Chapter 50 – The Meeting with the Heroes
Already in the city, Aoi was at a police station, waiting to give his statement. The building smelled faintly of disinfectant and old paper, with the quiet hum of fluorescent lights overhead. He sat on a metal chair in the waiting area, shifting slightly to get comfortable, though he knew it wouldn't help much. He looked at Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi, who had appeared before him, and said with a sigh:
— Of all the detectives available, it had to be you…
He already sensed how exhausting this conversation could be. The detective's calm, watchful eyes suggested that nothing would surprise him, and Aoi braced himself.
Naomasa Tsukauchi looked at him and replied with his usual composed tone:
— Since we already know each other, they sent me to you.
— Are you sure it wasn't because of my quirk? — Aoi asked, frowning. — I don't understand why you called me here. Mirko, Midnight, Ryuko, and my mother must have already explained everything that happened on the island.
— Yes, we know — Tsukauchi said. — But there are two people who want to talk to you.
He then turned toward the door and said firmly:
— You may come in.
Aoi's gaze shifted to the door as it slowly opened, revealing Almighty and Nezu. The two figures stepped in with measured confidence, their presence filling the small room. Both sat in front of him, their expressions unreadable but respectful.
Almighty offered a warm, genuine smile and said:
— It's good to finally meet you, young Aoi.
Nezu nodded slightly and added, his voice calm yet full of interest:
— Yes, it's a pleasure to finally meet the young genius who has been standing out recently.
Aoi's eyes flicked between the two of them, his expression serious. He straightened his back and said:
— Well… let's get to it. Why did you two come to meet me together? This must be serious.
Nezu only nodded, his sharp gaze fixed on Aoi, while Almighty leaned forward slightly, preparing to speak.
— Young Aoi, because of the villain you mentioned, we need to know everything you know about him — Almighty began.
He then proceeded to explain the entire story of All For One: his immense power, his dark past, and how, generation after generation, he had controlled the shadows of Japan, stealing the quirks he desired to maintain his reign. Aoi listened attentively, occasionally nodding as he processed each detail. The gravity of the villain's history was evident in the furrowed brows of both visitors, and the air in the room seemed heavier with each revelation.
After finishing the explanation, Almighty looked directly at Aoi and asked:
— Do you know why this villain is after you?
— Well… — Aoi replied, his voice steady but serious — I think he wants to kidnap me to improve the monsters he's creating.
The change in Nezu and Almighty's expressions was immediate, a subtle but clear sign of concern. Nezu leaned back slightly, his tail flicking in thought.
— It seems to be more serious than we imagined… — Nezu commented, his tone low.
At that moment, Almighty requested to speak with Aoi alone. The others quietly left the room, leaving the two men facing each other in the soft hum of the police station. Almighty's expression softened as he approached, his voice calm but insistent:
— I have a proposal for you, young Aoi.
He began explaining the story of "One For All" and the possibility of Aoi inheriting this extraordinary power. Aoi's eyes met Almighty's, catching the sincere light within them. He sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly, and responded firmly:
— You know, I refuse.
Almighty's eyes widened slightly, showing his surprise. He knew the value of the quirk, and it was clear that Aoi understood that too. Yet, Aoi continued with unwavering determination:
— I could never be the symbol of peace. Even though I admire you, I don't have the ability to be like you. If I had to choose between protecting my family or saving the world, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to choose my family. I could never be the hero who risks his life for a bunch of strangers. I can help even if it hurts me, but I would never put my life at risk just to save unknown people. My first responsibility is to protect those I love.
Almighty studied him for a long moment, the weight of Aoi's words sinking in. He placed a firm hand on Aoi's shoulder, offering a comforting presence.
— Even aware of your limitations, you still try to help as many people as possible. That already makes you a hero, my son.
Aoi nodded slightly, a small, respectful gesture, before turning toward the exit. He walked over to Midnight, who was waiting patiently to leave. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly in the tiled corridor.
Just then, Nezu and Tsukauchi returned to the room. Nezu's sharp gaze turned toward Tsukauchi.
— What was the result? — he asked.
— Everything he said is true — Tsukauchi replied. — He really thinks that way.
Almighty rose to his full height, exuding authority and calm.
— Even though he cannot be my successor, young Aoi will still be a great hero. We all have limitations. Aoi has already discovered and accepted his, aware of what he can and cannot do. Even knowing he clearly isn't the ideal hero, he still wants to save people. That alone makes him a hero.
Nezu nodded slowly, agreeing with Almighty's words:
— Yes, it shows the true heart of that child.
The room remained quiet for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling over everyone present. Aoi's determination and humanity had left an impression, a reminder that heroism was not only about power but also about the choices one made, the people one protected, and the courage to face limitations with honesty.