Turning 10 years old

_____[ POV: Ryuji ]_____

It's been 10 years since I found myself in this world of heroes, and honestly, I'm more used to and better understanding the overall view of society here. Time has flown by, way too fast even, but one thing is certain: I've managed to get Izuku to open up a bit more. The kid is no longer that soft pillow who only knew how to cry in the corners. Now, he's even got a bit more confidence and courage, which saves me from having to hear him whining all the time around me.

He ended up clinging to me so much that it seems like I'm the sun in his little life.

Well, technically, I'm a guy who has the power of a million suns, but let's put that aside.

Every single day, Izuku is at my house, calling me his best friend. That has its upsides, but I admit that at first, it was a pain. Now, I've gotten used to it over time. It's also good to have someone helping me keep up this facade of being a little boy.

Meanwhile, Lucifer has been a huge help. Besides being my lookout and information gatherer, the bastard managed to create a company that blew up in Japan and even overseas. Of course, all of this as a front, while he takes a good chunk of the economy and gains political influence. A true corporate demon, but with a hint of charm, if you can call it that.

The secret to all this success? Me. Proudly, I gave him what this world needed: manga and comics. I remembered thousands that I read in my past life and handed them all to him. One Piece, Dragon Ball, Action Comics #1, Akira, The Amazing Spiderman, Batman, One Punch Man, Sailor Moon, and so many others. Not to mention the concepts of games and consoles that I also passed on. He even said that the information I gave is an endless source of money. For him, it was like winning the lottery repeatedly. And, of course, I'm going to reap the rewards of that.

But my grand thoughts are interrupted by a familiar and affectionate voice. "Ryuji, dear, blow out the candles on the cake!" My mom calls me, all excited, to blow out the candles on the cake that's in front of me. Damn, that's right, today is my 10th birthday. I didn't even realize I was so lost in thought.

Even though I thought all this in 0.000000027 seconds, I still feel bad for keeping my dear mother waiting.

I smile innocently and blow out the candles, pretending all the excitement of a happy child. Everyone else claps and congratulates me.

I hug my mom, keeping my image of a cute boy intact. She pats my head and thanks me for the affection, while I look around, seeing everyone wishing me the best and a healthy life. But my attention pauses for a moment on Mitsuki Bakugo... this woman is really beautiful up close, I'd be hitting on her if I had an adult body right now. That beauty was not exaggerated at all in the anime.

Izuku comes up to me, with a goofy smile. "Happy birthday, Ryuji! Finally ten years old!" He says, with that awkward excitement.

I forced a smile. "Thanks, Izuku. Finally caught up to you." It was a bit of a surprise when I found out that Izuku and Bakugo are older than me by a few months.

Then, Bakugo approaches, with that arrogant smirk he always has.

"So, Blondie, looks like you finally hit ten years old, huh? But it doesn't matter, I'm still the oldest among the three of us, so you two should respect me!" He brags, as if being the oldest really mattered.

I can't help the sarcasm that slips out. "Being the oldest won't make a difference if you keep being an explosive idiot."

Izuku tries to hold back his laughter, nearly losing his breath, while Bakugo turns red with anger. He tries to attack me, but before he can get close, Mitsuki steps in.

She gives her son a smack on the head. "Katsuki, stop bothering the birthday boy! And learn to behave, brat!"

Bakugo complains, rubbing his head where he got smacked.

"You need to learn to respect others, Katsuki. And especially on their birthday!"

Observing the scene, I couldn't help but crack a slight smile. Watching Bakugo rubbing his head while Mitsuki was clearly frustrated with his behavior was almost a pastime for me. This wasn't the first time I'd seen Kacchan acting like a spoiled brat, and it definitely wouldn't be the last.

"Mitsuki-obasan, please," I interrupted, maintaining the calm and polite demeanor I'd learned to use to avoid suspicion. "You don't need to worry so much. It's more my fault; I made a joke with Kacchan, and he was just responding."

She looked at me in surprise, her eyes softening as she processed what I said. "As polite as ever, Ryuji. If Katsuki had half your attitude, I'd be the happiest mother in the world."

I smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, Mitsuki-obasan. But if you'd like, I can help Kacchan improve his behavior. We don't want stress to take away from how beautiful you are."

Mitsuki blinked in surprise, and I saw a smile slowly forming on her lips as she processed my comment. She chuckled softly, a bit awkwardly, making me realize I might have overdone it. There you go, Ryuji, another reminder: you're not in your thirties here, damn it! You're just a ten-year-old kid, at least in body. Hold that charm back!

"Ah, you're making me blush," she said, still laughing. "Aiko-san must have taught you well to be so kind and polite to the ladies. I'm sure many girls will fall for your charm, besides being such a cute and handsome child."

I kept smiling as Mitsuki leaned down to pat my head, probably grateful for the compliment.

And looking to the side, I saw Bakugo with a dumbfounded expression as he watched his mom gently patting my head. I had forgotten he was still here.

You're lucky I'm in this kid's body, because by now, you'd be calling me daddy if I wasn't.

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When night finally fell, everyone began to say their goodbyes and leave. Izuku was the last to go, as always, hugging me with that childlike joy he carries with him. I returned the hug, trying not to let my exhaustion show.

"See you tomorrow, Ryuji!" he said with a smile before leaving, hand in hand with his mother. Inko-san gave me a warm smile, waving to my mother before departing.

My mother closed the door behind them and turned to me with that loving look she always has. "Do you want a snack before heading to your room, sweetheart?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm tired. I'll go upstairs and rest a bit."

She smiled, bending down to kiss my forehead. "Goodnight, Ryuji. And congratulations once again."

"Goodnight, Mom," I replied, returning the affection before heading upstairs. Each step felt heavier than usual, but maybe that was just the mental fatigue taking over.

When I reached my room, I collapsed onto the bed, sinking into the mattress. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting out a heavy sigh. Dealing with the kids today was mentally exhausting, not unlike other birthdays. It just didn't surpass my fourth birthday… that one was a nightmare on its own.

But that was in the past. I closed my eyes, concentrating, letting my mind expand. The sensation was always the same, as if my consciousness was traveling through various places at once, picking up thoughts, echoes of distant conversations. Until I finally stopped at a specific location.

"Lucifer, are you listening?" I thought, knowing he would hear even before getting a response.

"Yes, Master. I am at your disposal," his voice echoed clearly in my mind, as if he were right next to me.

"Give me a detailed report of everything you've done," I requested, keeping a commanding tone but not neglecting the respect he deserved.

"Immediately, Master," Lucifer replied before beginning to recount the information. He talked about the company's movements, the ever-increasing profits, the expansion in the corporate economy, and the growing influence we had. Everything was going according to plan, but one thing in particular caught my attention.

"The Neo Heroes Project is almost complete. We just need to finalize some paperwork and summon the heroine destined to lead the agency," he reported, and I felt a spark of curiosity.

"What's the current status of Kaina Tsutsumi?" I asked, focusing on the name that had crossed my mind several times in recent months.

"The influence of the heroine Lady Nagant has increased considerably," Lucifer replied without hesitation. "The Hero Public Safety Commission hasn't set their sights on her yet, and I've already cleared the path. She's ready to be recruited."

I gave a satisfied smile. "Good work, Lucifer. Follow the plan and do everything possible to put her as the leader of Neo Heroes."

"Understood, Master. I'll proceed as quickly as possible." He paused before continuing, "But before we conclude, Esunami wants to speak with you."

I opened my eyes, frowning. Ah, of course. It had to be her. I got out of bed and sat on the edge, feeling the exhaustion hit me again. "Got it, Lucifer. I'll talk to her," I muttered, ending the telepathic link.

I sighed, why the hell I created her...

Esunami was a creation of mine shortly after I brought Lucifer to life. At that time, I was in the mood to try something different. While Lucifer was all about focus and strategy, I decided to create a woman to spice things up. Esunami is a nine-tailed kitsune, but of course, I gave her a special touch. Instead of nine tails, she has a single gigantic tail, which is almost comically large.

She has dark skin that contrasts with her pure white hair. Her hair is short but has a light blue tint at the tips, giving it a somewhat mystical effect. Her fox ears are white, and she always seems to have her eyes closed with a gentle smile on her face, but from time to time, she opens her pupil-less blue eyes, which can be either unsettling or sensual.

Her build is... well, let's just say she's a very tall, curvaceous, and voluptuous MILF. She has large breasts and a striking presence that doesn't go unnoticed. Oh, and she is always accompanied by three hitodama—those blue will-o'-the-wisps that add an ethereal touch to her.

In short, it was like creating a female character in an RPG and ending up making her as sexy as possible.

My mistake was that I was too horny at the moment and ended up giving her the personalities I found most erotic.

Before I could continue, I heard a sweet voice echo in my head. Ah, right, it was her. Esu, with the subtlety of a hurricane, had already established the telepathic link before I even had the chance.

"Hanii~. I've missed you so much, darling~ How has my dear been?" Her voice dripped with a sweetness that could fool anyone, but to me, it only meant she was about to rope me into another one of her games.

I sighed again, this time more deeply. "I'm... a bit tired, yeah. I had to deal with a bunch of kids today. It was mentally exhausting," I replied, trying to fend off the flood of emotions she always brought with her.

"Ara~ Kids, huh? What a cute thing~ Why don't you come to my Nine & Tails Inn? We could relax togetherin the hot springs... I could take care of all your stress, you know? With my special services~," she suggested, and I could almost see the mischievous smile on her face.

Nine & Tails Inn...

Esu founded that place about a year ago. A top-tier hot spring ryokan, which became a famous tourist spot in record time. The quality of the services was impeccable, and the architecture of the place was simply stunning. I had been there once with my mom, but… well, once was enough. Esu almost caused a disaster during that visit.

Let's just say it would have been... controversial...

"Why don't you have time to come to the Nine & Tails Inn?" Esu insisted, pulling me back to the conversation. "You always say you're busy with work, but this is the thirty-fourth time you've given me that excuse, dear. Do you hate your beloved Esu?" She pretended to cry, and I knew it was fake, but it still made me uncomfortable.

"It's not that," I replied awkwardly, trying to dodge. But Esu wouldn't let it slide.

"So, is it because of that incident, right? When I invaded your space and your mom's? Ara~ I was a bad girl, wasn't I?"

"Okay, okay, fine!" I cut her off before she could start recounting more embarrassing details. "I'll go, but only next week, and only if I have time."

Suddenly, her mood changed completely. "Thank you, Hanii~! I'll prepare everything especially for you~" Her voice was filled with a loving happiness that only made me question my past decisions even more.

I sighed, cursing myself mentally. I don't hate her, really, but she makes me ashamed of my past. Esu is the living reminder of my immaturity, the proof that I really should have thought more with my head instead of with my dick.

But I must thank her for taking my virginity in the best way. After all, I'm not a Japanese MC.

I set those thoughts aside as soon as my telepathy picked up a faint, childish voice—no, several voices.

But my thoughts are interrupted as soon as my telepathy picks up a weak and childlike voice—no, there were several.

Finally, something to loosen me up a bit.

_____[ POV: Third person ]_____

The night was cold and dark at the docks, a place where the silence was only interrupted by the occasional sound of containers being unloaded from a ship. The men present, all villains, were busy with the heavy work, their faces hidden by the shadows of the night. Some were on guard, watching around with a tense vigilance.

One of the containers was finally opened, revealing a group of frightened and terrified children. The man who had opened the container, with a stern look, turned to the other man beside him, who was dressed in an elegant suit and had a falcon's head. The falcon-headed man looked at the children with an impassive expression.

"All here for you," said the first man, his voice rough. "I hope your buyer will be pleased."

The falcon-headed man, with a cold and calculating smile, thanked him for the job. "I'm sure he will be more than satisfied," he replied, as his gaze shifted to the suited man, who was already holding his phone in hand.

The suited man began to perform some actions on his phone and soon received a notification. He looked at the screen and confirmed that a large sum of money had been deposited into his account. He smiled, satisfied with the payment.

The falcon-headed man signaled to his henchmen, indicating that they should start loading the children into the trucks. "I've added a bonus for the cargo arriving without any damage. Now, let's proceed," he said authoritatively, as he walked to supervise the process.

Meanwhile, someone atop a container was keeping watch at the site. His face was bored and his gaze uninterested. He muttered to himself, "Things are way too quiet. I don't see any heroes or even the police around. What a drag, I could use a bit of action."

Bolt, a villain hired as a bodyguard, with his youthful appearance and a quirk related to electricity and thunder, was known for his passion for fighting. His cyan eyes gleamed under his thick eyebrows and disheveled bangs. He wore simple white clothes, including a large cloak with a crumpled collar, and his sleeves were rolled up to show his forearms wrapped in bandages. He was a high-ranking villain, famous for his inclination to fight the strongest opponents. His actions were not driven by theft or petty crimes, but by an incessant quest for combat challenges. The law of the strongest was his motto, and he always sought to fight powerful foes to become even stronger.

Bolt, however, was frustrated with the lack of battles in recent months. His thoughts turned to wanting to face some famous heroic figure, wishing for someone to appear and provide the thrill he craved.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when a strange music started playing over the dock's speakers. It was a loud and enigmatic melody that echoed through the air, causing confusion among those present.

Bolt, intrigued and visibly interested, got up from the empty container he was sitting on and jumped to the ground. "Looks like something is finally about to happen," he murmured to himself, a glint of excitement in his eyes.

Before he could prepare for whatever was coming, something tore through the air and landed with a crash in the empty container behind Bolt. The shock was so sudden and powerful that everyone present was stunned. Intense green energy enveloped the area, and the crumpled container was now filled with a mysterious aura.

Bolt turned to the impact site and watched as the crumpled container disintegrated, revealing a strange man. He had dyed pink hair, wore a black jacket and white pants, and his body was surrounded by a glowing green aura.

The strange man took a deep breath and, with an imposing voice, shouted for everyone to prepare. "Get ready, because the Jackpot Vigilante just entered the scene!"

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(A/N: Hello again! Sorry for the delay in updating you all; it's hard when there's work to be done. I worked on this chapter bit by bit during the weekdays, so you might notice that I rushed the production a bit. Regarding Esunami, she's a new OC, but don't take her as an official waifu for the MC. I have other plans for her, and I think it's better to use existing characters from the work to create a romantic relationship with the MC. For those of you who have been around for a while, I should mention that I'll unfortunately have to let go of the old waifu. The reason is that she's difficult to develop due to the very little information available about her, and many readers wouldn't like her, so it would be hard to develop her to the point where everyone would be satisfied. Therefore, I'll have to choose another character, and no, I won't be choosing Momo or Nejire. Momo is used in almost 80% of MHA fanfics, and I want to do something different. Anyway, I'll leave it here. See you in the next update!)