All Might

Toshinori sat hunched in the worn leather armchair of the university's faculty lounge, his gaunt frame nearly swallowed by its cushions. Afternoon light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the polished floor as he nursed a cup of coffee in his hands. His eyes tracked the students traversing the courtyard below, now professional heroes now pursuing further education, their Quirks occasionally flashing in communicative displays. A small, reserved smile tugged at the corners of his mouth despite the persistent ache beneath his ribs. The former Symbol of Peace allowed himself these quiet moments of reflection, though he would never admit how much he needed them.

"Young Midoriya has truly come so far since those days on the beach," he murmured to himself, spotting his successor's distinctive green hair among the crowd. A sudden swell of pride caused him to chuckle, which immediately triggered a spasm. Blood spattered into his handkerchief as he coughed. Toshinori quickly wiped his mouth, glancing around to ensure no one had seen. The faculty lounge remained mercifully empty, most of his colleagues were still teaching giving their afternoon lectures. He preferred it this way, away from concerned glances and well-meaning questions about his health. The old injury throbbed beneath his baggy clothes, and Toshinori pressed a hand against the gnarled scar tissue, willing the discomfort to subside. His thoughts drifted to the mountain of paperwork waiting on his desk, lesson plans that needed revising, student evaluations requiring his attention, and ever-accumulating fan mail which found him wherever he went. With a resigned sigh, he rose from the chair, his joints protesting the movement with audible pops and creaks. The coffee had grown lukewarm, but he wasn't quite ready to return to his responsibilities just yet.