Chapter 16-Graduation

In the three weeks leading up to the graduation ceremony, Kiyoshi's emotions were in a constant state of flux. From one moment to the next, he would feel excited and optimistic about the ceremony, only to feel nervous and uncertain the next, and then back to excitement again. It was a whirlwind of feelings, and Kiyoshi found it hard to keep his emotions in check. As the graduation ceremony drew closer, Kiyoshi felt a growing sense of impatience, and his doubts and fears started to creep in. With only a few days left until the ceremony, Kiyoshi's anxiety began to escalate, and his confidence began to waver. However, Kiyoshi's professors tried to reassure him and keep him grounded. They reminded Kiyoshi that the graduation ceremony was his triumph, his opportunity to showcase his hard work and dedication. They encouraged Kiyoshi to focus on the positive emotions, and not to get caught up in his doubts or fears. Kiyoshi tried to heed their advice, but the closer the graduation ceremony came, the more his anxiety grew. By the day of the ceremony, Kiyoshi was nearly at his wit's end, feeling like an ocean of emotions was about to consume him whole. His heart beating rapidly, Kiyoshi took his seat among his classmates and professors in the graduation hall. His doubts and anxiety were at an all-time high, and he tried to keep a tight grip on his emotions. Kiyoshi sat near the middle of the graduation hall, among a sea of students and teachers. His heart beating rapidly, Kiyoshi zoned out for most of the graduation ceremony, his mind consumed by thoughts of Ren. A wave of sadness and nostalgia washed over Kiyoshi, as his memories of his once best friend came flooding back to him. The graduation ceremony dragged on and on, and Kiyoshi's thoughts were constantly drifting back to Ren. He couldn't stop thinking about how Ren had been his lifelong friend, and how it suddenly felt like their friendship had come to a sudden and tragic end.

Kiyoshi also thought about the tragic situation with Ren's family, especially the fact that Ren's little 9-year-old brother Kazuto had been in a coma ever since the attack. It was a heartbreaking situation, and Kiyoshi could not help but feel empathy for Ren as he thought about it. Kiyoshi's own parents had died when he was just a baby, so Ren's parents and his brother had become a surrogate family for Kiyoshi. All this time, Kiyoshi had treated Ren as his best friend and his brother, but now, with Ren's transformation into a villain, Kiyoshi's world had been torn asunder. All these thoughts and doubts flooded into Kiyoshi's mind without warning, and he felt overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions. He wasn't sure what to believe anymore, and the graduation ceremony felt like an unnecessary distraction from the important issues at hand. As the graduation ceremonies continued and more students received their diplomas, Kiyoshi found himself increasingly lost in thoughts of his once best friend, the one who had helped him overcome so many obstacles and whose belief in him had empowered him to be the hero he is today. At last, Kiyoshi's name was called, and he walked across the graduation stage to receive his diploma. As he walked up, Kiyoshi was in a daze, trying to hold in his emotions as best he could. When Kiyoshi finally received his diploma and shook the principal's hand, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. A feeling of relief and accomplishment, mixed with sadness and nostalgia. Kiyoshi also felt a lingering feeling of uncertainty and worry, about his unknown future as a hero and his uncertain friendship with Ren. Kiyoshi found himself suddenly standing at the podium, addressing the entire graduation ceremony with his valedictory speech. It was an important moment, and one of the most significant speeches of his life thus far. And yet, his mind was far from the ceremony. He still couldn't believe he had been chosen for valedictorian, and now he had a speech to make.

"Classmates, faculty, friends, and fellow students. Today is a day of celebration and reflection. Over the past two years, we have all grown and developed in ways that we could never have imagined before. To some, it may have seemed like an insurmountable task, but with each new challenge we tackled, we grew stronger and more resilient. As we stand here today, ready to graduate and enter the world as full-fledged heroes, it is important for us to reflect on what we have accomplished and to honor the path that led us here. Throughout our time in the institute of heroism, we have faced many obstacles and challenges, and grown past them all. We have made friends, found mentors, and discovered a purpose in the world. Today, we are ready to apply all that we have learned and all that has been instilled within us to make a difference in the world. Our journeys may not have been easy, but we have emerged stronger and wiser from the experience. We have all proven our bravery and determination, and we have all found our unique ways to be a hero. Today, we stand strong as a unified class and as a mighty force of good. We are the next generation of heroes, and we are ready to take on the world. As we step into our new roles, we carry with us the lessons and values that have defined our journey thus far. As we enter this new stage of our lives, let us never forget the ones who guided us to where we are today. Let us never forget the teachers and mentors who helped us become the heroes we are today. Let us never forget each other, and our friendship and camaraderie that we have built over these last two years. let us also not forget that though we are now departing, we shall always be a part of each other and the institute of heroism. We shall always be connected through our shared values and experiences, and through the love and support we have shown one another throughout our journey."

He took a deep breath as he got caught up in his outburst of emotion. Today, we bid farewell to the institute of heroism, but we do not say goodbye to each other. Instead, today, we say goodbye to the past and hello to the future, a future filled with potential and opportunity. A future in which we will make a difference and prove ourselves as heroes. With that, our time as students has come to a close. But with that, a new chapter in our lives has begun. And as we embark on this new chapter, let us carry with us the wisdom and dedication that the institute of heroism has instilled in us. Let us be brave and courageous, and let us remain loyal and devoted. Let us always strive for greatness and let us never shy away from our duties. Let us be the heroes they people of this world need and deserve. As we leave the institute of heroism as heroes, let us remember that this is only the beginning, the first step in a long and honorable journey. The journey that we will walk together, shoulder to shoulder with our fellow graduates. Let this journey be one of compassion and understanding, where we take care of each other and work together towards a better world. Let this journey be one that stands up for what is right and fights against injustice. It will not always be easy, but together, we will make it through. And as we walk this journey, let our hearts be full of pride and joy for what we have accomplished thus far, and let our eyes be set on what lies ahead with a sense of hope and determination. Let us celebrate this day with joy and with pride, for we have earned it!. At the end of Kiyoshi's speech, the students and teachers were all on their feet and clapping their hands. There was a sense of overwhelming joy and pride that filled the graduation hall, and Kiyoshi could see the tears flowing down many students' faces. Kiyoshi himself felt his heart filled with pride as he took in the reaction. At the end of the graduation, Kiyoshi saw his teachers and classmates, as well as the principal, approaching him with smiles and congratulatory looks.

Kiyoshi was given a big applause and a round of cheering. His teachers applauded him and praised his accomplishment. The principal of the institute of heroism also came up to Kiyoshi and congratulated him on his graduation. However, the most important person was indeed absent. Ren, Kiyoshi's best friend and rival, was not there to witness this moment. Kiyoshi found himself feeling sad and nostalgic for his once best friend, and he couldn't help but feel that something important was missing. As Kiyoshi looked back to the stage and his classmates, he also couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and disappointment. Ren's absence from the graduation ceremony was a significant blow to Kiyoshi's emotions, and it made the ceremony feel incomplete. Yet despite all the mixed feelings of joy and sadness that he felt, Kiyoshi knew deep in his heart that this was a moment he would never forget. This was a moment that would forever be etched into his memory. This was the day he became a full-fledged hero, and the graduation ceremony was a special moment to cherish. After receiving his diploma and hero certificate, Kiyoshi clutched them tightly in his hands. He felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that he had truly accomplished something great. Kiyoshi was ready to take on his future with confidence and optimism, knowing that he was now a true hero. With this new status came great responsibility, and Kiyoshi was prepared to take on that responsibility with his head held high. He was ready for the challenges that lie ahead, and he was ready to make a positive impact on the world. As Kiyoshi walked home alone, he felt a strange sense of unease. It was as if he was being watched, but there was no one around. When he stopped and looked around, however, it became clear that there was in fact someone watching him — it was Ren.

"You sure know how to make an entrance Ren", "I guess I do." The two stared at each other for a bit and smiled as they walked closer, they came to a halt, and were now facing each other one last time as friends, for the next time they would meet, would be as foes, a hero and a villain, light...and dark. "So, how have you been Ren", "as good as I can be I suppose", "how is...you know...little Kazuto, i missed his birthday right...he should be 9 years old now, almost 10 in a few months to." "Kazuto...he has been in a coma ever since the attack, Enma has tried his hardest to wake him up...but i guess even a genius such as him can't wake him up." Ren closes his eyes and clutches his mom's pendant, the one he received by his father during the last few moments of his life. "Ren... you have been through a lot, and i can understand how you feel right now...you already know that your family was as precious to me as it was to you, and I'm truly sorry for what happened, but that isn't excuse for what you have done...no... what you have become." Ren opens his eyes, stay's silent for bit, and then replies with an emotionless face. "I told you the exact reason for why i became a villain, but you and your naivety...you just couldn't accept them", "Ren...how can you seriously expect me to believe that the heroes that we both looked up to as kids are evil, that just simply cannot be true, Ren, it can't...it just can't..." both are silent for what seems like an eternity.

"Ren, why did you do this? After all we've been through, why did you turn to a life of crime?", "I had no choice. I had to take a stand for what I believe in. The heroes are corrupt, and I am fighting for what is right." "What right do you have to decide what is right? You're a villain, a criminal. You hurt innocent people and destroy property. That's not right!" "I have to do what must be done. It is for the greater good of the world, not only for me, but for others as well. I have to show them the corruption of the heroes and make a difference. You can't understand that." "I do understand that! And what you're doing is not making a difference. You're only making things worse! You're fighting for a delusion! "No, it's not a delusion. It is the truth! I see the truth, and I'm fighting for it. You are the one who is blinded by delusions. You have been brainwashed by the heroes into thinking they're heroes, and now you're trying to fight me because you don't want to believe it. But I do not lie. I know what I believe in, and I will not back down from my convictions." "Your convictions are twisted and deranged! You're a sociopath and a lunatic, and what you believe in is wrong! You don't care about anything but yourself, and you're willing to hurt people, good people who are trying to do the right thing, in order to "save the world." It's all a lie! You're lying! You're trying to manipulate me into believing your crazy ideologies!" "I see it now; you're too far gone. Even you, the "hero," have been brainwashed. There's no getting through to you. You're determined to blindly follow the corrupt heroes into oblivion. But I will fight on, against all odds, for what I believe in. And even if I have to take you down to do it, I won't hesitate." "Take ME down?" (gets angry) "You couldn't take me down if you tried! I will fight you with everything I've got, and I will prove to you that the heroes are not corrupted! You can see yourself as the savior all you want, but I won't allow you to destroy what the heroes have built. I'll fight you, and I will beat you! Then you'll see what's right."

"Listen to me, Ren! I understand your point of view. I know the heroes aren't perfect. They can be selfish and self-absorbed, and they can make mistakes, just like anyone else. But they are still good in their hearts. They are heroes for a reason and the work they do does make a difference." Ren remains cold and emotionless, "Maybe they are "heroes," but they are not good people. The heroes are self-absorbed and egotistical. They only work towards their own goals, and they don't care about the common people. I have seen it with my own eyes. The way they treat people is appalling, and I will not allow it to continue." "That's just not true! The heroes I have known have been the most genuine and selfless people. They aren't selfish or self-absorbed, they care deeply about society and doing good. You're letting your own twisted view of the heroes cloud your judgment and make you see things that aren't there." "I call it as I see it. These heroes you keep calling "good" are just as bad as the villains. All you have experienced is a facade, their hypocrisy is appalling, and I will not let you defend them any longer." "I cannot believe what I'm hearing. You think that the villains are more morally right than the heroes? The Rogue Syndicate? Have you lost your mind?" "I have not, in fact. I think that it is you who has lost your mind. You're blinded by the heroes' charisma and ego; you can't see what they are truly like." "Yes, I can. Maybe the fame and status has gone to some heroes' heads, but they're not all like that. Some of them are truly humble and compassionate, and I have seen it myself. You're just using a few bad seeds to generalize all of the heroes." "The bad seeds have become the majority. The heroes are out for nothing but their own gain and self-satisfaction. I have seen it, time and time again. I won't let them continue to do this. Someone has to stand up and say enough is enough, or we'll be stuck in a cycle of self-serving heroism. I will not allow that to happen."

 "So now you're going to impose your own will on everyone else, because you think they aren't acting in the right way? Is that really any different from the heroes? You're the true hypocrite. You're using the "greater good" as an excuse to do whatever you want. You're just as selfish as any hero out there, and you're going to force everyone else to abide by your narrow worldview." I'm protecting the people from the heroes' oppressive behavior. I am fighting the real villains, the ones who masquerade as heroes. I am standing up for what I believe in. It is true that I am forcing my views on others, but I am doing it because it is necessary. Someone has to do it, and I am the only one who is willing to take that risk." "It's not necessary. You're letting your own delusions get the better of you. The heroes are not all what you make them out to be. Yes, some of them might be self-absorbed and egotistical, but they also do good, and they care about people. It's not all black and white, there is more nuance to it than that. You are acting like a tyrannical dictator who thinks that everyone should do exactly what you say." "There is no nuance, Kiyoshi. The truth is clear. The heroes are corrupt, and I will not abide by their self-centered behavior. I will bring down the heroes once and for all, and I will not be swayed from my stance. The people need a true hero, a hero who is able to make the hard choices and sacrifice what is necessary. But I know that you are not that person, Kiyoshi. You are too weak to do make the tough calls, and that's why I must take charge and show the world the truth." "You're the only one who is weak here, Ren, because you're willing to throw away your morals and resort to tyranny rather than having meaningful dialogue and compromise. The heroes I know are not self-centered. Their lives are dedicated to protecting people from villains, and they're willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Just like I'm willing to do now. You can't see that, because you're blinded by your own self-righteousness and delusion." Ren starts getting angry, "You're blinded by the heroes' deception. You're blinded by their lies. The heroes don't care about people, and they will do whatever it takes to protect themselves and their fragile egos. They're nothing but self-interested narcissists and hypocrites. And it's my duty to take them down once and for all."

Kiyoshi is holding back his rage, "I will never regret standing up for what I believe in. And I will never let you destroy what the heroes have built. I will fight you with everything I have, and I'm not going to back down. Ren takes one final deep breath. We will meet again, Kiyoshi, and when we do, you will see that I am not one to be trifled with. Then you will regret your words and actions, and perhaps even join my cause. Until that day, though. I wish you the best in your so-called hero-Ing, "If that is what you truly believe, so be it. But you should know that I do not take this lightly. I will never join your cause, no matter what you do. I will defend the heroes and everything they stand for. Goodbye for now, Ren. And when we meet again, we'll see who was right all along." With that, both take their leave, with no ties between them and their friendship truly fractured, they have now become sole foes and enemies, but deeply hidden within their hearts, is still a desire for them to remain friends. The next time Kiyoshi and Ren meet, they will likely be on opposite sides of the battlefield. It will be a clash of ideologies and of wills, with no guarantee of who will emerge victorious. The outcome of this battle will determine the fate of the heroes and the villains, and maybe even the future of the world itself. With Ren and Kiyoshi now at odds, their friendship is likely over. The next time they meet, it will not be to share laughs and memories, but to wage a final battle. There is no friendship on the battlefield and no compromise between heroes and villains. There can only be one side that prevails, and only time will tell who that will be.