Kenji woke up the next morning to the faint smell of breakfast drifting up from the kitchen. He hadn’t slept much. Memories of the night before flashed through his mind the confrontation with his father, the anger he’d unleashed on Kirishima. The betrayal still sat like a stone in his stomach, and even the small comfort of Kai’s support hadn’t dulled the edge.
He sat up, feeling a deep ache in his chest as he stared at the unfamiliar ceiling. He hadn’t wanted to break down, hadn’t wanted to admit how lost he felt, but being here… being away from Shoto made it real. No matter how angry he was, this was his father’s best friend. Kirishima had practically been family.
After a few minutes of debating whether he even wanted to face anyone yet, he forced himself to get up and head downstairs. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he heard the low murmur of voices in the kitchen.
“…give him some space, Eiji,” Mina’s voice was soft but firm. “He’s dealing with a lot, and we can’t just expect him to open up overnight.”
“I know, Mina,” Kirishima replied, sounding more tired than Kenji had ever heard him. “But he’s hurting. And I feel like it’s my fault.”
Kenji stopped just outside the kitchen, leaning against the wall, listening.
“Kenji needs time,” Kai’s voice joined in, quieter than usual. “He’s… pretty messed up right now. But I don’t think it’s something we can fix for him.”
A heavy silence followed, and Kenji took a steadying breath, then stepped into the kitchen. Kirishima looked up, his face shadowed by remorse, while Mina offered a tentative smile. Kai nodded in acknowledgment, and they all fell silent for a moment.
“hey” Kenji mumbled, avoiding eye contact as he grabbed a glass of water.
Rubbing the back of his neck he said “Um… I’m sorry for last night. For, you know… punching you, Uncle.”
Kirishima blinked, then gave a gentle grin, rubbing his jaw where the bruise had already started to fade. “Hey, don’t underestimate me, kid. That was nothing."
Despite himself, Kenji managed a small smile, though it was shadowed with guilt. “Still… I shouldn’t have lashed out like that.”
Kirishima reached out, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. “No I deserved it. But let’s talk, yeah? I think it’s time.”
They moved into the living room, a casual setting Kenji was familiar with after countless afternoons spent with Kai and his family. Kirishima waited until they were settled before he spoke, his voice quieter and more somber than usual.
“Kenji,” he began, his gaze steady. “I want to tell you exactly what happened to your parents. I think you deserve to hear it from me, even if it’s hard to talk about.”
Kenji tensed but nodded, looking away, his voice low. “I know what happened. My dad told me.”
Kirishima’s eyes softened. “I know. But if you’ll hear me out, I’d like to tell you… just once. To honor them, and because I owe you the truth.”
Kenji nodded again, resigning himself to listen, a hint of sorrow passing over his face.
“It was supposed to be a low-risk mission, nothing they hadn’t handled before. They were just trying to keep the area safe. But something went wrong,” Kirishima explained, his voice tight with the memory. “A fire broke out in one of the buildings. Your parents were inside, with you. They were caught off guard… but they never hesitated. Even when the flames grew, they kept fighting to make sure you were safe.”
Kenji looked down, his fists clenching. He could picture it now, the heat, the smoke, his parents pushing forward, risking everything for him.
“They stayed in the building to buy time,” Kirishima continued, his voice cracking slightly. “Shoto arrived just in time to get you out. But… by then, the fire had spread too fast. There was nothing he could do for them. They… they stayed until the end, Kenji. They wouldn’t leave you, no matter the cost.”
Kenji swallowed hard, a wave of grief settling over him. He’d heard this story from his father, but hearing it from Kirishima, his parents’ friend and comrade, made it all the more real.
“I know they loved me,” he said softly, barely able to keep his voice steady. “But it doesn’t make any of this easier.”
Kirishima nodded, understanding in his gaze. “You’re right. None of this is easy. And I’m sorry for keeping it from you. I thought… maybe it’d spare you some pain.”
Kenji looked at him, his expression a mix of hurt and acceptance. “I get why you all did it. I do. But I wish you’d trusted me enough to know the truth sooner.”
Kirishima sighed, nodding. “I wish we had, too. But I promise you, Kenji whatever you need from me, I’m here. I’m proud of you. And I know your parents would be, too.”
Kenji sat in silence for a moment, absorbing Kirishima’s words. The anger wasn’t gone completely, but he felt its edges soften as he looked at Kirishima, his expression conflicted but calm. “Thanks… for telling me. And for letting me stay here.”
Kirishima smiled, his usual warmth returning. “Of course. This is your home, too, Kenji. We’re here for you, no matter what.”
Kai, who had been watching from the doorway, joined them, clapping a hand on Kenji’s shoulder. “Come on, breakfast's ready.”
Kenji managed a small grin, the heaviness in his chest lifting, if only slightly. As they headed back to the kitchen, he felt something unfamiliar settle over him a sense of peace. He didn’t have all the answers yet, but for now, he was with people who understood, and that was enough.
YOU ARE READING
MY HERO ACADEMIA:NEXT GENERATION
ActionTHIS story is about MHA next gen as the title says.. The protagonist is Kenji todoroki's journey to reach his dream of becoming a hero. Along with the strangles and the unfolding mysteries of his life. (What else do you want? It's MHA next gen read...
