To become a hero?
Wu Xuan was momentarily taken aback.
Though he had been reborn into this parallel world and gifted with superhuman abilities, he had—to be perfectly honest—zero interest in being a "Hero." His true ambitions were simple: the pursuit of absolute power and the occasional luxury of living a life of leisure.
Beyond that, he was deeply annoyed by Japan's "Quirk Management Law." His temperament was much like a rogue martial arts master—unpredictable, blurring the lines between righteous and wicked, and possessing a fundamental loathing for restrictive rules.
If All Might were to offer me One For All as a condition for joining U.A., that would be a different story, he mused.
Seeing Wu Xuan fall into a pensive silence, All Might blinked. What's this? Isn't U.A. the dream of every teenager in the country?
After nearly fifteen minutes of deliberation, Wu Xuan finally spoke. "Fine. I'll do it."
Since the true potential of his Stand had yet to awaken, U.A. High was essentially his only path toward meaningful growth. Besides, Wu Xuan hated a boring life; heading to the top hero academy promised to be entertaining, if nothing else. As for the rules and regulations? He'd simply ignore them when they became an inconvenience. He'd take it one step at a time—he wasn't exactly afraid of being expelled, anyway.
All Might let out a heavy sigh of relief. This boy was truly the most difficult person he'd ever tried to recruit.
Suddenly, a sharp, stabbing pain shot through All Might's lungs. A thin trickle of blood escaped the corner of his mouth.
Dammit, the hero cursed inwardly, suppressing the agonizing discomfort. "In that case, give me your name and contact info. I'll speak to the principal at U.A. regarding your recommendation."
Once Wu Xuan provided his details, All Might took off with a speed that suggested he was fleeing the conversation.
"I recall... he was severely injured, wasn't he?" Wu Xuan muttered, watching the hero's departing silhouette. "A shame. It looks like One For All won't be mine just yet."
With a resigned sigh, Wu Xuan leaped between the rooftops and descended back to the busy streets. He strolled along, his gaze wandering toward a fast-food restaurant where a group of pretty students sat chatting.
"Well, might as well kill some time."
"Get out of my way, you useless old man! Move!"
A familiar, raspy roar echoed down the sidewalk. Katsuki Bakugo, looking like a live wire of pure rage, kicked a roadside trash can as he vented his fury on Midoriya Izuku—his childhood friend and favorite punching bag.
"Hey, Bakugo, take it easy."
"Hahaha, look at him! He looks like he's about to cry!"
Two lackeys trailing behind Bakugo sneered at the scene. Standing before them, Midoriya looked small and trembling, his eyes brimming with tears. "K-Katsuki... are you... are you okay?"
Midoriya, a die-hard fan, had rushed to the area after hearing rumors of All Might's appearance. He'd arrived too late, and his disappointment was immeasurable—only to run into his childhood bully on the walk back.
Midoriya's stuttered concern was like a match thrown into a powder keg.
"Shut up! You're a Quirkless piece of trash! You think I need pity from you?!" Bakugo snarled. He snapped his right hand open, and a miniature explosion crackled in his palm with a sharp bang and a shower of sparks.
His thumb was still wrapped in heavy bandages, and several fresh bruises littered his face.
Midoriya flinched, nearly sobbing as he swallowed his fear. "No, I—I was just worried..."
"Do you see him? That's the durian-head I was telling you about," a calm, mocking voice drifted over. "Last time, I had to teach him a lesson for bullying that green-haired kid. I didn't think he'd be back to picking on the weak so soon. We're all classmates—it's really pathetic, isn't it?"
Midoriya and the two lackeys froze. They knew that voice.
The four of them turned to see Wu Xuan walking toward them, flanked by two girls around his age. One wore thin-rimmed glasses and had the studious air of a "literary girl," while the other was more fashion-forward in a short dress. Both were striking, easily scoring above an eighty-five in terms of looks.
Wu Xuan flashed a charming smile at his companions. "Wait here a moment. That green-haired boy gets picked on by that durian-headed brat all the time. I'm going to go help him out."
The girls watched his retreating back with starry-eyed admiration.
"Wu-kun is so thoughtful."
"Exactly. Even with a Quirk that strong, he still looks out for people being bullied. He's so cool! He'll definitely be a hero like All Might one day."
Wu Xuan reached the group and glanced at the two henchmen. "Move, lackeys."
"W-Wu Xuan!" The two boys turned pale and scrambled out of his way instantly.
Bakugo, looking like a rabid dog, spread his arms as he let out a guttural scream. "Wu... Xuan! You... you bastard!"
Wu Xuan shoved his hands into his pockets and sneered. "Yo, Bakugo. Still taking your frustrations out on Midoriya? Is that all you've got? Or..." He paused, his grin widening. "Have you just not been beaten enough?"
The injuries on Bakugo's face and hands were souvenirs from Wu Xuan. The reason for Wu Xuan's suspension was simple: he had used his Stand to dismantle Bakugo in the middle of the school.
The two had no history of deep conflict. Bakugo was simply an arrogant, foul-mouthed brat who had spent his whole life being praised for his powerful Quirk. He had never faced consequences—until he made the mistake of insulting Wu Xuan last week.
In his previous life, Wu Xuan had been withdrawn, losing his parents early and enduring verbal abuse throughout school. He had a zero-tolerance policy for people who couldn't keep their mouths shut.
In the next instant, [The World], shimmering in its golden armor, materialized directly behind the mid-air Bakugo.
"That's... Wu Xuan's Quirk!"