All Might's Heart

The next morning, Inoue Sakura, whom Chiffon had watched over all night, opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Chiffon sitting beside her, cross-legged in meditation.

"Chiffon," Inoue Sakura called softly.

Chiffon immediately opened his eyes and went to her side. "Sister Sakura, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. Did you save me?" Inoue Sakura found it hard to believe that Chiffon had been the one to save her. He had only been at U.A. High School for a short time. Even if he had grown stronger, he could not have pulled her out of a fire. She knew Chiffon's Quirk was speed, nothing more than a hundred-meter sprint.

Chiffon did not answer. Instead, he asked, "Do you know who did it?"

Inoue Sakura recalled what had happened, and a flicker of fear appeared in her eyes. She shook her head. "He wore a Doraemon mask. He was tall and built like a tank. His Quirk was a Flame Quirk. I don't know anything else."

"A Flame Quirk, a Doraemon mask, a burly build..." Chiffon repeated the few clues over and over. He had to remember every one of them so he could find the culprit someday.

"Chiffon, leave this to the police. You're still a student, so don't get involved." Inoue Sakura seemed weak. Her voice was soft, and she coughed from time to time.

Chiffon's heart ached at the sight. He reached out and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear before saying gently, "Don't worry, Sister Sakura. I won't do anything foolish."

"Mm." Inoue Sakura nodded. At that moment, the attending physician arrived and gave her another thorough examination before telling Chiffon, "Your sister is fine now. You can complete the discharge procedures."

After thanking the doctor, Chiffon carried Inoue Sakura on his back to handle the paperwork, then took her straight home.

After arriving home, Chiffon bought some fruit downstairs and saw the utterly ruined Fujiwara Convenience Store. It looked like a pitch-black coal mine now, burned until nothing remained.

Several police cars pulled up at that moment. Four or five officers got out and approached Chiffon. "According to the witnesses, you knew the female victim from this store, correct?"

Chiffon turned and glared at the officer. "You're the victim!"

"How dare you talk like that!" Two officers immediately stepped forward, ready to restrain Chiffon.

"Step back," the officer told the others. Then he apologized to Chiffon. "Sorry about that. I used the wrong word. Can you come with us now?"

Seeing that the man had admitted his mistake, Chiffon let the earlier remark go. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Fine, but I need to bring my sister some fruit and food first. Wait here."

"No problem." The officer smiled faintly, not worried in the slightest that Chiffon might run.

Chiffon bought a large pile of food and fruit, then told Inoue Sakura to stay at his home for the day and not go anywhere. She was to wait for him to return that evening.

Inoue Sakura obediently nodded. At that moment, Chiffon was the only person closest to her. Whatever he said, she would listen.

After going downstairs, Chiffon left with the officers. At the same time, he informed All Might. He might as well settle everything today so he would not need to return to the Police Department tomorrow.

In the confidential room, Chiffon sat beside All Might. Across from them sat the Police Department chief, who had a dog's head.

"Let's set aside Inoue Sakura's matter for now and discuss the League of Villains incident first. You killed thirty-seven enemy personnel. You should have been punished, but given the special circumstances at the time, as well as your overuse of your Quirk, which led to the deaths of those thirty-seven people..."

The dog-headed chief continued, "That does not mean you are innocent. After unanimous discussion, we have decided to place you on probation at U.A. High School for three months. If you use your Quirk to harm anyone without cause during those three months, you will be expelled from U.A. High School immediately!"

Chiffon said nothing and silently accepted it. He had killed people, after all. Even if they were enemies, their crimes did not necessarily warrant death. And even if they did, it was not Chiffon's place to pass judgment.

Seeing that Chiffon remained silent, the dog-headed chief asked, "Do you have anything to add?"

All Might had not spoken throughout the entire exchange. Though he was the Symbol of Peace, that did not mean he could shield his own student. Chiffon had truly killed thirty-seven people—thirty-seven lives. Even All Might found it hard to believe. Chiffon was still a student. Why was his killing intent so heavy?

But there had been a reason for it. All Might did not think Chiffon had been wrong. Instead, his expectations for him had grown even higher. This was a student unlike any he had ever seen. Given proper guidance, he could truly become an unpolished gem.

But on the other hand, if Chiffon fell into darkness, then the heroes would undoubtedly gain another powerful enemy.

"I have nothing to add. I'll follow the police's decision. But..." Chiffon's gaze suddenly sharpened. "But I hope the police can find the culprit who hurt my sister!"

The dog-headed chief and All Might exchanged a look. Neither had expected Chiffon to be so extreme. They could tell from his eyes alone how deeply he cared about the suspect in this arson case.

"The police will investigate it as quickly as possible. But let me remind you: you had better not act on your own. You are currently on probation and cannot afford even the slightest trouble!" the chief warned.

"If that's all, I'll be leaving." Chiffon stood up.

"Young Chiffon!" All Might looked at him. "Please don't harbor negative emotions. The police have their reasons for everything they do, and they are also considering things from your perspective. As for your sister, they will investigate her case as soon as possible. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

All Might knew that Inoue Sakura and Chiffon were not related by blood. In fact, they had not even known each other before Chiffon came to Japan. They were siblings only in name. Yet this incident made their relationship clear enough—Chiffon cared deeply about Inoue Sakura.

"All Might, no matter what, I'm still grateful to you." To be honest, Chiffon knew that All Might had probably spoken up for him in some way. Otherwise, killing thirty-seven people alone would have been enough to get him expelled. How could he have received only three months of probation?

After Chiffon left, All Might stood as well and bowed to the Police Department chief. "I leave this child in your care!"

The chief was silent for a while before saying, "This young man has potential. I won't stand by and watch him go astray."

"Thank you very much!" All Might bowed again. He cared deeply about both Chiffon and young Izuku. Midoriya Izuku was indeed his successor, but Chiffon's abilities and character were also things All Might valued. He would not favor Izuku, nor would he give Chiffon excessive help.

But if something could be accomplished with a bow and a word of thanks, All Might would never think it humiliating or beneath his dignity. His state of mind was beyond the reach of ordinary people.

That was All Might's heart—a heart of burning passion, compassion, and care.