Foundation of Strength

fter the intense training session, All Might noticed how exhausted Ryo was. But beyond the physical fatigue, he could see something deeper—an emotional weight that no amount of training could lift. All Might knew about the dark past Ryo had endured, the mental and physical abuse that had left scars not just on his body, but on his heart as well. It was time for some father-son bonding, something that could help heal those wounds.

As they walked back to the house, All Might suddenly stopped and turned to Ryo with a warm smile. "How about we take a little detour, Ryo? There's something I want to show you."

Ryo, still catching his breath, looked up at his father with curiosity. "What is it, Dad?"

"You'll see," All Might replied, his smile widening as he led Ryo towards a small path that wound around the side of the house and into a secluded part of the backyard.

They walked in silence for a few moments, the cool night air soothing Ryo's aching muscles. The path opened up to a small, serene garden, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. The garden was simple, with a few trees, a stone bench, and a small pond where the water reflected the stars above. It was a peaceful, almost magical place, a stark contrast to the intensity of their earlier training.

"This is my favorite spot," All Might said, sitting down on the stone bench and motioning for Ryo to join him. "Whenever I need to clear my mind or think things over, I come here. It's quiet, and it helps me find balance."

Ryo climbed onto the bench beside his father, feeling the cool stone beneath him. He looked around, taking in the tranquil surroundings. It was the first time he had seen this part of the backyard, and he could understand why his dad liked it so much.

"I thought we could just sit here for a bit, talk, and relax," All Might said, leaning back and gazing up at the sky. "Training is important, but so is taking care of what's inside here." He gently tapped his chest, over his heart.

Ryo nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure what his dad meant. He followed All Might's gaze, staring up at the stars that dotted the night sky. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the soft sounds of the night—the rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of crickets, and the gentle lapping of water in the pond.

After a while, All Might spoke again, his voice soft and reflective. "Ryo, I know life hasn't been easy for you. You've been through a lot for someone so young."

Ryo tensed slightly, his small hands curling into fists in his lap. He wasn't used to talking about his past, and it still hurt to think about it. But there was something in his father's voice that made him want to listen, to open up just a little.

"You've been strong, Ryo, stronger than most people your age could ever be," All Might continued. "But I want you to know that you don't have to carry that weight alone anymore. You're safe now, and I'm here to help you, not just to get stronger physically, but to heal inside too."

Ryo's eyes stung with the threat of tears, but he quickly blinked them away. He wasn't used to this kind of kindness, this gentle care. His father's words touched a part of him that had been locked away for so long.

"Do you… do you think I can really be strong, like you?" Ryo asked, his voice small and uncertain.

All Might looked at his son, his heart aching at the vulnerability in Ryo's eyes. He reached out and pulled Ryo into a gentle hug, wrapping his large arms around the small boy. "I know you can, Ryo," he said softly. "You're already stronger than you realize, and I'm going to help you grow even stronger, in every way. We'll do it together, step by step."

Ryo hesitated for a moment before leaning into the hug, resting his head against his father's chest. The steady, reassuring beat of All Might's heart was a comfort he hadn't realized he needed. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt truly safe.

They sat like that for a while, father and son, wrapped in a quiet, comforting embrace. The garden around them seemed to hold its breath, as if respecting the moment between them. Ryo closed his eyes, letting the warmth of his father's love seep into the cold, dark corners of his heart.

After a while, All Might gently pulled back, placing his hands on Ryo's shoulders and looking him in the eye. "You're my son, Ryo, and I'm proud of you. No matter what happens, no matter how tough things get, remember that you're never alone. I'm always here for you."

Ryo nodded, his heart swelling with a mixture of emotions—gratitude, relief, and a growing sense of hope. "Thank you, Dad," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly.

All Might smiled, wiping away a stray tear that had escaped down Ryo's cheek. "Now, how about we head inside? I think we both deserve some ice cream after today."

Ryo's calm face lit up at the mention of ice cream, the heaviness of the conversation lifting slightly. "Yeah, Can we have Vanilla?"

"Of course," All Might said with a laugh, standing up and offering his hand to Ryo. "Vanilla it is."

Ryo took his father's hand, feeling the strength and warmth in his grip. Together, they walked back to the house, leaving the serene garden behind. As they stepped inside, the light and warmth of their home welcomed them, a stark contrast to the darkness Ryo had once known.

That night, as they sat together on the couch, eating ice cream and laughing over silly jokes, Ryo felt a deep sense of contentment. It wasn't just the training that made him feel stronger—it was the bond he was building with his father, a bond that was healing the wounds of his past, one day at a time.

And in that moment, Ryo knew that with his father by his side, he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they would build a future brighter than any he had ever dared to dream.