Chapter 96: Revelations and True Strength
I woke up in the morning feeling refreshed. A new day, new problems to deal with.
At least I get to wake up next to Eri, which I can already foresee will be the highlight of today.
I doubt anything else great is going to happen now. The 'story' of the villain attack is still fresh in the minds of the public.
I think Nezu will hold a press conference today to answer some of the inquiries of the distressed public.
He also needs to somehow compensate the families of the fallen students. Which I can't really see going nicely.
It's a bit hard to believe that people would criticise UA's defence system even though no place in the world could've defended against that type of attack.
Kurogiri's warp quirk is extremely powerful, and that jammer quirk was also a huge factor. The same one that took down the defences of Tartaros.
I believe that, in both cases, it's been enhanced by a different quirk. This means that the jammer quirk alone might not be that great. But it's still annoying.
It's only due to its existence that I couldn't be contacted earlier. I would've incapacitated Gigantomachia faster if I knew something like that was happening at UA.
But it's no use crying about it now. I'm also curious about where they are going to take All for One. He should be a lot less powerful than in the series now. Especially since I got rid of his legs.
Some might say that getting rid of his legs doesn't matter, as he can just fly. But it's hard to actually put weight behind your punches without them. There is also the fact that I left a hole in his lung.
But that's neither here nor there. He's survived worse. But... Mental scars should be a lot more damaging than physical injuries.
He was always a prideful person. Always thinking that he was above everyone else around him. Even after getting defeated by All Might. There was little to suggest his arrogance subsided in any way.
But him being subjected to such humiliation repeatedly might've been a bit much for him to handle. I thought he would be stronger, especially since he should have plenty of life experience.
It seems that when faced with death, he still folded and shut down everything around him in fear and terror. Really, unsightly.
But, I also feel mad at myself more than anything. I don't really understand what I was trying to achieve yesterday. It seems that having power doesn't mean anything at all when you're immature.
That's right... Even if my actions could be justified as revenge. They were merely childish tantrums that cost the lives of many. Actions I can't afford to repeat.
Even if I did kill All for One that day. How would that change his fate? He is currently captured and trapped in the deepest part of Tartaros, awaiting his own execution at the hands of the law.
So what If I didn't do it with my own hands. Who do I think I am? To take things into my own hands and do everything that I please in such drastic situations. Considering everyone that stood in front of me an ant... Disregarding everyone else that I viewed as unnecessary to society...
Such selfishness and arrogance... Really similar to the one I was torturing. How far did I fall?
Without realising it, I've been acting more and more like that person each and every day. The only difference being that I actually have people I love besides myself.
If I didn't, we'd be one and the same. They were the ones that stopped me in the end.
I need to grow stronger, not silly power that goes away with age. I need the mental fortitude to not break down in front of my loved ones again.
For Eri... And for Rumi, I don't think she'd like being woken up to some pathetic guy that can't even take care of himself properly.
With newfound determination. I rose out of bed fully energized and ready to deal with the problems I created.
First thing on the list. Having the talk with Eri. Not getting her involved in any of this was just another selfish wish of mine. Especially since she would wish to help.
But I can't keep going down that road. I will tell her everything. Let her decide on her own. She may be young, but she is already mature enough to decide such things for herself.
Eri definitely felt me rise out of bed. Mainly because she was clinging to me like a cat.
"Good morning little Eri," I said with a simple smile.
"Dad... Where's mom?" That was the first thing she said. She looked really concerned.
I just sighed. I hoped not to get straight into the issue. But not having Rumi with us is unnatural for both of us. So it's obviously the first thing she'd say.
I hugged her tightly. Her horn digging into me didn't bother me one bit.
"Eri... Rumi is hurt. She is still sleeping." I looked down. My eyes met hers. They were slightly wet. She was tearing up already.
"Don't worry... We will visit her later today. I'll call your homeroom teacher and tell her you can't come today." I said while patting her head.
She shook her head. "I'll go... She said education is important, that 'You shouldn't end up like that freeloader.'" She wiped her tears away and smiled a bit. I didn't think she would take this so nicely.
It's a good thing that I didn't actually tell her what the injuries were. She might've reacted differently. After all, it's not like we didn't get injured before. I'll ignore Rumi calling me a freeloader for now.
I will tell her about the injured teachers and students another time. I still have a lot to do, and she will probably find out at the hospital anyway.
I still have quite a few things to do today. But, I need to make breakfast. Eri likes eating sweets, therefore pancakes are the best choice for that.
Rumi would probably kick me into a wall, as she said I shouldn't let Eri eat too many sweets, but she's not here now, so I can do what I want. (totally won't backfire on him)
By the time I finished making them, she was already dressed in her little uniform. "Oh-- Pancakes!!" She shouted happily as she waved her arms around a bit.
"Don't tell Rumi... Ok?" I asked in a pleading manner. She just nodded, not even paying attention to me anymore. Which just made me release a sigh.
After we both finished eating. I took Eri to her school, hugged her one last time, and wished her a nice day.
I will also try my best for today.
__________________________________
Aight, I kept my promise
Leave me sleep now
Plug:
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone