Chapter 001 (The Gathering of Giants)

Four years before the events that would shape the future of hero society, the world was already teetering on the edge of transformation. In the heart of Musutafu, the Yukimura Estates hotel stood tall, an emblem of luxury and opulence. The building, with its shimmering glass facade and intricate designs, was a beacon of the Yukimura family's wealth—a dynasty renowned for their grand hotels spread across the globe. Tonight, the hotel was more than just a symbol of affluence; it was the venue for an exclusive gathering of the elite, meticulously orchestrated by none other than Principal Nezu of U.A. High School.

The grand ballroom was a masterpiece of architecture, with soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers that twinkled like stars, and walls adorned with exquisite art. The air hummed with the soft murmur of conversations, punctuated by the occasional clink of glasses. Waitstaff moved gracefully among the guests, offering trays of gourmet hors d'oeuvres and flutes of sparkling champagne. The crème de la crème of society—heroes, business magnates, and influential figures—mingled under the soft glow of the chandeliers, their discussions lively, each one laced with the weight of their responsibilities.

Among this gathering stood Aoi Yukimura, poised beside her mother, Sayuri Yukimura, the matriarch and proud owner of the Yukimura hotel chain. At just twelve years old, Aoi possessed a grace and composure beyond her years. Her long, white hair, tied elegantly behind her, shimmered under the lights, and her bright blue eyes took in the scene with quiet curiosity. Dressed in a formal kimono, she was the very picture of a young heiress, but her thoughts were far from the luxuries surrounding her. Tonight, she wasn't merely an observer; she was a student, absorbing the wisdom of the giants of society who had gathered in her home.

"Darling, you should go mingle with the other children," Sayuri suggested gently, her hand resting lightly on Aoi's shoulder. Her quirk, Dreamweaver, infused the atmosphere around her with a serene, almost otherworldly calm, turning even the grandest gatherings into intimate affairs.

"In a moment, Ma. I'd like to stay with Papa for a bit," Aoi replied with a small smile, her gaze drawn to a particular group of guests near the large windows that overlooked the city. Among them stood Principal Nezu, the chairman of the Hero Association, and a few prominent heroes, including Endeavor and Hawks.

Kaito Yukimura, tall and imposing with silver hair pulled back neatly, noticed his daughter's interest. He leaned down slightly, his voice calm and measured. "It's not often you get to hear such influential people speak freely, Aoi. Listen closely."

Aoi nodded, her attention fully captured by the conversation unfolding just a few feet away.

"I'm telling you, we're holding back," Endeavor's voice cut through the general hum of the room, his tone edged with frustration. The number two hero, known for his fiery quirk and relentless drive, wasn't one to mince words. "Villains are getting bolder, more dangerous. We can't afford to coddle them anymore."

Principal Nezu, barely half Endeavor's height, met his gaze with calm, intelligent eyes. "The role of a hero is to protect and preserve life," Nezu responded, his tone even and measured. "Killing goes against everything we stand for."

"But at what cost, Nezu?" Endeavor countered, his voice rising slightly. "How many more innocent lives need to be lost because we're too soft? Sometimes, the only way to protect the many is to eliminate the few."

The Hero Association chairman, a tall man with graying hair and sharp features, interjected, his voice smooth yet authoritative. "It's a delicate balance, Endeavor. We must consider the repercussions—not just morally, but legally and publicly. Heroes are symbols of hope. If we become executioners rather than protectors, we risk losing that trust."

Nezu's expression remained composed, but there was a glint of something more serious in his eyes. "The young heroes, our students, aren't ready to bear the burden of taking a life. That's too much weight on their shoulders. As for us, the pros, we must be cautious—remember what happened with RainbowPuke. We don't want history to repeat itself."

Hawks, hands casually in his pockets, chimed in with a wry smile. "It's not just about drawing a line. It's about maintaining trust. People look up to us not just for our strength, but for our judgment. If we start killing, we might win a few battles, but we could lose the war—the war for public confidence."

Endeavor's gaze hardened as he crossed his arms. "Even with All Might at the top, crime rates are rising. Villains are becoming more audacious because they know we're holding back. The public may see All Might as a symbol of peace, but to the villains, he's an obstacle to overcome. They're not afraid of us because they know we're restrained. It's naive."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before continuing. "And we can't keep relying on the E Squad to clean up our messes. They might have the authority to kill villains, but they're only a hundred strong. They can't be everywhere, and they can't always step in when a situation escalates. Heroes need to start making tougher judgments on the field. The villains aren't bound by our morals, and they're exploiting that. If we don't adapt, we'll keep losing ground."

A heavy silence fell over the group as the weight of Endeavor's words sank in. Nezu remained composed, though his expression grew more serious. "The world is indeed changing," Nezu said, his voice thoughtful. "As society grows, so does the complexity of our challenges. But history shows us that when power is unchecked, the line between hero and villain blurs. We cannot afford to lose sight of our principles."

"But what if holding onto those principles is what's holding us back?" Endeavor's voice was sharper now, almost accusatory. "What if the only way to truly protect society is to change how we fight? Villains don't play by our rules, and they're exploiting our hesitation. Sometimes, to change the future, we must change how we deal with the present—even if it means rewriting the rules."

The Hero Association chairman nodded slowly, contemplating Endeavor's words. "You're not entirely wrong, Endeavor. But it's a dangerous road. If we start down this path, there's no turning back. Every action we take sets a precedent for future generations. We must be certain we're ready to bear those consequences."

"I don't give a rat's ass about that," Endeavor's voice was low and simmering with unwavering resolve. "And you, Nezu, let's see if you maintain your stance when one of your precious students dies because they held back."

As the conversation shifted to other matters, Aoi found herself deep in thought. "I understand Nezu's hesitation, but if villains keep returning while heroes hesitate, it's a losing battle. Still, when I step onto the battlefield, none of this would matter... but I know I can't afford to be too complacent."

As the night wore on, Aoi quietly excused herself and made her way to one of the balconies. The cool night air brushed against her face, and she closed her eyes, letting the breeze clear her mind. Though young, she already felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her quirk, Ethereal Domain, was powerful—so powerful that it sometimes frightened her. But with power came responsibility, and Aoi knew she couldn't afford to be afraid. Not when so much was at stake.

She gazed out over the city, the lights twinkling like stars below. Somewhere out there, people were suffering because heroes couldn't be everywhere. "Change is coming, and I want to be at the forefront."