With a sense of eerie familiarity, Izuku found himself confronted by his own doppelganger, ensnared in the same ominous black goo that had enveloped him entirely. The sight sent a chill down his spine, as if staring into a distorted mirror reflecting his deepest fears and uncertainties.
Cautiously, Izuku extended his trembling hand towards the other version of himself, drawn by a morbid curiosity to explore this strange manifestation of his subconscious. His fingertips hovered just inches away from the shadowy figure's face, hesitating as if unsure of what he might discover.
JOLT!!
With a gasp, Izuku woke from yet another perplexing dream that had become an unwelcome companion in his nights for the past five months. The memories of the black goo incident and the recurring doppelganger encounters left him with a sense of unease that clung to him like a lingering shadow.
Shaking off the remnants of the dream, Izuku sighed, feeling the weight of the mysterious visions still pressing on his mind. Determined to shake off the disquiet, he stood up from his bed and proceeded with his morning routine. After a refreshing shower, he dressed in his school uniform, each piece of clothing a familiar anchor to the reality he craved.
As Izuku made his way to school, the bustling streets offered a semblance of normalcy. However, he couldn't help but stop in front of a ramen shop, drawn by the comforting aroma wafting through the air. Intrigued, he perused the menu board, his stomach growling in response.
A quick check of his wallet reassured him that he had enough money for a simple indulgence. With newfound resolve, he stepped inside the cozy establishment and settled at the counter. A friendly waiter approached, inquiring about his order. Izuku simply pointed to his desired dish on the menu.
***
After indulging in a satisfying meal, Izuku emerged from the ramen shop and resumed his journey to school. However, his attention was momentarily drawn to a television screen behind a glass window. The familiar voice of a news reporter echoed through the street, announcing the latest international news.
"Now onto the international news," the reporter began, her voice crisp and authoritative. "The rising star of the US, Ash Born, is set to grace Japan with his presence in just a few days. Born has expressed his desire to train and learn from none other than All Might himself."
Hearing this, a broad smile spread across Izuku's face, his excitement palpable. Ash Born, the renowned hero from across the ocean, was coming to Japan to seek guidance from All Might. It was a testament to the hero's dedication and commitment to his craft.
Quickly, Izuku retrieved his hero journal, a cherished possession disguised as a normal book to hide it from his friends. With a sense of eagerness, he began sketching Ash Born, his pencil moving swiftly to capture the hero's likeness. After a while, satisfied with his drawing, Izuku carefully stowed his journal back into his bag, his anticipation for Ash Born's arrival reaching new heights. With thoughts of the renowned hero filling his mind, he continued on his journey to school, his heart brimming with excitement and anticipation.
***
Upon arriving at school, Izuku couldn't help but notice the buzz of conversation surrounding Ash Born. Even his sister Izumi and her friends were engrossed in discussion about the renowned hero. Despite his own desire to join in, Izuku knew all too well the potential complications that could arise from involving himself in their affairs.
Deciding to keep a low profile, Izuku remained silent, observing from the sidelines as the excitement over Ash Born continued to ripple through the school. It was unusual, to say the least, for Izumi and her friends to leave without provoking him, but he found himself grateful for the respite from their usual confrontations.
However, his moment of peace was short-lived when three other students approached him, their intentions clear from the moment they addressed him.
"Hello Yagi," the male student greeted, his tone laced with aggression.
"What do you want?" Izuku responded, his guard immediately going up.
Before the female student could finish her sentence, Izuku reacted instinctively, delivering a swift punch that sent her staggering backward. The shock on the male students' faces was evident as they turned towards Izuku, only to meet the same fate with successive blows that sent them crashing to the ground.
Standing over the trio, Izuku barred their attempts to rise, his voice cutting through the air with authority.
"So you came to beat me up because my sister and her friends beat you up or made fun of you?" he began, his tone firm. "Honestly, I think you deserved it. You're weak, both physically and mentally. Taking out your frustrations on me won't change that. The roles are reversed now; I'll be the one dealing with you."
***
The atmosphere at Musutafu Airport crackled with anticipation as the security was tightened to welcome the arrival of Ash Born. Miss President, keen to ensure a flawless reception, oversaw the preparations with meticulous detail, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the esteemed hero and foster stronger relations with the US.
As the momentous day arrived, the airport buzzed with activity. Heroes and police officers lined up in formation, ready to greet Ash Born upon his arrival. The air hummed with excitement as everyone awaited the opening of the airplane gate.
Finally, the door swung open, revealing Ash Born standing tall and confident. His presence commanded attention as he stepped onto the platform, his demeanor exuding a sense of power and authority.
"Greetings!" His voice rang out, drawing the attention of all present. With a nod of acknowledgment, Ash Born surveyed the assembled crowd, his gaze steady and unwavering.
