NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: FOUND & CHOICES [6]
[INTRODUCING SHINICHIRO TO THE TOGATA FAMILY]
It was early morning when Takeshi handed Shinichiro a small knapsack filled with supplies. The old man, weathered and stoic as ever, gestured toward the path leading away from the beach.
"Come on, kid," Takeshi said, his tone gruff but warm. "It's time you met the rest of the family."
Shinichiro blinked. "Your family? You're serious?"
Takeshi smirked. "What, you thought you could stay on my beach forever? You've got potential, kid, but you need a stable place. My daughter and her family—they'll take you in."
The journey was quiet, marked only by the crunch of gravel underfoot and the distant sounds of the ocean. Takeshi didn't say much, but his presence was reassuring. For the first time in weeks, Shinichiro felt a sense of calm.
When they reached the Togata home, Shinichiro was struck by how warm and welcoming it looked. The two-story house stood amidst a sea of greenery, its bright facade glowing under the morning sun.
"Oi! Old man!" a cheerful voice called out. A young boy with golden hair and an infectious smile came barreling down the driveway. His bright eyes sparkled with excitement.
"That's my grandson," Takeshi said, his voice tinged with pride. "Mirio Togata."
Mirio skidded to a halt, his grin widening as he noticed Shinichiro. "Hi there! Are you a new friend of Grandpa's?"
Shinichiro scratched the back of his neck, feeling awkward under the boy's enthusiasm. "Uh, yeah. Name's Shinichiro."
"Cool! Come on, I'll show you around!" Mirio grabbed his hand, dragging him toward the house before Shinichiro could protest.
Inside, Mirio's parents greeted Shinichiro warmly, their kindness almost overwhelming. By the end of the day, Shinichiro had officially become part of the family.
---
[THE POLICE INVESTIGATION: TRACKING SHINICHIRO]
Detective Haruto tapped a map pinned to the wall, his finger landing on a cluster of red markers along the southern coast.
"Witnesses spotted a boy matching Shinichiro's description here," he said, addressing his team. "He's heading inland. The pattern suggests he's avoiding major cities."
"Why would he do that?" an officer asked.
"He's either scared or being cautious," Haruto replied. "Either way, we need to move fast. If he's injured, he won't last long."
A breakthrough came when a retired Pro Hero living along the coast reported finding a boy washed up on the shore. The description matched Shinichiro perfectly.
"Track him to the Togata residence," Haruto ordered. "If he's there, we'll confirm his safety and close this case."
---
[INTERACTION: TAKESHI, ALL MIGHT, AND ENDEAVOR]
All Might and Endeavor stood side by side in the Togata living room, their contrasting presences filling the space. All Might's cheerful demeanor was a sharp contrast to Endeavor's intense glare, but both were focused on Takeshi.
"It's been a long time, old friend," All Might said, offering a warm smile.
Takeshi snorted, crossing his arms. "Long enough for you two to forget how to visit unless it's hero business."
Endeavor raised an eyebrow. "You've been hiding a kid with a powerful quirk. It's not exactly a casual situation."
"Shinichiro's been through hell," Takeshi snapped, his tone sharp. "The boy needed a safe place to recover. I wasn't going to throw him to the wolves."
All Might placed a hand on Takeshi's shoulder. "We're not here to criticize, Takeshi. In fact, we're here to help. The boy's rescue of those children during the Jaku Incident... it's nothing short of heroic."
"Which is why we think he should join a Hero Development Program," Endeavor added.
Takeshi glanced toward the window, where Shinichiro and Mirio were training in the backyard. The two boys laughed as they sparred, their energy infectious.
"I'll leave the decision to him," Takeshi said finally. "But I won't let you push him into anything he's not ready for."
---
[HORI AND SHINICHIRO: A REUNION]
Hori's hands trembled as she stepped onto the Togata property. The police had told her where Shinichiro was, but seeing him again felt almost surreal.
She spotted him in the yard, sparring with Mirio. He looked stronger, his movements sharper, but he was still the same Shinichiro she knew.
"Shinichiro!" she called, her voice breaking.
He froze, turning toward her. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then he sprinted toward her, closing the distance in seconds.
"Hori!" he exclaimed, wrapping her in a hug.
She buried her face in his shoulder, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You idiot! I thought you were dead!"
"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't mean to worry you."
She pulled back, punching him lightly in the chest. "Don't ever do that again."
He laughed, a genuine, heartfelt sound. "I'll try."
---
[ALL MIGHT'S OFFER]
Later that evening, All Might gathered the group in the Togata living room.
"Shinichiro," he began, his tone serious but kind. "I want to extend an offer. We're establishing a facility for the children you rescued—a place where they can heal and grow. I'd like you to join them."
Shinichiro's eyes widened. "Me?"
"You've already proven you have the heart of a hero," All Might said. "With proper training, you can become someone who inspires others."
Shinichiro looked to Takeshi, who gave him a subtle nod of encouragement. Then he glanced at Hori, who smiled and whispered, "Go for it."
Taking a deep breath, Shinichiro met All Might's gaze. "Alright. I'll do it."
The room erupted into applause, and for the first time in a long while, Shinichiro felt a sense of purpose—a glimmer of hope for the future.
---