Chapter 4: My Hero Academia, Part 3

Aside from committing my first kill, there were gains.

[Swordsmanship Lv.4
Competent in all forms of swordsmanship.]

Perhaps because it was a life-or-death struggle, unlike the childish skirmishes before, my Swordsmanship level jumped two ranks.

I had grown stronger.

‘How strong am I now?’

The increase in my Swordsmanship level made me curious about my current capabilities.

I considered Nomu, who fought All Might in his slightly weakened prime during the first season of My Hero Academia.

‘I’d be annihilated.’

Recalling the scenes from the anime, I realized that in my current state, I stood no chance against Nomu.

‘Still weak.’

Of course, I knew I’d only been practicing swordsmanship for three days.

However, I couldn’t use time as an excuse; it wouldn’t wait for me.

In the remaining 10 years before the main storyline began, I needed to become as strong as possible.

To protect Toga Himiko.

10 years passed.

Much happened during that time, but this summarizes it best:

[Swordsmanship Lv.7
Highly skilled in all forms of swordsmanship.]

‘I’ve become much stronger.’

Through numerous life-or-death battles over the past decade, I achieved significant growth.

There were countless times I felt I might die, but I persevered.

If I couldn’t overcome these challenges, defeating the final boss of the My Hero Academia world would be impossible.

And, naturally, my motivation for growing stronger stemmed from Toga Himiko.

I sought the strength to protect her.

“Mister, dinner’s ready!”

“I’ll be right there.”

I now lived with Toga Himiko.

Earning a substantial income from defeating villains made purchasing a house relatively easy.

Incidentally, while Himiko hadn’t severed ties with her parents like in the original story, their relationship wasn’t exactly harmonious.

It wasn’t hostile, but…

Indifference was the most accurate description.

Apparently, Himiko had exhibited her bloodlust several times before the bird incident. Her parents still harbored apprehension towards her.

I’d asked Himiko if she was okay with this.

She responded with a bright smile, [Nope! I don’t mind at all! I only need Mister! You’ll always be on my side, right?]

Her words suggested she wasn’t deeply hurt, but one never truly knows another’s heart.

Therefore, I tried my best to treat her well.

In this world, I was her only true ally.

I sat at the dining table.

A feast awaited me.

Spicy stir-fried pork, kimchi, rolled omelet, soybean paste stew – all my favorite dishes.

“I’ll enjoy this.”

I expressed my gratitude to Himiko for preparing the meal.

She beamed, “Yes!”

As we ate, our conversation drifted towards UA High School, which Himiko would be attending.

“Have a good day. Make lots of friends and interact with others.

You can’t just stay with me forever.”

“But I’m okay with staying with Mister forever, until we die?”

Her words momentarily stunned me.

She had a way of catching me off guard, and I wasn’t sure how to respond.

I knew Himiko loved me, but having known her since she was 7, I saw her more as a daughter than a woman.

“Ah! Mister, your brain froze again!”

Himiko pointed at me, giggling, and I, as the adult, attempted a stern reprimand.

“Where did you learn to say that?”

“The internet!”

I sighed. I couldn’t restrict her internet access; she had little to do when I wasn’t home.

As we continued chatting, we finished our meal.

It was now Himiko’s mealtime.

“Mister, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Himiko climbed onto me and bit into my neck.

“Haa…haa…”

I felt my blood drain into her.

It wasn’t unpleasant.

I’d grown accustomed to it over the past 10 years, and it was a small price to pay for someone I cherished.

“Fuah! That was delicious today, Mister!”

Her cheerful words, with blood smeared around her mouth, brought a smile to my face.

“Pfft… Glad you enjoyed it.”

After her meal, it was time for Himiko to leave for UA High.

Kiss

She kissed my cheek and headed for the front door.

“I’ll be back, Mister!”

With that, she opened the door and left.

I chuckled.

‘Is this what it feels like to have a daughter?’

The kiss on my cheek warmed my heart.

As these happy days continued, a thought lingered.

There were still enemies to defeat.

‘It’s almost time…’

I’d grown considerably stronger in the past 10 years.

Confident enough to take on Nomu.

With Himiko at school, I would set out to eliminate Nomu, for our happiness.

For Himiko’s peaceful school life.

For a world where she could thrive.