"By the way, Igarashi… do you have any intention of becoming the next Symbol of Peace?"
Hearing Masata's words, Tsukauchi asked with a gentle smile.
Inside the police department, from top to bottom, everyone was optimistic about Masata. They all believed he had the qualifications to shoulder that title.
"The Symbol of Peace…"
When All Might heard those words—once belonging to him—his expression grew complicated.
Back then, he had taken on that role because it was the fastest way to calm social unrest. But now, looking back, he realized that placing everything on one person's shoulders was never a sustainable solution.
To be honest, he didn't want another "Symbol of Peace" to appear.
Not Masata.
Not Midoriya either.
"…No. I don't want to."
Just as All Might had expected, Masata answered without hesitation.
"I'm not as selfless as you, All Might. That burden probably isn't for me."
He spoke honestly and waved his finger lightly.
"I only care about my family and friends. Maybe that sounds selfish… but that's my real answer."
After hearing this, Tsukauchi nodded.
Although he hoped Masata would stand up at this critical moment, the police had no intention of forcing him.
They weren't foolish enough to pin all their hopes on a single high school student.
After finishing a hearty meal at the hospital, Masata boarded the train home.
Although he had already called his parents on the night of the battle, he knew they must still be worried sick.
"I'm home—"
"Masataaa!!!"
The moment he opened the door, his mother rushed over and began checking him from head to toe.
"Are you hurt? Any injuries? What about internal injuries? Does anything hurt?"
Looking at her anxious expression, Masata smiled helplessly.
Others might not know he had fought All For One.
But his parents certainly did.
They had recognized his figure on TV at a glance.
"Relax, Mom. When have you ever seen me seriously injured? This time it was just exhaustion. I've fully recovered."
As he spoke, Masata flexed his muscles proudly.
"Puff—!"
A sudden laugh came from the sofa.
Masata turned his head.
"Huh? Chacha? Why are you here?"
Sitting there were Yaoyorozu Momo and Chacha.
Chacha being here was fine.
But Yaoyorozu had just experienced a major incident. Why was she in his house?
"Of course we came as soon as we heard you were coming home today!"
Yaoyorozu placed her hands on her hips proudly.
"Chacha and I are hosting a celebration banquet for you! After all, you're a real hero now~"
"Haha…"
Masata laughed awkwardly.
Hearing praise on TV was one thing.
Being praised face-to-face was another.
He suddenly understood how difficult All Might's life had been.
"Tonight, we're going to Xiao Bai's house for dinner," his mother added happily. "Your classmates will be there too."
After confirming Masata was fine, she finally relaxed.
"Our house is too small. It wouldn't be comfortable."
"It's fine," Masata waved casually. "We're all family. No need to be polite."
"Y-You!"
Hearing him say that in front of his mother, Yaoyorozu's face instantly turned red.
She couldn't help recalling what had happened in the study room that night.
When her eyes met Mrs. Igarashi's teasing gaze, her face seemed to start steaming.
They were all familiar with Yaoyorozu's luxurious home by now.
Both families had taken time off today to help prepare.
"You guys are early!"
Entering the living room, Masata found Midoriya, Kirishima, and others already there, scrolling through their phones.
"It's good to see you're okay."
Everyone visibly relaxed.
They had been worried Masata might suffer aftereffects from being captured by AFO.
"Look! Look!"
Kirishima excitedly wrapped his arm around Masata's neck and showed him his phone.
"The news is analyzing your identity like crazy!"
Masata glanced at the screen and smiled helplessly.
"These 'experts' really know how to talk…"
"Government secret weapon."
"Strongest hero in history."
"All Might's direct disciple."
Every ridiculous title imaginable had been slapped onto him.
The photo only showed his back.
His face had been blurred by the police.
"Hey, this is superstar treatment!" Kirishima protested. "Can you be more excited?"
"What's there to be excited about?" Masata replied calmly. "They'll get bored soon enough."
He pushed Kirishima away.
"Tch! Do you even care about my feelings?!"
Kirishima's pitiful expression made everyone laugh.
As time passed, more classmates arrived.
They all now knew that Masata had been the one fighting AFO.
Seeing him in person again felt surreal.
Some even asked him for autographs.
"Save these for when you're famous," they joked.
The last to arrive was Todoroki.
As usual, his expression was calm.
But there was a subtle change in his eyes.
"Wait… where's Bakugo?"
After counting, Kirishima frowned.
"Only nineteen people. Where's Bakugo?"
He turned to Midoriya.
"Is he not coming?"
"Uh… I called him," Midoriya replied awkwardly. "But he didn't answer. Maybe he's busy."