Opportunity

Time Skip 1 months:

As the fourth month began, students from Class 2-A, along with participants from Shiketsu High, Ketsubutsu Academy, and other schools, gathered at Takoba National Stadium for the Provisional Hero License Exam. The excitement was palpable in the air. Keigo, always laid-back but alert, stood next to Itachi with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"So... Itachi," Keigo began casually, leaning in with a sly grin. "How's Tatsumi-san doing these days? You know, your girlfriend?"

Itachi, as composed as ever, gave him a sideways glance, his expression barely shifting. "She's doing fine."

Keigo chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Just fine? Come on, you've gotta give me more than that. I know you've been spending all your free time texting her. What's the latest? Is she still keeping you in line?"

Itachi didn't miss a beat, his calm exterior unshaken. "She's busy with her work at the HPSC, like always."

"Busy, sure," Keigo grinned, nudging him playfully. "But I'm betting she's thinking about you, and you're thinking about her even more. I mean, you can't fool me, man—ever since you two started dating, you've been different. Lighter, maybe?"

Itachi smiled softly, shaking his head. "You're imagining things, Keigo."

"Oh, really?" Keigo's wings fluttered with amusement as he leaned in closer, his tone teasing. "You're telling me you haven't been counting the days until you can see her again? I'm sure you're already planning your next heroic date."

Itachi's stoic expression remained intact, but Keigo caught the slightest twitch of his lips—a small giveaway. "We'll see each other when things calm down," Itachi replied coolly. "We're both busy."

Keigo grinned wider, sensing his opening. "Right, because a couple of future top heroes can't just drop everything for romance, right? But admit it, you're totally head over heels for her. I mean, you guys are practically perfect for each other."

Itachi finally allowed himself a small smile, his eyes betraying a quiet fondness. "Maybe. But like I said, we're both focused on our own paths right now."

"Uh-huh," Keigo smirked, not buying the nonchalant act for a second. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be all business, you sure talk about her like you're planning a future together. I wouldn't be surprised if you're already thinking about matching hero costumes."

Itachi chuckled, shaking his head again. "You've got too much time on your hands."

"Maybe," Keigo grinned, stretching his wings lazily. "But come on, you've got it bad. And hey, when you two decide to make it official, I better be invited to the wedding. I'll even give a speech—something about how I always knew Itachi Yaoyorozu, the most serious guy I know, would fall for someone like Kaina."

Itachi couldn't help but laugh at Keigo's relentless teasing. "Sure, Keigo. You'll be the first on the guest list."

Keigo clapped him on the back, satisfied with the reaction. "That's all I'm asking for, man. Just don't forget—love's a battlefield too, you know. You've gotta keep up with her pace."

"I will," Itachi said with a knowing smile, his thoughts briefly drifting to Kaina. Even with their busy lives, he knew they were on this journey together. And one day, they'd stand side by side, stronger than ever.

Before Itachi could respond, Rumi, Yu, Ryuko, and a few other classmates like Ida, Moe Anan, and Masaki joined them. Yu waved energetically. "There you guys are!"

Keigo nudged Itachi with a grin, but Itachi look at them with a polite smile. Rumi smirked, eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'm pumped! This is going to be fun."

Ryuko, ever calm, teased, "Is there anything you feel other than excitement, Usagiyama-san?"

Ida adjusted his glasses, his posture serious. "I've trained hard for this moment. I'm ready to fulfill my duty."

Ryuko nodded in agreement. "Same here. I've been putting in extra work."

Keigo smirked mischievously. "Maybe I'll pull out some training moves from the Pussycats."

Rumi sneered, her sharp eyes narrowing. "You're such a perv, Takami."

Keigo shrugged playfully. "Why so worked up, Usagiyama? Lighten up."

Rumi fell silent, her expression unreadable, but she didn't reply. Itachi, sensing the silence, smiled and said softly. "Let's stay focused."

Just then, Yokumiru Mera, an HPSC official, stepped onto the podium. His voice echoed through the stadium. "Hello, everyone! I'm Yokumiru Mera from the Hero Public Safety Commission, and I'll be conducting the Provisional Hero License Exam today. Let me explain the rules."

He looked down at his notes. "There are about 1,000 of you here, but only 100 will pass. The exam consists of two phases. The first is a preliminary round. Each of you will receive three targets to place on your bodies in visible spots—anywhere except your feet or armpits. You'll also receive six balls. Your goal is to hit the targets of two other examinees. Once all three of your targets are lit up, you're disqualified. But if you take down two people, you'll qualify for phase two."

The gates opened, signaling the start of the first phase. As the participants rushed in, each received their six balls and targets. The atmosphere was tense as everyone geared up for the challenge ahead.

Itachi, calm as ever, moved with precision. Within minutes, his strategy unfolded effortlessly. He analyzed his surroundings, spotting weaknesses and opportunities before anyone else. Six minutes passed, and Itachi had already completed his task, hitting his targets with surgical accuracy.

Yokumiru, observing from the sidelines, widened his eyes in disbelief. "Already? He did it in just six minutes?" He quickly grabbed the microphone. "Itachi Yaoyorozu has passed the preliminary round and is advancing to phase two."

Itachi made his way to the waiting area, his face as composed as ever. He sat down, quietly observing the others, though his mind was far from at ease. Waiting for his classmate.

As Itachi sat in the waiting area, a couple of students he had eliminated earlier walked by, visibly confused. One of them muttered, "Already? When did he do that?" They had been eliminated so swiftly and efficiently, they hadn't even realized what had happened.

Keigo, who had just finished his round, smirked as he observed the scene. "This test was made for Itachi's quirk," he remarked confidently. Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, "Now, let's see how I do."

Keigo activated his quirk, sending out his feathers, each one carefully attaching itself to a ball. In a single, fluid motion, he launched them towards the targets. His precision was impeccable, and soon after, Yokumiru announced, "Keigo Takami has passed the preliminary round."

Keigo strolled over to the waiting area, spotting Itachi sitting there with anticipation. He tapped his shoulder. "Bro!"

Itachi looked up, his usual calm demeanor masking his inner thoughts. "You finished early," he said quietly.

Keigo smirked, teasingly. "Like I told you, I've learned a lot from the Pussycats."

Itachi signed but gave a small smile.

After a long wait, Rumi, Ryuko, Anan, Masaki, Ida, and Moe entered the waiting area. Rumi, with a smirk of her own, called out, "That was fun!"

Keigo leaned back, full of confidence. "I know, we're gonna rock this!" he said, to which Rumi replied with a grin, "Absolutely."

Yokumiru then stepped back onto the podium, his voice booming across the stadium. "So, 100 students have been selected!"

The announcement was quickly followed by a surprising shift. The entire battlefield, where the preliminary round had just taken place, began to crumble. Buildings collapsed, and the landscape morphed into a disaster site, shocking several of the examinees, particularly those from Class 1-A.

Yokumiru continued, "This destroyed battlefield will be your next and final stage for the Provisional Hero License Exam." He paused for effect, as the tension built. "On this disaster site, your task will be to conduct rescue maneuvers."

Gasps could be heard from some of the students as they absorbed the gravity of the new challenge.

Yokumiru explained further. "You will be saving citizens who have been placed in this disaster site. But be warned—these aren't just ordinary civilians. They're senior citizens and children who have obtained Provisional Hero Licenses themselves. They've undergone extensive training and are experts in rescue operations. They are part of the Help Us Company."

As Yokumiru finished his explanation, he announced that the senior citizens disguised as injured victims were scattered throughout the disaster site. The examinees were to carry out rescue operations, and their performance would be scored based on a point system. Those who scored above the average would pass. With that, Yokumiru gave them a ten-minute break to prepare.

Itachi narrowed his eyes, observing Yokumiru intently. He noticed that Yokumiru was glancing their way. "Keigo, look," Itachi said in a low voice. "He's watching us."

Keigo followed Itachi's gaze, a smirk forming on his face. "Yeah, I think the HPSC is interested in us." His tone was casual, almost amused.

Itachi nodded but remained focused. As soon as the gates opened, he rushed into the disaster site without hesitation. His Sharingan activated, scanning the area for any signs of people needing help. "Hyuga Clan might have an advantage here," he thought, given the nature of their byakugan.

It didn't take long for Itachi to spot a group of elderly people and children trapped under a large rock. With a display of sheer strength, he lifted the debris with ease and knelt beside them. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice calm and composed.

An elderly man clutched his arm. "My hand… it's broken."

"I'll help you," Itachi replied, moving with efficiency. He turned to a child nearby. "And you? How are you feeling?"

"My legs… they hurt," the child whimpered.

Itachi's sharp instincts told him these "victims" were incredibly skilled actors, designed to test the examinees. Nevertheless, he treated them with care. He gently lifted the child into his arms, instructing the older man, "Put your hand on my shoulder."

With both the child and the elderly man in tow, Itachi swiftly made his way to the nearest infirmary station, carefully placing them down before heading back into the fray.

As he moved through the rubble, he spotted a woman trapped beneath some debris. However, just before he could reach her, another examinee arrived. The woman refused his help, her stubbornness clear, and the frustrated examinee left in a huff, ignoring her plight.

Itachi sighed inwardly, thinking, This girl has a serious attitude problem.

He approached her calmly. "Where are you hurt?"

The woman glanced up at him, her eyes widening in surprise. Her initial annoyance faded, replaced by a sudden flush of admiration. "You're… handsome," she murmured, before wincing dramatically. "It's my leg. It hurts. Can you… carry me?"

Itachi understood her game. but he was trying to score points, for the sake of the test, he complied. He gently lifted her onto his back, but the way she clung to him tightly made him uncomfortable. He quickly carried her to the infirmary, setting her down as soon as they arrived.

"Here," he said, his voice steady, though his discomfort was evident.

Before he could leave, the woman called out, "Excuse me… what's your name?"

Itachi paused, glancing back at her. "Aegis," he replied, using his hero name, before turning to leave.

The woman blushed, whispering to herself, "Aegis…"

Just as Itachi was about to continue his rescue efforts, a loud explosion echoed across the disaster site. His eyes immediately darted to the source. Standing in the gateway, surrounded by smoke and rubble, was none other than All Might himself.

"Everyone be in Fear, because I am here!" All Might's booming voice echoed, commanding the attention of everyone in the stadium.

Itachi narrowed his eyes, his mind sharpening.So, he's the obstacle,he thought, preparing for whatever lay ahead.

The sudden appearance of All Might left the other examinees and spectators in awe. "All Might!" people whispered and gasped, as if the mere mention of his name brought both excitement and fear.

Keigo, who had just dropped off another injured child at the infirmary, appeared beside Itachi. "Is he the obstacle?" Keigo asked, his tone more serious now.

Itachi nodded, his eyes narrowing. "This might be tough," Keigo added, glancing at Itachi with a hint of unease. Itachi remained silent, focused, watching All Might closely.

Suddenly, All Might made his move, aiming a destructive strike toward the infirmary where the injured civilians were being treated. "Sorry about this, but it's part of the test!" he called out. His powerful arm swung back, ready to unleash an attack.

Without hesitation, Itachi, Keigo, Rumi, Yu, and Ryuko rushed into action. Yu transformed into a towering giant, and Ryuko took her dragon form, both moving in to intercept. Yu reached out, trying to block the attack, but the force behind All Might's strike was too much for her. She stumbled back, her hand trembling from the impact.

"Oops, that was stronger than I thought," All Might muttered, realizing his own strength had almost gotten out of hand.

Ryuko charged forward next, her dragon wings propelling her at high speed. "Texas Smash!" All Might roared, sending a powerful gust of wind that knocked Ryuko off course, sending her crashing into a nearby wall.

Keigo, determined, unleashed a flurry of his feathers, aiming for All Might's blind spots. All Might, with precise timing, swung his arm to deflect them, causing even more damage to the environment. The battlefield was turning into chaos, but All Might remained unfazed, his iconic smile unwavering.

Itachi, standing back for a moment, analyzed the situation.He's pushing us to our limits.He saw an opening and activated his Sharingan, casting an illusion to distort All Might's perception. In an instant, the puff of smoke around them made All Might drowsy, his eyelids growing heavy as he began to fall asleep.

His Sharingan glowed crimson as he caught something the others didn't—an anomaly in All Might's movement. His eyes widened as he noticed a puff of smoke surrounding the hero's form. Before anyone else could react, Itachi used his speed to get closer. In the midst of the smoke, Itachi saw what no one else was meant to see—All Might's frail, emaciated form.

As the smoke began to dissipate, Itachi's eyes locked with All Might's, and the realization hit him hard.This is his secret…he thought, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Suddenly, he heard a voice, distant yet clear:Protect his identity.

Itachi's mind raced, but he knew what he had to do. Without hesitation, Itachi rushed All Might outside, away from the public's view, and dispelled his illusion. As the fog lifted, All Might blinked awake, startled to find himself alone with Itachi, and dispelled his illusion. As the fog lifted, All Might blinked awake, startled to find himself alone with Itachi.

"Don't worry," Itachi said calmly. "No one noticed." His voice was low and reassuring, showing his respect for the hero's secret.

All Might, surprised but grateful, looked at him with a soft expression. "Thank you, young Yaoyorozu." His voice, though quiet, was filled with gratitude.

Itachi nodded, saying nothing more, and quickly returned to the battlefield just as the timer for the test ran out. He let out a quiet sigh, grateful to have protected All Might's secret without drawing attention to himself.

As the dust settled and the tension lifted, the announcement blared across the arena: "Time's up!" The test had come to an end, and with it, a wave of relief washed over the examinees.

As the test concluded, Yokumiru's voice echoed across the room, "The exam is over. Now, I will reveal the results." He pressed a button, and a leaderboard appeared on a large screen. Among the names displayed were: Itachi Yaoyorozu, Keigo Takami, Rumi Usagiyama, Yu Takeyama, Ryuko Tatsuma, Masaki Mizushima, Anan Kurose, Tensei Iida, Moe Kamiji, and Kaoruko Awata, along with other students.

Each one of them had passed the Provisional Hero License Exam.

Itachi looked down at his newly obtained license, his eyes narrowing as he thought to himself,Now I can finally stand beside her...A sense of quiet determination settled within him.

Keigo, standing beside him, grinned as he playfully bumped Itachi's shoulder. "Bro, you look cool in this!" He then smirked, adding, "But not as cool as me."

Itachi smiled faintly and replied, "Sure." There was a hint of amusement in his voice, but he was still focused on the task ahead.

Yu, standing nearby, raised her newly minted license high in the air. "Finally! I got it! Now I can become super famous and rich!"

Ryuko glanced at her, crossing her arms. "Is that all you're thinking about?"

Rumi, smirking confidently, added, "Now I can kick some villain ass."

Keigo, never one to miss an opportunity for a joke, teased, "You really like...assdon't you?"

Rumi shot him a glare, her eyes narrowing. "That was lame."

Keigo blinked, caught off guard. "What? Lame?You'relame!"

"What did you say?" Rumi's smirk widened, her eyes filled with mischief. "I'll kill you, bird boy."

Keigo stood his ground, grinning back. "I'll do the same, rabbit girl!"

Itachi sighed, his usual calm demeanor hiding the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "You two really are suited for each other," he muttered, amused by their banter.

"As if!" Keigo shot back.

Rumi huffed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, who'd like this weak bird?"

Keigo grinned wider, his feathers twitching. "Says someone who eats nothing but carrots."

Rumi's face flushed, her smirk faltering as she quickly turned defensive. "What did you say?"

Keigo, sensing victory, leaned in slightly, teasing, "You like to eat carrots."

Rumi, now visibly flustered but determined, shot back, "You also like bird food!"

Keigo's eyes widened, caught off guard by her comeback. Rumi smirked triumphantly, ready to keep the battle going.

Just as Keigo was about to retort, Itachi swiftly brought his hands down, lightly smacking both of them on the head. "Enough, you two," he said with a rare smile.

"Ow!" they both exclaimed in unison, rubbing their heads.

Itachi, still smiling, shook his head. "Okay, calm down."

Keigo and Rumi exchanged grins, their earlier tension fading into a moment of shared humor. "Alright, alright," they both said, their competitive spirits settling.

All Might, who had been observing from a distance, watched Itachi with a thoughtful expression. His smile broadened slightly, impressed by the young hero's presence and leadership.He's perfect,All Might thought, a sense of certainty filling him.

A little later, All Might excused himself, heading to the washroom. After a short while, he reappeared, no longer in his thin, frail form, but as the iconic, muscular Symbol of Peace. With long, confident strides, he made his way toward Itachi.

"Young Yaoyorozu," All Might's deep voice boomed as he stood before him, casting a large shadow over the room. "I need to talk to you."

Itachi looked at All Might—or rather,Toshinori Yagi—with deep contemplation. His Sharingan flickered slightly as he processed everything he'd just heard.

"I'll meet you outside," Itachi said to Keigo before turning to follow All Might. Keigo gave him a knowing smirk. "No problem, man," he replied, before walking off with the others.

As Itachi and All Might found a secluded spot, the Number One Hero shifted into his thin, frail form. His voice was softer now, vulnerable. "You've already seen me like this," Toshinori began, his eyes showing a flicker of gratitude. "Thank you for not saying anything."

Itachi nodded, his expression unreadable as always. "Someone told me to protect your identity. So, that's what I did."

Toshinori's brows furrowed in curiosity. "Who told you that?"

"It was a voice. A female one," Itachi said, recalling the mysterious message he had received earlier. All Might's eyes widened in realization, a quiet acknowledgment in his expression.

So... you too believe he's the right one, Master,Toshinori thought to himself.

Gathering his composure, Toshinori's tone became more serious. "I know what you're talking about," he said, locking eyes with Itachi. "I have an offer to make you. But first, let me answer a question that I'm sure has been on your mind."

Itachi tilted his head slightly, observing the shift in the conversation.

"You can call me Toshinori Yagi," the former Symbol of Peace said, offering his true name. Itachi gave a respectful nod in return. "Yagi-san, is this what your quirk has done to you? No one has seen you like this in public."

Toshinori sighed, lifting his shirt to reveal the deep scar running across his torso. "This injury," he said gravely, "was from my battle with a villain known as All For One. A fight that nearly ended me a year ago." He paused, watching Itachi's expression for any signs of recognition.

"All For One..." Itachi echoed, thinking about the unfamiliar name.

"Yes, a name you may not know," Toshinori said, lowering his shirt. "That battle left me with a ruptured stomach and limited my ability to use my quirk. I can only maintain my hero form for about three hours a day now."

Itachi's gaze didn't waver, but there was an undercurrent of concern beneath his calm demeanor.

"I was waiting for the right moment," Toshinori continued, "but after watching you during the exam, I think you might be the one. The one who can carry this burden."

Itachi raised an eyebrow, still unsure of what Toshinori was leading up to. "The one... for what?"

Toshinori's face became solemn, his eyes sharp with resolve. "What I'm about to tell you, young Yaoyorozu, is something you must not share with anyone."

Itachi nodded, sensing the gravity of the situation.

"My quirk is called One For All," Toshinori revealed. "It is a quirk that grants immense strength, but it is not like other quirks. It can be passed from one person to another. I am the eighth user of this quirk... and I want you to be the ninth."

Itachi's eyes widened in shock. The weight of Toshinori's words hung in the air. "You mean... you want to give me your quirk?"

Toshinori nodded, his face filled with sincerity. "Yes. This quirk was passed down to me by my predecessor, and now it's time for me to pass it on. I want you to be the next Symbol of Peace."

The revelation hit Itachi hard. His mind raced, trying to piece everything together.The voice I heard... the female voice… could it be connected to these past users of One For All?His eyes flickered in recognition as the pieces started to come together.

"So... the voice I heard," Itachi began, his voice steady, "was from one of the past users?"

Toshinori nodded with a knowing smile. "Yes. It seems the other One For All users have already chosen you."

The weight of the decision loomed over Itachi as he took a moment to process everything. He had come into this world with his quirk, his Sharingan, and his past burdens. Now, he was being offered something greater—something that could help him change the course of this world.

Toshinori's gaze was unwavering as he asked, "What do you think, Young Yaoyorozu? Will you accept this responsibility?"

Itachi looked at Toshinori, his expression calm yet thoughtful. "I am honored by your request," he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of respect. He paused for a moment before continuing, "But... I'm sorry. I can't accept it."

Toshinori's eyes widened in surprise. "Why not?" he asked, the confusion evident in his tone.

Itachi met his gaze steadily. "I want to become a hero on my own merit and through my own strength, not by borrowing a quirk from someone else."

For a moment, Toshinori stood in silence, processing Itachi's words. Then, a smile slowly formed on his face, filled with both admiration and understanding. "Deep down... I think I knew you would say that," Toshinori admitted, a trace of pride in his voice.

Itachi nodded, his face still solemn. "I'm sorry, Yagi-san."

Toshinori shook his head gently. "There's no need to apologize," he said kindly. "In fact, I respect your decision." His smile grew a little warmer, as if relieved that he had chosen the right person to entrust with such a difficult choice.

"But," Toshinori continued after a moment, his tone becoming more serious, "there's another offer I'd like to present. It's not just from me, though. There's someone else who's interested."

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, curious. "Who?"

"In America," Toshinori began, "there's a hero named Star and Stripe."

Itachi's eyes widened this time, recognizing the name immediately. "She's the World's Number One Hero," he said, almost in disbelief.

Toshinori nodded. "Yes, she is. And she specifically requested to have you as her intern. When the list of requests was sent out, you didn't choose her, but she hasn't forgotten about you."

Itachi was momentarily taken aback.The World's Number One Hero wants me for an internship?He took a breath, his mind working through the implications. After a long pause, he finally said, "I... I need some time to think."

Toshinori smiled, nodding in understanding. "Of course," he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small piece of paper. "Here's my number. If you decide you're interested, give me a call."

Itachi took the paper, glancing at it briefly before slipping it into his pocket. "Thank you, Yagi-san," he said, his tone respectful.

Toshinori smiled once more, his old, tired eyes twinkling with warmth. "You have a bright future ahead of you, Young man. Whatever decision you make, I believe in you."

With that, Toshinori turned and walked away, leaving Itachi standing in the quiet hallway, deep in thought. He stared down at the piece of paper for a moment, then tucked it away, his mind already weighing the next steps in his journey.

Itachi stood before his family, the warmth of their home contrasting with the steady excitement brewing inside him. As he entered, Yana, Momo, and his father, Takashi, were waiting eagerly.

"Did you get your hero license?" Yana asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Itachi smiled, a soft and proud look on his face, and pulled out his newly minted hero license. Yana's face lit up instantly, and without missing a beat, she wrapped him in a tight hug. "My baby is a hero now!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with pride and joy.

Momo, standing beside her, beamed with excitement. "My brother is a hero now!" she echoed, her eyes shining with admiration as she looked up at him.

Takashi, standing calmly at the back with his arms crossed, gave a proud nod. "You did great, son," he said in his usual steady voice.

Itachi smiled at his father, then gently patted Momo's head. "You'll be a hero in no time, Momo," he said softly, and her grin widened, full of determination.

Once the excitement settled, Itachi cleared his throat, feeling the weight of the news he was about to share. "Actually, there's more." His family's attention was on him again. "I've been given an incredible opportunity… All Might offered me an internship in America, with Star and Stripe."

Yana gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in disbelief. "America? With Star and Stripe?" She could hardly contain her excitement.

Takashi's usually composed expression softened with pride. "That's an honor, son. You've earned it."

Momo bounced in place, unable to hold back her excitement. "That's amazing, brother! You're going to be working with the strongest hero!"

Itachi chuckled at his little sister's enthusiasm, but his thoughts were interrupted when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—Kaina. His heart skipped a beat, but this time, it wasn't with dread. Excusing himself, he stepped aside to take the call.

"Hello, Kaina," Itachi greeted, his voice warm, yet curious.

Kaina's voice came through, soft and steady. "Hey, Itachi... I heard you passed your exam. Congratulations."

"Thank you," Itachi replied with a smile, "but that's not the only news. I wanted to tell you—I've been offered an internship... with Star and Stripe in America. All Might himself recommended me."

There was a pause on the other end, and though Kaina's tone remained cheerful, Itachi could sense a flicker of something hidden beneath it. "That's... that's really great, Itachi," she replied, though her voice trembled ever so slightly. "You deserve it."

Itachi's brow furrowed slightly. "Kaina... I was hoping we could work alongside each other. I wanted to be by your side, you know?"

There was another small pause, and though she laughed lightly, there was a weight behind her words. "You've always been so thoughtful, Itachi. But don't worry about me... You should focus on yourself. This is your moment."

Her words were kind, but something about them felt off to him. He couldn't shake the sense that she was hiding something. Still, he didn't press her. Instead, he softened his tone. "Kaina, I won't be gone forever. We'll have our chance to work together. I promise."

Kaina smiled through the phone, though Itachi could hear a faint trace of sadness she was trying to hide. "I know, Itachi. I'll be cheering for you from here."

"Thanks," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll check in when I can, alright?"

"Yeah," Kaina whispered. "I'd like that."

With a final exchange of goodbyes, the call ended. Itachi stood for a moment, staring at his phone, the weight of the conversation lingering. But this time, there was hope—hope for the future, for the dreams they both had yet to fulfill.

He returned to his family, who were still buzzing with excitement, and as Momo asked him endless questions about America, Itachi couldn't help but smile. His journey was just beginning.

Yana, who had been observing from a distance, approached with a gentle smile. "Itachi, what's that look on your face for?" she asked playfully, her motherly instinct kicking in as she moved closer.

Momo, never one to miss a beat, exchanged a mischievous glance with Takashi. "Brother, is that Kaina on the phone?" she asked with a teasing grin.

Itachi's stoic demeanor faltered, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "It wasn't like that," he said, shaking his head lightly.

"Oh, really?" Yana teased, raising an eyebrow. "Then why were you smiling when you saw her name pop up?"

Momo nodded in agreement, her grin growing wider. "Yeah! Come on, brother, we know you're head over heels for her."

Itachi leaned back in his chair, trying to suppress a smile but failing. "You two are relentless."

"Can you blame us?" Momo said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "We've never seen you this happy before. Kaina must be really special."

"She is," Itachi admitted, his smile softening. But there was that flicker of concern again, lingering in his chest. Why did she seem so distant on the call?

Yana noticed the brief change in his expression but chose to keep the conversation light. "Well, I hope you told her about your big news. You're going to America, after all!"

Itachi nodded. "I did. She said she's really happy for me."

"Of course, she is!" Momo said, bouncing on her feet. "Who wouldn't be? You're going to train with Star and Stripe! That's incredible."

Itachi smiled, feeling the excitement from his family lift some of the weight off his shoulders. "Yeah... it's an amazing opportunity. But I'll be back before you know it."

"You better be," Yana said playfully, crossing her arms. "We can't have you running off and forgetting about us."

"Never," Itachi replied with a grin.

Momo folded her arms, a teasing glint in her eyes. "And I bet Kaina will be counting the days until you come back too. You guys are practically inseparable."

Itachi chuckled again but said nothing, his mind briefly returning to that moment on the phone. Why did she sound so off? he wondered again. Maybe she's just tired. Or worried...

Before he could dwell on it further, Yana gently nudged him. "Don't worry too much, Itachi. If she seemed a little off, she's probably just missing you already. You two will have plenty of time together once you're back."

Momo nodded in agreement. "Exactly! And who knows? Maybe next time you two will be working side by side as heroes."

Itachi's smile returned fully at that thought. "Yeah... that's the plan."

Takashi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke. "You've got a lot ahead of you, son. But remember, we're always here for you."

Itachi gave a grateful nod. "Thanks. I'll make the most of this internship, and I'll be back before you know it. And Kaina... well, I'll figure out what's bothering her when the time comes."

Yana placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression warm and full of love. "You've grown so much, Itachi. We're all so proud of you."

Momo grinned and added, "Just don't forget to call Kaina while you're in America. I'm sure she'll miss you like crazy."

Itachi couldn't help but smile at his sister's teasing. "I won't forget."

With that, the atmosphere in the room lightened even more, and Itachi felt reassured. Whatever was bothering Kaina, they'd face it together. For now, he had an incredible opportunity ahead, and his family—and Kaina—would be there waiting for him when he returned.

The night had settled in, casting a cool, quiet stillness over the city. Kaina sat on the edge of her bed, her hands resting in her lap, gripping her phone tightly. The ache in her chest was familiar now, a constant reminder of what she had done, but this time, she focused on the reason behind her decision.

Staring out of the window, her mind replayed the conversation with Itachi—the pain in his voice, the confusion—but she knew, deep down, this was the only way. It wasn't what she wanted, but it was what needed to be done.

Her fingers traced the edges of her phone as she took a deep breath, willing the tears that threatened to fall to stay away. This wasn't the time for tears. She had made her choice, and she needed to stay strong. For his sake.

It's better this way, she thought, her gaze hardening with determination. He doesn't belong in this world of chaos. If he stays by my side, he could get caught in something far worse than heartbreak.

Kaina stood up, her back straightening as she moved toward the window, the cool air brushing against her skin. She could feel the danger lurking at the edges of her life, the constant threat that surrounded her every day. It was her burden to bear, not his. He had a bright future ahead—one filled with promise, hope, and the potential to become a great hero. That future didn't need to be weighed down by the darkness she carried.

He needs to leave, she told herself firmly, her heart clenching but her resolve unshaken. He needs to focus on becoming the hero he's meant to be. And I can't stand in the way of that.

As she gazed out at the quiet city below, a sense of calm began to settle over her. It wasn't the calm of relief, but of resolve. She had made her decision, and though it hurt, she knew it was right. She couldn't let Itachi be dragged into her world—the risks, the danger, the enemies that lurked in the shadows. It was better that he stay away, for his own safety.

Her fists clenched at her sides, the weight of her decision sinking in fully. I have to do this alone. If I can keep him safe by pushing him away, then that's what I'll do. She squared her shoulders, forcing the emotion out of her voice. He'll be safer without me.

Kaina's thoughts drifted to Itachi's future—his hero license, his internship with Star and Stripe in America. He'll be far away from all this. He'll thrive, she thought, a small, bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. And that's how it should be.

Pride swelled in her chest as she imagined him succeeding, growing stronger, and making a name for himself. She could picture him standing tall as the hero she knew he was destined to become. He'll be better off without me holding him back.

The pain still lingered, but it was overshadowed by the fierce determination to keep him safe. She had made the right choice. She had to face this storm alone, and it was better this way.

"It's better this way," she whispered to herself, her voice steady and calm. "He won't get caught up in my mess. He won't get hurt because of me."

With one last look out the window, Kaina turned away, her heart heavy but her resolve firm. She had a path to walk—a dangerous, lonely path—but she would walk it alone if it meant Itachi would be safe. It was the only way to protect him, even if it meant keeping him at a distance.

"I have to do this," she whispered, clenching her fists. "I have to keep him away... for his sake."

The night continued on, quiet and still, as Kaina steeled herself for the challenges ahead. She had chosen this path, and she would face whatever came her way, knowing that by doing so, she was keeping Itachi safe from harm.

Itachi slipped his hand into his pocket, feeling the small piece of paper with All Might's number crumple softly between his fingers. He pulled it out, staring at the numbers written on it. His mind buzzed with excitement as he thought of the opportunity awaiting him.

This is it, he thought, his heart racing with anticipation. All the hard work, all the training—it had led him to this moment. He dialed the number, feeling a surge of energy. After a few rings, All Might's familiar voice answered.

"Hello, who is this?"

"It's Itachi Yaoyorozu," Itachi said, his voice steady, but brimming with confidence.

There was a brief pause on the other end before All Might responded enthusiastically. "Ah, Young Yaoyorozu! I'm glad to hear from you. Does this mean you've made your decision?"

"Yes," Itachi replied firmly, his resolve shining through. "I've told my parents, and they've given me their full support. I'm ready for the internship with Star and Stripe."

All Might's voice brightened. "Excellent! You've made a wise choice, young Yaoyorozu. This will be an incredible learning experience for you, and I have no doubt you'll make the most of it."

Itachi's lips curled into a determined smile. "Thank you, Yagi-san. I'm ready to give it everything I have."

"That's the spirit!" All Might said with his usual enthusiasm. "We'll make the arrangements, and soon, you'll be on your way to America. Star and Stripe is eager to work with a promising hero like you."

The call ended shortly after, and Itachi lowered the phone, his heart filled with a sense of purpose. He took a deep breath, gazing up at the sky, the night air cool against his skin. There was a fire in his chest—a fire that refused to be dimmed. The path ahead was filled with challenges, but that only made him more determined to overcome them.

I'm ready, he thought. I'll train harder than ever, and I'll become the hero I've always dreamed of being.

As he stood there, his thoughts briefly drifted to Kaina. Though she wasn't by his side right now, he felt a quiet sense of peace knowing that their paths would cross again one day. I'll keep growing, keep moving forward. And when the time comes, I'll stand alongside her.

Itachi clenched his fists, his resolve strengthening. The future was bright, and he was ready to meet it head-on. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was prepared to face them with unwavering determination.

For now, his focus was clear—his journey as a hero was just beginning. But deep down, he knew that when the time was right, he and Kaina would stand side by side once more, stronger than ever.