Chapter 144: Heroes, Pro Heroes, and Superheroes
"Because of our national circumstances, America doesn't have a so-called 'Pro Hero' system. They value individual human rights and freedom, which has given rise to a culture of vigilantism. As long as you have the determination to uphold justice, you can fight for others. And those people... are called heroes."
Mina Ashido raised her hand. "Does that mean they can fight criminals without a hero license?"
"They don't need one. The hero license is a specialty of this country, designed to restrict people from using their Quirks to cause trouble... May I continue?" Kira asked, looking at Shota Aizawa. His next words were a bit anti-government.
(It's worth noting that although this country didn't have a "Great Firewall," the government had a cybersecurity department that strictly monitored the speech on several major social media platforms. They used Quirks to search, delete, and counter-surveil. If someone's comments were too extreme, they could expect a knock on the door from the men in black.)
(Back in middle school, when Kira was translating some documents for certain overseas clients, he had them set him up with a fake foreign identity and all the related documents. It was the most money he had ever spent on anything besides his figurines. The user "jojo" that Kira had registered on the "Shadow" platform was created with this identity.)
(Oh, by the way, that identity's name was Joseph Joestar, a U.S. citizen.)
"Of course. Freedom of speech is your right," Aizawa said with a nod. As a teacher and a Pro Hero, he couldn't say these things himself, but he was looking forward to what Kira would say next.
After Aizawa's nod, Kira continued. "In America, the spirit of individualism that has existed since the country's founding has been magnified in today's Quirk-based society. Whether you're a student, a billionaire, or an ordinary magazine reporter by day, as long as you put on a mask and a tight suit, you can be the hero who fights evil in the night. You can be an idol to millions, the people's friendly neighborhood hero."
"This is something that can't be done in this country. The government is terrified of people misusing their Quirks, terrified of the power of law enforcement being in the hands of the majority. It's a difference in philosophy, and you can't say it's wrong. After all, even in America, they only tacitly approve of the existence of these vigilantes; in reality, they are also breaking the law." At this, Kira gave an ambiguous smile. "However, even if it's illegal, it doesn't mean you'll be punished. As long as you make a certain contribution, your criminal record can be wiped clean. You can even become an honored guest of the police department. After all, you're helping the police maintain order. How could you possibly be punished for that?"
Hearing this, Midoriya nodded silently. That's right. He and Todoroki and the others didn't have hero licenses. After seriously injuring and apprehending the Hero Killer, they should have been punished. But because of their meritorious service, the police had chosen not to punish them, instead hiding the fact of their involvement from the public, allowing them to escape punishment.
Kirishima said with a look of longing, "So that means that even students like us could freely use our Quirks to save people in America!"
"Of course. As long as you're not afraid to die," Kira said to Kirishima with a smile. "In the early days of Quirk society, you could find the remains of dead vigilantes in every alley in America. People who were trying to uphold justice were killed every day. If you want to be a hero, you have to be prepared to face death at any moment."
Kirishima's face stiffened. "Kira... you're joking, right?"
"What do you think? Even in this country, where Quirks are strictly monitored and the situation is relatively stable, we still have the League of Villains. Imagine what it's like in a free country like America," Kira retorted. "Although the environment in America is much better now, the number of heroes who die is still not small... By the way, does anyone know what All Might did every day during his time in America?"
As All Might's number one fan, Midoriya naturally stood up. "During the years All Might studied abroad in America, although he was an international student, he was also active as the hero 'All Might,' fighting criminals all over the country with a friend. He was extremely popular in America and was even given the title of—"
"Superhero," Kira said, picking up the thread. "Since the 20th century, America has had superhero comics. Superman, Batman, Iron Man... they are all superheroes we are familiar with. When the age of Quirks arrived, everyone yearned to become that kind of hero. And so, 'Pro Heroes' appeared in this country, and 'vigilantes' appeared in America. But at the end of the day, they are all just people who have been given the title of 'hero.' They are still a long way from being a 'superhero' who saves the world."
"All Might is different. He has foiled the plots of villains countless times, saving people from fire and water. Just like a real superhero, he has saved the world on numerous occasions. DC Comics in America even created a comic series based on All Might, using his experiences in America, which is currently a global bestseller," Kira paused, then continued. "The people spontaneously began to call All Might something 'above a hero'—the one and only 'Superhero'."
(Midoriya had collected three full sets of the All Might comics. He had read each volume countless times.)
At that time, All Might had been like a beacon of light, correcting the chaotic situation in America. After returning to his home country, he had single-handedly wiped out the dark side of the nation, ushering in a new era of order. Because of his achievements, he was unanimously recognized by the people of the world as a Superhero.
(In the world of Type-Moon, with achievements like that, he would definitely become a Heroic Spirit after his death...)
Todoroki, who came from a hero family, knew most of what Kira was saying. Although his bastard of an old man was always talking about surpassing All Might, even he knew that at best, he could only be called a "hero." Compared to that "superhero," he was still a long way off.
Everyone was silently digesting Kira's words. Superhero. It was a title that every hero yearned for. Even they, students of the Hero Course, were shaken by the image Kira had painted...
Momo stood up. "Kira-kun, I understand what you mean. The Hero Killer has brought the American value system to this country. That's why he believes that Pro Heroes are fakes."
"Mm." Aizawa, who was also shocked by Kira's perspective, closed his eyes and thought for a moment before nodding. "I believe the truth is as Kira says. The Hero Killer spent several years in America. He couldn't accept a society where heroes receive payment for their activities. Only All Might, at the pinnacle of the Pro Hero world, has never accepted payment or founded an agency. He just silently contributes his strength to society through his actions. In the Hero Killer's heart, only he is a true hero."
"In other words, the Hero Killer is also an All Might fan," Kira said softly.
"Is it because most Pro Heroes use this status for their own profit? Compared to the vigilantes in America who become heroes just to uphold justice, there really is an unbridgeable gap..." Uraraka lowered her head, her expression a little downcast. She had wanted to become a hero to attract customers and reduce the burden on her parents. She was also one of the "fakes" the Hero Killer spoke of...
"Indeed. A hero should not seek reward," Tokoyami said, his arms crossed and his eyes closed. "But even if it is for a reward, the contributions they make to society are not false. It's just... they truly cannot be called 'heroes'."
Mineta looked around, stunned, at his classmates, who were all looking dejected, as if they were questioning whether they themselves were "true heroes." He suddenly stood up on his chair, slammed his hands on the desk, and shouted, "I say, what are you all thinking about!? Don't forget, in this country, 'hero' is just a profession! But even if it's just a profession, isn't it a respected one, like a police officer or a firefighter, dedicated to helping others!? We protect people's safety! It's only natural that we receive payment for it!"
"But do you know!? This so-called payment is pathetic compared to other professions! It's in no way proportional to the price of a life!" Mineta shouted. "Take Mt. Lady! You all see her on the outside, right? A respected Pro Hero! But, the money she makes from her work every day can't even cover the fines for the property damage she causes! Her agency is a dump! Piles of takeout boxes everywhere! Her father calls her every day, urging her to quit being a hero, go back to her hometown, find a husband, and become a housewife..."
"With her looks, she could make money in any industry, right? But she lives in poverty, and she's happy with it! Just because of her love for the profession of 'hero'!" Mineta gave a bitter laugh. "Although... the way she uses her perfect body to flirt with the delivery guys to get free food is a little cheap..."
"Mineta, you..." Everyone, even Aizawa and Kira, looked at Mineta with surprise, never having expected to hear such words from him.
"Don't look at me like that! I want to be a Pro Hero too!" Mineta clenched his fists, a hopeful look on his face. "I want to be just like Mt. Lady! Even if being a hero doesn't make money, I want to be popular with the girls!"
Hearing this, everyone's heads simultaneously hit their desks.
Uraraka gave a wry smile. "That really does sound like something Mineta-kun would say..."
Unexpectedly, because of Mineta's outburst, the gloomy atmosphere in the classroom dissipated.
Aizawa coughed twice. "The creation of the Pro Hero profession is a product of our national circumstances. That is not something that can be easily erased. However, how you use that status, whether you become a true hero or a fake, that is up to your own resolve. This class is now over."
"We will all become true heroes!" everyone shouted, raising their fists in the air. "PLUS ULTRA!"
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