A word before the chapter.
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Chapter 7
A day later. A recording studio.
Two men and a woman sat at a table. Behind them was a large television with the station's logo.
"We're about to go live! In 3...2...1..."
The producer of today's news said.
The woman waited for the cameraman to give her the signal and...
"Good morning, Japan. This is Arita Yoshiko, and you're watching the program 'Rising Hero.' On today's program, we have the pleasure of hosting quirk specialists, Dr. Nagao and Dr. Harada."
Both men were around 40 years old. They bowed to the camera. After a moment, the presenter continued.
"We all know who Pixie-Bob is. She's a member of the Pro Heroes Wild Wild Pussycat group, ranked 32nd in Japan. The blonde-haired heroine kept her private life separate from her work. Yesterday, however, that changed. Before I explain what's going on, let's watch the security footage together."
The three of them turned to the television, and the home view switched to show the entire incident. The footage showed a teenager shot twice in the hand. Despite this, he suffered no injuries. A moment later, all the villains were neutralized.
The camera flashed back to the studio. Arita and the guests of today's show turned back to the cameras.
"We have confirmed that this young man is Tsuchikawa Zuko. Son of Pixie-Bob and the late Pro Hero Firebender. Dr. Harada, would you please speak?"
"Of course, Arita-san. What we saw here was an extraordinary fusion of several generations of quirks into one, powerful, and universal quirk. We know that Pixie-Bob possesses a quirk that allows her to manipulate earth. Firebender, on the other hand, controlled fire. Here we have a combination of those two quirks, but that's not all. In addition, Tsuchikawa Zuko is able to control water and even turn it into ice."
The host nodded and bowed slightly in his direction.
"Thank you, Harada-san. Dr. Nagao, can you tell us anything about using young Tsuchikawa's quirk?"
Nagao bowed.
"Yes, Arita-san. A Quirk is one thing, but effectively using it in combat is another. Pixie-Bob's son demonstrated skills at least equivalent to those of a third-year UA student, and during yesterday's conversation with my colleagues, we determined that Tsuchikawa-san had already surpassed that threshold. Please observe his movements frame by frame."
At that moment, the television began playing the recording again, but in extremely slow motion. Doctor Nagao continued.
"Please observe this. He took advantage of his opponent's disorientation and eliminated the leader of the villains first. He was the most dangerous, as he was armed with a firearm. Grabbing the gun wasn't simply a reflex either. This gesture ensured that Tsuchikawa-san wouldn't suffer any damage. Then he fired at two opponents on opposite sides, instantly disabling them. Immediately afterward, he trapped three villains in ice. Finally, he buried the remaining ones in the floor, leaving them with their heads sticking out."
Arita nodded.
"And what conclusions can we draw from this, Nagao-san?"
"Not a single move was wasted. Each attack was executed in such a way that the next could be launched immediately. From start to finish, Tsuchikawa-san controlled the battlefield. He dominated his opponent and gave them no chance to counterattack. His skills far exceed his years. I am a specialist in the combat use of quirks. I think Harada-san might have something to add."
"Thank you, Nagao-san. Yes. His quirk control was absolute. Power and precision rolled into one. It's not just pure talent, but years of training to master his power. According to police reports, no villains suffered any lasting damage, except for their leader, who suffered a concussion. Also, please take a look at this."
On the screen, Zuko slowly crouches down next to the girl and speaks to her. Unfortunately, the camera didn't have sound recording.
"Tsuchikawa-san is highly trained and has a unique quirk... but at the same time, his main concern was the hostages. It's clear he was trained by true Pro Heroes. Of course, now we need to discuss the legality of his actions."
Arita nodded.
"We already have the latest reports from the police. Tsuchikawa-san was warned to obey the law, but he will not face trial. The prosecutor's office decided not to press any charges. Additionally, the Wild WIld Pussycats agreed to pay for the damage caused by Pixie-Bob's son, and the building owner agreed to their proposal. In short, Tsuchikawa-san's case ended with a warning from the police."
Dr. Harada nodded several times.
"That was a good decision on the part of the authorities. No one was hurt, and the boy managed to incapacitate all the villains. I think we'll see him at one of the schools for future Pro Heroes next year."
Nagao smiled at his friend.
"I bet Tsuchikawa-san will try to join UA. I'd be surprised if he didn't get a recommendation."
Arita looked at the camera.
"Our reporter requested an interview, but the Wild Wild Pussycats declined to comment. We don't have any further information at this time, but we'll revisit the matter if Pixie-Bob breaks his silence. Now, on to the next matter..."
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The members of the Wild Wild Pussycats sat in the main room, watching the news. Tiger whistled softly.
"Damn, I didn't know Zuko was that good."
Pixie-Bob nodded. She knew her son had defeated all the villains... she knew he was strong... She wasn't happy about the video leaking to the media. For 15 years, she'd kept him here, away from the public... Azula had managed to break out of prison...
Mandalay looked at her blonde friend.
"Ryuko..."
"The world found out about him, Shino... Azula will try to get him..."
Tiger didn't let her finish her sentence. He placed a hand on her shoulder. Ragdoll spoke.
"We know. But Zuko is strong. Iroh trained him well... well... in that power of theirs... bending..."
Mandalay looked around.
"Anyone know where Iroh is?"
Tiger nodded.
"Iroh took Zuko to the training grounds. He said he needed to have a serious talk with him. He asked not to disturb them."
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Iroh brewed tea and poured it into two mugs. He calmly savored the aroma. With his eyes closed, he asked.
"Tell me, Zuko, about what happened..."
Zuko blew on the hot liquid but didn't take a sip.
"Grandpa... you talked to Mom..."
"I want to hear it from you, not her."
Zuko nodded.
"Well... I defeated those villains as you could see in the video... and then Endeavor showed up and attacked me... well, I had no choice but to fight..."
Iroh nodded.
"Continue... tell me about your feelings during the fight."
"Uh... during the fight with the villains... I honestly didn't think much... or at least I think so... my body just kind of worked on its own... But when Endeavor attacked me... at first I was a little... a little scared... until I realized how weak he was."
Iroh took a sip of tea. He was silent for a moment... Zuko began to feel... uncomfortable.
"Weak, you said..."
"Yes, Grandpa... but... are you angry with me?"
"Zuko... I'm not angry... I'm... disappointed."
Disappointed... one word was enough for Zuko to feel ashamed. He looked at the cup of tea in his hand... He suddenly felt... very heavy... he felt like he had failed Iroh... he just didn't know how. At that moment, Iroh decided to continue.
"You used your skills to save others. That's commendable.... Then you defended yourself against Endeavor... and you did it perfectly... but then... you went outside and confronted him... and humiliated him in front of hundreds of people..."
"But..."
"What did you feel at that moment... that made you go out and confront him?"
Zuko was embarrassed. He knew what he felt... but somehow... he didn't have the courage to say it out loud.
"Zuko... look at me."
Zuko looked up at his grandfather.
"I'm disappointed not because you defeated him... but because of what drove you. I need to know how to help you, Zuko... tell me... what you felt in that moment..."
Zuko slowly put down his cup of tea... his hand was shaking... his throat went dry... he so badly didn't want to say the words...
"I... felt superior... I wanted to fight... I just... I couldn't... I didn't want to stop..."
Iroh nodded.
"You're still young... and I understand that for a young man, pride is the most destructive emotion. The problem is how you used the power of your pride. You didn't attack him... but we both know you provoked him into a fight the moment you stepped outside. That was intentional... right, Zuko?"
"Yes, Grandpa... it was as you said."
"So... do you feel satisfied?"
Zuko shook his head.
"Your mother told me you felt let down by Endeavor."
"Yes...that's what I told her."
"And then you lied to her, saying you chose your words poorly..."
Zuko nodded slowly.
"Zuko. You won't understand this until you lose...until you face someone far more powerful than you...pride comes before a fall. As you've probably noticed, I've become...slower. I'm no longer young...and our sparring sessions have decreased...I can no longer fight like I used to...but remember, I'll always be there to help you."
Zuko lowered his gaze, feeling the weight of his grandfather's words.
"What...what do I do now?"
"With great power comes great responsibility."
Zuko looked up...now his grandfather was quoting Uncle Ben from Spider-Man...except in this world, there was no Spider-Man....Iroh continued.
"I want you to be able to find your way. I want you to have a choice..."
"I...I think I've already chosen, Grandpa."
"Oho? Can you share your thoughts with me?"
Zuko stood and walked closer to the small river. His back was to the seated Iroh, who was looking at his grandson's back.
*Damn...all the good quotes are already taken...but the people of this world don't know that...in that case...I'll say...this.*
The wind picked up, and a few leaves fell into the water, disturbing his reflection.
"It is the duty of the strong to protect the weak. This is the way."
Iroh nodded slowly at his grandson's wisdom. He was young and made mistakes, but sometimes he acted remarkably mature for his age. Moreover, these were not empty words. Behind them stood the power of the first Avatar of this world.
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Azula watched the news with satisfaction. Zuko was better than she'd thought. His worth jumped to the top of her list. Either she could convince him to fight for her... or she'd have to kill him before he reached the full power of the Avatar.
She already knew he was physically strong... now the question was... how strong was he mentally... and what could she use to convince him to join her side.
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All Might learned of the entire incident. As the No. 1 Pro Hero, he also had access to censored footage.
He saw young Zuko fight... his quirk is simply powerful....
The ability to control the elements... Fire... Water... Earth...
He stopped a gunshot, twice.
He then completely pacified Endeavor's attack... Zuko not only created fire, but could also control it. He also possessed a strong moral compass.
He's also the son of Pixie-Bob. It's clear he's been trained.
If someone like Zuko inherited One For All...
End of Chapter 7