Chapter 148: MHA – Heroes Rising Arc (1)
~Third POV~
[Last Month, UA High School – Principal Office, Japan]
Last month, in November, there was a meeting within the Principal Office with All Might and Nezu talking to an HPSC member, Yokumiru Mera, along with a few other members. They began discussing important topics till Nezu asked, confused, "You want to use hero course students in places where pros aren't available?"
All Might followed up as he asked, confused by the HPSC request, "So they'd all be working as heroes without any immediate supervision?"
Mera, a member of the HPSC, nodded his head as he explained with two agents behind in a tired tone, eyeing All Might, "Yes. After all that's happened, superhuman society's been thrown into chaos. As you're aware, our number one hero and Symbol of Peace is effectively being doubted for one loss. Because of that, villains have been gaining in power."
All Might look down, ashamed, as Nezu adds on understanding the situation in a grim tone, clasping his paws together, "And to face them, we need to begin training the next generation of heroes in earnest."
Mera nodded as he explained with his head hung low in a tired tone, asking Nezu their request, "The top brass at Heroes Public Safety Commission believe we must do. I'm sure you have questions and concerns, but whatever they are, I hope you'll cooperate."
All Might and Nezu both looked at each other, unsure. Ultimately, Nezu asked Mera, explaining in a calm tone, "What the Heroes Public Safety Commission wants to introduce the hero work recommendation project…."
/////
[Present – Early December, UA High School, Class 1-A, Japan]
Returning to the present of events, Aizawa soon began explaining to the class, gaining attention, stoically said, showing a screen, "The hero work recommendation project. You'll be stationed here, on Nabu Island in southern Japan. Seems their previous hero in residence got old and retired. So, the lucky people of Nabu Island will have to depend on you till a permanent successor arrives."
Hearing this, the class uproar in stunned excitement echoes their voices, "We're going to be doing real hero work?!"
"Oh, my gosh, this is amazing, you guys!"
"Aw, yeah, let's go!"
"I'm so ready! Bring it on!"
Everyone expressed their joy differently at the news as Izuku thought in a serious tone, 'This isn't an internship or a work-study. We're talking about the real thing. Becoming a hero has been my dream since I was little… and now it's happening.'
Ren, on the other hand, kept a cool, levelheaded face looking to be excited but truly thought in a serious tone, 'Fuck… MHA: Heroes Rising. Well, it seems like I'm about to ruin another Movie's career again. Not unless he's packing some serious heat.'
However, Aizawa activated his Quirk [Erasure], his hair stood up, and he sternly said in an annoyed tone, "I wasn't done talking yet. Quiet down!"
The students' excitement was down, but they smiled as Aizawa explained to them in a serious tone, "Better. While you're there, you'll be completely on your own. No teachers to help you or pros to back you up. You're responsible for everything that happens. Good or bad. Keep that in mind and behave as heroes should always. Understood?"
Everyone in the class responded, "Yes, sir!"
As everyone was excited about the upcoming event, Ren felt a sense of unease as his [Danger Sense] and [Instinct] flared. And he knew for a fact that danger would be coming to challenge him if his Quirk and Skill reacted to the news.
/////
~Nine POV~
[Flashback, Jaku Hospital – Basement League of Villains Hideout, Tokyo, Japan]
Storms have always put me at ease. There's just something about the way they…
Ravage our ridiculous world and wash it away like so much sludge. I stood there inside the place to help with his experiment as Doctor Kyudai said, "So, you've got a mutation and one that causes cellular damage to boot… it's a wonder that you've been surviving under the radar all this time. You've been chosen for this experiment. We'll focus on Quirk strengthening and bodily enhancements. But why would you agree to it?"
I merely answered his question honestly, "To gain power."
He asked again, holding a clipboard and analyzing me quizzically, "You're hoping to fix your body?"
I bluntly answered, staring at the doctor, "Do I need to answer that?"
A flash of his glasses showed his eyes leering at me as he began to explain to me while I merely listened, "You sure do. Why agree to such a dubious proposal if not for health reasons? I prefer test subjects without secrets to hide, so we might have a problem here."
I merely stared at the man as I pointed my finger up and declared calmly, "I control the skies."
Explaining what my Quirk is capable of, the Doctor replied curiously, "That's… a godly power, I must say."
Merely nodding my head, I explained to the fool the errors of this world and my determination to be the strongest to change it for the strong. I voiced my ideals in a determined tone, "But here I am, stuck crawling about on the ground. The moment one is born into this world, everything is already decided. Regardless of the power, one may be blessed with… our circumstances keep us down and suppress us. I've seen with my own eyes… so many who don't get what they deserve. It's just wrong."
Doctor Kyudai paused as he asked me, "Wrong, you say?"
Nodding my head, placing my pointed hand near my fist, changing it into a fist, expressing my determination in a serious tone, "Think about it. Take lions and apes, for instance. Which of those creatures is stronger? In this world, the strong are dominated by the weak. I intend to return the world to how it ought to be. To do that, I need power. Enough power to reign over all and stand at the pinnacle of strength."
Seeing his expression, I could tell what he was thinking. This is the ramblings of a madman and is dangerous. But in the end, he agrees as he says bluntly, "Anyhow, you seem to be of sound body and mind."
Leading me to a chamber where they'll modify my body, I began to wonder. Where will this experiment lead me?
Even though I was the subject, I wasn't told. Nor will I dwell on such questions. I'm just a convenient lab rat.
It's easier to see it that way. In order to create my…
No… our ideal world, everything must be destroyed…
/////
[Present, Jaku Hospital – Basement League of Villains Hideout, Tokyo, Japan]
*Veee*
*Clang*
My eyes opened as I felt the real-world air after my long-time recovery. Opening my eyes, I saw the doctor again as I saw my allies in the flesh.
Chimera grinned, awaiting my return in a casual tone. His eyes glinted joy, meeting me again after a long time in a happy tone said, "Sure took your time meetin' back up with us, Nine."
Seeing my other allies steadily walking out, feeling my enhanced body, I replied stoically, "It was worth the wait. The experiment was a success."
My group merely chuckled at this as the Doctor stroked his mustache in a proud tone, remaining cautious of the man behind him, "Glad to see my experiment worked. Now you have AFO Quirk; you have the ability to steal eight more Quirks. Along with your own, that allows you to wield nine different powers."
Chimera moved ahead, holding a cigarette in his mouth as he declared confidently, "With this, our plan can move forward."
I shook my head as I explained to my allies that they were shocked by my words, glaring at the two but cautious, "However, the side effects have gotten worse. Using my Quirks too much results in the destruction of my body's cellular tissue. Isn't that right, Doctor?"
Doctor Kyudai shamelessly agreed with a grin as my group glared hatefully at him in contempt, "Oh, very true. I did say this was an experimental procedure. But all you need to do is steal a cell activation Quirk. And then you can create the world you desire."
I was cautious about how confident the doctor was. My group seemed to understand something I didn't as I asked curiously, "And you wouldn't happen to know where we can get a quirk like this?"
As soon as I asked, I felt something was wrong. Every cell in my body reacted as my blood ached, shifting my head around at the source of my immediate discomfort.
*SHIVER*
The man behind the doctor smiled as I felt a chill run down my spine as he spoke calmly, exuding a powerful charisma, "Oh, we do know someone who you can steal from. I'm not sure if you're aware, but have you heard of All Might's Protégé Ren Yuki?"
My group froze as I was confused. Never heard of this, as I asked bluntly, "No… does he have the cell activation Quirk I need?"
It was when Slice responded in a nervous tone, alarming me of this Ren Yuki, as she explained cautiously, "Yes Nine… but All Might's Protégé can use multiple Quirks. From what we know, the boy has a Quirk called [Cellular Activation] that can heal the host or target cells… but his strong. Very strong…"
Mummy added to Slice's words, eyes narrowed, and spoke in a serious tone, gaining my attention to the seriousness of the situation, "Yeah, Nine. That guy is very strong… strong to be considered a threat to our ideal. Another person who can use multiple Quirks that work for heroes will surely stop us…"
My eyes narrowed at this. Ren Yuki is going to be a thorn as I asked bluntly, "How old is he?"
Hearing my question, Chimera responded in a serious tone, eyes looking sharp, "About 15 or 16 years in UA. There is some news about the students doing some hero practice exercise."
Standing up and moving to my group, I said bluntly as my eyes narrowed in a serious voice, gaining their attention, "Then we have no choice but to eliminate him and steal his Quirks. He has the Quirk I need, and if he's going to be a thorn, then it's best to get rid of him before he can grow into a big threat."
It was when the man with no eyes spoke up, levitating a suitcase with a snarky grin, gaining our attention in a serious tone, "If you're gonna fight Ren Yuki, then I suggest you take this as insurance. This is the Quirk Amplification Device for each of you. They will greatly enhance your Quirks without any negative side effects."
Taking the suitcase, opening it up and revealed four headpieces that looked like crown sets. Chimera gazed at this and then at them with a cautious tone, asking them, "Grr… what's the catch? You give them to us; you expect us to believe this is for free?"
Again, I felt a chill run down my body. It's as if it responded to him.
*SHIVER*
The man, on the other hand, merely smiled, expressing a wicked, evil expression, feeling a chill down my spine as he spoke nonchalantly, "Oh, trust me, I know you wouldn't. But if it is Ren Yuki or anything involving All Might, I do make sure to make them feel pain and fear. I don't care how or when, but if given the chance, I'll want to ensure they feel it. Whatever the cost may be to do so…"
This man… all I felt from him was pure malice. Just pure malice and anger behind his tone that made me shudder…
He sounds, or rather is, a threat to our cause. But we can't fight here…
At the very least, not in our weakest. But if we get that boy's Quirks, then perhaps I would stand a better chance to get rid of this thorn on our side, for now the boy is what matters most to me.
But if we have the chance to get stronger for our ideal world. The power to make even the next generation of heroes fall to me, then nobody would dare to usurp us. Not even this man in front of us.
However, we need to steadily keep our distance and gather information about him. Not only him but his classmates as well to securely get what I want from him…
It's time to change this world for the strong. Return to the natural order of the world where the weak serve the strong and reach the pinnacle of strength in this world by then, nobody will be able to stop us. Stop me from reigning this world as its new overlord.
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A/N: Alright, folks, finally, we get to the second Movie! MHA: Heroes Rising Arc! About damn time we get the plot moving for a change than slice of life chapters! This arc lasts for about six chapters, including the aftermath. But I made sure the Villains were well equipped, thanks to your good ol' friend AFO providing him the Quirk Amplification Device.
On a side note, I've been busy writing a Pokemon Adventures - GAMER PATH, but I'm split on what I want the MC to do regarding his Pokemon team. I have him in Kanto at the very start of the storyline, but I don't know if I should allow the MC to have only 6 Pokemon like every Manga Character in the series or go out of his way to collectively get his own Pokemon team using his meta knowledge from other regions.
And then there's the gap in the timeline of events for each series. I was thinking of shortening them to make it a fast progression age pace or set some series apart from the original. I just wanted to know what you guys thought: should the MC stick to one team or collect more, pulling an Ash starting over from scratch?