Kamen Rider Deku | My Hero Academia X Kamen Rider

Inko and her mother-in-law walked into her apartment's living room, where her father-in-law was already waiting. He sat silently on the couch, his eyes closed in contemplation.

Inko had never thought much about the appearance of her in-laws before, but now she found herself considering how her late husband, Hisashi, had been shaped by their influence.

Her mother-in-law had a timeless beauty; despite the wrinkles on her visage and the graying straight shoulder-length hair, she retained a lively and youthful vitality. She could easily be mistaken for a woman in her forties, even though she was in her sixties. Perhaps it was the countryside living or the regular physical labor of farming that kept her so vibrant.

Her father-in-law, on the other hand, was an imposing figure. With short, ruffled gray hair and deep wrinkles etched into his stern face, he looked like someone straight out of a fighting game. His hulking, muscular frame, tall stature, and broad shoulders were intimidating. People at Hisashi's funeral had been startled by his presence, some even mistaking him for a yakuza member.

As Inko gazed at him, she couldn't help but wonder if he had once been a superhero. His physique might suggest as much, but of course, that was just from appearance alone. In truth, Hisashi had mentioned that his family ran a dojo for kids in the countryside, which explained his father's formidable build. It also explained why Hisashi himself had been quite muscular, having trained in martial arts at his family dojo from a young age under his own father's guidance.

Her mother-in-law gently placed a hand on her shoulder, bringing her back to the present. "Inko, we need to discuss the future," she said softly, her eyes filled with understanding.

Inko nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension toward her mother-in-law. She remembered the first time Hisashi had introduced her to his parents, and now, even with Hisashi gone, they were still the same people who understood her circumstances.

Her mother-in-law took a seat beside her father-in-law on the long couch, while Inko sat in the single chair beside it. Once they had settled comfortably, her father-in-law finally opened his eyes and looked at her with a stern gaze.

A normal person might have been intimidated by her father-in-law's glare, and she had been at first. But over time, she had learned through her husband that this was just his natural expression.

"Inko," her father-in-law greeted her with an equally stern voice. To Inko, however, that sternness wasn't born of hate or contempt.

"Yes, father?"

"What is your plan for the future?" he asked without hesitation.

Inko was a bit taken aback by the directness of the question, but she wasn't surprised. Her mother-in-law had already revealed the topic of their discussion, and Inko had been pondering it herself. Unfortunately, she hadn't yet found a solid answer.

"I'm... still not quite sure what I should do, father... mother," Inko replied honestly, looking from her father-in-law to her mother-in-law. "I've been thinking about it since I heard the news of Hisashi's death. Every possible scenario for Izuku and Chisa... and even for me."

Both her in-laws listened attentively, giving her the space to continue.

"I want... the best future for both Izuku and Chisa," Inko said, her head hanging low as she contemplated her situation. "With Hisashi's departure, I need to step up and find a proper job that will provide for both Izuku and Chisa, and ensure their education... their future..."

Inko clutched her chest, her heart aching from the pain. "But... I also don't want to leave them both alone while I'm busy trying to put food on the table." She held back tears, recalling the expressions of both her children, especially Izuku.

"I am... afraid of what would happen to them if I'm not there when they need me most…" She continued, tears slowly escaping from her eyes, "and I am... I'm afraid that I might face the same fate as Hisashi... and they would lose their mother as well..."

A sudden noise interrupted her thoughts. From the corner of the room, there was a clattering sound as an object hit the floor. All heads turned to see Izuku standing there, his face pale, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and guilt. He had been listening the entire time to her confession of fear.

Inko stood up in shock that her son had been listening to her worries. She did not have any intention of letting him or Chisa know about this to avoid making them worry about her, but it seemed that it was already too late for that.

"I-Izuku..." Inko's voice trembled as she reached out to him. "... dear, it's okay. Mommy is just discussing some adult stuff with your grandpa and grandma-"

But Izuku, seemingly overwhelmed by the emotions and revelations of his mother's fear, turned on his heel and bolted out of the apartment.

"Izuku, wait!" Inko cried out, scrambling to her feet. "Come back!"

Inko's father-in-law, equally shocked, stood up abruptly, while her mother-in-law gasped in surprise. They all rushed to the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of Izuku, but he was already gone, the door of the apartment wide open.

Her heart pounded with fear and worry as she stood in the doorway. She quickly went through the door of her apartment and tried looking left and right to the corridor of the apartment building, calling out for him.

"Izuku! Izuku, please come back!"

But her calls echoed unanswered in the empty apartment corridor. Izuku had disappeared from the apartment building, leaving his mother and grandparents behind in a state of panic and concern.