The scent of burning asphalt and blood still lingered in the air. The battle had ended, and the Hero Killer Stain had been captured. But the effects of that fight…
They were far from over.
Returning to the Agency
Reiji walked back into Endeavor's Hero Agency, his uniform still torn and scorched from the fight with Stain. His side still ached where the villain's blade had grazed him, but the pain was nothing more than a dull annoyance now.
Todoroki walked beside him, his usual cold expression even more unreadable than usual.
Neither of them spoke during the walk back.
The silence between them wasn't awkward—it was heavy.
Finally, as they entered the building, Endeavor's voice boomed through the hall.
"You were reckless."
Reiji stopped, golden eyes flickering toward the towering figure of the No. 2 Hero, standing at the far end of the hall.
Endeavor's gaze wasn't angry. It wasn't concerned, either.
It was analyzing.
"You went after the Hero Killer without waiting for support."
Reiji smirked. "And?"
Endeavor's flames flared slightly. "And you let yourself get injured. That is what separates an amateur from a professional. A hero cannot afford to take unnecessary damage."
Reiji exhaled. "I still won."
Todoroki, standing to the side, finally spoke. "That's not the point."
Reiji's eyes slid toward him.
Todoroki's expression was unreadable, but his voice was firm.
"The way you fought—" He hesitated for a second before continuing, "It wasn't just about stopping him. You were enjoying it."
The words hung in the air.
For a second, Reiji said nothing.
Then—he laughed.
"So?"
Todoroki's fists clenched. "A hero shouldn't—"
Reiji stepped closer, golden eyes gleaming. "A hero shouldn't what?"
Todoroki stiffened.
Reiji's smirk faded slightly.
"Let me guess. A hero shouldn't enjoy fighting? A hero shouldn't love the thrill of battle? A hero should just fight for the sake of others and never feel anything themselves?"
Todoroki didn't answer.
Reiji scoffed. "That's cute."
Then, his grin returned, but this time, it wasn't playful.
It was sharp.
"A hero who hesitates dies. A hero who fights without a reason loses. Me? I fight because I enjoy it. And that's why I win."
Todoroki's jaw tightened. "That kind of mindset… it's dangerous."
Reiji's gaze didn't waver. "So what? Are you scared?"
Todoroki narrowed his eyes.
"…I don't know yet."
For the first time since they met, Reiji could see it.
Todoroki wasn't just angry.
He was wary.
And that…
That made Reiji smirk even more.
Endeavor's Evaluation
The conversation was interrupted as Endeavor turned away.
"Kurobane."
Reiji looked at him. "Yeah?"
Endeavor didn't turn back. "Your internship is over."
Reiji blinked. "That fast?"
Endeavor's flames crackled. "You have nothing more to gain here. Your control over your fire has improved, but you are not ready to be a hero."
Reiji tilted his head. "That so?"
Endeavor finally looked over his shoulder.
"A warrior with no discipline is nothing more than a villain in disguise."
The words were heavy, carrying more weight than just a simple statement.
But Reiji?
He just grinned.
"If I were a villain, I'd be better than half the heroes out there."
Endeavor's eyes narrowed.
But he said nothing else.
He simply walked away.
The Final Night in Hosu
That night, Reiji sat on the rooftop of his apartment, staring at the city lights below.
His mind replayed the battle with Stain.
The way his flames had burned hotter, sharper.
The way he had felt alive in the middle of combat.
The way Todoroki and Endeavor looked at him afterward.
He exhaled slowly.
[Does it matter?]
A part of him wondered.
But he shook his head. Thinking too much wasn't his style.
As he stretched his fingers, a familiar system notification appeared.
[System Update: New Skill Unlocked]
[Skill: Ashen Recovery]
[Description: Your body passively absorbs ambient heat, accelerating natural healing.]
Reiji smirked.
[A healing ability, huh? Guess the system wants me to last longer in fights.]
He closed his eyes, letting the warm city air surround him.
Whatever came next, he was ready.
The Departure from the Internship
The next morning, Reiji arrived at the U.A. train station, ready to return to school.
Todoroki stood a few feet away, waiting for his own train.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then, as the train doors opened, Todoroki finally turned toward him.
"Kurobane."
Reiji raised an eyebrow.
Todoroki's eyes were calm, but his voice was firm.
"If you ever go too far… I'll stop you."
Reiji's smirk widened.
He stepped onto the train, golden eyes gleaming.
"…I'd like to see you try."
The doors closed.
And with that—
The internship was over.
But the real story was just beginning.
End of Chapter 25.
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