My hero academia:Am I worthy?

In awe of her idol, Nejire looked at her hands, where energy coalesced, glowing a vibrant yellow. Her quirk was powerful, and she was not timid, but behind every quirk stands a person who controls it. The direction of her character and worldview determined who she could be. Unfortunately, many mistakenly judge quirks based on the people who possess them. Some were seen as mutants due to their mutations, others were labeled heroes for their powerful quirks, while some were assigned to villains based on horrific quirks that did not align with humane society. All of this was superficial judgment, but society always feared what it did not understand or had never seen before, creating new enemies. Nejire understood that she had great power, but she would not trample over others like her mother, Yoshiko. She had a different role model—her father, the Dragon Hero Ryukyu, and Izuku, who believed in her and supported her wholeheartedly. She had no doubt in her ability to become a hero, but like any novice, she needed experience in heroism, which she would take her first step into alongside Izuku. Nejire saw the society around her, and the hatred directed at Midoriya for being quirkless proved to her that there was not only discrimination against the quirkless but also against metamorphs, who were treated superficially without suspicion of their essence as human beings. However, the woman in front of Nejire firmly proved that even metamorphs could become heroes despite a biased society. So how were the quirkless different from them when they were deprived of power?

Nejire clenched her fists, feeling her energy pulse in response to her will. Her gaze was fixed on the future, but her thoughts still drifted back to the past—how unfairly the world treated those who did not fit within its narrow confines. She pondered: if mutants were once not seen as equals, but over time heroes emerged among them who proved their worth, could quirkless individuals do the same? It was just that until now, no one had found someone to become a symbol of their strength and unbreakable spirit.

"Izuku..." she whispered, recalling his determination. He was not weak, as others considered him. He was stronger than many because he continued to move forward, even when society was against him.

Nejire understood: she had great power, but what good was it if it was not directed towards protecting those who genuinely needed help? Not in showy rescues for the cameras, but in real actions that change people's destinies. She took a deep breath, allowing her thoughts to calm. Ahead of her lay trials, but now she was certain: she would not simply walk the path of a hero—she would carve her own path, as bright and free as she wanted Izuku to see it.

Her father's example proved to her that even the weakest quirk could help people. Tadao had a pile of awards for saving lives and numerous medals that hung in his room for preserving peace on the streets of Hoshū. He was a respected man in Nejire's eyes; she took the best from him but did not want to be a carbon copy. She had her own path to tread for the sake of a just society without prejudice, but to achieve this, she would need to become not only physically strong but morally as well.

"Shine brighter than any fire, Nejire-chan! Don't let your doubts consume you!" Ryukyu encouraged with a smile, standing tall as she watched Nejire's determination, which was reflected in her serious expression.

"I promise, Ryukyu-san, I won't let you down!" Tadao nodded at his daughter's words, feeling pride for her drive to become a new pillar for the people. He would need to talk to her as soon as they got home.

"Keep it up, Nejire, and you'll succeed." To Ryukyu's surprise, the energetic quirk user suddenly dashed towards Tadao, who lowered his head so she could share something important with him. Upon hearing Nejire's desire, Tadao smiled broadly, handing her the car keys and bags of groceries. With swift speed, Nejire ran towards the car, leaving them alone.

"You have a wonderful daughter, Tadao," Ryukyu said, looking at Tadao, whose expression shifted from friendly to more serious.

"Thank you, Ryukyu. As you can see, she picked an idol that suits her," Tadao chuckled, touching her shoulder, which made her remove his hand with a cheeky smile.

"Thanks for the compliment, but how's your work going? Any progress?" The conversation turned serious as soon as she mentioned work, but Tadao groaned, realizing who she wanted to discuss.

"Still no changes, Ryukyu, but from Tsukaichi's report, I found out that Silent Phantom is hunting down criminal leaders. Recently, he staged a massacre in one of the warehouses outside the city, where a man named Tokamura Senji was brutally killed, his eyeballs gouged out." Hearing this information from Tadao, Ryukyu was slightly shocked but not surprised. What he had displayed on the bridge in Mustang proved to her that he was not afraid to get his hands dirty.

"What about the others? Were there any other casualties, like civilians?" The street was still bustling with the sounds of cars, but as Tadao began to speak, the surrounding world quieted before his words.

"No, only one person was killed; the other gang members were severely injured and are in the hospital. All 58 gangsters were neutralized and incapacitated by him, and now most of them are in intensive care with broken ribs, legs, and arms." Tadao exhaled deeply, sharing the results of the data sent to him by Naomasa from Mustafu. Not only was he trying to catch him, but Tadao was also categorically against such a rogue avenger. His intentions were noble, and numerous witnesses testified that he protected them from threats, but how he enacted his justice did not sit well with law enforcement. He would not have taken this case if it weren't for his harsh measures against villains. Although Mustang was a prosperous city, it was the birthplace of criminal families that had become legal but were still dangerous beyond the law.

"Wow! Are you saying that these 58 heavily armed men lost to one avenger?" Expressing her indignation, Ryukyu snorted but remained calm, like a serpent.

"You wouldn't believe it, but yes. And that's not even the most interesting part." Making a dramatic pause, Ryukyu began to listen to him with interest.

"The leader of that gang was captured by him and handed over to the police. He managed not only on his own but also helped us catch him. According to the criminal, he interrogated him and learned many interesting details about the criminal families in Mustang." Tadao looked towards the car, where Nejire was putting away the groceries, but his attention was caught by Ryukyu's voice.

"Not bad; at least he did your job for you," she teased Tadao, who laughed but raised an eyebrow at her.

"What do you think we're doing, Ryukyu? Sitting in offices, munching donuts, and sipping coffee while watching police chronicles?" Tadao looked at his work partner with indignation as she adjusted her hairstyle.

"Something like that, but at least he gets your job done much faster than you do and doesn't coddle them," Ryukyu raised an eyebrow and bared her fangs, smiling towards Nejire.

"I don't get it; are you taking a liking to him?"

"Why do you think I like him? I admire that he does his job much faster than most heroes, but his methods do not thrill me either. If I have to participate in operations to catch him, I will do so without regret." Tadao pinched his nose to ease the migraine and looked down, trying to hide the quiet pain from her words.

"Is something wrong?" Ryukyu asked, to which Tadao lifted his gaze and sat on the hood of her car.

"You know as well as I do that we have to face bureaucracy just as much as you do, if not more. To gather people and relay information to police stations and other agencies, not to mention that we are under surveillance from higher authorities—that's your answer as to why we do our work slower than Silent Phantom." Tadao sighed wearily and rubbed his nose, feeling the growing irritation. He had long grown accustomed to the bureaucratic hell he had to work in, but every time he faced its consequences, he could not contain his dissatisfaction.

"We spend weeks on getting a warrant approved, even if we have irrefutable evidence. Sometimes we have to sit on our hands, knowing where criminals are hiding but not having the right to arrest them until all checks have been completed," his voice was filled with bitterness. "And if we make a mistake in even one point of the report, the case can be closed before it ever reaches court." Ryukyu crossed her arms over her chest, listening to him intently.

"And you want to say that Silent Phantom simply skips this stage?" She squinted but continued to observe Tadao's tired face.

"He acts without permission, without paperwork, without oversight. He does what he thinks is right, and no one can stop him." Ryukyu was also buried in paperwork, but there were accountants and staff to handle that task. But police work was filled with details, and one mistake meant a complete redo, which delayed the process even further.

"Exactly," Tadao looked at her seriously.

"He is unbound by laws, not tied by obligations. He is a sniper who hits the target; we are an army that first needs to get orders, pass a bunch of approvals, and only then deploy for the mission." Ryukyu nodded thoughtfully, but there was concern in her eyes.

"But you understand that this is dangerous, right?" She leaned in a bit closer, looking into his acrylic eyes.

"If we justify his actions, we admit that the law does not work. That people need someone to solve problems with fists, not through consequences. If society accepts this... then heroes will no longer be needed." Tadao bitterly smirked, rubbing his eyes.

"And are you sure that heroes, in the form they exist now, are even needed?" He glanced towards the street, where people were passing by peacefully, completely unaware of the dark forces lurking behind the beautiful facades of buildings.

"Look at what heroism has turned into. Showy performances, ratings, advertisements, contracts. For most, it has become a business." Ryukyu watched him silently, understanding what he was talking about. The law forced them to become exemplary figures for the youth, luring them into this. Although not everyone aspired to this, most were consumed by the power that this profession provided.

"I'm not saying everyone is like that," he continued, "but the system is rotten."

"It protects those who bring profit, not those who genuinely need protection. While we are approving paperwork, someone is dying. While we wait for a warrant, someone's life is turned into a nightmare. Silent Phantom simply threw bureaucracy in the trash and started acting."

"And you think he is right?" A hint of doubt crept into Ryukyu's voice. Tadao sighed heavily and looked at her serious face.

"I believe he is doing what we cannot," he finally replied. "And that infuriates me. Because he achieves results, while we... we just watch someone else do our job. While we should be doing our job as efficiently as he does, or even better." A heavy silence fell. Ryukyu could not argue. She knew Tadao was right. But to admit that... meant acknowledging that their society was indeed crumbling due to Silent Phantom's actions.

Their conversation could have lasted longer if they had not noticed the fast-approaching footsteps, symbolizing Nejire's steps, and Tadao conspicuously coughed to hint that she should not mention their conversation to her daughter. Nejire, glowing with joy, quickly approached them, holding a small box adorned with Ryukyu's agency emblems. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and a smile played on her face that was impossible to hide.

"Ryukyu-san!" she exclaimed excitedly, extending the box forward. Ryukyu raised an eyebrow, curiously examining her fan's find. The box looked old but well-preserved, and on its surface was a slightly worn but still recognizable dragon symbol.

"This is..." the dragon heroine paused for a moment but then laughed. "Wow, Nejire, where did you dig this up?" It was a very old figurine that had been released as merchandise when she debuted. Back then, Nejire was still friends with Izuku, and like any child, she wanted to obtain the figurine, but due to financial issues, Tadao could not afford it because of his divorce from Yoshiko. But Izuku fulfilled her wish, gifting it to her on her birthday. She had cherished it dearly and was lucky to have decided to bring the box with her.

"It's a gift from my best friend," the girl proudly declared, opening the box to show its contents. Inside lay an old but well-made figurine of Ryukyu in her first heroic form.

"I'm grateful to him for this," Ryukyu shook her head in disbelief, but a slight smile played on her lips.

"It's hard to believe that someone still remembers these figurines..." She picked up the statuette, carefully turning it in her hands. "I wore this costume in the early years of my career. I thought all of this had faded away."

"But it hasn't faded!" Nejire replied enthusiastically. "For me, this is an entire era! You inspired so many people, including me!" Tadao, observing their conversation, could only smile, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Seems like you have real fans, Ryukyu," Tadao teased, to which Ryukyu shot him a mock glare.

"Of course!" Nejire declared proudly. "That's why I wanted to ask..." she hesitated a bit, then pulled out a black marker from her pocket and handed it to Ryukyu. "Could you leave an autograph?" Ryukyu was momentarily surprised but then smiled broadly.

"Of course, Nejire," she accepted the marker and, finding a free spot on the box, elegantly wrote her signature. When she returned the box, Nejire hugged it to her chest, glowing with happiness.

"Thank you! I'll definitely put it in the most visible place in my room!"

"Just don't forget that ahead of you is your own story," Ryukyu gently reminded her. "One day, perhaps, your figurines will be sold in antique shops." Nejire's eyes sparkled even brighter.

"Then I'll definitely sign one for you, Ryukyu-san!" Tadao chuckled, glancing at his watch.

"Alright, girls, I think it's time to wrap things up. It's getting late."

Ryukyu nodded and then looked at Nejire.

"Take care of your find. And remember, the real value isn't in the figurines, but in the person you become."

"Yes, Ryukyu-san!" Nejire responded with sincere joy. She was already getting ready to get into the car when she accidentally turned around and saw her father and Ryukyu still standing together. Their conversation seemed to be coming to an end, but there was something in their postures that made her slow her pace.

"Don't overdo it, Tadao. You're taking on too much responsibility," Ryukyu's voice became quieter, softer, almost gentler. Tadao frowned slightly, but warmth flashed in his eyes.

"That's part of the job, Ryukyu. Aren't you the same?"

"Maybe..." She smiled, but instead of her usual smirk, there was something more sincere in this smile. Then, before Tadao could say anything, Ryukyu slowly leaned in towards him. The kiss on the cheek was light, almost weightless, but Tadao felt her lips linger for a second longer than expected. She didn't just touch him—there was something special in that gesture. Warm, personal. When she pulled away, Tadao looked at her with a raised eyebrow but did not pull back.

"What was that?" He shot a questioning look at Ryukyu, who was grinning mischievously in front of him, right in front of his daughter.

"Just care," Ryukyu replied calmly, tilting her head slightly, as if studying his reaction. "I can't let my partner wear himself out too soon." Tadao quietly chuckled, shaking his head slightly.

"If that's the case, I suppose I don't mind." A muffled sigh came from the direction of the car. Nejire, holding the box against her chest, was staring at them with wide eyes.

"Dad..." her voice trembled with emotion. Tadao flinched and turned sharply to his daughter.

"W-what?"

"I saw everything!" Nejire exclaimed, practically glowing with overwhelming feelings. Instead of blushing, Ryukyu merely smirked, winking at the girl.

"Oh, please don't start," Tadao muttered, rubbing his nose. But Nejire was already beaming with happiness, jumping around the car while hugging the box tightly to her chest.

"That's so romantic!" she squealed, making her father roll his eyes and Ryukyu chuckle softly.

"Alright, let's move on. Thank you, Ryukyu, for your attention, but we'll see each other again in the future." Tadao smiled at her one last time, and she waved him off as she headed to the car. Now the ride home would be filled with Nejire's questions about whether her father was hiding a secret romance from her.

****

In the kitchen, a pleasant, warm chaos reigned: the aroma of fresh vegetables, the rustle of a knife on a cutting board, the soft sounds of boiling water in a pot. Tadao stood at the stove, stirring sauce in a deep pan, while Nejire was nearby, enthusiastically chopping vegetables and commenting on each step she took.

"So!" she made a dramatic pause, deftly slicing bell peppers and other vegetables on the table.

"Dear father, would you like to discuss the events of this lovely day?" Tadao, not looking away from the sauce, sighed softly, knowing what Nejire wanted to talk about—about Ryukyu, who had left an unexpected surprise.

"If you're talking about...

"About the kiss, yes! That was unexpected, Dad!" Nejire spun around sharply, looking him in the eye with the most curious expression. Smirking slyly, she nudged Tadao, who was trying to hide his emotions from her, but a slight smile crept onto his face.

"I saw it," he replied dryly, tossing the pan to evenly distribute the sauce with the rest of the garnish.

"So?!" She squinted mischievously, watching her father who was giving in to her daughter's smile.

"What do you mean, 'so?'"

"Well, did you like it?"

Tadao paused, thoughtfully looking into the pot of rice, and then slowly, very slowly turned to his daughter, who was beaming with excitement, anticipating his answer.

"Nejire," he began, but the girl was already shining like a little sun, eager for the response.

"What? This is important!"

"It's not important," he returned to cooking, but he felt her intense gaze on his back.

"Oh, come on! She's a wonderful woman, brave, strong..." Although Tadao tried to deny it, he was not very convincing. Though he denied it, he understood that his life revolved not only around his daughter but also around himself. After the divorce from Yoshiko and moving to Hoshū, he realized that being a single father for long was not an option. Moreover, his daughter would grow up and start her own life away from their nest, and he would have to remain alone in the house, in complete solitude, in silence with his thoughts while Nejire conquered the world. He would cheer for her with all his heart, and also Nejire wanted him not to be alone while she was away, which made him appreciate her care for him.

"I know," he muttered, pouring the chopped vegetables into the pan.

"...and clearly she cares for you too," Nejire added, reaching for a plate of herbs. Tadao paused for a moment, then took a deep breath.

"You're quite observant."

"I'm brilliant," she winked, inhaling the aromas of the kitchen.

"So what? Do you have feelings for her too?" He looked at her and then back at the pan, finally unable to suppress his smile. Nejire was trying to extract all the answers from him, making him feel like he was under interrogation.

"I don't know," he answered honestly after a brief pause.

"Hmm... But you didn't push her away, did you?"

"That would be rude."

"Dad, you're such a blockhead," the girl rolled her eyes and returned to chopping.

"I'm a realist," he replied calmly, adding the garnish to the sauce and stirring it.

The kitchen was filled with the aroma of fresh vegetables sizzling over low heat, mixed with the spicy notes of the sauce that Tadao methodically stirred with a wooden spoon. The flame beneath the pan crackled, creating a cozy atmosphere, while Nejire skillfully chopped the herbs, her knife rhythmically tapping against the board.

"You know, I wouldn't mind if you had such a girlfriend or wife," she said with a light smile, raising her eyes to her father. Tadao, who was just about to add chopped garlic to the pan, froze for a moment, feeling the warmth from the stove sharply replaced by the intensity of his daughter's gaze.

"Are you already picking out my better half?" he raised an eyebrow at Nejire, but she just innocently smiled, propping her cheek on her hand.

"I'm just thinking ahead!" she replied innocently. "After all, when I enroll in the academy and get busy with my heroic endeavors, you'll need someone to take care of you." Tadao just shook his head and returned to cooking, but Nejire clearly was not going to back down.

"Come on, admit it, Dad, you don't want to be alone, right?" She squinted mischievously, continuing to chop the herbs.

"I'm not thinking about that, Nejire," he replied calmly, focusing on adding a bit of soy sauce to the pan.

"What about then?"

"That you're fantasizing too much."

"Oh, come on!" Nejire huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. "Ryukyu is really cool. She's strong, smart, beautiful... You're not just putting up with her, are you?"

Tadao rolled his eyes, but catching his daughter's gaze, he realized he couldn't easily escape her.

"I'm not 'putting up' with her," he finally admitted, giving in. "She's a good person, and I respect her as a professional."

"But?" Nejire leaned forward, catching the hint of uncertainty in her father's voice. Tadao looked at her, then back at the pan, thoughtfully running the spoon along the edges, gathering the sauce.

"But she's a complicated person, and I'm not sure someone like me is right for her." Due to his upbringing and relying on the past, Tadao, to put it mildly, was doubtful. Life without any kind of love had made its mark on him, and every kind gesture came at a high price. After Yoshiko, he did not believe he would be able to build a relationship with a heroine of such caliber. Though his daughter supported him, he was in no hurry to pursue it.

"That's nonsense! You're just scared!" Nejire exclaimed indignantly, pointing the knife at him. Tadao scoffed.

"Scared of what?"

— To open up to someone again. To trust again. To be happy again... Tadao froze, gripping the spoon tighter. His daughter's words affected him more deeply than he expected. He noticed how, little by little, she had adopted his deductive thinking style, which pleased him, but it also meant that it would be difficult to hide feelings and emotions from her. In the future, she would definitely become a heroine with a high crime-solving rate.

— Nejire...

— No, Dad, really, — she tucked her hair behind her ear, softening her tone slightly. — I know it was hard for you after the divorce. But so many years have passed... You deserve to be happy. He was silent for a long time, then turned his gaze to the cooking dinner.

— You're already grown up if you say things like that, — he finally said, smiling gently.

— Because I care about you, — Nejire replied sincerely. — And maybe you don't want to admit it, but Ryuuku's kiss on the cheek embarrassed you. And that means something. Tadao exhaled, then carefully removed the pan from the heat.

— Whether it means something or not is my business, little lady.

— You're definitely "my business" because you're my father! — Nejire smirked, quickly running over and lightly poking him in the side. Tadao rolled his eyes but said nothing, just set the plates on the table, indicating that dinner was ready.

— Well, at least our cooking is going better than this conversation, — he summarized, serving the food into the plates.

— But the conversation was still useful! — Nejire added with a smile as she picked up her fork.

— If you think so, — he muttered, but observing his daughter's happy face, he caught himself thinking that maybe she was indeed right.

On the table were two plates of fragrant dinner they had just prepared together. The aroma of sautéed vegetables and fish, soaked in soy sauce and spices, filled the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere. In the silence, the only sound was the gentle clinking of forks against porcelain plates.

Tadao broke off a piece of bread and, not looking up, spoke.

— Hm, it looks appetizing, and the aroma is very impressive. If it weren't for your fish that you won in arm wrestling... Tadao decided to compliment her and remind her of the win she got for free purely because of her strength.

— Oh, Dad, don't flatter me; if you hadn't been there, I would have lost. Tadao smiled at her and, taking a spoon in his hand, wished her a good meal.

— Bon appétit, dear.

— You too, Dad. Taking a spoon in hand, Nejire took some food for herself, and upon tasting it, her taste buds exploded from their efforts.

— This is quite delicious; we exceeded all expectations, — said Nejire, closing her eyes and enjoying the meal, but Tadao hadn't taken a single bite, which raised concerns in Nejire, who chewed her food.

— Dad, is something wrong? — she asked, watching her father, who looked more serious than usual.

— Nejire, I want to ask you. Why do you want to become a hero? — he asked dryly and without emotion. Upon hearing this question, Nejire hesitated, placing her spoon on the table. She thought long and hard about it, but she never expected her father to doubt her choice.

— I... I... want to be a hero because I want to help those who cannot protect themselves. I have watched the actions of many heroes and want to be the kind of heroine capable of helping ordinary people with their problems. Nejire's response pleased Tadao, but it didn't fully satisfy him because she didn't know all the pitfalls associated with this profession. As a young girl, she hadn't seen the whole system with her own eyes, and this profession is filled with temptations that lure many promising heroes, turning them into puppets in someone else's hands, forgetting the true meaning of heroism.

— That's commendable, Nejire. But what makes you think you can follow those words without straying from your path? — Tadao feared that his daughter would repeat Yoshiko's fate, becoming just another commodity for magazines and television. The hero community was built on advertising and merchandise; there was nothing wrong with that. But to see his daughter, who would be viewed not for her achievements in helping people but as just another heroine who became a hero only for money and fame, would hurt his soul.

— Because I want to help people, especially the quirkless and metamorphs. They are already perceived as second-class citizens, and quirkless individuals are often not considered people at all, — she replied without hesitation. She wanted to be a hope for people, not someone who saves them, says clichéd heroic phrases, and walks away with a share of the glory.

Tadao watched his daughter closely, observing every movement, the expression in her eyes, and how confidently yet slightly tensely she spoke of her desire to help people. He sighed quietly and finally picked up the spoon, scooping some food, but he still didn't put it in his mouth.

— Do you understand that it won't be easy? — his voice was soft, but there was a steel undertone. Nejire nodded, keeping her gaze steady.

— Of course.

— No, Nejire, I don't mean that you will have to fight criminals or train until exhaustion. I mean that the world you aspire to will resist you. She frowned, not understanding where he was leading. In her view of the world, she still wore rose-colored glasses, which were starting to slip under her father's words.

— Are you talking about discrimination? About how quirkless individuals and metamorphs struggle in this society? — Tadao nodded, slightly exhaling.

— Yes. And not only them. People don't like it when someone tries to change the system, especially if that someone is young, idealistic, and believes they can fix something. Nejire bit her lip slightly, but a spark of determination ignited in her eyes, pushing her to move forward toward her goals.

— I know. I've seen it. How people look at metamorphs, how they disdain the quirkless. As if they are not like everyone else. As if they do not deserve protection. That's wrong, Dad. Tadao sighed, looking into her eyes, which were still innocent, not seeing the complexities of life. If she was ready to go through thorns to reach her dream, she would have to break her usual perception of heroism.

— I'm not arguing with you. But do you understand that if you go down this path, you will be scorned not only by criminals but also by your own colleagues? That the people you are trying to help might turn away from you because they won't believe you are genuinely sincere? — She clenched her fists, biting her lip. Looking resolutely at him, she didn't falter; instead, she felt empowered. If Ryukyu could reduce discrimination against metamorphs, then why should she be any worse? If she believes in herself and in Izuku, who supported her when she doubted herself? Despite his quirklessness, Izuku was determined. Though he experienced pain due to his background, he refused to let go, devising various ways to help her, which led to his analysis that helped her levitate. Nejire was still grateful to him for that.

— I won't stop, even if I have to go through pain.

— Are you sure? — he looked closely into her eyes.

— Yes. — She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.

— Dad, I don't just want to be a hero. I want to be hope. I want people to know that their fate is not predetermined just because they don't have a quirk or because their appearance doesn't fit someone else's standards. I want metamorphs not to hide in the shadows, fearing aggression. For the quirkless not to feel helpless. For children who were born "different" to know that they can still achieve something. Tadao was silent. He looked at his daughter and saw before him not just a child dreaming of a great future but a young woman who consciously chose her path.

— You want to change the system? — Nejire tightened her grip on her fork.

— I don't know if I can. But if no one tries, nothing will change. I want to at least try. Tadao slowly lowered his head, closing his eyes. In his heart, feelings surged — pride, fear, anxiety. He couldn't forbid her to follow her dream. He knew his daughter was strong, brave, and kind. But he also knew that this path would bring her pain. He didn't want her to break. The man raised his head and looked at her with a soft but still serious smile.

— Then I will be there for you. — Nejire's eyes widened at her father's words; she hadn't expected this from him.

— Dad...

— If you really want this, I will help you. But promise me one thing — don't let anyone break you. Don't let anyone tell you that you are unworthy of this path. You are my daughter. And that means you are stronger than you seem. Nejire smiled widely, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

— I promise. — Tadao nodded and finally tried their dinner.

— Hm... You're right. We really exceeded all expectations. Nejire laughed, and the tension in the air eased a bit. But deep down, Tadao still worried. He knew that a difficult path awaited her with such great power. But if she decided to walk it — he would do everything to protect her. If she needed help, he was ready to assist her, even when it was hard.

— I have one more question for you, Nejire, but a more personal one. — Tadao took more food from the plate and looked at his more determined daughter, who was gazing at him with a predatory look, ready to tear him apart if he tried to doubt her decisions.

— Ask away, Dad, I'm ready, — she said boldly, smiling.

— Then will you be able to resist the bureaucracy that's bogged down in hero work? Are you ready not to be tempted by the money or offers that agencies will make to you? Are you ready to resist corruption and the powers that try to corrupt your understanding of heroism? — Nejire looked closely at her father. She understood that these were not just questions — they were a test. He wanted to hear her true thoughts; he wanted to know if she was really ready. She set her spoon aside, clasping her fingers together, and spoke confidently:

— Yes, I can resist bureaucracy. I understand that being a hero is not just about saving people and fighting criminals. It's also about reports, meetings, and rules that sometimes can hinder quick action. I know that many heroes spend more time on paperwork than on actually helping people. But if I want to be a hero, I have to accept this as part of my profession. — She paused, taking a breath. Her nerves were on edge, but she did not allow her emotions to take over. Like him in serious situations, she made decisions that matched the circumstances.

— But that doesn't mean I will mindlessly obey the system. If the rules hinder saving people — then those rules need to be changed. And if I ever have to stand against bureaucracy for someone's life, I will do it. Tadao nodded, raising an eyebrow in approval.

— Good. And what about money and offers from agencies? — Nejire smiled, but a firm, almost dangerous spark flashed in her eyes.

— Are you afraid I'll become like Mom? — Tadao didn't answer, but his gaze spoke for itself.

— I'm not going to sell myself for fame or money. Yes, heroes have advertising contracts, there's merchandise, and I don't mind heroes making money. That's fine. But I won't allow money to become my main goal. I want to be known not as a pretty girl on magazine covers but as a heroine who truly helps people and brings hope. — She crossed her arms over her chest, leaning back in her chair.

— I will choose only those agencies that respect my principles. If I'm offered a contract that goes against my values — I will refuse. Even if it's the most profitable deal of my life. Tadao listened to her words carefully, noting how confidently she spoke. He knew that many young heroes, especially girls, ultimately became hostages of the industry — they were used as advertising faces, turning them into dolls for public entertainment. But Nejire... He saw that she understood the risks and was already resolutely determined not to go down that path.

— And what about corruption? Are you ready to fight the system if you see it has rotted? — Nejire clenched her fists, her gaze darkening.

— Corruption in the hero community is the worst thing there can be. People trust us with their lives. They believe that we will protect them. And if a hero becomes part of dirty schemes, if they act not for the people but for power and money, then they are no longer a hero. They are a criminal wearing a different mask. — She paused before continuing:

— I won't allow myself to turn a blind eye to such things. If I see that someone among my colleagues is acting dishonestly, I won't stay silent. Yes, it might be difficult for me. Yes, I might be pressured to keep quiet. But I won't be afraid. Because if I start making compromises with my conscience, I will stop being who I want to be. Tadao watched her in complete silence. He saw before him not just a dreamer, not just a young girl who fantasizes about heroism. He saw a person who understands that this world is cruel, but is not willing to give up. He was scared.

But at the same time, he felt pride.

— Do you know that for such things, people can be killed? — he asked quietly, looking intently at his daughter. Nejire smiled slightly.

— I know. But if I'm afraid of that now, then I don't deserve to be called a hero. Tadao closed his eyes for a moment, then took a deep breath and nodded.

— Alright. Then I will no longer doubt your choice.

— Really?

— Really. You've given me clear answers, and I see that you really understand what you are stepping into. But know one thing... — He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with seriousness.

— If anyone tries to make you stray from your path, if anyone tries to hurt you or use you in their dirty games... I won't forgive that.

Nejire felt chills run down her spine. She knew her father didn't take his words lightly.

— I'll try not to give you any reason to worry, Dad.

Tadao smirked.

— Oh, with you, I will definitely have many reasons to worry.

They laughed, and the atmosphere in the room became lighter.

But deep down, Tadao understood that this conversation was just the beginning.

The real trials lay ahead.

— Alright, and for the sake of achieving your dream, I'll sign you up for a gym where you will train your quirk and be mentally prepared for your future path, Nejire.

Nejire slowly rose from the table, her gaze filled with a warm light of emotions — gratitude, joy, determination. Without saying a word, she walked around the table and hugged her father tightly. Tadao froze for a moment, as if not expecting such an outburst, but then he sighed heavily and gently held her close.

— Thank you, Dad, — her quiet, almost whispered acknowledgment sounded. He didn't answer immediately, just ran his hand through her hair, feeling his heart fill with something deep and important. He wasn't a man prone to tenderness, but he knew that for her, his support meant everything.

— You are my little bundle of happiness, — he finally said with quiet confidence.

— Of course, I will do everything to become stronger. — Nejire pulled back slightly but didn't rush to let go of his hands.

— I promise I won't let you down. I will become strong, Dad. Strong enough for you to be proud of me. Tadao smirked, lightly tapping her forehead with his knuckles.

— Silly girl, I'm already proud of you. — Nejire smiled widely, and her eyes sparkled with the same childlike, pure happiness that he remembered since her birth. She returned to her place, and he, as if shaking off excessive sentimentality, continued dinner.

— So, the gym? — she asked with genuine enthusiasm.

— Exactly. A quirk is just a tool. But without a strong body and a stable mind, you won't be able to unlock its potential. I want you to get used to the workload, learn to breathe properly, and manage your energy wisely. And most importantly, to learn discipline.

— Oh, Dad, I can handle it! I'm ready for any challenge. — Tadao smirked, raising an eyebrow.

— We'll see what you say after the first week of training.

— Ha! I'm not weak! — He just shook his head, but the smile still lingered on his face. At that moment, he saw not just his daughter but a future heroine.

And for now... For now, he would guide and protect her. Until she became the one who protects others.

Next chapter

An Idol who coudln't save