MHA:MPR CH29 - Back To Normal

The USJ Incident had concluded, leaving behind fear of another villain attack. Despite the chaos, there were no casualties among the students or heroes, though All Might had sustained significant injuries. By the time the professional heroes arrived, the battle was already over, the villains having retreated. It was a bittersweet victory.

In a dark bar, Shigaraki sat slumped, his head resting on the counter as he stared at the wall silently. His fingers twitched as they scratched at his neck. A cup of liquid sat untouched on the counter before him, its surface reflecting the few lights in the room.

“I can’t believe it...” Shigaraki muttered, his voice low and bitter. Slowly, he picked up the cup, his fingers brushing the surface. Before the liquid could touch his lips, his frustration peaked, and he let his decay quirk activate. The cup disintegrated in his hand, spilling the contents onto the bar.

“All Might being weak was a lie,” he spat, his voice trembling with anger. “Even when he was weakened by Nomu, we couldn’t finish the job. Why? Because of some child who could turn into a massive, muscular beast plated with armor and a golden wheel above its head...”

Shigaraki’s eyes twitched as vivid memories of the battle replayed in his mind. His frustration deepened, and he growled, “What kind of quirk is that?! Nomu couldn’t even dent him! Sure, the first punch worked, but after that, it was like the brat adapted to Nomu’s power!”

Across the room, a small TV flickered, its screen displaying the face of All For One. He listened to Shigaraki’s rant, intently. “A child could withstand Nomu’s power?” All For One asked, his voice laced with intrigue.

Shigaraki’s agitation boiled over, and he threw the remnants of the disintegrated cup to the floor. The shards scattered as he roared, “WITHSTAND?! HE COULDN’T EVEN BE HARMED!”

All For One remained silent for a long moment, contemplating the information. “I see,” he finally said. “Perhaps we underestimated both the Symbol of Peace and this new factor.”

Shigaraki’s scratching intensified, his frustration unabated.

All For One continued, his tone shifting to one of curiosity. “This child... bring him to me. If his form truly renders him invulnerable to Nomu’s attacks, his quirk is worth acquiring. This mission wasn’t a complete loss after all.”

At these words, Shigaraki’s expression morphed from frustration to a sinister grin. His fingers stilled as his mind raced with dark possibilities.

“If that’s the case,” Shigaraki said slowly, his voice dripping with malice, “I know the perfect way to bring him to you. But I’ll need your help.”

All For One’s screen flickered, his voice firm. “Whatever you need, Tomura. Begin preparations. Let us see just how resilient this child truly is.”

Shigaraki chuckled darkly. “Perfect.”

…

Two days after the USJ Incident, Shiro walked to school alongside Uraraka, the two chatting casually as they approached the school gates. The atmosphere was lighter, though the lingering memories of the battle still hovered in their minds.

As they neared the entrance, they noticed All Might standing by the gate, a wide grin plastered across his face. The Symbol of Peace seemed to be waiting for someone, and it didn’t take long for the students to start whispering among themselves.

“Why is All Might here?”

“Do you think he’s waiting for one of us?”

Spotting Shiro and Uraraka, All Might’s grin widened. “Ah, Young Shiro! Uraraka! You’re here!”

Shiro tilted his head slightly, his brows furrowing in confusion. “Is something wrong, All Might? Why’re you waiting out here?”

Maintaining his signature smile, All Might announced, “I’ve been waiting for you, Young Shiro. The principal wants you in his office. We have some important matters to discuss!”

Shiro exchanged a glance with Uraraka before turning back to All Might. “Should we get going, then?”

All Might nodded, his voice firm yet cheerful. “Yes, let’s go.”

As All Might began walking ahead, Shiro turned to Uraraka. “I guess I’ll see you in our first lesson.”

Uraraka chuckled, teasing, “It’s like you and All Might are buddy-buddy now, with him waiting at the school gate for you and all.”

Shiro laughed lightly and replied, “It does kind of seem like that doesn’t it... ’ Uraka nodded and Shiro replied “I’ll see you in class then,” before following All Might.

Inside Principal Nezu’s office, Principal Nezu sat sipping tea with his usual calm demeanor. Two chairs were positioned in front of the desk, one of which All Might, now deflated into his regular form, occupied. Shiro took the other seat.

“Welcome to my office once again, Shiro,” Principal Nezu said, with a polite smile.

“Thanks for having me,” Shiro replied, returning the smile.

All Might leaned forward slightly, his expression serious but warm. “Your performance two days ago was incredible. Not only did you save me, but you also protected your classmates. You did well.”

Principal Nezu nodded in agreement, setting his teacup down. “And to commemorate your incredible performance, we’ve arranged extra lessons for you with Mount Lady on the weekends, right here at UA. Two hours per session. Of course, it wasn’t easy to arrange, but we believe it will benefit you greatly.”

Shiro’s expression grew thoughtful. ‘Lessons with Mount Lady on the weekends, huh? That’s not a big deal, I guess. It’s not exactly what I’d call a reward, but it’s a chance to gain XP and refine my skills. She’ll probably focus on teaching me not to harm civilians.’

“Thank you for the opportunity,” Shiro said, nodding in appreciation.

Principal Nezu smiled approvingly, while All Might’s expression softened into one of admiration. ‘Where others might complain, he’s willing to put in extra work to improve himself. What an exceptional student.’

With the discussion concluded, Shiro stood and exited the room, making his way toward class.

As Shiro walked down the hallway, he noticed a familiar face turning toward him.

It was Kendo from Class 1-B. She smiled and said, “Oh, your name’s Shiro, right? How’ve you been?”

Not expecting her to remember him, Shiro replied, “Pretty good. What about you?”

Kendo’s smile widened. “I’m doing alright. I heard about what happened. I’m glad your class is okay.”

Shiro sighed lightly. “I haven’t seen them yet today, but I’m sure they’re fine. I just came from the principal’s office.”

Kendo nodded. “Oh, I see. Well, it’s my birthday next week, and I’m inviting all my friends to my party—including the whole of Class 1-B. Would you like to come?”

Shiro considered for a moment. ‘That was a bit sudden.. However, It wouldn’t be so bad. I’ve got no basketball practice to fill up my time anymore, so I don’t have much to do.’ 

Kendo brightened. “Thursday next week. It’s just before the sports festival, so it’ll be a good way for everyone to relax.”

Shrugging, Shiro replied, “I’ve got nothing else to do that day. I’ll be there.”

“Great! I’ll hand you the invitation after school,” Kendo said cheerfully.

Shiro nodded and began walking off. “Take care.”

As he left, Kendo waved, a content smile on her face.

Suddenly, Monoma appeared, glaring dramatically. “Don’t tell me you’re talking to the enemy, Kendo!”

Rolling her eyes, Kendo grabbed Monoma by the ear and began dragging him back toward the classroom. “They aren’t enemies, Monoma. The villains are the real enemies!” she muttered, exasperated.