Timeskip (Part 1)

After returning home from kindergarten, Kenji recalled Bakugo's word and train to his limit until exhausted. Without his parents noticing, he exceeded the training his father permitted. Beyond the four exercises, he added flexibility training, grip exercises, shadowboxing, weight lifting (without dumbbells), and more. His body changed rapidly, and while his parents noticed his growth, they attributed it to the success of his authorized training regimen.

One Month Later: Sunday

Kenji's body had become notably bulkier. His parents, Asami and Kenzo, started questioning how he had achieved such rapid progress. Kenzo thought, 'How did Kenji achieve this body in one month? He couldn't have just done 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, 10 squats, and a 1 km run. Did he do more than what I permitted? Or did he find another training method without telling us?' Asami wondered, 'I noticed his body changing, but I didn't expect it to be this fast. Did he train in kindergarten alone without anyone noticing? Is this really the body of a 4-year-old?'

Confused and concerned, they decided to question Kenji.

Kenzo asked, "Son, are you training more than I permitted you to?"

Kenji replied, "Yes, Father."

Asami inquired, "Why didn't you listen to what your father permitted?"

Kenji explained, "Actually, Mom, I've been bullied in kindergarten because I'm quirkless."

Asami and Kenzo were shocked. They assumed Kenji was driven by a desire for revenge against his bullies.

Kenzo asked, "Why didn't you tell us or the teacher?"

Asami added, "Did the bullies threaten you to keep quiet? I can call the teacher to punish them. Don't worry, you won't be bullied again."

When Asami tried to call the kindergarten teacher, Kenji held her hand. "No need, Mom. I fought back and won. Even though they have quirks, they're weak."

Asami and Kenzo were surprised and relieved that Kenji wasn't hurt. However, they were puzzled about why he continued training so intensely after winning against the bullies.

Kenzo asked, "Well, you won, so why are you training even more recklessly?"

Kenji answered, "One of the bullies said I'll never become a hero or get into UA. He claimed his quirk would get stronger and I'd become weaker like other quirkless people. Hearing that, I wondered if I could become stronger with this kind of training. So, I started training even harder, until I was exhausted and couldn't move. I want to prove to him and everyone else that I can become a hero and go to UA High School. I'm sorry, Father and Mother, but you can't stop me. I've already decided. I chose this path to prove that quirkless people can become heroes too."

Asami and Kenzo were shocked again, but they understood what their son had been through.

Kenzo said, "Kenji, do you remember the promise I made to support whatever you choose?"

Kenji nodded, "Yes, Father, I remember."

Kenzo continued, "I almost broke that promise because I thought the training you devised was too much for a child. I thought you believed it was easy. But I was wrong. You did it knowing it would be hard. You were down, but you stood up again and overcame it. This time, I won't stop you. Regardless of what you do, I will support you however I can. You said you wanted to go to the gym, right? I'll let you join now. What you've shown is enough to convince me and the gym of your determination and the results of your hard work."

Kenji asked, "What about the money, Dad? Will it be okay?"

Kenzo reassured him, "Don't worry about the money, son. Despite how things may appear, we're quite well-off, you know."

Kenji replied, "Thanks, Dad. What about you, Mom?"

Asami spoke with warmth, her voice filled with maternal concern yet pride. "As your mother, I worry about you pushing yourself too hard. Your strength and determination are undeniable. You're growing up so fast, and I couldn't be prouder. Just as your father always said, I'll support you in every way I can as long as you're happy. I'll make sure you have plenty of meals to fuel your growth and strength. Always remember these words: work hard, study well, eat and sleep plenty, grow stronger, bigger, taller, healthier, be happier, and keep reaching for your dreams!"

Kenji smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Mom. I'll eat until my stomach bursts, and I will always remember your words. But I have one more favor to ask."

Asami asked, "Yes, my boy. What do you want?"

Kenji answered, "I want to cut off all my hair until there's nothing left."

Surprised, Asami and Kenzo asked, "Why do you want to cut all your hair?"

Kenji explained, "To show my resolve even further."

Asami said, "No need, son. You've already proven it to us. There's no need to cut all your hair to prove it."

Kenji insisted, "Regardless, I still want my hair cut off. It's much more comfortable."

Dumbfounded by the simplicity of his reason, his parents argued briefly but eventually gave in, granting his wish.

The Next Day

Kenji's parents took him to kindergarten and said their goodbyes, promising to pick him up soon. When Kenji entered the class, the children laughed at his shaved head but quickly fell silent upon noticing his muscular physique. They became scared and moved out of his way. The teacher noticed Kenji's transformation but chose to ignore it, assuming Kenji had finally developed a quirk.

Midoriya observed Kenji's transformed physique and thought, 'Wow, his body has grown significantly. I hadn't noticed the change because he always looked the same, but without his hair, it's undeniable. Is he truly quirkless like me? Can someone without a quirk really achieve a body like that? Could I potentially achieve the same? It seems I'm not the only one who's taken notice of Kenji's transformation.'

Bakugo's friends, Tsubasa and Tesaki, saw Kenji's change and became even more frightened. However, Bakugo, though shocked, approached Kenji boldly.

"Are you really quirkless? How did your body change so quickly? Did you awaken your quirk, or were you lying?" Bakugo demanded.

Kenji thought, 'Wow, he's not even scared. Well, what do I expect from the protagonist's rival?'

Kenji answered, "This is the result of my hard work and the support of my parents."

Bakugo scoffed, "You're lying. This can't be possible."

Kenji replied calmly, "You're right. It can't be possible."

Bakugo smirked, "I knew it! You've awakened or already have a quirk before, haven't you, you bas—"

Before Bakugo could finish, Kenji interrupted, "This is the combination of hard work, talent, a strong mind, knowledge, technique, experience, determination, and everything else I could gather and learn. It's not because of any quirk. It's the result of a strong body and mind, and the incredible support I've received from my parents."

Bakugo was taken aback, "We're the same age. How do you have more experience than me?"

Kenji thought, 'He always asks sharp questions. I'll answer with a half truth.'

Kenji replied confidently, "I am not like the other kid, I'm more of a genius than you, and I have talents and skills that make a quirkless person look like they have a quirk. I push myself until I'm unconscious and keep moving even when I'm in pain. I train relentlessly, even in my sleep. It may seem like I have a quirk, but I'm still quirkless. What I have is a strong body, a talent from heaven, and an unbreakable mind. And I've seen things and experienced challenges that none of you can even imagine."

Bakugo, dumbfounded, responded, "Nonsense, i don't believe you at all. Besides, you know what? Regardless of what you do, you'll never become a hero or get into UA. If you are a quirkless"

Bakugo walked away, and Midoriya approached Kenji.

"Wow, your body has changed so much. I heard what you talked about with Kacchan. I can't believe he still denies you can become a hero even after you won against him and changed so much," Midoriya said.

(The kindergarten children didn't know Kenji had won against Bakugo and his friends because he decided to keep it quiet. Even if they found out, they would probably still ridicule him, calling him a cheater or accusing him of using dirty tricks. Kenji didn't care about their opinions, but if those kids messed with him while he was training alone, he preferred to keep it to himself.)

Kenji replied, "It's his pride. A guy with a powerful quirk always cares about their pride and looks down on us quirkless as extras."

Midoriya asked, "But Kenji, did you really not have a quirk?"

Kenji replied, "Didn't you hear what I said to Bakugo? This is the result of my hard work, talent, strong mind, and the unwavering support from my parents. You can achieve this too if you train hard. Fine, I'll share with you a training method I've discovered this is the simplest one, whether you're capable of it or not."

Midoriya hesitated, "I thought you said you're bad at teaching."

Kenji smirked, "I said I'm bad at teaching. I'm not teaching you, just giving you a training method. It won't make your body like mine, but it will still make you a little stronger. Do you want it or not?"

Midoriya panicked, "No, no, I want it! I'll do it even if it's hard."

Kenji handed him the training method, "100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10 km run. Every single day."

Midoriya thought, 'That's what you call simple? But if he can do it, then I think I can too.'

Kenji thought, 'This training method might ruin the plot, so I should lower it like my dad suggested to me before and tell him to do the full training at age 14.'

Midoriya was shocked but accepted it. Before he could thank Kenji, Kenji interrupted.

"But for now, do 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, 10 squats, and a 1 km run. You can only train the full part ten years later. Don't train the full part like I do now."

Midoriya asked, his confusion evident, "Ten years? That seems too long! Why can't I do the full training like you can?"

Kenji explained,"You probably don't know this, but my body aches with every step I take. I've grown accustomed to enduring it, but I doubt you could handle it right now. Despite us both being quirkless, there's a difference between you and me. Let me demonstrate the outcome of my training."

Kenji removed his shoes and lifted his shirt, revealing numerous bandages and heat plasters covering his chest and back. His legs were red and sore, the skin raw and inflamed. Midoriya's eyes widened in shock, realizing the true extent of Kenji's pain and determination.

"Oh my god, this kind of..." Midoriya stammered, struggling to find the words.

Kenji cut him off, his voice steady and resolute. "You might think what I'm doing is easy, but it's not. It's excruciatingly hard. But I endure because my mind is stronger than most. I possess a talent, a gift from heaven, akin to a quirk but not quite. My parents support me in this, but I doubt yours would allow you to follow the full training method I've adopted. However, starting with the less intense part may convince them to permit it." He slipped his shoes back on and let his shirt fall, concealing the evidence of his suffering once more.

Midoriya, now calmed down, nodded. "Got it, Kenji. I'll follow your suggestion. Thank you for giving me the training method."

Kenji replied, "No need to thank me. I'm just giving you a training method. It's up to you whether you can do it or not. Here's a breakfast tip: always drink a protein shake with banana & milk in the morning."

Midoriya thanked Kenji once more, "Thank you, Kenji. And don't pay attention to what Kacchan says. I believe in you; you can definitely become a hero and get into UA High School. Your hard work and the support from your parents are truly impressive and will guide you to success."

Kenji nodded, "I don't really listen to Bakugo anyway. But thanks for the encouragement. I believe in you too. Well, I better head off. My parents are here. See you soon, Midoriya."

Midoriya waved, "See you soon, Kenji."

As Kenji was about to leave, he turned back to Midoriya, "Also, don't be discouraged. I may have all these things, but you have what I don't."

Midoriya, confused, asked, "What do I have that you don't?"

Kenji answered, "The soul of a hero. You have more of it than I do. You're more heroic than me. I'm quite selfish and shameless, you know. Now, let me ask you one more question before I leave. What is your dream?"

Midoriya responded, "To become a hero. No matter how big the difficulties, I want to save all people in danger with a smile, like All Might does."

Kenji smiled, "Yup, that's the difference between you and me."

Midoriya asked, "So why do you want to be a hero? And what do you mean by selfish and shameless?"

Kenji replied, "I want to be the strongest quirkless hero to prove that anyone, regardless of their quirk status, can be a hero. But I'll do it by any means necessary, no matter what it takes, no matter what anyone says. I might also crave money and fame. And honestly, I don't like taking on heavy responsibility."

Midoriya was shocked, and Kenji continued, "That's the difference between you and me. You want to be a strong hero to save more people and take responsibility without anything in return, but I want to be a strong hero for myself only. Who knows, maybe luck will give you power because of your good heart. Well, that's all. I'm going now."

As Kenji was leaving, Midoriya called out, "I don't think that's selfish. Even if you want to become the strongest quirkless hero for money, fame, and yourself, it can still motivate others without quirks to become heroes. Just like you've done for me."

Kenji paused and thought, 'Regardless, even without my little encouragement, you'll still become a hero because you're the protagonist of this story.' He smiled and said, "Maybe you're right...but enough talk. I'm going now. My parents might be worried about me taking too long. See you soon."

Midoriya nodded, "Same here. My mother is here too. See you soon too, Kenji."

Kenji and Midoriya went to their parents and returned home and so much time have passed.