I was lying on the grass... Yes... On bright green grass...
— Hehe, we caught you, Lucy!
— Wuwu... Wuwu wata!
Several 6-7 year old children were lying on top of me, giggling happily.
"I've seen many things in my life... But such cuteness? I might die..." I smiled blissfully, nearly coughing up blood from the overwhelming sweetness...
These kids were from our orphanage. As the oldest here, I had to watch them while the other caretakers were busy.
Of course, I couldn't do it alone, but I wasn't the only boy here. There were others several years older than me, about 15-16 years old.
As for kids my age... there weren't any. I was the only one left - the others had all been adopted a year ago while I was in coma. At my current age, it's unlikely anyone would adopt me now.
Not that I care.
— Pwitty Wusy!
As long as I have them, this place will remain home.
— Kids! Lunchtime! — Hayami-san called everyone inside.
Hayami-san, a 45-year-old woman. Though past forty, her body and face told a different story. She looked remarkably young for her age.
Red hair, ruby eyes, and flawless skin without a single wrinkle... What more could you want for perfect beauty?
She wore a white sweater with a black skirt.
[Image placeholder: Hayami-san's description]
She looked at me and waved teasingly.
— Ara~? Luffy-chan, do you have a crush on your big sister Hayami? — she asked.
My response was a complicated sigh and slightly hurtful words.
— I don't fall for witches...
I could practically hear it... The sound of shattered pride and youth...
— Waaah! — she wailed dramatically and ran inside. — Luffy-chan doesn't love me!!!
"Sigh... If this were my past self, I would've confessed immediately... But I'm only 12 now."
Just another downside of this new life.
Realizing everyone had gone inside except me, I headed toward the orphanage entrance.
Walking down the hallway, hearing the clatter of dishes mixed with children's laughter, I reached the kitchen.
— Enjoy your meal! — Hayami wished the children.
— Thank you! — they chorused like a choir.
Hayami smiled cheerfully and went to the kitchen.
She was basically our main cook... Though... There was one catch.
The children stared at the mysterious purple substance bubbling in their bowls. The aura was so thick even a newborn would cry upon seeing this "food"...
— Hayami-san... What is this? — one of the older girls asked.
— Oh, this? — she smiled. — Miso soup with shrimp and Brussels sprouts.
— ...
Silence was the only response.
Everyone sighed and began eating after thanking her for the meal. You might ask "Wait!? Why are they eating that!?!?"
Well, the truth is...
— Mmm~ Delicious! — the children moaned blissfully.
— This is the best thing I've eaten today!
Hayami-san puffed out her chest proudly and looked at me.
— You should eat too, Luffy-chan. — she smiled, handing me a bowl. — You need proper nutrition after just waking up.
— Hah... Alright. — I sat at the table and began eating.
It really was delicious...
As expected from her Quirk.
"Gourmet" — that's her Quirk's name, allowing her to control food's taste and increase its satiety.
The downside? It doesn't change the food's appearance, so it always looks... unappetizing...
This is actually why Hayami works at the orphanage - restaurants and cafes refused to hire her because of this "nonsense."
Well, at least she cooks for us poor kids. That's why the director kept only her among all the cooks.
Hayami-san once told me she loves cooking and seeing happy faces enjoying her food.
As I ate, I sank into thought.
A week had passed since I woke up, and I'd already grown accustomed to my surroundings and myself.
But seeing the orphanage falling apart, I feel these peaceful days are ending.
So I need to find a way to restore the orphanage's finances. Even donation money barely covers food supplies, while the kids lack spare clothes.
— What are you thinking about, Luffy-nya? — Eiko asked, who'd come to help Hayami.
— Nothing much... Just the financial problems. — I answered honestly.
Eiko tilted her head questioningly, her cat ears perking up sharply.
— Should you really worry about that-nya? You're still little-nya...
— Little but not stupid. — I sighed, standing up from the table. — I don't want the orphanage to close and leave the kids without guardianship.
Saying this, I headed to the guest room.
— Luffy-nya... — she murmured as I left the kitchen.
The guest room — where potential guardians come to meet children, but when unused, we can watch TV or read magazines here.
— Let's see what's in the news... — I picked up the remote.
You might ask why I don't check news on my phone? Well... We're having internet issues. Only the director has mobile data, and I don't want to bother him now.
Turning on the "idiot box," I started channel surfing. Cartoons, sports, music, cooking, movies and series... Seriously? No news channels?
— Hah... — I sighed, — Fine, one last channel. — Switching again, and there it was!
|I AM HERE!|
A voice suddenly boomed through the room. I had to lower the volume and cover my ears.
— What the...?
|Young heroes! Your time has come!| — shouted a blond man with blue eyes and a muscular build.
He wore yellow pants, a white shirt with blue tie. From memories, I knew who this was...
— All Might! — the children who'd entered and sat on the couch answered for me.
All Might — Japan's No. 1 Hero and the world's Symbol of Peace.
His charisma, strength, authority, justice, and heroic legacy could be found everywhere online. There's nobody who doesn't know him...
|UA High, with government support, is hosting a grand competition!| — he pointed at the camera. -- |The grand prize — $10,000!
My eyes widened at that sum. How can heroes host competitions with cash prizes? Though, why am I surprised... A government-backed hero hosting a contest...
By the way, what's UA?
|The conditions are simple! You must be 11-12 years old! Also, fill out the form on UA's official website and mail it in! Spaces are limited, so prepare quickly!|
Watching the TV, I sighed hopelessly. A competition? Seriously?
I stand no chance if it involves Quirk demonstrations.
|And now...| — All Might interrupted my thoughts, -- |Principal Nezu will explain the competition details!| — he announced, gesturing to the dog-like creature behind him.
This Nezu had a small body covered in white fur. His beady black eyes and large scar over his right eye stood out.
He wore formal attire too, though his oversized orange sneakers were noticeable.
|Ahem...| — he cleared his throat, raising a paw, -- |Hello! As All Might said, I'm UA High's principal, training future heroes! Pleased to meet you!| — he bowed. -- |Now about the competition. It will test...| — he paused dramatically, -- |Mathematics!| — he announced.
— Boo... Math's boring... — one kid muttered.
— Mathematics, huh... — I murmured.
The children looked at me and paled in fear.
— S-Scawy Wusy...! — a little girl nearly cried.
I didn't understand until realizing... A competitive grin had appeared on my face.
"Mathematics... This is my chance!"
....
After finishing the show, I stood up and ran to the director's office.
I won't miss this chance for such a huge prize! Math... I don't know how advanced it is here, but I won't lose to amateurs!
Reaching the office, I took a breath and knocked.
— Come in. — a kind, elderly voice answered.
Touching the doorknob, I entered our director's office.
— Hello, Luffy... How are you feeling? — he asked immediately.
Our director was an old man.
Bald with a shiny head like a disco ball. Long gray eyebrows and a goatee.
He dressed in old-fashioned style — jacket, pants, shirt, sweater and tie. A cane leaned against his desk for support.
— Good afternoon. I'm fine, Director. — I nodded, approaching his desk. — And your health?
— Ho-ho! — he stroked his beard, — I'll live a few more years, haha! — he joked.
— Please don't say such things... — I smiled sadly at this kind old man.
About "a few years"... He's telling the truth. The director also has a Quirk tied to this orphanage...
"Hearth" — a Quirk granting him strength from the orphanage's spirit. The more joy here, the longer he lives... That's what Hayami-san told me.
— So, Luffy? Want to join the competition? — he asked, as if already knowing.
— What? How? — I wondered.
— Oh, Luffy. I can hear everything within this orphanage since I'm connected to it. My Quirk, remember?
— Not that I forgot... Just never heard about this function before. — I explained.
— Very well... — he nodded, taking his cane and walking to the window. — Luffy, know why I opened this orphanage? — he asked.
— No. — I answered honestly.
— I wanted to see children happily going to new families. — he smiled, watching kids play outside. — If I die, I want you all in good hands.
— Old man, I understand... I want to see these kids smile too. We're equal before heaven, but different inside... That's why I consider you all my family! — I grinned, meeting his gaze.
— Family?
— Yes! That's why I'm joining this competition! Please give me this chance! — I declared resolutely.
— Luffy... — tears welled in his eyes, which he quickly wiped. — Very well, I believe in you. But... you got C's in math. How will you prepare? — he doubted.
— I'm Monkey D. Luffy! There's nothing I can't overcome! I've decided to live as I choose! — I declared confidently, thumping my chest. — Ow!
Damn, forgot about the wound.
— Hahahaha! cough... — the old man wheezed. — Very well, I trust you, Luffy-kun. — he patted me.
It's decided. I'll try... No, I'll win and get that money!