The following morning, a quiet tension hung over the city, a stark contrast to the previous night's explosive chaos. Minato sat in his living room, a bowl of cereal forgotten on the coffee table, his eyes glued to the news broadcast. His parents were there too, watching with grim expressions.
The news anchors spoke in hushed, somber tones, their faces grave. Footage of the devastated city block filled the screen, rubble and twisted metal the only remaining witnesses to the titanic struggle.
"—last night's unprecedented battle saw the Symbol of Peace, All Might, engage in a fierce confrontation with a powerful villain," the male anchor stated, his voice somber.
The female anchor continued, "While details are still emerging, we can confirm that the unknown villain has been defeated, thanks to All Might's heroic efforts."
Minato felt a flicker of satisfaction.
Then, the news shifted to the more concerning part. "However," the male anchor's voice softened with regret, "the battle came at a significant cost. All Might himself sustained serious injuries during the fight and was immediately transported to Mustafu General Hospital. His condition is currently listed as critical, and he is undergoing extensive medical treatment. We wish the Symbol of Peace a swift and full recovery."
Akane gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth. "Oh, dear! Serious injuries... I hope he'll be alright."
Kenji nodded slowly, his brow furrowed. "He pushed himself to his limits. It's a miracle he brought that villain down."
Minato watched impassively, the news confirming what he already knew. All Might was alive, and All For One was defeated. That was the crucial difference. The fatal blow had been averted. While All Might was indeed seriously injured, these were not the injuries that would force his immediate retirement or reveal his weakened form to the world in a public spectacle. The timeline had been altered. He had ensured All Might would live to fight another day, to continue inspiring, and to find a successor on his own terms.
He finished his cereal, a quiet sense of accomplishment settling over him. His intervention had been precise, unseen, and effective. The world would credit All Might, as it should. Minato, the stranger, remained a phantom, a whisper in the wind. His vigilance, however, was far from over.
Later that morning, after the news reports had thoroughly sunk in, Minato picked up his phone and dialed Masato Tanaka's number. The manager answered almost immediately, his voice still tinged with the gravity of the morning's news.
"Masato-san," Minato began, his voice calm and resolute.
"Minato-kun? Are you alright? Quite the morning, huh?" Masato replied, clearly distracted by the ongoing news.
"I'm fine," Minato assured him. "I just had an idea. I want to record a song for All Might."
There was a moment of silence on Masato's end, then a surprised, "A song? For All Might?"
"Yes," Minato confirmed. "A song wishing him a speedy recovery. Something to show support and hope, not just for him, but for everyone who looks up to him."
Masato's professional instincts immediately kicked in. "Minato-kun... that's a brilliant idea! Absolutely brilliant! The public sentiment right now... a song from you,' wishing All Might well would be incredibly powerful. It would resonate with so many people."
"I think so too," Minato said. "I've already got some ideas for the lyrics and melody. I can start working on it right away."
"Perfect!" Masato's voice was now full of renewed energy. "Start sketching it out. I'll get the studio booked for you ASAP. We'll want to get this out quickly, while the public's concern is still at its peak. This could be massive, Minato-kun. A true show of unity and hope."
"It's not about being 'massive,' Masato-san," Minato replied, a hint of his deeper purpose in his voice. "It's about letting All Might, and everyone else, know that even when things are tough, hope isn't lost. We're rooting for him."
Masato paused, then chuckled. "Right, of course. My apologies. That's even better. Get to it, Minato-kun. Let's send All Might the strongest recovery message the world has ever heard."
Minato hung up, a small smile playing on his lips. This was his way of contributing, of being a hero even without revealing his true powers. Music could heal, inspire, and offer strength. And All Might, now more than ever, needed all the strength he could get.
By afternoon, Minato was already in the studio, working tirelessly on the song. The melody of Avicii's "Hey Brother" resonated in his mind, its powerful message of brotherhood and support perfectly capturing the sentiment he wanted to convey. He worked with a focused intensity, pouring his emotions into the lyrics and arrangement. He knew this song wasn't just for All Might; it was for everyone who felt the weight of the Symbol's fall, everyone who needed a reminder that even in darkness, hope could still shine.
Hours later, the track was finished. Minato, with Masato's enthusiastic approval, uploaded the song to HeroTube. The title was simple, yet powerful: "Hey Brother (A Song for All Might)." He tagged it with #SpeedyRecoveryAllMight.
The response was immediate and overwhelming.
Online Comments and Reactions:
@HeroHeartbeat: "Minato did it again! This song is beautiful! #SpeedyRecoveryAllMight #HopeForHeroes"
@MelodyMaven: "The lyrics, the emotion... This is more than just a song. It's a tribute. #AllMightOurStrength #UnitedWeStand"
@BestJeanistBestFan: "I'm crying. This is so powerful. Get well soon, All Might! #PlusUltraRecovery #MySymbol"
@ALLMIGHTfan101: "Thank you, Minato. For giving us hope when we needed it most. #NeverGiveUp #MinatoVibes"
@DailyRhythm: "This song is going straight on my 'Inspiration' playlist. #HeroicAnthem #HealFastAllMight"
@AnimeAddict: "This feels like the opening to an epic comeback arc! #SymbolOfPeace #Legendary"
The song spread like wildfire, trending globally within hours. News outlets picked it up, praising Minato's heartfelt tribute. Radio stations played it on repeat. People across the world, from aspiring heroes to ordinary citizens, found solace and strength in its message.
Midoriya Izuku (at home, listening intently):
Izuku sat glued to his computer, tears streaming down his face as he listened to "Hey Brother." The song resonated with every fiber of his being, amplifying his worry for All Might but also reinforcing his belief in heroes. "All Might... he has to get better," he whispered, clenching his small fists. "Minato-kun's song... it's like a promise! It's like he's saying we'll all be there for him. He's so amazing! I have to be strong too, for All Might!" He immediately added the song to his hero analysis playlist, feeling a new surge of resolve.
Bakugo Katsuki (scowling, but secretly affected):
Katsuki heard the song everywhere. On the news, from his mom's phone, even from passing cars. "Tch! What a sappy song! All Might doesn't need some whiny kid's singing!" he grumbled. He wouldn't admit it aloud, but the raw sincerity of Minato's voice bypassed his usual defenses. He later found himself humming the melody under his breath, glaring at anyone who noticed.
Todoroki Shoto (in his room, a flicker of emotion):
Shoto was sitting in his quiet room when the melody of "Hey Brother" drifted in from the living room. Rei had put it on. He remained still, outwardly calm, but the song's gentle, unwavering plea for unity and support reached him. A faint, almost imperceptible warmth spread through his chest. It was a comforting thought, this idea of someone being there, no matter what.
Uraraka Ochaco (working with her parents, singing along):
Ochaco and her parents were taking a break from work, listening to the radio. When "Hey Brother" started playing, Ochaco's eyes welled up. "Oh, Minato-kun! This is so sweet!" she exclaimed, wiping a tear. She started humming along, then openly singing. "It makes me want to help All Might with all my might! Even if it's just by wishing him well!" The song uplifted her and her parents, reminding them of the power of support.
Kaminari Denki (vibing and feeling the feels):
"Dude, this song is deep!" Kaminari exclaimed, slumping onto his couch, a rare moment of seriousness. "It's got that chill vibe, but it also makes you wanna go hug someone! All Might better get better quick! Minato's got his back, and so do we!" He instantly added it to his "Feels Playlist."
The harsh, sterile white of the hospital room was a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the battlefield. All Might lay in bed, wires and tubes connecting him to an array of blinking monitors. His body ached, a deep, pervasive pain that seemed to hum in every bone. The doctors had delivered the grim news: the damage from All For One was extensive, irreversible. One For All, while still residing within him, could no longer be sustained in its fully powered form, he has to pace himself while using his power. His time as the unwavering Symbol of Peace, the towering figure who could instantly banish fear, was nearing its end.
He gazed out the window, the city lights a blur. He had succeeded, but at what cost? Though not a lethal injury but his body couldn't bear his full power anymore almost 80% after that there will be strain on his body. The weight of his impending retirement, the thought of the world without its unwavering pillar, pressed down on him, heavier than any villain.
Then, a nurse, moving quietly about the room, adjusted the small, wall-mounted screen. A HeroTube video began to play.
The opening notes of "Hey Brother" filled the room.
Hey, brother, there's an endless road to re-discover
Hey, sister, know the water's sweet but blood is thicker
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do
Hey, brother, do you still believe in one another?
Hey, sister, do you still believe in love, I wonder?
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There's nothing in this world I wouldn't doA
All Might initially listened with a weary detachment. But as Minato's clear, earnest voice began to sing, the lyrics, simple yet profound, began to penetrate his weariness.
What if I'm far from home?
Oh, brother, I will hear you call
What if I lose it all?
Oh, sister, I will help you out!
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do
Hey, brother, there's an endless road to re-discover
Hey, sister, do you still believe in love, I wonder?
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do
What if I'm far from home?
Oh, brother, I will hear you call
What if I lose it all?
Oh, sister, I will help you out!
Oh, if the sky comes falling down for you
All Might's eyes, previously unfocused, sharpened. He closed them, listening intently. He thought of all the innocent smiles he protected.
A tremor ran through All Might's exhausted frame. He remembered the blinding flash, the impossible teleportation.
A tear, warm and heavy, traced a path down All Might's scarred cheek. It wasn't a tear of despair, but of profound gratitude, and something akin to a fragile hope. He was not alone. The world believed in him.
He closed his eyes again, but this time, it wasn't from pain. It was from a quiet, determined focus. He would recover. He had to. The Symbol of Peace would rise again, even if it took everything he had.
A new resolve, quiet but firm, settled in All Might's heart. He would find a successor. And he would continue to be a Symbol until his dying breath.