The paper was barely damp at the corners, but legible.
Akemi had her task on a sheet decorated with small drawings of mini-explosions and equations that she walked with legs and arms that held bones.
Clearly, he had done it with Hades to relax, and that had helped him more than it seemed.
Ectoplasm was direct: he placed a sheet on the projector and the longest 50 minutes of the day began.
Math Class: Perfect Square Trinomials
"Today we're going to review how to identify a perfect square trinomial," he said, as the blackboard filled with his clones
simultaneously writing equations in every corner of the classroom. One of the copies wrote:
x² + 6x + 9
"Can anyone say if this is a perfect square trinomial..." and why?
Iida raised her hand as if she were about to raise a flag.
"Yes, because the square root of the first term is x, that of the last is 3, and the double product of them gives 6x!"
"Right," Ectoplasm replied, "But why does it matter?" Silence.
Hades raised his hand slowly, still frowning as he remembered what Akemi explained to him the day before.
"Because if we recognize them, we can factor faster without cheating."
Some classmates laughed.
"It's not cheating. "It's efficiency," corrected Ectoplasm, humorlessly, though a slight vibration in his tone denoted that he had found it. curious.
Examples followed:
1.- y² + 14y +
49
2.- 4x² + 12x +
9
3.- x² − 10x +
25
Each student had to explain one, in front of all.
Kirishima stuttered with his, Mina drew a picture of a pair breaking a wall as if it were a superhero, and Todoroki, stoic, simply solved it silently, with the chalk, and sat down again.
Akemi got one wrong, adding the double product wrong. He corrected it aloud, and laughed nervously.
"You anticipated the result without checking the path," murmured Ectoplasm, approaching his desk. A common mistake... even among heroes.
She nodded. I wouldn't take it lightly.
....
After a long hour, the class was about to end.
"The task for tomorrow will be to solve the exercises from 7 to 15 of the guide and bring an example of a perfect square trinomial with
subfactorization," the metallic voice made it clear that there was no option allocated. I don't want internet copies. If I find out that someone plagiarizes, I will know.
The doorbell rang.
Some sighed, others simply stared at the blackboard as if their soul were still trapped between fractions and square roots.
Ectoplasm vanished as it came out, leaving the same feeling as a surprise test: dry, empty, and tasted like "did I do it right?"
....
The usual bustle began to spread through the corridors when the students were released after the intense class of Ectoplams.
The emotions were still fresh, and a mixture of pride, tension, and vulnerability floated in the air that was not entirely processed.
Akemi left no room for words. As soon as the bell rang, he turned and grabbed Hades' arm with a force that didn't seem his own.
He raised his eyebrow, confused, but he didn't resist. They walked fast, as if the world was going to collapse if they didn't hurry.
Akemi gritted her teeth, her eyes fixed straight ahead. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Then." Now... Let's go to lunch," he replied, his tone cracking inside, disguised as determination.
The nervousness in his steps screamed what he could not say.
But just before he turned down the corridor into the dining room, the figure of Aizawa appeared at the door. Cold. Subtle.
But with the seriousness that precedes storms.
"Hades," he spoke, his raspy voice cutting through the air. Nezu is looking for you. And it seems urgent.
Akemi stopped suddenly.
His hand, which was still grasping the boy's arm as if it wanted to cling to the moment itself, tensed... and then let go.
He said nothing. She just looked at him with a hint of resigned despair, as if deep down she already knew that something was about to break.
—And.
Hades looked at her, then at the professor, a sigh escaped his lips and he walked, resigned.
"Do you know why?" He asked the man escorting him.
Aizawa denied, raising the mouthpiece of the doypack to his lips. "No idea. But if it's Nezu... it is not something minor.
They walked in silence to the office hidden behind one of the many administrative corridors.
Aizawa stopped in front of the imposing wooden door, looked at him out of the corner of his eye, and said, without emotion:
"Good luck, troublesome brat."
....
Hades pushed the door open with a swift motion.
Inside, Nezu sat on a polished wooden table, holding a cup of tea.
The steam of the tea rose like an omen in the midst of the silence.
"I wanted to have lunch," Hades said, frowning. Nezu interrupted him without looking at him.
"Yesterday... someone disintegrated the front doors of U.A. Hades, who wanted to continue talking, could only stare at him.
"They went in, they were inside for eight and a half minutes... and they left without a trace," he paused, taking a sip. The cameras were disabled. The defense system, nullified. And they took something.
"What did they take?"
"We don't know," he replied, looking up. We don't know if it was physical... or information. But it was a surgical intrusion. Accurate. And made by someone who knows this school from the inside. He drank another orbo without breaking eye contact. This is no longer a game, Hades.
"What does that have to do with me?"
Nezu got off the table and walked towards him, a small smile adorning her face.
"Everything," she answered, without taking her eyes off his. Because you are not here as a student. You never had that opportunity. You never beat and never will.
Silence fell like a block of granite between them. "Then why did you let me in?"
"Because I built this school. Not as a cradle of heroes... but as a fortress. She stood firmly in front of him, raising a hand. And every fortress needs a guard dog. One bites, one who is not part of the herd.
Hades squinted at him. "Are you calling me a dog?"
"I'm calling you Under Dog," he replied firmly. A project. My project. A contract signed with your blood, your Quirk, and your past," he said, smiling broadly. You're here to protect. Cure. And, if necessary, sacrifice yourself. Not because you're a hero. But because I decided that you would be.
Hades took a step back. His breathing slowed.
"So that's why you gave me the contract..." and this uniform. He whispered. That I may die for your lambs.
Nezu nodded.
"Yes. So that you become the shadow that devours the threats before they touch the children who do have a chance to be heroes," he said, before pointing a finger at him. You are the hidden price of this utopia.
A tremor ran through Hades' jaw. For a second, something broke behind his proud gaze.
"And what happens if I refuse?"
"You can't. You've already signed. You've already accepted. You're in. And besides..." Nezu looked at him with a hint of feigned empathy, "you have nowhere else to go. Here... at least you have a purpose.
Hades lowered his gaze, clenching his fists, knowing, deep inside him, that those simple words... were true.
"I need you alert." "Something is coming and we don't know what it is," he added, as he turned around. I only know that you are my unpredictable piece, my hound under control.
Hades looked down.
For an instant, Haruto seemed to tremble, his voice breaking in whispers...
—... I am sorry... I..." His voice trembled, forcing him to pause his words, "I shouldn't have forced you to sign that contract..."
Hades grunted under his breath, and shook his head, before resting his gaze on Nezu's back.
"Then..." mark the cage for me, Nezu," he said finally, narrowing his eyes. But don't cry when you can no longer hide the beast.
Nezu smiled, a shrill laugh was accompanied, as he raised his arms, excited.
"That's what I expected to hear!" Ha ha ha. Hades swallowed.
"Can I leave now?" I'm hungry," he said dryly, trying to disguise the discomfort he felt.
Nezu shook his head softly, and a kinder smile formed on his face.
"No, you can't leave yet," she began, looking over her shoulder at him. But if you're so hungry. I have almond cookies... and more tea. Ginger or chamomile?
Hades rolled his eyes, but his stomach roared like a chained dragon.
He sat down in front of the little director while he calmly poured him a steaming cup of chamomile.
The boy grabbed a cookie and took a bite of it reluctantly, but the taste drew a slight grunt of happiness, frustrating him in the process.
"Your dual Quirk," Nezu began, stirring her tea. It is impressive. Little seen. Even less so with that synergy. He took a sip of his tea.
Regeneration based on your resistance, creation of skeletons by another. Two skills that shouldn't coexist. And yet...
"Yes. And? Hades growled, his mouth full of biscuits, unable to hide his frustration.
Nezu was unfazed by being interrupted and continued: "I also found out who your biological parents were.
The boy's heart pounded.
Inside him, like a spark, Haruto shuddered. But... The spark died as quickly as it was born.
"I don't care," he spat coldly, as he looked down at the steam in his teacup, and took another sip.
Nezu simply nodded.
"I suppose not. Although... I remember she left you in front of the alorfanate with a hand-woven blanket," she smiled, soaking a cookie. One that you unfortunately lost a long, long time ago.
Hades clenched his jaw.
"Did you come to delve into my past or to tell me secrets?" Nezu smiled with artificial tenderness.
"Both," he said matter-of-factly. Alque, I also discovered your story with the young Yaoyorozu
Hades' fingers tightened over the hot cup. "My past, my problems.
"Do you really believe that?" After all... Sometimes one remembers things that happened to another as an experience—
"You're talking stupid things!" He interrupted, tapping the table they were on.
The clinking of the cups broke the tension they were in. One of them trembled dangerously on the edge, as if hesitating to fall.
"Am I?" He answered, looking out of the corner of his eye that the cups were empty.
Hades swallowed hard, his fists clenched tightly, as he looked at the rat in front of him.
"I know what happened. I experienced it myself... And I won't let a rat deny that.
Nezu drank from her tea without haste, as if waiting for that answer.
"Think what you will, Hades," he said, smacking his lips, "but remember, I know everything.
A dense silence spread between them.
Until Nezu, as if changing the subject to cut the tension, asked in a casual tone:
"And how are the classes going?"
Hades looked at him as if he didn't understand how they had just gone from childhood trauma to school education.
"In mathematics I am lost. And in English... well, I speak like a caveman.
Nezu laughed quietly, without malice.
"I understand you. Those two were also difficult for me. Although, of course... It had other advantages.
Hades put another cookie in his mouth. Quieter this time. "I heard from my nurse that you have been—" problematic.
Hades snorted under his breath, chewing on the cookie before swallowing it.
"That old woman says that if I get back half dead, she's going to gouge out my eyes with a teaspoon."
Nezu let out a slight laugh, as she poured more tea into both cups. "Oh... I see that he is taking a liking to you.
Hades looked at the steaming cup, before sighing heavily.
"Do you think?" he said, taking a sip. I think he wants me as far away as possible.
"Oh, it does. A lot. He says you have a sad look. Like that of abandoned dogs.
"Tch... Again with the dogs?
"I'm just making observations," he replied, shrugging his shoulders. And speaking of observations... how are the drinks that Power Loader gave you going?
"The strawberry one is absurdly sweet," he began, wrinkling his features. It left my throat sticky. But yes... I recovered my energy well," he continued, raising his hand and bringing it to his chest. Like I got struck by lightning, you know?
"And the other two?" he asked, cocking his head.
"I have them in my backpack, and I haven't tried them yet." "One is citrus. The other tastes like beetroot. Don't ask why. "Did you know?"
"Don't I know everything?"
Hades snorted. And, for the first time in the entire conversation, he smiled. It was something very minor.
Almost imperceptible, but authentic.
Nezu saw it. And he didn't say anything. Only another cup of tea was served.
"You can leave now. But remember... the world moves even if you don't look at it," he took a sip. And your steps... they are marking more path than you imagine.
Hades stood up, grabbed two more cookies, and headed for the door. Before leaving, he turned around barely.
"Thank you..." for the cookies.
Nezu smiled broadly, her small eyes smiling just like her lips.
"This is your second personality, isn't it?"
Hades did not respond. He just closed the door behind him.
....
Hades walked. And he walked.
And he walked even more.
He passed through the corridors of the teachers' section again and again. The frustration of seeing that they were all the same, began to eat away at him, while he had a cookie trapped between his teeth.
Where I walked, I could see only frosted glass doors, identical
ornamental plants, and that annoying feeling of déjà vu that whispers in your ear: you passed by here five minutes ago, you idiot.
"Damn Nezu," he growled to himself, but as he did so, he could hear a small laugh echoing down the hallway.
Hades turned his head in all directions, looking for the origin of it.
He found nothing, and with resignation, he growled:
"Stupid rat... I swear if I find you...!" His words paused when he realized that for the third time he passed by a statue of All Might in gold version that seemed to mock him.
He let out a heavy sigh, frustrated, as he put his second cookie in his mouth.
With no other choice, he crossed to the left, but his journey was interrupted by a tall, feminine figure who seemed to have stepped out of a high-budget adult magazine.
Hair as black as Indian ink.
A black leather leotard, corset-like, that highlighted her curves as if the body were part of a catalog of weapons of seduction.
And on top of that, a translucent white bodysuit that didn't hide anything, only insinuated it cruelly.
She stopped him with a hand on her hip, a lopsided smile and a honeyed voice.
"What are you doing here, little one?" "This is the staff area," he said, putting a finger to his lips. You've been wandering around for about five minutes... did you get lost?
Hades stared into her eyes, slowly chewing a piece of biscuit.
"Yes.
His answer was dry as his cookie.
He didn't look away for a second. He didn't even look down. He didn't even flinch at the generous bounce that occurred when she bowed with a soft, almost singsong laugh.
"How serious," he murmured, almost as if he enjoyed the game.
Hades frowned, not out of shyness, but because he was tired of walking in circles.
"How do I get out of here?"
She blinked, as if surprised by his disinterest. But then he composed himself and answered, still smiling:
"You're going straight..." you turn right... then left... you go straight again... and at the end, to the right. Easy.
Every word he said was accompanied by an intentional bounce of his figure.
"Thank you," Hades said in his neutral funeral tone. He turned around without giving it a second look.
But in the middle of his walk, he turned and approached the woman. Without saying a word, he handed him half of his cookie.
Without hesitation, without unnecessary words, and he turned to leave, before the incredulous gaze of the woman.
She stood there, one eyebrow arched, watching him walk away. "Not a 'nice afternoon', not a 'wow, how beautiful', not even a
look..." she murmured to herself, looking at the cookie.
He turned to the nearest mirror and looked closely. She touched her hair, subtly adjusted her cleavage.
"Am I losing my touch...?" he whispered, with a mixture of doubt and wounded pride.
He turned again in the direction where Hades had gone.
"Could it be that he was... gay? he murmured, eating the. Uuuh, they're dry like him..." He grimaced and pursed his lips, taking another bite.
....
Hades stopped at the end of the hallway.
In front of him, the road forked in two directions: right and left.
Both are equally cold. Silent and hostile.
"Take the right..." Haruto whispered in his head. "No... I'm sure it was the left.
"Take the right."
"I don't remember her saying 'right' twice.
"Of course he did!" See? This happens because you don't pay attention! And on top of that, you were rude.
"Again with that?"
"Yes, again with that!" She was a teacher! It doesn't matter if I was... Provocative! Manners are not lost, Hades!
"I don't have time to play politeness when I'm lost.
"And then you wonder why no one besides Akemi, wants to spend time with you, you antisocial demon!"
Hades grunted under his breath. He was about to take the left when a soft, somewhat muffled voice prevented him from making the mistake.
"Are you lost?"
The boy turned slightly, and then looked at her.
Light brown hair, cut in a bob style that fell like a messy curtain over her eyes.
Fair skin. Perfectly ordered uniform, despite the small mushroom- shaped clasp on the neck. His posture was stooped and his hands were clasped.
"It's Kinoko!" Haruto shouted with an almost childlike warmth from the depths of his mind.
Hades, on the other hand, looked at her without emotion in his face, but his steps were directed towards her. Without thinking about it. Without stopping.
"Hello, mushroom girl.
She smiled softly, not at all offended by the nickname. And he lowered his head slightly in a timid gesture.
"How have you been?" Have you done well at the green-haired boy's house? He asked innocently, still not knowing the truth about Akemi. "Have you missed my mushrooms...?"
He said the last thing almost in a whisper, looking at the ground, pressing his fingers on the sleeve of his shirt.
Hades was going to answer a simple "yes." Simple. Brief. Functional. But Haruto interrupted him forcefully.
"Yes!" I miss eating your mushrooms made over the campfire so much! The sincerity in his voice resonated and crossed his lips.
Kinoko looked up in surprise, with a faint smile that lit up his face for a second.
"I'm glad... I thought maybe you had forgotten He put both hands together and a subtle vapor began to emanate from them.
"I never forget the things that keep me alive," Hades said, regaining control.
Suddenly, a small brown mushroom appeared in the girl's palm, and with a smile, she handed it to the boy who was expectant.
Without thinking much about it, he took it delicately.
"It's raw," he added, before starting to eat it.
The girl let out a small, almost imperceptible laugh before asking:
"What are you doing here?" Did you go to the gym?
"I got lost. I wanted to go to the living room, and I don't think I have much time," he said. Just then, the echo of the bell echoed through the corridors like a sentence for both of them.
Hades sighed heavily, and finished eating the mushroom.
"I'll accompany you." I'm also late..." she replied, lowering her gaze, as if expecting to be rejected.
Hades just grunted and began to walk to the left. When she noticed it, she felt a subtle pang in her chest.
His shoulders dropped under the weight of rejection.
But then...
"What are you doing standing there?" He spoke of the unforeseen. I thought you said you would go with me.
Kinoko blinked, confused at first, but a smile marked her features, before she denied.
"You're walking where it's not, Hades-kun..." Undeterred, the boy turned and walked past her.
"As I said... We must hurry, I don't want the tramp to question the delay.
Kinoko smiled, this time widely, his shoulders raised and his beautiful brown eyes peeked out from his bangs.
....
They walked together, with slow but calm steps.
Kinoko's presence had something... serene. Almost medicinal. The kind of silence that doesn't bother you.
"And how did your class go?" he asked, out of courtesy. Haruto silently approved.
"Good. Sometimes it's hard to get noticed, but my spores thirst! He looked up slightly, while raising a finger. And you? What is your class like?
"I am the absolute king," he said, sticking out his chest. The plebs recognized my divinity and crowned me yesterday.
Kinoko looked at him for a moment, incredulous at his statement.
But he let it go, remembering his attitude, and a small hint of amusement appeared in his voice.
"Are you the president...?" "Exactly.
"That's incredible!" I'm so happy for you." His tone dropped
several levels. I, on the other hand, did not receive a single vote...
"You shouldn't pay attention to those absurd things," he said, watching as they approached someone. You should keep your gaze straight ahead at all times.
She nodded, moved, but as she did so, without seeing the way, she crashed head-on into a back as firm as a wall.
"Ah!
It bounced back slightly and clung to Hades' arm reflexively.
In front of them, imposing, with a slightly frown, was a muscular man with white hair and a red suit who looked down at them.
"Are you okay, Komori?" He asked, turning around and recognizing her immediately.
"I'm sorry, Vlad King-sensei!" I didn't see it coming!
The man then looked at Hades, assessing him with a raised eyebrow.
"Your class is straight across to the left," he said, pointing behind him with his thumb. Hurry up, I saw your master come in a few minutes ago.
Hades nodded silently. "See you."
Those were the last words Kinoko heard before entering her classroom.
....
The room of 1-A was in complete silence.
They were all seated, attentive to the front, where Aizawa stood erect, his arms folded, his typical expression of annoyance well marked under the perpetual dark circles.
Then, unexpectedly, the door slipped with a slight creak. In the doorframe, Hades was standing, his brow furrowed.
His footsteps resounded heavy on the floor, as if the echo of his presence refused to go unnoticed.
He did not say hello. He just moved forward with his eyes down.
After a few more steps, he arrived in front of his master and looked up.
The professor stared at him for a moment, looking at the boy's attitude.
"Did the conversation with Nezu go on longer than it should have?" Hades maintained eye contact and snorted with contained annoyance. "I got lost in the corridors.
Aizawa sighed, barely raising an eyebrow, and muttered to himself, in a low voice:
"Troublesome brat..."
Then, in his usual monotone tone, he spoke clearly: "Go sit down."
Hades did so without a murmur, walking to his seat. His eyes flashed past Akemi.
She was stiff. His shoulders stiff, his chin slightly clenched, he breathed deeply, as if counting each inhalation to avoid losing control.
She didn't look at him, but she was clearly aware of his presence. Aizawa took a moment before speaking again.
He looked at all the students, one by one, as if silently assessing their mettle.
"Picking up where we left off..."
He advanced a few steps forward. His voice, deep and harsh, took on a firmer, more honest tone.
I was not looking to inspire. He sought to make clear the weight of reality. "Being a hero is not just about taking on villains with bare fists. "It's
not all blows, flames, or explosions," he paused, looking around. Sometimes, what awaits them is not a battle... but devastation.
He paused to lower his gaze and sigh heavily before continuing:
"Floods." Landslides. Fire. Children trapped. Parents screaming. People under the concrete with minutes to live." He looked up, his firm eyes beginning to glow red. People already dead. And you, still breathing, not knowing where to start. That's also being a hero.
Knowing that they will not always be able to save everyone... but still, move.
There was a deathly silence, the students moved uncomfortably and some swallowed hard.
"Today," he continued, "we'll train that. Under the supervision of three professional heroes with real experience in urban rescue operations.
"This is what true heroes do!" Kirishima shouted, raising an excited fist.
"I want to use my muscles for this!" Sato added, smiling.
"Won't it be troublesome for many of us...?" Kaminari whispered, unsure about doing rescue work.
Aizawa raised his hand, cutting off all comments immediately. "I'm not done.
He took the projector's remote control and pressed a button.
The screen lit up behind him, showing real images of catastrophes: collapsed buildings, overflowing rivers, burned areas.
"It's up to each one of us to decide whether to wear our hero costume or not. Depending on the design, it can be an obstacle in this type of environment. Decide with your head. Not with ego.
He turned to the class, but without looking at anyone specific. Or so it seemed... until his gaze drifted for a second to the back of the room, where Hades was sitting.
"In Hades's case," he said neutrally, "he will wear the physical education uniform. His suit was destroyed... and completely discarded.
Some students turned to look at him curiously.
"You'll have to go make a formal request to the support classroom to get a replacement," Aizawa added, direct and blunt.
Hades nodded without raising his head, annoyed, but didn't argue with it. "Prepare what is necessary. We leave in fifteen minutes.
Aizawa stretched a little and took his bandana with a slight sigh of resignation before leaving the classroom.
"I'll wait for you at the entrance to the U.A.," he continued without emotion. We will take buses to get to the facilities.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Iida took a firm step forward and raised her hand vigorously.
"Comrades! he exclaimed, adjusting his glasses. We must mobilize quickly. Time is of the essence for a hero in training.
With a fluid mechanics, the side walls of the classroom slid down, revealing four metal columns that opened to reveal five suitcases each.
The automatic system activated by Aizawa before leaving flashed a soft blue glow.
Each student took their suitcase with the hero's costume and went to the dressing rooms.
Hades, for his part, took the two energy drinks from his desk and went to the dressing room, looking for his physical education uniform.
....
Soon, everyone was at the main entrance of the U.A., lined up and ready to go.
In front, Hades—the only one in a physical education uniform— was standing next to Iida.
His eyes scanned everyone present with calculated coldness, and his voice rang out serious:
"Follow me closely. I don't want them to be lost. As he spoke, his gaze drifted slightly to Akemi.
The black whips fluttered with a subtle tension around his arms and chest, like overactive snakes.
Iida nodded solemnly.
"Let's follow in his footsteps!" And then, Hades turned left.
He began to walk with a firm step, sure of himself... towards the completely opposite direction to the one they were supposed to go.
On the other hand, Iida walked to the right, being followed by everyone.
An awkward silence fell between them until Kaminari broke the moment:
"Ah, is it always like that?"
"It's always lost," Akami murmured, with a slight hint of a smile.
It was not long before Iida, confused by Hades's absence, began to look for the boy in the surroundings with exaggerated, almost comical movements, turning on his axis, craning his neck.
It was not until he turned around completely, that he noticed the figure of the boy several meters behind everyone.
"First march!" Iida shouted, leaning slightly forward and activating her Quirk.
White steam emerged from the exhaust pipes of his calves and in a matter of seconds, he caught up with him and grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Hades-san!" The meeting point is on the right!
Hades raised an eyebrow, without losing his composure and let himself be dragged by the vice president.
When he caught up with them all, he stood in front again.
"As I was saying," he said, picking up his pace. The path is on the right.
Some burst into suppressed laughter, especially Mina, who covered her mouth while laughing with Ochako by her side.
"The worst thing is that it sounded like it had never been wrong!" Mina whispered.
After a brief, more coordinated journey—now with Iida in front— they reached the buses.
Aizawa was already waiting for them, leaning against the door of the bus. "Come up," he ordered dryly, pointing with his thumb.
The group nodded and when they tried to enter, Iida took the floor with renewed enthusiasm.
"We will organize ourselves in groups of two per row, according to the order of seats!"
But he barely set foot inside... His expression collapsed.
In the first half of the bus there were double seats and, just in front, two rows with four seats facing each other, followed by the normal two-seat arrangement all the way back, culminating in another row of four.
"This... this does not follow a logical numerical order," Iida murmured, crestfallen, defeated by the vehicular architecture.
Hades, who had climbed up without waiting for instructions, dropped right in the middle of the seats facing each other, relaxed, almost listless.
On his right side sat Tsuyu, blinking calmly.
To his left, Mina, full of energy.
In front of them, Akemi took a seat next to Iida, while Sato and Aoyama completed the picture.
Those in the nearest double row were Kaminari next to Sero, sharing discreet jokes.
Beside him, Bakugo was with Momo.
Bakugo was clearly upset about having to share space, but he held back the frustration.
The rest of the group was already filling the seats further back, but Hades could not see them from his place. Nor did he give it much importance.
He crossed his arms and leaned his head back, letting out a sigh.
"I hope it is not a long trip...
In front of him, Akemi said nothing... but their whips were still, as if waiting for the right moment to move.
....
The road was relaxed, with the constant rumble of the engine accompanying the changing views through the window.
Inside the bus, the conversation flowed smoothly, between laughter, comments and the occasional yawn.
Tsuyu, who was sitting across from Akemi, watched her for a while before speaking with her usual frankness.
"You know, Akemi-chan... I always speak my mind," he began, his tone neutral but direct, "and I think your gift is very much like All's
"Might," he added, putting a hand to his chin. The only time I saw you use it was at softball pitching... and the shock wave you created... It reminded me of yours
"But All Might doesn't have black tentacles!" Aoyama interrupted, with his typical drama. He shines fabulously, not gloomy!
Kirishima, with a smile, nodded.
"Yes, that's where the resemblance ends. Although... That time I thought I saw green rays surrounding your arm, like electricity or something.
Akemi smiled softly, her voice maintaining a gentle tone.
"As the number one fan of the number one hero, I'd love to have his Quirk," he said, with a hint of nostalgia in his voice, but without losing confidence.
Then, Tsuyu turned his gaze to the side. Hades was sitting with his arms crossed, looking out the window without much interest.
"Hades-san," she called out to him in her flat but direct tone. He barely turned his face.
"What do you want, deadly frog Tsuyu?"
The girl blinked, remembering how he had last called her that.
"You can call me just Tsuyu."
"I won't," he replied simply, without a hint of mockery. Without missing a beat, Tsuyu continued:
"Your Quirk is... the rarest I've ever seen. You can summon skeletons, make a bone glove, a great bone sword... but you can also cure. Her eyes locked on him. Remember when you healed Akemi after breaking her arm? That is not common.
Hades shrugged his shoulders in pride.
"I am Hades, god of the Underworld and king of this class," he raised a finger to point to the ceiling, "it is natural for me to have control over life and death.
There was a brief pause before Tsuyu blurted out the question. "And your parents?" Do they have similar Quirks?
The atmosphere changed.
Hades' shoulders slowly lowered.
Everyone looked at him. Even Momo, who had hitherto been silent, stared at him from his place.
There was a long pause before he spoke.
"I don't know them," he said at last, his voice low. I only know that my mother left me... with some dogs from a strange convent.
A dense silence took over the place. No one spoke. Everyone was waiting.
Tsuyu, realizing the weight of his question, lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry...
"I don't care," Hades interrupted, with that dry tone that didn't hide the wound. After all, I had a father...
The eyes rose again, curious, especially that of Akemi, who could not help asking:
"What was his name?"
Hades froze instantly, his shoulders trembled, his jaw tensed. His fingers tightened on his knees.
He remembered a figure, he remembered it clearly. A silhouette that embraced him. A warm voice. But the name...
"No... I know," he whispered, barely audible. I just remember that I could make swords out of any shit I touched...
His own words crackled in his mind.
Images that he did not remember having seen, but that hurt as if he had lived them a thousand times, flashed before his eyes.
Hundreds of black feathers fell like ashes under the starry sky.
White masks that smiled at him maliciously, supported by figures as black as the night.
Crows screeching, shattering their eardrums like thousands of rusty needles.
"I remember... some guys with masks.. His voice began to break with every word he could form.
The pain pierced him like a red-hot nail between his eyebrows. An internal explosion forced him to bend, as if his skull were hiding an unexploded bomb.
His hand trembled, reaching for his chest as if it could contain something that was already breaking inside. His breathing became erratic, between mute gasps.
Hades' ears were flooded with senseless screams, faceless laughter, and Haruto's cries.
Without realizing it, small tears began to flow down Hades' face, silent, as if he himself did not feel them.
His head was down, his body was shaking, the confusion, the pain, the wound he didn't know was there, slowly opened, spilling its bile on him.
Tsuyu was the first to act.
Without hesitation, she hugged him gently, feeling the drops fall to the ground.
"You're crying. Kero..." he murmured, without judgment, only with empathy.
No one said anything. No one laughed. No one dared to break the moment. The silence was sepulchral.
Aizawa, sitting in front, knew everything. He felt it. But he didn't say a word. He just sighed, looking out the window, letting the boy, for once, feel what he had to feel.
Akemi, with a lump in her throat and her soul tightened, broke the silence with a faint, almost broken voice.
"I'm sorry, Hades... I shouldn't have asked that... But he didn't answer. I couldn't.
He was trapped in an inner abyss, a place where the echoes of the past roared without form or face. His gaze was still lowered, fixed on the ground as if he could find what his mind denied him.
I had to remember it. I had to know his name.
His fingers closed tightly over his pants, his knuckles turned white.
His breathing began to break, cut, disordered, almost suffocating.
His mind ran a thousand miles an hour, every thought stifled by pain.
"Why can't I remember...?" Why can't I!
His heart was pounding against his chest. Hurt. It hurt as if something was tearing inside.
Suddenly, Haruto emerged, in an attempt to protect himself.
"I don't remember," he whispered, his voice full of tears. It hurts... it only hurts...
He raised his arm, rubbing his face awkwardly.
The tears kept falling. He couldn't stop them. It was as if he were crying not with his eyes, but with his soul.
Then Hades returned, but not in anger, but in despair.
Abruptly, he carved his face violently, as if he could tear away the pain, erase the tears, or perhaps tear away the memories that refused to return.
But he only managed to stain himself more with impotence. It was Momo who acted this time.
Silently, without a word, without pity, he offered her a slightly damp towel.
The gesture was simple... but it contained immense compassion. A humanity that Hades did not remember having received before he met the Midoriya family, before signing the contract.
He looked at her.
But only for an instant. His crimson eyes, now broken, bathed in red and tears, crossed hers.
He said nothing.
He took the towel with a trembling hand, brought it to his face and left it there.
As if hiding allowed him to breathe again. But even that didn't quite work.
"Why can't I remember his name...?"
Inside his mind, he was arguing with Haruto. He pushed him, questioned him.
But Haruto was crying too.
"I only remember that... that he could make swords out of anything... I only remember that... and... some guys... some guys with... with...
There, his voice broke.
It was as if an icy needle was buried in his heart.
The pain was so deep, so dry, that not even the tears could continue to flow.
All that remained was that unbearable hole.
And while he drowned in his incomplete past, silence took over the bus.
Tsuyu who was next to him, got even closer and with a tenderness alien to the world, patted him on the shoulder.
Mina rubbed the other one gently, almost maternally.
Both were silent. Respecting their pain without wanting to invade it.
Hades' breath was still broken, filtering through the towel like a dull wail.
Then, something invisible touched him.
Warm hands began to caress his head, gently, carefully.
He felt it, but he didn't see anything. Hagakure was there.
Invisible to the eye. Visible only to the soul.
She stroked his hair like a mother comforting her child after a nightmare.
And for the first time, Hades didn't know how to react. He just closed his eyes under the towel, and let the world forget him for a few minutes.
At that moment, everyone understood.
Akemi felt her chest tighten, the guilt for opening a subconscious trauma, gnawing at her.
Iida lowered her gaze, finally understanding, deciding to keep silent.
Momo stood her ground, but inside, something broke as she remembered how she had contributed to what Hades is now.
Mina only wanted to hug him, but she didn't dare.
Tsuyu didn't say anything. He just stayed there, accompanying him.
Bakugo... He didn't say anything, but lowered his head. He felt reflected, his eyes, barely closed, showed an image.
A person, a flame slowly extinguishing because of his inaction.
Everyone present was silent, because they were not seeing a person who was only arrogant or cold.
Not a bully. Not even a guy with a god complex.
They were seeing a child... a broken child, covered by the disguise of a god.
That he had forgotten the name of the only person who perhaps, ever, loved him.
....
Aizawa, with her arms folded, looked ahead from the first seat of the bus.
"We've arrived. They have five minutes to settle in... and then come down." His tone became softer. I will be waiting for you at the entrance.
One by one, the students began to leave.
Everyone cast quick glances, some more discreet than others, towards Hades.
He was sitting upright, with the towel on his face and his eyes straight ahead.
He breathed calmly. As if everything had happened. But his eyes were still slightly red at the corners.
She was no longer crying, but the imprint of what she had felt was still marked on her face.
Tsuyu was one of the last to leave.
Mina, beside him, hesitated for a moment before rising.
And Hagakure, now visible thanks to his gloves and boots, also paused for a second, as if he wanted to say something... but he decided not to.
The three of them got off together, leaving Hades alone on the bus. Akemi, the last, stood on the step, hesitating.
The guilt weighed on his back, like a backpack full of stones.
He had seen it break. And for the first time he understood that even someone as stubborn and imposing as Hades could bleed inside.
She felt identified, she wanted to console him.
She wanted to give back to the nights when he saved her from herself. But he couldn't.
He couldn't afford it.
He sighed, lowered his head, and descended, approaching the group in silence.
No one spoke.
The atmosphere was thick, as if they had crossed an emotional storm together.
Aizawa watched them from the dome doorframe, his typical expression of weariness covering a silent curiosity.
Finally, Hades came down.
His steps were heavy but firm. The two drinks hung in their pockets.
His eyes, still somewhat reddish, swept over the place.
The white dome in front of him stood imposingly, like a dome protecting another reality. One where the tragedy was about to repeat itself.
Everyone saw him stand at the front of the group.
He said nothing, but stood tall, as if refusing to let that moment define who he was.
Aizawa approached him. "Are you okay?"
Hades looked at him for a second. He didn't need words. He only nodded once, firmly.
The professor looked at him for a moment longer, as if looking for some crack in that new mask that the boy had put on. But he said nothing.
He turned and walked towards the entrance, where a peculiar hero was already waiting for him.
He wore a white padded suit reminiscent of an astronaut, with a black visor and huge white eyes drawn, as well as striking yellow shoes. He waited patiently, with his hands clasped in front of him. When Aizawa stopped beside him, he began to speak with restrained enthusiasm:
"Floods." Fire. Landslides... This is a hands-on training area that I have helped design to simulate all types of incidents or disasters.
He paused dramatically, opening his arms proudly.
"And its name is... Ultimate Space for Jams!" He proclaimed in an energetic voice.
A couple of murmurs erupted from the group. Some barely suppressed a laugh.
"Isn't this Universal Studios Japan?" Kaminari whispered with a half-smile.
Ochako, unable to contain himself, stepped forward, eyes shining with excitement.
"He's the 13th space hero!" He said, almost breathless. The
phenomenal and chivalrous hero who helps in disasters with his Quirk!
As she talked nonstop, Akemi watched her with a faint melancholy smile.
I remembered it.
He remembered her in his other life, saying exactly the same thing, with the same illusion. The same sparkle in the eyes.
And at that moment, his soul weighed.
Because he knew that the past could not always be saved. But maybe, if they did things right this time... just maybe...
It could save them.
Aizawa approached 13 with his hands in his pockets, giving him a sidelong glance.
"Where's All Might?" He asked bluntly.
Hero 13 calmly raised three fingers, turning his padded helmet slightly toward him.
"He was doing heroic work until he consumed all his available time," he replied calmly. Now he is in the staff rest room.
Aizawa let out a tired sigh, lowering his head slightly. "That guy is the mecca of irreverence...
Hero 13 let out a small laugh under his breath before turning to the group of students, who were expectant in front of the huge white dome.
"All right, guys," he announced, raising an arm as if preparing for a performance. I have one thing to tell you... or two... or three... maybe four.
The students settled in, some more attentive than others. Ochako had an enthusiastic smile and jumped in place.
"As you know," Hero 13 continued, raising both arms theatrically, "my gift is called Black Hole. It absorbs everything it touches, and reduces it to dust. It doesn't matter if it's steel, concrete... or people.
Ochako raised her hand without holding back, the sparkle in her eyes was almost childish.
"It's the perfect Quirk for saving lives and cleaning up disaster areas!
Hero 13 slowly lowered his arms. His voice, when he spoke again, was deeper, more raw.
"Yes, it is," he nodded firmly. But also... he is the perfect Quirk to kill hundreds. Thousands, even. With a single blink.
The words were left floating in the air like a dense shadow. Ochako lowered her hand. Some looked away.
"There is no Quirk that is purely good or bad. There are only intentions, decisions... and consequences," he said as he walked slowly in front of them, observing each student carefully. This society that they admire so much, this race that they are about to undertake... It is full of rules, limits and controls. Because a simple mistake can destroy someone.
He paused for a few seconds in front of Iida, who looked at him firmly, but without saying a word. Then he turned to Bakugo, who was looking at him with a hard expression.
"A miscalculation, a misdirected explosion, an overflowing emotion," he continued, in a firm voice. And someone innocent dies. It's that simple. It's that fast.
He turned his head to Aizawa, who kept her brow furrowed and her arms crossed.
"With Professor Aizawa, they learned to use their gifts in conditions that limited their natural expression. To improve their personal bests without depending on the spectacular, but on efficiency," he explained, now walking towards the center of the group. They learned to be
useful without the need to shine.
He paused. His voice dropped, but he gained weight.
"And with All Might—" They learned the power of the symbol. The impact. Duty. But also the risk that comes with fighting with everything they have, with teammates whose Quirks are nothing like theirs.
He passed Akemi's side, pausing for a second. He looked at her speechlessly.
"Most of you have only fought among equals. Against opponents with clear intentions. But there are no scripts out there. There are no dojos. Just chaos." He raised a hand, his fist clenched. Only lives hanging by a thread. And you... You have the power to save them. Or of losing them.
He took a deep breath, then opened his arms as if hugging them all with his gesture.
"My mission here is simple," he said in a calm but solemn tone, "to teach them to use their gifts for the good of mankind." So that one day, when they are faced with fire, water, collapse or despair, they can say: "I am here to save you!"
He bowed deeply to the students, as if each one deserved a personal bow.
"Thank you for your attention," Hero 13 said, leaning over once more before turning to the massive floodgates. Now, let's get in. I'll show you the training sections.
The huge hydraulic system groaned as it opened, revealing the interior of the dome: a series of thematic zones, each simulating a different kind of disaster. Floods, landslides, fires... The perfect theatre for heroes in training.
Aizawa took a few steps forward and turned his face slightly towards the group.
"Good. Let's get to work," he said in a dry voice.
But at that moment, Akemi felt the air violently leave her lungs.
An invisible pressure oppressed her from within. His heart raced. Anxiety arose like a torrent as his eyes, almost instinctively, were fixed on a specific point, right in the center of the artificial fountain.
There, the air trembled.
A kind of distorted void began to expand, like a wound in reality itself.
Within that cleft, a white, pale, bony hand slowly emerged, breaking through as if tearing the skin of the world.
And then, a red, bloodshot eye looked at them. Deranged. Hateful. Sick.
"No... Akami whispered, taking a step back. His fingers were trembling.
The sound of the world faded away for a second. The memories of the future that no longer exist attacked her brutally. A cruel déjà vu enveloped her.
The eye flickered, and the crack opened wide.
Aizawa reacted immediately, with the tone of voice that did not admit of discussion, that of a true hero in combat.
"All of them, grouped in a single point!" Now! he commanded, raising his hands. Don't disperse!
He turned to Hades, his voice booming like a whip: "Hades! Take care of organizing them!
The students hesitated, turning their eyes nervously towards the portal.
"Is this... a surprise simulation? Kirishima asked, confused, his voice cracking a little.
"No!" Aizawa roared, not taking his eyes off the dark-spitting portal. They are real villains!
Then, it was as if a dam broke. One by one, they began to leave.
At first, a few: hooded figures, with improvised weapons, dirty looks and crooked smiles. Then, in seconds, the number grew to dozens.
And finally... he.
An imposing, grotesque, jet-black figure.
Deformed muscles, taut skin, a duck-like beak stuck to a deformed head with an exposed brain and completely empty eyes.
Nomu.
Akemi felt her body tremble, as if blood were freezing in her veins.
"N-no," he stammered. No... no way...
His breathing became erratic. His legs threatened to give way. Her eyes filled with tears that dared not fall.
Hades looked at him intently. His brow furrowed. His jaw is tense. The echo of a promise made to Akemi echoed within him: "You will have to fight it."
But to see the monster with his own eyes...
Could I really?
From the side of the portal, a new figure appeared. His head was replaced by a camera, and from his arms a swarm of insects emerged with a piercing buzz.
"Record everything!" He shouted in a shrill voice as the bugs dispersed like a plague.
The sky darkened slightly under the shadow of the swarm.
Finally, Kurogiri himself materialized as a blob of black smoke with a purple glow.
"All Might isn't here," he announced in a calm but sinister voice. Interesting.
Out of the smoke emerged one more figure, skeletal, with messy hair, cracked lips, and hands that seemed desperate to touch something just to destroy it.
Shigaraki Tomura.
"Tch... "This is like starting a game without the final boss..." he growled, moving his fingers impatiently. What a disappointment. Although... Perhaps, if we kill a few minions in formation, the boss appears for the second phase.
His smile was that of a child with a magnifying glass on an anthill. And his game... It had just begun.
CONTINUE