Chapter 169: Legacy
__________ POV Narration__________
"W-What might that reason be? If you don't mind us asking." One of the younger heroes was the one to ask a question this time.
It was none other than Bakugo or Dynamight, the current number four hero in Japan. He, much like every single one of his peers, wanted to one day surpass All Might.
Hearing about the retirement of the symbol of peace was something that made every single person in Japan panic.
"Of course I don't mind, young man!" All Might's smile shined at that question.
As soon as he said that, his body started releasing steam and slowly deflating. Gasps could be heard as everyone got an eyeful of All Might's true form.
"This is also one of the reasons!" Toshinori's smile remained just as large, he had no reason to be ashamed, no reason to hide.
Even with him gone from the hero scene, at least he knew that Japan was in good hands.
"W-What happened?!" "I-is this real?" "C-can't be...!"
Many questions filled the room, even more so than the moment when he had announced his retirement. Some people could somewhat understand All Might growing older and retiring, but this was something else entirely.
"This is real!" All Might's blue eyes shined, even now, his smile managed to calm down the majority of the people in the room.
There was no doubt about it, the man in front of them was All Might. His hair was there, his eyes and smile were warm and trustworthy enough to make everyone feel safe.
His skinny form did nothing to hide his usual confidence and charm.
"Heh... I guess this is a bit of a shocker to everyone here right?!"
Izuku was petrified when seeing All Might revealing his greatest secret... But then it kicked in for him. He finally realized what was coming next.
'He... He's finally stepping down, officially passing on the mantle to us... The younger generation.' Izuku wasn't the only one to come to that conclusion, even those that didn't know about All Might's secret previously could somewhat guess the Symbol's intentions.
"Well, there's plenty of reasons for my retirement, my age is only one of them." All Might knew how difficult it would be for people to accept his true form.
He had been a symbol ever since he had come back from America, his power, confidence and spirit rose him to his current position.
His great feats of heroism and strength were what remained burned into the minds of every citizen in the nation and beyond.
Internationally considered the strongest hero alive in his prime, seeing him in his current state was what filled everyone with terror.
But a stray thought did manage to calm them down.
The camera feed turned around from the stage, the people at home had a clear view of the rest of the people present...
The youngest, most promising heroes of Japan, Dynamight(Bakugo), Shoto(Shoto), Red Riot(Kirishima), Alien Queen(Mina), Shapeshiftar(Toga), Mindwipe(Shinso) and many others.
And, right in front of the stage, a tall and powerful looking insect man was sat down, looking at the stage with his large bug eyes.
The people at home instantly recognized that person as Beru, the Hero everyone considered to be Number 1 right besides All Might.
Their panic and fear were gone in that instant, why? Well... There was no reason to worry, their future was looking rather bright.
"This is my true form currently..." All Might's state still didn't make anyone feel reassured. Especially since he seemed to be somewhat affected by the strong reaction of the people inside the room.
The Symbol could only somewhat imagine how the people at home felt.
"What happened? Is this the reason for your lack of presence as of late?" A reporter managed to get out through his shock.
"It's the accumulation of countless injuries throughout my career, nothing much to say about it. At this point, I have become much weaker due to them." Even though he was talking about being technically crippled, his smile was still present on his face.
"I-injuries have affected his strength?!" Murmurs filled the room once again. Many came to a sombre realisation when seeing him now.
'The great Symbol of Peace was reduced to this state...' Still, no one dared to look down on All Might, merely lamenting on his current state was the extent of their 'scrutiny'.
It was a stark contrast when compared to how All Might had envisioned the reactions to his reveal.
He mentioned nothing of All for One. The public didn't need to know that one single villain had caused this, even if he happened to be the most powerful one.
In Nezu's and All Might's perspectives, All for One was a name that was better off forgotten. No one needed to remember him as he didn't deserve to be remembered.
Even Beru's fight with him was already mostly forgotten, as any mention of All for One was erased eventually, it was after attention on that fight turned cold.
"Indeed. It's no surprise, there are plenty of heroes that accumulate injuries within their careers. My quirk just happened to be the type to react a bit stronger to that." In the end, this was the story that All Might decided to go with.
He showed his true face to the world, but there was no need for him to mention the full truth of his power and downfall.
Every face in the room looked distraught at the news they were hearing, but being in denial from them and the wider public was simply impossible due to how Toshinori choose to address this.
"H-how a-" A reporter was about to ask a question. But he was interrupted by a rather loud shout from the hotheaded hero, Dynamight.
"What's that shit?! No way some random villains could injure you! Let alone weaken you to that extent!" All Might sighed when seeing the energy of one of his star students.
He had expected people to contest his explanations though.
"Indeed, yet there were plenty of powerful villains back then. There are plenty of them left now too... Though there aren't any stupid enough to act up." All Might's words caught everyone off guard once more.
Bakugo was quickly shut up by his peers, as he was about to keep shouting at All Might. He was always the energetic type when it came to arguments.
"... I guess the thought might've crossed everyone's mind at this point. 'With him gone, things are bound to get hectic'. But you needn't worry about any of that." All Might, even in his skinny form, could easily calm down the crowd in front of him.
Everyone was paying attention to every one of his words, the people at home were glued to their screens.
"It's not without purpose that I've waited this long to retire! A single look at the people gathered in this room should be enough for most to understand..." All Might pointed his finger at the middle of the room, it wasn't at any specific person.
"I think there's no reason for some old hero like me to stick around when there are so many impressive young heroes waiting to take my place."
Even though it was obvious, All Might still said it directly. He slowly brought his hands to the front of his shoulders and unattached his cape.
He gave Beru an appreciative look as he did so. An even wider smile spread on his face as he thought properly about the words he was about to tell everyone.
"This... This is my legacy! The world may remember me for who I am. Regardless of appearance, regardless of my current state... I am still... ALL MIGHT, THE SYMBOL OF PEACE!"
This time, All Might looked directly into the cameras. His eyes shined with blue light, his black sclera gave him an overwhelming and intimidating look.
With renewed energy, he threw his cape into the crowd, everyone was shocked to hear that loud proclamation. But All Might didn't just throw it randomly, it landed directly on the head of his pupil.
Izuku was petrified he was beyond shocked as tears made their way to his eyes. Every person looking at All Might could feel their hearts pounding in their chests...
"OOOH!" "FUCK YEAH!" "SO MANLY!!" The crowd quickly erupted in cheers. No person remained unmoved after such a dedicated speech.
The reporters had their eyes wide, as the story had just turned from a tragic one to something else entirely. It was the end of an era, but All Might made it clear... His name would never die.
His legend would forever be remembered, as he had been the one and only Symbol of Peace.
The students and former students also understood the meaning of this meeting properly. The only thought in their minds.
'We have big shoes to fill...'
That day, the Symbol of Peace didn't die... No, he rooted himself in the hearts and souls of every person.
Who cared what he looked like now? Who cared if he wasn't as strong now?
After all, he was and always will be All Might, The world's very first Symbol of Peace.
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