My hero academia:Am I worthy?

A/N"Oh, I completely forgot about Valentine's Day. To everyone who has a girlfriend or boyfriend, I congratulate you on Saint Valentine's Day. :)"

The cool night enveloped the room like a glacier in the midst of scorching heat. The pain of loss still tormented the mature woman with wheat-colored hair, who lay on her bed with insomnia in her eyes, remembering the bitterness of losing her best friend, who had accompanied her through the most hopeless moments of her life.

Outside, there was silence, interrupted only by the distant noise of the city, teasing this tranquility. Sometimes, the bitterness of loss, even after such a long time, torments a person more than a noose. Seasoned with guilt, it becomes like a parasite, slowly consuming from within. Inko had died three years ago, yet her presence was still felt on Mitsuki's shoulders, who blamed herself for her death.

Unable to cope with her emotions, at two in the morning, she threw off her blanket and, wearing her nightgown, headed to the closet where her street clothes were kept. Her husband felt nothing, as he was sound asleep after a hard day at work. Looking at his peacefully sleeping face, she slowly dressed, trying not to wake him. Feeling the coolness across her body, Mitsuki involuntarily reached for a photograph in a frame from their school days. In it, her friend smiled warmly at the camera while Mitsuki, in her usual manner, placed her hand on her shoulder, grinning boldly. As she reminisced about the warm memories of that day, Mitsuki faintly smiled, sniffing and running her hand over the old picture where they were full of strength and enthusiasm to keep living for new discoveries.

****

"Don't be shy, Inko! Why are you so worried about an ordinary photo?" Holding her friend's hand, she almost forcibly tried to pull her out of her comfort zone.

"Mitsuki... I... don't want to take pictures... I... I'm shy," In a nervous state, she was dragged through the school corridor while Mitsuki wore a mischievous smile that gave confidence even in the most doubtful moments. Like a proton and a neutron, they formed the core of a friendship that grew stronger with each passing day, creating unbreakable chains between them. When one had doubts about taking a step forward, the other, without hesitation, moved ahead, dragging her friend along.

"Stop hiding your head like an ostrich from school photos. It's not going to bite you!" Mitsuki stopped by the window. The sunlit school corridor added life to the moment that was hard to hide even from Inko. She resisted, but overcoming her vibrant friend was as futile as a fly trying to defeat an elephant.

"Come on, have you seen your cute face? A model of innocence and charm!" In a teasing tone, she squeezed her hand, smiling warmly, but Inko still had doubts about her appearance.

"You always say that... But I'm just ordinary, not as bright as you," Trying to pull her hand away, she met a strength she couldn't resist.

"Stop it!" Mitsuki huffed and gently tugged her hand. Standing in front of the photographer, who was adjusting the camera to the right filter, she said:

"You know, you are the most sincere and kind person I know. And that is far more important than brightness. It's time to stop hiding behind this shyness!" The photographer, who had been patiently waiting, finally clicked the shutter. At the moment Mitsuki placed her hand on her friend's shoulder and smiled broadly, Inko also allowed herself to smile—timidly, but sincerely.

"That's it! And you were worried!" Mitsuki said cheerfully, pointing at the photographer.

"Now you'll have a memory of our school days, don't worry, Inko!" With a carefree face, she shook her friend, who was in mild shock but continued to hold her innocent smile.

"Yes, I will always remember this day..."

****

Wiping away tears from her eyes, Mitsuki took one last look at the photograph before leaving the house. In the complete silence of the house, she walked through the corridor with careful steps, trying not to wake anyone. Katsuki was peacefully asleep, as was Masaru, but she couldn't do the same. She was tormented by guilt that she couldn't assuage even after all this time.

"I let you down, Inko. You were more than a best friend."

Replaying this thought, she grabbed the keys from the windowsill, put on her shoes, threw on a light jacket, and stepped out into the cool night. The city greeted her with the familiar rhythm of nighttime silence as she walked toward her car. Having not visited her grave for a long time due to work and feeling ashamed, she decided in the middle of the night to visit her grave to soothe the pain in her soul that burned like a torch.

Mitsuki started her car, and it quietly growled, as if sharing her state. The night city was deserted, with only a few cars and streetlights illuminating the road with a muted glow. The cool air seeped through the slightly open window, mixing with the soft music playing from the radio. The song sounded melancholy and almost weightless, like her thoughts, bringing her back to the days when she and Inko were inseparable.

She drove slowly, as if in no hurry to reach her destination, but inside, everything was boiling. At every intersection, memories floated before her eyes. The café where they used to hang out, discussing plans for the future without worrying about tomorrow. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes at the warm conversations and her friend's smile that had accompanied her since school days.

****

Sitting outside at a café, Mitsuki and Inko sipped coffee, relaxing after a hard day of studying, letting the warm rays of the spring sun warm their faces.

"Ah, it's so nice to sit and not think about anything after school," she said carefreely, stretching her arms and enjoying the time free from any responsibility.

"By the way, Mitsuki, have you thought about where you will apply after school? We are seniors now, and it's time to think about our career choices," Mitsuki opened her eyes in annoyance, complaining that she spoiled such a good moment. Sitting up straight, she looked at her friend, who was peacefully sipping her coffee.

"Don't be a bore, Inko! Don't ruin such a good moment!" Realizing the impending burdens of life, Mitsuki took a deep sip of coffee despite its bitter taste, trying to avoid further details.

"But Mitsuki, this is important. This will determine our future and where we will go!" Inko anxiously didn't realize how much she was pressing on Mitsuki's painful wound, who was trying with all her might to escape this thought. Mitsuki sighed heavily and set her cup down on the table, lightly tapping it on the surface. She looked at Inko, her eyes sparkling with suppressed emotions.

"Inko, you always think ahead. And I... I don't know what I want to be. I don't have a clear plan for the future. I just want to live in the moment, not think about what will happen in a year or two," her voice sounded a bit sharper than she intended. The choice she faced was insignificant by today's standards, but it would determine the direction of her development for many years to come. Inko looked at her with slight concern, observing her friend deeply pondering her words.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pressure you. I just worry about you. You've always been so strong and confident, but sometimes it seems like you're hiding your true feelings." Mitsuki looked away. The warm rays of the sun suddenly seemed too bright to her, almost irritating. She ran her hand through her hair, trying to calm herself from the thoughts that kept flooding in.

What if I choose the wrong path?

What if I make a mistake?

Am I really moving on the path I want to take?

Why not just choose and let it be?

Will I be able to make something of myself, or will I remain among the dull masses, wasting my life for material goods?

"It's not that I'm hiding. It's just... I don't want to disappoint anyone, especially myself," she admitted unexpectedly. The realization of this heavy moral choice tormented her more than the attention of those around her. Her parents would support her choice, but she had always preferred to choose what she was confident in.

"Everyone thinks I can handle anything. But the truth is, I'm afraid of making the wrong choice." Inko set her cup down and gently smiled at her, placing her palm on top of hers, earning a glance from Mitsuki, who seemed entirely out of sorts after her question.

"We all are afraid. But that's normal. It's important not to run away from your fears. We can get through this together. To be honest, I also don't know where I'm going after school," Mitsuki smiled faintly, feeling a slight relief. She had never thought that simple words could mean so much. Her gentle expression melted away her anxiety, and listening to her voice was like an angelic harp played by young cherubs in caricatures of paradise dwellers.

"You're too kind, Inko. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve a friend like you." She took the mug in her hands, downing the coffee in one go, grimacing from the bitterness of the drink, which made Inko laugh.

"Stop it!" Inko playfully blew at her, as if trying to blow away her bad thoughts. Trying to encourage her friend during a difficult time in her life, she did everything she could to prevent her from falling into the abyss of doubt.

"You are my proton. You push me forward, and I just hold on to you. That's the whole secret." Mitsuki laughed, feeling genuine lightness for the first time that day, as if she were beside a pure-hearted angel with wings.

"I've thought about it long enough, and I don't know if this profession suits me, but I think business management would fit me quite well, given my stubborn character," she said cheerfully, trying to calm her nerves before the upcoming conversation.

"That's a good profession, Mitsuki! I believe you can achieve success. Knowing how you refuse to compromise for your benefit, you definitely won't go wrong." Mitsuki's mood brightened at Inko's supportive words, and giving in to the lightness of the moment, she calmed her nerves.

"Thank you, but I think I should delve a little deeper before jumping in." Inko encouragingly nodded and, setting her cup down, leaned closer to her friend.

"Of course, you don't have to know everything right now. We're just seniors." Inko supported her, to which Mitsuki tried to respond emotionally with the same attitude.

"The main thing is not to stop. Everyone has doubts, even the most confident people. You just have to remember that I'm always here if you need to talk or get support." Mitsuki looked at her friend with gratitude, her eyes softening.

"You know, Inko, you are the kind of person with whom everything seems possible. Sometimes I think that if it weren't for you, I would have broken under this pressure a long time ago." Inko smiled with her gentle, reassuring smile, causing even the darkest thoughts to start fading away. Relishing this bliss, Mitsuki found herself at a loss for words to continue the conversation, overwhelmed by emotions.

"We are important to each other. I will support you, and you will support me. That's all we need for success. And if you want to pursue business, I will be your first client. Honestly, I could even be your manager if you need one." Mitsuki snorted, trying to hide the tears that welled up in her eyes from an overflow of emotions.

"You would make a great manager. Though you're so sweet that people might easily deceive you." Through tears, she tried to joke, but they kept welling up in her eyes, even though she constantly wiped them with a napkin, trying not to appear weak in front of her.

"That's why you will be there to keep everyone in check," Inko replied, winking at her.

"With you, I can go anywhere, Inko," Mitsuki said thoughtfully, placing a finger on her chin.

"You know what? I will try. I'll apply to business school. Let them teach me something. And then we'll see how it goes." With a more confident tone, she threw her arms back, enjoying the comfort of the moment.

"That's wonderful!" Inko joyfully clapped her hands. "And don't worry, even if there are difficulties, we'll get through it together."

****

We'll get through it together.

She whispered as she passed by that place. It took just a minute to distract herself from the road, but overcoming all the memories, Mitsuki focused on the empty road at that hour. Paying attention to the surrounding streets, memories kept surfacing in her mind, refusing to let her rest. The park where they walked on weekends, the library where they prepared for exams together, and the university they graduated from together.

"Forgive me, forgive me, sister," she whispered, shaking tears from her eyes. Constant and intrusive memories flooded her mind, trying to distract her on the road, but with all her will, she finally concentrated and arrived at the cemetery where her body and soul rested peacefully, which she hadn't visited in so long.

Parking her car in the right spot and stepping out, her gaze was drawn to a lonely stall illuminated by lights and flowers for those who came to mourn their loved ones at this cemetery. She looked at the vendor with tired eyes, unable even to ask if they were open.

The old woman, seeing her, felt compassion for her weary appearance and how broken she seemed at that moment. Her gaze darted between her and the flowers she was looking at, without asking unnecessary questions, she extended a bouquet of flowers that Mitsuki was silently pleading for. After handing over the necessary amount, Mitsuki could only whisper.

"Th... thank you." Clutching the bouquet in her hands, she slowly walked down the narrow path leading to the familiar spot. Her legs felt like lead, and each step was a struggle. The spring breeze lifted the small petals of wilted flowers, scattering them across the empty cemetery, adding an even more sorrowful and lonely atmosphere.

****

Facing financial difficulties in her business, Mitsuki tried to take out a loan from the bank, but each official bank rejected her, citing an unstable source of income.

"Sorry, Ms. Mitsuki, but we cannot approve your business loan. According to your resume and reputation, you have been denied by four major banks. You are too young, and to obtain a loan of the amount specified, you need to be at least 24 years old for us to approve it," the banker replied, flipping through all the documents in front of her. Mitsuki, understanding her despair, felt powerless. Official banks had refused her, and now only microcredit organizations and a few private individuals remained, to whom she would have to pay interest every day if she missed a payment.

"I... understand," she managed to say before standing up and leaving the banker. Having just graduated from university, the young woman tried to start her own business in any way possible, but it was all futile. She had tried everything she could. Asked all her relatives for help, but all she received in response was:

"Times are tough right now; we can barely survive ourselves," they said, while their appearances told a different story. Expensive clothing and exquisite food they devoured, smacking their lips in front of her.

All this infuriated Mitsuki as they lied openly to her face, but all she could do was watch silently and nod due to her situation. Her parents supported her idea, giving her 250,000 ¥ (1,643 $), but that amount only covered the studio rent without accounting for all the other expenses. She was grateful to her parents for their help, but it wasn't enough; she still needed another 1 million ¥ to start her modeling agency.

Continuing to work on her path, Mitsuki repeatedly faced financial issues. She saved money, but it still wasn't enough for the further development of her business. Almost in despair, having lost the previous spark and enthusiasm in her eyes, Mitsuki was ready to borrow from anyone, but she always had a moral support in the form of Inko, whom she invited to her one-room apartment where she had been living since graduating university.

"Mitsuki?" Inko asked, seeing how bad her friend was doing. She approached her and hugged her, receiving strong hugs in return as she sought warmth from her.

"Mitsuki, what happened?" she asked. Mitsuki clenched her fists, trying to find the strength to respond. Her voice was hoarse and trembling:

"Everything is falling apart, Inko. The banks refused me, microloans are a trap, and there's no help to be found. I tried, I really tried to do everything myself, but it feels like everything is against me. I don't know what to do next." Inko listened carefully, not interrupting. She could see how exhausted her friend was, and her heart ached with compassion. When Mitsuki fell silent, Inko gently touched her shoulder.

"I understand. You know, you've always been an example of perseverance and strength for me. Even when everyone said your dream was too ambitious, you didn't back down. And I won't let you break now," Inko said firmly. Mitsuki buried her face in her shoulder, silently allowing the tears to flow. When they both calmed down a bit, understanding that nothing could really help her friend, Inko was torn between helping her close friend and her own future, feeling conflicted about her stable future goals.

"Here," she said, handing Mitsuki an envelope.

"What's this?" Mitsuki asked, surprised as she looked at the envelope. She couldn't accept this from her friend; she had promised to achieve everything by herself, but the offered envelope filled with money felt like a weapon threatening her life.

"One million yen. This is the money I saved for a down payment on an apartment. I know how much you need it right now," Mitsuki shook her head sharply and took a step back, as if Inko was offering her not an envelope, but something dangerous.

"No, Inko. I can't accept this. It's your money, your future apartment! You've saved it for years. I have no right to take it." Inko stepped forward and firmly placed the envelope in her trembling hands, which she couldn't accept due to her conscience.

"And I have the right to help my best friend. The apartment can wait. You are more important. Your dream is more important. I believe you can not only pay this money back but also build a successful business. And one day you will say that this million yen was the start of your triumph." Mitsuki looked at her, torn by contradictions. Her pride screamed to refuse, but her heart was drawn to the offered help. In Inko's eyes, there was no doubt or hesitation—only confidence and care.

"But... what if I can't?" Mitsuki whispered. Inko smiled softly and warmly, embracing her. All the internal tension broke; these were tears of hope and happiness that someone, or even a Messiah, had come to help her during the hardest time in her life, and realizing who that person was, she hugged her tightly, overwhelmed with happiness.

"If you were a man, I would marry you without a second thought, Inko." Inko laughed, hugging Mitsuki even tighter. Her eyes sparkled with laughter and joy that she could support her friend.

"Well then," she smiled, unable to contain her laughter at her friend's silly comment in the moment of happiness.

"If I'm your only chance to get married, I agree." Mitsuki snorted and slightly pulled away, wiping her tears with her sleeve. On her face appeared the first genuine smile in a long time, which Inko would remember for life.

"You always know how to make me laugh," she said, exhaling with relief and doing breathing exercises to calm herself from the sudden euphoria.

"I still feel awful for accepting your help. But thank you... for everything." Inko nodded and took her hands, trying to encourage her on her path.

"Help is not weakness, Mitsuki. It's our friendship. You've helped me countless times when I was on the verge of failure. Now it's my turn to support you." Mitsuki nodded, agreeing internally. She knew that now her only way to repay Inko was to do everything possible for the success of her business.

"I promise you that I will invest every yen so that it returns tenfold. You will see how I achieve success, Inko. We will celebrate this at your new apartment!" In a surge of happiness and euphoria, having received what she desired, Mitsuki was almost ready to confess her love to her friend, but common sense took over her emotions.

"Agreed!" Inko smiled. "And if needed, I'll always be ready to help you again." Mitsuki felt her confidence slowly returning. She held the envelope of money tighter, feeling its weight not as a burden but as a key to her dream. Now she knew she had support, and no obstacles could stop her.

"Alright, let's go celebrate the start of a new chapter!" Mitsuki decisively said, trying not to feel too glum in such an important moment of her life. Now she had a chance to fulfill her dream.

"We can even start with cheap noodles."

"That's definitely our style," Inko laughed.

"You can do it. Because I'll be there, as always. We'll get through it together."

****

We'll get through it together.

Looking at the gravestone and the name engraved on it, Mizuki couldn't help but burst into tears. The tears flowed freely from her eyes, and she could no longer hold them back. A bouquet of flowers lay on the grave, symbolizing that Izuku often visited her, never leaving her in peace, which made her proud of him.

"Hello, Inko," she said through her tears, unable to bear the pain in her heart. Trying to hide her grief, she placed the bouquet on the grave, seeking comfort. Her gaze flitted from side to side, trying to spot someone, but she was completely alone in the cemetery.

"How are you doing, old friend? I hope everything is good up there," she said, but all she received in response was the cold rustle of the wind interrupted by falling leaves from a nearby tree.

Realizing that no one would answer her, she continued to talk to herself to fill the silence that pressed down on her.

"You know, looking at how your son still cares for you after you left our world, I still admire how you raised him. If he finds a life partner, she will surely be grateful to you for raising Izuku to be a gentleman." Lowering her gaze, she knelt before the grave. Despite the cold earth that seemed to refuse to accept her, she continued to converse, sharing daily and life situations with Inko as if she were alive and listening to her over a cup of hot tea.

"I'm still grateful to you for the money you gave me when we graduated from university. Honestly, if it weren't for you, who knows where I would be now. And probably, if I hadn't opened this agency, I would never have met Masaru." Time felt like sand in an hourglass, slipping from one side and filling the other, and feeling this, Mitsuki had no desire to leave until she shared everything that had accumulated in her life over the past time.

"I remember the day you gave birth to Izuku. He was such a sweet boy, and even now he's a very good boy. I would love to visit him every day, trying to support him, but managing my business and contracts constantly distracts me." Understanding the situation with Izuku, Mitsuki deeply empathized with him, trying to support him even in the toughest moments, but she was completely unaware that her own son was still being bullied, not realizing how much worse of a mother she was compared to Inko.

"And there's one piece of news that would make you cry with happiness if you heard it. I'm pregnant, Inko! Can you imagine? I found out last week, and I wanted to share this joy with you. If it's a girl, I'll name her after you." Not holding back tears of happiness, she tried to wipe her tears away but they kept flowing with renewed strength.

Mitsuki closed her eyes, letting the tears roll down her cheeks. She sat before Inko's gravestone, feeling her heart tighten with a mix of sadness and joy. Memories rushed through her mind of how they shared dreams, supported each other in difficult times, and laughed at trivial matters. Inko had always been her source of comfort and support. Even now, after so much time, she felt Inko's presence nearby.

"I know you would be happy for me, Inko. You always dreamed of our children growing up together and being friends. I'm sure you would have given me a million tips on how to be a good mother, and of course, you would have made me eat more vegetables than I would have liked," Mitsuki smiled weakly through her tears.

"I just hope I can be as kind and strong as you." The wind rustled the leaves again, as if trying to convey the answer she so desperately wanted to hear. Mitsuki looked at the bouquet lying on the grave. Its freshness indicated that Izuku had indeed been there recently. Her heart ached at the thought of what he was going through. She remembered the pain in his eyes and the coldness he tried to hide behind a mask of indifference.

"He's still suffering, Inko. I see it every time I think of him. He moves forward despite the world unjustly turning against him, but he still holds on. I see the path he's taking — strong, kind, compassionate. He misses you as I do. I wish we could all gather together for a festive dinner, laughing and smiling carefreely." She fell silent again, listening to the sounds of silence around her. Mizuki ran her hand over the smooth stone of the gravestone, as if hoping to feel the warmth that once radiated from her friend.

"I hope you're proud of Izuku. You'll see how he becomes the future number one hero," she whispered with a smile. She wanted to get up, but the weight on her shoulders made her sit back down. For a moment, she turned her head to look at what had made her sit down, but upon looking, she saw no one.

"Even after death, you still care about me. I'm still amazed by your strength of care that can overshadow any power. I love you, sister." Mitsuki sat in silence, leaning against the cold gravestone. The wind rustled around her again, lifting fallen leaves into the air. She felt simultaneously empty and full — empty from loss, but full of memories and promises she made to her best friend.

"You know, I always envied you, Inko. You knew how to be so kind and patient, even when the world was falling apart around you. You found the strength to raise Izuku alone, never complaining. I want to be that kind of mother for my child. I want him or her to grow up with such a kind heart." Mitsuki ran her hand over her waist, feeling the new life inside her. The tears on her face began to dry, giving way to a weak but sincere smile. She knew that many challenges lay ahead, but now it seemed she had the strength to face them.

"I will definitely tell the baby about you. He or she will know what an amazing friend I had, and that even after your departure, you continue to be a part of my life.

"You've always been my compass, Inko," she whispered.

"And even now, when you're not here, I feel your love is still with me." She touched her waist again, smiling through her tears.

"I'll name her in your honor if it's a girl. She will know everything about you — your kindness, strength, and how you knew how to love no matter what." Mitsuki stood up, feeling the weight that had pressed on her shoulders lighten a little. She wanted to believe that Inko could hear her now. She turned to leave but paused, feeling something invisible touch her shoulder — warm and encouraging.

"Thank you, Inko," she whispered and left the cemetery, carrying with her the memory of her sister and the confidence that she could overcome everything for her dream and the new life growing inside her.

As she walked toward the cemetery exit, Mitsuki paused for a moment, and the gravel beneath her feet made a crunching sound.

"I need to visit Izuku."

****

"Now we interrupt the broadcast for an emergency news report," the journalist announced as she approached the nearest police officer who was giving a report on the heroic deeds of Dabi and Burnin.

"Sir, could you please give us an interview?" The journalist insistently thrust the microphone at the officer, who was slightly surprised by her behavior.

"Yes, but very briefly," the young cadet replied with an awkward tone, not used to the attention. Looking at the camera, he awkwardly smiled but maintained his composure.

"During this incident, many hostages were rescued who were taken to an unknown location, according to their statements. For confidentiality reasons, we cannot show or disclose the faces and names of the victims involved with the unknown organization," he said. Due to his inexperience, he refrained from revealing the Miyamoto family on live air to avoid incurring the wrath of the management.

"What about the heroes Dabi and Burnin?" she asked, still close to the scene.

"Hero Dabi was not injured, and surprisingly, none of the hostages were harmed. Unfortunately, heroine Burnin sustained multiple injuries and cuts and is now under strict medical supervision." Despite his composure, the officer wanted to leave, but the journalist stopped him.

"Wait, sir, our sources are reporting that Silent Phantom, just like hero Dabi and Burnin, rescued many hostages alongside them. What do you think? Are they collaborating?" The officer tensed at the direct question, his gaze becoming more focused. He understood that any careless phrase could lead to a flood of new rumors.

"An investigation is currently underway," he replied in a steady but firm tone.

"We are analyzing all the circumstances of the incident, including the possible presence and actions of Silent Phantom." The journalist persistently continued:

"So, you confirm that Silent Phantom was indeed at the scene of the incident?" The officer paused before answering her delicate question.

"I cannot confirm or deny that information until the investigation is completed. We are doing everything possible to establish a complete picture of what happened and to ensure the safety of citizens. Any statements will be made only after the investigative team finishes its work." The journalist squinted, clearly dissatisfied with such an answer. The new masked hero was causing a stir around his persona, and for ordinary journalists, this meant a chance for a big payday.

"If Silent Phantom really collaborates with the heroes, what could this mean for the future of the heroic system?" she attempted to extract any information.

"At this moment, I am not authorized to discuss hypothetical situations," the officer took a step back, signaling the end of the interview.

"Thank you for your understanding." The journalist turned to the camera, seizing the opportunity to conclude the broadcast dramatically:

"As we can see, the police are not ready to reveal the details of the mysterious hero's involvement. We will continue to monitor the developments. Stay with us to be the first to know everything!" The camera turned off, but rumors of a possible collaboration between Silent Phantom and the heroes began to spread rapidly online. Every word from the officer quickly became a topic for discussion and new speculation.

[Reddit Thread: Silent Phantom, Dabi, and Burnin — What was that? A new trio of heroes?]

u/HeroicWatcher:

I saw this report. Did anyone else notice how nervous the officer was? I'm sure that Silent Phantom was really there, and they're just trying to cover it up.

u/FireFanatic:

I can't believe Burnin got such injuries! She's one of the coolest heroes. I bet she gave her all to protect the hostages. And as for her looks… well, you all saw how she is 🔥.

u/PhantomAdmirer:

Silent Phantom is back in action? This guy shows up like a ghost, does his job, and disappears. Honestly, if he's working with Dabi and Burnin, it's going to be an epic alliance.

u/FlameHeart:

Burnin is just a goddess. I can't believe someone can look that cool even after a fight. But I wonder who will take care of her in the hospital… Maybe Silent Phantom? 😏

u/QuirkTheorist:

Maybe they're already working together? All these "coincidental" rescues and coincidences seem too suspicious. If Silent Phantom is indeed acting with the heroes, it could change the whole heroic system.

u/HeroFanboy69:

If Silent Phantom is as cool as they say, then he deserves a spot in the hero rankings. And yes, Burnin is just fabulous. If they end up on the same team, it will be a hot trio in every sense of the word.

u/MysticObserver:

Did anyone notice that the police are trying to avoid questions about Silent Phantom? I feel like they're hiding something. And about Burnin — she's incredibly strong as always. I just love her style!

u/ShadowWolf:

Silent Phantom is something new in the world of heroes. Plus Dabi and Burnin. It feels like a new era of heroism is being born. And yeah, Burnin is just 🔥🔥🔥! Who knows, maybe she and Phantom will find common ground not just in battle 😉.

u/RisingHero2025:

I think this is the start of something big. Burnin has always been a top-tier hero, and Silent Phantom's appearance adds intrigue. We're waiting for more news, and for now… I hope Burnin recovers quickly!

[Reddit Thread: The Alliance of Heroes Silent Phantom, Dabi, and Burnin — A New Hope for the City?]

u/FlameHeroFan:

Dabi has been my favorite hero since the beginning of his career. He's powerful, brave, and ready to risk his life for others. This incident only strengthened my respect for him!

u/PhantomWatcher:

Seeing Dabi and Silent Phantom work together is cool. Both are strong and independent heroes, but it seems they've found common ground. I wonder if they'll become a permanent duo?

u/BurningTruth:

Dabi has once again proven he's a hero with a capital H. Keeping all the hostages safe and not getting seriously injured is commendable. Burnin is great too, but she clearly suffered more.

u/BluePhoenixHero:

I can't help but note how calmly Dabi acts even in the most critical situations. He's a true professional. If Silent Phantom operates at that level too, that's a dream team.

u/FlameGuardian:

I feel like Dabi is becoming more popular. He's one of those heroes who not only saves people but isn't afraid to fight against the system when it's unjust.

u/SilentShadow:

Dabi has always been cool, but it seems like with the arrival of Silent Phantom, his style has become even more impressive. These two clearly respect each other.

u/PyreSavior:

Dabi showed that he can be a leader even in the toughest situations. I'm sure he can inspire other heroes to follow his example.

u/InfernoFighter:

Silent Phantom remains a mystery, but Dabi is someone who isn't afraid to collaborate for the common good. They both deserve respect for what they've done.

u/HeroOfTheFlames:

Dabi has always been a strong hero, but after this incident, I'm sure he'll become a new symbol of hope. He's already hero number one in my heart.

u/JusticeBurnsBright:

I don't know about others, but I'm ready to agree that Dabi and Silent Phantom should work together more often. They're heroes of a new era, ready to fight for truth and justice!

****

The Next Evening

Listening to the news report on TV, Izuku was stretching, paying close attention to every detail of how he was being discussed in a negative light on social media.

"See? They're still afraid of us," Venom grumbled, sticking his head out of Izuku's shoulder while eating food as Izuku painfully sat down into a split.

"They don't care who we save."

Izuku slowly lowered himself further, feeling his leg muscles tighten to their limit. His face contorted with pain, but he stubbornly continued the exercise, ignoring his body's complaints.

"I know, Andy," he said with a heavy sigh. "But I can't afford to pay attention to every word. My task is to get stronger. They can see me as a threat all they want, but I need to be ready for any challenge. Alone or not, we need to get rid of these criminal families."

Venom lazily chewed on his sandwich, continuing to watch his host wear himself out with training. After boxing to the point of exhaustion, Izuku now pushed his legs to the limit.

"Why are you even doing this? You have me. Why bother with taekwondo?" Venom muttered in irritation.

Izuku leaned forward, placing his palms on the floor to maintain balance.

"Because I can't rely on just you. You're my strength, but flexibility, endurance, and technique are my own resources. I need to be able to defend myself in any situation, even if we suddenly weaken."

He tried to lower himself even further. His muscles trembled, but he refused to give up.

"I promised myself I'd get better. I won't stop until I can move as freely as water."

Venom went silent, watching Izuku's strained expression. For a moment, he even stopped eating, realizing just how serious his partner was.

"Fine," Venom finally exhaled.

"But if you pull something or break a bone, I'll heal you. Just don't be a stubborn fool."Izuku clenched his teeth, tensing every muscle in his body. Just a bit more, a little lower... Suddenly, he felt a soft pop as his body fully lowered to the floor. He had finally managed to do the split.

"I did it," he whispered before collapsing onto his back, exhausted. Sweat dripped down his temples, but he smiled despite his fatigue.

"You're more stubborn than I thought," Venom smirked. "But now we'll definitely be stronger."

Izuku closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment of rest. Tomorrow, another day of training awaited him, but right now, he had earned this short moment of peace.

"As Dabi said, people from higher offices might start a serious hunt. And that's a sign that we need to get even stronger than before," Izuku concluded, lying on the floor and gazing at the ceiling with a slight smile from the strain.

"We've only managed to weaken their economy. Maybe our efforts are just a drop in the ocean," Venom remarked. He didn't like how Izuku relied on others when he had the power with yet untapped potential.

"Maybe. But because of our recent actions, the police and heroes won't leave us alone. I think we should stop night patrols for a while and organize one precise, powerful strike on the Miyamoto family's economy."

As Izuku considered this idea, he encountered many contradictions. Relying on others slowed him down, and he had to take responsibility. For example, Burnin had sustained serious injuries. It wasn't entirely his fault, but he didn't want to risk other people's lives.

"Logical. But don't forget: if they've declared a hunt on us, they'll target our weakest points. For example, Fuyumi could be used against us. You don't want that, do you?" Venom asked, causing Izuku to hesitate.

Izuku frowned, staring at the ceiling. The thought of Fuyumi being hurt made his heart tighten.

"You're right, Andy. They'll use any means to get to us. Fuyumi already got hurt once. I won't let that happen again," his voice grew colder but also filled with determination. "That's why we need to stay one step ahead."

Venom stayed silent, watching Izuku. He knew his host wasn't just training for strength but to protect those he cared about.

"We need to destroy all their criminal connections."

"But that's just a half-measure," Venom added.

"To eliminate the threat, we'll need to completely destroy the Miyamoto family's power. Not just weaken their economy, but erase their influence."

Izuku nodded thoughtfully.

"So, we need to strike on multiple fronts. Finances, reputation, criminal connections — everything must collapse at once, or they'll recover."

"Are you ready for that kind of war?" Venom smirked.

"This won't be just night patrols. This will be an offensive."

To Be Continued

Chapter 59: I'm Sorry