MHA: Guardian of the Golden Throne

A month had passed since the discussion with Toshinori, and today Professor Aizawa dropped that statement as if it were the most natural thing in the world, capturing the entire class's attention.

«Obviously, you can't just do nothing for a whole month.» Shota resumed. «So, for this summer vacation, we’re going to camp in the forest to train!»

At that, the class cheered, immediately imagining and relishing what the camp their homeroom teacher had just made official would bring, citing classics like tests of courage, curry dishes, or open-air hot springs.

«However, those who finish last in the final exam rankings will have to stay at school for remedial classes.» Shota informed them.

Everyone was as excited about the idea as they were determined not to get terrible marks on their exams. Only Izuku seemed bored by the news; however, his attention had mostly been diverted to the list Stain had given him a short while ago, plus the resources he needed to prepare to make the Eyes operational as quickly as possible. Naturally, he had already decided who to start recruiting first.

«I HAVEN'T STUDIED AT ALLLLL!!!»

Denki’s scream, accompanied by Mina’s hollow laughter in the background, caught Izuku’s attention. He saw the electric boy breaking into a cold sweat and gripped by terror.

«HOW CAN THEY EXPECT US TO FIND TIME TO STUDY AFTER EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THE FESTIVAL AND THE WORK EXPERIENCES?!!!»

Ah, they’re the type who don't know how to study. Izuku thought, remembering that those two had placed last and second to last, respectively, in the midterm exams.

«The midterm exam was fairly simple because not many topics were covered, but now...» Sato began, expressing his concern, «I doubt it will be easy, given the events that have followed one another over the last few months.»

«We also have a practical exam, don't we? It’s going to be really tough...»

Minoru said, legs crossed and a self-satisfied expression on his face. A relatively well-founded assertion, given that despite his perverted and idiotic behaviour, Minoru had proven to be a solid student, placing ninth. The bottom two of the class looked at him in silence for a few seconds before snapping irritably.

«And I thought you were one of us!» Mina stated, pointing at him indignantly.

«You act like an idiot and then turn out to be something completely different?!» Denki exclaimed, annoyed. «Who do you think will want you as a friend?»

«The world is vast, my friend.» Minoru stated calmly.

Izuku, seeing that scene, raised his lip slightly in amusement, appreciating that small moment of peace, an interlude amongst his stormy and labyrinthine thoughts.

«Ashido-san, Kaminari-san! Don't be discouraged!» Melissa exclaimed, trying to encourage them. «If you do your best, I’m sure you’ll manage it!»

«Yeah!» Iida supported her.

«All you had to do was pay attention in class, and none of this would have happened to you.»

The last, frigid statement came from Shoto, which had the same effect as a critical hit on Denki. Naturally, that blow landed harder, since it came from those ranked fifth, third, and sixth, respectively.

Faced with that scene, Momo, the second-ranked student, stepped forward shyly, her stoic expression slightly flushed.

«Look, if you need help with the written exam, I can help you.» she stated, before falling into a slump at her next sentence. «But don't rely on me for the practical exam...»

«Yao-momo!!!» Mina exclaimed, moved, wrapping her in a hug.

Momo’s offer prompted others, such as Kyoka, Hanta, and Mashirao, to ask the girl for help with their studies, which she enthusiastically accepted, visibly touched.

Izuku let out an amused huff, a way of expressing his affection for the hilarious, peaceful scene that reminded him that his native universe was still naive and unaware of how much darkness and cruelty an indifferent universe could throw at you. Those small scenes he observed during this brief school period comforted his tired and scarred, yet indomitable soul, devoted to serving the Emperor.

He stood up from his seat. His thoughts returned to his mission. As he opened the door to leave the classroom—

«Ah, Midoriya-san!» Momo called out, catching his attention. «Would you like to join us?»

Izuku raised an eyebrow, surprised by Momo’s request, since it would be tantamount to asking him to teach in her place, given that he had come first in the midterm exam. However, he admitted to having cheated slightly, as that test covered topics he knew by heart, as well as antiquated subjects.

When he noticed that not only Momo, but also Melissa was looking at him with eyes full of expectation, he let out another amused huff before turning around.

«I have some errands to run, so it depends on which days you want to hold this study group.» Izuku stated nonchalantly. «Keep me updated.»

*****

Kin Shirohane loves her job. Every day she opens her humble art gallery, where she displays the works of promising young talents, hoping that new or regular clients might notice them and give these budding painters the chance to launch their careers and fill her pockets. After all, one thing never excludes the other.

Her Mutant-type Quirk is called "White Wings," and the name couldn't describe it better, since she literally has powerful white wings that let her fly for several kilometres. Because of her Quirk, she initially worked as a courier in the delivery sector, but she later left that job to open an art gallery.

She had always adored art in all its facets. Whether ancient or modern, she had such a passion for painting, sculpture, frescoes, jewellery, and so forth that she never missed exhibitions at various museums.

At first, she faced difficulties, but thanks to her previous job, she met and made connections with wealthy patrons hungry for artistic novelties, who did not hesitate to spend enormous sums on works by promising or already-known artists. Once she gained a modest reputation, she began visiting many art schools to find young talent, investing in them, and often finding those investments spot on.

Many of her acquaintances, clients, or others knew her as a relatively famous and reliable art dealer, as did her art gallery in Musutafu, "Wings of Inspiration."

*Dling dling*

Oh! Clients, clients!

Hearing the bells and her gallery door opening, she put aside the duster she was using to clean some frames and, after taking a deep breath, put on her welcoming smile and headed towards the entrance, coming to a halt almost immediately: in front of her was literally a muscular giant, dressed in dark trousers, a purple short-sleeved T-shirt, a blue baseball cap whose visor covered his eyes, and sneakers. Under his arm, he held a very large portfolio. His presence was mysterious, strangely unnerving, yet also reassuring and approachable.

«Mrs Shirohane Kin?» the man asked in a calm and strangely harmonious tone.

«Ah, yes. That’s me.» she stated, recovering her composure and stepping forward with her usual business smile. «How may I help you?»

«I am an aspiring painter and sculptor.» the giant stated, taking the portfolio. «An acquaintance of mine advised me to come to you in the hope of understanding whether the public might appreciate my paintings.»

«Oh, I’m glad this person spoke to you about me. Please extend my thanks to them when you can.» Kin said, pointing toward a large table at the back of the gallery, in front of a desk with a computer. «Please, set your works on the table, Mr...»

«Valdus Lencilius.» the man introduced himself. «Pardon my late introduction.»

A... peculiar name, to say the least, Kin thought, shaking her head. Even so, let’s see what he has to off—?!!!

Her thoughts froze. Three canvases sat on the table. Three oil paintings, each with a subject completely different from the others. She had seen numerous canvases throughout her career, but these were unlike anything else. If she truly had to use one word to describe them, it would be this: "alive."

The first was a simple still life: a vase of fresh fruit set in front of a window, through which a cloudless sky could be glimpsed. The second painting was a mausoleum of marble and gold, surrounded by white roses and chrysanthemums at dawn. In both canvases, she could smell the fruit and flowers; her mind seemed to sense the crispness and sweet ripeness of the fruit, while her skin felt the gentle touch of the wind caressing that mournful yet majestic structure. But from the last one in particular, she felt a strange sense of understanding, inevitability, and hope. The understanding of what awaits every living being, the inevitability of death, and the hope of rebirth and, consequently, a better future.

Yet the third painting eclipsed the first two. It was a clash between three figures. Two knights were clad in hideous, malevolent black armour, whilst the third figure looked like a blatantly wounded and mutilated wretch, his chipped and shattered green armour ruined. And yet, that battered figure stood upright and indomitable, holding a sword in his left hand and a worn, tattered banner in his right. She saw the unyielding will of a devoted soul determined not to bow, but above all, the pride and admiration of the painter himself who had depicted him, as if he had been present as it happened... as if she herself could be present in that moment of mad courage and defiance of the inevitable.

«Th-these... I-I truly don't know what to say!» Kin struggled to speak. «Th-these are...»

«Shirohane-dono?»

«This level of painting! This transmission of emotion!! This illusion of being present!!!» she exclaimed in shock, looking at him with disbelief. «I assure you that many of my regular clients would be willing to sell their souls for just one of these paintings! How can you still be unknown?!!!»

«So, I assume you are willing to act as a mediator for the sale of my paintings and sculptures, correct?»

«Willing?!» she asked, maintaining that expression. «Don't you dare go to anyone else! I will make sure to sell them at the highest possible market price! In fact, an auction! I’m certain we would make even more!»

«I rely on your experience. As for the division of the revenue?»

At that question, Kin rushed to her desk and, before even sitting down, operated the computer keyboard and mouse so fast that she seemed convinced she would lose the goose that laid the golden eggs right in front of her if she waited a single minute longer. In record time, a freshly printed contract was handed to Lencilius. He took the contract and read it. A pleased and affectionate smile appeared on the giant’s lips.

«Are you certain you want to give me 80% of the revenue, Shirohane-dono?» he asked calmly.

«Is that not okay?!» she asked, terrified. «Then 85%, or rather 90%—»

«Calm down, Shirohane-dono.» Lencilius interrupted her, chuckling beneath his cap. «You have clearly demonstrated your sincerity and your desire to act as my mediator. But before I sign this contract, I would like to give you a gift.»