inheritance | Awash Overflow!

A long time already, actually. [Izuku presses his thumb to his lip, thoughtful.]

I've only heard about it through books and online research, but developing the quirks really set us back as a society for a while. Instead of making advancements, people began to doubt others different from them, and argued about what made us really human.

[Tonbokiri is quietly thoughtful in return.]

To be honest, I did not expect an answer like that. I am disappointed to hear such a thing happened, but it also makes sense. Human kind's greatest enemy will always be themselves. [With the History Retrograde Army a close second. But they won't ever get their way.

He then lifts his eyes to the pictures of All Might and lightens his tone.]

Humans are also incredibly resilient and optimistic. Your Japan came back from that to have a society full of great heroes! Like this All Might.
You said that you have liked him since you were a child. Can you tell me about what it was that first impressed you about him?

You're...not wrong. [There's a flicker of sad understanding in Izuku's eyes as he thinks about what things must have been like back then.] I think people just don't like it when others are different.

[He has first hand experience of this.]

All Might... he's the kind of hero who leaves an impression. I was a kid when I first saw him--and I remember thinking... he was so cool, and that I wanted to be able to save people like he did.

[He nods in understanding, himself. There are reasons why the touken danshi do not usually reveal themselves, and that is one of them.]

To still be devoted to him years after that first impression, it is commendable of you!
And now you are even being mentored by him. It seems that you are firmly upon the path you wished for.

I hope so! [He lifts a hand to rub at the back of his neck.]

I know I still have a long way to go before I can even measure up to someone like him, but as long as I'm helping people, that's the important part, right?

Yes, helping people is important. ... [He pauses, clearly considering his words deeply.]

But if I may say, from my experience and what I have seen, one thing that may be more important than that is why. If you lose sight of why you are doing what you are doing, everything will unravel around you, no matter how hard you grasp for it.

Why do you feel so drawn to save people like All Might-dono?

[He's quiet for a moment, clearly giving Tonbokiri's question a lot of thought.]

There will always be people who need help, right? [He says slowly, carefully.] I think anyone who has the ability to should do all they can to give that help.

That's why I was drawn to All Might to begin with. He's so strong, but he uses that power to protect people, even when it puts him in danger.

'Anyone who has the ability to, should help.'

[He repeats back Midoriya's words softly, nodding.]

Thank you for your thoughtful answer. [His expression falls slightly though-- he still has a reason to worry. How to put it...?]

Do you hope to be exactly the same as All Might-dono? Or do you hope to surpass him?

[Izuku sputters, breaking the calm that had fallen over them. In his surprise, all he can do for a while is just wheeze and try to get back the air he'd lost when he choked.]

No, no no no... I don't think I'd ever be able to come close! Let alone surpass him.

[The idea alone is... well. The reaction probably says it all.]

[He smiles kindly, waiting for Midoriya-dono to get his breath back.]

I see.

Then, if I may say- please do be yourself. If it's you, you can be strong, and help people, and find ways to not put yourself in danger to do so.

I'll do my best--to be my own kind of hero. [Be himself? Izuku knows that both All Might and Gran Torino have told him that he tries too hard to imitate All Might. He just hopes that being himself is good enough.]

And to...take better care of myself. [Izuku ducks his head now, embarrassed.] I don't want to make people worry about me.

I am glad to hear it. [Yes, please don't make people worry... (~~/sideyes Minato~~)]

[He reaches out to pat him soundly on the shoulder.] Because you will do your best, you will certainly achieve it.

I am glad I was able to come here with you today, Midoriya-dono. I could learn some very meaningful things about you.

[His expression softens, Tonbokiri's words touching him and drawing a grateful little smile from him.]

I'm really glad, too, Tonbokiri-san. [Bashfully, he fidgets.] As... as your friend, I'd like to learn more about you from now on, too!

[The word 'friend' easily widens the smile upon his lips, and he nods his head in agreement.]

Certainly. It would be my pleasure.

Awash Overflow!

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