Chapter 09: Mixed Martial Arts Gym
Author: Geraint
(MC's POV)
A few months later, back at the orphanage after I came home from school—
I was about to head upstairs to my room when—
"Ichika-oniichan!"
A little girl ran joyfully toward me and tugged at my shirt.
"Oh, Risa-chan! Is something wrong?"
She was a four-year-old girl, one of the newer arrivals at the orphanage. Her parents had gone missing, and she was brought here shortly after. Bright, cheerful, and full of life.
"Ichika-oniichan! The doctor said my quirk is really amazing!"
"Eh...? What kind of quirk is it?"
I squatted down to meet her at eye level.
She leaned closer and whispered,
"It's called Teleportation. I can teleport to places I've already been to."
"Wow! That's a really amazing quirk you've got there!"
"Hehehe..."
Risa beamed with pride.
"I have something else to tell you, Ichika-oniichan."
"What is it?"
She whispered again,
"Someday, when I grow up, I'm gonna marry you."
...
I smiled and patted her head, not taking her words too seriously.
"Okay, I'll be looking forward to it."
"Hehehe... Goodnight, Ichika-oniichan!"
"Wait, Risa-chan!"
"Huh?"
I pulled something out of my pocket—a pink bunny keychain.
With a smile, I said,
"Take this as my gift to you."
She looked absolutely delighted.
"Wow! It's cute! Thank you, Ichika-oniichan! I'll treasure it forever!"
"Hehe... grow up and become a good girl, alright?"
"Yes!"
I patted her head again—she really seemed to like that.
"Risa-chan!"
The other children were calling her.
"Ah!"
"Go! But don't show off your quirk, okay?"
"Yes! Bye-bye~"
She ran back to the others as I waved her off.
...
"Suspicious... The doctor never mentioned any checkup today. I'm the one who secretly hired him."
I took out my smartphone and called the doctor.
RingRing
"Hello! This is Fujiwara."
Yes?
"Were you the one who did a check-up here today?"
Let me check...
...
Mr. Fujiwara, I have nothing scheduled for your place today. If you booked me, I would've cleared my schedule like always. You're a very important client.
"Thank you. I'll call you again if we need a check-up."
I ended the call.
(The orphanage is in danger. All for One is targeting kids with promising quirks. I need to stay alert and protect them... but I don't know who he'll target. I have to investigate every child's quirk.)
"Tsk."
"This is a serious mess... but it doesn't matter what happens to me—as long as I can protect this place and the kids."
I returned to my room.
The Next Morning
I was serving breakfast to the children, who lined up with excitement.
"Today, we're having hamburgers!"
"Yaaay!!"
Their joy was infectious.
After handing one to the little boy in front:
"Thank you, Onii-chan!"
"No problem! Next!"
Bakugou and Midoriya were beside me, helping serve the meals.
"Deku! You tricked me! You said Ichika was challenging me to a fight!"
Bakugou fumed.
"Wait, Kacchan! I never said that!" Midoriya protested, clearly flustered.
"I meant a cooking battle. If we fought, I'd win one-sidedly again. But in cooking, you're slightly ahead. I won't lose next time, Chef Bakugou!" I pointed my ladle at him dramatically.
"Who are you calling 'Chef,' you pink-headed bastard?!"
"Hahahahaha!" I laughed as he grabbed my collar.
"Damn you!"
RingRing
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I checked the screen.
[Calling... Idiot Rumi]
(I wonder what she wants this time.)
Answering the call, Bakugou let me go.
"Hello?"
ICHIKA! COME WITH ME TO THE GYM!!
Her voice practically ruptured my eardrum.
"Sorry, Rumi, but I'm busy toda—"
ICHIKA, HURRY!!
...
Sigh
(She's always like this.)
"Okay, fine. Let's meet at the playground."
I'll be waiting!
Click. She hung up.
"Rumi..."
Bakugou and Midoriya were staring.
"Don't worry, Ichika-san. We've got this." Midoriya gave me a reassuring smile.
"Thanks, Deku... Bakugou."
"I didn't say anything yet!" Bakugou shouted.
"I'm leaving it to you two."
I removed my apron and rushed to my room to change.
After meeting Rumi, she dragged me to the gym. She seemed extremely excited.
Standing in front of it—
(A mixed martial arts gym? Nostalgic.)
The gym I trained in during my past life was similar. Old and run-down at first, until I renovated it with money from my pro fights. This one was brand new and well-maintained.
Rumi stood beside me in casual clothes.
(It must be her day off.)
"You usually train in the woods, right? Why come to a gym?"
...
"Huh?"
She wasn't listening.
"Ichika! This place is popular with pro heroes! A lot of them train here!"
(She's still not listening.)
"Then what's the point, Rumi?"
"Strong heroes come here! I can challenge them to a match! It's a martial arts gym, after all!"
(I guess she was just bored.)
"Now that I think about it—why did you bring me along?"
Rumi glanced at me.
.....
She hesitated.
"...I don't really know... It's just... fun being around you. When I think about going out, you're the first person that comes to mind. And also—"
"Never mind! Let's go inside!"
Embarrassed, I cut her off quickly.
"Okay! Let's find someone worthy to fight."
Inside the gym, the first thing I saw was an octagon cage where two large men sparred with protective gear. Others were hammering away at punching bags.
"Looks busy today."
"Hehe..."
Rumi looked around, clearly excited.
"Hey! Is there anyone here who wants to spar with me?!" she called out.
Some guys glanced over.
"Wait! Isn't that Mirko, the Rabbit Hero?"
"She's new, right?"
"Who's the kid with her? Her little brother?"
"They don't look alike."
A handsome guy approached with a smile.
"Thanks for accepting my invitation, Mirko. Welcome to my gym."
He extended his hand for a handshake. Rumi stared at it.
...
The air turned awkward.
"Mirko! Come on, handshake!" he whispered desperately.
She hesitated.
"Huh?"
He grabbed her hand and forced the shake. I narrowed my eyes.
(Malicious intent... I don't like this guy.)
"Let me show you around."
Rumi looked down at her hand.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
He was caressing it.
"How long are you going to hold my hand?" she asked coldly.
"Ah! Uh—sorry!"
He let go, flustered.
"Anyway, who's the kid?"
Rumi wrapped her arm around my shoulder and pulled me close.
"This is Ichika. I invited him with me today." She grinned.
(Rumi...)
"Tsk!"
The guy looked annoyed.
(My instincts were right. He's just hitting on her.)
"You know, Mirko... this place isn't for kids. Real fighting's bad for their development."
(I know more about that than you do.)
"You don't have to worry. Ichika always fights with other kids at the playground. Most of the time, he..."
"Fine, he can stay—but just for today. Next time, leave him home."
"I don't care! I just want to spar with the strongest guy here!"
Rumi cracked her knuckles.
"I'll get someone for you. The changing room's over there."
She beamed. "Can't wait!"
As I followed her—
"Where are you going?"
The guy grabbed my shoulder.
I pointed at Rumi.
"This place is off-limits to brats like you. Thank Mirko we didn't toss you. Now, do us a favor and buy everyone a drink!"
I glanced at a vending machine.
"But there's one ri—"
"That machine's broken!"
He grinned.
(This bastard.)
"I ref—"
"Ichika! I forgot my wallet! Please buy me something to drink!" Rumi called from the changing room.
...
Sigh
"Fine..."
"Good boy! Here—take this!"
He slapped cash in my hand.
I stared at it, then back at his smug face.
"What're you looking at?! Hurry up or I'll kick you out!"
I crumpled the money and tossed it in his face.
"Ugmp!"
I walked away as he tried to kick me. I dodged it effortlessly.
"Come back here, brat!"
"Hey! He's just a kid!"
I made my way to a convenience store. While choosing a drink—
Sigh
"Being a kid again is really annoying."
(Seeing Rumi touched by that guy pissed me off. But I can't speak up—I'm just a nine-year-old. I'm not even in the right age range for romantic feelings. Damn this child body!)
Walking back—
(There's no way I can be with someone like her. She's eleven years older. Even if I'm mentally older, my body isn't. It's hopeless.)
In front of the gym—
Crash!Shatter!
Someone flew out of the window. A huge, muscular guy. Beaten to a pulp.
Men ran out in panic.
"Aaaahhh!! She's a monster!"
"That manager tricked us!"
"I'm not fighting her again!"
"Screw this! I'm out!"
I peeked inside. Rumi sat on the octagon steps, looking disappointed in her workout clothes.
Inside the cage were several battered men, including the handsome guy, who looked like he was about to cry.
I approached her and offered the drink.
"Nice workout, Rumi."
She looked at me and sighed.
"What workout? I didn't even break a sweat! They're all weak! That creepy guy lied to me. I'm never coming back here."
She sulked.
I spotted a pair of mitts nearby.
I picked them up and slipped them on.
Taking a deep breath, I ran and leapt high into the cage.
"What are you doing, Ichika?"
"Come on in. Let's spar. Just for today."
"Huh...?"
"You've been asking for a match, right? Let's do it."
Rumi hopped into the cage.
"Hie~"
The guys inside fled in terror.
"Ready, Rumi?"
"Yeah. Are you sure about this?"
"It's fine. Today's special."
My heart felt lighter.
I might not be suited for her yet—but I'll try to make this work.
"I'm ready, Ichika."
Rumi took her stance. I moved my feet.
"Go!"
She charged with a smile.
She was excited again—and that made me happy.
(To be continued.)