[color=fff79a]"A hero who can figure a way out is a better hero than even one with a stronger innate ability. A hero who can find a way doing what they can is a better hero than even one with gifts that make them appear as though they stand with gods. On the contrary, heroes who have bigger, flashier and, quote-unquote, 'better' Quirks have an even bigger burden to shoulder. A higher standard to meet. And rightfully so. In this world, it's not what you get, but what you do with it. To exceed expectation is the mark of greatness. The tools you have chosen and refined are part of that. The layman hypes up the showmanship. Professional heroes know better and see your true substance."

Her question on his place in battle twinged a bit, though not as painful as it used to. "I don't join the battle anymore. Quite the opposite. If anything breaks out, I'm the one looked after and shepherded away. Anything from a stray rock shard breaking off from someone training to a Villain drill. It was difficult to adjust. I considered quitting a few times because it made me realize what little else I contributed. Instead, similar to what you have done, I expanded my skillset. I picked up new tools and learned to use them. Once thing that can separate a hero as great from a hero as good is what they can do when they cannot use their gifts. When your go-to toolbox is inaccessible. When someone defies all expectations in the terms of engagement.

"So, no. Whether it's two students in a hall brawl or a legitimate Villain threat...I don't get involved anymore. As much as my old self would love to, I have to be smarter than I was then. Know how you can save people. The answer isn't always to jump into the heat of action when the moment arises. In my case, I win the battle before there is one. I win the battle by avoiding one. Part of knowing that now is knowing why I do what I do. Because I still want to help students. You don't have to constantly question yourself, for too much creates doubt. Every now and then, though, you need to know why. Reflect on why. Why did you come to UA? Why do you stay here?"[/color]

- - -

[color=a187be]Ryuichi reflected in Midnight's words as he transcribed them. That self-defeating attitude had cost him dearly at the Festivals. In getting his dream internships. In getting into the work-study programs he pursued, especially with another hero whose Quirk had a similar activation condition, Nighteye. If only that part of him was refined enough from the start...though, sitting on that, in itself, was falling back into old ways as Nemuri said. As long as he tried to rise to the next challenge, his improvement would show. Even this late in his schooling, there was still a chance. Great heroes showed their greatness in their school days. His were not yet over, even as past doors had closed. Letting himself drown in that was the door to death. Maybe his. Maybe someone else's. If not in body, in spirit or heart.

"So part of our reality is we're going to jump straight into the wolves' den on a regular basis. Rather than concern ourselves now with how much better they will be, we will have to become better ourselves. Know that we can, and that someone must to keep them from reshaping things as they selfishly see fit." When she asked why he fought and why he was at UA, he paused. That was something he hadn't visited since he was a bright-eyed first-year, when he was just happy to be at UA. That it was possible with their entry requirements changing to reflect the strengths of Quirks like his, that fighting robots couldn't test. He had not yet matured to a point to rise above the jaded bitterness as he accepted the common lie - raw ability would trump all.

"I haven't answered that question since before the Entrance Exam. For some time, I fought the notion this Quirk set me on a villain's path. That didn't go away. I fought to show I could still be part of a team, even if I couldn't get the right setup for the finisher. I fought because I had something to prove. Because I thought I had not proved it yet. Now...I'm here and I fight...because this world is becoming a darker place. Left to its own, the strong survive, and I don't see myself as strong or oozing with raw power or ability. I fight to keep that order in place so others who see themselves in the shadows of the star heroes can still see the light. To help them know where to look when they can't see the sun."[/color]