NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter 01: The Beginning of the Game
All rights to Sasuke Uchiha character belong to the author, Mr. Masashi Kishimoto. All rights to the MHA universe and its characters belong to Mr. Kohei Horikoshi. This is just a fan fiction.
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Chapter 01: The Beginning of the Game
The year was 2034. The city buzzed with the electric hum of progress, its streets alive with towering neon signs and bustling crowds. The boy walked briskly down the narrow streets of Shinjuku, his new gaming headset cradled carefully in his arms. He was fifteen, with jet-black hair cropped short and piercing dark eyes that reflected the city lights. His pale skin glowed faintly under the soft luminescence of the streetlamps, and his expression was a mix of anticipation and exhaustion.
The city was alive in a way that felt almost sentient, a testament to the incredible advancements in artificial intelligence. AI had reshaped industries, education, and even entertainment. The gaming industry was no exception; traditional developers had either adapted or been crushed under the weight of AI-driven innovation. This new frontier allowed for fully immersive gaming experiences, creating worlds tailored to the desires of each player.
"Imagine an entire universe, crafted for you and by you," the advertisements claimed. And for once, the marketing lived up to its promise.
The boy glanced at his reflection in a passing shop window and smirked. "If this thing works as they say, it's going to be worth every yen I spent."
When he reached his apartment, the familiar creak of the wooden stairs greeted him. Sliding the door open, he stepped inside. The faint scent of miso soup lingered in the air, and the warmth of home wrapped around him like a comforting blanket.
"You're back," his mother called out from the kitchen. She stepped out, a kind woman with soft eyes and a tired but genuine smile. "Did you get it?"
He held up the sleek box containing the headset. "Yeah, Mom. Thanks for letting me splurge on this."
"You've been working hard in school. You deserve it," she said, patting his shoulder. "Just don't let it keep you up all night."
He chuckled, heading to his room. "No promises."
Once inside, he set the box down on his desk and opened it with the care of someone handling a sacred artifact. The headset was lightweight but packed with cutting-edge technology. Its minimalist design betrayed nothing of the limitless potential it offered.
He settled into his chair and donned the headset, a snug fit that immediately dimmed the sounds of the outside world.
"Welcome, User," a voice greeted him, smooth and polished. It was the AI interface. "Please describe the parameters of your game."
He leaned back, a sly grin forming. "Let's go for something intense. A world inspired by My Hero Academia—a place where heroes and villains clash, and quirks shape the very fabric of society."
"Understood. Please specify your character and initial settings."
"Sasuke Uchiha," he said without hesitation. "Start at power level one. Frame it during Izuku Midoriya's first days at U.A. High."
"Acknowledged. Creating world now. Please stand by."
His vision went dark for a moment before exploding into vibrant light. Colors swirled, and shapes took form as the game world built itself around him.
When the disorientation faded, he found himself standing in a small, well-lit bedroom. A clock on the wall read 8:00 PM. The wooden floors creaked slightly as he moved, and the air was cool, carrying the faint scent of spring.
Walking over to the mirror, he caught sight of his reflection. It was Sasuke—his sharp features, onyx eyes, and iconic short black hair. A hint of amusement flickered in his expression as he turned his head to examine himself.
"This is... perfect," he murmured, his voice carrying Sasuke's low, composed tone.
The room felt lived-in, with scattered books and a neatly folded futon in the corner. He opened the closet and found a simple black jacket, which he threw on to ward off the slight chill.
Stepping out of the room, he was greeted by a warm, familial atmosphere. "You're back," his mother's voice called out, just as real as his actual home. His digital parents seemed as lifelike as any human, their interactions flawless.
"This... feels like the anime," he muttered, both impressed and unsettled.
After some polite conversation, he opened the front door and stepped outside. The air was cool but not unpleasant, with the stars above twinkling in a cloudless sky.
The streets were quiet, save for the occasional passerby. He watched them walk by—some chatting, others engrossed in their own thoughts. A faint humidity hung in the air, hinting at a nearby body of water.
"Maybe there's a beach nearby," he thought aloud. He strolled down the streets, his boots clicking softly against the pavement.
Soon, he found himself near a bustling dock. The faint smell of saltwater mixed with the aroma of grilled seafood from a nearby stall. The wooden planks of the pier creaked under his weight as he ventured closer to the edge.
The vast ocean stretched out before him, illuminated by the moonlight. Waves lapped gently against the dock, their rhythmic motion oddly soothing. A worker, clad in a weathered jacket and holding a coil of rope, called out to him.
"Hey, kid! Watch your step. The wind's picking up tonight!"
Sasuke turned, his expression calm and unreadable. His black hair rustled slightly in the breeze, and his dark eyes seemed to pierce through the man.
Without a word, Sasuke formed a series of hand signs with precision. The worker's eyes widened as flames erupted from the boy's mouth, arching over the water in a magnificent display. The fire danced across the surface before dissipating into steam, leaving the air thick with heat and vapor.
The man stared in stunned silence, his jaw slack. "That's... That's one hell of a quirk, kid! Are you planning to become a hero?"
A faint chime echoed in Sasuke's ears. System Notification: New Skill Unlocked.
He looked at his hands, flexing his fingers as though testing the power he now held. Quietly, he muttered, "If more of my abilities surface, it'll be hard to explain them as a single quirk. Most people here only have one or maybe two at best."
The dock worker's voice broke through his thoughts. "So? What's your answer? Hero or what?"
Sasuke's gaze hardened. "I'm not impressed with the current idea of heroes," he said flatly, his tone carrying an edge of disdain.
Turning, he walked away, leaving the worker to watch in bewildered silence. The waves crashed against the pier, and the wind carried Sasuke's quiet resolve with it.
In his mind, thoughts churned. Stain was right. This society of heroes, bloated with pride and hypocrisy, can't inspire me. I'm no hero... nor am I a villain. I have one goal—to find and fight anyone who piques my interest, whether they're a hero or a villain.
He smirked to himself as he disappeared into the shadows of the city. Let the game begin.