April 1, 2258 — Kurogane Estate, Musutafu City
It had been two years since Hayato's quirk, Speed Domain, had awakened. And for two years, life had been a carefully balanced dance of education, physical training, and passive quirk adaptation.
The evening sunlight spilled across the polished floors of the Kurogane Estate. Hayato stretched lazily, feeling the subtle hum of his passive quirk coursing through him. The faint scent of sakura drifted in from the garden, and he caught a glimpse of a small leftover birthday cake from morning sitting on the table. He barely glanced at it—his mind was elsewhere.
"Hayato," his father's voice called from the doorway, "come have dinner. And… some news you'll like."
Hayato's ears perked up. "What is it?"
Ryuunosuke leaned back in his chair. "Tomorrow, we'll be welcoming a special guest. A retired Top Pro Hero — an old family friend. He'll be staying here for a while to oversee your quirk training."
Hayato's eyes lit up. "For real!?"
"Mm," Ryuunosuke nodded. "It's been two years since your awakening. You've done exactly what we planned back then. It's time to move forward."
Hayato quickly confirmed with his system. Is it ok for me to use my quirk now?
[ Host's body is now almost fully adapted and strong enough to start training using his quirk. ]
Hayato grinned, eyes bright. "I've been waiting for this for so long!"
The anticipation hummed through him like a live wire. For nearly two years, he had focused on perfecting himself—mind, body, and control over the passive strengthening effects of his quirk. Even now, he could feel subtle shifts in his body: muscle fibers slightly more denser, reflexes just a fraction quicker than yesterday, neurons firing with an efficiency he barely noticed. The System had recommended him to push his education and training at a pace no normal child could hope to match for the most optimal results, and every day he had grown stronger.
[Flashback — two years earlier]
The little study room smelled of polished wood and old books. Hayato sat cross-legged on the floor, his System interface visible only to him.
"System… can I start using my quirk now?" he asked casually, though his small fists twitched in anticipation.
[ Recommendation: Delay active quirk usage until age six. Passive strengthening must accumulate to stabilize host's body and neural structure. Premature activation may cause unpredictable strain. ]
Hayato tilted his head, thinking. "So… you're saying I should just wait. Okay. I want my body to adapt first. Then I can actually use it without risk."
[ Affirmative. Passive adaptation ongoing. Your body and mind will steadily strengthen while you focus on learning. Premature action is not recommended. ]
Miyabi looked up. "Hmm? What are you mumbling about, Hayato?"
"Just thinking," he said, smiling innocently. "Mama, Papa. I wanna focus on my studies for now. I'll train when I'm six. Till then, I'll let my body adapt to my quirk."
Ryuunosuke raised an eyebrow. "You're sure? Most kids start playing with their quirks the moment they awaken."
"Yeah," Hayato said firmly. "I wanna build a strong foundation first. Besides, there's a lot I want to learn."
His parents exchanged a look, then laughed softly.
"If that's what you want," Miyabi said, ruffling his hair, "then we'll support you."
Hayato officially started homeschooling at the Kurogane Estate.
From ages four to six, Hayato's days followed a strict but fascinating rhythm. The Kurogane Estate's sprawling halls echoed with quiet footsteps as his private tutors arrived each morning. They were the best: educators trained in pedagogy, etiquette, quirk theory, scientific research, and international culture. A single day could include everything from reading classical literature, arithmetic that approached advanced calculus, early chemistry, quirk ethics, martial arts, and even cultural performance lessons—all while integrating the subtle rules of hero society into his consciousness.
Unlike the standard Japanese path — preschool at age three, elementary from six to twelve, middle school from twelve to fifteen — Hayato bypassed the usual schedule entirely.
The curriculum mirrored his previous world's education in structure — math, science, language, social studies — but with additional layers unique to this world: Quirk safety & regulations, Hero society structure & laws, Public etiquette for powerful individuals, Advanced ethics and social responsibility.
Hayato absorbed everything with terrifying efficiency. The System's scan and processing functions allowed him to understand new languages in hours, dissect entire textbooks in minutes, and solve equations faster than his tutors could write them.
By the end of his first year, he'd cleared the entire elementary curriculum. By the end of the second year, he had completed middle school content—something even prodigies rarely managed.
Many of his tutors were simply left speechless.
Physical training was no less intense. Each morning began with stretching, calisthenics, light resistance training, and aerobic runs across the estate's private grounds. Sparring with mechanical dummies and obstacle courses helped him refine reflexes, balance, and coordination.
At night, he would ask the System questions while reviewing data from his observations.
"System… my muscles feel fine, but can I increase my reaction speed further?"
[Passive neural enhancement ongoing. Reaction time can improve through targeted exercises. Recommend sparring drills focusing on multi-directional attacks and visual cue recognition.]
"Got it. I'll add more drills tomorrow," Hayato muttered, jotting notes.
While his mind raced ahead, his body quietly evolved in the background. Following the System's recommended diet and physical routines, Hayato trained every morning and evening. Nothing too flashy — just disciplined, steady work.
Every week, he could feel the subtle boosts: quicker reflexes, better coordination, more endurance. His Speed Domain's passive strengthening was stacking continuously, reinforcing muscle, bone, and neural pathways.
It wasn't dramatic, but it was constant — like a quiet engine running 24/7.
Meals were optimized too: protein ratios, vitamins, antioxidants—all calibrated to ensure each microsecond of growth from his passive quirk didn't cause deficiencies or inflammation. Even casual meals became strategic sessions for the System to monitor and optimize nutrient absorption.
Once he completed the middle school curriculum at a frankly ridiculous pace, his parents decided he needed a break. The family allowed a one-month break before active quirk training. Hayato traveled to famous attractions across Japan, observing quirks in public entertainment. In Osaka, performers manipulated fire and water for shows, while quirk-enhanced athletes ran obstacle courses with breathtaking speed.
"So even ordinary citizens can use quirks for fun… and tourism with a license," he mused, noting every detail. The System cataloged everything instantly. "Interesting… I should incorporate observation into tactical calculations later."
Though the trip was leisurely, Hayato couldn't help but analyze patterns: societal quirk regulations, hero oversight, and technological integration. Even sightseeing became a study session.
Hayato was amazed at how quirks shaped everyday life beyond hero work — performers painting light dragons in the night sky, water quirks creating massive slides in amusement parks, entertainers using transformation quirks for theatrical shows.
It's… alive, he thought. This world is built around quirks completely.
The month flew by. And when they returned home, he knew: the next phase was coming.
Present POV
The sun now hung high over the estate, painting long shadows across the library where Hayato finished his final lessons for the day. He stretched, feeling the subtle feedback of his domain passively enhancing his body. The muscles in his arms and legs felt primed, his mind sharper than ever. Back at the estate, Hayato sat at breakfast, muscles lean and reflexes sharp from two years of passive growth. His father leaned in, arms crossed.
"Tomorrow's the big day. Your new instructor will be here to start your training in earnest."
Hayato's eyes lit up. "Finally… I've waited two years, and now I get to actually use what I've learned."
Miyabi added, "Remember, he's disciplined. He'll push you, but… don't overdo it."
Hayato smirked. "I know. Two years of preparation… I'm ready."
He leaned back on the bed in his room, eyes glinting with anticipation.
"System, Look online and give me information about the tutor coming tomorrow."
[ Name: Daigo Arashiyama ]
[ Hero Name: Iron Gale ]
[ Age: 54 ]
[ Status: Retired Pro Hero – formerly ranked in the Top 30 ]
[ Quirk: Force Drive ]
"Wow, someone from the top 30 is going to personally train me ?" he thought to himself in disbelief.
Tomorrow would mark the beginning of the next chapter: Hayato's first real steps in controlling and using his quirk under the guidance of a retired Pro Hero.
But for now, he allowed himself a rare moment of quiet pride. Two years of preparation—learning, growing, adapting—had brought him here. And when the moon rose over the estate that night, Hayato Kurogane felt the hum of possibility in his veins.
The adventure was about to begin.