Butterfly Soup

- Better? - Sort of. Give me some water... Milante poured water from a bottle into a mug and handed it to Shigaraki. He was already lying in his room in the hideout, on the bed. He was still shaking, even though the temperature in the room was quite warm. - It’s cold... - after draining the mug, Tomura closed his eyes. - There was a plaid somewhere, give it to me. Please, - he added, hesitating. Milante silently looked around his dark room. To say that girl went nuts from such a huge mess would be an understatement. The room looked more like some kind of mini-dumpster: a bunch of garbage bags stuffed to capacity, some kind of garbage on the floor, scattered packaging from plastic bags with leftover food, empty cans of energy drinks, scattered discs with games, some strange boxes with rubbish. With all this, on the desktop there was an ordinary gaming computer with two gaming screens and a speaker with headphones. The shelves were filled with various books, textbooks and even manga; on one there were some action figures with characters from games and a lava lamp with bubbles. And on the wall above the table hung a board with a map and a bunch of attached pieces of paper with information and notes right up to the ceiling (apparently about heroes and potential victims). Milante made sad conclusions looking at this disgrace. Here is a list of her findings: - Tomura is a geek to the core and an outsider, a real hikkikomori; - he is quite a smart and erudite guy, judging by the number of books; - he’s also a stalker and a detective; - he is, most likely, also an anime fan (if not an otaku); - an avid gamer; - he has severe sluggish depression and borderline personality disorder; plus psychosis and neurosis (shitting in the room and not worrying about one's appearance are the main indicators of the depth of symptoms); - at heart he is still child (the collection of figurines is proof of this, at least); - he is really lazy and doesn’t care about many things in the world; - he wears the same clothes almost all the time and he doesn’t part with his red sneakers, probably even when he goes to bed - Ha-a... Milante sighed heavily and protractedly, shaking her head. "... A nightmare. It looks like a hangout for homeless people, not like a young guy’s room. Although... My room before was not much better. Yes, those were terrible, dark times of my life and now I don’t even really want to remember this. We are really VERY similar. It a little scary". Milante squinted, looking for the plaid among this mess - but it was nowhere to be seen. Girl guessed to look under the bed - and sure enough, it was lying there. Pulling out the plaid, Milante shook it off the dust and carefully covered Shigaraki with it. - Thank you... - he muttered, opening one eye slightly. - You can be useful, it turns out, huh. - You already have a nanny, - girl chuckled, sitting down on the bed next to him. - I sent Kurogiri to the drugstore to buy you painkillers and something for nausea. You obviously started having stomach problems a long time ago due to this type of nutrition. - Bah. Turn off this "mommy" mode... - Tomura immediately grimaced. - Otherwise I'll throw up right on you. Must you stand over me like this? Go somewhere already. Don't you have anything to do? - Today I have a free day. I specifically canceled everything to meet with you, shiggy ass, - Milante shook her head. - I stay here until Kurogiri returns. - Ugh...okay, stay here already. What a bothersome beetle. Girl let out a laugh, looking at him. Tomura looked away and with all his appearance expressed obvious dissatisfaction with her presence in his sanctuary of darkness and chaos. - This melancholy atmosphere... - Milante suddenly inhaled through her nose. - What a nostalgia. Once upon a time I was just as much of a nerd as you are now. - A nerd? Don't tell me that you are also an underdog and geek, - Shigaraki looked at her skeptically. - Yeah, I'm the one. And I also love anime and manga, - Milante drawled. - I have my own collection of figmas. Therefore, I can be called an otaku, in a sense. - Oh, I turned out to be right after all, you’re such a geek! - Tomura smiled with all 32 teeth. - Nice, you and I are really similar. And yeah, I like this atmosphere. Decay and darkness are my eternal companions, ha-ha. He suddenly fell silent, looking at the ceiling. There was silence. Milante stared thoughtfully at the wall with an unblinking glance. Shigaraki turned his face to her. - You’re like a dead fish, - he remarked with a poker face. - Creepy. Take that look off your face or I'll push you to the floor. - It’s unlikely, - girl came to herself. - Lie down silently, handy-mandy. It's not good for you to talk too much. Tomura snorted and sat up on the bed. - Oh-h...there’s a blur before my eyes... - he put his hand to the face, wincing. - How long will Kurogiri hang around there? Give me my cell, I'll call him. Milante looked around and, noticing a cellphone on the nightstand, handed it to the guy. Tomura frowned at the screen, wondering what to do next. The thought process was still slow. - ...Hm, unlock the screen, - guy pointed his finger at the cell. - I still not to know enough to get out of the rain. Pressing the call button, Shigaraki brought the phone to his ear. - ...Kurogiri, where the hell are you? Eh? Are you already in the area? I see. No, nothing. Buy a couple cans of Cola. Yes. So what, it’s harmful? No. Yes, here. No, that's all. Having dropped the call, Tomura threw the cell on the pillow and sighed heavily. - So you don’t have a quirk? - he asked suddenly, turning to Milante. - And your power is...? - This is my power. There is no Quirk, - girl nodded. "- Meaningful, damn it. How infuriating you are with your vague answers, beetle".💢 - I see... If you are death, then how did you appear in this world? - Shigaraki made himself more comfortable, looking at her. - Is this some kind of bug in reality? Shouldn't you be living in the afterlife? - How to say. I was born here, like everyone else, - Milante chuckled. - My parents gave me a physical body, but my power remained with me. But before that, I really lived in another world, my Soul to be more precise. Not in the afterlife, it doesn't exist in fact. - That's how. You had parents here too? - Tomura asked indifferently. - Something like that. And now they are in a better place, - Milante pointed her finger up. - There. - In Heaven or what? - Shigaraki laughed. - Not bad! For what merits, if not a secret? - They were killed here and their Souls were enslaved, - girl answered calmly. - But that was in the past and now everything is fine with them. Their Souls were saved and I'm glad about that. Me too...was once saved, - she added quietly. - And it was the same Savior, how ironic. She literally tore my Soul out of the clutches of Evil and saved me from destruction. Asura... I wonder if we will ever see each other again here on Earth? I really miss you. - Hm-m... Who was it? Let me guess, some hero, huh? - Tomura interrupted her with a wry smile. - Came and saved you? - No. It was not a hero, - Milante raised her eyes. - I found the one who helped me, myself. I was looking for him. Someone who could help me. To be honest, I didn’t expect much. I was in too bad a state to think straight. My mind began to decay due to hatred, but subconsciously I still tirelessly moved forward. This has been the goal of my whole life - salvation. And here I am. It's all over and now I'm free from Evil. - Wow, - Shigaraki, without changing his facial expression, mockingly clapped his hands. - Just fantastic and a happy ending to boot. Should I be happy for you now? It was like watching a movie, honestly. - That would be nice, - Milante looked at him with a poker face. - Idiot. - Don’t call me names, - Tomura scratched his neck, looking at the girl from under his brows. - Otherwise I'll throw you out of here. My patience is running out because of your fairy tales. Milante rolled her eyes artistically, but remained silent. Getting out of bed, she walked around the room, looking at it carefully and stopped at a shelf with figmas. - Hm...cool, - she picked up the Reaper figurine from Overwatch, grunting meaningfully. - I also have a collectible. - Seriously?! - Shigaraki turned his head in her direction, raising his eyebrows in surprise. - Suddenly. I thought that if girls liked anyone from games, it was only female characters. - Well, this character is, in a sense, my follower, - Milante let out a laugh, putting the Reaper back on the shelf. - Sows death and all that. "- Just like you". Tomura stared at her with an incomprehensible gaze for a couple of seconds and then smiled slightly. It seems that he even looked pleased now. - Hey, what about you... - he was about to ask the girl something. - Shigaraki Tomura, - Kurogiri suddenly appeared on the threshold of the room, interrupting him. - Here, I bought everything. And took the medicine too. - Come here, - Shigaraki glanced sideways at him and waved hand. Kurogiri entered the room and put the shopping bag on the nightstand. - Do you need anything else? - he looked at the guy. - How are you feeling? - Nope. No need, - Shigaraki responded, already rummaging through the bag and taking out cans of Cola. - I'm ok. Close the door behind you. Kurogiri nodded and left the room, closing the door. - Here, - Tomura handed Milante a Cola. - This is for delivering me here safe and sound. Do not thank. - Oh my, what kind of generosity! - girl chuckled, opening the can. - It’s so kind of you. Shigaraki rolled his eyes and began to drink from his can of Cola. - Phah! Wow, what a thrill it’s just ice-cold, - after taking a sip, Milante closed her eyes contentedly. - Adore. - Vanilla taste, - Tomura noted. - Like it? - Yep, this is my favorite, - girl smiled widely. Shigaraki silently looked at her for a couple of seconds with a strange glance. - Then I’ll tell Kurogiri not to buy it again, - he chuckled mockingly, leisurely sipping his Cola. - He-he. Milante looked at him with a poker face and suddenly smacked him on the head with a pillow. Tomura choked in surprise, almost spilling his drink on himself. - You... - he hissed, putting the can aside and grabbing the girl’s hand. - Don't you dare do that, otherwise I'll kill you! - Ehe-he, no really, - Milante grinned ominously, suddenly threw the guy onto the bed and overhung him. - Lie still and don't move, get it? - ?! Shigaraki's eyes bulged, batting them in confusion. Milante was too close, he smelled a slight scent of her perfume. Unobtrusive and even pleasant. - ... A blush involuntarily appeared on Tomura’s pale cheeks from her proximity and for a second his heart suddenly skipped a beat somewhere between his ribs. "- I really can't move..." Milante looked at his face thoughtfully, tilting her head to the side. And Shigaraki at that moment was sweating from tension and pressed his head into the pillow, trying to become as small and unnoticeable as possible. He even lost his breath for a moment. "- What the... My heart is beating too loudly and my ears seem to be blocked. Is it because I feel bad? No, it’s because of her. Too close...it's too damn close...!!" (///) But Kurogiri suddenly returned to the room and hovered on the threshold from what he saw: Tomura lying on the bed, holding Milante's hand and the girl suspiciously hovering over him. The situation was quite intimate and ambiguous. There was deathly silence. - Um... Sorry, I’ll come by later, - Kurogiri hastily disappeared behind the door. - I didn’t want to interfere. - ...Hey, come back! - Shigaraki snapped, return to himself and pushing Milante away from him. - She pounced me, understand?! He clenched his teeth and glared at the girl. - And you, get away from me, you damn maniac, - Tomura muttered, quickly wrapping himself in a plaid. - Get out of here, I'm tired... - First, take the pills, - Milante responded calmly, unpacking a pack of medications. - And then I’ll definitely leave. Here. She handed him two pills and a mug of water. Shigaraki's face expressed picturesque emotions at this moment, there were too many of them to clearly determine what exactly he was experiencing. Gloomily sticking his nose out from under the plaid and taking the pills, he washed them down with water and turned his back to the girl. - That’s better, - Milante smiled slightly. - Well, now I'll go. See ya. Get well, otherwise if you suddenly die, who else will hate me so much besides you? There was silence in response. Taking her unfinished Cola, Milante left the room. - ... Tomura lay there and didn’t move. He just stared at the wall, blinking occasionally. - She really pisses me off... And what the hell was that just now? Why can't I calm down? What did she do to me?!.. - he sat up abruptly on the bed and grabbed his head. - What kind of crap! Ugh-h! Shigaraki hissed, gritting his teeth and shaking his head like a dummy. - Why is she so nice to me, huh-h...? I make it clear to her in every possible way that her sickening care and kindness infuriates me, but she shouldn’t give a damn! She's really kind of bulletproof. She constantly turns on "mommy" mode and treats me like a damn child, argh! It's annoying! She still f*cking pisses me off!...💢 After being indignant, he finally calmed down and became quiet. - Hm...how old is she anyway? - Tomura suddenly asked into the void, thoughtfully looking at the empty can of Cola on the bedside table. - She’s definitely younger than me, but thinks like a real old fart. Although her thoughts are really very abstruse, like that sage from the game. Like, you come to him and get an answer to any question. For a fee, of course. Hm-m... If I ask her a question, will she demand a fee from me? Surely yes, she is one of those who will not miss the opportunity to make a profit. He turned his glance to the Reaper figure. - So she’s a gamer, - Shigaraki drawled, grinning. - Nice. You won’t find gamer girls like that every day. But here a real fan showed up. This is good. She can even entertain me. He-he. His eyes in the semi-darkness of the room start glowed maniacally with bloody fire from anticipation.

***

The next day at 5 pm Milante was already on the Takoba Beach. After looking around, the girl went down the stairs and squatted down, admiring the shimmering sea in the rays of the setting sun, waiting for the Allmight. "- I wonder if Tomura won’t be sick of me nowit was cruel to show him SUCH my past. How wish I could show him completely different memories... If I only had them, I would be really happy. Mom, dad, how are you, by the way? I know you're looking out for me, heh. I'm fine. It seems that I have finally found someone who can completely understand and accept me. Great, right? Tomura isn't a bad guy, actually. Too many terrible things have happened to him. Some people took advantage of his childish naivety and brainwashed him so much that the poor guy now hated everything that exists: himself, the heroes, the world. I sincerely want to help him. I know what it's like to hate to the point of wanting to destroy everything you see. And yourself, including. Hatred first of all destroys you from within and then it provokes external destruction. It's natural. And yes, if only Tomura had met someone else that day, everything would have turned out differently. So it turns out that by chance his Fate was ruined. Instead of becoming a hero, as he dreamed of as a child, he is now the most dangerous villain in the country. Irony of Fate, truly. By the way, he and Deku look alike. Even these red sneakers of theirs, which they don’t take off for days... Unthinkable. And Allmight..." Suddenly someone’s big hands gently fell on Milante’s shoulders. - No need to worry. Why? Because I'm already here! Girl shuddered and turned around: Allmight, smiling dazzlingly, met her glance. It was clear from his eyes that he was very happy about this meeting. Milante also smiled slightly in response. - Allmight, - she chuckled quietly. - Hi. - Hello, young lady. How long have you been waiting for me? - Toshinori laughed. - And here, have the cakes as I promised. He immediately handed her a box of cakes with a guilty look. - Apologies accepted, - Milante squinted slyly, taking them in her hands. - How is life in general? What's new? We haven't seen each other for about a month. You're a teacher in U.A. now, right? - That's right. I had to do this for some reason, - Allmight looked around and lowered his voice. - Have you heard about the recent attack by the League of Villains on the academy? - Yes. What luck that you were there, - Milante smiled weird, looking at him. - And Deku do him best too, even saved you. I'm glad you're okay now. - Do you know about this too? - Toshinori scratched the back of his head in confusion. - The young man really saved me that day. I had exhausted all my power and if the villains had stayed for a moment, they might even have been able to see the real me. It would be a complete disaster. I'd rather they think I'm still at the peak of my powers. They don't need to know the truth, otherwise... He frowned, looking off into the distance. - ...Otherwise, children and teachers may suffer even more. The students had just enrolled in the faculty and were already forced to fall into the thick of it. But they are brilliant, they did a great job. These children have a great future ahead, I’m sure of it, - his blue eyes flashed menacingly for a moment. Milante suddenly laughed. Allmight looked at her in surprise. - Um... Did I say something funny? - he again scratched the back of his head. - No, it's just... You are so funny! - girl shook her hair. - You always think about others first, not about yourself. You have always been like this - a complete altruist, aha-ha! That's why you and only you have the right to be the Symbol of this damn world. If only all people were like you...this world would be completely different, right. Milante extended her hand to the sun hiding behind the horizon, as if she wanted to catch it's last disappearing rays. - Allmight, - she said firmly. - Always stay like this, okay? But sometimes think about yourself. You don't have much time left, we both know that. So...take care of yourself. Toshinori involuntarily shuddered at these words. They sounded so ambiguous... Milante turned her head towards him and smiled slightly. - ...Yes, you’re right, my girl, - Allmight clenched his hand into a fist, also watching the setting sun. - I promise that I will always be myself. And I will try to take care of myself as much as possible. Smiling, he extended his clenched fist towards Milante. The girl chuckled and slammed her fist against him. - By the way, young lady, - Toshinori turned to Milante, placing his hand on her shoulder. - How are you doing, tell me? Are you okay? - I'm ok. I have a new friend, - she hesitated. - I have fun with him. He is like me in many ways. Surprisingly, when communicating with him, it’s as if I see myself in the past. He needs my help, and I'm going to...give him that help. - That's how it is. I’m glad you’re making new friends, - Allmight laughed and lightly patted her on the shoulder. - If your friend needs help, then be sure to help him. And if anything happens, you can always count on me. I will rush anywhere at any time to help you. - I know, - girl smiled, looking at him. - You will come even if you are not asked, Allmight. "- But this "friend" of mine obviously won’t be happy with you". Poof! - Hm... Whenever I hear someone calling, I immediately rush to the rescue. For me, a request for help is a direct order and here the psychological factor is an important point, - Toshinori deflated and broke into a smile. - I can’t refuse others and even more so you, my girl. You know that I will rush to you at any moment, wherever you are. For the Allmight, time and distance don't matter. I will overcome any obstacle in my path to come and help you. - ... Milante's eyes sparkled with mixed feelings that suddenly surged in her chest. She looked away, running her hand through her hair. - This is all about you, Symbol of Peace, Hero no. 1, - she said quietly. - You always rush to save others, while forgetting about yourself. You're an idiot, Allmight. - A-hem, young lady, I can’t hear what you’re muttering at all, - Allmight cleared his throat, taking a step towards her. - Is there something you want to tell me? - ...No, just thinking out loud, - Milante pulled a smile onto her face and turned around to face him. - By the way, I forgot to ask - how are these two doing? - These two? - Toshinori blinked questioningly. - Deku and Kacchan. - Oh, you're talking about young men! Ha-ha-ha well, young Midoriya is trying his best, as always. In my first lesson, class 1-A had a practical battle on the Beta field and young Midoriya had to fight young Bakugou. It was very exciting, to be honest. But the young man coped with the task perfectly. True, then he layed in the infirmary with a broken arm, but still... - Allmight sighed heavily. - Teaching children is so hard job, much more hard than fighting villains. Aizawa-kun was right, I'm incompetent as a teacher. I have a lot to learn. - Yeah. The main thing is don’t be too upset and believe in yourself, - Milante patted him on the back. - You will succeed. - Oh... Thank you, my girl! - Toshinori's eyes sparkled. - Your support means a lot to me, it really does. The girl smiled slightly at him. - Young Aragon, I wanted to... - Allmight began. - Mail ga kita! Mail ga kita! Mail ga... The cellphone in the man’s pocket suddenly rang, interrupting their conversation. - Oh, young lady, it’s time for me to run! - Toshinori said hastily. - I would love to stay and chat with you, but business calls. - Run, Allmight, - Milante chuckled, looking at him. - Save the world, Symbol of Peace. Poof! - Ha-ha-ha! That's exactly what I'll do! - taking on his muscular form, Allmight burst out laughing. - Well, I was very glad to see you, my girl. See you later and don't be sad, okay? The girl nodded, continuing to smile. Having saluted her, Toshinori pushed off from the ground and launched himself like a projectile, rapidly moving away somewhere. Milante watched him for a long time and slowly moved towards the exit from the Beach. "- Tomura has nothing to hate you for. You are not to blame for anything. The only evil here is this garbage rat, AFO. F*cking Slenderman..." Her eyebrows knitted together at the bridge of her nose at these thoughts. Ding! Taking out her cell, Milante saw the incoming message icon. - Hey, sup cactus? Will u come 2DAY? Snorting, girl typed the answer. - No, DBMIB. HrU? - Me? I'm bored. I tho you'd come and make me laugh. Whut a bummer - I'm not ur clown ( -__- ) Mb I'll come tmrw, so be it - 'kay, I'm looking forward to it...and buy me energy drink, I like it. Chiao Milante rolled her eyes, put the cell in pocket, leaving the Beach and moved towards the city.

***

We were young, posters on the wall Praying we're the ones that the teacher wouldn't call We would stare at each other 'Cause we were always in trouble

And all the cool kids did their own thing I was on the outside, always looking in Yeah, I was there but I wasn't They never really cared if I was in

We all need that someone Who gets you like no one else Right when you need it the most We all need a soul to rely on A shoulder to cry on A friend through the highs and the lowsI'm not gonna make it alone

La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la 'lone I'm not gonna make it alone La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la 'lone

Then I saw your face, your forgiving eyes Looking back at me from the other side Like you understood me And I'm never letting you go, oh

We all need that someone Who gets you like no one else Right when you need it the most We all need a soul to rely on A shoulder to cry on A friend through the highs and the lowsI'm not gonna make it alone

La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la 'lone I'm not gonna make it alone La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la 'lone

I'm not gonna make it alone

La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la 'lone I'm not gonna make it alone La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la 'lone

I'm not gonna make it alone

La-la-la-la-la-la 'lone I'm not gonna make it alone La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la 'lone'

Cause you are that someone That gets me like no one else Right when I need it the most And I'll be the one you rely on A shoulder to cry on A friend through the highs and the lowsI'm not gonna make it alone

La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la-la 'lone I'm not gonna make it alone La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la-la 'lone

I'm not gonna make it alone La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la-la 'lone I'm not gonna make it alone La-la-la-la-la la La-la-la-la-la-la 'lone I'm not gonna make it alone

***

Walking slowly through the streets of the city, Milante thoughtfully watched the people scurrying back and forth and the cars passing by. Everyone was in a hurry, running somewhere, afraid of not making it in time. It was as if they were living half-heartedly, not truly. Like in a video game. Tomura called the ordinary passing people in his life NPC and he was damn right. The crowd, faceless, indifferent (for the most part) to everything, moved chaotically in the surrounding space, filling it completely. So dense that it became hard to breathe. This city, this country, this world was too crowded. Too boring. Too gray and dull. Milante lacked bright colors in her life. Perhaps she has already seen enough in this world and this reality of everything that you can imagine and the girl has even become mired in a certain despondency. There was a lack of novelty and drive, something interesting and unusual. Something that doesn't fit into the framework of generally accepted "normas" and "standards". Something that could help her feel truly alive. Fully experience life in all it's manifestations. Find some...meaning for herself? Milante stopped in front of a high-rise building with a huge plasma screen on the wall. They were playing commercials with Allmight and the rest of the pro-heroes. As always - friendly and smiling. Hiding their weaknesses and vices. Blindingly bright. And terribly faceless. Laughing loudly on camera and quietly sobbing alone at home. Believing in a bright future and constantly returning to the past. Carefree. And carrying a heavy load on their shoulders. With feeling declaring that good will win. And those, who doubt it deep inside themselves. Wanting to save everyone in this world. But unable to save themselves. "- Why is it so hard to be yourself in this world? Are these masks really so important for people? Who are you without them? Masks are worn only by those who are afraid that everyone else will see their essence. People are afraid to be themselves and try to fit into society by blending in with the crowd. The collective mind prevails over individuality and eradicates those who stand out too much from the crowd. Everyone wants to be "normal". But what does it really mean to be normal? No one will give a clear answer. And who said that "norm" is not "madness" and "madness" is not "norm"? Who even decided to divide people this way? All people are essentially the same. Amazing stupid..." Without waiting for the commercial to end, Milante moved on. Walking past a dark alley, she suddenly heard some noise out of the corner of her ear. Turning her head, Milante noticed two people fighting. One of them wasn't particularly remarkable, except that it was significantly larger in size than the second. Apparently, his quirk was based on increasing muscle mass or something like that. But the second one was much more dexterous and masterful in fist fighting. The skirmish wasn't that long. After a couple of minutes, one of them knocked over the other and, spitting out blood, swam out of the darkness of the alley. - Knuckleduster? Hearing calling by name, the man turned around in bewilderment. Milante also looked at him in surprise. - Milante...? - the man squinted in disbelief as he came closer. - Is that you? - Who else! - Milante smiled. - I didn’t expect to see you here! What destinies? I thought you weren't even from Naruhata, ha-ha. What did you forget here? - One little thing appeared, so I rushed in, - Knuckleduster chuckled, patting her on the head. - That's the meeting! I'm glad to see you. How many years have passed? 5? - Only 3 years. How are Pop☆Step and Koichi doing? Is he still hiding in America? - girl elbowed him in the side. - I rarely watch TV. - Yeah, there’s no way for him to go to Japan yet. Instead of giving him honors as a hero, the boy is now known as a villain and a bunch of lawsuits have been pinned on him, - Knuckleduster folded his hands on his chest in displeasure. - Tell me, what’s this like? He just had to remain a vigilante until the end and do things quietly. Like me. Well, it's too late and no use locking the stable door after the horse has bolted. What about Pop... She has already completed rehabilitation and walks on her own two feet. She and the girls from Feathers still hang out together. She's fine. - It's a pity for Koichi, to be honest. Society is truly unfair. So it’s better to actually do justice quietly, - Milante shook her head. - And I’m glad to hear that Pop has already recovered. I wonder if she will wait for the return of her beloved Skycrawler, what do you think? - I think same. They’re just a couple, - Knuckleduster grinned. - Okay, to hell with them, let's better tell how your life is? - I'm ok. There is nothing special to brag about, I live and live quietly. How's your daughter, by the way? - Fine. Hangs out with Soga and the gang, - Knuckleduster sighed. - All of us are fine, and so am I. I heard that Allmight has now joined the U.A. academy, right? Why did he suddenly decide to change his activity profile? - Who knows. Wants to be closer to future young heroes, probably, - Milante chuckled, leaning against the wall. - He's such a fruit, heh. It's not bad. And it'll be useful for him. Yeah and besides... "- When he exhausts the remnants of One For All, he will have to end his hero career and retire. Otherwise, even if he remains a teacher, he can’t sit on a pension. Yes, he won’t be able to, the pain in his ass is constantly itching". From these thoughts, the girl involuntarily made a picturesque face, forcing Knuckleduster to glance sideways at her with caution. - Um... Well-well, I still have some business waiting for me in this city, as I said, - he said, cracking his neck. - That's why I already ran. It was good to see you, Milante. God willing, we will meet again. Old man Knuckleduster never forgets old friends. He smiled and patted Milante on the shoulder. - Mutually. Come on, good luck, - girl let out a laugh, following him with her glance. - Say "hi" to the guys, when you see them, okay? Knuckleduster disappeared into the crowd, raising his hand high and showing a thumbs up in farewell. Milante smiled to herself, turned around and continued on her way.