Aero (a BNHA OC story)

Chapter 54

...

Kenzo sat in the back of the van, his mind a jumble of thoughts and emotions that he couldn't quite grasp. The events of the past few days had left him feeling numb, disconnected from the reality unfolding around him. As the van rumbled along the road towards the League's villa, he stared blankly out the window, his gaze unfocused.

Beside him, Kaminari shifted nervously, glancing over at Kenzo with apprehension in his eyes. Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, he mustered up the courage to speak.

"Um, Aero-sensei?" Kaminari's voice was hesitant, barely above a whisper. It was a stark difference from his usual boisterous voice in class. "I know we were already told, but what's the plan for when we get there?"

Kenzo blinked, his mind slowly coming back to the present as he registered Kaminari's question. He offered the young hero a reassuring smile, hoping to ease his nerves despite his own inner turmoil.

"Don't worry, Kaminari," Kenzo replied automatically, his voice devoid of any real emotion. "We'll stick together and follow the lead of the more experienced heroes. Just focus on staying alert and following orders, and we'll get through this together."

Kaminari nodded, a forced smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Right, of course. Sorry for bothering you."

Kenzo offered him a small, reassuring smile in return, though it felt hollow on his lips. "Don't apologise."

As Kaminari nodded and turned back to stare out the window, Kenzo's gaze drifted back to the passing scenery. But try as he might, he couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that gnawed at his soul, a silent reminder of the weight of the world resting on his shoulders.

The vans came to a halt at the designated rendezvous point, a sense of purpose and determination radiating from the assembled heroes and students. Kenzo stepped out of the lead van, his demeanour composed and focused as he surveyed the scene before him.

"Alright, listen up, everyone," Kenzo's voice rang out, cutting through the air with authority. "We're here to take down the League of Villains and put an end to their reign of terror. Our objective is to secure the villa and neutralise any threats we encounter. Remember, teamwork is crucial, so stay together and watch each other's backs."

As he spoke, Kenzo's gaze swept over the gathered heroes and students, his expression detached yet commanding. He organised them efficiently, assigning teams and tasks with precision born of experience.

However, when he turned to address the nervous students, Kenzo's demeanour softened, his voice gentler as he offered words of reassurance. "You're all here because you have the potential to be great heroes," he said, his gaze meeting theirs with unwavering confidence. "Trust in your training, trust in your instincts, and trust in each other. We'll get through this together."

The students nodded eagerly, their expressions determined despite their nerves. They looked to Kenzo for guidance, finding strength in his steady leadership amidst the chaos of the impending battle.

As Kenzo assumed his position at the front, he quickly secured a communication device, his eyes scanning the surroundings with unwavering focus. The tension in the air was palpable as they awaited the signal from the police captain.

Midnight approached him, her presence bringing a sense of calm amidst the chaos. "Kenzo," she said, her voice soft yet filled with pride as she ruffled his blonde hair. "You've come a long way since your early days as a hero-in-training. I'm proud of the hero you've become."