MHA: UltraMan

"Hey, Jacky," a soft voice called out, gentle and familiar.

Jackson turned, his gaze landing on a girl with hair split perfectly down the middle—half red, half white. It shimmered under the light, the hues blending with an ethereal glow. Her eyes sparkled, touched by a gentle, ember-like purple that danced playfully as she looked at him.

"Yeah?" he responded, his voice softening instinctively.

"You know," she began, her voice tinged with quiet determination, "one day, I want to make kids smile with my music."

A grin broke across her face, bright and full of life, her eyes gleaming with unfiltered joy. It was the kind of smile that could light up any room, the kind that made the world feel lighter.

Jackson couldn't help but smile back, her infectious energy washing over him. "Aw, Uta, your music's beautiful. I'm sure it could brighten anyone's day."

She tilted her head, a playful glint dancing in her gaze. "If you're ever feeling down… I'll sing for you. Just for you. Promise."

His chest tightened, warmth flooding his heart. He let out a chuckle, his voice softening. "I'll definitely take you up on that."

Jason's eyes flew open, his chest rising and falling as the dream's warmth lingered, wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. He stared at the ceiling, the memory vivid and alive, Uta's voice echoing in his mind.

He pushed himself up, the bed's weight resisting before finally letting him go. A yawn escaped his lips as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, blinking at the morning light seeping through the window. Reaching for his phone on the nightstand, the screen lit up, its blue glow illuminating his face.

His wallpaper stared back at him—a photo frozen in time. On the left, a blond-haired, blue-eyed boy with a beaming smile—himself, carefree and young. Beside him stood a girl with that unmistakable half-red, half-white hair, tied up in an adorably playful style. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she threw up a double peace sign, her grin as radiant as he remembered.

His lips curled into a tender smile. Uta. His best friend since kindergarten. They'd faced every grade, every obstacle, side by side, all the way to S.H.I.E.L.D Academy. Even after earning her hero license, she pursued her dream of spreading joy through music, determined to make the world smile.

His thumb hovered over her image, a familiar warmth spreading through his chest. But the moment shattered as notifications flooded the screen. Do Not Disturb… right. His eyes widened at the barrage of messages from his mom. Heart skipping, he hurriedly typed out apologies, answering each of her questions before finally locking his phone.

He went through his morning routine—brushing his teeth, a hot shower to wash away the remnants of sleep, and stretches to shake off the drowsiness. Without a place of his own yet, the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier served as his makeshift home. It was cold, impersonal, but it would do for now.

Gwen ran a quick check on him, her sharp eyes scanning the data. "Looks like you actually got some rest this time," she noted, a hint of approval in her voice.

Jackson grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, trying to take care of myself… like you said."

Satisfied, Gwen gave him a nod. "Good. You're cleared for duty. Don't make me regret it."

He chuckled. "I won't."

Excitement buzzed through him as he made his way to the briefing room. The air was thick with tension, agents filling the space, their faces a mixture of anticipation and focus. In the center, a hologram of a luxury cruise ship hovered, rotating slowly, its intricate design displayed in perfect detail.

The room dimmed as Director Fury entered, his presence commanding instant attention, with Maria Hill close on his heels.

"Listen up!" Fury's voice cut through the murmur, sharp and unwavering.

Jackson slipped into the back, his posture straightening, eyes locked on the hologram.

"We have an ongoing operation regarding a robbery on this cruise ship," Fury announced, his hand reaching out to the hologram. With a flick, the image expanded, revealing the ship's detailed interior. "Our agents are already on board, working undercover."

The hologram shifted, revealing a massive figure—a hulking, blue-and-white creature with muscular limbs and a head shaped like a shark. Its jagged teeth gleamed as it moved.

"This is King Shark," Fury continued, his voice steady. "He's been dodging capture by diving deep into the ocean."

His gaze zeroed in on Jackson, eyes unyielding. "UltraMan, you're taking down the big guy."

Jackson's heart thudded in his chest as he jumped to his feet, his expression hardening with determination. "Understood."

"Meanwhile, Black Widow and Hawkeye will secure the civilians and handle the rest of the crew." Fury's gaze swept across the room. "Everyone's counting on you. Don't mess it up."

Fury's eyes locked on Jackson once more, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Jackson! Suit up."

Jackson burst from the room, his feet pounding against the floor as he weaved through bustling agents. His breaths came quick, his heart thundering in his chest. He skidded to a stop on the platform, the air around him tingling with energy.

Robotic arms sprang to life, moving with mechanical precision. Cold metal plates snapped into place one after another, encasing him in layers of sleek armor. The familiar weight settled over his body, grounding him, anchoring his resolve.

The helmet descended, locking with a sharp hiss. Darkness swallowed him for a heartbeat before the HUD flickered to life, neon displays illuminating his vision. He flexed his fingers, feeling the energy ripple through him, his power humming beneath the armor's surface. His fists clenched, metal creaking under his tightening grip.

Above, the ceiling hatch slid open, revealing the endless sky. Jackson's pulse quickened, anticipation buzzing through his veins. He closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself, feeling the energy build within. It surged through his limbs, weightless and electric.

His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly as his body lifted off the ground. The air seemed to bend around him, gravity loosening its hold. He rose effortlessly, floating upward as if the sky were calling him.

Then, with a burst of energy, he shot through the opening, wind rushing past his armor. A trail of shimmering light followed in his wake as he soared into the vast expanse, his heart pounding with the thrill of flight.