Chapter: 6 Backstory

John P. Simon – A Soldier's Legacy

John P. Simon was a man forged in the fires of war. A highly skilled military operative, he specialized in reconnaissance, close-quarters combat, and high-risk missions that few dared to take. Throughout his career, John had earned a reputation for being both ruthless on the battlefield and fiercely protective of his comrades. His unit was often sent into conflict zones where diplomacy had failed, and force was the only remaining option.

Among the few people he trusted was Nicolai Petrov, a brilliant programmer and hacker who had once worked on classified military technology. Though Nicolai never saw combat firsthand, his skills were just as vital. He provided John and his team with intelligence, counter-surveillance, and secure communication in hostile territories. Over the years, their professional relationship turned into a deep friendship.

It was through Nicolai that John became acquainted with David Shield, the world-renowned scientist specializing in hero-support technology. While John had no use for hero gadgets himself, he respected David's dedication to innovation and protecting lives. The three of them John, Nicolai, and David found themselves in occasional debates about the role of technology in warfare and heroism.

But John's service came at a cost.

The Final Mission

John's last mission was his most dangerous yet. Intelligence had uncovered a rogue warlord who was gathering forces and advanced weaponry, preparing to ignite a conflict that would destabilize multiple nations. This man was no ordinary terrorist he was a former military strategist, someone who knew exactly how to evade capture and manipulate global tensions to his advantage.

John led an elite strike team to take him down. The battle was brutal. His team fought their way through fortified defenses, but it became clear that the enemy was expecting them. They had been betrayed by someone on the inside. One by one, John's comrades fell, but he pressed on. In the final confrontation, John was gravely wounded but managed to complete his mission, personally taking down the warlord before succumbing to his injuries.

His sacrifice prevented a war, but it also meant that Ben, his only son, was now left without a father.

A Father's Final Gift

Before his death, John had prepared a will, knowing that his line of work could claim him at any time. He entrusted it to Nicolai, along with a single, irreplaceable item his M1911 pistol. It was the weapon that had saved his life countless times, a symbol of his skill, discipline, and duty.

In his will, John made one request: "If anything happens to me, make sure Ben grows up strong. He doesn't have to be a soldier, but he needs to understand the weight of responsibility. Keep him safe. And when the time is right, give him this."

Nicolai, devastated by the loss of his closest friend, could not care for Ben himself. Instead, he turned to the only person he trusted David Shield.

David took Ben under his wing, treating him as a nephew, ensuring that he had the best education, resources, and training possible. He never pressured Ben to become a hero or a soldier but made sure he understood his father's legacy.

Years later, when Ben's Quirk, Hinokagutsuchi, awakened, the M1911 his father left behind became more than just a keepsake it became the first thing he ever reconstructed with his ability. The weight of the weapon in his hand wasn't just metal it was history, sacrifice, and a promise.

Ben didn't just inherit his father's skills. He inherited his will.