Relatively short chapter this time around. Rather than have nothing at all for a break towards the next arc, I chose to instead have a short little transition chapter to lead us into the next big story event. So for now, this is just a sweet little segment to move things along. I will see you all again in a couple weeks when we get started on the Sports Festival arc.

"Honey, are you sure that you don't want to call in sick tomorrow?"

Kaori sighed with shut eyes as she stared ahead at the TV in their living room while her mother continued to clean the dishes from that night's supper. It had been pretty much this scenario ever since she had gotten home due to her mother hearing about the attack on the news.

And it was starting to give her a headache.

"Mom, I already explained this. Aside from Mr. Aizawa and 13, everyone else came out alright. Plus those calling off classes would just prove to the Villains that attacked that they actually had some sort of effect. Giving them that sort of confidence would just encourage further attempts. And next time it could be more actual threats than street thugs like there was this time."

"…" Kaori's mother was silent for a few moments while she finished putting away a pair of plates. "…I know, honey, believe me. I still remember the way your father would describe some of his jobs and why they had to approach things the way they did. But that doesn't make me any less uncomfortable to the knowledge that someday it will be you in those scenarios. You're all still just children, after all. Shouldn't that count for anything?"

"Not when the Villains are just as okay with attacking us as they are the adults. We HAVE to be prepared in case something happens and we don't have the protection of people like All Might or Eraserhead to watch over us." Kaori stared ahead at the blank screen of the television screen, her head still facing away from her mother.

"…I just hope none of your classmates ever had to deal with the sorts of things we have. It's not all glory to be a Hero like most believe."

"…Even if they didn't know before, I'm sure they know now…" Kaori's voice petered off as she curled her legs up to her chest atop the couch she was currently resting on.

"After an incident like this, I should hope so."

"…Because I told them about what happened to dad."

The two of them spoke at once, Kaori's mother turning to face her daughter in surprise before turning back to continue cleaning the remaining dishes.

"I will admit…I'm surprised." Her mother stated plainly after a long stretch of silence. Kaori was silent as she continued to look ahead from the couch. "What prompted this sudden change in attitude?"

"…Honestly…I'm still not entirely sure myself…" Kaori replied, barely loud enough for her mother to hear.

"That seems like an odd reason to admit to your father being a former Pro. I remember what you were like during elementary after everything happened. You ended up shutting everyone except a small group of your classmates out because you didn't want to talk about Heroes anymore. And suddenly now, barely a week into your lessons at U.A., you've chosen to tell everyone your secret. I'm not certain whether to be proud or concerned."

"…It wasn't meant to be the entire class at first, just a couple classmates I've bonded with since the first day. One of them was even someone I'd met during the Entrance Exam. But one thing led to another, and everyone overheard who my dad was. I couldn't really hide it after that."

"…And?" Her mother's question caused Kaori to turn around and face her with a confused look.

"And what? I don't understand the question."

"How did your classmates react?"

"Honestly," Kaori started before looking out the nearby window with a thoughtful look on her face. "Not as strongly as I expected them to. I figured someone was going to burst out oud claiming that I was lying and there was no way I could be the kid of a Hero, but I guess I also have to remember that these aren't my elementary classmates anymore. Despite their ages, most of the people at U.A. are incredibly mature for their ages save for a few instances here and there."

"Well that's a relief, at least." Her mother stated before turning back to finish putting away the dishes. "I wasn't sure how you would react to their responses depending on how things went this time around, so hearing that it went relatively smoothly is good. My only concern is, why now of all times?"

"I think…" Kaori paused as she turned around completely and rested her head on her crossed arms over the back of the couch. "…I think it's because of what had just happened. I was able to fight past my fears and protect myself and a classmate from some of the attackers, and I felt like I actually had the courage to admit the truth after trying to pretend it didn't matter. But after also seeing the injuries that Mr. Aizawa and 13 had sustained trying to protect us…it just felt like the appropriate time to admit it."

"Well, regardless of how it happened, I'm glad that you were finally able to shake off some of your fears, sweetheart."

"That's just it though, mom. They're still there." Kaori admitted as she placed a hand over her heart. "Even though I was able to fight, I was still scared out of my mind about what could have happened if I messed up. I don't know if I could handle another incident like that if it were to happen again soon."

"Then let's just hope that the staff at U.A. holds up their promise about bolstering their defenses, huh?"

"I doubt they would be willing to let something sloppy happen after all the attention the media is likely going to throw their way." Kaori practically spat out as a frown took over her face.

Her mother sighed as she put away the dishtowels before moving to sit by her daughter on the couch and place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know how you feel about the media. But it's also their job to report on what happens."

"Couldn't they do it without trying to nitpick everything the Heroes do though?!" Kaori replied with an exasperated sigh. "Even Heroes like All Might aren't perfect, and yet they act like this was a huge tragedy on U.A.'s part when they couldn't have done anything about it!"

"That's just the way they are, dear. I doubt they'll change anytime soon considering this was more or less what they were like back when your father started being a Hero as well."

"Well, it's stupid. I just wish they could focus more on the good the Heroes do rather than all of the mistakes that are made."

"That's why people like you exist, Kaori." Her head turned with a renewed look of confusion at her mother's statement. "You are one of the people that are inspired by the things they do, rather than focus on the harm they can't prevent or try to mitigate. And as long as people like you exist, the opinions of the media won't matter quite as much, now will they?"

"No…I guess not." Kaori smiled softly as she leaned over to give her mother a hug. "Thanks, mom. You always know what to say."

"Years of practice, sweetheart. Years of practice."