Haiyoru Bakugo - SEASON 1 ✔

Chapter 2 - The promise

I remain petrified in place as the three of us silently observe each other. All Might returns to his original form, reverting back to a slim man. I still can't assimilate what is happening.

"Ha ha ha! It seems there has been a misunderstanding. My quirk allows me to transform into other people, I am not All Might," he says. I study him carefully for a few seconds and then fix my gaze on Izuku's eyes. I know perfectly well when he lies.

"Is that true, Izuku?" I inquire.

"I... Uh... Um... Y-Yes! Of course!" Even though we are at a certain distance, I can perceive the sweat on Izuku's forehead. Without a doubt, he is nervous, and his previous performance makes it clear that he is not telling the truth. "What... What are you doing here?" he tries to change the subject, indicating that neither he nor "not-All Might" know how to handle the situation.

"I was following you," I confess bluntly. "Lately, I've noticed that you've been more fatigued and distracted in class than usual. I wanted to know if something was going on. Now I can see that something is, but I never would have imagined it had to do with meeting the legendary All Might..."

"I already told you, I am not All Might!"

"Prove it by transforming into someone else. If your quirk is the ability to transform, you should be able to, right?" I jump down from the wall, using the sand as a cushion, to stand at their level.

"It doesn't work like that," he tries to excuse himself.

"I know Izuku has lied to me. I've known him since we were kids. And even though I only know you through interviews and news, I can assure you that you are All Might." I get closer and closer to them. "Now, could one of you explain to me what is happening?"

"You shouldn't know, young..."

"Haiyoru."

"Young Haiyoru. Informing you would only put you in danger. It would be better if you forgot about this encounter."

"Danger? What do you mean by 'danger'? Isn't Izuku safe?" I become agitated at their words. "All Might, are you putting a 14-year-old child at risk?" I ask, astonished.

"No, Yoru-san, it was my decision! Don't blame All Might for anything." I look at Izuku for a few seconds.

"Fine. If that's the case, it means that I can also make the decision to know what is happening, right?"

"It doesn't work like that," All Might tries to intervene.

"Yes, it does work like that. Why is my friend in danger? I am the same age as him and have the same responsibility for myself. Maybe I can help somehow. I want to know what is going on."

"All Might... I trust her," Izuku tells him, still hesitant. "I know she won't tell anyone..."

"Tell anyone what? Why is it so secret?" My impatience grows, and my mind is filled with more questions. Why does Izuku seem to have such closeness with All Might? How long have they known each other? What is the reason for their relationship? What secret are they mentioning that, if I were to know, could put me in danger?

During those brief seconds, immersed in my confusing thoughts, All Might and Izuku seem to have had a short conversation that I haven't paid attention to.

"Alright. Anyway, there is no other way to resolve this complicated situation. None of us here has the ability to erase this encounter from our memories..." I raise an eyebrow, confused and expecting a coherent explanation.

~

...Definitely, what they have told me is all but coherent.

"Wait, wait... Let me make sure I understand correctly. You," I point at All Might, "are training him," I point at Izuku, "to inherit your power and become your successor?" I ask incredulously. Both of them nod in unison. I burst into laughter while they look at me, confused.

"Yoru-san...?"

"I... I'm sorry," I say between laughs. "It's just that it sounds like the most surreal thing I've ever heard... Izuku? My childhood friend? The one who never had a quirk and whom I always assumed I had to protect, is going to become the successor of the legendary All Might?" I continue laughing until I fall to my knees, holding my stomach. I hear Izuku and All Might nervously laughing, still not understanding what is happening to me.

"Young Haiyoru... Putting this... peculiar moment aside," All Might crouches down to my level, and I manage to calm my laughter to contemplate his serious expression. "What we have told you is extremely secret. Anyone who knows it is in danger. You must not tell anyone. Not your family or your closest friends. Remember that." I nod firmly. I can't help but think how imposing All Might is when he becomes serious.

The gravity of the situation begins to sink in, replacing my initial incredulity with a new sense of admiration.

"All Might, Izuku," I say, now calmer. "I promise not to reveal your secret to anyone. To think that the boy I have known since we were four years old, whom I always found defenseless and deserving of my protection, now carries the responsibility of becoming the successor to the hero we have admired the most since our childhood... it's truly extraordinary."

All Might nods, his expression filled with pride and concern. "Indeed, young Haiyoru. The path ahead is arduous, and the challenges that young Midoriya will face are formidable. But I trust in his potential. He has the heart of a true hero."

I shift my attention to Izuku, who shows a mixture of determination and apprehension on his face. "Izuku, I still can't believe that this is actually happening. I'm still questioning whether the All Might standing in front of me is a hallucination or if I'm simply dreaming. But if that's not the case... I want you to know that I will be here to help you in whatever you need," I affirm with determination and even a hint of anger. "I don't care if you don't want to be my friend."

"Thank you... uh... thanks." Despite not having spoken to each other for two years and our first encounter after that long period being the strangest, I can't help but feel great happiness at seeing that, after discovering his secret and feeling forced to share it with me, a new bond has formed between us.

Izuku, with his renewed determination, straightens his posture and looks directly into All Might's eyes. "I won't let you down, All Might. I will train harder than ever and become the next symbol of peace."

As I observe the determination shining in Izuku's eyes, I feel a wave of inspiration. The path ahead may be uncertain and dangerous, but together, we will move forward, facing any challenge that comes our way. The journey to become heroes has just begun, and I can't help but feel privileged to be a part of it.

"Ah. Nothing like a nice happy ending," I comment, breaking the inspiring atmosphere a bit. "Now, All Might, please... SIGN AN AUTOGRAPH FOR ME." I start crying uncontrollably as I take out a paper and a pen from my school bag. "I've tried to sniff keep myself composed sniff but hic I've dreamt so many times of being able to meet you sniff." All Might looks at me dumbfounded by my sudden change in mood, while Izuku, accustomed to them, just looks at me with understanding.