Chapter 3 - Here I Come Japan!

Chapter 3 - Here I Come Japan!

(A/N: My first fight scene. Hopefully it's good 🤞. Let me know what I can improve on!)

To have any chance in this duel, I had to completely ignore conventional hand to hand combat. Even with a boosted physique, I could never outpower my dad in his oni form. And all of the martial arts that I knew, I learned from him. So anything that I would use, he could easily counter. 

My bow was another option that wasn't viable at this distance. We were too close for me to get a proper shot off with a ranged weapon. So that left me only one option, being smart with my quirk, and my trusty kanabo. 

I raised it with both hands—

*SWOOSH*

Before bringing it straight down at full speed. 

My dad sidestepped to the left just enough to avoid the blunt weapon. So I spun clockwise in place, with my kanabo extended as if trying to score a home run. 

This time he was forced to block it with the back of his right arm, while he countered with his left. I jumped back as his fist collided with the floor-- 

*BOOM*!

--forming a small crater, and blowing dust up into the air.

Right after, I saw my dad rushing towards me for another strike, so I readied my kanabo horizontally in front of me. However as I watched him, he was there one second, but gone after I blinked. I quickly scanned the field for his life force to find where he was and—

"No you don't!" I yelled.

I turned around as swiftly as I could and barely managed to block his fist with both hands on each side of my weapon. My legs nearly buckled under the sheer force I had to hold up against. 

'This abusive father of mine went for my head the second he saw an opening!'

After parrying his fists to the side, I leapt back again while readying myself for another hellish punch of unrelenting force. 

We continued exchanging and parrying blows for a couple of minutes, almost like a dance of oppression. One fighter who was striking to break their opponent, and the other who was trying his best to defend without serious injuries.

"Haha! See! I told you dad was gonna win! You owe me ten dollars now!" Yuna said while poking Hana.

"Now now Yuna, the duel is not done yet, just keep watching", Mom said calmly. 

"But mom, he can only defend against dad", Hana questioned.

While Shaking her head my mom replied, "No no, he's choosing to focus on defense"

As the twins stared back with a hint of confusion, what they saw baffled them even more.

"Hmph. Seems like you've learned a new trick", my dad grunted as he looked around the training ground. In the vibrant green field of grass, there were noticeable footprint shaped patches of wilted plants littering the field. 

"Guess you caught on", I said as I charged, which caught him off guard. As I leapt into the air and attempted to strike him, he crossed his arms and blocked me again, not even leaving a bruise on him. 

But that wasn't what I was aiming for. 

As I landed, I leapt away from his incoming counter-strike, and turned around, "Remember the Ryuzai tree wood you guys bought?". 

My dad paused while he nodded.

I raised my foot and tapped the sole of my shoe.

*tak tak*

"Turns out they make pretty good shoes. That, and the fact I recently learned how to use living things as a secondary vessel for my quirk." 

(A/N:This will be better explained in a bit)

As I noticed small beads of sweat starting to form on his forehead, as well as his slightly shallow breathing, I decided now was the time.

I charged again, this time spending at least 10% of my life essence to power up Gaiea's Blessing. Once he was in range, I swung at my dad, channeling in all of the feelings of frustration and anger from his abuse— *cough* I mean 'training' methods. 

He mistakenly tried to block my strike. Thinking it would be like my normal ones. and when it made impact-

*BAM!*

-he wasn't expecting it to be such a strong blow. He tried to shift his body to lessen the blow, but his body didn't listen as quickly as it normally would have. 

When I saw his body limp a little, I dropped my weapon mid swing, withdrawing the life force I had just poured into it and instead used it to power myself up even more. 

I swiftly dropped to the floor, placed both hands on the ground, and basically transitioned to a mid handstand. Before my momentum ended, I thrusted myself up, and like a battering ram, I hammered my dad in the jaw with both of my legs fully extended. 

He was knocked back and almost toppled over, and as his split-lip started to bleed he looked at me in shock. 

Knowing I had just won the duel since I injured him, I grinned at my defeated father before he-

"HAH HAH HAH, that was impressive my boy! Very well done!" He laughed as he grinned. 

"Thanks dad. But I only got this strong since I knew I had to think of unique ways to fight opponents who were naturally stronger than me."

Dad: "So what did you figure out?"

I relaxed my life force and explained, "While you were fighting the whole time, using your stamina, I was always in peak condition since I was drawing in life force from the plants whenever I stepped on them. 

And like I said earlier, I can now draw in life force without having to physically touch it because I can use another living thing as a bridge for my own life force to go through. That's how I stole life force from the grass. By using my quirk through my feet and shoes."

"But that's not all,'' I said as I raised my kanabo, and my dads eyes opened in realization/admration. 

"I also stole your stamina whenever you made contact with my kanabo, which acted like my shoes. A secondary vessel for me to use my quirk."

And he blinked slowly as he took in my new, and frankly powerful, strategy. 

"Soooo…" I said while leaning forward towards my dad, both of my hands balancing on the handle of my weapon, shooting a mocking grin at him. "Still think I'm not strong enough to go to Japan alone?". 

My dad didn't even hesitate before bringing a fist down and hammering my skull.

"OW! Wha-! What was that for?!" I yelled in pain. 

"For acting smug about injuring your father" he confidently answered.

And before I could even protest, he ruffled my hair before he brought me in for a hug and said "You did good kid. You're stronger and more capable than I was at your age. I know eventually you'll be a great hero. But just remember, besides being a hero, you're also my son. So don't fault me for wanting to be sure you'll be safe. I'll always be protective over you."

"WE will always be protective" my mom corrected, before starting to pat at my dads split lip with a handkerchief. 

She and my sisters had walked towards us after I landed the blow on my father.

"Yaaaay! You did it Zayr!" Hana yelled as I embraced her in a hug, I also noticed her strangely holding a 10 dollar bill. 

I turned to look at Yuna and was greeted with her excitedly screaming and hyperactive jumping "Can you teach me how to fight?! I wanna know how to beat up dad too! He can't take away my toys if I can kick him like you! Can you? Can you? Pleeeeeeaase?"

As me and my mom made eye contact, we turned and looked at dad who seemed to doubt what exactly he was hearing. We all laughed at the future duels my dad would have to now endure against my sister. 

**********

The following day was my flight to Japan. Making sure I had packed my weapons, clothes, passport, and other essentials, I made my way to the front door where my entire family was waiting. 

"How does the mask fit?" my mom asked while my dad was silently inspecting it with his eyes.

As my hand slid across my mask, I replied "It fits like a glove. Well, a glove meant for my face, but you understand. It fits perfectly." 

My mask looked like a futuristic ninja/oni mask, matt black in color, with golden highlights. Its covering was made out of, as one could have guessed by now, Ryuzai wood. 

My favorite feature was probably that it let me show expressions with the mask on. It shifted forms depending on what I was portraying with my face. The faces were somewhat simplistic (like smiling, frowning, etc…), but it was better than nothing. It even let me turn off this feature if I ever wanted. 

A couple of months ago, after getting my kanabo made, I had asked my parents to commission a mask for me to wear while at U.A. to hide my identity. The reason was simple really, I wanted to protect my family, both my current and future one. 

(A/N: His identity about his name and stuff will be addressed later so don't start commenting about how just this wouldn't hide his identity).

There was no way in hell I would risk fighting against villains, villains like All for One especially, while exposing such a huge weakness. 

I know none of the villains from the anime ever targeted the students' families (at least from what I know), but that was with them exclusively. I was a completely new addition to the world, and I don't know how my story would end. 

So better safe than sorry. And if I ever wanted to, I could always take the mask off and show the world my real identity. 

Yuna who was staring at my mask suddenly exploded "WOOOOAHHH! Where'd you get that mask? You look super cool in it! Why do you have it? Mom, can I get a mask too?" Although Hana never said anything, she was promptly nodding to every question Yuna had asked with an equal amount of vigor. 

*honk honk!*

Before any of us could reply, we were interrupted by the car that had come to take me to the airport. 

"Well, guess that's me" I said as I turned back to look at my loving parents, and adorable sisters. 

I crouched down as I hugged both twins at the same time, "I'll miss you guys, and we'll definitely see each other again after I become the best hero in the world. And I expect you guys to be even cuter by the time I see you again."

Both hugged me with visible tears in their eyes.

"And Hana, make sure that Yuna doesn't annoy mom too much." To which she nodded in agreement.

And I promptly followed with, "But she's allowed to annoy dad though."

"Yay!/Hey!" The culprit and future victim yelled in unison, but Hana just nodded again.

I got up and my mother hugged me with her usual vice grip. As she held me as tightly as she could, she told me, "Make sure to stay safe, don't overdo the hero work. You're already a hero to us". 

Then she pushed me away at arms length and with a stern face said, "And I'm trusting you to not bring any girls over now that you're living alone".

I chuckled a bit, "I won't mom, I'll be too tired from training for any of that stuff anyways." 

'Goals before holes' I thought to myself.

I pounded my chest with my fist, " And don't worry mom, I'll be sure to make you proud. To the point where every other mother is jealous that you have a son like me. Because I know I would be jealous of myself for having a mom like you". 

She teared up at that, and kissed me on my cheek before we separated. 

Then I finally reached my father, the man who had saved me from my hellish orphanage, and helped me aim for a brighter future in this world. 

For a couple of seconds, we stared in silence at each other before he embraced me with one arm and slowly said, "I'll always be proud of you son, always remember that. Don't feel any unnecessary pressure as if there's a standard you need to keep. You'll always make this family proud." 

He paused again before continuing "And I know I've always reminded you of this through the years, but heroes are still humans. They're bound to make mistakes eventually, and that's okay. Everyone loses something or someone eventually. 

It's not a matter of how it happened, it's a matter of when it will. 

So no matter what, keep your back straight and chin up, and be prepared to face any hardships that come your way. Never get caught up with what could have happened if you acted differently. It's unbecoming if you grieve over a mistake you made."

Then he looked me straight in the eye and said-

"Because you can't save anyone as a hero, if you can't even save yourself."

"… "

"I… understand dad… and… thank you for everything" I whispered. 

Once he let go, he patted my shoulders saying "Well enough of this dim mood, you have a plane to catch". 

So I picked up my suitcase, said my goodbyes one more time to all of them, and walked towards the limo.

As I drove away from the house, I tried to focus on regaining my composure. I reminded myself that I would still see them during vacations and video phone calls. 

And whether I liked it or not, this was something I had to do because there wasn't any other way to affect the plot to entertain those 'beings'. Separating from them now, was the only way to be with them in the future.

So with that, I said goodbye to my family arc, and welcomed MHA season 1.

**********

Stepping out of the private plane-

"HELLOOOOO JAPAN!" I yelled with unmatched enthusiasm at the top of my lungs while stretching. I got a few weird looks from the flight attendants, but hey, come on, I've been traveling for 3 days straight. Give me a break. 

You'd think quirks would have helped technology grow in general in this world, like faster transportation. But it's basically the same in my old world. Expect maybe the weapons obviously. More destruction breeds more destruction after all. 

Nothing noticeable happened during my travels. Actually, I did see Mt. Lady drop-kicking a villain as the plane was landing. That was pretty cool to see. But other than that, nada. 

Once I got my luggage, I met up with some of my dads' work friends that lived here. Sadly, they didn't have any good stories about him for me to expose. Either that, or they were too scared of him to tell me. 

But I promised myself I'd find a way to find my dad's dark and embarrassing past. Everyone has one. 

After a short drive, they dropped me off in an apartment near the school. 

Zuhayr: "That should be good enough, thank you guys for your help, I'll be sure to let my parents know too". 

"It was our pleasure kiddo, we owe a lot to your dad. Just reach out to us if you need anything. We'll also make sure to occasionally check up on you through as well". 

We shook hands after that and then they left after closing the door, and leaving an empty and hollow silence in the room. 

*sigh~* 

I looked around the sad apartment, already missing the comfortable chaos and nostalgic smell from my house. 

'Well at least it can only get better from here. Plus I would get to customize everything to my liking.'

After some minimal organizing, I chose to sleep in early to get rid of the jet lag. I already used my quirk so my body was technically fine, but mentally I was tired. And I needed to be in top condition because tomorrow was the U.A entrance exam. 

As I dozed off, I wondered how the entrance exam tomorrow would go, and whether or not I would meet anyone I knew. 

But whatever happened, it would be the start of my journey.

**********

A month earlier…

"Well well well, how intriguing".

"What is it Nezu?" All Might asked as he watched U.A.'s principal read through some mail he had received. 

Setting down the letter, Nezu replied "Did you know that my predecessor had tried to recruit a student in the past."

"What!? No, I never knew. Who was the student that caused the principal to break the 'no recruitment' law between heroes and children?"

"Oh nonsense. He didn't break a law. This was over 30 years ago, before any such law was passed. Though if the law was enacted, he most likely would have broken it."

Nezu took a sip of his tea before continuing, "The student in question was still a teenager at the time, but he had quite the powerful quirk, one that turned him into a fearsome Oni. The previous principal saw great potential in it. Unfortunately however, the student turned down the offer and ended up moving to America. His name was Vander Ryker". 

"RYKER!? The same Ryker who owns 'Hero's Reserve'?"

"Oh? You know of him?"

All Might, nodding his head, explained "I've heard of them from my time in America. They're pretty big in the Hero support scene." And Yami raised his feeble eyebrow, "But why bring up the Rykers now?"

Nezu took another small sip of tea before setting the cup back down. "It turns out I have effortlessly one-upped my predecessor, because that man's son wishes to join U.A. 

In return for some of his sponsorship, Mr. Ryker requests I help him with any legal trouble that might arise from his son living here alone. As well as help hide his sons' identity and connection to his family."

"Really? That's a peculiar request. What's the boys' name?" All Might asked with interest.

"Zuhayr. And his quirk also seems to have immense potential like his fathers. The letter and accompanying medical records say it's 'Stamina manipulation', which allows him to manipulate his own or other living things' stamina reserves. But at the basic level he gains superhuman strength from using it".

Upon hearing this All Might leaned back and thought 'Young Midoriya, it seems you will meet formidable rivals in this school. 

Alongside Zuhayr, there's also the recommended students who can match pro heroes in potential. But I believe you'll overcome this! If you aim to be the Symbol of Peace, healthy competition like this will definitely spur your growth.'

As Nezu started to write out a reply, both teachers sat in silence, left to their own thoughts. Little did they know the great changes that would occur from accepting Zuhayr, both on the school and the students. 

A/N: MHA never mentioned if there was a previous principle before Nezu, so I just said there was. 

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