MHA: Radahn

The streets of Tokyo gleamed under the golden hues of the setting sun. Radahn, or rather, Hoshigami Enrai as the world now knew him, walked through the bustling streets with an air of indifference. The earbud Nezu had provided him remained in his pocket, silent yet heavy with implications. The cryptic invitation had piqued his curiosity, but he was in no rush to meet the mastermind behind U.A. High School.

However, fate had other plans.

As he strode through a less crowded district, a black luxury car smoothly pulled up beside him. The tinted window rolled down, revealing a sharply dressed man with dark sunglasses.

"Hoshigami Enrai," the man spoke with a practiced, neutral tone.

"Principal Nezu requests your presence. Please, step inside."

Radahn glanced at the car, then at the man. He could tell this wasn't a mere chauffeur but a trained agent, likely with some combat experience. Still, the man was no threat to him. With a quiet hum, Radahn stepped inside, the leather seats cool against his back.

The car moved silently through the streets, the noise of the city dimmed by its high-end design. The agent sat stiffly beside him, clearly aware of who—or rather, what—he was sitting next to. Radahn watched the scenery shift from neon-lit districts to more traditional areas, where wooden houses and narrow streets spoke of an older Japan.

"Where are we headed?" Radahn finally asked, breaking the silence.

"A private location where you and Principal Nezu can speak freely," the agent responded, keeping his eyes forward.

Radahn smirked. "Cautious, aren't you?"

The agent didn't respond.

The car came to a stop outside a traditional Japanese estate, its wooden gates tall and imposing. Stone lanterns lined the entrance, casting flickering shadows as the evening deepened. The air smelled of old wood and freshly trimmed grass.

Radahn stepped out of the car, his coat billowing slightly with the motion. The agent led him through the entrance, sliding open a wooden door to reveal a serene interior. Tatami mats cushioned his steps as he entered a room lit by paper lanterns. At its center, a low wooden table with a steaming pot of tea awaited.

And across from it, sat Nezu.

The small creature, a being of unknown origin with the intelligence surpassing any human, smiled warmly. "Welcome, Mr. Hoshigami," he greeted, his voice perfectly even. "Please, sit."

Radahn took his seat, his sharp golden eyes studying Nezu. Despite the principal's composed demeanor, Radahn could feel his cautiousness. This was a creature that feared him but masked it well. Interesting.

Nezu poured the tea with steady hands. "I assume you have questions."

Radahn chuckled, lifting his cup. "Several. But first, let me ask—why all this effort? A secret meeting, a car sent to pick me up. You fear me, don't you?"

Nezu met his gaze without hesitation. "Fear is an exaggeration. I respect what you represent, and I acknowledge the unknowns surrounding you. It is only natural to approach you with caution."

Radahn took a slow sip of tea. "Hmm. And you are no ordinary being, are you?"

Nezu chuckled softly. "You noticed."

"You're not human." Radahn's voice was calm, almost amused. "You're something else."

Nezu's small smile didn't waver. "I was an experiment. Tortured, studied, and discarded. But my intelligence was my salvation. I learned, adapted, and eventually found my place in this world."

Radahn placed his cup down, his expression unreadable. "And yet, you chose to nurture the next generation of heroes rather than burn the world down. That is… unexpected."

Nezu let out a lighthearted laugh. "I believe intelligence should serve creation rather than destruction. And what of you, Mr. Hoshigami? You are clearly not of this world. A warrior, perhaps even a king in your past life. Yet you wander aimlessly."

Radahn smirked. "Maybe I simply enjoy watching this world unfold."

Nezu's eyes glinted. "Or perhaps you are looking for a place in it."

Silence settled between them for a moment, the weight of their words lingering in the air.

Then, Nezu leaned forward slightly. "I have a proposal for you, Radahn."

Radahn arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"I am prepared to offer you a legitimate place in society," Nezu began. "A background that cannot be questioned, a place to stay, and protection from unwanted eyes. In return, I ask that you share your knowledge and skills with U.A.'s students."

Radahn chuckled, shaking his head. "You want me to teach? Why?"

Nezu nodded. "You are a being of war, of strategy. Your knowledge is invaluable. The way you move, fight, and think—such things cannot be taught through ordinary means. And if you accept, I will ensure you have everything you need to move freely in this world without interference."

Radahn tapped his fingers against the table, pondering the offer. He had no fear of this world's laws or heroes, yet Nezu's offer was not without merit. A place to observe, to learn, to shape things as he pleased.

And besides, playing along could be amusing.

He exhaled slowly, eyes meeting Nezu's once more. "A tempting offer, Principal. I may just consider it."

Nezu smiled. "Take your time, Mr. Hoshigami. But I trust you will see the benefits of this arrangement."

Radahn sat in silence. The dim light of the traditional Japanese house flickered, casting shadows across the wooden walls. The scent of tea lingered in the air, but he paid it no mind.

Nezu had made his offer, laying out everything—housing, a fabricated background, a temporary hero license. In return, Radahn was to teach U.A. students.

But did he even want that?

He closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment to drift into the past.

'A battlefield soaked in blood.

Cries of men and beasts alike.

The sound of steel clashing, bones breaking.

His warriors, his soldiers, falling one by one.'

He had fought wars beyond count, had killed countless. Yet, what had it amounted to? What had he truly gained?

Nothing.

War had been all he knew. It had defined him, shaped him into the monster the world feared. He had been both conqueror and protector, a titan who crushed all in his path. And yet, for all his power, even he had been swallowed by the tides of fate.

The battle with The Tarnished of No Renown marked his end.

Now, here he was. A world unfamiliar, a life uncertain.

'Did he care for these people? No. Did he desire to guide them? Not particularly.'

And yet.

Something gnawed at him. Not a sense of duty, not a sense of righteousness—those had long since burned away. It was something else.

Curiosity.

"

What would come of this?

'Would he see war again? Would he see what this world's so-called "heroes" were truly capable of?'

Would he find something interesting?

His golden eyes opened, their gleam sharp.

Radahn exhaled.

"I accept."

Nezu blinked, his expression briefly unreadable before he smiled. "That was faster than I expected."

Radahn leaned back slightly, his gaze unreadable. "Don't mistake my acceptance for submission, Nezu."

The small creature chuckled. "I wouldn't dare."

"But I have my own terms."

"Of course."

Radahn's voice was steady, firm. "I will not teach them the way to kill."

Nezu's small, clawed fingers tapped lightly against the table. "We wouldn't want that either."

Radahn narrowed his eyes slightly, as if searching for deceit in Nezu's words. He found none.

Nezu sipped his tea, his expression remaining calm. "Then we have an agreement."

———The Next Day – U.A. Grounds——

The weekend had arrived. Students were absent from the campus, leaving the vast training grounds and towering buildings eerily quiet.

Radahn walked alongside Nezu, his towering frame contrasting the small creature at his side. The sky above was clear, the sun casting long shadows across the ground.

Nezu guided him through the campus with an air of casual ease. "This is where you will be teaching," he said, motioning toward one of the buildings.

"State-of-the-art facilities, training grounds designed to withstand even the most powerful Quirks."

Radahn observed everything in silence. He saw the reinforced walls, the carefully placed observation points. This place was built to handle destruction.

It intrigued him.

They passed by various training areas, ranging from obstacle courses to combat zones.

"Your quarters have already been arranged," Nezu continued. "I believe you will find them comfortable."

Radahn scoffed. "I don't require comfort."

Nezu smiled. "Even warriors need rest."

Radahn didn't respond.

They continued walking, the sound of their steps echoing through the empty pathways. The silence was not awkward, merely contemplative.

Then, as they turned a corner, Nezu came to a stop.

Radahn followed his gaze.

A lone man stood before them, his black hair unkempt, his figure wrapped in a dull capture weapon scarf. His posture was relaxed, yet his dark eyes held a sharpness that was impossible to ignore.

Nezu gestured toward him. "Hoshigami-san, this is Shouta Aizawa—Eraserhead. He is one of our instructors."

Aizawa's tired gaze flickered toward Radahn. "So, you're the new addition."

Radahn crossed his arms. "And you're the underground hero."

Aizawa nodded slightly. "Oh, so you've heard of me , not many newcomers know me."

Radahn smirked faintly " You are not that unknown , Aizawa-san"

Aizawa's sharp eyes studied him for a moment longer before he gave a small shrug. "Well, I don't really care what you do as long as you teach the best of your capabilities and don't make my job harder."

Radahn raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is your job?"

Aizawa exhaled. "Making sure these kids don't die."

Radahn chuckled, the sound low and amused. "A noble goal."

Nezu watched the exchange with quiet interest. Aizawa was not an easy man to impress, nor was he quick to trust.

But that was fine.

Trust, after all, was something earned.