70 Chapter 69
A little more than two hours after inviting Mei to his home, Izuku was finally trying on his redesigned Hero costume. The top was black with two green stripes following the contours of his body, while his pants followed a similar color scheme, albeit with stripes on the outside of his legs.
Though Izuku's base layers seemed relatively normal at a glance, they were actually a state-of-the-art, triple-layered mesh. The exterior was a heat and friction-resistant tri-polymer, the second layer was a ludicrously expensive nano-kevlar mesh that could tank even armor-piercing rounds, and the interior was a special, temperature-regulating neoprene sponge material that gave it the same texture as a wetsuit. The latter made it a real pain in the ass to put on, but it also prevented the fabric from sliding, reducing the risk of tears and chafing when moving at high speeds.
Overtop Izuku's base layers, sheathing his arms and legs, he wore ultra-ceramic, incredibly durable, and shock-absorbant nanomesh gauntlets and reinforced leggings, the latter resembling the chausses and sabatons of a knight but a lot more futuristic. The toes and heels, in particular, were formed of the same material used in Mirko's rabbit-themed shoes, so they could withstand tremendous forces without shattering.
Completing his outfit, Izuku wore magnetic manacles around his wrists that looked like cufflinks and would allow him to stick to metal surfaces in a pinch. They were designed 'before' he had awakened Blackwhip, but as the latter ripped into the things he wanted to cling to, Izuku felt they had their uses. Along with that, he wore a 'utility belt' with numerous pouches, a harness to keep it in place, a slim, aerodynamic backpack that included a first aid kit and a defibrillator, and an optional face mask that would let him breathe underwater and filter out harmful gases for up to ten minutes of active combat or thirty minutes of reserved use.
All-in-all, Izuku's outfit was aesthetically similar to the original Deku's but made from expensive materials and a lot more streamlined. The reason for this was that black and green were simply too suited to him, the result of him possessing piercing green eyes and green hair that cast a prominent, nearly black shadow. If he tried going with anything else, it simply looked 'wrong.'
While checking himself out in a mirror, forming his hands into fists, and checking his side profile, Izuku remarked, "You really outdid yourself, Mei. It's a bit tight around the crotch, but that's largely due to the harness. I'll get used to it, so long as it doesn't ride too much when I'm fighting."
Waving her hand, Mei replied with a lazy, "Eh, blame yourself for having a big dick...". She was feeling drained and a little muddleheaded after Izuku went to town on her for more than two hours, so she was lacking the vigor that usually left others feeling overwhelmed.
"Better than having a small one," retorted Izuku, turning to face the pink-haired inventress as he added, "But I mean it. This costume is awesome, Mei. Thanks for making it a reality."
After covering her mouth to stifle a protracted yawn, Mei replied, "You're the one who provided the preliminary design and supplied me with all the materials used in its construction. You basically gave me your batter, so I made you a baby. Simple as that."
Rising to her feet, Mei took a moment to stretch with her arms above her head before adding, "Anyways, I'm gonna jet before you get excited and decide to attack me out of 'gratitude.' I'll start using this place once you introduce me to your mother and help me move over some of my ongoing projects and supplies. You seem to have everything I need on hand, but I prefer using tools I'm familiar with..."
While thinking he might have gone a little overboard, especially with Mei walking funnily, Izuku caught up to her as she attempted to leave, smiling wryly as he said, "I'll call you a cab. For now, just relax a bit. I'm not going to attack you...even if I really want to..."
As she hadn't been looking forward to walking home in her current state, Mei didn't hesitate to reply, "Sounds good," before suggesting, "And once you finish with the call, we can make out or something until it arrives. You could also touch my butt or suck on my tits. Just no more dicking until my cooch recovers, got it?"
"Got it..." replied Izku, guiding Mei to take a seat before making his way up to his room to retrieve his phone. He had quite a few messages, but as the girls already knew he would be spending the day with Mei, most were general chat notifications. The only one that wasn't was a DM from Mirko, garnering his immediate attention despite containing four words, 'Hurry up and graduate...'
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[June 30th, 2149]
Though Momo's parents wouldn't arrive for a few more days, Izuku was seated next to her in the back of a luxury Cadillac, holding her incredibly clammy hand as they made their way to meet her Grandfather.
"I'm so nervous..." muttered Momo. "What if Grandfather doesn't approve of you? I don't know what I'd do..."
"Relax," replied Izuku, squeezing Momo's hand as he added, "At times like this, confidence is key. If your Grandfather sees how anxious you are, he may believe there's a 'reason' for you to be concerned."
Squeezing Izuku's hand in turn, a faint smile adorned Momo's face as she muttered, "You're probably right–no, I know you're right. Still, I can't help feeling a little anxious. My Grandfather is very influential, so if he doesn't like you, I'm afraid he'll make things difficult for you..."
"He can try," replied Izuku, maintaining a relaxed smile as he knew there wasn't much Momo's Grandfather could do when he had Nezu at his back. Rather, if Izuku's suspicions were correct, Nezu may have already gotten in contact with Momo's Grandfather, laying a 'foundation' to ensure there wouldn't be any significant issues. It was 'definitely' something the little cat-bear-mouse-thing would do, smiling relaxedly as he flexed his power and authority over others...
Seeing how calm Izuku was, Momo felt a little more reassured, regaining a faint, appreciative smile as she closed her eyes and steeled herself for what was to come...
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Contrasting Izuku's expectations, rather than being shown to a lounge, study, or dining room, he was asked to disrobe and informed that Momo's Grandfather was awaiting him in the mansion's massive, palatial bath. As for Momo, she was summarily whisked away by a team of Maids, looking equal parts flustered and confused as they ushered her away without an explanation.
Instead of being flustered by the situation, Izuku entrusted his clothes to the mansion's staff before making his way into the bath, finding an old but incredibly muscular man with spiky, mane-like, silvery-grey hair seated in the water with his back to the entrance. Inscribed upon it was the form of a vicious dragon tearing through countless foes, the kanji for 'Yaoyorozu,' meaning 'Eight-million Gods,' running along his spine...
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Name: [Eiichiro Yaoyorozu]
Title: Party Invitation Required
Quirk: Creation
Bond Level: 62
Current Level: 49
Effective Level: 94
[Attributes]
Strength: 63
Agility: 31
Vitality: 492
Intelligence: 123
Dexterity: 59
Luck: 173
Free Attributes: 310
[Perks]
Party Invitation Required
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Though he wasn't a Yakuza, Eiichiro was responsible for consolidating the Yaoyorozu Family's power during an era when All-for-One's influence was at its peak. His hands had more than a little blood on them, so even when he appeared to be at his most vulnerable, a perceptible aura of surety and fierceness exuded him every pore of his being.
Hearing someone enter the bath without declaring themselves, Eiichiro, in a deep, gravelly tone, said, "Izuku Midoriya...you're quite the exceptional young man. Some of the top testing scores in the nation, First Place at the UA Sports Festival, and a subject of interest among I-Island's Executives. For someone so young, you've accomplished a great deal..."
"You honor me with your words, Sir," replied Izuku. "However, until I've completed my principle objective, everything I've accomplished thus far is just a stepping stone towards my goals."
Exhaling a light chuckle, Eiichiro remarked, "I wonder...does that include my Granddaughter? Is the Heiress of the Yaoyorozu Family a mere tool to achieve your goals...?"
Making his way toward the bath, Izuku calmly replied, "I think Sir already knows the answer to that question. As influential as the Yaoyorozu Family is, I do not need your money or resources to achieve my goals."
"Hmmm...I suppose not..." replied Eiichiro, crossing his arms with a stern look on his face while Izuku sat less than a meter to his right. As the latter suspected, Eiichiro had already met with Nezu. He hadn't been apprised of everything, but he knew Izuku had the power to awaken the potential of others and enough capital to build a nation and fund a small army if he wanted. While others viewed Momo as a 'golden goose,' doing everything in their power to curry favor with the Yaoyorozu Family, Izuku was brazen enough to regard the Heiress of a multi-trillion Yen corporation as a mere Secretary...
Seeing Eiichiro's side profile, Izuku was reminded of Senzaemon Nakiri from Shokugeki no Soma. His face had deep wrinkles, but he had fierce, dignified features that included blade-like eyebrows, a neatly trimmed, incredibly pointy mustache, and a beard that flowed away from his face like a three-pointed spear.
Without looking at Izuku, Eiichiro asked, "What is your objective? What drives you forward to excel and surpass others?"
Adopting a faint smile, Izuku replied, "I desire two fairly simple things. First and foremost, I wish my mother to live a healthy and comfortable life. Beyond that, my only desire is to leave this world without regrets. To that end, I will dedicate my everything to making this world a safer, more secure place for all..."
Snorting through his nose, Eiichiro remarked, "What an idealistic farce. Even if you can make the world a safer place during your lifetime, your efforts will be for naught the moment you expire. Without someone to carry your legacy to the next generation, everything you accomplish is utterly meaningless..."
"And who said I won't have such a person...?" asked Izuku, adopting a somewhat cheeky smile as he appended, "Depending on how things play out, I could have the future head of the Yaoyorozu Family carrying it for me..."
Though he furrowed his brows deeply, Eiichiro didn't deny Izuku's claim. In fact, the reason Momo had been whisked away was to prepare for that eventuality. The potential of Izuku's Quirk, his individual aptitude, and his backing was too great for the Yaoyorozu Family to ignore. He was also the only one among Momo's countless suitors that didn't aspire to appropriate their family's status and wealth for himself. Rather, their family benefitted almost one-sidedly from welcoming Izuku into their ranks...
After a lengthy period of silence, Eiichiro asserted, "Once the two of you have graduated, you will marry my Granddaughter. Until then, you are free to do as you please..."
While he wasn't fond of being told what to do, Izuku had already told Momo he would marry her if they were still together at graduation. Thus, in response to Eiichiro's words, he asked, "You're saying that while being aware of my situation?"
"It doesn't matter," replied Eiichiro, his tone firm as he added, "So long as Momo becomes your official wife and the two of you can produce an heir, everything else can be overlooked. The constraints of society have never applied multilaterally to the elite. Those with the power and the means do as they will. Those without do as they are told..."
Rising to his full height, a startling 218cm, Eiichiro, wearing a traditional fundoshi-style loincloth, added, "You possess a power that can shake the foundation of this world. So long as you are resolved to bear the weight of your sins, there is nothing you can't do..."
Finished with what he had to say, Eiichiro left the bath, never once looking directly at Izuku. He was privately a very doting Grandfather, so he feared that if their gazes overlapped, even for a moment, he might not be able to resist giving Izuku a 'light' stabbing...
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(A/N: Nothing builds character like a knife to the ribs...)
