[UP FOR ADOPTION] Nozomu (A My Hero Academia fanfic)

Chapter 12: Unexpected Meeting

A few days had now passed since that confrontation, with Nozomu returning to his usual routine. Wake up. Leave for the inner districts. Catch some criminals. Outrun law enforcement or heroes (sometimes both). Sleep. Rinse and repeat.

Not that he was tired of it mind you, for he still felt that same drive which made him start it in the first place. Rather, he had yet to find a long term goal for himself. While of course he wanted to rid the streets of crime, there was one problem he wasn't ready to accept. He was alone in this business; no-one to rely on when backed against a wall, no-one to pass his knowledge and practise onto for he truly had no-one he could consider a true friend at this point. Nozomu had enemies on all sides; the criminals mostly tried to kill him for 'playing hero' whilst the law wanted him locked away for his illegal deeds.

As much as he was conflicted on the idea, it was certainly a prevalent choice: he wanted a sidekick.

More accurately, he desired someone to work alongside him, not as supplier and demander, but a more brotherly bond. Someone who, if something should happen to Nozomu, could continue his legacy; a new hope if you will.

Currently, Nozomu was once again on patrol, jumping across buildings as if some kind of choreographed dance piece. This reminded him of how much these claw gloves came in handy. They gave him an extra edge when scaling and crossing the uneven rooftops of Mustafau. Especially now, being on the tail of a known Yakuza group that had been alluding the young vigilante for a few weeks at this point. That was,until he saw a kid not much older than he being forcibly swept into a nearby alley. Another mugging. 

Nozomu neared, prepared to make his presence known, but something caught his eye. The boy seemed ready to take them on. Not the kind of brash arrogance that plagued his tormentor nor an act to hide true cowardice like many lesser heroes. Instead, the expression this boy used was much like his own, only less refined. And with that same expression, the young man fought the criminals, and won. However, that wasn't the end of it, the various punches and kicks he dealt weren't enough to suppress the adult group. So in a swift motion, Nozomu entered the fray.

Hitoshi Shinso had a feeling today was gonna turn ugly. Even as he walked down that wide pathway crowded with pedestrians, he was adamant that something was going to happen. Something always happens. It was something he had gotten used to, from the many smaller gangs that tried to coerce him into joining them, to his 'friends' who wasted no chance to belittle him, all because of his 'villainous quirk'. And due to that, he had learned quickly how to defend oneself against others, if only enough for him to scamper away from immediate danger. 

Unfortunately, today held no such luxury. He was finally out-matched. Yet as he was ready to accept his untimely demise, a mysterious figure jumped down from a nearby roof and began to assault the villains. The painful snap as fist and foot met flesh was deafening. Each thug promptly, satisfyingly slumped to the ground, defeated. 

Shinso recognised him now, if only due to the black padded armour and belt with his signature dual hook-shot proudly displayed on it. This was the Nozomu. Shinso's shocked appearance was retorted by mere few sentences from the vigilante. Ones that held many emotions, yet conveyed a central one. He was impressed.

"I see you were able to knock out those villains, albeit only temporarily. That demonstrates not only skill but also a willingness to do what's right no matter it's legality. You show great potential, if trained accordingly. So I offer you this: let me train you, so that you are ready for the world ahead; to be a hero in action as well as conviction. All I ask in return is that you do not mention this to anyone, for if you do, well the consequences shall be… not pleasant to say the least."

That both bewildered and shocked Shinso. Not only was he praised for his actions, a rare occurrence in and of itself, but he was being offered to be trained by the greatest vigilante he knew. It would certainly be difficult, but if it meant becoming a true hero, he would do whatever it takes.

"If you accept my proposal, meet me at Dagobah Municipal Beach Park at dawn tomorrow. Farewell." And with that, Nozomu took off once again into the night. "Oh yeah, it's dark now", Shinso thought. He remembered why he was rushing earlier.

Tomorrow was going to be quite interesting.