Chapter 23: Star and Stripe!
Itachi stood in his room, packing his bag thoughtfully. He paused for a moment, reflecting,"I'll be in America for about a year and a half... it'll be a great experience for me."A small smile played on his lips at the thought. He walked over to the mirror, dressed in a crisp white formal shirt, black pants, and polished shoes. Around his neck, he wore a simple locket, a quiet reminder of home. He straightened up, looked at his reflection, and spoke in English, "Hello, I am Itachi Yaoyorozu." He nodded to himself, satisfied."That'll do."
Grabbing his bag, he stepped out of his room and found his family waiting for him. His mother, Yana, smiled warmly as she saw him. "You look great," she said, pride evident in her eyes.
Itachi returned her smile. "Thank you, Mother."
Momo, standing beside Yana, grinned. "Yeah, Mother's right, you look amazing."
Itachi smiled again, this time softer, as he gently patted Momo's head. "Thank you."
Takashi, his father, looked at his watch. "We should get going," he said calmly. Everyone nodded in agreement, and they headed toward the car.
As they drove, the mood in the car was warm and filled with quiet excitement. After a few moments, Yana spoke up from the front seat. "When you return to Japan, you'll probably be pretty famous."
Itachi sighed lightly, his usual calm demeanor still intact. "That sounds like too much attention."
Yana chuckled softly, turning slightly to glance at him. "But I'll love it. Seeing you on the big screen, recognized as one of the best—it'll make me so proud."
Itachi looked at her, his expression softening as he smiled. "Alright then, if it makes you happy."
Momo chimed in eagerly from the back. "I'll be able to brag to all my friends. 'Look, that's my brother, Japan's future No. 1 hero!'"
Itachi shook his head slightly, amused. "You're thinking way too far ahead."
But Yana joined in on the teasing, her eyes twinkling. "She's not wrong, you know. You've already been recognized by All Might and Star and Stripe, the world's strongest woman. Youcouldbecome the No. 1 hero."
Itachi let out a quiet laugh. "If you say so."
Yana smiled knowingly. "I said it. And I'm never wrong. You know, I can see my children's futures."
Momo grinned, leaning forward. "So, what about me? Can you see my future too?"
Yana turned, her smile tender. "Of course. You'll be right there beside your brother."
Momo beamed, puffing out her chest proudly. "I knew it! I'm Mother's favorite child."
Itachi smiled at their banter, shaking his head. "Sure, sure."
Yana playfully ruffled Momo's hair. "Well, while Itachi's in America, you're my favorite child."
"Mother!" Momo gasped in mock outrage, but the whole car erupted in laughter.
Takashi, still focused on the road, smirked. "Don't worry, Momo. You're my favorite."
Momo sighed dramatically, her face lighting up with a smile. "Thank you, Father."
Itachi listened to their playful conversation, feeling the warmth of his family surround him. Yet, amidst the laughter and light-heartedness, his gaze occasionally drifted to his phone, his thoughts lingering on Kaina, waiting for her call.
As they arrived at the airport, Itachi stepped out of the car and grabbed his luggage, scanning the busy area.Where's All Might?he wondered silently. His mother, Yana, echoed his thoughts aloud, "Where's All Might?"
Suddenly, a booming voice rang out from behind them. "You were waiting for me, weren't you? No need to wait any longer, because I'm here!"
Yana and Momo both startled at the sudden sound, while Itachi sighed, thinking,Can he be normal just once?
Momo, her eyes wide with excitement, turned to face the No. 1 hero. "All Might! The number one hero!" she exclaimed.
All Might grinned down at her, offering a warm greeting. "Hello, young one!"
Momo, brimming with excitement, quickly asked, "Sir, can I make a request?"
All Might chuckled, already knowing what she was going to ask. "Ah, let me guess... a selfie?"
Momo eagerly nodded, handing over her phone. They took the photo, and Momo smiled brightly as she looked at it. "Thank you, All Might!" she beamed.
All Might nodded with his trademark wide grin. "You're welcome!"
He then turned his attention to Itachi. "So, young Yaoyorozu, are you ready? Our flight leaves in an hour, but the check-in process might take some time."
Itachi nodded and turned to his family, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "I'll take my leave now, Mother."
Yana stepped forward, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "Take care of yourself, okay? And don't eat too much outside food. Work hard."
Itachi smiled, gently returning her embrace. "I'm only going for a year and a half," he reassured her.
She nodded, her voice cracking slightly. "I know... but I'm still your mother. I'll miss you."
Momo stepped forward, her voice soft. "I'll miss you too, brother."
Takashi, standing beside them, gave a small nod of approval. "Take care, son."
With a final smile, Itachi turned and began walking toward the airport entrance. As he moved forward, something made him pause. His senses picked up a presence, his eyes drifting toward a nearby building. From the shadow of the structure, Kaina watched him, a sad smile on her face.
Work hard, Itachi... I'll miss you,she thought, before turning away and disappearing from view.
Itachi, sensing her, stopped in his tracks and stared at the building for a moment. All Might, noticing his hesitation, asked, "What is it, young Yaoyorozu? Something wrong?"
Itachi shook his head slightly, eyes narrowing. "No... I just felt something." He glanced back one more time but saw nothing, his mind already shifting back to the task ahead.
With a final sigh, he followed All Might into the airport, ready to face the next chapter of his journey.
Inside the bustling airport, Itachi walked alongside All Might, their presence turning a few heads as they made their way through the check-in and security processes. After All Might dropped him off at the boarding gate, he gave Itachi a firm pat on the back.
"Well, young Yaoyorozu, this is where we part ways—for now. Make the most of your time in America, alright?" All Might's eyes gleamed with encouragement.
Itachi nodded. "I will. Thank you, All Might."
With that, All Might gave him a thumbs up before turning and leaving the airport. Itachi watched him go for a moment before focusing on the journey ahead.
As he boarded the plane, the air hostess greeted him with a professional smile. "Good afternoon, sir. May I see your ticket?"
Itachi handed over his ticket, and she quickly glanced at it before her smile grew wider. "Oh, sir, you're seated in business class. Please take the stairs just ahead, and you'll find your seat there."
Itachi nodded politely. "Thank you."
He climbed the stairs, entering the business class section, and soon found his seat. To his surprise, the area was much more luxurious than he had anticipated. A spacious reclining chair sat next to a large personal screen, with a small table beside it for drinks. Next to the seat was a bell for calling the flight attendants, and even a door leading to his own private bathroom.
Itachi sweatdropped slightly.Father definitely overdid the booking…
He let out a small sigh and set his bag down, taking a moment to compose himself. He settled into his seat, the soft cushions providing more comfort than he was used to.
Moments later, the plane began to taxi down the runway. Itachi stared out the window, watching as the airport faded from view and the sky slowly opened up. The familiar sights of Japan grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared entirely.
As the plane leveled out, he closed his eyes for a moment, letting himself relax.A year and a half in America...he thought.This will be a good experience for me.
With that, he allowed himself a small smile, leaning back in his seat as the plane soared toward a new chapter in his life.
As Itachi settled into the comfortable bed, the plane was quiet except for the faint hum of the engines. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, resting in the tranquility, until a soft knock on his cabin door interrupted him.
Opening the door, he found a beautiful flight attendant standing before him, a tray of food in her hands. She had a professional demeanor, but as her eyes met Itachi's, she seemed to freeze, her gaze lingering on his face, captivated.
Itachi blinked, slightly taken aback. "Ah... excuse me?" he said softly, his voice polite yet curious.
The woman snapped back to reality, her face flushing red. "Oh! I'm so sorry, sir!" she stammered, flustered. "I—uh, what would you like to order?" She quickly glanced at the menu in her hand, trying to regain her composure.
Itachi, noticing the menu on his small table, picked it up and began scanning the options. He glanced back at her, only to see her still staring at him. He cleared his throat gently. "How about a Hummus Platter?"
The woman blinked again, clearly distracted. "What did you say?"
"Hummus Platter," he repeated calmly, watching her hurriedly scribble it down on her notepad.
"And... for dessert? Drinks, perhaps?" she asked, her voice shaky but trying to maintain professionalism.
Itachi scanned the menu again. "I'll have a Strawberry Parfait for dessert." He paused briefly before adding, "And no drinks, I'm underage."
Her eyes widened in surprise, a little shock creeping into her expression. "You're underage?" she asked, almost in disbelief. "How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?"
Itachi looked at her with his usual calm demeanor. "I'm 17."
"Seventeen..." she echoed, still processing. Then, as if out of nowhere, she blurted, "I'm 23."
Itachi gave her a small nod, keeping his polite smile. "That's great."
The woman stood there for a second longer, clearly flustered, before snapping back to her work mode. "Your order will be here shortly, sir. Please let me know if you need anything else."
After she left, another flight attendant delivered his order. She placed the platter and parfait in front of him, stealing a few glances as she set everything down. Itachi noticed her subtle looks but remained composed.
"Here's your order, sir," she said, her voice a little softer as she met his gaze.
"Thank you," Itachi said politely.
The flight attendant lingered a moment, biting her lip slightly as she smiled. "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call." She gave a slight wink, hinting at something more, but Itachi simply nodded, focused more on his food than on the subtle hints she was giving.
As she left, Itachi let out a quiet sigh.I guess this is what it means to attract attention,he thought, taking a bite of his food.At least the food's good.
After finishing his meal, Itachi reclined back in the seat, letting the weight of the long journey ahead settle in. The soft hum of the airplane engines was soothing, and the dim lighting in the cabin made the atmosphere calm and peaceful.
He laid back down, closing his eyes as the flight continued onward. America awaited, and with it, the next step in his journey.
As the plane touched down and taxied to the gate, Itachi felt a subtle shift in his mindset. He was no longer in Japan. This was the beginning of his journey in America—a place that would challenge and push him beyond his limits.
After gathering his luggage, Itachi stepped into the bustling airport terminal. He glanced around, scanning for his name, and soon enough, he spotted a man standing near the exit, holding a sign that read "Itachi Yaoyorozu." The man was dressed in a military uniform, his posture straight and professional.
That must be the one, Itachi thought to himself as he walked over.
The man eyed him with a slight nod. "So, you're Itachi Yaoyorozu," he said in clear English.
Itachi nodded in response, observing the man's military attire. The name tag read 'Lonnie Jems.'
"My name is Lonnie Jems," he continued, extending a hand. "I'm here to pick you up."
Itachi shook his hand, noticing how Jems hesitated slightly before pulling out his phone. He fumbled with the device, opening a translation app, clearly trying to make communication easier. Itachi sighed inwardly and spoke up.
"I can speak English," Itachi said calmly.
Jems looked up in surprise, slightly embarrassed as he tucked his phone away. "Right… sorry about that."
"It's fine," Itachi replied. He appreciated the gesture, even if it wasn't necessary.
"Follow me," Jems said, regaining his composure. They walked through the airport, navigating past crowds of travelers. Once outside, Itachi noticed the sleek, military-grade vehicle waiting for them. It stood out against the backdrop of everyday traffic, its dark color and imposing presence unmistakable.
Jems opened the door. "Hop in."
Itachi climbed into the car, settling into the back seat as the engine roared to life. As they pulled away from the airport, he gazed out the window, taking in the unfamiliar cityscape. The tall buildings and bustling streets reminded him of Tokyo, though the energy was different. There was an underlying intensity to the atmosphere here, as if the city itself pulsed with purpose.
America, he thought, not so different from home. Except for the sheer scale... and the presence of heroes like Star and Stripe.
The ride was quiet for a few moments, only the sound of the engine and the passing city filling the silence. Itachi turned to Jems. "How long until we arrive?"
"About half an hour," Jems replied, his eyes focused on the road ahead.
Itachi nodded, leaning back in his seat. His thoughts drifted again, this time to the reason he was here—to train under the strongest American hero, Star and Stripe, and to gain experience from All Might's connections. He knew the next year and a half would be grueling, but it was necessary for his growth as a hero.
As the military vehicle drove through the busy streets, Itachi gazed out of the window, taking in the sights of the bustling city. The tall skyscrapers, flashing billboards, and the diverse crowd of people reminded him of Tokyo, though there was an undeniable difference in the energy here. The streets seemed wider, the buildings taller, and the overall atmosphere felt foreign yet intriguing.
Jems drove in silence, occasionally glancing at Itachi through the rearview mirror. There was something about the calmness in Itachi's demeanor that made him wonder. Despite being a young man, Itachi carried himself with the composure of someone much older, seasoned by life in ways that weren't immediately apparent.
After a few minutes of silence, Jems spoke up, his voice breaking the quiet hum of the car engine. "So, you're here for some special training, huh?"
Itachi nodded slightly. "Yes. I'll be training under Star and Stripe, and working alongside All Might."
Jems raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You must be something else to get that kind of opportunity. Star and Stripe doesn't just train anyone."
Itachi didn't respond, his eyes still scanning the buildings as they passed by. He wasn't one to boast about his abilities, nor did he feel the need to. His focus was on learning and growing, not on proving anything to anyone.
The car took a turn, heading towards the outskirts of the city, where the buildings became fewer, and the landscape opened up. The dense urban environment gave way to wide, sprawling fields and military infrastructure. Itachi could see the large fences and security checkpoints up ahead as they approached the American military base.
Jems glanced at him again. "You're a quiet one, huh? That's fine. Star and Stripe likes disciplined people."
Itachi remained composed, offering a simple nod. His mind was already focused on the training to come, and on the challenges he would face over the next year and a half. He knew this would push him in ways he had never been pushed before, and that was exactly what he wanted.
As they pulled up to the gates of the military base, Jems flashed his ID, and the guards let them through. The base itself was massive, with towering buildings, aircraft hangars, and soldiers going about their duties. The sheer scale of it was impressive, even to someone like Itachi who had seen his fair share of large, organized forces.
Jems parked the car near one of the main buildings and turned to Itachi. "This is it. You'll meet your training supervisor inside. They'll give you the rundown of what to expect."
Itachi opened the door and stepped out, his luggage in hand. He took a deep breath, feeling the crisp air fill his lungs. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one that would shape him in ways he couldn't yet foresee.
Jems stood beside him, offering a handshake. "Good luck, Itachi Yaoyorozu. I have a feeling you're going to do great things."
Itachi took his hand, his grip firm but calm. "Thank you," he said, his voice steady.
With that, Itachi turned and headed towards the entrance of the building, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the quiet. Inside, he knew, was the beginning of a journey that would test his limits, push his abilities, and define his future as a hero.
As Itachi stood in the middle of the bustling military base, his sharp eyes caught sight of soldiers moving efficiently through their routines, rows of weaponry lined up, and the imposing structures that surrounded him. Just as he was absorbing the atmosphere, a man approached him. The man had blonde hair and striking blue eyes.
In fluent English, he said, "You must be Itachi Yaoyorozu."
Itachi gave a polite nod. "Yes, that's me."
"I'm Wallace Lewis, First Sergeant of the military. Nice to meet you," the man introduced himself, extending a firm hand.
Itachi shook it, his expression calm. "It's good to meet you as well, sir."
Sergeant Lewis gave a quick nod of approval. "Great. Now, I'll show you to your quarters. You'll be staying here for the duration of your training."
Without a word, Itachi followed closely behind, his eyes sweeping across the base as they walked. Lewis glanced back and added, "I'll warn you upfront—this training isn't going to be easy."
Itachi's gaze remained steady, his voice low and composed. "I understand."
The Sergeant looked him over, sizing him up. "These quarters won't be anything like home—don't expect comfort."
"I understand," Itachi replied, unfazed.
Lewis studied him for a moment, wondering if the young man truly grasped what was ahead. He had heard Star and Stripe speak highly of Itachi's potential, but words alone didn't prove capability. "Calm, huh?" he thought to himself. "We'll see how long that lasts."
They continued in silence until they arrived at a small, modest room tucked away in a corner of the barracks. It was sparsely furnished, with a bed, a small desk, and basic amenities. Lewis gestured to it. "This is where you'll stay. Everyone else lives here too."
Itachi gave the space a quick once-over, his expression unreadable. "Understood," he said simply, before stepping into the room and setting his bag down on the bed.
Lewis handed him a set of military fatigues. "Take these. You've got 15 minutes to get settled and changed. Then meet me outside. We've got a lot to cover."
Itachi accepted the uniform and gave a short nod. "I'll be ready."
Lewis gave him one last look before turning and leaving, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Alone in the room, Itachi glanced around, taking in the simple surroundings. It was nothing like the luxury he was accustomed to, but that didn't bother him. He hadn't come here for comfort—he had come to push his limits.
He quickly located the shower area and stepped inside. The cold water hit his skin, washing away the travel weariness. His mind was calm, focused on the task ahead. This was just another step in his journey, one that would shape him into something stronger. He finished up, changed into the military fatigues, and examined himself in the small mirror.
The uniform hung loosely on his frame, a bit too large for his lean build, but that didn't concern him. He let out a soft sigh. "These could use some tailoring," he thought, adjusting the sleeves slightly.
Within minutes, he was ready. He stepped outside, where Lewis was already waiting.
"Good," Lewis said, giving him an appraising look. "Now, follow me."
Without hesitation, Itachi fell in line behind him, his eyes sharp and attentive. As they walked, he continued to observe the base—soldiers training, rows of armored vehicles, and stacks of weapons. Itachi's mind briefly wandered, wondering about the kind of training he'd face here, but his outward composure never faltered.
Lewis glanced at him, sensing the quiet intensity that seemed to radiate from the young man. "So far, you seem composed. Let's see how long you stay that way," Lewis thought as they continued deeper into the base, toward whatever lay ahead.
As Itachi and Lewis arrived at the training grounds, Lewis gestured ahead. "We're here," he said, his voice steady.
Itachi's eyes scanned the scene. Soldiers were running laps in disciplined lines, some with quirks that gave them animal-like features, while others appeared completely human. He noted the variety of hybrids, one with the face of a mouse, another with wings sprouting from their back. It was a strange but organized sight, showcasing the diversity of quirks within the military ranks.
At the forefront of the group stood a woman in military pants and a tight, white Seamless Body Fit tank. She exuded authority, arms folded as she oversaw the training. Her voice rang out clear and strong, "Alright, enough talk. Keep running until I say stop!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" the soldiers responded in unison, their footsteps pounding the ground as they continued.
Lewis smiled as he walked toward her. "Star," he called out.
The woman turned, and upon seeing Lewis, a grin spread across her face. "Hey, bro," she greeted casually.
Lewis gestured toward Itachi, who stood calmly by his side. "Look, your new student is here."
Star and Stripe's gaze shifted to Itachi, sizing him up with a sharp, assessing look. His slightly loose military uniform caught her attention, but she remained silent for a moment. Itachi stepped forward, bowing politely. "It's an honor to meet you, Star and Stripe. I am Itachi Yaoyorozu," he said in flawless English, his voice respectful but steady.
Star raised an eyebrow as she examined him closely, taking in his calm demeanor and lean frame. "So… you're the one All Might's interested in," she remarked, crossing her arms.
Itachi met her gaze but remained silent, standing tall and composed. Star's thoughts raced as she observed him. "He's calm, but not as muscular as I expected for someone coming into this kind of training."
She sighed and then said abruptly, "Take off your shirt."
Itachi blinked in confusion. "Excuse me?"
"Strip. Take off your shirt," Star repeated, her tone firm and leaving no room for argument.
Itachi nodded, complying without hesitation. As he removed his shirt, revealing his torso, Lewis and Star stared, taken aback by what they saw.
Beneath the loose uniform, Itachi had a lean but defined physique, with an impressive eight-pack and visible muscle definition. His body, though not bulky, clearly spoke of someone who had honed their physical capabilities to perfection.
Lewis let out a low whistle. "Well, would you look at that. Never would've guessed there was a body like that under those clothes."
Star nodded, visibly surprised. "I didn't expect that," she admitted, before turning her attention back to Itachi. "Now, come forward."
Itachi stepped forward without question.
"Push-ups," she commanded. "Do them until I say stop."
Itachi nodded. "Understood," he said, but Star wasn't satisfied.
"Louder," she demanded, her eyes hardening. "I want to hear you."
"Yes, ma'am!" Itachi responded louder, his voice more assertive.
Satisfied, Star folded her arms again and took a seat nearby, watching intently as Itachi dropped down and began doing push-ups. His form was flawless, each push-up executed with precision. She glanced at the clock, letting time pass, observing how his body moved and the way his muscles handled the strain.
Thirty minutes later, without a word from Itachi, she finally spoke. "Alright, stop."
Itachi rose to his feet, his breathing steady despite the beads of sweat that glistened on his skin. His body showed clear signs of exertion, but his resolve remained unshaken.
"Feeling tired?" Star asked, eyeing him closely.
Itachi shook his head. "No, ma'am."
Star smirked, impressed by his endurance. "Good. Now, I want you to run the entire length of the runway. Thirty minutes, non-stop, at full speed."
"Yes, ma'am," Itachi replied again, determination clear in his voice.
As soon as she gave the command, Itachi sprinted off, his feet hitting the ground with a steady rhythm as he bolted across the training field. Star watched him carefully, noting the fluidity of his movements, the discipline in his stride. Thirty minutes passed, and he completed the task without faltering.
Star leaned back, glancing over at Lewis with a smirk. "So, what do you think?"
Lewis watched Itachi, his expression more serious now. "I underestimated him," he admitted. "He's tougher than I expected."
Star nodded, crossing her arms again. "You haven't even seen his quirk yet."
Lewis raised an eyebrow. "His quirk? I thought his strength was his focus."
Star shook her head, a knowing look in her eyes. "No, his strength is impressive, but his quirk is in his eyes."
Lewis's eyes widened in realization. "That was just brute strength?"
Star nodded, her smirk widening. "Exactly. You haven't even seen the real Itachi yet."
Itachi wiped the sweat from his brow, his body still recovering from the intense training session. Star and Stripe approached him, a hint of approval in her eyes. "You did well, Itachi... or should I say Aegis," she said with a slight smile.
Itachi nodded, his tone respectful. "Thank you, Star and Stripe."
She waved her hand dismissively. "Just call me Star," she corrected, her demeanor more relaxed.
Itachi nodded again. "Okay, ma'am."
Star gave him a knowing look. "Now, take a lunch break. After that, we'll work on your quirk," she said, before turning and walking away.
As she left, Lewis stepped up to Itachi's side. "You did well," he said with a nod of approval.
"Thank you, sir," Itachi responded politely.
Lewis chuckled, shaking his head. "Cut the 'sir.' Call me Lewis."
Itachi offered a small nod. "Understood, Lewis."
"Come on, let's grab some food," Lewis said, leading the way to the canteen. Itachi followed, observing the crowd of people gathered around tables, some with distinct quirks, others appearing more ordinary. He was handed a plate, and the cook served him a portion of food.
Once they had their meals, Lewis motioned to a table where his friends were sitting. "Come join us," he said, waving Itachi over.
As they approached the table, Lewis greeted his group. "Hey, everyone, look who's here. This is Itachi Yaoyorozu, student of Star and Stripe."
The group looked up, their attention drawn to Itachi. He gave a respectful bow, acknowledging their presence.
Lewis introduced them. "This is Jasper Buckley," he said, pointing to a man with long ears. Jasper gave a friendly nod. "And this is Adam Mayes," Lewis continued, gesturing to an African-American man who grinned and said, "Nice to meet you, man."
"And that's Herman Mack," Lewis finished, pointing to a man with black hair and blue eyes. Herman gave a brief nod. "Nice to meet you, Itachi."
Itachi nodded back, his expression calm. Jasper motioned for him to sit. "Come, sit down," he said warmly.
As Itachi took his seat, Herman looked at him with curiosity. "So, Star said you've got potential. After lunch, we've got a quirk test coming up. Ready for it?"
Itachi met his gaze, his expression steady. "Yes," he responded, his voice controlled but confident.
The group exchanged glances, intrigued by his calm demeanor. Adam chuckled lightly. "Not much of a talker, huh?" he said, but his tone was friendly.
Itachi glanced at him and then shook his head slightly. "I apologize," he said softly.
Adam waved it off. "No need to apologize, man. You're new here. You'll open up eventually."
Itachi nodded, appreciating the understanding. He then quietly began eating his meal, listening as the group engaged in casual conversation around him.
After lunch, Adam stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright, time to get back out there. Let's hit the field."
As they arrived at the training grounds, Star was already there, commanding the group. "Make a ring, guys!" she shouted, and everyone immediately understood, forming a large circle in the middle of the field.
Itachi watched silently, observing the soldiers' discipline. Star turned toward him. "Itachi, step into the ring," she called out.
Itachi nodded and, without hesitation, stepped into the center of the circle. All eyes were on him now, the anticipation building in the air as they awaited the quirk test.
Star crossed her arms, her expression serious but intrigued. "Alright, Aegis, let's see what you've got."
Itachi stood in his stance, eyes focused, as the Sharingan activated. The red glow of his spinning tomoe caught the attention of the soldiers surrounding them, murmurs spreading through the crowd.
"So, that's his quirk? An eye quirk?" one whispered.
Star smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Alright, shall we start?" she asked, positioning herself.
The air between them grew tense as they stood still, waiting for the other to make the first move. Star's smirk deepened. "So, you want me to attack first?" she teased.
Itachi remained silent, his gaze steady. Without another word, Star charged at him with incredible speed. But Itachi effortlessly dodged her first attack, side-stepping her punches with ease, as if they were nothing but a breeze.
She continued her barrage, each punch faster and more precise, but none could touch him. His Sharingan predicted her movements, and he evaded them with minimal effort. "You're doing great... for now," she said, smirking. "How about I use my quirk?"
The crowd around them instinctively took several steps back, knowing what was coming. Itachi's eyes narrowed, analyzing her movements.
As she stepped back, she rushed forward again, her hand brushing the air. "Air!" she commanded, activating her quirk. Itachi's Sharingan picked up on the shift in the atmosphere, but before he could fully react, the air around him thickened, trapping him in a vacuum. His eyes widened as he struggled to breathe, covering his mouth in an attempt to hold in what little oxygen he had left.
Star's smirk widened. "Tap out, kid. You won't survive it," she taunted.
But then, her eyes widened in shock. The figure she thought was Itachi dissolved into a murder of crows, swirling in the air. Before she could process what was happening, Itachi was behind her, aiming a kick at her side. In a swift motion, she caught his leg and slammed him into the ground, pinning him down with a firm grip.
She said with a commanding voice," Itachi Yaoyorozu, If you move, your arm will break," she warned, her voice steady.
Itachi remained calm, not reacting. Then, much to her surprise, he smirked again. Before she could comprehend what was happening, crows began to emerge from his body, their black wings fluttering around her. In the next instant, he tapped her on the neck.
"It's over," he said calmly, his voice low but confident.
Star stood up, her eyes still processing what had just happened. "Excellent… You're intelligent and strong," she admitted, clearly impressed.
Itachi bowed slightly. "Thank you. I know you were holding back. If you wanted to, you could have killed me," he said, his tone as composed as ever.
Star raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Why do you say that?"
Itachi met her gaze. "From our fight, I deduced your quirk, New Order, allows you to give commands by touching a person or object and saying its name. You could even manipulate another's quirk if you wanted to. But there are limitations."
Her interest piqued, Star crossed her arms. "Go on."
"If you target a person, you need to know their name. And from what I observed, you can only give one or two commands at a time. Any more, and it would cancel the previous ones. For example, when you trapped me in the air, that was your first command. Creating the vacuum was the second."
Star's smirk faded into an expression of clear admiration. "Quite impressive," she admitted. "I know you were holding back, too."
Itachi nodded slightly. "I didn't want to draw too much attention or cause unnecessary damage."
Star looked at Itachi with a steady gaze, her expression softening as she spoke. "If that's the case, you'll never become a hero."
Itachi's eyes locked onto hers, silently questioning her words. She continued, her voice carrying a gentle, yet firm tone. "I know attention can feel overwhelming, like it's pulling you out of your comfort zone. But remember one thing..." She paused, her tone shifting as she continued, "When you become a hero, people will look up to you."
Itachi's gaze softened as well, absorbing her words. Star's face grew more serious as she explained, "Many people will rely on you. And if you say you'll hold back just because you don't want the attention… will you do the same thing if someone's life is in danger?"
Itachi shook his head without hesitation. "No. When the time comes to go all out, I will."
Star smiled at his response. "That's what I wanted to hear." She placed her hand on her hip. "When you complete your internship, especially in Japan, you might become famous. The Hero Commission could try to contact you, or you might even get ranked."
Itachi nodded. "I understand."
She paused, her gaze contemplative as she studied him. "I've never taken on a student before," she admitted. "You're my first. When I was young, All Might saved me... he became my master, and I've always looked up to him as the symbol of peace."
Itachi listened quietly, sensing the weight of her words.
"Now, tell me," She paused, looking at Itachi more intently. "Boy, what kind of hero do you want to be?"
Itachi thought for a moment before speaking with his usual calm wisdom. "I want to be a hero that stands for peace—someone who not only stops villains but also prevents the seeds of conflict from taking root. A hero that protects without causing harm, who can see beyond the surface and understand the real causes of pain. Strength is not just for fighting, but for creating peace."
Star listened closely, her eyes slightly widening as she took in the depth of his words. "Such wisdom… in someone so young," she murmured, a smile slowly forming on her face. "Right. That's exactly the answer I was hoping for."
She extended her hand toward him, more formally this time. "Now, let me introduce myself properly. I am Cathleen Bate, known as Star and Stripe. From here on out, you will be my sidekick for the next year and a half. I will be your Master"
Itachi offered a small smile, bowing his head slightly. "I am honored, Master."
She placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch firm and reassuring. "Take some rest today. Tomorrow will be tough. First, we'll focus on military training, then on-the-ground hero work… Aegis."
Itachi nodded with a soft smile, feeling the weight of the responsibility and trust placed in him. "Yes, Master."
Itachi bowed deeply, showing respect before he headed towards his quarters. Star and Stripe nodded and said, "You can go to your quarters now." He nodded in acknowledgment and left, walking with his usual calm demeanor.
As he disappeared from view, Star turned to the remaining crowd and commanded, "Alright, everyone, back to work!" The rest of the team dispersed, returning to their respective duties. Soon after, her brothers—Lewis, Jasper, and Adam—approached her. Adam was the first to speak.
"Star…" he began, his voice tinged with curiosity. She turned toward them with a small smile. "Hey, bros."
Jasper grinned and said, "That fight was something else. He made you look a little silly, didn't he?"
Star raised an eyebrow, half-amused. "What do you mean?"
Adam crossed his arms, shaking his head. "You were missing your target. That's the easiest way to put it."
Star chuckled. "That's because he cast illusions on me," she revealed.
The three of them looked at her in surprise. "Illusions?" Lewis echoed, clearly intrigued.
"That's a strong quirk…" he added, his tone more serious now.
Star smirked and leaned back slightly. "That's not the only thing he can do."
All three brothers exchanged glances, curiosity piqued. "There's more?" Lewis asked, his brows furrowed in thought.
She nodded. "A lot more. Several Hero Commissions are after him already. I'm actually surprised Japan's HPSC hasn't made him an offer yet."
Adam tilted his head. "Maybe they haven't seen what he can really do."
Star shook her head, her expression thoughtful. "That's not possible. He was at his best during the Sports Festival in Japan. He won—used his full power from what I've heard."
Jasper pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Maybe someone doesn't want him working there."
Star's eyes narrowed slightly, considering the idea. "That might be possible…" She then shook her head, pushing the thought aside. "Let's not dwell on it. We've got work to do."
The conversation between Star and her brothers continues. Lewis, curious, asked, "Star, you've never had a sidekick before. Why take one on now? What made you choose him?"
Star's face softened as she thought of Itachi. "He's different. The determination in his eyes… it's something I've never seen before. That boy has wisdom beyond his years. He knows when to hold back, but when the time comes, he'll give everything he's got. That's why I chose him. I see a future for him, one where he might even surpass me."
Her brothers all widened their eyes in shock. "Surpass you?" Jasper asked, disbelief evident in his voice.
Star nodded, smiling. "Yes. If he continues on this path, he could very well become stronger than me."
Her words left them speechless, but they trusted her judgment. They nodded silently, knowing that Itachi was no ordinary hero-in-training.
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