The media storm surrounding All Might's return to smiling had reached a fever pitch. Across television, radio, and social media platforms, everyone had an opinion.
"He's smiling again," one talk-show host said during their segment. "But it's not the same smile. It's almost... hollow."
"Ungenuine," another panelist agreed. "Like he's forcing himself to do it. Don't get me wrong—he's still trying, and we respect that. But something is clearly off with All Might."
Online, the discourse was even more chaotic. Some theorized that All Might had suffered a personal tragedy, an unspoken event that had shaken his unflappable demeanor. Others clung to the idea that he was preparing for a war they couldn't yet see brewing. Speculation buzzed about what could have changed the man they once saw as invincible, but no one had answers. Not yet.
The only certainty was that the world still looked to All Might for hope. Whether his smile was real or not, it was better than no smile at all.
Outside a Traditional Japanese Home
The car's engine idled quietly in front of a modest house nestled in a quiet suburb. All Might, in his normal form and dressed in civilian clothes, sat in the passenger seat. Gran Torino was in the driver's seat, watching him closely.
"Are you sure about this, Toshinori?" Gran Torino asked, his voice carrying a mixture of concern and caution.
All Might nodded, his expression firm. "I'm sure. Right now, All For One is still out there. Knowing him, it wouldn't be a surprise if he targeted Master's family. We need to protect them."
Gran Torino sighed, patting All Might's shoulder. "I know you feel the need to protect her family because you think you couldn't protect her, but you have to remember—Nana herself asked us not to involve ourselves with her family. She wanted them to have a normal life."
All Might's gaze remained fixed on the house in front of him. "And do you think anything can stay hidden from All For One? Do you think he doesn't already know about them?" His voice grew sharper, edged with frustration. "The moment he finds an opportunity, he'll strike. We can't let that happen."
Gran Torino looked down, defeated by the logic. With a reluctant sigh, he muttered, "Well, then... let's get going."
The two men stepped out of the car, the crunch of gravel beneath their feet the only sound in the still air. All Might led the way, walking up to the house and ringing the doorbell. Gran Torino stood beside him, silent but vigilant.
The door opened, revealing a man with a stern face and tired eyes. Kotaro Shimura. He glanced at the two strangers, his expression unreadable—until All Might buffed up, his larger-than-life hero form filling the doorway.
Kotaro's jaw dropped. "A-All Might?" he stammered, stunned. But the shock quickly faded, replaced by anger. His brow furrowed as he gritted his teeth. "I don't need heroes interfering with my life. Leave."
"Please, listen—" All Might began, but Kotaro cut him off, his voice rising.
"No! You don't know what it's like to be abandoned by your own mother for heroics. Just go—"
Before Kotaro could slam the door shut, All Might reverted to his normal form and stepped forward, wrapping the man in a hug. The action was so unexpected that Kotaro froze, his anger dissipating into confusion.
"I know the pain you feel," All Might said softly. "Your mother, Nana Shimura... she was my master."
Kotaro's eyes widened in disbelief. "She... what?" His voice cracked, his anger giving way to shock.
All Might stepped back, his hands on Kotaro's shoulders. "Please, if you'll let us, we'll explain everything."
Kotaro hesitated, his defenses faltering. Slowly, he stepped aside. "Fine. Come in."
From the kitchen, Nao Shimura—Kotaro's wife—peeked out, her expression curious. "Who is it?" she asked, approaching the door. When she saw the two visitors, her smile faltered. "Kotaro?" she asked cautiously.
Kotaro glanced at her, his voice subdued. "They... knew my mother."
Nao's face fell, and she looked away. Nana Shimura was a touchy subject in their household, one they rarely spoke of. She simply nodded and retreated to the kitchen, busying herself with tea and snacks.
The four of them gathered in the living room, seated on the simple furniture that filled the cozy space. Nao worked silently in the kitchen, though her presence was a comforting backdrop. All Might and Gran Torino took turns explaining the truth about Nana Shimura, her role as the seventh wielder of One For All, and the terrible burden she bore.
"She didn't abandon you out of choice," All Might said, his voice heavy with emotion. "She kept her distance to protect you—from All For One, the strongest villain to ever exist. She sacrificed everything to keep you safe."
Kotaro sat in stunned silence, his hands gripping his knees tightly. For years, he had harbored resentment toward his mother, believing that hero society had taken her away from him. Now, for the first time, he understood the truth.
"She really... loved me?" he asked quietly, his voice trembling.
Gran Torino nodded. "More than anything. She wanted you to live a life free from the shadows of her battles."
Nao entered the room then, carrying a tray of tea and snacks. She set it down carefully, sensing the heaviness of the conversation. Before anyone could take a sip, however, a piercing scream shattered the quiet.
Chaos in the Backyard
All Might was on his feet in an instant. The scream—high-pitched and terrified—came from outside.
Nao's hands flew to her mouth. "All Might?" she gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief as he buffed up into his hero form.
Before anyone could process what was happening, he vanished.
Gran Torino, Kotaro, and Nao rushed outside, following the sound of the commotion. Chizuo and Mako, the grandparents of the household, were already there, standing in shock. In the center of the yard, Hana Shimura was on the ground, tears streaming down her face as she clutched at her chest.
And there was Tenko Shimura, his small hand outstretched, inches from Hana. Blood pooled nearby, the lifeless body of what appeared to be a dog lying crumpled in the grass.
But it wasn't just Tenko and Hana that drew everyone's attention. It was All Might, his massive hand gripping Tenko's arm, holding the boy in place.
The air was thick with tension as All Might's frown deepened, his eyes scanning the scene. Both children were crying, their faces pale with fear and confusion.
Everything was silent, the weight of the moment suffocating, until Kotaro finally broke the silence.
"What the hell happened?" he demanded, his voice shaking as he stared at the scene before him.
The chapter ended there, the unresolved question hanging in the air like a thundercloud, ready to burst.