Chapter 40 – Obsession is the Daughter of Cowardice
«I understand. Thank you, Midoriya-san.» Melissa said gratefully.
«If you need any more advice, you know where to find me.» he said with a soft smile «Now I have to go back to my position. Meanwhile, reach out to the others and watch the clashes. You might learn interesting things by doing it.»
«Yes, I think I'll do that.» Melissa stood up, a little more cheerful
Izuku calmly opened the door to the waiting room, signalled Melissa to pass, and followed her, closing the door behind him. He walked alongside her for a few meters along the corridor before separating, precisely because they were going in the same direction.
Suddenly, Izuku sensed another presence, and as another corridor opened into the one they were walking down, another person appeared.
He is tall and muscular. He has short crimson hair and sharp turquoise eyes, giving him an intimidating aura. His beard and moustache seem made of fire—the same fire forms the mask covering his face. He wears a tight blue jumpsuit with flames across his chest, torso, arms, and shoulders. His tall boots look like fire, but only the soles and laces are visible. White bracelets with a cage pattern sit on his lower arms, and his blue belt has a pouch on each side.
When the man appeared suddenly, Melissa immediately stiffened, startled and fearful. Izuku sensed danger and narrowed his eyes, watching him warily.y.
«Ah… hello.» the man greeted
«You are... Endeavor.» Izuku stared at the man «You shouldn't be here. Spectators are not allowed into this area. Why did you come?»
Endeavor ignored Izuku. His gaze fell on Melissa, making her tremble. Izuku gripped his spear tighter. Even if the person before you is Japan's second-strongest hero, you must stay alert, especially when his suffocating presence seems meant to awe Melissa.
«I saw your first two matches, girl.» the man stated harshly «You have remarkable skills and Quirk. But the energy I felt, especially in the second fight, is very reminiscent of All-Might’s.»
«I don't know what you’re referring to.» Melissa said tremblingly «But I should go now.» she finished by passing him.
Melissa tried to appear calm, but Endeavor's presence made her nervous. Izuku watched the exchange closely, unfazed.
«Shoto is supposed to surpass All-Might.» Endeavor kept his eyes fixed on Melissa «Your upcoming challenge is a perfect simulation for him. Don't disappoint, understand?»
?!!! Emperor’s Eyes! What is this idiot saying? Izuku thought, annoyed by the Professional Hero's statement, but at the same time offered an explanation for Shoto's statements at the beginning of the festival.
«I just wanted to tell you this. You can go, girl.» Endeavor said, beginning to walk in the opposite direction to Melissa's and toward Izuku.
Melissa had frozen in place, thoughtful and restless from what she had just heard from Endeavor. As much as Izuku wanted to block the Flame Hero for a chat, he heard Melissa swallow before speaking.
«I'm not All-Might.» Melissa declared, unflinching, her gaze unwavering.
«I know that well.» Endeavor replied, caught off guard by the statement.
«So remember your son is not you» Melissa shot back, her voice strong, leaving Endeavor silenced.
Izuku smiled proudly at Melissa's statement, then burst into a loud laugh, catching everyone's attention.
«Well said, my student! Really well said!!» he exclaimed proudly.
Melissa was incredulous and embarrassed when Izuku burst out laughing. Hearing his statement, she became even more embarrassed but also happy to receive unexpected praise.
Endeavor, on the other hand, continued to look at Izuku with a sharp expression, almost annoyed that the giant towering over him was laughing at the scolding he had received from a young girl.
«Go ahead, Shield-san. Join the others in the stands.» Izuku ordered, regaining his composure «The Flame Hero and I need to talk.»
«Y-yes. So, with permission...»
Melissa began to move away, but noticed a shift in the atmosphere. Izuku’s laughter stopped abruptly, creating tension between him and Endeavor. They stared at each other, tense, as if a conflict might erupt at any moment.
*****
Endeavor felt small. Awe overwhelmed him. The Golden Giant stared with green eyes, uninterested; Endeavor felt as if those eyes dissected his soul.
«You’re obsessed, aren't you, Flame Hero?»
The question caused Endeavor’s eyebrow to have a tic. Even though it was a question, in his ears it sounded more like a statement, an indelible fact.
«Obsessed?»
«You’re obsessed with becoming the number one Hero of all Japan.» Izuku began in a neutral tone «A desire that makes you who you are now. A wish that turned into a curse for the people who inherited your blood and were once by your side. Am I wrong?»
«What would you be implying?»
Endeavor's question was tinged with anger and, at the same time, guilt. He felt annoyed by the statement, yet couldn't deny it. The contrast between his feelings and reality was… unbearable for some reason. The way Izuku had told him, to his face, so beautifully, annoyed him.
«You’re a coward.» Izuku sighed, looking at him with pity-filled eyes «You couldn’t- no. You don't believe you can get that position, and so you want your son to get it. Very deplorable.»
Izuku stepped closer to Endeavour and then walked past him. Just before leaving him behind, Izuku, the Custodian, spoke again.
«Control your obsession. Or you'll lose far more than you've already lost.»
«Should I consider it a threat?» Endeavor snapped with his head.
«Not at all.» Izuku said gravely «I'm giving you a simple piece of advice that many people have ignored, ending up losing everything they had.»
Endeavor couldn't have known. He has not seen how obsession leads virtuous men to excess and pleasure. The Dark Prince feeds on mortal obsession, a feeling it favours and enjoys instigating. Once that threshold is crossed, a bullet in the head awaits those seeking salvation.
*****
As that exchange unfolded, Tenya and Shoto faced each other in the ring, both intent on winning at all costs.
The opening move was Shoto's, with an ice attack aimed at blocking Tenya and preventing him from exploiting his Quirk. But Tenya avoided the attack by jumping and immediately counterattacked with his Recipro Burst. Shoto narrowly avoided the attack.
Midnight was watching the fight attentively, surprised by the energy released by the two young hopefuls, while her right hand held the cloak lent to her by Izuku. It was very heavy, yet reassuring.
Tenya hit Shoto with another fast kick, earning praise from many in the stands. He grabbed Shoto and tried to throw him out before Recipro Burst wore off. Halfway along the ring's border, Tenya sensed something was off and noticed it.
«My exhaust pipes?!» He asked in surprise, noticing how the tubes had been frozen by his opponent's Quirk «When did you do it?»
«When you kicked me for the second time.»
With that statement, Shoto took Tenya's arm and froze it, preventing him from moving. The winner was clear.
«Tenya Ida, can't move anymore!» Midnight declared, cracking her whip «Victory goes to Shoto Todoroki.»