiming otherwise.

 

All Might nodded back, his expression softening. "You know, all the greatest heroes showed signs as children—signs that they were destined to be pillars of society. They all shared one thing in common: self-sacrifice. Acting without thinking of themselves. That's what you did today. You get what I'm saying?"

 

Izuku blinked, his heart pounding in his chest. Is he saying...what I think he's saying? His fingers tightened around the edges of his notebook.

 

All Might took a deep breath, his gaze piercing as he continued. "Kid, I told you before that you couldn't be a hero. And I still believe it's nearly impossible without power. But earlier today... not an hour after I told you that, you were the only one to charge straight at danger, to save someone else. And even beyond that..." All Might's lips quirked into a small, genuine smile. "You inspired me to go beyond."

 

Naruto arched a brow, now leaning forward even more. "Huh," he inwardly murmured to himself.

 

He continued watching, an unconscious smile plucking at the ends of his lips

 

Izuku's breath hitched. Tears welled up again, but this time they weren't from despair or frustration. They were born of hope. He gripped his notebook even tighter, his knuckles turning white as All Might's words sank deep into his heart.

 

"Young Midoriya," All Might said firmly, his voice echoing with conviction. "You too can be a hero."

 

Izuku's legs gave out as the floodgates opened. Tears poured freely down his cheeks as he clutched his notebook to his chest, his heart positively bursting. He wanted to scream, to jump, to do anything to express the overwhelming joy and relief coursing through him.

 

Naruto, still hidden, felt his smile grow wider. "Finally," he muttered quietly. "Someone told him what he needed to hear."

 

He was happy for him.

 

That kid deserved it.

 

Though maybe call him a kid was a stretch considering that Izuku was seventeen.

 

(In this story, everyone in UA in the first year is eighteen, not fifteen)

 

Izuku's voice cracked as he sobbed through his words. "I... I can't believe it. Thank you! Thank you so much! All Might, I won't let you down!"

 

All Might raised a hand, signaling for Izuku to calm down. "Hold on, kid. There's more you need to know."

 

Oh?

 

The shinobi who had been getting ready to leave, stilled and waited.

 

Izuku's sniffles slowed as he looked up, his wide eyes locking onto All Might's. Naruto's attention sharpened, sensing the moment's gravity.

 

All Might's expression grew serious. "There's a reason I wanted to talk to you. You see... the power I have... it's not mine originally."

 

Izuku's tear-streaked face contorted in confusion. "H-Huh? What do you mean?"

 

Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly, his interest piqued even further.

 

All Might straightened his posture, his skeletal frame still managing to exude an aura of authority. "I was given this power. My quirk, One For All, is unique. It can be passed down from one person to another. It's a torch, handed from hero to hero, to ensure it grows stronger with each generation."

 

Izuku's jaw dropped, his notebook slipping from his fingers. "Passed down...? Like... like an heirloom?"

 

All Might nodded. "Exactly. And the reason I'm telling you this, kid, is because... I want you to inherit it."

 

Izuku's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "What?! M-Me?!" His voice cracked, the sheer weight of All Might's words crashing down on him.

 

All Might stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Kid, you have the heart of a hero. You proved that today. And this power... it's more than just strength. It's a responsibility. One I believe you're ready to take on."

 

"But…why me?" Izuku's lip quivered as tears began anew. " There are so many others who are stronger, better, more capable—"

 

"Because they don't have what you have," All Might interrupted firmly. "The instinct to save, no matter the cost. That's something you can't train or buy. It's something you're born with. And you, Young Midoriya, have it in spades."

 

Izuku wiped his tears, nodding slowly. "I'll do it. I'll take your power. And I'll become a hero."

 

All Might smiled warmly, his gaunt face lighting up. "Good.

 

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All Might—or rather, Yagi Toshinori—pushed open the door to his modest apartment with a weary sigh.

 

The long day clung to his shoulders like a weight, the toll of both his physical condition and his demanding hero work evident in the slow drag of his steps. Still, despite his exhaustion, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Today had been significant.

 

He closed the door behind him and leaned back against it for a moment, letting his gaunt frame relax. His small apartment was dimly lit, the last rays of sunlight filtering through the blinds, casting golden streaks across the sparsely decorated room.

 

It wasn't much—just a small living space, a kitchen to the side, and a single bedroom—but it was home.

 

"All Might," he muttered to himself with a wry grin, shaking his head. "You've really done it this time."

 

Despite his physical state, Toshinori felt a rare spark of hope. Today, he had found a worthy successor.

 

Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy with a heart so full of determination and selflessness that it shone brighter than the quirks of most heroes he'd ever known. The boy had a long way to go—so much to learn, so much to endure—but Toshinori had seen the potential. It was faint now, like a barely flickering flame, but with time and guidance, that flame could become a blazing inferno.

 

"He's not ready," Toshinori murmured, walking into the kitchen. His mind churned as he thought about the daunting task ahead. "He's got a lot to work on. Physically, mentally... everything. But he's got the spirit. That's where it starts."

 

The beginning of a journey. That's what today had marked. Izuku's first steps toward becoming the hero he dreamed of being. And as Toshinori reached for a mug and prepared to brew some coffee, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. After years of searching, he had finally passed the torch—or at least, he had taken the first step toward doing so.

 

He placed the mug on the counter and turned to grab the coffee grounds. His movements were slow, deliberate. As he reached up to the cupboard, a sudden sensation made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. A presence. Unmistakable and chilling.

 

Before he could react, a smooth, casual voice broke the silence.

 

"Nice place you've got here, All Might."

 

Toshinori froze, his hand hovering midair. His entire body tensed, his heart thundering in his chest. Slowly, he turned his head toward the source of the voice. And there, leaning against the far wall of his kitchen, stood Sukuna.

 

The infamous villain. The King of Villains.

 

He wore that infuriating mask, his relaxed posture glinting with mischief as though he had simply strolled in for a cup of tea. One hand was casually raised in a mock salute, as this was a casual thing.

 

Toshinori's eyes widened, his breath hitching. His mind raced with dread. How did he find me? how does he know my secret? The thought sent a cold chill down his spine. He instinctively moved into a defensive stance, his body trembling slightly from both exertion and fear.

 

"Sukuna," Toshinori said, his voice low and cold. Despite his weakened state, his years as a hero had trained him to maintain composure in even the most dire of situations. "What do you want?"

 

The villain in question chuckled, a deep, amused sound that echoed through the small kitchen. "Relax, big guy," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm not here to kill you. Or expose your little secret. Though…" he added with a sly smirk, "I've got to admit, your true form isn't quite what I expected from the Symbol of Peace."

 

Toshinori's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. "If you're not here for that," he said sharply, his voice like steel, "then what are you here for?"

 

A sensible question.

 

It wasn't everyday that the king of villains would be found inside the private home of the world greatest hero.

 

Sukuna pushed off the wall and took a slow step forward, his grin never faltering. "You know, you're not a very hospitable host, All Might. Here I am, paying you a friendly visit, and you haven't even offered me a drink."

 

"Answer the question," Toshinori snapped, his patience wearing thin. Despite his outward calm, his mind was still racing. Sukuna was unpredictable, and that made him all the more dangerous.

 

Ignoring the less than friendly tone, Sukuna stated nonchalantly. "You're a lot more interesting than I gave you credit for. And so is your successor."

 

Toshinori froze. His breath hitched, and the slight tremor in his gaunt hands betrayed the wave of worry that crashed over him. "You were there," he whispered, the realization dawning on him with a cold clarity. "On the rooftop… and near his home."

 

"Very perceptive" Sukuna smirked behind his mask, tipping the wine bottle slightly in acknowledgment. "I was curious, I happened to see you when you were up in the air. And I have to say, you've got quite the eye for talent. That kid has potential."

 

The words sent a spike of dread through Toshinori, his blood running cold. Fury immediately followed, burning away the worry as he straightened himself, his skeletal frame seeming larger despite his weakened state. His voice dropped to a menacing growl. "If you so much as lay a hand on him—"

 

"Relax," Sukuna interrupted, raising a hand dismissively, his grin widening as though Toshinori's threat amused him. "I have no intention of harming the boy. In fact, it's quite the opposite."

 

The sudden shift in tone caught Toshinori off guard. His brows furrowed, confusion flickering in his tired eyes. "The opposite?" he repeated, his voice laced with suspicion.

 

Sukuna nodded as he turned toward a cabinet filled with glass cups. Setting the wine bottle on the counter, he grabbed two glasses, placing them neatly on the surface. "That's right. I'm here to help, in my own way."

 

Toshinori's unease only deepened as he watched Sukuna pour the dark, rich liquid into each glass with the precision of someone far too at ease. "Help?" he echoed incredulously. "You expect me to believe that?"

 

Sukuna chuckled, a low, almost melodic sound, as he handed one of the glasses to Toshinori, who hesitated but took it, his suspicion clear. "You're skeptical. I get it. But here's the thing, All Might… I'm not like those doctors you've seen. All the world's best specialists, their fancy degrees, their endless tests—they aren't me."

 

Toshinori stiffened in confusion, not understanding why they were brought up, his eyes narrowing sharply as he set the glass down on the counter, untouched. "And what does that mean, exactly?"

 

"It means," Sukuna began, stepping closer, "I can heal you."

 

The words hung in the air, heavy and impossible. Toshinori's heart skipped a beat, the sheer weight of the claim leaving him momentarily stunned.

 

"That's… not possible," he murmured, shaking his head. "I've seen the best in the world. They've all said the same thing—this injury, these scars, they can't be undone."

 

Sukuna leaned against the counter, swirling his glass of wine with deliberate ease. "The best in the world," he repeated with a wry smile. "Funny how people always assume that means they've exhausted every option. But none of them are me, All Might. They don't know what I can do."

 

Toshinori's gaze sharpened, his skepticism refusing to waver. "Even if I believed you, which I don't, why would you do it? What do you stand to gain?"

 

Sukuna tilted his head, his grin fading into something quieter, more introspective.

 

He set his glass down and straightened, his crimson eyes locking onto Toshinori's. "Because I've seen someone like you before."

 

Toshinori's wariness didn't diminish, but he remained silent, watching as Sukuna stepped closer.

 

The villain's voice softened, taking on an uncharacteristic sincerity. "There was a woman, a long time ago. Someone who saw me for who I was, not what the world made me out to be. Back then, everyone despised me—thought I was a monster because of circumstances beyond my control. But not her."

 

Sukuna's gaze drifted to the side, his expression unreadable. "She was kind. Compassionate. She showed me the sort of grace most people reserve for their loved ones. And back then… I didn't even realize she loved me until it was too late."

 

Toshinori's hardened stance faltered, the weight of Sukuna's words pressing against his defenses. Despite himself, his eyes softened, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. He didn't speak, letting the silence between them stretch.

 

"She's dead now," Sukuna continued, his voice steady but tinged with a faint sadness. "It hurt, at first. For years, thinking about her was like reopening the same wound over and over again. And it still does, sometimes. But I've learned to carry it. And in her memory, I try to honor those who embody the same kindness she did. Those who would show compassion simply because they can."

 

"…Those like you, a man who embodies that rare kindness and compassion, even when it costs you everything."

 

Toshinori's defensive posture slackened, the tension in his shoulders easing as the sincerity in Sukuna's tone struck him. He wasn't ready to let his guard down completely, but there was no denying the raw truth in Sukuna's words.

 

"I… I'm sorry for your loss," he murmured after a long silence, his voice genuine, though his expression remained wary. "But that doesn't mean you should turn to villainy."

 

Sukuna chuckled softly, the sound low and almost wistful. "Villainy," he repeated with a faint smirk, the corners of his mouth quirking upward. "Isn't it funny how the world likes to label people? Hero. Villain. As if life is that simple."

 

Sukuna leaned casually against the counter, swirling the dark liquid in his own glass as he spoke. "You see, All Might, just as there are corrupt heroes out there, those who wear the title for power, money, or fame… so too are there villains who care. People who act outside the law not to destroy but because they simply want to live life their way."

 

His tone grew quieter, almost introspective. "That's all I want. To live as I please. I don't have any grand schemes to overthrow the world or cause chaos for the sake of it. And as for hurting people… that's not my interest. What I do, I do because it's entertaining or because it suits me, not out of malice."

 

Toshinori listened intently, his glass forgotten in his hand. His stern expression softened slightly, though his eyes still held a glimmer of skepticism. "You could stop this," he said firmly, his voice tinged with hope. "You have a choice. You could become a hero instead."

 

Sukuna snorted, shaking his head with an amused grin. "Nah. Hero work's not for me. Too many rules, too much politics, and way too many cameras. No offense, but your world is exhausting."

 

Besides, the only way he could become a hero was to abandon this identity.

 

And he crafted this in the first place to get Mirko's attention, which he doubted he'd be able to do as efficiently as the king of villain persona.

 

Toshinori frowned, his lips pressing into a thin line. "You're wasting potential. If what you say is true, if you don't want to hurt anyone, then why not use your abilities for good?"

 

Sukuna's grin only widened. "Who says I'm not? Just because I'm not wearing spandex and spouting slogans doesn't mean I'm not helping in my own way." He took a sip of his wine through his customized mask, savoring the taste before turning his gaze back to Toshinori. "But let me ask you something. Say I did heal you—fully, completely. Would you still pass One For All to that kid?"

 

The hero froze, the question catching him off guard, his brows knitting together in thought. After a moment, he answered, his voice steady and resolute.

 

"Yes. I would. One For All isn't mine to keep. It's a torch meant to be passed on, to grow stronger with each generation. Izuku has the heart of a hero, and he deserves the chance to prove it."

 

Sukuna's grin faded into something quieter, a flicker of approval flashing in his eyes. "Good answer," he said simply.

 

Before Toshinori could respond, Sukuna moved with impossible speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. Toshinori tensed, every muscle in his body coiled to react, if he had the energy, he would have already entered his hero form.

 

But having expended so much of energy and reaching his time limit, he was helpless, unable to resist. Sukuna raised a hand, his palm glowing faintly with a golden sun-like mark etched into the skin.

 

"Hold still," Sukuna said, his voice firm but not unkind. "This might feel… warm."

 

Toshinori barely had time to process the words before the glow intensified, filling the small kitchen with a radiant light. It wasn't blinding, but it was powerful, suffusing the space with a comforting warmth that seemed to seep into Toshinori's very core.

 

The sensation was indescribable—like liquid sunlight coursing through his veins, mending what was broken, restoring what had been lost. Toshinori's breath hitched as he felt the scar on his abdomen begin to fade, the pain that had haunted him for years melting away like snow under the sun.

 

The process lasted only a few moments, but when the light dimmed, Toshinori staggered slightly, catching himself against the counter. His hands trembled as he lifted his shirt, his eyes widening in disbelief as he saw smooth, unscarred skin where the jagged wound had once been.

 

"I…" Toshinori's voice faltered, his hand pressing against his abdomen as if to confirm the impossible reality. He straightened, feeling a strength he hadn't known in years surge through him. His gaunt form began to shift, muscles filling out, his frame growing taller and broader until he stood as he once had five years ago—strong, whole, and vibrant.

 

He quickly moved away, heading towards the nearby mirror.

 

Toshinori's breath caught in his throat as he looked at his reflection. He no longer had two forms. There was only one now—his true, healthy self. "This… this is impossible," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

 

Sukuna leaned back against the counter, his arms crossed as he watched the transformation with a satisfied smirk. "I told you, Those doctors aren't me."

 

Toshinori turned to him, his expression a mix of awe, disbelief, and gratitude. But there was also a question in his eyes, one he couldn't help but voice. "How… how is this possible? What did you do?"

 

"Hmmm…."

 

 

 

"I don't want to tell."

 

Toshinori nearly facefaulted, eyeing the villain king with uncertainty and confusion before he settled for looking grateful. "Thank you."

 

"No problem," Sukuna casually saluted as he opened the kitchen windows while getting up on the counter, looking back to lock eyes with the hero. "I'll see you some other time."

 

Then without waiting for a reply, he jumped out from the three-story building, prompting Toshinori to quickly run and look over the window, trying to spot where the villain was only to find no one.

 

 

 

A large smile crossed toshinori's lips before he laughed out loud in glee and happiness.

 

He was healed!

 

Now this truly made his day!

 

"Though he claims otherwise, it seems Sukuna too has the heart of the hero! HAHAHAHAHAHAH" All Might laughed before a determined and ambitious glint entered his eyes.

 

What better way to thank Sukuna by making him see the error of his ways.

 

It was decided, where Sukuna liked it or not, he was going to become a hero too.

 

This much, All Might decided with glee.

 

End.

 

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

 

This is more of a setup for future chapters, setting the timeline, knowing where we're at in terms of canon-line events, etc…

 

Now I don't want to spoil the next chapter, so I'm going to end things right here.

 

Take care lads.

 

Peace

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