Sorcerer Supreme in MHA

Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Path of a Hero



The sound of Izuku's feet hitting the pavement echoed through the quiet neighborhood as he walked alongside Alex. The sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows as they made their way to a nearby park. Izuku had been looking forward to this walk, not just because of the fresh air, but because he knew it was time for another one of Alex's lessons. Every lesson Alex gave him wasn't just about physical strength or magic; it was about being a better person, a better hero.

Today, Alex had promised to teach him something important—something that would shape him into the kind of hero he wanted to be.

"You've been doing well, Izuku," Alex said, his voice calm and measured as always. "Your training in both magic and martial arts has been progressing. But there's something more to being a hero than just strength or power."

Izuku nodded, his eyes focused on the path ahead, absorbing every word. "I know. You've taught me that already. But... I still don't fully understand."

Alex smiled faintly. "That's why we're having this talk today. Being a hero isn't about being the strongest or having the most flashy Quirk or power. It's about understanding others, about being compassionate, and knowing when to act—not just because you can, but because it's the right thing to do."

Izuku thought back to the lessons Alex had given him. Over the years, Alex had taught him more than just magic and fighting techniques; he had taught him how to observe people, to read their emotions, to understand what was beneath the surface. It was a skill Izuku never imagined he'd need, but now, he could see how invaluable it was.

"I've been practicing," Izuku admitted, "But sometimes it's hard. People don't always show what they feel, and it's easy to misunderstand them."

Alex chuckled softly, stopping and turning to face Izuku. "You're right. People are complicated. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone acts or feels a certain way based on their actions, but that's not always true. Being a hero isn't about reading people's actions at face value. It's about understanding why they act the way they do and helping them, not judging them."

Izuku looked up at his brother, his eyes filled with curiosity. "But how do I know when someone really needs help? How do I know when to step in?"

Alex's gaze softened. "That's where your instincts come in. You've been learning to listen with more than just your ears, Izuku. You've been listening with your heart. When you understand people, when you know what drives them, it becomes easier to see when someone is in trouble, even if they don't ask for help. But you can't just rush in all the time. Sometimes, people need time to realize they need help, or they may be afraid to admit it."

Izuku processed this, nodding slowly. He had witnessed this many times, especially with Bakugo. The explosive boy had always been angry and driven, but underneath that, there was a lot of insecurity, a lot of fear. It wasn't easy to see, but once Alex had pointed it out to him, Izuku couldn't unsee it.

"You mean like with Bakugo?" Izuku asked.

"Exactly," Alex replied. "Bakugo has a lot of pride. He doesn't like to show weakness. But that doesn't mean he doesn't need help. A true hero knows when to offer a hand, even when the other person doesn't want to take it."

Izuku thought back to that day when Bakugo had been arrested for using his Quirk recklessly. Bakugo hadn't wanted to listen, and he had fought back fiercely, but in the end, Alex had helped him face the consequences of his actions. It wasn't just about punishment—it was about making Bakugo understand that there were consequences to his choices.

"Being a hero means understanding that not everything is black and white," Alex continued. "Not everyone who does something bad is a villain, and not everyone who does something good is a saint. People have their reasons for the things they do, and sometimes those reasons are complex. It's important to remember that your role as a hero is to guide, not to judge."

Izuku nodded, absorbing Alex's words. He remembered the bullying he had endured at school, and how Alex had stepped in when things went too far. Izuku had felt helpless at times, but Alex had always been there to show him how to stand tall, not through brute force, but with kindness and understanding.

"You taught me that people can change," Izuku said quietly. "That if I want to be a hero, I can't just look at what someone does. I have to look at why they do it, and help them change for the better."

Alex smiled warmly, a sense of pride in his eyes. "Exactly. Heroes don't just save the day. They save people—by helping them find a way to be better, to do better. Sometimes it's not about stopping someone from doing bad things, but about showing them a better path."

Izuku's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a voice calling from across the park.

"Hey, Deku!" Bakugo's voice rang out, rough and challenging as always. "You think you can beat me now? You're still weak. You still don't have a Quirk!"

Izuku turned toward the sound of Bakugo's voice, watching as the blond walked toward him, hands in his pockets, his usual smirk plastered on his face. For a moment, Izuku felt that familiar knot of unease in his stomach. Bakugo's words always stung, but over time, he had learned to ignore them. He'd learned not to let them define him.

Instead of reacting the way he might have in the past, Izuku took a deep breath, remembering his brother's words about understanding people. Bakugo wasn't just being rude—he was pushing Izuku, testing him. It was his way of asking for validation, his way of hiding his own insecurities.

"I'm not weak, Bakugo," Izuku said calmly, meeting Bakugo's gaze. "I'm just different. And I don't need a Quirk to prove that."

Bakugo scowled at him, clearly not expecting the response. But instead of snapping back, he simply glared at Izuku for a moment before turning away.

"Whatever," Bakugo muttered, walking off with his usual swagger. "Don't think you've won. You're still a damn nerd."

Izuku didn't let it get to him. He had learned that Bakugo's insults were just his way of pushing people away, a defense mechanism to hide his own vulnerabilities. And Izuku understood that now.

Alex, watching from the side, gave him a small nod. "Good job, Izuku. You're learning."

Izuku smiled faintly, feeling a sense of pride that he had been able to handle the situation without resorting to anger. He had learned to see Bakugo's behavior for what it really was: a reflection of his own struggles, not just an attack on Izuku's character.

"Being a hero," Alex continued, "isn't always about winning in the traditional sense. It's about knowing when to fight and when to walk away. Sometimes, letting go is the hardest thing to do. But it's what makes you stronger."

Izuku nodded, finally beginning to understand. Being a hero wasn't about doing everything by the book, or following a set path. It was about growing—growing stronger, growing kinder, and learning how to understand the world and the people in it. And that was the lesson he would carry with him as he walked his own path.

Just as Alex and Izuku turned to continue their walk, a sudden cry broke through the quiet of the park. Alex immediately tensed, his senses alert. He had learned to stay aware of his surroundings, and something about the sound rang out with distress.

"Stay close, Izuku," Alex murmured, his eyes scanning the area.

Izuku, trained to be more aware and ready for anything, nodded and stayed close to his brother. Within moments, Alex spotted the source of the noise: a group of young thugs cornering a man near the edge of the park. The man looked scared, his back pressed against a fence, his hands raised in defense.

Without a word, Alex stepped forward, his posture shifting, his entire being exuding the calm confidence of someone who had seen many battles in both this life and his past. His fingers twitched slightly, subtle gestures that would be unnoticed by most, but not by Izuku. He was already preparing for the moment.

"Hey, you!" Alex called out, his voice cutting through the tense air like a blade. "Leave him alone."

The thugs turned to face him, sneering.

"Who the hell are you, old man?" one of them jeered, stepping forward. "You don't look like you belong here."

Alex raised an eyebrow, his demeanor unchanged. "I'm someone who doesn't like bullies. Leave now, and this won't go any further."

Izuku watched his brother, feeling the familiar mixture of awe and admiration. Alex's presence was like a force field; even though he wasn't yelling or threatening, his mere words carried power. The thugs hesitated, unsure of how to react.

Before they could decide, Alex moved swiftly, stepping between them and the man they were threatening. His hand glowed with a faint energy as he held it out in a gesture of finality.

"I'm giving you one last chance to walk away."

The thugs froze. A heartbeat of silence passed before one of them, the leader, scowled and turned on his heel, signaling the others to retreat.

"Stupid old man," the leader muttered, but they all backed off and disappeared into the park.

Alex lowered his hand, and Izuku couldn't help but be amazed. He knew his brother was strong, but the way he handled the situation without so much as breaking a sweat... it was a lesson in itself.

"You're learning, Izuku," Alex said quietly, turning to him with a knowing smile. "Sometimes, the most powerful thing a hero can do is to show restraint."

Izuku nodded, his heart swelling with pride and understanding. He had learned yet another lesson today—one that would stay with him for the rest of his journey.


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