A Pillar of Lies

Chapter 3: Izuku

Izuku is 5 years old.

A Pillar of Lies

Chapter 3: Izuku

Reiki Pharmaceuticals was a titan in the Japanese drug supply industry, with a presence that extended across the globe. Its sprawling headquarters in downtown Osaka boasted a staff of thousands, all working tirelessly to further the company's mission of providing affordable medicine to those in need. The walls of the main lobby were adorned with glossy posters and interactive exhibits showcasing the company's latest breakthroughs in drug research and development, including cutting-edge treatments for cancer, rare genetic disorders, and even quirk-related injuries.

Ichikawa Midoriya was the public face of the company. With his natural charisma and sharp intellect, he could get away with things others couldn't. Yet, despite his acclaim and silver tongue, he was merely a puppet on strings. Those in the upper echelons of Reiki Pharmaceuticals knew well that it was his brother, Hisashi, who pulled them. Hisashi, a notoriously private man, rarely made public appearances or granted interviews. But behind closed doors, he was a force to be reckoned with—feared and respected by all who crossed his path.

The top floors of Reiki's headquarters belonged to Hisashi and his inner circle. Here, opulent furnishings and cutting-edge technology mirrored his wealth and singular drive. Nothing came before his goals, and he would pursue them at any cost. His dedication extended even to his family, especially his son, Izuku, who now lay unresponsive in a hospital bed in a suite on the top floor of the tower.

Izuku's room was bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a sweeping view of the bustling city below. The polished black marble floor, accented with gold, spoke of luxury, yet the room maintained an atmosphere of sterile serenity. Advanced medical equipment hummed softly, their steady rhythm a contrast to the chaos that lay beyond the glass.

Beside him sat a lone woman, her long green hair tangled, her eyes red from crying. Inko Midoriya hardly ever left her son's side. She slept in fits and starts on a stiff vinyl chair, alternating between watching Izuku and staring blankly at the skyline. She was exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally—barely managing to keep herself afloat amidst the overwhelming grief that threatened to drown her.

Just a few days ago, a call from Kurogiri had shattered her world. The moment she heard his voice crackle through the line, her heart sank. Her hands trembled as she listened to the news: her son had been in a terrible accident.

She hadn't thought—only moved. Rushing to Reiki's headquarters, tears streaming down her face, Inko arrived at the reception in a daze. All she could think about was Izuku, and the overwhelming fear that she might lose him.

In the waiting room, she paced back and forth, wringing her hands, praying for her son's life. Each minute stretched into an eternity, every second weighed down with dread. Waiting for word from Hisashi or the doctor felt like torture; all she could do was watch and wait, and hope that her baby would pull through.

It had been touch and go for far too long. The moments when Izuku's life hung in the balance were almost unbearable. What if a mistake had been made? What if someone else had been in charge? But she knew Hisashi and the doctor had worked tirelessly to save him. It felt like a miracle, even if it was a fragile one.

The doctor had allowed her to visit Izuku the night before, reassuring her that he was stable and in good health. His words had brought her a fleeting sense of relief, allowing her to let go of the relentless 'what ifs' that had plagued her. He said Izuku was fine, that he was recovering. But when she finally saw him, her heart clenched in fear.

Izuku lay still, his legs swathed in thick white bandages that made them look like two pale, rigid sausages. His arms were covered in scars—mottled pink and white, some raised and bumpy, others thin as threads. The scars trailed up to his shoulders, and Inko couldn't help but imagine they covered his entire body.