Six months had passed in the blink of an eye.
The boys had spent those six months grinding games and binge-watching anime, TV shows and movies. The purpose was simple. They were looking for a character to cosplay as. A rather effective tactic that Ryan had thought up to find the one that 'clicks'.
The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over the room where Ryan and the boys stood. Before them lay the costumes, each choice heavier than it seemed-not just cosplay, but a reflection of their inner journeys.
The silence stretched, each of them lost in thought, weighing their options.
Izuku hesitated, staring at the two costumes in front of him: Tomura Shigaraki and Connor Kenway.
Shigaraki represented something dark-a path Izuku could have taken, a reflection of the person he might have become without the support that had kept him grounded. But Connor Kenway, the revolutionary, symbolized freedom, justice, and the fight for balance without losing oneself.
Ryan stepped forward, reading the conflict in Izuku's expression.
"You see the villain's humanity, and that's good," he said. "But recognizing brokenness doesn't mean accepting it. It means choosing to fight smarter, not blindly."
Izuku swallowed. He took one last glance at the Shigaraki costume... then reached for Connor Kenway.
He had made his choice.
Naruto looked between three costumes: Minato, Vergil, and Nero.
There was an easy choice-the legacy of his father, Minato Namikaze. But Naruto didn't want to be just the Yellow Flash's son. He wanted something more. Something that reflected his own struggle, his own fight to master the darkness within himself.
"I'm picking Vergil," Naruto declared.
Ryan nodded approvingly. "Vergil's strength came from acceptance, not denial. You're not just your father's legacy-you're your own storm."
Naruto grinned. "Exactly."
And just like that, another choice was set in stone.
Eren barely looked at the other options. Future Eren was the only thing that made sense.
He let out a quiet breath, fingers tracing the fabric. "I keep thinking... what if this all just repeats? What if nothing changes?"
Ryan stepped beside him. "The future isn't written yet, Eren. It's clay, and you're holding it in your hands. Mold it differently."
Eren didn't answer at first, but after a moment, he pulled the coat off the rack, slipping it over his shoulders.
He had already decided long before this moment.
Tanjiro examined both costumes carefully-Yoriichi or Kokushibo.
There was no denying Kokushibo's power. His strength was terrifying, unparalleled. But Yoriichi's heart, his kindness, his unwavering soul-that was what mattered most.
"Yoriichi," Tanjiro said simply, nodding.
Ryan smiled. "Strength fades. Heart lasts forever. You chose the one who never lost sight of who he was."
There was no hesitation in Asta's choice. Doom Slayer.
"I love the Doom games," he admitted, grinning. "The Slayer fights for hope, just like I fight for the Clover Kingdom."
Ryan gave a knowing nod. "Hope built on blood still stains your hands. If you want to protect your kingdom, be ready to make the hard choices-but never forget why you fight."
Asta's grin softened, and for a moment, he looked at the costume with a new understanding.
The weight of their choices hung in the air as the boys finished suiting up. But even as they adjusted their costumes, nerves creeping in, the mood started to lighten.
Ryan clapped his hands once. "Alright, you little badasses, you've earned this. Group photo. Let's commemorate the first time you chose who you wanted to become."
The boys blinked.
"A photo?" Naruto echoed. "Like... a team picture?"
Ryan shrugged. "You're a team whether you realize it or not. Might as well act like it."
At first, they argued. Naruto wanted a battle pose, sword out, serious faces. Asta suggested a flexing competition. Izuku, flustered, offered a humble hidden-blade stance like Connor Kenway. Tanjiro just smiled and said he'd go along with whatever made everyone happy.
Finally, they compromised:
Two photos, one serious and the other chaos.
First Photo: Serious
Naruto stood tall, arms folded like Vergil, trying (and failing) not to smirk.
Asta hefted a replica of the super shotgun onto his shoulder, legs braced wide like a Doom Slayer ready for battle.
Tanjiro centered himself calmly, breathing in, channeling Yoriichi's composed grace.
Eren wore a dark, heavy gaze, one that reminded everyone-Future Eren or not-that he would fight for freedom until his dying breath.
Izuku, solemn but proud, crossed his arms with a slight tilt of his head, the ghost of a Connor Kenway pose reflected in his stance.
Ryan snapped the picture.
📸 Click.
It was perfect. They looked like legends in the making.
Second Photo: Chaotic
Naruto immediately jumped onto Eren's back with a wild "YAHOO!" Eren stumbled but caught him with a grumble.
Asta flexed so hard his arms looked twice as big, grinning from ear to ear.
Tanjiro grabbed Izuku and pulled him into a sudden headlock-laugh combo, both of them laughing helplessly.
Izuku still managed to stick out his hidden blade hand mid-laughter.
Even Eren, despite everything, cracked a smile, one hand gripping Naruto's leg in mock-threat.
Ryan snapped the photo right as the whole group collapsed into messy, laughing chaos.
📸 Click.
Albert, standing off to the side, chuckled softly. "Think they're ready?" he asked.
Ryan lowered the camera, looking at the image frozen on the screen-pure joy, pure brotherhood.
He smiled, slow and proud.
"They're getting there," he said.
The sun rose like a blazing gold banner across the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling city below. From the massive convention center to the surrounding streets, crowds swarmed in colorful waves - fans in cosplay, vendors setting up shop, giant banners and holographic displays announcing the start of Anicon, 3150th edition.
Inside their dressing room, the boys made their final adjustments.
Asta tightened the strap on his shoulder plate, his Praetor suit gleaming an angry, battle-worn green. Naruto stretched his arms behind his back, a Vergil-esque blue coat swirling at his heels, the blade at his side catching the light. Tanjiro adjusted the dark red haori over his simple Yoriichi robes, his Nichirin blade tied neatly at his hip. Eren rolled the sleeves of his dark jacket - a replica of Future Eren's worn style - over his forearms, flexing his fingers as if grounding himself. Izuku stood quietly off to the side, the leather gear of Connor Kenway's assassin outfit fitting him perfectly, hood draped low over determined green eyes.
Ryan leaned against the doorway, arms folded, quietly taking them all in.
They were ready.
"Alright, boys," he said, pushing off the wall. "Remember, you're not here just to look cool - though you definitely do," he added with a small smirk. "You're carrying the stories of who you were, who you are, and who you want to become."
A heavy but good kind of silence settled over the room. The weight of it wasn't crushing-it was grounding.
"Now get out there," Ryan said, voice soft but firm. "And show 'em."
The doors opened.
The sound hit them like a wave-cheering, music, laughter. A burst of colorful lights illuminated the entrance as fans flocked to see the new arrivals. Cameras clicked. People gasped. Some stared, whispering in awe at how real the boys' costumes looked, how much they seemed to belong.
The five of them stood at the top of the stairs, shoulder to shoulder.
Asta grinned wide under his helmet.
Tanjiro smiled warmly.
Naruto gave a sharp, confident smirk.
Eren set his jaw with quiet intensity.
Izuku adjusted his hidden blade, heart pounding in his chest.
And together, they descended into the heart of the Anicon.
_______________________________________________________________
The convention floor stretched before them in an endless display of light, energy, and movement. Anicon wasn't just an event-it was a world of its own, a celebration of legends, battles, and untold stories. Massive banners hung from the ceiling, featuring characters from every universe imaginable. Fans bustled from one exhibit to another, their voices rising in excitement as they took in everything the convention had to offer.
The boys stepped forward, and immediately, heads turned.
Their presence was undeniable.
Vergil. Future Eren. Connor Kenway. Doom Slayer. Yoriichi. Madara Uchiha.
Each of them looked the part so perfectly that people stopped in their tracks. Some whispered among themselves, nudging their friends. Others pulled out their phones, cameras flashing.
A few fans, eyes wide, approached them hesitantly.
"Wait-you guys are guests, right?" one asked.
Naruto raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Something like that."
Izuku, a little flustered, rubbed the back of his neck. "We're just cosplaying-uh, I mean, we-"
Before he could finish, another fan cut in. "Can I take a picture with you guys?"
And just like that, the group was surrounded.
Phones lifted. Fans posed beside them. Some mistook them for professional cosplayers, asking them where their official panels were. Others praised their attention to detail, admiring how they had fully embodied their characters.
Ryan crossed his arms, watching with mild amusement. "You guys might as well be actual guests of honor at this point."
Further inside the convention, towering LED screens flashed scenes of battle-cosplayers dueling in dramatic fashion.
The Combat Demonstration Arena was where warriors clashed, where costumes transformed into something more than fabric and props.
Here, participants engaged in scripted fights, their weapons clashing under bright stage lights, each duel choreographed for maximum spectacle.
The boys watched from the sidelines as a Saber cosplayer battled a Gilgamesh, their swords clashing in mid-air, golden sparks flying.
"Yo," Asta said, nudging Naruto, "we should sign up for this."
Naruto grinned. "You wanna see Doom Slayer versus Vergil?"
"Uh, yeah."
Eren smirked. "I'd pay to see that."
Ryan shook his head. "Let's not give the convention staff a heart attack."
Still, watching the fights play out was electrifying-the crowd roared as two Jedi dueled on the stage against a Sith lord, their lightsabers humming.
Beyond the battle arena stood the Legends Hall, a dimly lit, immersive exhibit showcasing the greatest stories in pop culture history and their creators.
Each section was devoted to a different universe, be it an anime or a series and even books.
Huge holographic projections displayed the rise of iconic heroes and the fall of infamous villains. Life-sized statues of characters stood on pedestals, their stories written across glowing plaques.
Eren paused as they entered, his gaze lingering on a massive mural.
It was a display of monumental moments-Luffy's declaration of the Pirate King, Goku's first Super Saiyan transformation, the fall of Lelouch vi Britannia, the final battle of Link and Ganondorf, the final standoff of Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort, a potrait of the Shibuya Incident.
And at the center, one image stood out-himself.
Future Eren, on the head of his founding titan as the wall titans lined up beside him on both sides.
The portrait was striking. It captured every detail-his exhausted expression, the weight in his eyes, the shadows beneath them that spoke of everything he had lost and everything he had done.
For a long moment, he simply stared.
Ryan walked up beside him. "Looks like you made history."
Eren didn't answer immediately. But his eyes darkened slightly.
"...Yeah."
Bright neon lights flickered around the next section of the convention-the VR Simulation Zone.
Fans lined up to step into virtual worlds, strapping on headsets and immersing themselves into different universes-battles, adventures, even horror simulations.
One booth advertised a Titan battle experience, where players could don ODM gear and take on massive creatures in a full-motion simulator.
Another had a Spartan training session, simulating combat from the Halo franchise.
Izuku's eyes sparkled as he noticed a booth offering a hidden blade simulation-a full Assassin's Creed parkour challenge with a point meter to compare the better assassin.
"This-this looks incredible!" he said, practically vibrating.
Naruto smirked. "Wanna relive Connor's life?"
Izuku nodded furiously. "Yes. Absolutely."
They signed up for different simulations, laughing as Asta ended up in Doom's Hellscape, chainsaw in hand, while Tanjiro tested out an intense sword-fighting mechanics simulator.
Further down the halls, booths were overflowing with merchandise-anime figures, rare collectibles, custom artwork.
The boys wandered through the aisles, admiring hand-painted wall scrolls, limited-edition prints, detailed sculptures of their favorite characters.
At one booth, Izuku nearly screamed upon seeing an ultra-rare collectible-a Golden Age All Might statue, made in plastic but with a golden covering.
"I NEED IT," he whispered, eyes wide.
Naruto checked the price before showing it to Izuku. "...You don't need it, man."
Izuku's soul left his body.
Eren casually browsed Attack on Titan fan art when he suddenly froze.
His gaze landed on a print.
Him. And Mikasa.
Standing together-not in battle, not in chaos-but simply existing, at peace.
For a long moment, he just stared.
Tanjiro noticed. "Are you going to get it?"
Eren hesitated. Then nodded.
"...Yeah."
Throughout the convention, large panel stages hosted discussions from voice actors, authors, and industry legends.
Fans crowded the seats, listening to pre-recorded videos where the creators shared the behind-the-scenes stories of how their favorite worlds came to life.
Ryan pointed toward a panel with the title "Creating the Perfect Rival."
Naruto grinned. "Bet it's just a full session on Vergil."
Asta nodded. "Sounds about right."
The boys lingered near a panel discussing the psychology of legendary protagonists, listening to speakers break down the depth of character development in stories like Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Fate.
Izuku was taking notes furiously, no surprise there. Old habits die hard.
Ryan laughed. "Dude, this isn't class."
Izuku ignored him, fully focused.
The day passed in a blur-battles, panels, simulations, meet-ups. But the one thing that remained constant was the pure energy of Anicon.
Everywhere they walked, fans stopped them, asked for pictures, marveled at their cosplays. Some even mistook them for professional guests, praising how they had fully embodied their characters.
For a moment-just a fleeting moment-it felt less like they were playing roles, and more like they were truly stepping into these legendary figures.
Ryan watched them with a rare soft smile.
"They're not just growing stronger," he thought.
"They're becoming who they were meant to be."
The energy inside the convention center buzzed through the air like static. Everywhere they looked, fans in elaborate costumes laughed, posed for photos, or raced toward the next panel. The boys walked together for a while, drinking it all in.
It wasn't long before Izuku's steps slowed.
He stood frozen in front of an artist's booth. There, proudly displayed on a large canvas, was a beautiful fanart of him - unmistakably him - and Ochako Uraraka, both dressed in full wedding attire. Ochako in a shimmering white gown, laughing as she held a bouquet; Izuku in a sharp tuxedo, a bashful smile lighting up his face.
The others circled back when they noticed he wasn't with them.
Naruto leaned over his shoulder and grinned like a fox.
"Oi, Izuku~... is that you and your special someone?"
Asta elbowed him lightly. "You're even blushing just like in the picture!"
Even Tanjiro couldn't help a gentle chuckle. "You do make a good groom, Midoriya."
Eren simply crossed his arms, smirking. "Didn't know we were crashing a wedding today."
Izuku rubbed the back of his neck furiously, trying to laugh it off.
"I mean-y-yeah, I do kinda like her... b-but seeing it like this is still weird!" he admitted. His voice cracked a little at the end.
Naruto threw an arm around his shoulder. "Relax, dude! One day, when you do marry her, you can say fans predicted it first!"
That only made Izuku groan louder.
They kept teasing him a little longer - but it stayed light, affectionate. The kind of teasing that made Izuku feel warm instead of embarrassed.
Just as the laughter started to die down, Ryan's voice crackled.
"By the way, boys - I may or may not have signed you up for the cosplay contest later today. You're welcome."
All five froze before turning to face their Sensei.
"WHAT?!" Asta yelled loud enough for heads to turn.
Ryan chuckled before dissappearing in the crowd.
There was a beat of stunned silence... then, collective resigned groaning.
"Alright, alright," Tanjiro said, smiling with quiet patience. "We'll meet backstage in a few hours, right?"
Everyone nodded - and just like that, they split up, each pulled toward different corners of the grand Anicon halls.
Izuku wandered a little deeper into the merchandise zone, lingering at booths that showcased historical heroism. One display even had a real 18th-century American flag and models of the Assassin Brotherhood from the old legends that inspired games.
As he leaned over a detailed figurine of Connor Kenway, he felt an odd peace settle over him.
Choosing Connor felt right.
A man who fought not for blind patriotism, but for real, difficult freedom. A man who often went unseen, misunderstood by both sides-yet kept walking forward.
Izuku smiled faintly under his hood.
He wasn't trying to be the symbol anymore. He just wanted to be himself. Someone who helped, even if no one ever fully understood him.
Eren drifted into a quieter corner of the con, one designed to celebrate anime about war, sacrifice, and hope.
That's where he spotted them.
A small family - the father dressed impeccably as Levi, the mother as a cheerful Hange, and their little girl, no older than five, shyly clinging to her dad's leg in a tiny Mikasa scarf.
Eren watched them for a long moment.
The father knelt down, adjusting the scarf on the girl with a patience and gentleness that caught Eren's chest like a hook.
The mother laughed warmly when the girl tried to salute like a proper soldier.
A tiny five-year-old girl dressed as Mikasa Ackerman. Scout Regiment cloak flowing behind her.
Red scarf wrapped tightly and lovingly around her neck.
Not gonna lie, it was really convincing.
She blinked up at Eren, tilting her head.
Then she tugged her mother's sleeve excitedly. "Mama, it's Eren!"
Eren stiffened - stunned - but managed a small, genuine smile. He knelt slightly to meet her eye level. "You... really pulled off Mikasa," he said softly. The little girl beamed, holding up a tiny foam training sword proudly.
"I'll protect you!" she declared, voice full of fierce innocence.
Eren let out a soft breath, the kind he hadn't realised he was holding.
"Yeah," he murmured. "That sounds about right."
Behind her, the parents exchanged amused looks.
The Levi dad smirked. "She's been saying she'll 'keep Eren safe' all day," he said dryly.
The Hange mom chuckled warmly. "Honestly, she's more committed than half the adults here."
The little girl nodded seriously, lifting her toy sword again.
"No Titans allowed!"
Eren couldn't help it-he laughed. Really laughed. It was small, quiet, but it was real. He reached out gently and tapped her foam blade with two fingers.
"I think you're gonna be really strong one day," he said, voice thick with something he didn't dare name.
The girl grinned wide, flashing all her baby teeth.
"Just like Mikasa!"
The parents gathered her up, and the family started to walk away, weaving back into the colorful Anicon crowd.
But just before they disappeared, the little girl looked back.
She tugged at her red scarf with one hand, staring at Eren with huge, earnest eyes. Then, with a voice full of pure, unshakable devotion, she called out:
"I'll always protect you, Eren!"
Eren stood there, frozen.
The world blurred around him-crowds, sounds, the colorful chaos. For just one breathless second, all he could feel was that small voice anchoring him to something beautiful.
And then she was gone, skipping away with her parents, leaving Eren standing still, smiling in a way he hadn't smiled in years.
Eren felt something deep and wordless bloom inside him as he watched the family go on their merry way to enjoy what the event had left to offer.
Maybe someday...
Maybe someday he could have something like that too.
For the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to believe it.
A crowd roared around one cosplayer posed dramatically; a near-perfect Nero from Devil May Cry. Naruto wandered toward a corner set up for cosplayer photoshoots. A photographer waved him over excitedly - and Naruto figured, why not?
Standing tall, he slipped fully into Vergil mode. Face stoic. Back straight. Yamato replica sheathed at his side. Every inch of him screamed cold, deadly elegance.
Beside him, a Nero cosplayer - decked out in a perfect red jacket and mechanical Devil Bringer arm - stepped into frame. They nodded silently at each other, both exuding flawless composed energy.
The camera flashed.
Then, out of absolutely nowhere - a Dante cosplayer launched into the frame mid-flip.
Mid-air.
Holding a slice of pizza.
Striking a ridiculous, exaggerated "thumbs up" pose.
The camera captured it perfectly - Naruto and Nero, grim and statuesque... and Dante just flying through the air like the world's biggest clown.
Naruto's phone buzzed with the quick-send photo.
He checked it.
And just-froze.
For a second, his perfectly crafted stoic mask cracked, mouth twitching like he couldn't decide whether to scream or laugh.
The Nero cosplayer couldn't hold it anymore - they burst out laughing, nearly doubling over.
The Dante cosplayer (who, just like Naruto physically, looked about 12 years old) landed lightly, flashing a cocky grin, pizza slice still in hand.
He threw an arm around Naruto's shoulders like they were lifelong partners in crime.
"C'mon, little bro, lighten up!" he said, voice full of teasing warmth, and some cheese dripping out of the side from the pizza he just stuffed his mouth with.
Naruto exhaled through his nose, deadpan. "...Pathetic," he muttered, quoting Vergil's iconic line perfectly.
But deep down?
He couldn't stop the small smile tugging at his lips.
The moment was dumb, chaotic - and somehow, exactly what he needed.
Each solo act that came before had its merits-flashes of creativity, bold costumes, enthusiastic cheers. Some contestants delivered heartfelt performances, while others relied on sheer presence to captivate the crowd. But when Ryan's group was called, everything changed.
The lights dimmed. The stage emptied. And the real show began.
The spotlight snapped on-a single beam, center stage. Eren stood there in his long coat, head lowered, fists clenched. Not a sound.
Then-
"Tatakae."
One word. Spoken clearly. Echoing through the hall like prophecy.
The crowd didn't cheer immediately. They froze. The weight of that single word settled into their bones-its meaning, its history, the power behind it.
Ryan looked nat the holo-watch on his wrist, waiting how long till the fan...
"KYAAAAAAAA"
There it is.
Detonation. Thunderous applause, chills rippling down every spine in the room. Fans erupted, fists pumping in the air, shouting his name.
Eren turned slowly, walking offstage as if pulled by fate, never looking back. The moment was sealed in history.
Next came the thud of heavy boots.
Asta emerged onto the stage, clad in gleaming Praetor Suit-helm on, grinning face hidden. His presence was terrifyingly still, a stark contrast to the energy of the previous performers.
He didn't move. Didn't speak. Only the sound of his heavy breathing-measured, controlled, ominous and loud.
Then, slowly his head turned to face the host who had just neared the mic onto his visor, supposedly where the mouth should be. Everyone waited, expecting a word or two. Silence ensued.
Then,
CLICK.
He cocked the Super Shotgun with mechanical finality.
The host, standing nearby, yelped and staggered back.
The audience? Absolutely lost it.
Shouts, cheers, sheer awe swept through the room. Asta didn't react-he simply turned, walking away slow and dangerous, radiating pure Doom Slayer menace.
The announcer, still visibly shaken, cleared their throat.
"Um... yeah. He wins."
The music shifted-strings and drums swelling with cinematic tension.
Izuku stepped forward, cloaked in Connor Kenway's pristine coat, his hidden blade at his side. His presence commanded attention, posture sharp, eyes gleaming beneath the hood's shadow.
Then, with calm precision, he began to speak voice crisp, low and tone slightly nasal and bored.
"There is no escaping the fight ahead. The battle for freedom begins now."
Every word landed like steel on stone, carrying the weight of revolution.
Then, he reached up slowly, gripping his hood-
And pulled it back.
His eyes were fierce. Alive. Unshaken.
Gasps rippled through the audience. Screams of recognition followed. The moment hit-the transformation from Connor's hidden warrior to the revealed, determined hero was flawless.
The applause that followed was deafening as the stage darkened.
Then-a single drumbeat.
Tanjiro stepped forward, draped in Yoriichi's crimson haori, katana resting in his grip. He took a slow breath.
Then-flames ignited. Not real fire-projection effects, but they moved like sunlight itself, flickering, flowing, wrapping around his form.
Then he began.
"Sun Breathing: First Form - Dance."
A flash of light, a fluid arc, a movement so precise it resembled an art form.
"Second Form - Clear Blue Sky."
Twin strikes-an aerial spiral of golden fire.
"Third Form - Raging Sun."
He stomped, slashed down, and the floor ignited like dawn breaking.
Each motion built upon the last, a perfect sequence. The crowd sat frozen, barely breathing.
Then came the final motion-
"Thirteenth Form."
Silence.
Tanjiro lowered his blade, held his stance-not for show, but for meaning. His energy honored someone long gone, protected someone still living.
The audience was motionless. Then, a wave of emotion crashed over the room, bringing thunderous applause, standing ovations-some wiping tears away.
It was beyond a performance.
It was a story told without words.
Finally-Naruto.
His Vergil cosplay shimmered with silver and blue as he stood perfectly still, exuding effortless confidence.
Then-he unsheathed Yamato in one fluid motion, the blade gleaming under the lights.
His gaze lifted slightly.
Then-he turned to the crowd and said:
"You are not worthy as my opponent."
He smirked faintly, spun the blade once, then sheathed it without looking, turning away.
Cue the roar of fans screaming "VERGIL!!!" and "IS THAT NARUTO???"
The boys laughed and panted, adrenaline rushing as they regrouped backstage. Asta fist-bumped Izuku, Tanjiro wiped sweat from his brow, Eren stood quietly, still hearing the echo of "Tatakae" in the crowd's roar.
Naruto was already checking social media for clips.
Then-
"And now... our final contestant for the solo category."
They froze.
"Wait, what?" Izuku blinked. "Final?"
"Didn't Ryan say we were last?" Naruto frowned.
"Who's next?" Asta tilted his head.
Then-the lights dimmed.
Thunder cracked across the ceiling.
An ominous red moon rose on the massive screen above.
The crowd hushed.
Then-a tall figure stepped onto the stage.
Long silver hair. Cold red eyes. Deep violet robes. Uchiha war fan and black scythe blazing across his back.
Madara Uchiha.
The boys snapped toward the screen.
"...No way," Tanjiro whispered.
"IS THAT RYAN?!" Naruto shouted.
Then-
"Wake up to reality," Ryan intoned, his voice low, chilling, absolute.
"Nothing ever goes as planned in this accursed world..."
Every word struck like a hammer.
His Rinnegan contact lenses flashed.
His Susanoo cloak erupted behind him-holographic, perfect, towering.
His presence filled the stage, radiating a second heartbeat across the stadium.
The crowd went feral.
Backstage, Naruto fell backward into a beanbag. "HE DIDN'T EVEN TELL US?!"
Eren narrowed his eyes. "That was... chilling."
Asta muttered, "...He is Madara right now."
Izuku shook his head, stunned. "He didn't perform. He became him."
Ryan walked offstage to the sound of a standing ovation-completely stone-faced.
Then, backstage again, he dropped the act-
And smirked at the boys.
"What? You didn't think I'd let you have all the fun."
Later, after the contest, Ryan and the boys were sitting in a comic-style cafe as they waited for their respective orders. For a moment, they just sat in comfortable silence as they reminisced about the cosplaying contest.
" I can't believe we lost the contest," started Naruto, as he slumped deeper into his chair. " After all that practice in front of the mirror to get Vergil's voice just right. "
Asta chuckled. " Yeah," he said, " but compared to the ones that actually did win, I'd say everybody else was fighting second place. "
According to the regulations of the contest, appearences were done either solo or as a group of upto five different people. However, they would all be judged together by the same panel of judges.
The last perfomance was a bunch of friends who dressed up like professional Japanese VAs and boy did they deliver.
"Still feels weird watching someone do my voice," said Eren.
Barely could Naruto reply when a group of nearby fans cautiously approached, clutching merch bags and shaking with excitement.
"Uh, sorry to bother you," one asked, eyes wide. "But we have to know... who wins in a fight? Prime All Might or Multi-Quirk Deku?"
Izuku blinked. "Oh! That's... wow, okay." He sat up straighter, eyes already glowing with energy. "Well, if we look at All Might during his peak U.S.J. era, his raw power output was easily unmatched. But Deku has tactical flexibility and multiple Quirks to compensate for brute force. Float gives aerial advantage, Smokescreen can neutralize vision, and Danger Sense allows for predictive counters-"
Ten minutes in, the whole café had gone dead silent.
Every customer was leaning in, even some of the cooks and the cashier were paying attention now.
Asta had his chin in his hand, fascinated. Naruto had stopped slurping his smoothie. Even the Dante cosplayer, the one who photobombed Naruto's picture with Nero, at the next table was nodding, impressed.
It wasn't a conversation anymore-it was a seminar.
Finally, Izuku paused and rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly aware of the crowd. "B-but I guess... with All Might's experience and my adaptability, it'd be a hard call. Probably comes down to terrain and emotional stakes, to be honest."
A long beat passed.
Naruto whooped. "YES! Nerd power wins again!"
Ryan chuckled behind his tea, while Eren whispered to Tanjiro, "What's a Quirk again?"
As the laughter from Izuku's accidental TED Talk settled, a waiter in a Loki-themed apron approached their table, balancing a hover-tray stacked with orders. She flipped open her tablet and grinned.
"Alright, let's see if I nailed the most chaotic table of the night. Call me out if I butcher a title, yeah?"She cleared her throat dramatically, tapping the tray.
"Presenting: The Justice League + Avengers Café Special!"
"One Hulk-Smash Jalapeño Cheeseburger with Ghost Rider Inferno Sauce-because someone here looks like he headbutts lava and wins."
Asta flexed. "You get me."
"One Captain America Apple Pie Ă la Torch-warm, classic, and served with a flame. Because you scream 'old soul' and 'national treasure.'"
Tanjiro blushed. "I... I do like pie."
"One Flash-Speed Nacho Tower with Bat-Signal Dip. Guaranteed to vanish in 60 seconds or less-just like your attention span."
Naruto gave a thumbs-up. "Challenge accepted."
"One Stark Industries Protein Shake-'With Great Power Comes Banana Flavor.' Packed with vitamins, and unnecessarily nerdy."
Izuku took it reverently. "Tony would've approved."
"One Deadpool Chimichanga Platter-served broodingly. Comes with a side of existential crisis and no napkins."
Eren stared for a beat. "...Fair."
Finally, she turned to Ryan, giving a playful smirk:
"And last but definitely not least...
One Doctor Doom's Dark Roast-black as your sense of humor, bitter as your past, and somehow still elegant."
Ryan raised his cup like a toast. "Perfection."
She placed everything down with flair and stepped back.
"Enjoy, you multiversal icons. If you need anything else, we're also serving Luthor Lemonade, Kraven Kalamari, Cyclops Chicken, and Wanda's Scarlet Waffles."
The group erupted into laughter again, the warmth of the moment grounding them after such an eventful day.
On the pod back to the Mydent Mansion, everyone was deep in thought.
The city lights of Anicon's host world faded behind them, replaced by the quiet hum of the pod and the soft glow of stars overhead.
For a long while, no one spoke.
Asta leaned back with his arms crossed, the faintest smirk on his face. "...Still can't believe they beat us with voice acting."
Naruto grunted. "Bro, did you see the guy who did Tsuda's Dio voice? I almost peed."
Eren's eyes were distant, the little Mikasa's voice still echoing in his head. "We'll get them next time."
Tanjiro smiled softly, watching the stars through the glass. "It wasn't about winning."
Izuku nodded, still sipping his Tony Stark shake. "We weren't there to be the best. We were there to be ourselves."
Ryan, seated across from them, finally looked up from his cup. "You were more than that."
The boys glanced over.
Ryan continued, voice calm, but firm.
"You didn't just dress up as characters-you became them. You owned your stories. Faced your ghosts. And most importantly... you made people feel something. That's rarer than any trophy."
The silence that followed was full of something profound.
Gratitude. Growth. Pride.
Then Naruto broke it.
"So what you're saying is... we won the moral victory?"
Asta groaned. "Lame."
"Valid," Tanjiro added.
Izuku blinked. "Still counts..."
Ryan sighed and took a sip of his coffee. "I walked into that one."
Everyone laughed-light, full, easy.
For the first time since they'd arrived in Ryan's world, it felt like the boys had finally taken a step not as students... but as something more.
As themselves.
The common room was alive with post-convention energy.
Naruto was balancing a fake kunai on his nose while regaling Tanjiro with an exaggerated tale about challenging a Samurai Batman to a ramen-eating contest. Asta sat cross-legged on the floor, polishing his limited-edition Doom Slayer helmet with such intensity that even Albert, the mansion's AI, had commented on his "concerning emotional attachment." Izuku furiously scribbled notes into a glowing con-journal. Eren, as ever, nursed a mug of cocoa in silence, his gaze fixed on the flickering fireplace.
Ryan leaned against the wall near the door, unbuttoning his coat, a small smile tugging at the edge of his lips. For once, everything felt quiet. Normal.
Then he heard it-a soft, deliberate clink.
A tea cup settling gently onto porcelain.
Ryan froze.
"Ginger, lemon, lime," a deep voice mused from across the room. "Perfect blend. Just like I taught your AI."
Ryan's heart sank like a stone in a still lake.
No. Not tonight.
Slowly, every head in the room turned.
Seated in the high-backed chair beside the fire was a silver-haired man in a crisp black travel coat. His posture was immaculate, the porcelain cup held like a scepter. There was a precision to him-an unsettling calm that could silence a war room.
Andreas Aloysius Mydent III had arrived.
"Had so much fun at your little anime convention, did you?" Andreas said, not bothering to look up. "You forgot about dear old Grandfather, who dutifully changed your diapers while Mommy and Daddy were off saving the economy?"
The room went completely still.
Eren was the first to speak, eyes narrowing. "Albert," he said, "why is there an intruder in the house?"
" The better question, young man," started the individual, raising his left and and rolling down the sleeve to stare at a nonexistent watch" would be how i avoided all your senses in the past 15 or so minutes, don't you think? "
Albert, ever serene, replied through the intercom, "I am restricted from taking protective action against any individual with valid Mydent family clearance. Intrusion status: authorized."
Five heads snapped in unison toward Ryan.
"Hold up. Family?" Naruto blurted.
"You never mentioned you had a grandfather," Izuku added, eyes wide.
"He's... very distinguished-looking," Tanjiro offered politely, though he clutched his haori tighter, sensing danger.
"He just roasted you and your whole bloodline, bro," Asta muttered.
Ryan sighed, straightening up and brushing off invisible lint from his sleeves. The moment was ruined.
"Everyone," he said with practiced calm, "meet Andreas Aloysius Mydent the Third. My paternal grandfather. And the primary reason I avoid family holidays."
Andreas raised his teacup in mock salute. "Charmed."
Eren rolled his eyes. "The aristocrats always show up when the plot thickens."
Naruto elbowed Ryan. "So let me get this straight. You're rich and you ditched this guy to take us to Anicon? Bold."
Andreas's gaze swept over them like a librarian evaluating a noisy group of children in the restricted section.
"I see you've recruited... a diversity of genres."
Ryan rubbed his temples. "Can we please get through one week without someone from my past dramatically appearing in front of the fireplace?"