My hero academia:Am I worthy?

Two Days Ago, Nejire's House

Tiredly opening her eyes after yesterday's conversations with her father, Nejire, true to her character, yawned loudly, stretched, and made indistinct sounds while kicking her blanket under her feet. The morning greeted Nejire not with sunshine but with overcast weather, which didn't please her but didn't spoil her morning mood at all. Her long, silky blue hair was tousled, giving her a somewhat untidy appearance. After slightly stretching, she wanted to go to the bathroom for her morning routine, but upon opening the door, she saw her father, who greeted her with a smile, holding a violin and shining with enthusiasm. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she was surprised to remember what her father had said about rehearsals the previous day, and she smiled gently at the situation.

"Good morning, my tea princess. Are you ready for today's rehearsal?" With his genuine smile, Hado extended the instrument to her, to which Nejire smirked at her father's persistence. Stunned by his antics and still with unawakened joints, she clumsily took the violin in her hands.

"You're too impatient, Dad! I haven't even gone to the bathroom or had breakfast yet," she laughed, meeting her father's gaze, who was just as excited as his daughter.

"Forgive me, sweetie, I was just excited that you decided to take on my dream yourself," Hado said with a guilty expression, looking at his daughter, who was the first person to admire his dream and had decided to follow a path he would never walk again. But a parent's duty is always to provide support and encouragement for their children's new beginnings.

"Tea and the bathroom can wait, Dad," Nejire waved off her father's apologies, trying to hold the violin correctly, which she was not doing.

"Art requires sacrifice, and I believe you will become a skilled teacher," Hado smiled at his daughter's words. Despite the dream he imposed on her, her kind nature always inspired him to maintain his cheerful spirit.

"Very nice, and let me show you how to hold the violin," Nejire said without hesitation, handing him the instrument. Relaxing all her joints, he placed the violin on his left shoulder, resting his chin on the special chin rest, bringing the button of the violin close to his throat. With his left hand, he held the neck of the violin, elegantly supporting it so it wouldn't fall. Taking the bow in his right hand, he carefully, without making a sound, applied it to the strings, closing his eyes. Nejire thought he would play, but opening his eyes, he handed her the violin with the words.

"Repeat." She snorted but felt touched by her father's eagerness to teach her such elegant art. Taking the instrument in her hands, she thought about how fragile it was and the wood from which the violin was made. Despite spending several years in its case, it had not lost its texture. Holding the top plate, she felt the wood sliding in her hands, and focusing, she tried to repeat her father's movement. It was going poorly, as her chin kept slipping off the rest while her left hand, holding the neck of the violin, was tense from the new experience. Sensing his daughter's tension, Hado's hand rested on Nejire's right shoulder, and in a calm voice, he said.

"Let me help you, Nejire." He stood behind her, constantly adjusting her movements, and feeling the tension in his daughter's arms, he understood the root of the problem.

"Nejire, relax, steady your breath, take a deep breath in and out, and loosen your shoulders. I'm here to help," Nejire repeated her father's words, and the tension slightly faded. Regaining her smile and with her father's help, she repeated the action, but with a new experience.

He began with the basics: how to hold the violin correctly.

"Here, look," he said, carefully lifting the instrument and placing it on Nejire's relaxed shoulders.

"Put it here, on your shoulder, and press it with your chin. Not too hard, just hold it so it doesn't slip."

Nejire tried to repeat it but felt strange. The violin was both light and awkward, almost alive. Her shoulder involuntarily lifted too high, and her chin slid past the rest.

"Ouch, this is so uncomfortable!" she exclaimed, almost dropping the instrument.

"Easy, easy," Hado said with a smile, coming closer and helping her hold the violin on her shoulder. Nejire's first experience was unsuccessful, but no one is born a virtuoso in a field they are unfamiliar with. Yet her curiosity was not subdued; on the contrary, it intensified with her new experience.

"It's like new shoes: at first, everything seems wrong, but then you get used to it." At her father's words, she giggled, realizing how his analogy closely resembled reality.

He carefully adjusted her position, touching her shoulder to relax it and directing her chin to the rest.

"Is this better?" This time she felt more confident, but still sensed she wasn't putting in enough effort.

"Seems so," she replied, a little uncertain.

"Great. Now watch how to hold the bow."

He showed her how the fingers should wrap around the thin wooden stick, as if it were a paintbrush. Nejire repeated the motion, but her fingers trembled nervously due to the new sensations.

"And now, draw the bow across the string. Lightly, slowly. Don't press too hard, okay?"

She inhaled, placing the bow on the string. Her movements were stiff, and the sound was sharp and squeaky. Nejire grimaced as if she had heard nails scratching on glass.

"This is awful!" she laughed, putting the bow down; she would remember that sound very well for its irritating quality.

"This is your first time," Hado encouraged, smiling.

"Now try again. Imagine the strings are something gentle, like silk, and picture that you're holding a daisy petal instead of a bow, but still with the same finger placement."

She closed her eyes, trying to picture the strings as soft silk, and the bow as a light daisy petal. When she drew it across the string again, the sound was slightly smoother, though still far from perfect.

"Much better!" Hado praised, ruffling his daughter's hair with his hand.

"Now try placing your fingers on the fingerboard." He pointed to small markers on the fingerboard that helped beginners find the correct positions.

"These dots will help you know where to place your fingers. Let's start with simple notes: do-re-mi. Look, here, then here. Now you try." Her fingers cautiously touched the fingerboard, but she felt them slipping. The first note came out hesitant, the second was quieter than it should have been, and the third barely sounded.

"Oh, not again," she mumbled, smiling sheepishly.

"That's alright," Hado replied, touching her shoulder and stroking her.

"Remember, this takes time. You're already doing great by not giving up." Her father praised her, making Nejire's chest swell with pride, knowing that in a record short time, she had learned a lot, and her progress ignited a new flame within her.

"I'll show Izuku; you'll see, I'll become a real virtuoso," she thought to herself, delighted with her successes in her very first lesson.

After 19 unsuccessful attempts to play the simple notes do-re-mi, she finally managed on the 20th try, even though it took her longer than she expected. But she played cleanly, without any serious mistakes, and after repeating a few more times, she succeeded. With her eyes closed, feeling the daisy petal in her hand, she played flawlessly, looking at her father with shining eyes.

"I... I did it, Dad!" Nejire said excitedly, to which Hado, with a smile on his face, gave her a thumbs-up, admiring Nejire's talent.

"You did it, my girl!" her father exclaimed joyfully, pointing at her.

"See, I always knew you were a talented girl, Nejire. Keep it up, and I think in just two weeks you could play your first melody," Hado said quickly, infected by his daughter's enthusiasm, which made her smile at how much her father loved her.

After those words, she continued to practice based on Hado's experience. After do-re-mi, she tried several other notes, but like the first notes, she had to repeat them many, many times.

But with each new movement, she realized how challenging the journey would be. The notes "do-re-mi" seemed simple, but pages filled with complex melodies lay ahead of her.

"This is hard," she mumbled, putting the violin back in its case and carefully laying it there to avoid damaging what her father cherished.

"Even simple things require so much effort," Hado said, and this was a life truth that Nejire understood from a young age. Understanding what lay ahead, she was looking forward to achieving great success.

"Exactly," Hado replied, closing the instrument in the case.

"But you must remember that music is not just technique. It's emotions; it's your heart."

He placed his hand on her shoulder, smiling.

"You'll manage, Nejire. You have patience and perseverance, and you also have a wonderful sense of rhythm." She nodded, feeling a slight fear of the upcoming lessons, but at the same time, she felt pride in her first steps. Her smile was full of determination.

"I won't give up, Dad. I promise!" But at that moment, her stomach growled, signifying that she had missed something very important. Hado only laughed, telling Nejire.

"It seems that my tea princess has developed an appetite after her lessons. Go take a shower and wash up, and I'll prepare something for you," Hado said, heading to the kitchen, but he didn't expect to be hugged tightly from behind by Nejire, nearly knocking him to the ground.

"You're the best dad!" she whispered, causing Hado to freeze in place, but returning to reality with his usual voice, he said.

"Nejire, go on; I need to cook." Hado, still feeling the warmth of his daughter's embrace, headed to the kitchen. He smiled, humming something to himself as he took flour and eggs from the shelf.

"Today's breakfast should be special—she deserves it after her first violin lesson."

"Pancakes with berries… and with syrup too. Perfect," he mumbled, looking at the ingredients.

He put on the apron that read "Chef Wizard," which Nejire had given him last Father's Day, and began mixing the batter.

As he cracked the eggs into the bowl, Hado remembered how little Nejire had tried to learn to cook and once broke a whole dozen eggs trying to make an omelet. He laughed, recalling how she had seriously declared that she would become a "professional chef."

"Who would have thought we'd get to violin lessons," he said to himself with a smile.

Mixing the eggs, milk, and flour, he kneaded the batter until it became smooth and lump-free. Adding a pinch of vanilla, he placed the pan on the stove to heat the oil.

"The main thing is that the first pancake doesn't come out lumpy," he smirked, pouring a portion of the batter onto the hot surface.

Soon, the sweet aroma of vanilla and oil filled the kitchen. Hado skillfully flipped the pancakes in the air, pleased at how evenly they were cooking.

"Almost done. Now for the berries..."

He took fresh blueberries and strawberries from the fridge, which had been left unfinished by his sweet-toothed daughter. Leaving a few berries for decoration, he carefully arranged the rest on top of the hot pancakes. He finished the dish with a drizzle of golden maple syrup, which gleamed under the morning sun streaming in through the window.

"Now, this is a work of art," he said, admiring the result.

At that moment, Nejire walked into the kitchen, the aroma of breakfast luring her in even before she finished her morning routine. Her hair was still damp, but she looked satisfied and refreshed.

"What's that wonderful smell, Dad?" she asked, rubbing her hands together as if anticipating a feast.

"Pancakes for my hard-working princess," Hado replied proudly, placing a plate with perfectly stacked pancakes in front of her.

Nejire sat down at the table, her eyes shining as she saw how neatly everything was prepared.

"Did you summon a culinary wizard? This looks incredible!"

"The wizard is me," he joked, sitting down beside her. "Well, try it. I want to know what you think."

She cut a small piece, enveloped in syrup and berries, and tasted it. Her eyes widened instantly.

"This is... simply divine! Dad, you've outdone yourself!"

Hado smiled, enjoying her delight.

"Well, after words like that, I suppose I deserve a cup of tea. Now tell me, how do you feel after the lesson?"

Nejire, chewing another piece, raised her hand as if preparing to respond seriously.

"To be honest... my hands are a little shaky. But I loved it so much! I want to learn to play beautifully, like you."

"Then we have many lessons ahead of us," Hado said, sipping his tea. "Meanwhile, enjoy your breakfast. You've already accomplished a small feat today."

"You always know how to lift my spirits," she replied with a smile, continuing to enjoy the delicious pancakes.

As she savored her breakfast, Nejire recalled an unpleasant incident with her mother that revealed an unwelcome truth. This made her place her spoon down on the plate with a dull sound, causing Hado to become alert.

"Nejire, did I add too much sugar?" Hado asked, raising an eyebrow, but seeing her not-so-happy mood made him frown. This meant one thing: the rain had started to pour outside, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for their conversation. Laying his teacup down, he took a seat across from her, placing his hand over hers.

"My girl, what happened?" Nejire lowered her gaze and recalled the heavy conversation with her mother, whom she met by pure chance, and she sniffled. Hado did not understand what was happening but decided to let his daughter share everything weighing on her heart.

"Dad... tell me... am I ugly?" The question made Hado break into a cold sweat from the anger of whoever dared to say such an insult to his precious daughter. Seeing her mood, Hado, thanks to his work as a police officer, managed to calm himself and decided to encourage her with his gentle tone, which slightly soothed her.

"Nejire, you are not ugly. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen in my life. You are sweet, smart, and determined. Don't pay attention to the classmates who say otherwise; they're just envious of you and your uniqueness." As long as Hado could remember, and her new life in Hoshyu after the separation from Yoshiko had not gone smoothly, as most classmates envied her uniqueness, and many were frustrated by her curious nature, which they did not like. Nejire told her father what had happened and quickly dealt with the parents of the offenders, telling them directly that he would beat them within an inch of their lives if they didn't teach their children to respect others. After that, Nejire stopped coming home from school feeling sad. Hado had never heard such words from Nejire before, and he would find out who said this and make them apologize to her.

"Tell me, Nejire, which idiot thought he was immortal? I will find him and send him to space!" Hado said in a playful tone, trying to cheer her up. Nejire's mood lifted, but the heavy aura around her created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Gathering her resolve, she answered.

"It was Mom." Upon hearing the mention of Yoshiko, Hado restrained his anger, maintaining a compassionate expression in front of Nejire, so she wouldn't blame herself for her father's rage. She hated him and had continually tried to hurt him for many years. After the divorce, Yoshiko made many attempts to do so, and he had followed with total disregard, which infuriated her, but she crossed the final line when she hurt him through Nejire.

"Darling, what did she say?" Hado asked in a worried voice. Nejire didn't cry, but her voice was strained, and the emptiness in her soul tormented her. Should she share what she had heard from her mother?

When Nejire was two years old, Hado worked tirelessly to provide everything necessary for his family. He constantly agreed to extra night shifts while his wife was on maternity leave, taking care of Nejire and Yoshiko. For the sake of promotion, he risked his life by capturing dangerous villains, often getting into hopeless situations that neither Nejire nor his ex-wife knew about—and it was better they didn't know what chaos he had been through until he was promoted from officer to assistant commissioner. There were many responsibilities, but the pay was good enough that Nejire didn't have to worry about money. He remembered Nejire from the times when she first learned to walk. He remembered the first moment he touched her tiny, helpless hands at her birth, how he fed her with a spoon, and lulled her to sleep, recalling how she sweetly held his finger, never letting go. The first one she saw was Tadao, who rejoiced at her awakening.

"Welcome to our world, Nejire!" Hado said excitedly, watching as she tried to speak to him when her speech apparatus was still developing. Tadao was delighted, like a child witnessing this event. To him, Nejire was more than just a child; he prioritized her well-being above his own and often didn't refuse her desires unless, of course, it caused inconvenience to others. He loved watching her grow, and when he saw the boy Izuku, who genuinely befriended her, and saw Nejire, who became friends with him despite his quirks, Hado realized he was guiding his daughter on the right path.

However, his ideals and concerns were not shared by Yoshiko, who had entirely different priorities. She dreamed of returning to her modeling career, which had been her main goal before the birth of their daughter. While Tadao was a decent man, in Yoshiko's eyes, he was merely a pawn, as she had met him when she was facing financial difficulties, and as a budding model, no one wanted to take her as the main model for magazine covers or to film for expensive brands. Thanks to Tadao and his connections, she was noticed immediately, but success had so intoxicated her that she forgot her promise to build a family with her husband. After Nejire was born, she took care of her for some time, and finally, once out of maternity leave, she returned to modeling, after which she met many beautiful and wealthy men who paid her attention, showering her with gifts. After this, it seemed she was no longer concerned about her husband or her own daughter; she was unconcerned about responsibilities to the family since she was free to do as she pleased outside the home.

Tadao returned home late at night from exhausting shifts, often tired and worn out, finding Nejire left alone in a room, crying with wet diapers or asleep without dinner. During such times, Yoshiko was either on set or at parties, indifferent to Tadao's feelings, which infuriated him due to his wife's irresponsible behavior.

One day, coming home early and finding his wife and daughter, he laid Nejire down for a nap and decided to confront Yoshiko directly. During the argument, Tadao sought to express the obligations of spouses.

"I agreed to be a husband and father, not your assistant who solves your problems, Yoshiko," he responded sharply, trying to reach her reason, but Yoshiko ignored her husband. In her words, she was applying makeup for a modeling role for an expensive magazine, and she was indifferent to what Tadao said and his concerns.

"You know I have to support my career," she said, focusing on her makeup, further irritating Tadao. Continuing to apply lipstick to her lips, she set the makeup aside, gazing into the mirror at the missing elements. Coldly looking at Tadao, he felt his anger boiling as he struggled to contain the rage that was building up inside him.

"Why are you so mad at me? I didn't ask you to have a child for me; you did!" She pointed her finger at him, and the last barrier was removed, but Tadao was held back by the fact that Nejire was sleeping in the next room.

"Do you even understand what you're saying? We both wanted this. I work 14 hours a day for your well-being, and you say this to me. If it were up to me, I wouldn't let you work for the rest of your life!" Hado nearly shouted but managed to hold himself back, trying to reach his wife's humanity. But at his words, she simply smirked, giving him a condescending look.

"Hah, and you think I need your pennies? I already earn more than you! If you want, take care of Nejire until your last breath; I couldn't care less!" With her statement, Yoshiko devalued Tadao's hard work, which contributed to the family budget and bought the house in Mustafa for them to live in. Angered by his wife's actions, Tadao silently approached her and grabbed her by the wrists.

"You're not going anywhere!" Tadao said coldly, observing how she futilely attempted to pull away from his strong grip.

"Let go of my hand, Tadao, I need to go!" said the matriarch of the family, scratching Tadao's face. Tired of this circus, he slapped Yoshiko across the face with a sharp sound, causing her to fall to the ground, propping herself up with her hands in shock that he had treated her this way.

"If you say you earn more than me, then where's that money? I don't see a single cent from you. Food, technology, house, Nejire's education, her clothing—this is all on me. Where's your money?" Yoshiko, quickly getting up from the floor, hurried towards the door, slamming it as hard as she could and leaving silently without even glancing at her husband. Left alone, Tadao sat on the bed, holding his head in his hands, reflecting on what his life and family had become. He thought about the mistake he had made, blindly believing that he and Yoshiko could have an ideal family.

Time passed, and the atmosphere between the parents grew colder than ever, with only a few quick phrases exchanged, often laced with hatred towards one another. The love they had experienced at their wedding and during their first meeting evaporated, transforming into pure, unrestrained anger. If Hado hadn't kept his composure and self-control, he would have thrown her out the window of the fifth floor to rid himself of the emotional vampire who reveled in every negative emotion.

It became even more painful due to how Yoshiko treated Nejire herself. She rarely paid attention to the girl, preferring to hire nannies or leave her child with friends. When Hado noticed that Nejire began calling for him more than her mother, it shattered his heart; if he could, he would have spent all day raising her, but even then, Yoshiko demonstrated her selfish character, rubbing salt in his wounds.

"You need to give her time, care, and the maternal love she needs," he insisted.

"She's your daughter, Yoshiko." Hado played with Nejire, building castles with blocks while she was only three years old and was unaware of the strained relationship between her parents; she was too engrossed in playing with her father to hear the tension.

"She's your daughter more than mine," she countered with a cold smirk.

- I am too young to be stuck in this "family" swamp. My ratings are on the rise, and I need to keep my pace, but this family life is throwing me off, causing me to fall lower in the rankings among my competitors.

These words marked the beginning of the end of their marriage.

One evening, when Nejire turned three, Hado came home and saw her sitting on the floor, playing with a toy pony. Yoshiko was busy talking on the phone at that time, not even noticing how her daughter had tried several times to get her attention.

— Mom, look what I drew! — Nejire said, but Yoshiko just waved her off:

— Later, dear.

When Hado realized that this "later" would never come, he made a decision.

— We are getting a divorce, — he said firmly a few days later.

Yoshiko was stunned, but more out of the threat to her status than the loss of her family. She agreed to the divorce with hardly any resistance and left Nejire in his care.

The divorce was formalized in the courtroom. Hado sat on the bench, waiting for the judge's decision, while little Nejire sat silently next to him, tightly clutching her beloved toy — a plush pony. She understood nothing but felt the tense atmosphere around her, and her father's expression only intensified her worry.

Yoshiko entered the courtroom in a luxurious dress, as if she were going to a photo shoot. Her expression was cold and detached, as if this was just a boring formality for her. When the judge announced the final decision, granting custody of Nejire to Hado, Yoshiko didn't even blink.

— Well, — she said, rising from her seat and casting a quick glance at Tadao, — congratulations, pathetic country bumpkin. You got your "perfect family," even though you have no idea how it works.

Her words were filled with poison, but Hado remained calm. He knew that her attempts to hurt him were merely expressions of her selfishness.

— And you still don't understand what it means to be a mother, — he replied quietly, trying not to raise his voice out of respect for those present.

— A mother? — Yoshiko scoffed, theatrically raising her eyebrows. — If I wanted a child, I would have chosen something better.

She glanced at Nejire, who was innocently looking at her mother, unaware of the weight of her words.

— This is not a child, it's a burden, — she added coldly.

These words were the last straw. Hado clenched his fists, took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.

— Leave, Yoshiko, — he said in a strained voice. — Just go.

— With pleasure, — she replied, heading for the exit. But before leaving, she turned and threw one last glance at Hado.

— I hope you know that your "perfect daughter" will also disappoint you one day. Girls like her deserve no more.

With those words, she left, slamming the door.

After the divorce, Hado hugged Nejire, feeling her snuggle against him.

— Dad, where's mom? — she asked quietly, looking up at him with big, innocent eyes.

He hugged her tighter, unable to answer.

— Mom has left, dear. She won't be with us anymore. But you will always have me, and I will never leave you, — he said, kissing her on the crown of her head.

These words became a vow for him. He didn't know how their life would unfold, but he was sure of one thing: he would do everything to make Nejire feel loved and protected, no matter what.

Friday. Nejire's meeting with her mother.

On a sunny day, Nejire was walking home from school in a great mood. She had managed to take first place in her math results, and satisfied with her success, she was walking home, inhaling the scent of fresh blooming cherry blossoms, which calmed her after half an hour of brainstorming in class. Delighted with her result, Nejire wanted to call her father, who was often free from work during lunch, to share her success. Suddenly, a white limousine that looked solid stopped beside her. Nejire curiously looked at the car as the window slowly opened, and she saw her mother. Yoshiko, dressed in an extravagant dress that looked very expensive, made Nejire in her school uniform appear like a country bumpkin in comparison. Nejire took a step back, distancing herself from the limousine. She was surprised to see her own mother, whom she hadn't seen for many years since the divorce when she was three. Yoshiko looked extremely wealthy, with a Hollywood smile showing bright teeth and expensive jewelry. A cold and calculating smile played on Yoshiko's lips as she looked down at Nejire.

— Well, hello, dear, — she greeted her daughter, sitting in the limousine's seat, not taking her eyes off Nejire, who felt conflicted seeing her mother.

— Long time no see? — Nejire was silent, trying to find the words. In her mind, her voice shifted from caring to pragmatic, and she didn't like how her mother looked at her, even though she appreciated her contribution in childhood, despite Yoshiko's neglect. Nejire was confused in her thoughts, not saying a word; her backpack felt heavier for a moment, and her mouth dried from tension. Dressed in her school uniform, she felt like a defenseless little girl facing the woman she tried to forget like a bad dream. Seeing her daughter's hesitation, Yoshiko smirked slyly, watching Nejire's indecision.

— Just don't tell me Tadao forbade you from talking to me, — at the mention of her father, Nejire immediately responded with a sharp retort, not returning her greeting.

— Mom? What are you doing here? — Nejire cautiously asked, refusing to look her in the eyes.

— We were just passing by and happened to see you walking home alone. Do you want me to give you a ride? — Yoshiko replied, her voice sweet like her perfume, but hidden hatred slipped through her gaze.

— We're fine. Thank you, but I'll walk, — Nejire politely said, trying to distance herself as much as possible from her.

— Really? Did your father not give you money for a taxi? Is he still working in the police? I bet he's barely making ends meet, — Yoshiko said with a smirk, looking Nejire up and down. In Yoshiko's mind, one thought raced through: "Working class."

— We are managing perfectly fine without you, — Nejire said with quiet anger, clenching her fists, not giving her the chance to belittle her real parent, the one who raised and cared for her, giving all his free time. Yoshiko got out of the car and, tapping her heels, slowly approached Nejire, who was taking careful steps back. She pinned Nejire against the wall, and with a serious look, leaned closer to whisper a very important secret.

— Listen, dear, you don't need to waste your time, and you don't belong in this boring life. I can open up a grand world for you. You have everything, Nejire: attractive appearance, strong quirk. You are smart and young, and most importantly, you have my blood, — Yoshiko tried to sway Nejire to her side, leaving Tadao to suffer alone for revenge for their divorce. Nejire was in shock from her words and the flattery that she poured out with her speech. Nejire's gaze fell to the ground, feeling like a little girl being scolded.

— Leave that idiot Tadao and come under my care. We can achieve so much together. Imagine: runways, photo shoots, fame. Everything you wish for, Nejire, you will get. You will have everything when half the people in your life will be eating scraps from your table, — trying to manipulate her with material wealth, Yoshiko attempted to sway Nejire to her side, increasing her own fame through her. Listening to all the offers, Nejire hesitated, realizing that for such luxuries she would have to sacrifice her father, whom she would never see again, breaking his heart forever and irreversibly. Despite her father's solid money, he was trying hard to be the best parent, and recalling their conversation before Izuku about how they would enroll in UA and become a magnificent duo of heroes, she firmly averted her gaze and looked at Yoshiko.

— I don't want that. I will stay with my father and become a hero. — Nejire's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her head. No one would refuse such a proposal, but she had the audacity to spit in her face with such words. In her work, no one denied her, and the idea had formed that no one would dare to refuse her. Turning off her sentimentality, she wanted to emotionally crush Nejire.

— A hero? — Yoshiko scoffed, looking at her daughter's firm determination.

— Are you serious? Do you really think that with your appearance and worthless wave quirk you can become a hero? — she sneered, creating confusion in Nejire's mind. But Nejire did not back down for the sake of her loved ones. She stood her ground, ready to fight, and with her arms crossed, looked mockingly at her mother, who slightly retreated.

— Yes, I believe in this. I can become a heroine, and unlike you, I will save people instead of selling my body for public entertainment. — Yoshiko's eyes darkened, and the smug smile vanished from her face at the girl's bold tone, who was nothing special. Not holding back her words, she spitefully smiled, hissing with anger.

— You really are as stupid as your father was in his time, — she hissed with malicious intent.

— Do you think all this fighting for justice, battling crime, and foolish dreams of heroism matter? Look at the world with your big eyes, Nejire: without money and connections, you are nobody in this life, even your father can't help you. — With venom in her words, she tried to break her sense of justice. It worked; Nejire thought but didn't attach any significance to her mother's words.

— I don't want to be like you. You abandoned me and dad, — she said, trying not to flinch.

— And you think I wanted to raise you and care for you? Caring for you was the last thing on my mind. Do you think I dreamed about this family nonsense? No, I made a mistake. But looking at you now, I understand that the mistake was much worse than I could have imagined. — She threw a glance at Nejire, filled with disgust, as if evaluating her, but she did not intend to stop there, trying to break her into pieces like a plastic toy.

— You're ugly like your father was in his time, — she said, her tone sharp as she smirked at her future words.

— Judging by your looks, you're nothing but meat for sex. Don't even think that anyone will take you seriously; no one will be genuinely friends with you. — Nejire felt her heart tremble at her mother's words. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she held back, giving her a furious look, trying not to use her quirk on her.

— You're mistaken. I'm better than you, — she hissed with anger and disgust, watching as Yoshiko headed back toward the limousine.

— Well, if you're better than me, then good luck. I'll happily watch the news when I see that another villain raped a heroine in an alley, and I especially want to see you in the place of that heroine. — Sitting in the seat, she slammed the door shut with all her strength, leaving Nejire standing on the street in the middle of the quiet road. Nejire was shocked by the words and was almost ready to burst into tears on the street but held back, remembering how her father raised her. She clenched her fists, watching the departing limousine.

End Flashback

Hearing all this, Tadao lost his voice. His eyes filled with blood, and his heart was so filled with rage that it felt ready to burst. He clenched his fists, digging his nails into his skin, his breathing uneven. He wanted to cause chaos from what he had heard, but he was calmed by the fact that Nejire was there, and she hadn't succumbed to her mother's blackmail, choosing his side instead. Tadao was proud of his daughter's actions and grateful to her for it, which he would cherish for the rest of his life. Nejire was overwhelmed by the emotions she had experienced but did not cry. Tadao realized that his daughter possessed an extraordinary will, capable of holding back such emotional swings. Smiling in his own way, Tadao gently hugged his daughter, who gladly accepted his embrace, burying her face in his shoulder.

— Forget about her, Nejire. Forget everything connected to her. She is no longer your mother if she says such things. If you're worried about money, don't worry, I will handle everything. I just need time, dear, — Tadao said in a fatherly tone, resting his head on the head of his daughter, who was still not fully dry after her bath. He didn't care; the most important thing was to give her the warmth and care she craved.

— I will give you everything, Nejire. Ask for whatever you want; I'll buy it, and I don't care about the money; I will do anything — the desperation in Tadao's voice was evident. He wasn't crying, but his heart was breaking from the terrible thoughts that Nejire would leave him alone. Understanding the whole danger of the situation, he wanted to give her everything he had for her sake. Nejire understood what her father was feeling, and gently sighing, she responded to him in a tender tone, so Tadao wouldn't feel pain or despair in his soul.

— Dad, I didn't ask for anything like that. I will still remain your daughter. I knew I was closer to you in spirit than to Yoshiko. Remember what you told me? — She looked into her father's eyes, and with a warm smile and big eyes, she smiled at him, touching his cheek with her hands, playing with him like a little girl and making funny faces that made Tadao smile, ready to kneel before Nejire.

Tadao looked at his daughter, whose eyes sparkled with sincerity and warmth despite the stress she had experienced. Her gentle gesture, the touch of her cheek, her funny faces — all reminded him of those times when she was a little girl, believing that he could protect her from everything in the world.

— I told you... — his voice trembled, but he gathered his courage, trying to hold back the emotions overwhelming him. — That you are my light. That as long as I have you, I can handle anything.

Nejire tilted her head, her eyes filled with warm care.

— That's right, Dad. You are my light just as I am yours. And as long as we have each other, no Yoshiko or anyone else can destroy what we have built.

These words pierced Tadao's heart with a soft warmth. He looked at his daughter, feeling the rage that had just boiled in him transform into deep gratitude and pride.

— Nejire... — he whispered, hugging her again. He knew he had to be strong for her, but at that moment, amidst those simple words and her warm gaze, he felt so vulnerable.

— You are much stronger than I could have imagined, — he said, smiling slightly, though his voice was still tinged with pain. — Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being my daughter.

Nejire shook her head, smiling in response.

— No need to thank me, Dad. You've always been everything to me. How could I not believe in you?

Tadao gently ran his hand through her hair, which still smelled of fresh shampoo. He kissed her on the crown of her head and, lowering his voice to a whisper, said:

— You are the best thing that ever happened to me. And I vowed to protect you at any cost.

Her arms tightened around his waist, and she allowed herself to relax a little.

— I know, Dad. And you have always kept your word.

They sat like that for a while, enjoying the calm of the moment. Tadao understood that it would be difficult ahead. Yoshiko would not stop, but he already knew: with Nejire by his side, he could withstand anything.

— You know, Dad? — Nejire replied in a serious tone, making Tadao flinch at her tone, but he decided to listen to whatever was on her mind.

— Yes, Nejire? — Tadao replied, looking into Nejire's eyes.

— I want to ask you for something. You will show me everything you know on the violin, and, if it's not too much trouble, you can buy me chocolate-covered strawberries. There's a café that just opened with that dessert. — Tadao smiled, looking at his daughter, and ruffled her still damp hair, making her happily chuckle at her father's antics that reminded her more of an older brother than an adult.

— Of course, I'll teach you everything I know. I think we have enough time to go there today, but for now, finish your breakfast and change; we'll start lessons in an hour, — Tadao said, heading to his place to finish his tea.

— You're the best! — Nejire exclaimed joyfully, forgetting about the incident like a bad dream, but Tadao would not leave it be; Yoshiko would regret daring to blackmail him through Nejire.

The day went unusually. Nejire continued to train, honing her skills, while Tadao awaited the night when Nejire would fall asleep to find a chance to talk to her after a long time.

Evening came, and upon seeing the news of Silent Phantom finishing off two villains on the bridge, allowing Kote to perish, Tadao felt relieved that Nejire did not see that report.

— This avenger is becoming more ruthless in his actions than I expected. Just as he appeared suddenly, he declared himself to the world in a way that shows what he's up to. He's too serious of a criminal to leave on the loose, — Tadao concluded.

Tadao sighed, turning off the television. He glanced at the clock and heard light laughter from Nejire upstairs, apparently talking on the phone with a friend. That sound brought Tadao back to tranquility. Silent Phantom and his deeds should not overshadow today, especially when such a special moment was planned ahead.

A few minutes later, he knocked on his daughter's door:

— Nejire, are you ready? I heard that the chocolate-covered strawberries at that café are waiting for the tea princess.

The door opened, and Nejire stood in her bright, as always, outfit. She was glowing with joy.

— Of course, I'm ready! I've wanted to try that dessert for so long.

***

They quickly reached the café, a cozy place with large stained glass windows and the smell of fresh chocolate mixed with coffee. Nejire gazed in awe at the display where strawberries were presented in various forms: white, milk, dark chocolate, with nuts, and even with golden flakes.

— Dad, look at how beautiful it is! — she exclaimed happily, pointing at strawberries covered with a thin layer of white chocolate and sprinkled with coconut flakes.

— Then let's get you whatever you want, princess. — Tadao smiled, watching as his daughter's eyes filled with excitement.

A few minutes later, they were already sitting at a table, and a plate with strawberries in different types of chocolate stood before Nejire. She carefully picked one up, tried it, and her face lit up:

— This... this is incredible! Dad, you have to try this! — She reached out to offer him a taste.

Tadao took a berry, but the enjoyment of the chocolate flavor couldn't overshadow the heavy thoughts weighing on him. He tried not to show it, but a shadow of worry flickered in his eyes.

— Dad, thank you for this. — Nejire happily sampled the strawberries one by one. — I'm so glad we are spending time together.

— Me too, Nejire. And I will always be here to make sure you are happy. — Tadao smiled, but in his head, a plan was already forming.

***

Later, when Nejire fell asleep, Tadao sat in his study, reviewing documents and notes. He couldn't shake the feeling that Silent Phantom was gaining strength, and now he knew it was time to act.

"This man is too dangerous. And if I want to protect my daughter, I must find a way to stop him," — he thought, flipping through the materials.

On the desk lay a drawing by Nejire, depicting her happy next to Tadao. He ran his fingers over the paper and whispered:

— For you, my dear, I will do anything. Even if it's not easy.

Waiting for the perfect moment and ensuring Nejire was asleep, he pulled out his phone, scrolling through old contacts. Her name was the last on the list, and without thinking, he clicked on it and pressed the phone to his ear to clearly hear her venomous voice. The phone rang a long time, but eventually, she picked up.

— Oh, look who we have here, — Yoshiko said with a smirk, teasing Tadao, who was not intending to play games with her.

— You can humiliate me and say nasty things about me, but you have crossed all boundaries, Yoshiko. Do you even understand what you said to Nejire and what the consequences of your words could be? — Tadao held back, trying not to draw attention from Nejire, who was sweetly sleeping in her room.

— I don't care about the consequences, Tadao. — Tadao froze at her response. Yoshiko's calm tone cut through him like a knife. But what she said next made him nearly gasp.

— Nejire is just pretty meat for sex. She was made for...

Tadao cut her off. His face changed instantly: the calm expression gave way to pure rage. He felt his fingers squeezing the phone so tightly that the plastic casing cracked under the pressure. His heart raced so loudly that it seemed the sound could wake the entire house.

— You... you dare to say that? — Tadao's voice was low, threatening, breaking from fury. — You, damn it, dare to mention my daughter in that context?

Yoshiko only chuckled on the other end, her tone remaining icy and mocking:

— Tadao, I always said you were too soft. You break like glass at a hint. And the girl... you are ruining her with your useless kindness.

These words only ignited a fire within Tadao. Before his eyes flashed Nejire's face, her joyful smile today at the café, her laughter, her trusting gaze. How could this woman, whom he once knew, allow herself to even think such things, let alone say them out loud?

— Listen to me, Yoshiko, — he said, trying to maintain the remnants of control, but each word sounded like a blow. — You will never... hear me? Never dare to even think about my daughter. If you mention her name even once more, I will do everything so that you regret opening your mouth at all.

On the other end of the line, a mock laugh rang out.

— Oh, threatening me, Tadao? It's the first time I've heard strength in your voice. How cute. But you won't go through with it. You have always been a coward.

Tadao wanted to respond, but his breath caught. Rage flooded through his body. He abruptly hung up the phone and slammed it down on the table, causing it to fly off and fall to the floor. His hands trembled.

He tried to gather his thoughts. Deep breaths didn't help, as if each inhale only intensified the weight in his chest. He stood up, walked around the room, and clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.

— Meat for... — he stopped, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard.

Those words poisoned his mind. They made him feel guilty, helpless, as if he had failed to protect his daughter even from someone's words. But at the same time, they ignited in him a firm resolve.

"I will not let her get close to Nejire. Not a step. Never again."

Tadao glanced at the closed door of his daughter's bedroom. Behind it, she slept peacefully, unaware of the storm raging in her father's soul.

Picking up the phone from the floor, he threw it on the table and sat down, leaning on his arms. He needed to devise a way to eliminate this threat once and for all without giving Nejire even a hint of suspicion.

"This is war, Yoshiko. You started it yourself. And I will win it for Nejire. You will regret your words."

Next chapter

Dinner and Regrets