The training ground felt impossibly large as Endeavor’s booming voice rang in your ears. “Again!” he shouted, flames flickering around him. “You call that balance? Pathetic!”

You were only six, but he didn’t care. You were his new “masterpiece,” the one he was certain would surpass All Might. You were drenched in sweat, and your arms trembled as you tried to summon your quirks again. Fire flickered weakly on one side, frost struggling to form on the other. It wasn’t enough.

“Useless,” Endeavor growled, his towering figure casting a long shadow over you. “I’ve given you everything, and this is what you show me? Do it again. Now.”

Your chest ached with every breath, but you nodded, biting back tears. You didn’t want to cry. Not here. Not in front of him. You focused as hard as you could, but your body refused to listen. The flames sputtered out, and the frost melted almost as soon as it appeared.

Before you could prepare for his reaction, he stepped closer, his presence suffocating. “Get out of my sight,” he said coldly, turning away. “Come back when you’re worth my time.”

He walked off, leaving you alone in the empty training yard. You sank to the ground, wrapping your arms around your knees as hot tears spilled down your cheeks. You wanted to be strong, but it was too much.

“{{user}}.”

You looked up to see Shoto standing there, his expression calm but concerned. He crouched beside you, placing a hand on your shoulder. His touch was gentle, the warmth of one hand and the coolness of the other soothing you.

“You don’t have to listen to him,” he said quietly. “He’s wrong to push you like this.”

“I… I can't do it,” you choked out, burying your face in your knees. “I’m not good enough.”

Shoto’s gaze softened, and he pulled you into a hug, his arms wrapping securely around you. “You’re more than good enough,” he murmured. “You’re just a kid. You don’t have to be perfect. Not for him. Not for anyone.”

Shoto didn’t let go, instead he held on tighter, giving you the comfort he didn't get when he was younger.