The late afternoon sun spilled golden light over the concrete jungle of Musutafu, stretching long shadows across the rooftops of Aldera Junior High. From the top of the school building, the city looked calm — deceptive, almost — like the world didn't know it was on the verge of being rewritten.
Riku Midoriya stood near the ledge, one hand in the pocket of his blazer, the other gripping the thin silver cross that dangled from his left ear. His dark green hair was immaculately parted, the wind lifting a few strands as his silver-trimmed uniform fluttered in the breeze. Below him, a scene played out — one he knew all too well.
"Deku!" Katsuki Bakugou sneered, shoving a trembling Izuku Midoriya against the school gate. "Still clinging to that notebook crap? You're Quirkless — you think playing hero in your head makes you one?"
Riku exhaled, his breath measured. His pale green eyes flickered, and his tactical glasses — tuned to react to his Quirk — shimmered faintly with violet light.
Chronovision: Active.
Everything in his line of sight began to shift. The laughter of onlookers slowed. Bakugou's hand moved at a crawl. Even Izuku's expression — wide-eyed, lips parting to stammer something — froze in half-formed panic.
Five seconds of control, Riku thought, stepping off the ledge.
The world resumed as he landed with feline grace between Izuku and Bakugou. The bullies startled, taking an instinctive step back. Izuku's eyes widened as he blinked up at his brother.
"Time's up, Bakugou," Riku said coolly, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve. "Try using your brain next time you want to pick a fight. If it still works."
Bakugou growled. "Tch. You think just 'cause you've got a flashy Quirk, you're better than—"
"I know I'm better than you," Riku said, his voice level but sharp, like polished glass. "But it's cute you still think this is about strength."
Bakugou's hands flared with sparks, but before he could lunge, Riku's eyes flared violet again.
Chronovision: Slowdown (Target: Bakugou Katsuki).
The explosion halted mid-spark. Bakugou's movement became syrup-slow. In the surrounding silence, a breeze passed through the schoolyard. Riku stepped forward and leaned in close to his rival's ear.
"Next time you aim those hands at my brother, I'll let you finish your move… and make sure you regret it in real time."
He released the effect. Bakugou stumbled forward, caught off-balance as time resumed.
"You freak," he muttered under his breath, backing off. "Whatever. You're both dead weight once UA chews you up."
With a final glare, he turned and walked off, the crowd dispersing behind him. Izuku remained frozen for a moment, breathing hard.
"Riku..." he said softly. "You didn't have to do that."
"I know," Riku replied, his expression unreadable. "But I wanted to."
Izuku looked up, trying to meet his brother's gaze. "You shouldn't keep slowing time like that. You've had nosebleeds the last two days. It's—"
"Under control," Riku interrupted. He smiled faintly, the kind of smile that always meant he wasn't telling the whole truth. "Besides, someone has to play the timekeeper. Might as well be the one who actually has the clock."
Izuku sighed. "You keep pushing yourself."
"Izuku," Riku said, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder, "you worry too much. You always have."
"I wonder where I got that from."
They both laughed, tension easing.
The bell rang across the courtyard, but the Midoriya twins didn't move. For a moment, time felt… still, naturally. Not because of Riku's Quirk — but because the future loomed larger than ever.
"You ready?" Izuku asked. "For U.A.? It's only three days away."
"Ready?" Riku echoed. He turned toward the city skyline, eyes glinting behind the dark lenses. "I've been ready since I understood what Chronovision could do. Since I learned what it costs."
"You mean the fatigue? Or the headaches? Or—"
"No," Riku said quietly. "I mean the memories."
Izuku tilted his head.
"Chronovision doesn't just freeze time," Riku murmured. "It stores it. I remember every move. Every face. Every mistake. Every time someone hurt you. Every time I wasn't fast enough."
He paused, breathing in the fading sunlight.
"That's why I'm going to U.A., Izuku. Not to become a hero. But to become the kind of hero who doesn't just stop villains — the kind who changes how people think. About strength. About control. About time."
Izuku studied his brother, unsure whether to feel comforted or afraid.
"You think we'll both make it?" he asked. "With all the odds stacked against us?"
Riku turned to him and smiled — a real smile this time. Confident, easy, and just a little cocky.
"I think the world isn't ready for one Midoriya."
He stepped back, silver accents on his uniform catching the light.
"So imagine what they'll do when there's two."