7

A man in an obvious hurry approached the front gate of U.A. High School. With bulging muscles, an intrepid scowl, and a beard of fire, Flame Hero: Endeavor was unmistakable. He also happened to be Todoroki’s father.

But as he approached the gate, the thick automatic doors slammed shut.

“What…?”

No, not even a parent, famous hero, and alum could bypass U.A.’s security system without a student ID or an authorized guest pass.

“Open up! I’m missing Parents’ Day!”

Knowing time was short, Endeavor pounded his fists against the doors. In one balled hand, he held a crumpled paper that read, Parents’ Day Notice. He’d only just discovered the notice, which must have fluttered under his desk when it popped out of his agency’s fax machine. Given the family’s dark history, Shoto Todoroki generally had as little to do with Endeavor as possible, so the father saw Parents’ Day as an invaluable opportunity to check on the progress his creation was making.

Still pounding at the gate, Endeavor had a thought.

Maybe he could get me in…

‘He’ being the eternal thorn in Endeavor’s side and U.A.’s newest educator, All Might. The top hero would have no trouble getting the gate open, but Endeavor’s brow furrowed at the thought.

That buffoon left me the strangest voice mail a few days back…

He’d deleted the message immediately, of course. No, Endeavor wasn’t about to go begging his hated rival for help, but there was soon no need, because the gate opened as if in answer to his prayers.

“Well, if it isn’t Endeavor. How long has it been?”

It was U.A.’s school nurse, Youthful Hero: Recovery Girl. Contrary to her title, the elderly healer walked with a syringe-shaped cane and had her hair tied up in a neat bun.

“Recovery Girl! Good to see you,” said Endeavor, managing to mind his manners for someone he’d known nearly all his life.

“What brings you to us, today?”

“It’s Par—”

He stopped himself. The number two hero couldn’t very well admit that he’d taken time off to attend Parents’ Day for his son. Wouldn’t want anyone mistaking the ambitious, prideful Endeavor for a doting father. To start with, it simply wasn’t true. In his mind, a hero had to project strength and nothing but. Especially not the image of a sensitive family man.

Endeavor cleared his throat a little more than necessary and corrected himself.

“Ahem… I just happened to be passing by. Thought I might drop in on my old alma mater…”

“Is that so?”

Endeavor was still anxious to catch the tail end of Parents’ Day, but Recovery Girl seemed not to notice how antsy he was.

“Come to think of it, your boy’s in the Hero Course, isn’t he?”

“Right you are, Recovery Girl!”

Throwing him the cue he needed, she went on.

“Today is Parents’ Day, you know? I hear class 1-A was fooled into thinking their mothers and fathers were taken hostage, as a trial of sorts. The children had to figure out how to save them.”

“Sounds like an elaborate setup…”

Endeavor imagined his son performing admirably. His progeny, with Endeavor’s superior genes and the ultimate Quirk, was sure to prove his mettle. The father had a sudden change of heart; observing those superior genetics in action was, in fact, his duty. Wanting to be here didn’t necessarily make him a soft, doting daddy.

“Since I’m here, I might as well see how they’re doing…”

“Oh, they’re already done.”

“What…?” spat Endeavor, stunned.

“It sounded like they had quite a tumultuous time.”

“If only I hadn’t found out so late!”

Recovery Girl grinned at Endeavor, who’d accidentally spilled the beans.

“Just passing by, were you? No need to lie. Besides, I spotted the notice in your hand.”

Endeavor ignited the paper in a flash, destroying all evidence.

“Tut, tut. A hero mustn’t use his Quirk for personal reasons, Endeavor.”

“No clue what you’re talking about, Recovery Girl. You sure you don’t need glasses at your age?”

Recovery Girl was taken aback, and Endeavor’s face stiffened.

Damn it all! If only that fax hadn’t ended up under the desk!

Maybe, just maybe, his son’s wish had come true.