Chapter 16

24 2 0
                                    

The morning sun cast a gentle glow through the curtains, warming the room with its soft light. As Ryo sat up, he could feel a lingering heaviness in his chest, a weight from the previous day's revelations. His mind was still sifting through everything his grandfather had told him—the new understanding of his Quirk, the family legacy, and the newfound responsibility that now lay squarely on his shoulders. He rose slowly, feeling the cool air against his skin, and made his way to the kitchen, where the comforting scent of breakfast greeted him.

The kitchen was a cozy space filled with the aroma of pancakes and freshly brewed tea. His grandfather, a tall man with a dignified air but a gentle smile, stood by the stove, flipping pancakes with a practiced ease. The room was small, but it felt warm and inviting, filled with the sounds of sizzling butter and the clatter of kitchen utensils.

"Morning, Ryo," his grandfather greeted, glancing over his shoulder. His eyes, however, held a note of curiosity and concern as they settled on Ryo's face. "How did you sleep?"

Ryo shrugged, pulling out a chair and sitting down at the small wooden table. "Alright, I guess. Still... processing everything," he replied, his voice slightly distant as if his thoughts were miles away.

His grandfather placed a plate of golden pancakes in front of him, but his gaze remained fixed on Ryo's face. "Ryo... you've got... whiskers now. Three on each side," he observed, his tone gentle but serious.

Ryo instinctively raised a hand to his cheeks, his fingers tracing the faint, whisker-like marks etched into his skin. "Yeah... I noticed them this morning too," he said, a soft chuckle escaping his lips, though there was a hint of unease in his eyes. "I guess it's part of the whole Fox thing."

His grandfather nodded slowly, taking a seat across from him, his expression thoughtful. "It's more than just physical, Ryo. Those marks... they're a symbol, a manifestation of your heritage. They represent the power that runs through our family line, a constant reminder of who you are and the abilities you possess."

Ryo took a bite of his breakfast, chewing thoughtfully. "I know... It's just... it feels strange. Everything feels different. My senses... they're sharper now. I can hear conversations from outside, smell every single ingredient you used in this breakfast... even hear the faintest rustle of leaves from the garden."

His grandfather's face softened into a smile, pride mingling with concern. "That's your Fox side, Ryo. It's enhancing your senses, even when you're not actively tapping into it. But it's a lot to handle, especially all at once. You'll need to learn to manage it, control it, to let it become a part of you without letting it overwhelm you."

Ryo nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts about the training he would need to undertake, the practice it would take to master these new senses. "I'll figure it out," he said, determination lacing his words.

His grandfather reached over, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know you will," he said warmly. "And today, we're taking the first step. We have an appointment with the Quirk doctor to re-evaluate your abilities. It's time to understand what you're truly capable of."

After breakfast, they left the house, stepping out into the crisp morning air. The city around them was waking up—cars honking in the distance, the chatter of people on the streets, the distant hum of activity. Ryo tried to focus on the sights and sounds, but his mind kept drifting back to the battle at U.S.J., the anger he felt, the rush of power, and the fear that had come with it.

They arrived at the Quirk Evaluation Center, a modern building with sleek lines and large glass windows that reflected the morning sun. Inside, they were greeted by a nurse who led them to a quiet consultation room. The walls were lined with charts and diagrams depicting different types of Quirks, and the air was filled with a faint, antiseptic smell.

MHA: Yellow Flash of U.AWhere stories live. Discover now