Chapter-55

"This is the second person who comes here with serious injuries... I hope it's just them," Recovery Girl sighed wearily as she healed and bandaged Midoriya's right arm. He had been brought in by Uzumaki, who had entered her infirmary and unceremoniously placed the freckled teenager on a stretcher before leaving without a word. "That boy needs to learn to control himself," she muttered to herself, thinking about the shinobi as she watched her patient struggle to stand with the help of crutches.

"The only reason I'm not in a coma with all my bones broken is because he got upset," Izuku spoke in a hoarse voice, his body badly damaged and his movements labored.

"Young Midoriya... could you tell me, what exactly did young Uzumaki teach you?" All Might, also present in the infirmary, asked calmly, despite his haggard appearance. The question from the number one hero drew a more serious expression from the freckled teenager.

"At first, he told me that it wouldn't be a good idea to be able to destroy a building with one blow if I couldn't continue standing to fight afterward. The first two days, he taught me some fighting techniques that focus more on offense than defense. Then, he made me meditate for hours... with One for All active," Izuku explained calmly while rubbing his tired neck. "He taught me to only use a part of the complete power that I have, and he explained how to regulate that power so I could use it throughout my body."

"And you managed that, from what I see," Toshinori couldn't hide his surprise. Perhaps Uzumaki had discovered a way to use One for All differently. He knew that one of Uzumaki's quirks, in addition to his control over electricity, was enhancing his body for speed and strength, potentially competing with his own abilities. But he also suspected there was more to what Uzumaki had shown. Much more.

"I can only use 5% for now. If I go beyond that... well, you know," Izuku said, gesturing to his battered arms and legs as proof of the consequences of exceeding his limits. "After I reached this level, Naruto said it was up to me to improve."

"How long did you train with him?" All Might asked with seriousness, looking directly at his student.

"Six days."

That answer only deepened All Might's curiosity. Either young Uzumaki was an exceptional teacher, or Midoriya was an exceptionally fast learner. Both possibilities seemed plausible, given the unique strengths and talents of these two teenagers. "You should head back to the box where your friends are, young Midoriya. You wouldn't want to miss the other battles," advised the green-haired boy, leaving at a slow pace with the assistance of his crutches.

Once he left, an awkward silence settled between All Might and Recovery Girl. "Are you sure we can trust Toshinori? You've seen what he did to those two boys. If he treats his teammates this way, I can't imagine what he might do to his enemies," the old woman didn't hide her distrust of the shinobi. His demeanor and actions were unsettling for someone his age.

"He trusted him," All Might responded simply as he headed towards the door. "Even though no one else sees it, I can discern a glimmer of light in that dark and cold heart of that boy. My teacher used to say that sometimes you just have to have faith in people, and I have faith in young Uzumaki," he spoke earnestly, leaving no room for doubt. The old woman remained dissatisfied behind him.

"What if you're wrong about him?" Her question halted the peace sign hero momentarily as his hand brushed against the doorknob. He grew muscular and transformed into his All Might alter ego.

"..." Silence was his only response before he left the infirmary. Once outside, he reverted to his emaciated form, tasting the bitterness of uncertainty in his mouth. Deep in thought, he stared at his hands.the now emaciated blonde only remained silent, "..." Thinking about the UA nurse's question, he could only answer one way, "I don't know…"

….

Naruto sat in one of the seats among the UA participants and students, though only Ibara was close to him. The others kept their distance or averted their gaze. "You don't think you were too harsh in those battles," Ibara ventured, concern evident in her eyes.

"This is just a taste of the harsh reality... one day they'll face their own battles, and the people they encounter won't be as merciful as me," the shinobi replied, shifting his gaze back to the stadium. The next battle was about to begin, featuring Todoroki and the boy with ribbon-like arms.

"I know... but not everyone understands that," Ibara said, her vine-like hair swaying as she spoke. She felt the weight of the gazes from both the audience and their peers – gazes filled with contempt and even hatred. "I wish everyone could see you, like I do." Summoning her courage, she took the blonde's right hand into her own.

The two teens sat there in silence for a moment, Naruto feeling kind of awkward when he sensed the girl's hand in his. "So, how do you see me?" she asked, acting like it was no big deal.

"I see you as a good person with your own ideas," Naruto smiled a bit, and the girl squeezed his hand a little tighter. "Even though I might not agree with everything you do, I'll always be your friend," she said with a bright smile.

"..." Naruto just looked at their hands together, and after a while, they let go. "Thanks," he said softly, and only the girl heard it. She smiled, like she could see he was slowly opening up.

"You're welcome..." She reached into her bag and took out a container. "I noticed you only had water during the break. I hope you like this. My mom likes foreign food," she said as she handed him the lunch her mom made. "They're tacos. Give 'em a try. I helped my mom make 'em."

"..." Naruto shrugged and took one, starting to eat. "A bit spicy, but good..." He was about to have another bite when she grabbed his hands again.

"Naruto-kun! You gotta say a prayer before eating!" she scolded gently. She let go of his hands and sat properly, folding her hands and bowing her head, her eyes closed. "Dear God, thank you for today and this food. Help those who don't have enough to eat or a place to stay. Watch over my mom, dad, and friends. And thanks for letting Naruto-kun be my friend. I hope others see how good he is too. Amen," she said with a smile, opening her eyes and starting to eat quietly, still with that faint smile.

"..." Naruto listened carefully to every word, wondering if he really deserved the kindness this girl was showing him. He wasn't sure how to answer that question, so he sighed and continued eating, noticing that the next battle was about to start.

"Can I ask you a favor" drawing the Uzumaki's attention again, Ibara looked at him with a soft expression.

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