Chapter 9: A Shared Weight

Morning Reflection

The soft rays of dawn filtered through the towering windows of All Might's bedroom in Might Tower, illuminating the room in a golden glow. All Might sat up, his large hands running through his blond hair as he reached for his phone. His mind, as always, was already a storm of plans, regrets, and responsibilities.

Dialing Sir Nighteye, he leaned back against the headboard as the call connected.

"Yes, what is it?" came Nighteye's sharp voice on the other end, tinged with irritation from the early hour.

"How's the progress on All For One?" All Might asked, his tone calm but firm.

Nighteye sighed audibly. "Honestly, not much. The man's like a ghost. I've been combing through every lead, but they all run cold."

"Keep trying," All Might replied, his voice leaving no room for debate. "We need to know where he is before he moves again."

There was a pause before Nighteye added, "Leaving that aside, what were you thinking pulling that move at the press conference? Do you know how much you've stirred up?"

"I do," All Might said, his tone steely. "And I think it's time the public faces the fact that heroes aren't just rainbows and glitter. You'll understand in time."

Nighteye sighed heavily, the exasperation clear in his voice. "All Might, I hope you know what you're doing."

All Might's reply was simple: "I do."

Before Nighteye could argue further, All Might added, "There's something else. I want you to start gathering evidence against the HPSC."

"What?" Nighteye's voice rose sharply, laced with disbelief.

"You heard me. Evidence. Corruption, manipulation—anything you can find."

"All Might..." Nighteye's tone was shaky now, a rare crack in his usual composure. "I hope you truly understand the implications of this."

"I do," All Might said firmly. The call ended with a soft beep, leaving Nighteye to wrestle with his own doubts and the enormity of what had just been asked of him.

The HPSC's Countermeasures

Despite the public uproar surrounding All Might's press conference, the HPSC ensured that the more critical elements of his speech went unreported by the mainstream news. They leaned heavily on their influence, paying off media outlets and shifting narratives to control the damage.

Internally, the HPSC tightened its grip on hero society. New rules for younger heroes were quietly enforced—restrictions meant to stifle dissent and ensure loyalty. In closed meetings, officials discussed strategies to undermine All Might's authority.

"He's been in power too long," one executive muttered. "The people worship him like a god. That has to change."

They launched subtle campaigns to shift public opinion, pushing the narrative that no one hero could surpass the collective strength of hero society as a whole. Yet despite their efforts, the public remained steadfast in their idolization of All Might.

A Visit to the Shimura Family

Later that day, All Might visited the Shimura family in their spacious room at Might Tower. He was greeted enthusiastically by Hana and Tenko, who now affectionately called him Uncle Might.

"Uncle Might!" Hana exclaimed, tugging on his cape. "Did you bring more candies?"

All Might laughed, crouching down to ruffle her hair. "Of course! What kind of uncle would I be if I didn't?"

Tenko, quieter but equally excited, held up his hands, now safely gloved, and said, "Look, Uncle Might! I've been practicing with my quirk just like you said."

"That's great, Tenko," All Might said warmly. "Keep at it. You're going to be an amazing hero one day."

The genuine smiles he shared with the children came easily, his softer side emerging effortlessly around them. The joy in their eyes reminded him of why he had taken on this burden in the first place.

A Rooftop Encounter

As the day turned into evening, All Might moved through the city in his hero form, leaping from building to building as he patrolled the streets. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon, ever-watchful for danger.

As he landed on a rooftop, he noticed a lone figure standing near the edge. Lady Nagant.

He approached silently, landing behind her with practiced grace. She didn't flinch, as if she had been expecting him.

"Here again to choke me?" she quipped, a wry smile tugging at her lips.

All Might crossed his arms, slightly embarrassed. "Hey, at that time, I thought you were a villain."

Nagant chuckled softly, surprising him with a rare glimpse of her softer side. "Fair enough," she said.

She turned her gaze to the city below, her expression contemplative. "I know this is only the second time we've met, but I've been curious. What did you actually mean by those 'flaws' you mentioned at the press conference? Let's be honest—you probably lightened the blow for the public."

All Might joined her at the edge of the rooftop, sighing as he leaned against the railing. "Honestly? The problems aren't just with the HPSC or hero organizations—they're with heroes in general.

"Civilians rely too much on us. When something bad happens, they step back, believing a hero will solve it. It's dangerous. A society that depends entirely on heroes will always be fragile."

Nagant was taken aback by the raw truth in his words. She said nothing, letting the weight of his statement sink in.

"I'm not sure about the HPSC," All Might continued, his tone deliberate, "but I've noticed some... discrepancies in their statements and activities. It leads me to believe there might be corruption there. And with their power over society, even a little corruption can be fatal."

Nagant glanced at him, thinking to herself, You don't even know half the truth.

"I agree," she said aloud. "I've believed that for a long time. But unlike you, I don't have the influence or power to say those things and not be instantly silenced."

All Might grimaced, patting her on the back lightly. "I understand. But don't discredit yourself. You're a great hero."

Nagant's smile was faint, but her thoughts were heavy. Hero? No... I might as well be a villain.

All Might seemed to sense her internal conflict. "If it helps," he said gently, "remember that at the end of the day, we're all human."

As he spoke, his form began to shrink, reverting to his normal, civilian self. Nagant's eyes widened in shock.

"You..." she stammered. "You can transform? No wonder you disappear so easily when you're not doing hero work."

All Might chuckled. "I trust you'll keep this a secret."

Nagant was stunned by the ease with which he trusted her, even after their tense first encounter. "I... will," she said, her voice quiet.

All Might looked back out at the city, his expression contemplative. "As I was saying, even as the Symbol of Peace, I have moments where I wonder if carrying this burden is worth it. It's not physically exhausting for me, but it is mentally.

"Another problem with being at the top is that it gets lonely. People stop seeing you as a person and start treating you like a statue to worship."

Nagant turned toward him, surprised by his honesty. "Yeah... I can understand that," she said softly, her thoughts drifting to her own life. She knew that feeling well, though her burden was darker, bloodier.

The two stood in silence at the edge of the rooftop, the cool night air brushing past them as they gazed out at the peaceful city below. For a brief moment, the weight they carried felt a little lighter.

The chapter ended with Nagant stealing a glance at All Might, a quiet respect growing in her eyes.