Chapter 2: Bound for Japan!
After a day of signing official government documents, the deal was done. Ben Tennyson had his second chance, and U.A. High School would be the place where he'd finally become the hero he always dreamed of being.
Of course, Ben had been a hero since the age of ten, ever since he found the Omnitrix. But this was different—this was his chance to become an official Pro Hero, like All Might or Captain Nemesis.
To say Ben was ecstatic was an understatement. The only downside? He had to learn a whole new language. And if he somehow messed this up, his dream of being a Pro Hero could slip through his fingers forever.
"Ben, are you even listening?" Sandra Tennyson's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Huh? Uh, yeah, totally!" Ben stammered, sitting up straighter on the couch.
"Good," Sandra replied, eyeing him. "Because you have two years to prepare for U.A.'s entrance exam. It's not just about hero training—there's a written portion too. You'll need to study. A lot." She gestured to the towering stack of textbooks on the coffee table. "Starting this weekend."
Ben groaned dramatically, slumping into the couch. "Aw, man."
Sandra ignored his whining, crossing her arms. "This means no slacking off, and your grades cannot slip. Oh, and we got you a tutor to help."
"A tutor?" Ben perked up, suddenly curious. "Wait, who?"
He heard footsteps behind him, and a voice he knew all too well answered. "Who do you think, doofus?"
Ben spun around, his jaw dropping as Gwen Tennyson stepped into the room, arms crossed and a smirk on her face. Her red ponytail swayed slightly as she looked at him.
"Her?!" Ben exclaimed, whipping his head toward his mom. "She's my tutor?!"
"Of course," Sandra replied with a calm smile. "Thank you, Gwen, for agreeing to this. I know you'd probably rather spend your free time doing... I don't know, something fun."
"Not at all, Aunt Sandra," Gwen said sweetly. "I'm happy to help. Even if I'm stuck with him." She flicked a finger in Ben's direction. "Massive doofus and all."
Ben rolled his eyes. "Real funny, Gwen. Can you even speak Japanese?"
"もちろんできるよ,バカ."Gwen replied effortlessly in Japanese, a smug grin on her face.
Ben blinked, stunned. "Wait, you speak Japanese? Since when?"
"Ben, I speak six languages—Japanese, Mandarin, German, Spanish. I'm working on French, too—" Gwen began, only for Ben to cut her off with a groan.
"Alright, alright, I get it, Miss Overachiever," Ben muttered, slumping further. "I'd rather fight Vilgax right now."
Sandra stepped in, clapping her hands for attention. "Gwen will help you organize study days, coach you through the subjects, and help you learn Japanese. You're lucky to have her."
"Doesn't the Omnitrix have a translator? Why do I even need to learn Japanese?" Ben grumbled.
"Unless the Omnitrix can magically teach you to read and write in Japanese, you're stuck with me," Gwen said, giving him a pointed look.
Ben muttered something incoherent but nodded reluctantly.
"Don't worry, Aunt Sandra. I'll whip him into shape," Gwen said, flashing her aunt a confident smile. "By the time I'm done, he'll be fluent in Japanese and ready to ace that test. Oh, and don't worry, Ben—I'll leave you plenty of homework."
Ben groaned again, flopping back onto the couch. "Okay, did I say Vilgax before? What I meant was Vilgax, Kevin, and Dr. Animo. At the same time."
...
A month had passed, and Ben was quickly adjusting to the grueling rhythm of his new routine. Gwen had him watching anime only in subbed Japanese, pausing to quiz him on phrases or grammar. The workload was nothing like he'd experienced in the American school system, and it showed. Dark circles under his eyes and a habit of falling asleep at his desk had become his new norm.
"HERO! HERO! HERO!" Ben bellowed, his voice muffled by the earbuds blasting Japanese phrases. He was on the living room floor, sweat dripping as he powered through a set of pushups. His arms trembled, but he pushed harder, speaking the phrases aloud between grunts. "Come on! I can do it! No giving up!"
"Wow, someone's taking this seriously," Gwen remarked as she sat at the dining table, red pen in hand as she graded his latest homework. She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Didn't think you'd have this much determination. Color me impressed."
"Why wouldn't I be?" Ben said, still straining as he pushed through another set. "This is it, Gwen! The opportunity of a lifetime! Becoming a Pro Hero has always been my dream!"
Gwen leaned back in her chair, giving him a knowing look. "You are a hero already, you know. I mean, how many people can say they've saved the world more than once? Pretty sure that qualifies."
Ben paused, letting himself drop to the floor as he caught his breath. "Yeah, I know," he admitted, sitting up and pulling out one earbud. "But it's… I don't know, different. I don't want to just be a hero—I want to be a Pro Hero. Like, the real deal. A license, a team, respect. You know? Not just some vigilante flying under the radar."
Gwen studied him for a moment, her expression softening. "I get it. Makes sense. You want the recognition for doing things the right way. But…" Her face turned grim, and she hesitated.
Ben frowned. "But what?"
She sighed, folding her arms as she set the red pen down. "You realize the second you transform in Japan, the whole world's gonna know who you are, right? Secret identity? Gone. Donezo. It's not like you're some nobody. People have been losing their minds trying to figure out where you've disappeared to this past month."
"Seriously?" Ben blinked, wiping sweat from his brow. "I mean, Japan probably doesn't follow American news that closely, so I doubt I'll be recognized that much over there."
"Ben," Gwen said flatly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You outran some of America's top Pro Heroes. Twice. You've fought Vilgax—a literal galactic warlord—with strength on par with All Might in his prime. Do you really think even Japan doesn't know who you are? You've been trending on international forums for weeks. Everyone is wondering where the infamous vigilante had gone off too."
Ben groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Aw, man… Can't I just go to U.A. and stay under the radar? Like, maybe they'll just think I'm some foreign exchange student?"
"Sure, because nothing screams 'normal foreign exchange student' transforming 10 of the biggest criminals in America." Gwen deadpanned. "Face it, Ben. You're gonna stick out no matter what."
Ben flopped back onto the floor, staring at the ceiling. "Great. Just what I needed—more pressure."
Gwen's expression softened again as she walked over, crouching next to him. "Look, Ben, I'm not saying this to freak you out. I'm saying it because I know you. You're gonna handle it, just like you always do. And honestly?" She smirked, giving his shoulder a light shove. "Once people see what you can do, they'll probably love you. Just… don't do anything too stupid, okay?"
Ben chuckled weakly, sitting up again. "No promises. Stupid's kind of my thing." He shot her a grin before his face turned serious. "But… thanks, Gwen. I mean it."
"Don't get sappy on me, doofus,"Gwen said, standing and ruffling his hair. "Now get back to work. You've got another set of pushups to finish, and I'm not letting you slack off."
...
Two Years Later.
Footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridor as Agent Six approached a control panel. His stoic expression remained unchanged as his gloved hand pressed a button. The monitor flickered to life, revealing the stern visage of White Knight.
The man on the screen radiated authority, his sharp features accentuated by his combed-back white hair and the crisp lines of his white suit. The stark contrast against his black shirt only heightened his commanding presence.
"White Knight," Six said evenly, his voice calm and steady.
"Six," White Knight replied curtly, his tone clipped. "What's the report?"
Straightening his posture, Agent Six responded without hesitation. "The final test is in progress. He's showing—"
White Knight interrupted, his eyes narrowing with cold determination. "We don't have time for progress reports, Six. We need him ready for the Entrance Exam. It's time to see what our secret weapon can really do."
Before Six could respond, the floor beneath him shifted with a mechanical hum. The walls around him slid upward, revealing the observation chamber. From his elevated vantage point, Six's sharp green eyes scanned the empty white room below, where silence reigned.
His gaze lingered momentarily. He said nothing, but the faintest flicker of concern crossed his otherwise impassive features—so subtle it might have been imagined.
The walls of the arena below groaned as they slid open, a guttural growl reverberating through the chamber. A wave of biting cold swept in, carrying with it a chilling mist that blanketed the observation room. Emerging from the darkness was a grotesque, wolf-like EVO. Its jagged ice crystals jutted from its back and limbs like a natural armor, glinting in the harsh fluorescent light. Sparse, frost-covered fur clung to its mutated frame, and glowing blue eyes burned like twin glaciers in the mist.
Serrated icicle teeth lined its elongated jaws, and every step left frozen paw prints as frost crawled across the arena floor. The beast's massive form loomed over the battlefield, its sheer size easily rivaling that of a truck.
"HOOOWWWL!"
Its piercing howl shattered the stillness, the sound echoing like cracking glaciers as jagged spikes of ice erupted from the ground. A thin sheet of frost crept across the walls, turning the once-sterile white room into a frozen battlefield.
Rex stepped into the arena, the cold biting at his skin. Letting out a low whistle, he shook off the creeping frost clinging to his jacket. "Wow. Guess I should've packed my winter gear for Lobo Feroz Grande over here," he quipped, his breath fogging in the frigid air.
The EVO snarled, its icy claws digging into the frozen floor as it sized him up.
From above, Agent Six's calm but commanding voice broke through the tension. "Focus, Rex. This isn't just another sparring match. If you want the recommendation for U.A., you need to prove you can handle real threats. Take this seriously."
Rex glanced up at the observation window, a defiant smirk tugging at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. I got it. Big bad wolf wants to huff and puff—let's see if he can blow me away."
Without hesitation, Rex's arms began to shift and contort, the familiar hum of nanites filling the air. His hands transformed into massive mechanical gauntlets, the metal gleaming against the icy backdrop. He cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing like a challenge.
Smack Hands: The smack hands are massive orange gauntlets that Rex can transform either arm into (preferably both) to take down larger EVOs. The smack hands give him incredible strength, allowing him to break through obstacles or lift heavy objects. When forming them, he has control over the overall size,
"Come on, Fido," Rex said with a cocky grin, rolling his shoulders. "Thrill me."
The wolf-like EVO snarled in response, its glowing blue eyes narrowing. Without warning, it launched itself forward, its massive paws pounding against the icy ground, each step echoing like thunder. The beast was enormous—its hulking form, easily the size of a truck, cast a shadow over the arena. Rex smirked, unbothered, and charged to meet it head-on.
As the two clashed, Rex delivered a thunderous right hook with his Smack Hands, the metallic impact reverberating through the air. The wolf's head snapped to the side, shards of ice breaking off its jagged armor. Not giving it a moment to recover, Rex followed with a punishing left hook and then another, the blows forcing the beast back a step.
"Aw, what's wrong? Can the big bad wolf not take a hit?" Rex taunted, slamming another punch into its frosted snout.
The EVO froze for a moment, its body unnaturally still. Then, slowly, it turned its head back toward Rex, a low, guttural growl building in its chest. Before Rex could react, the beast's massive tail swung around like a wrecking ball, striking him with bone-crushing force.
Rex was sent flying across the arena, his body slamming into the reinforced wall with a violent crack. He groaned, shaking his head as frost began to creep up his jacket.
The wolf stomped its massive paws, the sheer force fracturing the frozen ground beneath it. Then it threw its head back, unleashing a deafening howl.
"HOWWWWWWL!"
The sound hit Rex like a freight train, accompanied by a freezing gust of wind that tore through the arena. Rex gritted his teeth, bringing his Smack Hands together as a shield. The icy blast slammed into him, pushing him back as frost coated his gauntlets and numbed his skin.
"Man, you're really pulling out all the stops, huh?" Rex muttered, his breath fogging in the frigid air.
But the EVO wasn't done. Moving with startling speed for its size, it lunged at Rex again. Its claws struck with devastating force, shattering his Smack Hands into a cloud of nanites.
Rex barely had time to react before the impact sent him flying across the battlefield, slamming into the frozen ground with a violent thud. He skidded to a halt near the arena's edge, groaning as cracks and frost spread beneath him.
"Okay, yeah," Rex muttered, pushing himself up with a wince. "Guess you're not just some overgrown mutt after all."
Six folded his arms from the observation room, his expression stoic as he observed the fight below. "Rex, stop the jokes. Take this seriously," he said, his voice stern and unwavering.
Rex, panting and rubbing his head, winced. "You know I use humor to lighten up the mood, Six. Helps me deal with the pressure," he shot back with a wry grin, though it was clear the cold was getting to him.
The wolf lunged, its massive paws crashing into the ground with a thunderous roar. Rex's eyes widened, and with a swift backflip, he narrowly avoided the devastating strike. But as the beast's paw hit the frozen ground, ice spikes shot up from the crater, one of them impaling Rex's shoulder. He yelped in pain as the spike twisted deep into him, and the wolf swiped him away like a ragdoll.
Rex slammed into the wall with a sickening thud, his body coated in frost.
Six grumbled, frustration seeping through his usually calm demeanor. "Kid..."
White Knight, standing off to the side, scowled. "He's not ready. If he wants his hero license, if he wants any chance at using his abilities for the good of humanity, he's going to have to do better than this. Right now, our chances at survival are... slim."
"Aw, come on, cut the kid some slack," came a familiar voice from the side. Bobo Ha Ha, the EVO chimpanzee who worked for Providence, was hanging from a beam above. He swung down to land next to White Knight, chattering in his usual upbeat manner. "Rex, come on, kid! You know Midnight's at UA, right? Work a little harder, yeah?"
Rex groaned, slowly standing up despite the weight of the frost that was beginning to accumulate on his body. His shoulder throbbed with pain as he gritted his teeth, struggling to shake off the cold.
Six's voice came from above, sharp and unwavering. "You want to be a hero, don't you? You're the one who's been stuck inside Providence, treated like a weapon. This is your chance—your chance to finally live your life, outside of all this. You're the one who said you wanted freedom." His gaze narrowed. "Then what are you doing?"
Rex stood, the weight of Six's words hitting him harder than the pain in his shoulder. His breath came in shaky bursts, but there was fire in his eyes now. "Yeah, I want that freedom," Rex muttered, his voice resolute despite the frost creeping over his form. "And I'm gonna take it."
Six's expression softened ever so slightly, though his tone remained firm. "Then show me. Show me you're worth that chance."
Rex clenched his fists, his mechanical gauntlets crackling with energy as he faced the wolf again. "Alright, big guy," he said, his voice no longer light but determined. "Let's see what you've got."
The wolf's ears flattened as it unleashed a deafening "HOOOWWL!" that shook the arena. The sound sent a chill down Rex's spine, but he didn't hesitate. His fists morphed into his signature Smack Hands, the massive mechanical gauntlets spinning rapidly as they drilled into the frozen earth beneath him.
As the cold wave blasted out from the wolf, Rex's stance remained steady, his hands digging deep into the ground. Beneath the creature, the earth began to tremble and crack, and then, with a burst of power, Rex's fist shot upwards, slamming directly into the wolf's massive gut.
The impact was thunderous. The air was knocked from the creature's lungs as it was sent flying through the air with a sickening force, crashing into the ceiling with a BOOOM that echoed through the room. The wolf's gargantuan body slumped before gravity took over, and it began its descent, its eyes still burning with feral rage, ready for more.
Rex stepped back, demorphing his hands back into their usual form, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. His expression was hard, a determined glint in his eyes.
"Focus, Rex," he muttered to himself, clenching his fists tightly. His mind sharpened as the wolf's massive form fell toward him, preparing for another strike. The beast contorted its body, its form twisting as it let out another icy howl, preparing to unleash a devastating cold wave.
Rex's eyes flickered with determination. He couldn't wait for the wolf's attack. With a roar, Rex's hand morphed, transforming into his B.F.S. – the Big Fat Sword. The massive orange blade erupted from his arm, and with a battle cry of "RAAAH!" Rex lunged, stabbing the sword deep into the wolf's chest, the blade cutting through the thick, frostbitten hide like a hot knife through butter.
The wolf's eyes went wide in shock as it let out a chilling howl of pain, its body shuddering with the brutal blow. A freezing gust of air exploded from the wound, but Rex pushed deeper, fighting against the ice-cold blast that clawed at his skin. His body was succumbing to the frostbite, his limbs feeling stiff, but he didn't stop. With his free hand, Rex reached out, touching the beast's impaled form. A flash of blue light shot through his fingers, and blue lines began to snake around the wolf's body.
"Shut 'em down, little guys," Rex gritted through his teeth, focusing through the storm of cold. The wolf's eyes widened in fear as its body started to rapidly shrink. The intense frost surrounding them began to recede, melting away.
The wolf's massive body began to shake violently, the jagged ice crystals across its form rapidly melting as Rex's blue energy surged through it. The air around them seemed to shimmer with intense cold, but Rex remained steadfast, his hand glowing with determination as the wolf's monstrous size started to shrink.
The towering beast, once the size of a truck, was now visibly shrinking, its form reverting back to a more natural size. The ice on its back, its claws, and its teeth all melted away, revealing a sleek, healthy coat of fur. The glowing blue eyes faded, returning to their natural amber hue as the wolf's once-menacing presence dissolved.
Rex didn't flinch. He watched as the wolf's body contorted, reshaping as the EVO reverted back to its original state. It was no longer a danger to him or anyone else. Rex was focused, his control over the situation absolute. With a final surge of energy, the transformation completed, and the massive, ice-covered creature was now a normal wolf—no longer a threat.
The wolf shook itself free of the frost, now standing calmly on the arena floor, looking around in confusion but no longer aggressive. Its posture was neutral, almost sheepish.
Rex dropped his hand, the glowing blue light fading from his fingertips. He wiped a bit of frost off his jacket and gave the newly restored wolf a nod of approval.
Rex looked up, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "So, how'd I do?"
Six gave a slight nod, his expression still stoic but something almost imperceptible flickered in his eyes. As the observation room windows began to close, Rex could swear he saw the faintest smirk tug at the corner of Six's lips.
Rex's smirk widened. "U.A., here I come."
...
A now 15-year-old Ben Tennyson stepped out of the Rustbucket, letting the back door swing shut behind him. He adjusted the straps on his bag, taking in a deep breath as he packed away the last of his belongings for his new life in Japan. At 5'10", Ben had grown into a lean, athletic build over the years, and his once perpetually messy hair was now slightly tamed—though still far from neat.
"Alright, Ben," Sandra called out, stepping down from the RV with a small smile. "That's the last of the luggage. Are you sure you've got everything? And I mean everything. I hope your suitcase isn't just packed with action figures."
Ben smirked but rolled his eyes. "Yes, Mom, I got everything. Clothes, toiletries, the works. No action figures."
Sandra arched an eyebrow. "You sure? Chargers?"
"Yep."
"What about your teddy bear?" she added with a teasing grin.
Ben froze, his face immediately turning crimson. He whipped around, looking at her in horror. "Mom! I haven't used Furry Freddy since I was eight! Why would you even bring that up?"
From the side, Gwen snickered, her arms crossed as she leaned against the Rustbucket. "Classic. The big bad hero still embarrassed about his stuffed bear."
Sandra chuckled softly. "Relax, sweetie. I'm just teasing. But seriously, double-check everything. Once you're there, you won't have Max to bring you supplies in the middle of a mission."
From the front seat of the Rustbucket, Max Tennyson called out, his warm voice cutting through the banter. "Hey, slugger! Got everything packed? No surprises?"
Ben nodded, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Yeah, Grandpa, I'm good. I think I've got it all. And hey, it's gonna be fun not having someone constantly babysitting me for once."
Sandra, who had just climbed back into the RV, leaned out and playfully smacked Ben on the back of the head. "Don't let that freedom go to your head. Your dad and I are trusting you to stay responsible, Ben."
Carl, standing near the passenger door, chimed in with a smirk. "And that means no bringing girls home. Got it?"
Ben groaned, his blush returning. "Dad, seriously? Can we not? I'm not gonna—ugh, forget it." He threw his hands up in exasperation, ignoring Gwen's barely-contained laughter.
Max chuckled from the front. "You'll do great, kiddo. Just remember everything we taught you. And if you ever need anything—anything—you call us, okay?"
Ben's expression softened, his usual confidence giving way to a more vulnerable smile. "I will, Grandpa. Thanks. For everything."
Max smiled warmly as he stepped out of the front seat of the Rustbucket, stretching his legs before turning to Ben. "Alright, kiddo. We'll visit as soon as we can. But first, pop quiz—introduce yourself to me in Japanese."
Ben stood a little straighter, clearing his throat. "Oh, uh… hello! I'm Ben Tennyson, from Bellwood, and I'm hungry to be her!"
Gwen pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Happy to be here, Ben. You're happy to be here. But hey, at least you're improving."
Ben waved her off with a grin. "Yeah, yeah. I still fumble my words, but I've got this in the bag. By the time I land, I'll sound fluent. Probably."
Max chuckled, clearly amused. "Oh, and before I forget, Ben—an old friend of mine will be keeping an eye on you once you get into U.A."
Ben raised an eyebrow. "An old plumber?"
Max shook his head. "Not quite. I didn't meet him through alien business, but I did meet him back in my plumber days. He's got high hopes for you, and I trust him."
Ben muttered under his breath, "Yeah, no pressure or anything."
Just then, a military vehicle pulled up near the Rustbucket, and a familiar figure stepped out.
"Lieutenant Steel?" Ben said, tilting his head in surprise.
Steel approached with a brisk nod, holding out an envelope. "Hey, Ben. Came to drop off your plane tickets and see you off. Everything's already set up. You'll be living near Musutafu, Japan. The apartment isn't fancy, but it's secure, and a couple of pros patrol the neighborhood regularly."
Ben took the tickets, glancing at them. "Thanks, Steel. Appreciate it."
Steel gave him a firm nod. "No problem. And remember—stay out of trouble. The last thing we need is the return of Ben 10, Vigilante making headlines in Japan. The media would have a field day."
Ben smirked, his confidence shining through. "You know me, I'm always on my best behavior."
Steel crossed his arms with a knowing look. "Uh-huh. Good, because I've got a lot of faith—and maybe a bit of money—riding on you, kid. And just so we're clear, this won't be the last time we meet. I'll be checking in to make sure Ben 10 doesn't make any unplanned appearances."
Ben chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "No pressure or anything." Then a thought hit him, and he frowned. "Wait—Ben 10? Where'd that even come from?'
Steel raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Isn't that your hero name?"
"What? No! Why would you think I call myself Ben 10?"
Steel smirked faintly. "Well, let's see—the Negative 10, Kevin 11, and all those other nutcases you've fought? Pretty much all of them refer to you as Ben 10."
Ben blinked in disbelief. "Huh. How have I never noticed that?"
Steel gave him a flat look. "Seriously? You didn't notice?"
Ben shrugged. "I mean… most of my villains are kind of insane. Guess I just thought it was them being uh ya know crazy supervillains."
Steel snorted. "Fair enough.
Sandra's voice called out from behind them, cutting into the conversation. "Ben! Everything's ready to go—we don't want to be late!"
Ben turned to his mom. "Got it, Mom! Coming!" He looked back at Steel, giving a small salute. "See you around, Lieutenant."
Steel nodded, stepping back toward his vehicle. "Take care, Ben. And remember—no vigilante nonsense."
As the car pulled away, Gwen walked up to Ben, her expression softening as she glanced at him.
"So… this is it, huh?" Ben asked, his voice quieter now.
"Of course not, doofus," Gwen said, rolling her eyes. "We're cousins—it's not like we're never gonna see each other again."
Ben hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah… you're right."
Gwen suddenly wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. "Take care of yourself, okay?" she said softly.
Ben hugged her back, his voice quieter. "You too, dweeb." He hesitated, then added, "And… thanks. For everything."
Gwen smiled, leaning back just enough to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. "Don't get sappy on me now, Tennyson. You've got a plane to catch."
Ben smirked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, yeah."
Max walked up next, his eyes slightly misty as he offered his hand to Ben. 'You've done fine work, Ben Tennyson. I'm proud of you."
Ben took his hand, shaking it firmly. "Thanks, Grandpa. Couldn't have done it without you."
Finally, Carl stepped forward, pulling Ben into a tight hug. "I'm gonna miss you, kiddo."
Ben hugged him back. "Miss you too, Dad."
As Ben stepped into the Rustbucket for one last ride to the airport, he glanced back at his family, his usual cocky grin fading into a softer, more thoughtful expression. He raised his hand in a small wave as the Rustbucket pulled away, taking him toward the next chapter of his life.
Any feedback would be appreciated, whether it's complimenting the story, pointing out something wrong, or just giving out a suggestion.
Give out suggestions on future chapters!
Let me know what kind of chapters want to see.
This story was inspired by A Result Of Consequnces by Big Pear. A lot of aspects will be similar to his/her story.
Chapter 3: Arrival
Ben Tennyson let out a long, exaggerated yawn as he stretched his arms over his head. His messy brown hair was even more unkempt after the long flight. Groggily rubbing his eyes, he turned to glance out the window, and his tired expression immediately lit up.
"Whoa..." Ben muttered, his face breaking into a wide grin as he took in the sight of Japan's skyline sprawling beneath him. The glittering buildings, the distant mountains, and the sheer size of the city filled him with a bubbling excitement.
He gulped, a mix of nerves and anticipation building in his chest. "Alright, Tennyson... new country, new start. Let's do this."
...
The moment the plane touched down and the seatbelt sign switched off, Ben grabbed his carry-on backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. He shuffled down the aisle with the other passengers, fidgeting slightly as he moved.
Stepping out of the plane, Ben was hit by the warm, humid air of Japan. The scent of jet fuel mixed with the faint aroma of unfamiliar spices from the airport food court. His green eyes widened as he looked around the bustling terminal.
"Man... so this is Japan, huh?" he said quietly to himself, taking in the clean, modern architecture of the airport and the signs written in Japanese and English. He adjusted the strap of his backpack, smiling nervously. "Feels like a whole other planet."
Ben strolled through the airport, his green eyes wide with awe as he took in the bustling environment around him.
Advertisements for pro heroes dominated the terminal, larger-than-life images displayed on screens and billboards. He paused to gawk at a sleek, polished ad featuring Best Jeanist, his impeccably styled denim suit somehow radiating authority.
"Man, this guy really makes jeans look cool," Ben muttered, adjusting his bag.
As he walked further, a massive electronic display showcased Mirko, the Rabbit Hero, striking an energetic pose mid-kick.
Nearby, another screen featured Ryukyu, the Dragon Hero, transforming into her massive dragon form while promoting a brand of energy drinks.
Then, as expected, All Might dominated the airport. His brilliant smile gleamed from countless billboards advertising everything from protein shakes to energy supplements. A massive standee even had him pointing directly at passersby with the words "I am here... to keep you energized!"
"Okay," Ben mumbled to himself. "Guess All Might's a big deal here too."
He continued to marvel at the vibrant hero culture plastered everywhere when a high-pitched, squeaky voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
"Benjamin Tennyson?"
Ben blinked and glanced around, not seeing anyone immediately.
"Down here," the voice added.
Looking down, Ben's jaw dropped slightly as his gaze met the curious sight of a small, mouse-like creature wearing a pristine suit.
Nezu appeared every bit as strange as he was intriguing, his mouse-like head tilting slightly as his sharp, black eyes observed Ben with an intelligent glint. His tailored suit and polished demeanor gave him an air of authority that clashed humorously with his animalistic appearance.
"Oh, uh, hey there, little guy," Ben said with an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his head.
Nezu smiled politely, his tone calm yet deliberate. "Welcome to Japan, Benjamin. I am Nezu, principal of U.A. High School. Your grandfather, Max Tennyson, contacted me in advance."
Ben's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you're the guy Grandpa was talking about?!"
"Indeed," Nezu replied, his small paw gesturing for Ben to follow. "I owe your grandfather a great deal. He rescued me from a... difficult situation many years ago. It's why I personally insisted on being your guide. Now, come along. We mustn't dawdle."
As Ben picked up his pace to follow the small creature, he couldn't help but glance down at Nezu curiously. "So... you're, like, in charge of U.A.?"
Nezu glanced back at him with a polite smile, his small hands folded neatly behind his back. "That is correct. My role is to ensure that students receive the proper guidance to become the heroes our world needs."
Ben raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly closer as he walked. "Shouldn't you be busy, I don't know, running the second most prestigious hero high school in the world?"
Nezu's whiskers twitched with amusement as he let out a soft chuckle. "Second, you say?"
Ben shrugged casually, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Well, there are a few high schools back in America that could give U.A. a run for its money. Just saying."
Nezu chuckled again, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Perhaps, but I imagine those schools might struggle to accommodate someone like you. Your, shall we say, unique circumstances might pose a challenge."
Ben scratched the back of his neck, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "So, you know about the... uh..."
"The Omnitrix?" Nezu finished, his tone light but his words razor-sharp. "Yes, I'm well aware. And of course, I'm familiar with the reports about 'The 10.' Or perhaps I should say the 22 vigilantes that America's law enforcement and heroes have categorized as a significant nuisance. Quite the list of aliases you've amassed for yourself."
Ben blinked, then groaned, his head dropping slightly. "Great. Nothing like starting fresh when the principal already knows my whole life story."
"Though I must warn you, transforming before you officially enter U.A. is highly unrecommended," Nezu said, his tone still polite but carrying a distinct seriousness. "Japan, unlike most other countries, has far stricter regulations on Quirk use. The amount of freedom you've had back in America to use the Omnitrix would not be as, shall we say, admirable here."
Ben blinked, his curiosity piqued. "Admirable? You mean people wouldn't be impressed by, you know, saving lives?"
Nezu's small hands clasped behind his back as his expression grew more somber. "Your exploits, while incredible in their own right, would likely be interpreted quite differently here. The way you've operated—using your transformations to act independently without direct oversight—would be viewed as reckless by many in our society. Hero work in Japan is built on the foundation of order, regulation, and teamwork, not on personal discretion. What might be seen as bold and heroic in America could be perceived as irresponsibility or even arrogance here."
Ben winced, feeling the weight of Nezu's words settle on his shoulders. "So, they'd think I'm some kid playing hero instead of, you know, being one."
"Precisely," Nezu replied with a small nod. "Even more concerning is how your alien forms might be interpreted. Many here would not see them as heroes at all, but rather as rogue elements, potentially dangerous criminals acting outside the system. Your lack of an official license to use the Omnitrix, combined with your track record of solo operations, would only reinforce this perception. The Japanese public—and its heroes—place immense value on following procedure and adhering to strict codes of conduct. Anything outside those parameters is met with heavy skepticism, if not outright condemnation."
Ben swallowed hard, his usual confidence faltering. "Yikes. I didn't think it'd be that bad."
Nezu offered a reassuring smile, though his words remained firm. "This is not to discourage you, Mr. Tennyson, but rather to prepare you. The world you are entering is different from the one you're accustomed to. Adaptability will be key to your success here. So, for now, it would be wise to refrain from transforming unless absolutely necessary—and only under proper supervision. Let's avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, shall we?"
"Got it," Ben said, nodding quickly. "No transformations unless it's, like, a life-or-death situation. Message received."
...
Nezu had arranged for a sleek, black car to pick up Ben, and as they cruised through the vibrant streets of Musutafu, Ben couldn't help but take in the stark differences between Japan and America.
The first thing that hit him was the sheer presence of Japanese characters on every sign, building, and screen. He let out a small groan, facepalming at himself. "Of course, they use Japanese writing instead of the English alphabet! Duh!"
But what really caught his attention was the noticeable lack of citizens casually using their Quirks. Back home, it wasn't uncommon to see someone flying overhead to work or a speedster weaving through traffic. Here, people moved about in a much more subdued manner, no flashy Quirks on display.
"Hm," Ben muttered to himself, "I guess Japan really takes Quirk restrictions seriously. No one's zipping around or showing off..." The realization made him feel a little stifled. He was used to the freedom of movement and expression back home, but here, the societal order felt tighter.
It didn't take long for him to notice why. Japan wasn't just serious about restricting Quirk use—it was serious about heroes. Pro Heroes were everywhere. As Nezu's car rolled through the bustling streets, Ben saw heroes patrolling on foot, taking pictures with fans, or even appearing on massive TV screens embedded into buildings.
His eyes widened as he took in the sheer scale of hero commercialization. Billboards and holographic displays advertised everything from hero-branded merchandise to products endorsed by heroes. Uwabami smiled down at him from a towering display, her golden hair cascading as she pitched a new line of luxury hair products.
Further down the street, Mt. Lady struck a confident pose on a massive poster promoting a high-end fashion line for women with Quirks that affected their body shapes.
Ben's hero-nerd instincts kicked in as he recognized some of the faces—or at least tried to. "That guy looks like Orca, but... Gang Orca?" he muttered, spotting a billboard featuring the orca-themed hero promoting an eco-friendly energy drink.
Gunhead, who seemed to specialize in combat training, was on a smaller screen endorsing a self-defense course. Then there was Endeavor, the flaming hero whose fiery demeanor immediately reminded Ben of Heatblast.
But it didn't stop there. As the car passed a Hero Agency district, Ben's jaw dropped. Towering buildings bore the names of famous agencies, their logos gleaming like beacons of heroism.
The Endeavor Agency stood out with its bold, flame-shaped emblem, while the Ryukyu Agency featured a massive dragon motif, with holographic animations showing Ryukyu transforming into her dragon form.
Nezu noticed Ben's expression and offered a polite chuckle. "Our hero industry is quite different from what you're used to, isn't it?"
Ben nodded, still staring out the window. "Yeah, it's... a lot. Back home, heroes are more about the action. Here, it's like... they're part of everything. Ads, patrols, agencies everywhere."
Nezu's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Yes. Japan is known for the quantity of heroes in our society."
As they passed another screen, a live news broadcast caught Ben's attention. The headline read: "Pro Hero Wash Saves Cargo Ship from Sinking—Thousands of Lives Spared!" The camera cut to a shot of Wash, the quirky, washing-machine-themed hero, posing triumphantly with a crew of sailors. Ben couldn't help but blink in disbelief.
'A hero that's literally a washing machine? Seriously?'
By the time they reached their destination, Ben widened as they came to a stop at an apartment building.
"This where you will be staying Mr. Tennyson." Nezu said.
By the time they reached their destination, Ben's eyes widened as the car came to a stop in front of an impressive apartment building.
"This is where you'll be staying, Mr. Tennyson," Nezu said, his cheerful voice ringing out.
Ben stepped out of the car and glanced around at the sleek, modern structure—an imposing Chayadama building towering above him. He grabbed his bags from the trunk, taking in the city's skyline as he turned to Nezu.
"S-So, I'll be staying here...?" Ben asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
"Indeed!" Nezu chirped, his small paws clasped behind his back as he trotted toward the entrance. "This apartment complex is one of the safest and most secure in the city. U.A. is about a 20-minute walk away—should you gain admission, of course," Nezu added, handing over a key card before turning to head back to the sleek black car.
"Do take care of yourself, Benjamin Tennyson. Feel free to explore the city; if you're accepted, this will be your home for the next three years," Nezu called over his shoulder as he climbed into the car.
Ben nodded, still processing it all, and watched as the car drove off. He was left standing in front of the building with his bags in hand, giving the structure one last look before heading inside.
Once inside, Ben was quickly helped with his luggage by the building staff. With the key card in hand, he made his way to his new apartment on the 10th floor. As he reached the door to the 10th apartment, he couldn't help but groan at the irony.
"Suits me," he muttered under his breath before swiping the card.
The door slid open, and Ben stepped inside, immediately dropping his bags with a loud thud. His jaw dropped as he took in the expansive single room that greeted him—a combined kitchen, dining, and living area in one open space. It was far more than he had expected.
The kitchen ran along the entire wall parallel to the hallway, with modern appliances and a sleek countertop. Ben paused, surveying the apartment with wide eyes before heading deeper into the space.
He took a seat on the couch, which was already set up and ready for use. Ben couldn't help but notice how the place seemed to be furnished almost too perfectly—likely funded by the U.S. government, no doubt, hoping to turn him into the next big hero.
He glanced toward the balcony, its view offering a gritty but vibrant look at the city—noisy cars, honking horns, and the endless hum of life below. It wasn't exactly peaceful, but it had a certain energy.
Two doors on the right of the living area stood out, one leading to the bathroom and the other to his bedroom. Ben stood up, already thinking of what to unpack first as he began to explore his new temporary home.
Ben entered his room before he dropped to his bed and closed his eyes to take a nap.
...
The Keep soared silently over the Pacific Ocean, its sleek and armored hull cutting through the clouds like a steel leviathan. Inside the massive airborne flagship, the hum of advanced machinery and the faint murmur of Providence agents at their stations filled the air. The command center buzzed with activity as agents monitored global hotspots, their black suits and white vests giving them a uniform, almost mechanical presence.
Down one of the quieter hallways, the steady thud of a ball ricocheting off the walls echoed.
"Ugh!" A frustrated groan shattered the relative silence. Blue circuitry patterns lit up along one wall as a hidden door slid open, and out stepped Rex, his expression a mix of boredom and pent-up energy.
"What's taking so long?" Rex muttered, tossing the ball aside as he made his way toward the navigation hub. His steps were quick and deliberate, a sharp contrast to the measured movements of the agents stationed around the control room.
Agent Six stood near the edge of the command center, methodically sharpening one of his twin blades. His green-tinted glasses glinted under the overhead lights, but he didn't look up as Rex approached.
"You're not supposed to be out of your quarters," Six said flatly, his tone more matter-of-fact than scolding.
Rex leaned against a console, crossing his arms with a smirk. "You do realize I can open those doors whenever I want, right? Seriously, no offense, but locking me in is kinda pointless."
Six let out a small sigh, finally pausing his work to glance at the teenager. "Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should, Rex."
Rex rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I get it—orders, rules, protocol. But come on, Six, I've been cooped up in here for days. When are we going to do something interesting? Maybe check out some attractions? Hit the beach? You know, have some fun?"
Six's expression didn't change, but his tone carried a trace of exasperation. "We're not on vacation, Rex. Our mission is to stay under the radar, and White Knight has made it clear—you're on a tight leash."
"Ugh, White Knight," Rex grumbled, running a hand through his hair. "That guy needs to loosen up. I'm gonna be here for the next three years so I should get a good look at the place."
"Japan has some of the strictest Quirk laws in the world," Six said, his tone steady but firm as he glanced at Rex. "The HPSC is already keeping a close eye on us, and let's not forget—they're not exactly fans of Providence."
Rex leaned against a nearby console, his shoulders sagging as Six continued.
"And it's not just the government. Most civilians here don't trust us either," Six added, sharpening his words like his blade. "An American military force operating on their soil doesn't sit well with them. They see us as outsiders, maybe even a threat."
Rex sighed, looking away, but Six wasn't done.
"The last thing we need is our 'secret weapon' drawing attention by causing trouble," Six said, his piercing gaze locking onto Rex. "One slip-up, one public incident, and this entire operation could be compromised. That includes your shot at U.A. So think before you act."
Rex let the words hang in the air, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides.
"So what, I'm just supposed to stay cooped up in my room for the next couple of months until the exam?" Rex said, his voice dripping with annoyance.
"Pretty much," Six replied, his tone as nonchalant as ever. He didn't even bother looking up from his blade.
Rex's eye twitched, his patience running thin. "Great. Awesome. Glad we had this talk," he muttered, spinning on his heel and stalking out of the command center.
Six watched him leave, his expression unchanged, though he subtly shook his head. He knew Rex wasn't going to take this well, but it wasn't his job to coddle him.
Minutes later, the faint hum of machinery echoed through the ship, followed by a low rumble that made the floor vibrate. Six frowned, looking up just as a loud alarm blared.
"What's going on?" Six demanded, turning to the nearest agent.
"The hangar—someone's opening it manually!" the agent exclaimed, scrambling to pull up the security feed.
Six's eyes narrowed as the live footage came up on screen, revealing Rex standing on the edge of the open hangar bay, the Pacific Ocean sprawling beneath him. The wind whipped at his jacket as he adjusted his goggles, a confident smirk plastered across his face.
"Rex—" Six growled, his voice cutting through the commotion like a knife.
Before he could say more, Rex pulled out his communicator and pressed a button. "Relax, Six!" he called, his voice crackling over the speakers. "I'm not ditching—I'm just going sightseeing!"
Six's jaw tightened. "Rex, don't you—"
But Rex didn't wait to hear the rest. With a whoop of excitement, he leapt off the edge of the hangar. A split second later, the familiar blue circuitry lit up across his body, and with a mechanical whir, his Boogie Pack materialized on his back.
Twin turbines roared to life, catching the air as Rex angled himself into a controlled descent. "Don't wait up!" he shouted back, his voice barely audible over the wind and the engines.
Six watched the screen in silence for a moment, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword.
"Whoo-hoo!" Rex yelled, his voice carried away by the rushing wind as he soared through the open sky. The Boogie Pack's turbines hummed steadily, propelling him toward the distant silhouette of Japan's coastline. The island was just coming into view, its outline sharp against the horizon as the sunlight glinted off the waves below.
"Man, this is way better than sitting around on that flying tin can," Rex said to himself, grinning as he angled his body into a smooth dive, relishing the rush of freedom.
"Japan, here I come!"
...
Two Days Later
It had been two days since Ben had settled into his new apartment, and those two days had been anything but exciting.
The novelty of his fancy new place had worn off fast, and boredom had set in like an unwelcome roommate. With nothing to do and nowhere to be, Ben decided enough was enough. He needed a mission. A purpose. Something to save him from the crushing monotony.
And so, his quest for a Mr. Smoothies began.
Fast-forward to the present, and Ben found himself standing at a street corner, arms crossed, one hand on his chin, nodding thoughtfully as if he had everything under control.
"Yep," he muttered to himself. "Totally lost."
His shoulders sagged with a defeated sigh as he trudged onward, navigating the unfamiliar streets of Mustafu, Japan.
Locals going about their business, blissfully unaware of the foreign teen hero wandering aimlessly through their city.
"Aw, man!" Ben groaned, dragging his feet as he aimlessly scrolled through his phone. His face brightened for a moment when he spotted something. "There's supposed to be a beach nearby... Dagobah Beach? Sounds kinda cool," he muttered, glancing around to get his bearings.
"Grandpa said it's one of Mustafu's best attractions," Ben said, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Bet I can find someone there who knows their way around and maybe score a smoothie while I'm at it!" He took off in a jog, excitement bubbling up as he followed the directions.
Finally, he spotted a sign reading Dagobah Beach. His grin widened, but the moment he stepped closer, his expression twisted into one of disgust.
"What the...?" Ben blinked, staring at the mountains of trash piled across the sand. "This... this was supposed to be a tourist attraction?" he said, rubbing the back of his head in confusion.
Looking around, he noticed a few areas that were being cleaned up. "Huh. Guess someone's trying to fix it up. Give it a month or two, and this place might actually look like that awesome beach Grandpa was hyping up," he muttered to himself, kicking at a stray can. "Still... what a letdown."
Ben jogged along the sand, his sneakers crunching against the stray bits of gravel and debris scattered across the beach. The sound of heavy grunting and something being dragged broke his stride.
"Huff... Huff... Come on, just two months away..."
Curious, Ben followed the sound until he spotted a boy around his age. The kid was shorter than him, with a round face framed by a mess of dark-green hair that stuck out at odd angles.
His large green eyes, filled with determination, were set beneath a brow furrowed in concentration. What stood out the most, though, were the freckles on his cheeks, arranged like two tiny diamond formations.
Ben's jaw nearly dropped when he saw what the boy was hauling—a full-sized refrigerator. The kid had it hoisted over his back, his sneakers digging into the sand as he dragged it toward a staircase leading off the beach. A faint trail in the sand showed he'd pulled it from a pile of trash farther down.
"Woah..." Ben muttered, equal parts impressed and confused as the boy heaved the fridge up the first step.
The boy muttered to himself, his voice low but filled with resolve. 'I need to do more... If I'm gonna get into U.A... I'm gonna be a hero..."
Ben smirked, stepping closer. "Need some help?"
"AHHHHHHHH!" The boy let out a startled yell, nearly losing his grip on the fridge as he stumbled forward.
"Whoa, easy! Didn't mean to scare you, dude!"
The boy's eyes bulged so far Ben thought they might pop out, and for a second, it seemed like he was about to clutch his chest. Instead, he froze in place, the refrigerator wobbling precariously on his back. Slowly, he turned to Ben, his face a mix of surprise and mild panic.
"O-Oh, h-hello," the boy stammered. His voice wavered, and his hands trembled slightly as he steadied the fridge. Ben couldn't tell if it was from the strain of carrying the massive appliance or sheer nerves from being addressed.
The boy quickly turned back to his task, hefting the refrigerator higher and beginning his slow, laborious trek up the stairs. His movements were shaky, his legs quivering under the weight as sweat dripped down his face.
"You okay?" Ben asked, following beside him, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Y-Yes! Oh, you just... surprised me," the boy replied, his voice tight as he adjusted his grip. He grunted with effort, each step looking like a monumental struggle.
"Yeah, I figured. I'm Ben Tennyson... uh, or is it Tennyson Ben?" Ben said awkwardly, scratching the back of his head as he tried to figure out how introductions worked in Japan.
"Izuku Midoriya. Nice to meet you, Tennyson,"Midoriya said, his polite tone not faltering despite the beads of sweat pouring down his face.
His knuckles were white as he gripped the sides of the refrigerator, and he paused for a moment, breathing heavily, before pushing forward again.
"Call me Ben, dude. Being called Tennyson feels... weird," Ben chuckled, memories flashing of every villain who'd dramatically screamed his last name before trying to kill him.
Midoriya nodded faintly but didn't respond, too focused on hoisting the refrigerator up another step. He let out a strained grunt, his legs visibly buckling for a moment before he steadied himself
Midoriya continued hoisting the refrigerator up the stairs, his muscles straining visibly under the weight. He paused for a moment to catch his breath, glancing at Ben curiously.
"May I ask... are you new to town?" Midoriya asked, his words broken up by grunts as he shifted the refrigerator slightly.
"More like new to Japan in general," Ben said, walking beside him with his hands in his pockets. "Hey, do you need help with that?" He gestured toward the refrigerator with a raised brow.
Midoriya's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, so you're a foreigner? I mean, I kind of thought so, but I wasn't sure, and I didn't want to just assume because that would have been rude, you know? Like, what if you weren't and I said something awkward? That would've been embarrassing for both of us! Oh, but your Japanese is really good, though—it doesn't sound like you're new at all! How long have you been here? Did you move here recently, or—oh, no, I'm rambling again, aren't I? I do that sometimes, sorry!"
Midoriya's words spilled out in a frantic stream as he continued dragging the refrigerator, sweat dripping down his face.
...
"Uh... what's happening?" Ben asked, his brow furrowing as he watched Midoriya's muttering intensify. The boy was rambling so fast it was almost impressive.
Izuku caught sight of Ben's confusion—and slightly creeped-out—expression and jolted upright, his cheeks burning red. "Oh! S-Sorry! I do that sometimes... well... actually, all the time," he admitted, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed laugh.
Ben smirked, waving it off. "It's cool. You're passionate; I get it," he said before gesturing to the massive refrigerator Izuku was still trying to lug up the stairs. "But, uh, you sure you don't need help with that? Looks like a good way to throw your back out."
Izuku shook his head, gritting his teeth as he continued hoisting the heavy load. "I-I'm fine! I've got it!"
Ben raised an eyebrow but shrugged. "Alright, if you say so. Anyway, I just flew in yesterday from America," he added casually, walking alongside Izuku.
Izuku perked up immediately, his curiosity shining through despite the strain on his face. "America?! Really?!" he exclaimed, nearly dropping the fridge in his excitement. "And you speak Japanese so well?! You honestly sound like you've been raised here your whole life! That's amazing! Did you—oh no, I'm doing it again, aren't I?"
Ben chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks. Guess I've got an ear for it or something," he replied with a small shrug. "Anyway, you're the one cleaning up the beach, right? I saw it earlier. It looks like a huge job for one guy. You sure you don't need help?"
Izuku shook his head again, his expression growing more serious. "I'm doing it as part of my training," he said, grunting as he adjusted his grip on the fridge.
"Training?" Ben asked, intrigued.
Izuku nodded. "I'm planning to apply to U.A.," he explained, his voice filled with a mix of determination and uncertainty.
Ben's eyes widened slightly. "U.A.?"
"Yeah..." Izuku admitted, his voice lowering as he continued up the stairs. "It's a long shot, I know... but I have to clean this beach by myself," he said, his resolve hardening. "No matter what anyone says, I have to work harder than anyone else! If I'm going to get into U.A., I need to catch up!" He pushed himself to lift the refrigerator the final few steps before finally dropping it at the top of the stairs with a loud thud.
Ben blinked, surprised. He hadn't even realized they'd reached the top of the stairs. He smirked as Izuku bent over, clutching his knees and panting heavily, sweat dripping off his face.
"Young Midoriya! Excellent work—" a voice called out suddenly, and Ben turned to see a man approaching. He was tall and impossibly thin, with sharp, angular features, sunken cheeks, and black sclera around his eyes.
Ben raised an eyebrow, his expression deadpan. "Uh... did someone lose their skeleton?"
The man visibly flinched, metaphorical arrows striking him as he clutched his chest in mock pain. "Young Midoriya... who is your friend?" he asked, recovering his composure.
Izuku looked up at the man, still panting heavily. "Oh... uh..." He blinked rapidly, clearly caught off guard. "Oh, A-All—"
"Toshinori-sensei," the man interrupted quickly, glancing pointedly at Izuku.
"Toshinori-sensei?" Izuku repeated, his eyes widening slightly before he caught on. "Yes! T-This is Toshinori-sensei! My... uh... trainer! Yep, totally my trainer!" he said, his voice cracking slightly.
Ben and Toshinori both gave him identical deadpan stares.
'You're a terrible liar,' they both thought simultaneously.
Ben decided to let it slide, shrugging as if it didn't matter. "Uh-huh. Anyway, I'm Ben Tennyson," he said, offering a small smirk.
Toshinori narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze flickering with recognition. "Ben Tennyson... you say?"
"Yep! That's me," Ben replied cheerfully, giving a small wave. "I was just offering to help Izuku here with the beach cleanup."
"There is no need," Toshinori said quickly, his tone firm. "Young Midoriya has been cleaning the beach as part of his training. It's a crucial step in preparing him."
"For the U.A. entrance exam, right?" Ben asked, his interest clearly piqued.
Toshinori hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Indeed. He's undergoing rigorous physical preparation to ensure he's ready for the challenges ahead."
Ben grinned. "Huh. Guess that makes sense," he said, crossing his arms. "Still, you might wanna give him a break now and then. He looks like he's about to keel over."
Izuku let out a nervous laugh, still trying to catch his breath. "I-I'm fine! Really!" he insisted, though the sweat pouring off his face suggested otherwise.
All Might turned to Ben, blinking thoughtfully before speaking. "Tennyson, since you're new to the area, perhaps Young Midoriya could show you around a bit?"
Both Ben and Izuku froze, their eyes widening in synchronized shock.
"What?!" they blurted out at the same time.
Ben quickly waved his hands dismissively. "Oh, no, I don't want to impose or anything," he said, a bit flustered.
Izuku, on the other hand, looked as though the suggestion had just shattered his carefully crafted plans. "All Might! The entrance exam is only two months away!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with desperation. "I need to train harder than ever before! I can't afford to take a break—I have a schedule to stick to, and if I fall behind, I'll—"
As if on cue, Izuku's muttering started, his voice becoming a low drone as he listed every detail of his training regimen.
Ben leaned toward All Might, raising an eyebrow as he watched Izuku spiral into his rambling. "Uh... does he do this a lot?" he asked in a low voice.
All Might didn't even hesitate. "Yes," he replied instantly, the corners of his mouth twitching into a knowing smile.
Before Ben could comment further, All Might raised a hand and lightly chopped Izuku on the head. "Enough, Young Midoriya! Stop this nonsense at once!"
Izuku yelped, his muttering coming to an abrupt halt as he rubbed the top of his head. "Ow! W-What was that for?" he asked, looking up at All Might with wide eyes.
All Might crouched slightly to look Izuku in the eye, his tone firm but kind. "Heroes always help people, even if it's something as simple as showing a newcomer around," he said, placing a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Remember, being a hero isn't just about strength or flashy powers. It's about being there for others when they need you."
Izuku bit his lip, conflicted. He glanced at Ben, who shrugged casually, his hands tucked into his pockets. "I mean, I wouldn't say no to having a local guide," Ben admitted. "But really, if it's gonna mess up your training, don't worry about it."
Izuku hesitated, his mind racing. He looked at All Might again, who gave him an encouraging nod. Finally, he let out a resigned sigh. "O-Okay... I guess a short break wouldn't hurt," he said, though his voice still wavered with uncertainty.
"That's the spirit!" All Might said, his booming voice full of approval. "It'll be a good chance to practice balancing your priorities as a hero-in-training."
...
[Time-skip]
"So, is there any place you have in mind?" Izuku asked, adjusting the straps of his backpack as they walked down the street.
Ben scratched the back of his head, thinking for a moment. "Hmm, yeah. You wouldn't happen to know where I could find some Sumo Slammers manga, would you?"
Izuku froze mid-step, his eyes widening to the size of saucers. Excitement practically exploded across his face as he whipped around to face Ben.
"Sumo Slammers?! I'm a huge fan!" Izuku blurted out, his words tumbling over one another in pure enthusiasm. "It has the coolest game merch! And Ishiyama! The noble sumo warrior... He's amazing! Did you know he's based on one of the earliest recorded Japanese heroes?"
Ben's face lit up with equal excitement. "I know, right?! The guy fought his opponents with honor and took down hordes of enemies without ever backing down. Some people even say he was the All Might of his time!"
Izuku nodded so vigorously it was a wonder his head didn't fall off. "Exactly! And his ability to increase his size and durability in an instant—it's so incredible! He used his strength to defend the weak, but he always stuck to his principles, no matter what!" Izuku's voice grew more animated as he continued. "Legend says Ishiyama not only fought off bandits and corrupt officials but also laid the foundation for Japan's hero system! Some people say he was the first hero to establish a major agency!"
"Yeah, that's the guy!" Ben said with a grin. "Fights with honor, uses his power responsibly, and has a killer catchphrase. I barely get to meet another Sumo Slammers fan, so this is awesome!"
Izuku's face practically glowed. "I know a store not too far from here! They have everything: manga, comics, video games, movies, merch—you name it! I used to go there all the time before training started!"
Ben felt his excitement building as Izuku talked. He took a deep breath, trying to keep himself composed, but his grin betrayed just how hyped he was. "Let's do this!" he exclaimed, clenching his fist in excitement.
Izuku adjusted his backpack and motioned for Ben to follow. "It's just a few blocks away. Oh, and they even have limited-edition Sumo Slammers collectibles! You might find something rare!"
Ben's eyes widened at that, his composure slipping for a moment as his voice came out louder than intended. "Limited edition?! Why didn't you start with that?! Lead the way!"
As they walked along, Izuku's eyes wandered to the strange device strapped to Ben's wrist. His gaze lingered, recognition sparking in his mind. He blinked in surprise, his curiosity piqued.
"Hey, Tennyson," Izuku started hesitantly.
"Ben's fine," Ben said, glancing at him with a casual grin, his arms resting behind his head.
Izuku gestured toward the watch. "Right, Ben. So, uh... how come you're wearing the symbol of America's vigilantes?"
Ben froze mid-step, his easygoing expression faltering for the briefest moment before he quickly masked it.
"It's the symbol, right?" Izuku continued, pointing subtly at the watch. "The one that those vigilantes in America used to wear like a badge. They always had it somewhere on them. Are you a fan of theirs?"
Ben forced a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Y-Yeah, you could say I'm a fan," he said, his tone a little too quick to be convincing.
Izuku's face lit up, his curiosity and excitement bubbling to the surface. "That's amazing! I've read so much about them. I know they're technically vigilantes, but they always showed up in big emergencies or disaster zones to help people. And there's so much mystery surrounding them! Like, how come they're all mutants? There's no record of a single one being a human-born hero!" His words started tumbling out in rapid succession as he slipped into a muttering storm. "And their Quirks—or mutations—are so unique! How did they even form a group like that? Were they connected before? Or was it just coincidence? Maybe it was a secret society of mutants that decided to—"
Ben sweatdropped as he watched Izuku spiral, his muttering gaining momentum. Does he ever stop to breathe?
Before Ben could redirect the conversation, Izuku abruptly turned to him, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Have you ever run into them? I mean, you're from America, so you must've seen one of them at least once, right? Maybe even during one of their big rescue operations?"
Ben hesitated, glancing away as he tried to think of an answer that wouldn't blow his cover. Yeah, I've run into them... because I am them!
"Er... I met Diamondhead once," Ben said, keeping his tone casual.
Izuku's eyes widened with excitement as he cupped his chin in thought. "Diamondhead... Diamondhead... Oh! The crystal mutant! I heard his body is practically indestructible, and his shards can cut through anything! He's one of my favorites!"
Ben smiled awkwardly, waving his hand dismissively. "Indestructible? Not really. Hit him hard enough, and he'll crack like a windowpane."
Izuku blinked at the remark, noting the odd way Ben said it. It sounded more like firsthand experience than something he'd just heard.
"Really?" Izuku murmured, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "You sound like you're speaking from experience..."
Ben shrugged, trying to stay nonchalant. "Just something I read somewhere," he lied.
Izuku nodded slowly, seemingly buying the explanation, before pulling out his phone. As he scrolled through articles, his brow furrowed in thought. "You know, it's so strange. Not once have the vigilantes ever been seen together. Like Heatblast and Accelerate
—"
"It's actually XLR8," Ben interjected, a small smirk forming. "Like an acronym. You know, X-L-R-8. Pretty cool right?"
Izuku blinked, surprised by the oddly specific statement, but quickly moved on. "You know what's weird, though? There's no record of them in the hero registry at all. You'd think someone like Four Arms or Heatblast would be easy to track down, right?"
Ben felt a bead of sweat trail down his forehead. "Uh... maybe someone's been keeping them off the grid," he said, shifting uncomfortably.
Izuku tilted his head, intrigued. "Keeping them off the grid? Like who?"
Ben cleared his throat, trying to think fast. "You ever hear of Grey Matter? He's... kind of a genius. Small guy, but sharp as a tack. If anyone could hack into a system and wipe out all traces of their identities, it'd be him."
Izuku's eyes lit up at the theory. "That's amazing! He must've completely rewritten their data or rerouted it through dummy profiles to protect them. I never even thought of that—if he's as smart as you say, it explains why there's no trace of them anywhere. Grey Matter is supposed to have genius-level intelligence, so he could've easily manipulated digital records to keep their identities hidden. That would explain why there's no record of them in the hero registry!"
"Exactly," Ben said quickly, relieved that Izuku was drawing his own conclusions.
Ben's head was spinning as Izuku beamed, rattling off theory after theory with boundless energy. The boy seemed thrilled to have someone to share his ideas with.
Great. I made one friend in Japan... and he's a complete fanboy, Ben thought, trying to keep up with Izuku's rapid-fire muttering.
Suddenly, Izuku paused and tilted his head, his expression shifting to curiosity. "Hey, by the way, how come you came to Japan?"
Ben blinked, caught off guard by the question.
"I mean," Izuku continued, frowning thoughtfully, "isn't it the middle of the high school year in America right now? Why come all the way to Japan now?"
"Oh... uh..." Ben scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Kinda came to take the U.A. entrance exam."
Izuku's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth dropping open slightly. "Wait, you're taking the U.A. entrance exam?! That's only two months away! You moved all the way here just for that?"
Ben shrugged, trying to downplay it. "Yeah, thought I'd give it a shot."
Izuku's excitement only grew. "That's amazing! U.A. is the best hero school in Japan! Oh, you must have a really strong Quirk if you're confident enough to take the exam!" His eyes sparkled with admiration. "What's your Quirk?"
Ben froze, his easygoing expression faltering slightly. He glanced away, clearly uncomfortable. "Oh, uh... it's nothing special. Honestly, I don't really wanna talk about it."
Izuku immediately picked up on his discomfort and backed off, not wanting to press the issue. But before he could steer the conversation elsewhere, Ben threw the question back at him.
"What about you? What's your Quirk?"
The question hit Izuku like a punch to the gut. His body tensed, and he looked away, his hands gripping the fabric of his pants tightly. Memories of mockery and rejection surged in his mind—being laughed at, called useless, treated like he was nothing. The idea of losing this new connection with Ben stung more than he wanted to admit.
"I... I'd rather not say either," Izuku murmured, his voice quiet and strained.
Ben studied him for a moment, his expression softening. "Hey, no pressure. Everyone's got stuff they don't wanna talk about. I get it."
Izuku relaxed slightly, grateful for the understanding.
Wanting to lighten the mood, Ben smiled and asked, "How about we change the subject? Who's your favorite hero?"
The shift in Izuku's demeanor was instantaneous. His face lit up with a radiant smile, and his eyes sparkled with unrestrained excitement.
"All Might!" Izuku blurted out, his eyes practically sparkling. "He's the greatest hero! And the coolest!" His words came tumbling out, each one more rapid than the last, as he launched into a fervent speech about All Might's accomplishments.
Ben blinked, trying to keep up with the flood of words, but Izuku's enthusiasm made it nearly impossible to follow.
"You know he once saved over 100 people in under ten minutes—oh, and there was that time he stopped a whole building from collapsing with one punch! And he always—"
Ben quickly clasped his hand over Izuku's mouth, glancing around nervously as the other passengers on the train shot them confused looks.
"Maybe take it down a notch, bud," Ben said, his voice low and cautious.
Izuku's face turned beet red as he smiled sheepishly. "Ehehe, sorry about that," he mumbled once Ben let go. "But like I was saying, All Might is my favorite hero. He's incredible! He always saves people with a smile on his face, no matter how dangerous the situation is. And he never loses... He's... incredible. That's who I want to be. A hero like All Might!" His voice softened at the end, and his hands fidgeted with the hem of his jacket.
Ben noticed the nervous but genuine smile on Izuku's face, and when he looked into the boy's eyes, he saw something unmistakable—pure admiration and determination, tinged with the faintest glimmer of tears.
Ben couldn't help but grin. "So, is that why you're taking the U.A. entrance exam?" he asked. "Because it's, what, All Might's alma mater or something?"
Izuku nodded quickly, his face lighting up again. "Exactly! U.A. is where All Might graduated from, so it has to be amazing, right? I mean, I know only one in three hundred applicants make it in each year, but..." His voice wavered slightly, but the determined gleam in his eyes didn't falter. "I have to try. If I don't, I'll never forgive myself."
Ben leaned back, smirking confidently as he crossed his arms. "One in three hundred, huh?" He cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Sounds like my kind of challenge. Bring it on."
Izuku's eyes widened, his admiration for Ben's boldness evident. "Y-You seem really confident about it," Izuku said, his voice filled with equal parts awe and nervousness.
Ben shrugged, his grin widening. "Of course I am. I work best under pressure."
Izuku smiled at Ben's confidence. "So, what about you?"
Ben blinked, slightly caught off guard. "What about me?"
"Who's your favorite hero?" Izuku asked, his curiosity evident as he leaned forward expectantly.
Ben smirked, leaning back in his seat with a confident expression. "Captain Nemesis."
Izuku's eyes lit up. "I know him! He's the tech billionaire who built his global empire through cutting-edge support items. His innovations have revolutionized hero gear all over the world! His tech even rivals that of David Shield's! Did you know that some of the hero drones he designed are still in use today, especially for emergency rescue operations? And then there's the Nemesis armor series—" Izuku's muttering spiraled out of control, his hands gesturing wildly as he rattled off facts.
Ben chuckled, amused by Izuku's enthusiasm. "Yeah, that's the guy. Captain Nemesis is the best of the best. A living legend."
"He really is!" Izuku said, eyes practically sparkling. "Not only is he a genius, but he's also one of the most versatile heroes out there. With that Nemesis armor of his, he can adapt to just about any situation. Rescue missions, combat, tech support—he can do it all!"
Ben grinned. "Exactly. He's not just a hero—he's proof that you don't need a flashy Quirk to make a difference. The guy basically built himself into a hero from scratch. All brains, all heart."
Izuku nodded eagerly. "And his support items have helped so many heroes reach their full potential! He's even donated millions to developing tech for Quirkless civilians. It's amazing how much of an impact one person can have. Captain Nemesis really is incredible."
Ben's expression softened as he glanced out the window, his mind wandering. "Yeah… he's... I've always wanted to be a hero, I guess. I always thought helping people was really cool." Ben's gaze shifted to the Omnitrix on his wrist, a silent reminder of why he was here, of the potential he held.
Izuku, lost in his thoughts, suddenly snapped to attention as the train slowed to a stop. "Oh! We're almost there!" he said, excitedly pointing to the platform as the doors slid open.
Ben followed suit, stepping out and moving quickly with the other passengers. The two of them moved toward the staircase that would lead them to the outside world.
"So, where's this famous Sumo Slammers limited edition merch?" Ben asked, a playful grin on his face as they ascended the stairs.
"It's at the Kiyashi Ward mall, it should be—" Izuku started, but was abruptly interrupted by a guttural roar that vibrated through the very air around them.
Before they could react, a massive shockwave blasted through the street, sending cars soaring into the air as a thick, swirling dust cloud engulfed them. Ben and Izuku, along with the other pedestrians, instinctively ducked down to shield themselves from the overwhelming force. As the dust settled, they both turned toward the source of the destruction.
And their eyes widened.
Standing in the middle of the street was a monstrous creature, towering at a massive 15 meters tall. It was a nightmare made flesh, its hulking, armored body covered in spiked, metallic plates that shimmered in the light. The creature's three heads—one resembling a wolf, another a dragon, and the last a snake—snarled and hissed, each exuding a menacing presence.
The wolf head growled, the dragon head bared its teeth, and the snake's eyes glowed a sickly green. Each head was a deadly force in itself, with the wolf capable of unleashing devastating shockwaves, the dragon spewing fire, and the snake's fangs dripping with venom.
The monster's body twitched as it unleashed a series of prehensile tentacles, writhing and lashing at anything in reach. Its limbs ended in jagged claws that seemed capable of tearing through steel, and its bioluminescent pustules pulsed along its back, giving it an eerie, unnatural glow. The creature's regenerative abilities were apparent, as its wounds healed almost immediately with sickening speed, making it appear even more indomitable.
A monstrous roar pierced the air, a combination of a sonic howl that could shatter eardrums, followed by a breath of corrosive acid that disintegrated the pavement where it landed.
Ben and Izuku stood frozen, their hearts racing.
"An EVO…"