Chapter 38: Chapter 37 Silent Phantom 4/6
Taking a deep breath, Hado glanced at the clock—it had already struck 10:00 PM. Looking back at the papers, he realized he had spent half an hour in the office after his working hours had ended. Putting on his coat, Hado headed for the car, bidding farewell to his colleagues who were staying for the night shift. The night in Hosyu was dark and quiet—only the occasional hum of cars broke the silence. As he gazed at the starry sky, he smiled faintly and finally settled into his car, setting off for home to rest before the challenges of the next day. Noticing that the road was clear of villains, Hado decided to turn on the music to distract himself from the storm of thoughts. Since his youth, he had loved electronic music, even immersing himself in various ambient and synthwave tracks. Nostalgia washed over him, and as he admired the neon signs, he tuned into the nearest radio station, where one of the oldest yet still relevant compositions began to play.
M.O.O.N - DUST
Hado gently pressed the gas pedal, and the car glided smoothly down the evening highway. The headlights sliced through the thick gray fog as if obeying an invisible rhythm. The track "Dust" filled the cabin with its soft synthesizer tones, wrapping him in a heavy blanket of sound. The music seemed to dictate the flow of time—smooth, unhurried, as if extracted from reality.
The road stretched out like a living ribbon, obediently curving in sync with the melody. The streetlights flickered on and off with rhythmic precision, while the neon signs of roadside cafes and gas stations blurred into long colorful strokes, following the thin electronic sounds.
Outside, the city rushed by, hushed and weary. The shop windows glimmered faintly in the dim light, reflecting raindrops sliding down the glass. Hado involuntarily tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, allowing his thoughts to wander. There was something strangely captivating about this music—it seemed to penetrate deeper than it should, reminding him of something significant but long forgotten.
The delicate chords intensified, and under their accompaniment, the world outside transformed. The rain began to drizzle, as if the musician had added a light patter of raindrops to the track. Drops cascaded down the windshield, shimmering in the glare of oncoming headlights, forming patterns reminiscent of diverging sound waves.
Hado unconsciously slowed down to linger in this moment a little longer. The engine purred quietly, almost amicably, merging with the deep bass of the music. His gaze drifted over the blurred lights of the streetlamps and the road markings, which seemed to come alive in the thin ripples of sound.
The world slowed down. There was no past or future—only this moment. The car, the music, the rain. And Hado, who was driving home, immersed in a flow created by the perfect symphony of reality and sound. Succumbing to the allure of warm memories, Hado finally arrived home and locked the car. By the main entrance, it was quiet—so quiet that it was unsettling, yet not surprising; he had grown accustomed to the unpredictable antics of Nejire, who sometimes flew at him like a torpedo, but he preferred that to the silent, distant demeanor of his daughter.
Finally opening the door, he was greeted by silence and darkness. Removing his shoes, he headed to the kitchen to brew some tea, but his attention was caught by a pot of soup his daughter had prepared, along with a note beside it.
— For those who constantly leave their daughter at home (¬‿¬)
The smiley face brought a grin to Hado's face; he knew his daughter enjoyed expressing her feelings through various symbols, as here.
— This is my daughter, — he whispered to himself, smiling warmly. Noticing that Nejire was nowhere to be found, he approached her room door. Gently knocking, he heard no response. Upon slightly opening the door, he whispered:
— Nejire, are you asleep?
There was no answer. Opening the door wider, he was met with the source of light—a lamp illuminating the desk, where he found Nejire asleep, leaning on it. Hado let out a heavy sigh, stepping closer.
— Wake up, sleeping beauty, — he said, shaking her shoulder, but she did not stir, sweetly snoring. Not wanting to wake her, he picked her up in a princess hold and laid her on her bed, covering her with a blanket.
— Daddy, Izuku, — she murmured in her sleep, unaware that her father could hear her, prompting Hado to smile at Nejire's words. Approaching the lamp to turn it off, he noticed a notebook with a drawing of her in a heroic costume. Curiosity overtook him, and as he picked up the notebook, he saw detailed training plans from his daughter, her quirks, and as he flipped through, he learned more about her power, which was immense compared to his. The recording process was so captivating for Hado that he almost missed the empty page where nothing was written. Closing the notebook, he saw the cover with an inscription:
— For the people close to me and for those I can make happy. For Dad and Izuku.
— Sweet, — the thought crossed Hado's mind as he switched off the lamp.
— Goodnight, my little bundle of joy, — he wished her, tiptoeing away.
Closing the door, he finally decided to check his phone. A strange message had arrived from the person to whom he had sold the house in Mustafa—a message from the current owner, reaching out to him after such a long time.
***
9:57 PM
— Hi. Sorry for texting you so late. While doing a deep cleaning, I stumbled upon your thing, and I apologize, but my curiosity got the better of me—I found a violin that belonged to you. I think it might hold some value for you. Please let me know about this.
Reading the message, Hado was swept back into memories of when he bought the violin to widen his horizons, a stark contrast to the time when his relationship with his wife began to deteriorate due to her pride and career ambitions, leaving poor Nejire without maternal affection. Even during their divorce, she refused to take Nejire with her, despite appealing alimony, and realizing this, Hado bore the burden of Nejire's happiness more than his own, allowing his hobby to gather dust in the attic of his old house. He provided her with everything a parent could give: love, care, and a secure future. Of course, the love of one parent cannot replace the love of two, but Nejire never complained about her father, occasionally expressing her appreciation.
— You know, Daddy, if I had the choice between you and Mom when I was little, I would choose you over her, — she once said during dinner, elevating her significance not only in Hado's eyes but also boosting his own sense of importance.
10:37 PM
— Hi, I think I'll come by tomorrow. I don't know when, but I'll call you as soon as I finish work.
Having sent the message, Hado, feeling fatigue in his eyes, realized he wouldn't make it to his room and opted for the path of least resistance, deciding to sleep on the couch near the television. As he drifted into the realm of Morpheus, Hado pondered what he would do with the violin the next day and how to confront the new threat embodied by Silent Phantom.
****
Friday
Waking up from the heaviness of the previous day, Izuku stirred at the sound of a book being flipped through, read by Venom. Groaning in annoyance, Izuku interrupted Venom's hobby with his sounds. Struggling to open his eyes, he saw Venom's head stretched out from his chest, engrossed in a book about human biology.
— Wake up, Homo sapiens, it's time for you to make me breakfast with your monkey brain, — Venom joked, not tearing his gaze from the book. As fate would have it, the alarm clock went off, irritating Izuku even more.
— Aaaaah! — Izuku shouted, trying to return to sleep, but Venom only brought the alarm clock closer to his ear, further aggravating him.
— Okay, okay, I'm getting up. Please turn off the alarm! — Izuku pleaded, and Venom complied, switching off the alarm.
— What are we going to do today besides hero patrol with the blue light? — Venom asked, showing interest in Izuku's life after reading books in the library.
— Let me think, — tapping his finger on his chin, Izuku lazily got out of bed and finally put on his bathroom slippers.
— Hmm, if I think about it, today is Friday, and on Monday I have to go back to school. Considering that my school backpack was destroyed by a mud villain, the choice is obvious. We need to go to the stationery store for a new backpack, — he declared thoughtfully, scrolling through the news feed on his phone while Venom flipped through the book.
— You know, I found your old photo in it, you look so ugly with big eyes and a red butt, — Venom recalled mischievously.
— Show me where you found it! — Izuku asked, tearing his gaze from the phone.
— Look, it's just like you, — Venom pointed to a picture in the biology book that showed a mandrill. Izuku rolled his eyes, barely managing a smile.
— Very funny, Andy. It would be better if you spent your time on something else besides books, — Izuku retorted, looking at Venom, who, with a puzzled expression, turned to his host.
— Like what? — Venom asked, genuinely interested.
— Well, for instance, cleaning the house or finally learning to cook independently of me, — Izuku suggested, observing how Venom forcefully returned to his chest, throwing him back onto the bed.
— Routine is for the weak; real gentlemen punch villains and read books, growing smarter and stronger. By the way, after yesterday, you should work on your body. Your body can't handle our full strength, causing pain in the process, and we have to expend our energy on recovery, depleting our calorie reserves. You understand this, right? Why should I have to tell you? — Venom concluded, encouraging Izuku to exercise to strengthen his body and mind against external irritants.
— I wouldn't say I haven't thought about it, but I was looking for places and an effective approach for workouts to develop my body evenly. I chose Dagobah Beach. I can train there and do some good by cleaning up the accumulated trash, — Izuku answered, heading to the bathroom, while Venom smirked, realizing that his host was not as incompetent as he initially thought.
— Nice to realize that you're making some progress instead of just giving up — Venom whispered as they entered the bathroom together. Finally finishing their morning routines, they proceeded to prepare breakfast.
Izuku was flipping through a large recipe book while sitting in the kitchen when Venom's low, hoarse voice echoed in his head.
— Let's make waffles with caramel, — suggested the symbiote. — We deserve something sweet.
— Venom, you just ate chocolate before bed yesterday, — Izuku replied with a light laugh. — How about something more nutritious? Like, for example, an English breakfast.
— That's boring. It has vegetables. We hate vegetables!
— But it has bacon, sausages, eggs... Doesn't that sound appetizing?
Venom paused for a moment, considering the suggestion.
— Fine, but you'll add extra bacon.
Izuku smiled and got up from the chair, heading to the refrigerator. Soon, all the necessary ingredients were laid out on the table: eggs, bacon, sausages, canned beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, bread, and some oil.
Izuku sorted everything into groups, washing the vegetables thoroughly. He sliced the mushrooms into thin pieces and halved the tomatoes.
— Are you sure the tomatoes need to be cooked? — Venom grumbled discontentedly.
— I'm sure, it'll add flavor, — Izuku replied calmly.
Heating a large frying pan, he first began frying the bacon. The sizzling of the oil filled the kitchen, and the aroma spread throughout the apartment. Venom even stopped complaining, captivated by the smell.
— Hmm, the bacon is good, — Venom admitted.
Once the bacon was golden brown, Izuku placed it on a plate and moved on to the sausages. Simultaneously, he started sautéing the mushrooms in a bit of butter on another pan. The mushrooms became tender and absorbed the flavor of the butter.
On the empty part of the pan, Izuku sautéed the tomatoes, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. Then he opened a can of beans and carefully transferred them to a small pot, warming them over low heat.
Lastly, he prepared the eggs, frying them to perfection with a runny yolk. While the eggs cooked, he placed the bread in the toaster for a crispy crust.
Izuku arranged everything on two large plates. First the bacon, then the sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, and beans. He placed the eggs next to them, and on a separate plate, he left a stack of hot toast.
Sitting at the table, Izuku cut a piece of sausage and tasted it.
— This is simply divine! — he exclaimed in delight.
— Mmm… bacon, — Venom mumbled, pleased that Izuku had relaxed for a moment, allowing him to take control and try a piece. — Not bad, but next time we'll add even more meat.
Izuku laughed, continuing to enjoy his breakfast. The warm light of the spring morning streamed through the window, creating a cozy atmosphere. The kitchen filled with the aromas of food, and for Izuku, this morning became one of the most memorable, especially compared to the days when he was alone, cooking everything without enthusiasm. Venom heard his thoughts and, tearing himself away from the food, decided to speak to Izuku.
— A person needs a person, Izuku. Loneliness can help in the short term, but in the long term, it will eat away at you from the inside like rust, — Venom said, continuing to enjoy breakfast. Understanding Venom's words, Izuku smiled, realizing that he had gained a friend, albeit not a human one.
— Thanks, Andy. Let's hurry and finish eating; we still need to send the hero suit for washing before we leave, — Izuku said, finishing his portion.
— One minute, — Venom whispered, getting to the part of breakfast he disliked the most, the vegetables, which he chewed very slowly and with disgust.
After a delicious breakfast, Izuku stretched and looked at the clock. There was still time before his morning activities, so he decided to tackle his routine. His hero suit, made from fire-resistant but still staining material, needed washing.
— Well, Venom, it's time to freshen up your "second skin," — said Izuku, picking up the suit from the chair.
— It smells very strange, — Venom grumbled. — This detergent smells too strong.
— You know that without it, the suit will be stained. And besides, who will complain if it starts to smell like sweat? — Izuku teased with a smile.
He carefully folded the suit and headed to the bathroom, where the washing machine stood. Venom continued to grumble:
— Maybe we should just rinse it with water? That's enough!
— No way, — Izuku replied, opening the machine. — Dirt makes it uncomfortable.
Izuku inspected the suit, checking for damage or particularly tough stains. There were marks from battles on the shoulders and elbows, and around the waist were remnants of dried mud.
— Oh, that was after you fell into that puddle, remember? — he said.
— That was strategic maneuvering, — Venom retorted sharply.
He took out a brush and gently went over the dirtiest spots to remove the larger stains. Then Izuku added the suit to the washing machine drum, took special detergent for delicate fabrics, and added some fabric softener.
— Look, the softener will take away that smell you don't like, — he explained.
— It still smells... too clean, — Venom complained.
Izuku selected the delicate cycle and started the machine. As the drum began to spin, Venom expressed his opinion:
— This is annoying. Why does the suit have to "spin"? It's humiliating.
— Because that makes it easier to clean, — Izuku chuckled. — Now let's check your notebook of notes while we wait.
They sat down at the table and began to review their patrol notes, while the sounds of the washing machine filled the bathroom. Izuku took out his mini-notebook, which contained the main weaknesses and strengths of the heroes. The main notebooks with each hero's attack were in his room and were completely filled to the last page with analyses. This mini-notebook was a collection of all the essential moments.
Top 10 Professional Heroes
---
1. Endeavor (Enji Todoroki)
Strengths:
- Power and endurance: His quirk "Hellfire" allows him to create fire of incredible temperature. Endeavor possesses immense physical strength and resilience.
- Tactical intelligence: Capable of quickly analyzing enemy weaknesses and adjusting tactics in battle.
- Determination: Constantly striving for perfection and willing to work for his goals despite difficulties.
Weaknesses:
- Overheating: Excessive use of fire leads to overheating, reducing his combat effectiveness.
- Limitation in water: His abilities are weak in humid environments.
"Endeavor has always been an example for me of someone who doesn't give up despite past mistakes. His fire is not just power but a symbol of his perseverance. But... he too has made mistakes. Perhaps we have more in common than I thought. His strength sometimes seems impenetrable, yet he still tries to be better. Maybe that inspires respect, even if he's not perfect."
2. All Might (Toshinori Yagi)
Strengths:
- Physical power: Easily defeats even the strongest enemies.
- Speed: Quick reflexes make him nearly elusive.
- Charisma: Inspires those around him with his confidence and optimism.
- Endurance: Able to continue fighting even with serious injuries.
Weaknesses:
- Deteriorating health: After his injury, his physical condition is limited.
- Emotional pressure: Society's high expectations can affect his well-being.
- Direct tactics: Focusing on brute strength sometimes puts him at a disadvantage against strategists.
"He was my idol. The person I wanted to become. But now I see he is just as human as everyone else. He makes mistakes too. But his mistakes come with a high price, especially when he turned away from me. I thought he believed in me, but apparently I was wrong. It's astonishing how quickly a symbol of peace can turn into a symbol of disappointment. Maybe his strength was merely a mask hiding weakness?"
3. Hawks (Keigo Takami)
Strengths:
- Speed: Instantly moves and reacts to threats.
- Quirk "Feathers": Uses them as weapons or tools for rescue.
- Charisma: Easily connects with people.
Weaknesses:
- Limited feathers: Damage to them takes time to recover.
- Emotional baggage: Sometimes extremely frivolous, which highlights his character.
- Weakness in close combat: Lags behind many heroes in hand-to-hand combat.
"This is an example of how a person can be strong without showing it directly. He's not just a hero; he's a strategist who knows how to get what he wants. But... sometimes I feel like he could be easily broken."
4. Best Jeanist (Tsunagu Hakamada)
Strengths:
- Quirk "Fibers": Can control fabric fibers, effectively immobilizing enemies.
- Tactics: A master of strategic thinking.
- Influence: His moral qualities inspire colleagues.
Weaknesses:
- Dependence on fabric: If there are no suitable materials nearby, his abilities are limited.
- Physical weakness: Less resilient in close combat.
"This is a hero who inspires with his composure and principles. He proves that strength can be refined rather than brute. But his ideals... they are too rigid. Sometimes life requires flexibility, not iron discipline. Maybe that's why he became a target for villains. He certainly commands respect, but in real life, his methods seem too strict."
5. Edgeshot (Shindo Kamihara)
Strengths:
- Quirk "Body Folding": Can turn his body into a thin thread, ideal for stealth attacks.
- Speed: Quickly penetrates protected zones.
- Tactics: A master of reconnaissance and neutralizing threats.
Weaknesses:
- Fragility: His body becomes vulnerable with carelessness.
- Limited physical strength: In open combat, he falls short compared to other heroes.
"Edgeshot is someone who knows how to be where he's not expected. His flexibility and tactics are admirable, but... sometimes I feel he relies too much on stealth. Being straightforward can also be a strength. But perhaps that's not for him. It's surprising how such quiet people can hold such high ranks in the ratings."
6. Mirko (Rumi Usagiyama)
Strengths:
- Quirk "Rabbit": Possesses powerful legs, high speed, and endurance.
- Physical resilience: Fights even after serious injuries.
- Master of close combat: The best in hand-to-hand fighting.
Weaknesses:
- Limitation in ranged combat: Relies on close attacks.
- Risk: Her aggressive style makes her vulnerable to counterattacks.
"Mirko is pure energy and passion for heroism. Her strength and spirit inspire. She doesn't fear taking risks, which makes her special. But her eagerness for battle can be her weakness. Sometimes, too aggressive a tactic leaves her open to strikes. Her persistence deserves respect, but I think that in a world where everything is so complicated, that might not be enough."
7. Kamui Woods (Shinji Nishiya)
Strengths:
- Quirk "Wood Manipulation": Creates structures for attack, defense, and rescue.
- Crowd control: Effective against multiple enemies.
- Rescue operations: Handles evacuations well.
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerability to fire: Flames easily neutralize his abilities.
- Physical weakness: Less effective in close combat.
"Kamui Woods is a hero who uses his abilities for rescue rather than destruction. His quirk seems simple, yet he does incredible things with it. But I can't help but think about how easy it is to neutralize him with fire. This weakness makes him vulnerable, despite everything he does. It's important to remember that even the most peaceful heroes need protection."
8. Ryuku (Nezuko Kamui)
Strengths:
- Quirk "Dragon": Increases her strength, defense, and allows her to fly.
- Power: Becomes a formidable opponent in her form.
- Flexibility: Suitable for fights, rescues, and evacuations.
Weaknesses:
- Size: In confined spaces, she becomes vulnerable.
Energy Expenditure: Transformation requires significant effort.
"Ryuku is a true force of nature. She combines power and grace, and her dragon form inspires awe. However, her size makes her vulnerable under certain conditions. Sometimes it seems that heroes rely too heavily on their quirks. I would like to be like her, even just for a moment, to prove to everyone that a quirk is not the only thing that makes a person a hero."
9. Yoroi Musha (Samurai in Armor)
Strengths:
- Armor: Provides high protection.
- Tactical Thinking: Effective in team battles.
- Physical Strength: Good in close combat.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Mobility: The armor slows down his movements.
- Vulnerability to Speed: May be less effective against fast enemies.
Yoroi Musha is an old-school hero, a symbol of honor and discipline. His armor makes him strong, but at the same time, it slows him down. Sometimes it seems like he is stuck in the past, relying too much on his methods. But perhaps that is what makes him unique. I wonder if he could stand up to more modern threats?
10. Gang Orca (Kuraputi Mina)
Strengths:
- Quirk "Whale Killer": Grants strength, sound attacks, and the ability to breathe underwater.
- Power: Excels in water battles.
- Adaptability: Suitable for both combat and rescue operations.
Weaknesses:
- Sluggishness on Land: Slower than other heroes.
- Vulnerability: High-frequency ultrasound can be critical for him.
"Gang Orca is an example of how a combination of strength and tactics makes a hero effective. His ability in water combat is impressive, but on land, he loses his advantage. This limitation makes him less versatile. Although... I think he, like many others, is just doing what he can. What else is left in a world where you are judged solely by what you can do?"
***
After reading all these notes, Venom was convinced that his own records were not as impressive as Izuku's. It was just a small notebook with basic ideas and weaknesses. In contrast, the other notebooks were filled from top to bottom with their techniques and super abilities. Venom admired them and decided to challenge Izuku.
—I challenge you, — Venom declared confidently.
— To what? — Izuku asked.
—I will write a note that is no worse than yours about Dabi, whom you don't have. I will surpass you in this; you'll see the strength of my intellect and superiority, — Venom replied melancholically, like a poet describing something magnificent. Venom's tone amused Izuku, and as he stood up from the chair, he went to get dressed to finally go out and buy the backpack they had talked about.
— Well, well, I'll be eagerly waiting, Andy, — Izuku said, putting on his mask.
— Don't you dare help anyone, remember that moment in the store when you were branded with shame? — recalling that incident, Izuku frowned, remembering every insult directed at him back then.
—I'll try not to get into trouble. — Finally stepping out of the house, Izuku felt the warmth of the March air and the sunlight wrapping around him, caressing his face with warm rays. This slowed him down, which displeased Venom, who was grumbling inside, trying to speed up his movement.
— We are moving too slowly; we need to speed up.
— Oh yes, right now. — Izuku was caught off guard by Venom's words, but quickly regained his composure and accelerated, observing the passersby who were looking at him oddly. Feeling those gazes, Izuku immediately entered the subway, encountering other people along the way, which irritated him, but he remained calm.
— Hmmm, do they really recognize me? — he whispered to himself, heading toward the subway.
— Perhaps, but how? — Venom replied, sensing all the gazes directed at them. To distract his host, Venom recalled how Izuku had described professional heroes, their strengths, and weaknesses.
— If everything you wrote in your notebooks is real, then thanks to our efforts, we can defeat them with the proper preparation. We have their weaknesses, and we need the resolve to overcome them, — Venom whispered while Izuku was looking at his phone, ignoring the passersby who were watching him, remembering the words of Re:Destro.
— You could say that, but I lack combat experience and skill. Although we have strength, without knowledge, we would look like a monkey with a club to them, — Izuku logically replied, noticing that there would soon be a night talk show featuring Re:Destro. He was clearly preparing for the fact that he would soon be discussed, and knowing how Re:Destro felt about quirkless individuals, Izuku was bracing himself for the worst.
— That's true, Izuku, but it's not far off. You just need to learn everything and get yourself in order, and all the heroes will bow their knees before us, — Venom joked.
— Strength is not just power; it's also a duty. With our strength, we must help people. It's primarily a responsibility, — Izuku said with a noble tone that Venom did not like.
— Your kindness is a weakness, Izuku. Kindness is a manifestation of selfishness. What heroes do is pure egoism, and they show with their very presence how high they stand above those who cannot stand up for themselves, — Venom explained his point of view. Izuku pondered over these words but decided not to interfere with Venom's thoughts.
— If the kindness they display now is considered true benevolence, then people are fools, as many heroes engage in heroism solely for selfish reasons. Kindness and heroic deeds should stem from altruism, not from self-interest, — Venom mumbled. Izuku appreciated Venom's way of thinking, but he disliked that he was discussing heroes in such a negative light, even though they were all well-off and maintained order. Their prosperity and well-being were well-deserved, as the risk of not returning from a hero patrol was extremely low, and this had become a fundamental factor. While Venom was expressing his thoughts, the train arrived at the necessary station. The doors opened, and everyone exited the carriage, including Izuku.
The vast shopping mall greeted Izuku with a flow of people, the smells of baked goods, and the buzz of numerous voices. The young man adjusted his jacket, and in his head, he heard a familiar low voice:
— WHY ARE THERE SO MANY PEOPLE HERE? It's annoying.
— Please, Venom, just don't draw attention, — Izuku whispered, trying to act naturally so that no one would notice his odd behavior. — We'll just buy a school backpack and leave.
— We've seen your "just a backpack." It's NOT RELIABLE, — Venom scoffed, his voice sounding in Izuku's head with mild mockery. — We'll choose something better.
Izuku walked along a row of shops until he found the stationery and school supplies section. Inside, there were shelves with backpacks of all colors and sizes.
— Okay, I need a simple school backpack, not a tourist one, — he reminded Venom mentally as he approached the display.
— We have requirements, — Venom boomed, but only in Izuku's head. — It must be durable. Not flimsy like your last one.
— Yes, yes, — Izuku mumbled, picking up one of the backpacks. It was a simple black backpack with two compartments. — What do you think?
— TOO FEW pockets, — Venom shot back.
— That's fine! I don't need more, — Izuku tried to argue, but he already knew it was pointless.
His gaze fell on another backpack: dark blue with red accents, featuring a reinforced back and side pockets.
— This one looks reliable, — Venom said.
— Finally, we agree, — Izuku muttered, checking the zippers and straps. The backpack was spacious enough but not too bulky, making it perfect for school.
— Take it, — Venom commanded.
— Alright, — Izuku sighed, heading to the checkout.
As the cashier rang up the purchase, Venom remained silent, but Izuku could feel his satisfaction. After paying for the backpack, he slung it over his shoulder and felt the symbiote inside invisibly "inspecting" the item.
— Good. This will hold up to anything, — Venom finally said.
— Thanks, — Izuku smiled. — Maybe now we can go home?
— Home, but first... we need to buy THIS, — Venom's voice turned low and almost cunning as Izuku noticed his gaze fall on a display of chocolate bars.
— Just one, — Izuku sighed, feeling that arguing was pointless.
Izuku left the shopping mall with a new backpack on his back and a candy bar in hand, marveling at how even the simplest purchase becomes an adventure when Venom is around.
Izuku Midoriya
Bank Account
Balance: 56,670 ¥
Spent: -15,680 ¥.
Finally arriving home without incident, he made himself some food and, seeing his dried hero suit, put it on and jumped out of the window to save passersby before the hero patrol with Dabi started.
To be continued