Ashes to Ashes, Power to Power: Chapter 2

The crowd of emergency workers and nosy reports began to thin out as I sat on the curb, the adrenaline from the recent events beginning to fade away as I began to think about what I'm going to do now.

My apartment is gone, my job is non-existent and technically speaking, Eric and Kevin are still there, but now I'm just...Kevin, I guess?

'That's not mentioning my Quirk.' I thought with a frown as I placed my hand on the stone curb, flexing my fingers and watching as the stone slowly creeped up my arm before it crumbled away as I removed my arm.

It wasn't any Quirk I've seen from the manga, but then again, I only read the manga up to where Shigaraki was woken up by Mirko before the war could start so it might have shown up after that.

The only thing that intrigued me the most was the fact that it looked eerily similar to a certain favourite character of mine from one of the most iconic cartoons I've watched in my past life. A power that was also one I quite enjoyed seeing used with how versatile it could be in the right hands.

'So I'm Kevin with Kevin E. Levin's powers...that's a pretty good one.' I thought with a smirk as I felt the lingering heaviness that came from turning my arm into stone, which made me remember the feeling of it cracking and shattering when I pushed it too far.

'I wonder though. Is it a time limit or a stamina limit?' I thought before a soft vibration in my pocket pulled me from my thoughts. Taking out my phone, I could not believe that the screen's edges was only cracked slightly before I frowned as I saw the name.

Mom: Kevin! Kevin, are you okay?!

'Five messages and one missed call? Shit, I really need to call her.' Quickly typing in her number, I wasn't surprised when it only rang a few times before she answered.

"Kevin! Kevin, is that you?!"

"Y-Yeah, it's...it's me, Mom." I answered and I felt my heart clench as I heard her sob, realizing that Kevin's connection to her was still with me as I forced my own tears back.

"I-I saw the news when the feed was cut off...I just assumed the worst."

"I'm sorry, Mom. Everything happened so fast and I couldn't respond fast enough."

"The reporters...they said some boy was being attacked and you...you jumped in to save him. What were you think-!"

"I know, Mom. It was an idiotic thing to do, but I'm okay now. A bit banged up, yeah...but I'm alive." I cut in gently, hearing her shaky inhale before she spoke.

"You've always been like this. After everything...you know you don't have to prove yourself to everyone." Her words cut deeper than I expected and I remembered that Kevin always felt isolated from the rest of the world because he didn't have a Quirk.

'Well, used to not have a Quirk.'

"The news said that the apartments were destroyed. Where are you now?" She asked and I looked around to see the sky darkening and only a few officers and fire fighters still around.

"Still at the scene. Sitting on the curb like some action movie extra." I joked, trying to lighten the mood and smiled as I heard her give an exasperated sigh before silence came from the other side.

"Then come home." Her words caught me off-guard and I blinked before responding.

"Home?"

"Yes, home. You're my son, Kevin. There will always be a place for you here. Stay with me until you're back on your feet."

"You sure I won't be a bother?" I asked even as I felt the joy in my soul and she paused for a bit before answer.

"Well, you'll have to get used to my new book club, but you won't be a bother."

"...Okay, Mom. I'll come home."

"You better and we're making sure to celebrate this. I'll make your favourite."

"Ramen and fried chicken?" I asked, feeling the hunger settling in as she giggled at my excitement before answering.

"Home-made. Not that instant ramen and microwave stuff you like to buy."

 "Sounds perfect. Give me a couple of minutes to salvage what I got left."

"Text me your location and I'll come pick you up, sweetie."

"Will do. See you in a few." I answered and smiled as she hung up, taking a deep breath before standing up and making my way to the wreckage of what was formerly my apartment.

Time to see what I could salvage.

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"You're hungry, huh?" Mom asked with a smile as she picked up the dirty dishes and I chuckled as I finished wiping my mouth clean.

"For your food? Always."

"Because only I make it like you like?" She asked with a smirk and I patted my stomach while standing up from the dining table.

Looking around at the living room as I walked into it, I smiled as I remembered how she won it during the divorce, especially since the judge involved in it was quirkless as well so she had no problem forcing the sperm donor to had over half of what he had.

"I see you haven't put these away." I said with a smile while looking at my baby photos, to which she smiled as I picked up one of them.

"Why would I? How else would I embarrass you when you come home with a girl?" She asked and I rolled my eyes before turning my gaze to the photo for a moment longer.

The young Kevin was grinning wide in the photo with a few scratches on his arms while holding a struggling cat in his arms. While I couldn't exactly fully remember the memory, the warmth and pride I felt at said photo was indeed real.

"Man, I've always been one for chaos."

"More like you've always been one to rush headfirst into chaos." Mom answered from the kitchen and I chuckled as I gently put the photo down. Walking over to the kitchen island that separated the kitchen from the living room, I smiled as I saw her humming while cleaning the dishes.

"Need some help?"

"Nope, your old mom's still got it in her to do the dishes on her own." She answered and I shook my head before biting my lip as I looked at my arm.

"Mom, can I show you something?"

"Sure, what is...it...?" She trailed off with her eyes widening as I placed my hand flat against the kitchen island, my skin taking the properties of the same dark grey marble as the kitchen island before I took my hand away.

"What...Is...But the doctor..." She was lost for words and I didn't blame her as I deactivated my Quirk and let the material fade away.

"I know. I was shocked too when it happened during the apartment crumbling in."

"...It's like mine." She whispered and I blinked as I watched her holding a form between her fingers before her fingers took on the same sheen as the fork.

"Yeah, except you can only coat your hands, right?"

"Yeah. W-What does this mean, though?"

"What do you mean?" I asked and watched as the thin sheen of steel faded from her hands while she frowned.

"You've always wanted to be a hero, but you didn't have a Quirk to do it. Now, you do and we both know you never gave up your dream."

"Actually-!" I was cut off by a knock coming from the door, making me flinch slightly as the knocking had been polite yet firm as if someone was here with a purpose.

"You expecting someone?" I asked as I made my way to the door, Mom frowning as she shook her head while I placed my left hand against the marble and took on its properties on said arm.

Peeking through the eyehole Mom had on the front door, I blinked and took a step away from the door before looking through it.

The woman standing behind it looked stoic as she knocked once again, dressed in a gray business suit with her black hair in a bun and rectangular glasses on her nose. What made me take a step back was the golden pin on her left breastpocket, the letters on the front of it making me hesitant to open the door.

U.A. High.

'What the hell do they want with me?' I thought with a frown as I cautiously opened the door, just enough to peek through while still keeping the latch on just in case.

"Kevin Nagatomo?" She asked, to which I frowned before nodding.

"Yes, may I ask to whom I am speaking?"

"Rei Hoshikawa, U.A. High's Outreach and Recruitment Division. May I come in?"

"If you don't mind, may I see some identification? Just for safety reasons and all." I said with a smile and she didn't mind as she took out a badge before handing it over to me.

With zero hesitation, I took it and took a discreet picture while looking it over before making sure the picture was clear and handed it back.

"Sorry about that. A lot of scammers and robbers running around." I answered as I fully opened the door and she just nodded before I turned as Mom walked out into the hallway.

"Hello, ma'am."

"Kevin?"

"Mom, this is Rei Hoshikawa from U.A. High and she's here to talk to me about something." The moment I finished speaking, her demeanour shifted from hesitant to protective as she walked forward with a frown.

"He is still recovering from recent events that happened earlier today. if this is about you want to put him in danger-!"

"No, ma'am. It's about giving him a future." She cut her off and Mom bit her lip as she looked at me before sighing.

"Come in." Mom said after a moment as she walked to the living room and I gestured for Rei to pass while closing the door behind her.

Noting her looking at my left arm, I looked down before giving a sheepish smile at the dark grey marble coating on my arm, quickly dismissing it and ignoring the feeling of heaviness vanishing from my arms.

Sitting down besides Mom as Ms. Rei sat down in front of her, she didn't say anything for a bit as the three of us stayed in silence before she began.

"We have been looking through your records and it showed that you were Quirkless. Am I correct in assuming that your Quirk manifested recently?" She asked while taking out both a notepad and a pen from her jacket and I smiled before nodding.

"It did. First time today."

"I see. We've reviewed the footage we received of the incident earlier today, Mr. Nagatomo. Your Quirk appears to be one that allows you to convert your skin and flesh into that of whatever your body is in contact with."

"If I may ask, how did you manage to get footage of today? CCTV cameras?" Mom asked and Ms. Rei smiled softly before shaking her head.

"U.A. has access to emergency response drones that we place all across the city to monitor it in case of situations. We also found that you saved a life today, Mr. Nagatomo. A boy by the name of Katsuki Bakugo."

'Right, the guy that explodes anything that irritates him.'

"I did, though he didn't seem to want to say thanks."

"His parents wanted to. That is why his mother asked us to pass on this envelope and this message. She wishes for you to meet them at this address written on the note inside so they could thank you properly for your help." She said as she handed the envelope over and I just nodded as I took the note.

"Is that all?" Mom asked and Ms. Rei looked at me before speaking.

"You could have gotten away and left Mr. Bakugo alone to be rescued by others. Why didn't you?" She asked and I held her gaze before smiling while shaking my head.

"Honestly, I don't think I was thinking when I saved him. All I saw was a frightened boy and the monster keeping him from feeling safe. I did what any adult with the means would do." I answered and she looked at me before nodding with a smile and reaching into her suit jacket.

"It appears you have passed your first test, Mr. Nagatomo."

"First what?" Mom asked with a raised eyebrow and Ms. Rei just smiled as she took out another envelope and handed it to me.

"Open it and read it, please." She said as I looked from it to her and I raised an eyebrow before looking back at the envelope and opening it, Mom reading along with me as I took the note before my eyes widened at the name on it.

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Hahahaha~!! Hello once again, Young Kevin! It is I, All Might, speaking to you through this note.

I have been sitting and thinking of your brave act of heroism and I feel that you may have what it takes to become a hero.

If you're willing, I'd like to meet you, properly this time. Come to Takoba Municipal Beach Park tomorrow at 4 PM sharp. Do not worry if you do not see me for I will find you.

-All Might 

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"A-All Might...the All Might...wishes to see him?" Mom asked, sounding both bewildered and awed, to which I could not blame her as I looked up from the note to see Ms. Rei smiling.

"Indeed. If you wish, you may say now and I will come pick you up after your meeting with the Bakugo family to take you to him." She said and I looked back at the note before taking a deep breath.

'This is All Might we're talking about here, a guy that could get me a job with just one word. Do I...Do I take it?', My fingers tightened around the note, staring at what was probably the opportunity of a lifetime right in front of me.

On one hand, I didn't have to do this. I could just reject it, go on to live a normal life...but that was what I did last time.

Working from 9 to 9 twelve hours a day, never getting a chance to enjoy life and do what I want to do.

'I can't let this pass.' I thought with a frown as I looked to Mom, who looked back at me with a whirlwind of emotions flashing in her eyes. As she saw the resolve in mine, I smiled softly as she sighed and nodded.

"I won't stop you, Kevin. Do what you wish to do."

"I...I'll meet him." I answered as I looked to Rei, who gave a firm as she stood up.

"Very well. I shall inform All Might and shall pick you up after your meeting with the Bakugo family tomorrow."

"I'll be waiting." I spoke with a smile and a hand raised, to which she simply nodded and shook my hand.

"A good evening to you, Ms. Nagamoto."

"T-The same to you, Ms. Rei." Mom greeted and I escorted her out through the front door, closing it behind her with a sigh before looking at the other envelope.

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In regards to saving our son, Mr. Nagamoto, we ask if you would be willing to meet us at this address so we may thank you in person.

XXXXXX

Mr. and Mrs. Bakugo 

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'Huh, so they actually wanted to meet me.' I thought with a hum as I folded the note up, putting both notes in my pockets before stopping in the doorway when I saw Mom still sitting with a frown.

The silence was tense and I didn't want to break it as I watched her looking at the coffee table before she spoke up.

"All Might...why does he want to see you?"

"Maybe because he was the one who stopped the villain. I was just the one that stalled him long enough for him to get there."

"I suppose so." She muttered and I walked over before sitting down besides her with a wry smile. Wrapping my arm around her, I was not surprised to feel her do the same as she sighed.

"You're scared."

"What mother wouldn't be? I almost lost you today and I don't know if I can stay strong when something worse happens to you?"

'That's to be expected.' I have seen a few cases where parents blame themselves when something happens to their child that they could have prevented and the end result where they try to end the pain is not pretty.

"But...if this is truly something you want to do, if meeting All Might could lead to something for you, I won't stop you." Her words surprised me as I looked down to see her smiling up before she pulled back.

"You sure?" I asked and she giggled, though it sounded a bit strained as she nodded.

"I'll worry and stress of what could happen every day, but I know better than to stop my son from doing what he wants."

"Honestly, I don't know if this is what I want. I just...there's just this feeling that I need to go. That I would regret it if I didn't." I wanted to see if All Might wanted to meet me for the reason I was thinking of.

After all, Izuku was not the one who saved Bakugo so he didn't get a chance to show him how heroic the Quirkless boy could be.

"That's enough for now, then. Just...promise you'll be careful. For your mother?" She asked with a pleading stare and I smiled before nodding.

"I promise."

"Okay, then. I...I think I'm going to lay down for now."

"Don't worry. I'll dry the dishes." I answered and she gave a shaky yet thankful smile before standing up, watching her walk up the stairs towards her room before shaking my head as I stood up and made my way to the kitchen.

All this thinking is just going to make me stressed. For now, I just need to do some chores and clear my mind.

'...Something tells me I'm not getting much sleep tonight.'

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Standing in front of the mirror in the hallway, I adjusted the collar of my jacket before looking to Mom as she stood waiting, looking both concerned and amused at my own nerves.

"You ready?" She asked and I looked back at the mirror before smirking as I nodded.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I answered and opening the door, looking a bit confused while I raised an eyebrow at the car parked in front of the house.

'Black sedan model with a woman in a suit and black sunglasses in front of it. If I didn't know any better, I'd say we're being kidnapped to see a CEO.' I thought to myself with a smirk as I walked over to Ms. Rei, Mom following besides me as the U.A. official took off her sunglasses.

"Ms. Nagatomo, I was half-expecting you to come with." She said and I smiled as Mom shook her head.

"This feels like something Kevin will have to do on his own. I'm fine just waiting here for him to come back."

"Very well. Are you ready, Mr. Nagatomo?" She asked and I nodded before blinking as she opened the door.

"You don't have to, you know?"

"It is simply courteous behaviour for a U.A. Official to do so." She answered and I just decided to let her do it as I looked to Mom with a smile.

"See you when I get back?"

"I'll have a hotpot waiting." She answered as she hugged me and I just grinned as I hugged her back.

"Did I ever tell you you're the best Mom in the world?"

"You're in your twenties, Kevin. I think you were more concerned about making sure I didn't make you look lame in front of the ladies."

"...Please don't ever say that again." I answered and she giggled as she pulled back, nodding to Ms. Rei as I climbed in before taking a deep' breath as she closed the door.

'Alright, time to meet explosion boy and his parents.'

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"Katsuki! Check who is at the door!"

"I'm busy! Do it yourself!"

"Don't you tell me what to do, you ungrateful brat!"

"Oh, go jump in a lake!"

"...I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." I muttered to Rei, who just shook her head with a sigh before looking up as the door flew open.

"What the hell do ya want?!" The woman at the door with wild ash-blonde hair, a sharp smile and piercing crimson eyes asked, to which I turned to Rei only to watch as she immediately turned and walked towards the car.

"The name's Kevin. Kevin Nagamoto. I got your le-!"

"Ah, the kid that saved Katsuki! Why didn't you start with that? Come on in!" The woman grabbed me by the hand and pulled me in before I could even say a word, looking at the brown-haired man standing in the doorway to a rather lavish living room with a knowing smile.

"Apologies for my wife's eccentric behaviour. I am Masaru Bakugo and this is my wife Mitsuki Bakugo. It's a pleasure to have you here."

"Don't sound so formal, Masaru. Makes you sound like a dork."

"I thought that's why you like me?" Masaru asked and the woman grinned before turning to me as I bowed.

"Thank you for having me in your lovely home." I spoke and smiled as she rolled her eyes while Masaru nodded. A heavy thud on the stairs behind them drew my attention and I looked up to see the familiar scowling face of Bakugo standing at the top of the stairs.

With his hands in his pockets and a disgruntled look on his face, I smiled as he walked down with narrowed eyes.

"Tch, Can't believe this is happening." He muttered before I blinked as his mom's hand swung fast and smacked the back of his head, earning a yelp from him as she huffed.

"Katsuki, manners!" Mitsuki spoke and he grumbled with a glare while I chuckled.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you as well, Bakugo."

"See, he's being nice. Why don't you do the same and introduce yourself?"

"The name's Katsuki Bakugo, extra, and you're looking at the next number one hero. Deal with it."

"That's not what I meant!"

"It's what I wanted to do!"

"So...you get used to it?" I asked as I turned to Masaru, letting the mother and son shout at each other as the man smiled and nodded.

"You get used to it. Why don't we take a seat and we'll discuss this?"

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Surprisingly, the Bakugo family had a lot to discuss with me for the past couple of hours, with Mitsuki asking questions about my background and family while Katsuki's were more focused on myself at a person and my Quirk to be more specific.

Masaru on the other hand was there to keep things from getting too chaotic, offering snacks and tea which I accepted so as to not be disrespectful while also asking me what I did for a living.

"You actually used to work for Detnerat's Technology Department?" Masaru asked with wide eyes and I chuckled while nodding, the memories of my previous itself being surprising to me as I didn't expect myself to have worked for one of the big villains that got introduced at the arc I was reading.

Then again, that made me wonder if they fired me for the reason they said about me having made mistakes on important documents...or if it was because I didn't have a Quirk/ Meta-Power to fit with their agenda.

"It was a fun job, but unfortunately, I made a few mistakes on a few documents and they decided that it couldn't stand."

"I see. Well, what are you doing now?" He asked and I shrugged as I put the empty tea cup down.

"Job-hunting to be truthful. However, U.A. High's Recruitment Division and I have been talking and I'm being taken to a meeting this afternoon for a job interview."

"Wow, from Detnerate to U.A. Those are quite the big moves. Not bad, kid." Mitsuki spoke with a smirk and I gave a thankful smile before feeling my phone vibrating.

Rei: I am outside. The meeting is in half an hour.

"That is U.A. The driver's here to pick me up." I said and the parents nodded as I stood up, bowing to them which they returned before Masaru spoke up.

"Ah, before I forget, we forgot to give you something in thanks."

"T-There was no need. The snacks and tea was enough." I answered, watching as Mitsuki snorted while Masaru just waved his hand while walking out the living room and up the stairs.

"You can forget about not accepting his offer. The guy is a doormat, but when he's adamant on something, he doesn't take no for an answer." Mitsuki answered and I smiled before turning to Bakugo who was still seated.

"It was nice talking to you, Katsuki."

"Eh, sure." He muttered dismissively and I shook my head as Mitsuki frowned.

"Can I tell you something, Katsuki?"

"Is this going to be a lecture?"

"Nah, just some words of wisdom from a guy older than you."

"So a lecture, then." He muttered and I smiled before continuing.

"One day, you're going to find out that being the Number One Hero isn't just about being the strongest or winning fights. I mean, those help considering how strong All Might is, but what people look at when they see him is not just his strength. It's his charismatic smiles and his personality, the joyful atmosphere he creates when he arrives on the scene and the feeling of comfort and security he provides even when he's not around. The sooner you learn that from him, the faster I think you'll get to becoming the Number One Hero in Japan."

"Tch. Sure, whatever you say." He spoke with a scoff, but I just laughed as I saw that my words had struck a nerve considering how in thought he looked when I finished speaking.

"Ha! I've tried telling him that same speech, kid. Let's get you out of here and to that meeting of yours." She spoke and i nodded as we walked out of the living room right as Masaru came down from the stairs holding a briefcase.

"Here you go. A small gift from the Bakugo family for saving our son."

"You didn't have to , but I appreciate it all the same. Thank you once again for the hospitality." I spoke with one final bow, the couple smiling and nodding before I took the briefcase and walked out of the house.

"Hey." However, I stopped halfway to the gate at the sound of Bakugo's voice, turning to see him standing in the doorway with his mom looking amused behind him.

"Don't get the wrong idea 'cause I still think you're an extra...but that thing with that Slime bastard? You didn't suck."

"...Is that your version of a thank you?" I asked before chuckling as he grumbled and walked away.

"Hell no! I'm just saying it how it is."

"Sure, Katsuki! Whatever you say." I said, watching as he left before nodding to his parents as they waved and closed the door.

"You took your time. Also, what's with the briefcase?" Rei asked as I walked out of the yard and I smiled before shaking my head as she opened the door.

"The Bakugo family had a lot to talk about. As for this, I was just told it was a gift."

"I see. Well, we best not keep All Might waiting." She said and I climbed in, resting the briefcase on my lap and looking out the window before back at the object on my lap as we began driving.

'Yeah, I'm too curious.' I thought with a smile as I unclipped the locks before opening it, my eyes widening as I stared at the objects inside of it.

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Mitsuki picked them out herself, but didn't want to say it was her choice. Said it was too sentimental and sappy. Once again, thank you for saving the light of our lives.

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In the centre of the briefcase sat a pristine, dark aquamarine watch, its straps made from a dark black leather and the numbering and dials made from a vibrant gold that shone even in the dim light of the back seat.

Stacked all around it as well as its sign of authenticity were stacks of 10,000 yen bills, probably a hundred or so stacks to make sure that the watch stayed in one place and I blinked slowly before closing the briefcase once again.

'...You know what? Bakugo isn't that bad of a kid, man. Probably my favourite character in the universe.' I thought with an excited grin as I closed the briefcase before remembering where I was heading and took a deep breath to calm the nerves.

Time to meet the man who defeated the Embodiment of Evil of this universe.

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'You're just meeting All Might, Kevin. You know, the guy who can punch a storm into existence and has more political pull over the world than most presidents have over their countries. Nothing much.' I thought with a deep breath as I stood next to the sedan, the briefcase still in hand as Rei broke the silence.

"Nervous?"

"Considering that I'm meeting the All Might, a little bit." I answered and she smiled as we looked back at the scrapheap that covered Takoba Beach.

"Did he say what he wanted to talk about?" I asked before sighing as she shook her head.

"No, only that he wished to talk to you. He said it's about 'seeing potential worth nurturing'."

'Damn, the guy has a way with words.' I thought with a blink before shaking my head as Rei then gestured for me to walk forward while climbing back into the car.

"I'm not allowed near the discussion area. Just wait near the beach area and he'll find you."

"Got it. Thank you." I answered before beginning my trek to the beach, my eyes going from side to side to make sure I didn't miss a single person while the sound of gravel echoed from under my feet as I made my way down the stairs and onto the sand.

It was as I did so that I saw him, tall and commanding. He exuded presence just by standing there with his golden hair shining in the light of the sunset and as he turned around, I had to admit I could feel excitement as he had his iconic smile on his face.

"Ha ha ha~! I was wondering when you'd arrive!" He called out with a wave and I watched as he walked over while barely keeping my awe in check.

"Uh, h-hello, All Might. Nice to see you again."

"Indeed it is. Last we saw each other was when you did that act of bravery to save the young man's life, an act that I have not forgotten about."

"O-Oh, I just did what any regular person would do in the same situation."

"You would be surprised by how wrong that statement is." He answered and I blinked at the blunt honesty as he continued.

"I also saw the footage of what happened before the event. You had many ways to get away and to safety, but you risked life and life to save a young man that you did not have to. You showed courage and initiative by attacking the villain from a point he least expected and risked your future to make sure young Bakugo got away."

"When you put it like that, it makes me sound like a hero." I joked lightly and he chuckled while nodding.

"Because you are. That is also why I wanted to meet you personally again. To offer something more than praise and a path forward."

"A path?"

"You are past the age where one would be allowed to join and graduate from U.A., which is why I wish to offer you a personal apprenticeship under myself."

"...Say what?" I asked and he chuckled before nodding.

"It would be a part-time apprenticeship since I also have a new job to do as well as my hero work, but it would allow you to have a hero license to use your Quirk to save others without facing legal repercussions. If not, I can still recommend you for a support course license which will allow you to use your Quirk in public places if it is to do work." He answered and I blinked at the choices before thinking them over.

Looking at the smile on his face, I almost wanted to accept the offer, but I stopped myself as I began thinking of everything.

On the one hand, I would be trained by most likely the strongest man in the world who also had access to help and tutelage opportunities from the best of the best.

That meant potentially getting David Shield, the best Support Tech specialist in the world, making me gear and other gadgets if I ask All Might for it. There were probably still so many things I wasn't thinking about, picking All Might was the guaranteed golden ticket to life.

On the other hand...

'Shigaraki and All For One would be focused entirely on my mother and I. No matter what, I'd be forced to fight a battle for the world, something I don't think I want to do.' I know I said I wanted my life to be different, but I'd also want to enjoy this new life and not be forced to take part war that's been lasting for generations.

"Thank you for the offer, All Might...but I think I'm going to have to pass."

"May I ask why?" He didn't seem disappointed by words, looking more intrigued by my explanation instead.

"I really do want to accept, but becoming your student is going to make your enemies come at me whether the knowledge becomes public or not and when that happens, I have my mother to think of." I gave the more vague reasoning instead of just blatantly saying what I really wanted.

Thankfully, it seemed to please All Might as he smiled and nodded.

"I understand." He spoke and I nodded before I remembered what I wanted to ask.

"Before I go, can I ask one thing?"

"Of course."

"How does one exactly go about acquiring a hero license even though they are far past the age to go to high school?" I asked and he smiled amusedly at my sheepish smile before answering.

"Well, you have spoken to Ms. Rei of the Outreach and Recruitment Division, yes?"

"I have."

"Well, if you tell her that you wish to be a hero, she will put your name with many others that are to take part in a physical assessment test and psychological review test. If you pass both tests, you will be assigned a probationary Hero Course License along with a monthly stipend from the government. You will then have another month of classes to attend and when you pass the tests after those, you will be allowed to join society as a full-fledged Hero with a legal Hero Licence."

"...How have I not heard of this?" I asked in shock and the man chucked as he patted my shoulder.

"Hahaha~! I do not blame you for your disbelief, young Kevin. There are only so many Hero schools that would accept students and thousands of those that wish to be heroes across Japan. Most are also far too old to be in high school and/ or had unforeseen incidents that led to them not being able to become a hero. That is why this was proposed by myself two decades ago and it has only been five or so years since this was made legal, especially after the string of incidents that happened all those years ago."

"Incidents?" I asked, having not heard of it as All Might simply smiled and shook his head.

"No need to worry about it. The villains responsible for said incidents have been apprehended." His quick response just made me frown for a brief moment before I shrugged in response.

Eh, most likely going to bite me in the ass so I'll find out on my own.

"Okay, then. I think I'm going to head back home now."

"Of course. Good luck in your endeavours and if you ever do decide to accept my offer..."

"I'll ask Ms. Rei to tell you." I said with a grin and he nodded before walking back over to the shore, leaving me to watch him leave before I shook my head and made my way back to the car.

All Might could have pushed for me to accept it, told me of how important it truly was for him to get a successor, but he made it easy to walk away as if it was nothing important and I think that's what stumping my mind the most right now.

There were kids all around the world who would have jumped at the chance, who dreamt of exactly this moment for their entire life.

To me, I wasn't looking to be a symbol or a replacement and I'm not even sure I was looking to be a hero right now.

I just didn't want to be that close to death again.

'I guess it messed me up more than I thought.' I thought with a sigh as I walked up the stairs, walking up to the car where Ms. Rei was waiting besides the door.

"From your look, I'm guessing the offer was rejected, then?"

"Yeah, it's a bit too much for me right now." I answered and she nodded before letting me climb in, leaving me alone in the backseat as she climbed in before slowly driving back home.

'I wish I could accept it, but for this life...I want to live for me...and my mom. Can't forget to add her in.'

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The wind was blowing softly across the beach covered in scrap and rubble, All Might standing alone with his hands in his pockets as he looked out at the sea.

He stood not in his transformed state, but in the weak, fragile form he has begun to see as his normal state, taking a deep breath to be refreshed by the sea air before looking down at his hand.

Before, it was strong enough to level mountains and destroy cities, but now...now it was but a flicker of his former self.

His attention then turned to the young man he had spoken to earlier and he couldn't help the quiet chuckle filled half with amusement and half with exhaustion.

"He turned it down. A smart young man." Toshinori Yagi spoke out loud to himself as he looked back at the sea with a soft smile.

There had been a steadiness in Kevin's voice when he refused, like that of a man who had already seen too many close calls and knew exactly what kind of weight All Might was offering.

'Too many enemies. Far too many ghosts from All For One's time still roaming about.' Kevin was right to be cautious of the power because the power does not just make you stronger.

It also marked you and turned you a symbol to the world. Symbols do not get to run and symbols do not get to break and Kevin had seen this.

He knew the young man was not afraid because he did not see the fear in his eyes. No, Kevin turned it down because he was thinking clearly and that in itself...was strength.

It was a silent strength, the strength the world never notices until it is needed.

'He has already chosen his path now and I wish to see where he is going.' The man thought with a smile before taking a deep breath, flexing his body and transforming into his empowered state before picking up a fridge on his shoulder.

After all, he had about three hours a day and he wanted to use at least one hour to clean this beach up as much as he can.

A/N: And there we are~!! I was going to give him OFA, but since you guys don't want him to have it, we're going the original route.

Next chapter, power experimentation and...meeting someone important? Who that is, we'll have to wait and see.

As always, read, enjoy, review and until the next one...

Ba-Bye~!!