System Chapter 2

Shota moves into an apartment next to Ingo and her son Itsuku. They have become like family to him. One day, Itsuku comes home injured and reveals that his friend, Kacchan, is being affected by his quirk and becoming angry and aggressive towards him. Shota and Ingo decide to talk to Kacchan's mother about the situation. Itsuku expresses his concern and Shota promises to help. They discuss Kacchan's explosive quirk, and Shota asks Ingo to contact Kacchan's mother. Hello, it's Kaylee, and today I will be reading Chapter 2 of System Synthesis, called His Thing is Intelligence and Observation. Need some help, Ingo said. Shota grunted in reply. Sometimes he wondered how his life turned out to be like this. His three-year lease for his apartment came to an end. Before he knew it, he was moving into the apartment next to the Midoriya's. Currently, he is in the process of moving his limited belongings into his new apartment. It wasn't much, really. Most of his furniture had already been shifted. It was just his model ones and his boxes of personal belongings. Nope, I'm good, Shota finally muttered, jostling the boxes in his arms when he felt they were about to slip off. A giggle reached his ears. Shota stopped and hid his face behind the boxes. Itsuku was hanging off his neck, swaying side to side and having the time of his life each time Shota would jump and skip stairs. It's you, honey. Let him do his work. You can play with him later. Ingo scolded lightly. It's fine, Ingo, Shota replied, hopping down the stairs, earning another bright giggle from the toddler hanging off of him. If Hisashi or Nomuri ever saw him like this, he would be packing his bag and leaving the country. Or murdering them. Whichever is more financially easier. All done, Ingo asked, peeking out the door of her apartment. Yep, Shota helped wandering into their apartment before plopping down on the couch. He let out a quiet oof when Itsuku jumped off on his stomach, possibly damaging his kidneys. Itsuku, don't accidentally kill a hero, Ingo said from the kitchen. Shota threw a stink eye in her direction, even though she probably couldn't see it. Sitting on his stomach, Itsuku giggled, eyes crinkling into crescents as his lips spread into a wide smile. Having fun at my nursery, aren't you? Shota grumbled. The kid cheekily nodded. What? Here, have some drinks, Ingo said, placing a tray of two glasses full of blue-tinted milkshakes. Itsuku cheered as he jumped down from his stomach, kneeing the side of his torso in the process. The kid didn't pay any attention to the glare Shota was throwing his way as he chucked down the milkshake. Rude. Shota pushed himself up and took the glass. He honestly had no idea how things ended up like this. So domestic. At first, it had been him helping Itsuku, but then that became Itsuku staying over at his previous apartment whenever Ingo had to work multiple shifts at her office. Then, one night, when he had been out on patrol, he came across Itsuku standing on the rooftop. He was looking for you, Ingo said as she walked out of the door. A glass of warm milk in her hand, he had a bad dream and said seeing you would make him feel safe. And from then on, Shota found himself perched up on the edge of their apartment's building frequently. Until it became a habit for Shota to visit Itsuku daily at around 10 PM in the night, right before the kid went to sleep. Then, it shifted to Ingo calling him over for dinner before leaving for his patrol. Then, it became Shota staying over once, then twice, and before he knew it, he would stumble into their house each time patrol was too hard, and he saw things that would drag his mind far away from his present. And no matter what time of day, the door always opened for him. Sometimes, it would be Ingo greeting him with her soft and gentle smile. Or Itsuku peeking out with green bambi eyes before beaming at him. Then, his lease came to an end and he was moving in as their neighbor. Okay, so maybe he did know how things turned out to be like this for him, but that didn't make it any easier for him to process. Shota blinked when he felt a tug on his shirt. He looked down to find Itsuku practically hopping on his toes with her wide smile and glimmering eyes. Too bright, he thought as he raised his eyebrow in a silent question. Let's play! Let's play! Itsuku chanted. Shota huffed but got up nonetheless. This is what his life had come to. He glanced at Ingo smiling at them, nose crinkled and eyes curved into crescents. Then he looked down at Itsuku currently trying to climb up his legs, buzzing from excitement. Well, he wasn't exactly complaining. Shota had been helping Ingo in making dinner when the front door opened and a pitter-patter of footsteps followed. Shota hadn't been facing towards the door so he had no idea what was wrong until he heard Ingo gasp loudly. Worried, he dropped vegetables from his hands and spun around quickly and as soon as he did, he froze right away. Worry choked him like a noose wrapped tightly around his neck. His blood ran cold in his veins because right across the counter stood Itsuku bloodied and battered with scorched smudges on his shirt and pants. And Shota sucked in a sharp breath when he saw, which was definitely a first degree burn on Itsuku's hand. Shota moved to Itsuku first while Ingo rushed to grab the first aid kit from the bathroom. What happened? Shota asked. Something's wrong. Itsuku, now six years old, replied. Shota bit back the urge to say, you think? And let out a sharp breath, I can see. Itsuku shook his head. Something's wrong with Kacchan. Shota faltered for a second, his mind racing to think of all the things that could have gone wrong. But before he could let his mind wander for too long, he felt something wet and sticky touch his fingertips. He looked down to find his fingers coated in red. At that, all the other thoughts in his mind were thrown out the window and he picked up Itsuku in his arms before running to the bathroom. He almost crashed into Ingo on the way, but with his pro hero training and instinct, he swiftly moved out of the way. Shota sat him down on the closed toilet seat and with nimble fingers quickly checked for injuries. There were several bruises, but none too bad. Cuts and scrapes. A big one near his elbow widths had been the one bleeding earlier. Starburst burn marks, like something had exploded. Shota couldn't bring himself to think or breathe properly until all injuries had been tended to by him and Ingo. All the cuts were cleaned and covered, bruises iced and burn marks treated. Something's wrong with Kacchan, Itsuku repeated once again. After keeping silent throughout the treatment, Ingo froze and looked at her son with a concerned frown. Of course she knew who Kacchan was. Shota had no idea despite knowing the boy for a little over a year. What do you mean? She asked. Her voice hinted she was both furious and concerned. I don't know how to say it, but Itsuku huffed out a breath and frowned at the tiles on the floor. I think his quirk is hurting him. One's quirk having a negative effect on one's self wasn't unheard of. It was something frequent amongst kids who had volatile quirks, or really strong ones. Even after growing up, several quirks caused backlashes. His own quirk, erasure, was the reason he had migraines and had dry eye syndrome. His ass's quirk damaged his hearing. What do you mean, honey? Why were you with Bakugo again? Did he do this to you? Shota felt a burst of rage directed towards this unknown kid. He knew he shouldn't be like that. He was an adult, and Kacchan was most likely someone Itsuku's aides. But someone his aides was bullying him, hurting his kid. His quirk, it's changing him, mama. When Kacchan doesn't use his quirk for a long time, he goes back to how he used to be before. But when he uses his quirk, he gets so angry at me. I don't like it. His quirk is changing him. He's not the Kacchan I know. I don't like it, mama. I want my Kacchan back. Itsuku cried. Okay, okay, sweetheart. Don't cry. We'll see into this, okay? We'll talk to Bakugo and his mother about this. Inko assured, wiping away her son's tears. Now, Shota's going to look after you, and I'll make you some warm cocoa, okay? Mm-hmm. Itsuku hummed, wiping away his tears. Inko gave him a soft smile before glancing at Shota and standing up. As soon as he stepped aside, Shota crouched down in front of Itsuku and gently pried away his hands from his eyes. Don't do that. You'll hurt your eyes, Shota said in a stern but soft voice. Itsuku whined and hiccuped, but let his hands be moved away from his eyes. Are you crying because your son's hurting? Shota asked, and when Itsuku nodded, he was once again hit with the realization of how selfless the boy was. A little too much in his consideration. But that was what made Itsuku special. He was injured badly, and yet he was more worried about his friend, who was probably the one that hurt him in the first place. Alright, why don't you tell me what made you think your friend was hurting, and I'll see what I can do. Shota said, picking up Itsuku in his arms, maybe six years old, was a little too old to be carried like that. But anyone who had a problem with it could deal with him. I saw Kacchan in the park today, Itsuku started, and at first it was okay. Kacchan wasn't mad at me or making fun of me. He even stayed on the swings with me. But then the other kids came, and they were using their quirks. So Kacchan gave him his quirk, because his quirk is really cool and strong. But then Kacchan came, and he was angry at me, yelling at me, and I- That's not Kacchan! Kacchan was his quirk, Shota asked, throwing a glance at Inko. He trusted Itsuku's intelligence and observational skills. That was his thing, after all. But just in case Itsuku missed out some details, he gave Inko a quiet request to fill him in with the details. His quirk is explosion. Shota really, really tried not to let his anger show. He can make explosions with his hands and his sweat. It helps with the explosions, too, I think. And it smells like bananas, too. I don't know what it's called, though. But Kacchan said if he collects his sweat in one place, he can make a big explosion. Explosive fluid that smells like bananas. Inko, do you know his friend's mother? Shota asked. Inko nodded with a frown. Yes, but I haven't talked to her for over a year. You need to call her. Not just about this, but about her son, as well. If what Itsuku is saying is right, then there's a reason her son behaves like that. And if it isn't dealt with properly, it's going to be bad for his health. Inko was a kind and gentle woman. But for her son, she could be a force to meet with. But at the same time, she was rational enough to put aside her emotions if it meant someone else was in danger. And Shota has learned that over the time he spent with the Midoriya family. Who's this? Ritsuki Bakugo, Katsuki Bakugo's mother, asked sharply. Shota knew that children were almost always copies of their parents. Midoriya was a big example. But boys did not decide to go lazy with Bakugo Katsuki. He was a carbon copy of her personality-wise, too, from what Shota had seen so far. He's part of our family, Ritsuki. But I didn't call you over here for this, Inko said curtly. Shota faltered. His heart stuttered inside of his chest when he heard the reply. His eyes widened by a miniscule amount as he stole a glance at Inko. Ms. Bakugo took a glance at Asuzu and pressed her lips into a thin line. Then she glared at her son. Did you do this, you brat? So what if I did? Katsuki Bakugo barked back. And oh, this was going to test Shota's patience. He gave himself ten minutes to attempt being civil before he lost it. He's fucking annoying. Oi, you brat! Shut your mouth! Ms. Bakugo hissed. Her son kissed and looked away. Inko, god she must be a saint, only took in a deep breath and sighed while Shota was silently fuming in his seat. He had some questions to ask you, Inko said, pointing towards Shota. Ms. Bakugo turned towards him and glared as he raised an eyebrow. Remember, Itsuku was worried about his son. Please remember. Can I know about your son's quirk and why should I fucking tell you? Ms. Bakugo snapped. Because we have reasons to believe your son's quirk is affecting your son both physically and mentally, Shota replied cruelly. What's that supposed to mean? Ms. Bakugo hissed. Itsuku told me your son's quirk is explosion, Shota continued, ignoring the hostility from the older Bakugo. Apparently he secretes a sweet-smelling explosive in the form of sweat. If Itsuku is right and it is what I expect it to be, then I advise you to take your son to a doctor for a checkup. Ms. Bakugo frowned and looked to Itsuku and Inko. When Inko nodded, Itsuku looked at her with his worried puppy look. Ms. Bakugo turned to her quiet but glaring son and boy, Oi, brat, show him your quirk. With another click of his tongue, the younger Bakugo muttered something under his breath, which Shota chose to ignore and raised his palm. Small explosions burst on his palm before fizzing out. Ms. Bakugo sniffed and immediately smelt the banana-like smell Itsuku had been talking about. Is your sweat something similar to nitroglycerin? Shota asked. Ms. Bakugo frowned and nodded. That's what the brat's quirk counselor said. Has he suggested to you any prescriptions related to it? Ms. Bakugo hesitated and then shook her head. No. Why? If your son's body does produce something similar to nitroglycerin in composition, then he's at constant risk of passing out, and in the worst case, dying depending on the amount of the fluid produced. Ms. Bakugo inhaled sharply just as the younger Bakugo, Inko, and Itsuku snapped their heads towards him. Shota wasn't a counselor, but in his line of work, he had come across nitroglycerin enough times and was more than significantly acquainted with its effect on the human body. Nitroglycerin is usually given to patients with chest pain. It reduces a person's heart rate, but if your son's heart rate was to be lowered, then he would pass out. His body, in order to counter the effect of it, must produce a high amount of cortisol, which is distress hormone. Other hormones are also involved, but I'm not an expert at it, so I believe his quirk is related to his aggressive tendency. I don't know your son, so I can't say anything about his personality, but I don't think using a quirk like his to harm others should be acceptable. My son. There were three starburst-shaped burn marks on Itsuku's body, Shota cut in, and it's not the first time he has come home with burns on his clothes. The older Bakugo fell quiet, lips pressing together in a thin line. Then, she grabbed his son's head and forced him to bow. The boy, in return, yelled and cursed in protest. I apologize for my son's actions. I'll have him checked by his doctor tomorrow and then put him in for anger management. Shota looked at Inko and nodded in their direction. You take care of him here. I ran out of social interaction batteries. Inko flashed him a grateful smile and turned her attention back to Mitsuki. Shota mostly focused on Itsuku for the rest of the time. Itsuku didn't understand everything Shota had said about Kacchan that day, so he spent a lot of time on the internet searching about nitroglycerin and its uses. In the end, he ended up with a page-long analysis of it, along with ways Kacchan could use it to his benefit. But he wasn't sure if Kacchan would like it. He knew being quirkless was bad. Everyone told him so. But Shota and his mom always told him that there was nothing wrong with being quirkless. And he was so happy because of it. But Kacchan didn't seem to think so. Even if Kacchan didn't like him being quirkless, he still wanted to help him. Shota always told him that he was really good at seeing things and understanding them. He also praised his analysis every time he showed it to him. So Itsuku hoped he could use those skills to help Kacchan. If nothing else, he could build him something with what he knew. It was his thing, after all. Knowing, seeing, and making stuff. He could design Kacchan's suit for him, support items, weapons, anything he needed. He could come up with plans. Kacchan was really strong, really, really strong. But Shota always told him that even strong heroes needed to plan to succeed. He could plan for Kacchan. He was good at it. It's been four weeks since that day, and he really wanted to meet Kacchan again. But he was too scared to go to their house. He would visit the park every day and wait, but Kacchan never came. In school, Kacchan avoided him like they were never friends. Itsuku was young, but not stupid. He knew Kacchan didn't want to be friends with him anymore after he learned he was clueless. But he had never ignored him like he was doing now, and it made Itsuku feel so bad. Itsuku had been in the park, waiting like usual, playing in the sand pit when Kacchan came. He didn't notice him at first, because he was behind him. Oi. Itsuku recognized Kacchan's voice immediately. He dropped the bucket he had been using to build a sand castle and stood up, turning around with a smile. Kacchan! He chirped. Kacchan stuffed his hands in his pocket and looked away and mumbled something like some dog. What's wrong, Kacchan? Itsuku asked. He wondered if Kacchan was okay now. Kacchan looked at him and then looked away. He repeated it a few times before mumbling, I'm sorry. Itsuku blinked. Sorry? What for? Dumbass. Dumbass. Kacchan huffed but didn't use his quirk or walk away. I'm sorry for how I treated you. You don't have to be. Itsuku replied, lowering his head. You're right. I'm quirkless and useless anyways. I couldn't help you. Shut up! Kacchan growled. That shit that the adults say about quirkless people being useless is dumb. He paused and looked away once again. I used to think that being quirkless was the same as being useless and worthless but I was wrong. Adults say quirkless people are dumb and stuff but you were the one that noticed something was wrong with my quirk when my dumbass doctor didn't. Another pause and then, I always feel weird after my quirk came like I wasn't breathing enough and I never got to know why. But the new doctor explained everything and the shrink is okay or whatever. He kicked up the sand. But that's all I'm sorry for. Don't get me wrong, you idiot. I'm still mad at you. You may not be useless and dumb but you still can't be a hero. You promised me we will be heroes together. I'm mad at you for that, you stupid shit. Itsuku saw his eyes water and looked further. Whether for being hurt by Kacchan's words or happiness, he wasn't sure. Doctor, I'm sorry Kacchan but Shoto said I can be a hero even if I'm quirkless and I promise I'll try really really hard to be a hero with you. Kacchan scrunched up his face and sat. The fuck are you talking about? Are you really stupid? Quirkless people can't be heroes. Itsuku shook his head. Shoto told me that I can. He said that quirks are tools. They help you become a hero but they aren't what make you a hero. You have a really cool quirk, Kacchan. You can become a hero easily. But because I'm quirkless, I will have to work really hard. Shoto said if I learn how to fight hand to hand, I can become a hero. And I promise I will. I'll become a hero with Kacchan. I will keep my promise. Itsuku cried, tears streaming down his face. I will help you as well. I'll build you stuff. I'll make plans for you. I promise we can work together. Kacchan stayed quiet for a while before he asked. You mean it? You can become a hero even if you're quirkless. Yeah! Itsuku nodded earnestly. Kacchan bit his lip. Fine. You better then. Itsuku's eyes widened. You believe me? I'm not dumb, okay? I know a quirk is what makes a person a hero. Otherwise, everyone could become a hero. You think the extras in my class could become heroes if they wanted to? Hell nah! Those dumbasses could never. He paused and then added, Plus, you can fight hand to hand as well. And she's really fucking cool. He paused once again. You better become a hero, Itsuku, or else I'll punch you. Itsuku smiled through his tears and nodded. I promise. Kacchan huffed and grinned. Then, I'll make history by becoming the first hero that came from nowhere. And you can make history by becoming the first quirkless hero. We'll shove it to all those dumb adults' faces. Itsuku cried harder. But this time, he was sure it was because of how happy he was. His Kacchan was back. Oh, stop crying, you fucking baby, will ya? Kacchan huffed and stuffed his hands into his pockets to bring out a handkerchief. How are you going to become a hero if you're like that all the time? People will laugh at you. Jeez, do I need to teach you how to be strong, too? Wah, Kacchan! Shut up before I hit you, Itsuku! Wow, children's dramatics is so interesting. I think I should've gotten popcorn. Kacchan muttered, watching the two kids from the shadow behind the tree. He whipped at his phone to click a picture of the Bakugou kid angrily wiping away Itsuku's tears and send it to Inko. Would you look at that? Imagine how it would have turned out if Itsuku didn't notice the change. He looked up once again and let out a fond sigh. I really should ask Inko to get him checked once again. There's no way that level of intelligence is normal. That is the end of this chapter. I hope you enjoyed. Sorry for any stumbling or mispronunciations. And I'm also sorry for my bird in the background.