Chapter 28: Chapter 28 — National Repercussions
Chapter 28 — National Repercussions
Aoi's press conference became the most talked-about event in Japan.
News channels replayed his speech over and over again.
Newspapers published front-page articles praising his maturity and vision.
And on social media, the phrase "the 9-year-old genius" trended — not as a meme or fleeting curiosity, but as a symbol of hope for the nation.
Hospitals, orphanages, and humanitarian organizations publicly applauded Aoi's company initiative. The promise of life-saving products offered at low prices — or even for free to those in need — felt like a breath of fresh air in a society exhausted by bureaucracy and profit-driven giants.
To the average citizen, Aoi wasn't just a genius — he was a child fighting for the right cause.
To the elites, he was a prodigy who had revolutionized an entire industry.
And even the harshest critics were silenced by the visible impact of his work in such a short time.
---
In a modest home, far from the spotlight, All Might sat comfortably on his couch, watching the replay of Aoi's presentation.
He smiled, arms crossed, pride shining in his eyes.
— So that's why Todoroki-shounen wanted to do it... I'm glad I helped him achieve this.
He chuckled softly.
— A true hero in the making… Could you be the one to inherit my power, Todoroki-shounen?
---
At the same time, in a tall building far from that warm living room, Endeavor sat alone in his private office.
The lights were dim.
The screen still showed Aoi standing on stage.
The logo of Todoroki Industries glowed in the background.
Endeavor remained silent.
His expression unreadable… but inside, a storm was raging.
Pride… and frustration.
Aoi had built something monumental. Something powerful. Something without his guidance — without even mentioning his name.
He had done it… alone.
---
Back at Rei Todoroki's house: Todoroki, Fuyumi, Natsuo, Shoto.
And Aoi, the reason for all this attention, simply leaned on the armrest of the couch, quiet and thoughtful.
As applause erupted from the screen, Rei quietly wiped a tear from her face.
— My son… you're changing the world.
There was no exaggeration in her voice.
No poetic tone.
Just the truth — spoken by a mother who had watched her son train, study, and bleed while other children played with their friends. And even after all that… here he was, stronger than ever.
---
But not everyone was just celebrating.
In a discreet, fortified government building in central Tokyo, high-ranking officials and cabinet members gathered for an emergency closed-door meeting.
The topic?
Aoi Todoroki.
— This boy isn't just a prodigy — said a suited official, hands behind his back. — He's a national strategic asset.
— We've never seen this level of intellectual compression… physical development… emotional stability — in a 9-year-old. And worse — or better — he's independent. He didn't rely on U.A., he didn't rely on his father, he didn't rely on any corporation. He built everything on his own.
They had already begun background checks, analyzing his academic progress, behavioral patterns, family ties — and of course, his connection to Endeavor.
The psychological profiles were revealing.
Aoi clearly avoided male authority figures, especially his father.
But he showed strong trust in female figures — particularly his mother, Rei, and his sisters.
He was highly analytical but emotionally connected. Pragmatic, yet driven by empathy.
A unique profile. A rare combination.
— If we want to protect this boy and encourage him to keep inventing things that benefit the country, we need to do it carefully. He's only 9 years old and already has these accomplishments — said a minister.
— No pressure. No military presence. He would notice. He would resist. He might even turn against us. We don't need more villains, so we have to be very cautious in how we approach him, to avoid any negative reaction.
And that's when the idea was born.
Not protection through force.
Protection through connection.
Through trust.
Through influence.
Through emotional proximity.
---
A plan was drawn up.
Instead of assigning secret agents or soldiers to protect Aoi, they would assign Pro Heroes — specifically heroines with clean reputations, balanced temperaments, and the potential to form meaningful bonds with him.
Not as mere bodyguards.
But as role models. As allies. As… companions.
The selected trio was carefully chosen:
▸ Mirko (Age: 18)
Impulsive. Energetic. Fierce in battle.
Her bluntness and strength would challenge Aoi's limits and help him grow physically.
▸ Ryuko Tatsuma (Age: 19)
Calm. Logical. Deeply compassionate.
She would bring balance to Aoi's volatile lifestyle, grounding his ambitions in steady discipline.
▸ Midnight (Age: 23)
Playful. Persuasive. Experienced with youth.
Her charm and maturity could help handle Aoi's rebellious tendencies without imposing rigid control.
---
The plan was simple — but strategic.
Introduce them subtly.
Let the relationship grow.
Let bonds evolve naturally.
No forced mentorships, but genuine connections.
Because if the greatest genius of this generation doesn't choose to build his future with Japan — if he ends up being lured away by promises or by other women — then Japan will lose a genius capable of advancing current technology and moving the country's economy forward.
---
But for now… Aoi knew nothing.
He was at home, laughing with Natsuo, helping Fuyumi set up lab equipment, and giving Shoto secret training advice.
He had no idea that, behind the scenes, the gears of an entire nation were turning.
He had no idea that three powerful heroines were about to enter his life — not as casual visitors, but as part of a national directive.
---
The world had taken notice of him.
And the world was preparing to approach.
But Aoi… was just getting started.
---