As the gates of the plane swung open, Ash-Born emerged with a confident smirk, greeting the assembled crowd with a charming smile. The sight of him caused a subtle ripple of excitement among the women present, though they managed to maintain their composure.
Descending the stairs, Ash-Born made his way towards the waiting heroes and the president, his presence commanding attention. With a nod of acknowledgment, he addressed the president with respect.
"Hello, Miss President. Nice to meet you. Thank you for inviting me here to train with you all," he said warmly.
The president returned his greeting graciously, expressing her gratitude for his presence and extending an open invitation for him to train for as long as he desired.
As they conversed, Endeavor, standing nearby, observed a momentary change in the president's eyes—a flicker of complete blackness that quickly reverted to normal. Rubbing his eyes in confusion, Endeavor glanced back at Ash-Born and the president, only to find their attention directed towards him.
"Is something wrong, Endeavor?" the president inquired, her tone laced with concern.
Endeavor hesitated for a moment before dismissing the notion. "No, Miss President. It's nothing," he replied, trying to conceal his unease.
Ash-Born then turned his attention to Endeavor, addressing him directly. "You must be the Flame Hero: Endeavor," he remarked, extending his hand for a handshake.
Endeavor hesitated, briefly assessing Ash-Born's hand before accepting the gesture. However, as they shook hands, Endeavor felt a sudden pressure applied by Ash-Born, causing him to involuntarily squeak in discomfort. He attempted to hide his pain, but it vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving him bewildered.
Looking up, Endeavor met Ash-Born's gaze, only to find a neutral expression. To others, it seemed harmless, but to Endeavor, it spoke volumes—a silent judgment that left him feeling unsettled. With a barely audible "Tch," Ash-Born broke the tension, leaving Endeavor to ponder the meaning behind his gaze.
***
As the vibrant bustle of Musutafu Airport buzzed with anticipation for Ash-Born's arrival, elsewhere in the city, Katsuki found himself standing before a storefront. The air was thick with the aroma of excitement mingled with the faint scent of street vendors' fare. His eyes fixed on the live broadcast of Ash-Born's greeting, Katsuki's expression soured with disappointment, his arms crossed in frustration.
"He doesn't even look that strong," Katsuki muttered, his voice a low growl amidst the hum of the city's activity. Feeling a surge of impatience, he turned away from the screen, his fiery gaze scanning the surrounding streets with a sense of restlessness.
It was then that his attention was snagged by a familiar figure emerging from a nearby store. Izuku, carrying a bundle of groceries, stepped onto the sidewalk, his presence a stark contrast to the excitement of the airport scene. Memories of their tumultuous encounters flickered in Katsuki's mind, igniting a simmering anger within him.
Determined to confront Izuku and vent his frustrations, Katsuki fell into step behind him, the rhythm of his footfalls echoing the pulsating energy of the city. With each step, his resolve hardened, his mind consumed by thoughts of retribution.
As they reached a secluded spot, Katsuki seized the opportunity to launch himself at Izuku with a primal roar, his movements fueled by a potent mix of anger and determination. But before his attack could connect, Izuku's swift reflexes intervened, a calculated kick sending Katsuki hurtling backward.
The impact reverberated through the air, a momentary pause in the symphony of the city's soundscape. Izuku's calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to Katsuki's seething rage, his steady gaze fixed upon his adversary with an air of quiet confidence.
"Ohh look! It's a clown, but not a funny one unfortunately" Izuku quipped, his words cutting through the tension like a blade. But Katsuki's fury remained unyielding, his determination unshaken as he launched himself back into the fray, relentless in his pursuit of dominance.
Yet with each explosive strike, Izuku deftly evaded Katsuki's onslaught, his movements fluid and precise. As the intensity of their clash reached its zenith, Izuku seized a moment of vulnerability, delivering a decisive blow that sent Katsuki crashing into a nearby wall.
Breathless and battered, Katsuki struggled to rise, his gaze locked with Izuku's unwavering stare. In that fleeting moment, amidst the chaos of their confrontation, a silent understanding passed between them—a recognition of their shared tenacity and resilience.
As Izuku checked his groceries for damage, the world around them seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the echo of their clash lingering in the air. Unbeknownst to them, their altercation had been captured by the watchful eye of a nearby surveillance camera, its lens bearing witness to the intensity of their rivalry.
Meanwhile, inside the confines of a closed store, the owner watched the footage with a mixture of amusement and fascination. With a chuckle, he declared, "Whatever that kid is having, I want it," his gaze fixated on the screen with a newfound sense of intrigue.
