The Boy Who Wont Forget

Ren blinked awake, his eyes adjusting to the pale light filtering in from the window. The clean, white hospital ceiling wasn't what he'd call welcoming, but it was better than rubble and debris raining down on him. He shifted slightly, testing his body. No pain, no stiffness—fully regenerated. His ribs felt fine, and the bruises were nothing but a memory now.

Getting punched by All Might should've hurt a lot more. Thanks, regeneration. He grinned faintly at the thought.

He leaned back on the bed, fingers tapping idly against the sheet. The familiar chime of the system rang in his head.

+ Influence Points Earned: Successful Encounter with Major Heroes

Level 4 Unlocked

+ New Ability Slot Available

Ren exhaled through his nose, his grin widening. Finally. Three slots. Maby he could combine two abilities/quirks soon. He didn't know what quirk he'd copy next, but he wasn't going to waste this slot on something useless.

The door opened, pulling him from his thoughts. A police officer stepped in first, followed by a nurse holding a clipboard. The officer stood by the door, but the nurse approached his bed, glancing at the monitor before turning her attention to Ren.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, her tone polite but cautious—like she was afraid he'd lash out at any second.

"Peachy," Ren replied flatly, keeping his face neutral. He wasn't going to give her anything more than that.

She scribbled a note on her clipboard. "Your recovery's been fast. They weren't kidding about your quirk helping with healing."

Ren didn't bother confirming it. Why state the obvious?

The nurse glanced toward the officer, then back at Ren. "Someone's here to see you."

Ren's fingers stilled, but his expression didn't change. "Who?"

"All Might."

Of course. Because who else would it be? Ren sighed internally, but he gave the nurse a small nod.

The hospital room was quiet, the steady hum of the air vents the only noise until the door creaked open. Ren glanced up just as All Might entered the room, flanked by two police officers. His signature smile was in place, bright and broad, but there was a hint of something else beneath it—seriousness, hidden just enough to keep the room from feeling tense. Yeah, no pressure when the Symbol of Peace is standing in your hospital room.

Ren sat up on the bed, running a hand through his messy black hair. He adjusted the collar of the standard-issue hospital pajamas and leaned back against the wall. His golden eyes, glowing faintly under the overhead lights, stayed fixed on All Might, who definitely looked just as huge as he had in the anime and manga.

"Damn," Ren thought with amusement. "He really is built like a tank."

All Might's booming voice broke through his thoughts, filling the room with its usual theatrical charm. "I AM HERE!" He glanced at the officers standing beside him and nodded. "Officers, I just happened to be in the area and thought I'd check up on young Ren here."

Right. Just 'happened' to be in the area? Ren internally rolled his eyes but kept his expression distant, tilting his head slightly as All Might turned his attention back to him.

All Might's smile widened, the bright white of his teeth practically gleaming under the fluorescent lights. "Listen, Ren," he said in his usual upbeat tone, though there was a layer of seriousness beneath it. "I know this situation might be a little confusing for you. You're not going to be kept in police custody for long—it's just temporary, given the circumstances."

Ren arched a brow but didn't say anything. Yeah, sure. Temporary. Like they wouldn't keep an eye on the kid who nearly bled a pro hero dry.

All Might continued, undeterred. "Because you nearly killed Mount Lady, we're required to give you a mandatory psychological evaluation before we place you into the foster system."

Ren brushed a strand of hair out of his face, his gaze never leaving All Might. This part of the act was easy—staring blankly, keeping his expression guarded, like he didn't trust anyone. Inside, though, his mind was racing. Keeping up this mute charade might get a bit tiring, though. The Symbol of Peace isn't exactly someone you ignore.

He sighed quietly and leaned his head against his shoulder, yawning lazily while maintaining eye contact with All Might. Once I'm in foster care, I'll have a lot more freedom. He yawned again. I'll finally have room to move around without cops breathing down my neck.

All Might rubbed the back of his neck, his usual optimism flickering slightly. That kid's eyes are... unsettling. But instead of showing his unease, he chuckled. "Those yellow eyes of yours are something else, young man."

Ren smirked faintly. He couldn't help it. The guy sounded exactly like he did on TV. But the grin faded quickly as his mind shifted gears. I know I probably won't be high enough level to steal One For All, but it's worth a shot.

His grin turned sharper, more menacing, as he lowered his head slightly. Let's see if Level 4 won't do the trick.

Without saying a word, Ren raised his hand and extended it toward All Might, signaling for a handshake. The perfect excuse for physical contact. His eyes gleamed with a quiet intensity as he waited.

All Might hesitated briefly before stepping forward and taking Ren's hand. "Young man," he said, his voice softening slightly, "I understand that All For One must have put you through a lot. But you don't have to hide behind silence. You can speak your mind."

Ren didn't respond. His grip tightened slightly as the system flared to life in his mind.

Attempting to Copy: One For All

Error: Insufficient Level.

Level 10 Required.

XP: 500/3000

Ren let go of All Might's hand, leaning back against the bed without a word. Yep. Called it. The slight disappointment barely registered before it was replaced with a sense of determination. One day.

All Might's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he straightened up and continued speaking, his voice returning to its upbeat, reassuring tone. "Now, let me explain how the foster system works. For a boy your age—13—it's a little different than what younger kids go through. You'll be placed with a temporary family first while we evaluate your background and make sure the placement is right."

Ren didn't react outwardly, but he listened carefully. This part was important. He needed to know how much freedom he'd actually have.

All Might continued. "You'll have social workers checking in regularly, and depending on how well things go, you could be placed permanently or moved to another home. The goal is to make sure you're in a supportive environment."

Ren yawned again, this time for real. A supportive environment. Right.

"School might be a little tricky," All Might added, folding his arms. "I saw that your background is mixed—part Japanese, part European. You might find it a little harder to fit in, but don't worry. People will help you."

Oh, joy. That'll be fun, Ren thought, stifling another grin. Hm, maybe i'll finally be able to talk to some girls, Ren put on a devious expression.

"All you need to do," All Might said, "is give it a chance."

Ren gave the slightest nod, just enough to show he was listening but not enough to seem compliant. He'd play along —As long as the system kept rewarding him, he'd stay in this world and keep playing this game.

All Might smiled warmly. "Good. I think you'll be okay, Ren. I really do."

The room fell silent for a moment before All Might finally turned toward the officers. "Thank you for giving me some time with him. I think we've made progress."

Ren watched him leave, the door clicking shut behind him. The sound was satisfying—like the end of a scene in a play. He flopped back onto the bed, his arms folded behind his head, and exhaled.

Foster care, huh? Should be interesting. His eyes closed briefly, but his mind didn't rest. The new ability slot was waiting, and soon, he'd fill it with something that mattered.