Chapter Text
“The number one hero in America is still missing. If you’ve heard anything or have any information, please conta-”
Click.
“All Might was spotted today helping civilians escape from a villain with a fire quirk. In just-”
Click.
“We’ve heard all about your career, now we’re really interested in hearing more about your personal life. What can you tell us about-”
Click.
You let out a sigh at the sudden silence. It was odd hearing everything in a different language, but you’d spent years studying so that you could come to Japan one day. You thought it’d be under better circumstances, but life seemed to have a different plan for you.
Your gaze slid around the empty apartment you called home. It’d been months since the move. You hadn’t bothered settling in though, realizing that each momento you had would put you and those you cared about in more danger. It felt barren, white walls and plain furniture.
Part of you didn’t even feel like the same person anymore, despite still going by your birth name. Your whole world had flipped upside down so quickly. You weren’t sure if you were more angry or sad.
You didn’t have time to mope, however, as the time on your phone showed it to be nearly 7:00 am. You were going to be late for your first day of work.
A smile tugged at your lips. UA High School had a big reputation, and you were excited to be joining their staff for the time being. It’d been part of the relocation process. They thought of choosing a lower profile job, but what better way to hide than in plain sight?
He’d never know you were here, and until you could devise a plan to catch him, you would be safe.
There was a pep in your step that had been missing for weeks now. You felt like you had a purpose again, your hands twitching with the thought of using your quirk. There wasn’t much of a chance to be able to use it since you’d left America, and it became apparent that using your quirk would draw too many questions. So, when you left, you’d settled on a new profile.
You hummed at the thought of it.
The train was quiet this early in the morning, allowing you to ponder what the students would be like. Entertaining, for sure. They were the future of heroes, after all. None would recognize you, they’d think you were some unknown pro from America.
You could live with it.
Especially considering your quirk was now water manipulation, instead of your actual quirk. Not even the other teachers could be privy to that information. The only one who knew of your origins was Nedzu, and he swore to not tell a soul.
Your nerves were alight the whole train ride, and you found yourself eager to jump off. It wasn’t a very far walk from the station to the school, and you rather enjoyed the weather. It was definitely a change of pace from what you were accustomed to.
As you approached the school, your eyes grew wide. You’d seen many, many grand places in your day, but to be at a school as renowned as UA, well, you were a bit overwhelmed.
Even more overwhelming was the press steadfastly trying to get within the walls of the high school. They were crowding the entrance, pushing past one another to get a peek of the school All Might himself taught at.
And didn’t that bring a smile to your face.
You were a fan, if you were being honest. He always exuded such strength and bravery. He was the one who inspired you to pick up heroics to begin with.
The press was a bit of a problem. You didn’t want the one who was supposed to be your temporary tour guide thinking you were just a news reporter trying to get the inside scoop. As respectfully as you could manage, you pushed your way through the crowd, spotting a glint just below the gates.
You recognized that face rather well. It was Present Mic, a pro hero and rather popular radio show host. He was no-so-covertly waiting for you, his hands in his pockets as he whistled a tune.
You straightened out your hero costume. Well, it wasn’t really your hero costume. It was one that’d been designed for the sake of your cover. This was a fair bit more blue than you were used to.
“Present Mic,” you called, catching his attention almost immediately.
His gaze zeroed in on you, or at least you think it did, it was difficult to tell with the sunglasses.
“I’m Poseidous,” you told him, holding out one hand for him to shake. “The new teacher.”
You hated that name. It was cliche, really, without a lot of creativity behind it. You weren’t really expecting much though, considering an FBI specialist had created the profile for you.
It was like a lightbulb went off above his head. He took hold of your hand before pulling you in for an all out hug.
“American,” he said in English, pulling back from your embrace to hold your shoulders, “Very nice.”
You chuckled, awkwardly patting at the hands resting on you.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
He gave you a goofy little salute, a wide smile on his lips as he opened his arms in a grandiose gesture.
“Welcome to UA!”
His voice was loud and you cringed a bit at the sheer volume, but he was nice enough that you weren’t going to complain. As you stepped onto the grounds for the very first time, he launched into a detailed explanation of the school and the students that were attending.
You had little trouble keeping up, as you’d already been debriefed about important information- who you could rely on in the event of danger, training rooms, and escape routes. Hizashi, who had asked you to call him by his real name, was thoroughly enjoying your presence. The two of you got along well, playful banter and silly puns be damned.
“And I hate to do this to you,” he stopped in front of a door, one that seemed to be full. “But it’s time for you to meet class 1-A.”
You weren’t exactly nervous to meet the students, as you’d taught several young heroes previously, but you were more anxious about keeping your identity hidden. You had read and reread all of the notes that contained who you were, your backstory, your quirk, and even things as simple as your daily routine.
“Wait, hate to do it?” You echoed, but the man in questioned had unceremoniously shoved you through the doorway, slamming it shut behind you.
Silence followed, your eyes glaring so hard at the door you were sure a hole was going to burn through it. You’d known him for a whole of an hour and he was already acting like your best friend. You held back at cursing the man, sure that the students didn’t need to be exposed to you swearing like a sailor.
A cough caused you to look up, your lips settling into a fake smile. Customer service, (Y/N), you could do it.
“Oh, hello,” you greeted.
This time you weren’t able to stop the curse from making its way past your lips. You were so used to speaking English that you could sometimes forget where you were.
“Shit, sorry, force of habit,” you apologized, cringing at your own cuss.
Off to a great start, really. You got a handle on this whole ‘undercover’ situation. Nobody would ever figure you out now, especially considering how eloquent the media described you to be.
“This is a new teacher,” the current teacher introduced you, and okay, was that glare really necessary?
He looked utterly exhausted, and honestly, you could understand. It was early. Mornings were your enemy most days. You could never survive as a teacher, especially considering you struggled to get up during your school years.
Eraserhead, you realized. He was one of the teachers you’d been given a file on. You had to admit though, he was handsome in an unconventional way. It was more of a ‘I don’t have to try’ way, but you could still admire it.
“Hi, I’m Poseidous,” you announced, taking a moment to scan the bright faces of your new students.
You’d be teaching them on quirk development. At least, that’s what you were told. You still didn’t quite understand what UA was expecting of you. You’d taught a few kids, sure, but you by no means had any sort of degree that qualified you for teaching.
“I’m a pro hero from America,” you continued, glad that you didn’t have to stretch the lie too greatly. “And I’ll be teaching quirk development.”
A few hands shot up when you finished your little introduction. You raised a brow and looked back to Eraserhead. The man in question was staring at you, waiting for you to interact with his students.
Right, he thought you were an actual teacher. Fake it ‘til you make it.
“Yes,” you pointed to the kid with green hair and freckles. He seemed nice enough but the way his eyes were analyzing you was a bit concerning.
“Hello,” he mumbled, a bit shy. “I was just wondering what your quirk was? I’ve never heard of you.”
You raised your brow. Right to it then, eh kid?
“Water manipulation,” you lied, a smile ever present on your lips. “And what’s your name?”
“M-Midoriya,” he replied, too busy writing in his journal to allow for any further interaction.
Okay, okay, not bad.
“What’s up?” You nodded to the girl who was sitting up straight, her brown hair pulled high into a ponytail.
“What will your class entail?” You took note of how she went out of her way to speak English. It was surprisingly really good.
The studious one, you realized.
“We’ll be focusing on improving your quirk specifically. Each lesson will be tailored to help you develop strengths and minimize weaknesses.” Your reply was in English as well, and at the gentle nods she was giving throughout your talk, you knew she was understanding.
“Thank you,” she said back, a kind smile on her face. “I’m Yaoyorozu Momo.”
Just as you were about to call on another student, Eraserhead perked up again.
“Ask your questions later, you have an exam to study for.” He reminded them.
The students all grumbled, but one glare from their teacher, and they stopped immediately.
“Damn, where’d you learn that trick?” You asked, a playful smile on your face.
His expression was blank, his tired eyes just staring at you. You blinked.
“Not a talker like the other guy, got it,” you nodded, not put out by the odd behavior. In your time as a hero, you’d definitely seen odder. “I’m (Y/N) (L/N) by the way.”
You extended your hand in greeting, and weren’t the least bit surprised when he didn’t take it.
“Aizawa Shouta,” he said instead, his gaze flicking from your hand to your face.
You hummed.
“So I take it the other guy was referring to you when he apologized for throwing me in here.”
Shouta raised a brow, and you could see the hints of a smiling threatening to tug at his lips. Oh, you’d get there one day.
“Hizashi?”
Though it was a question, you knew he didn’t need any confirmation.
“Great guy,” you commented, holding your fingers up in a mock salute. “I’m off to go meet the others though. I’ll see you around, Shouta.”
You felt his eyes on you, as well as a few of the students, as you left the room. There, that wasn’t so bad. Just be yourself. Only, not yourself at all, because nobody could know who you were. So be yourself, just not your hero self, and don’t bring any attention to yourself.
Easy enough.
Two teachers down, and only a few more to go if you were being honest. You had to limit contact to those who would only be necessary. Apparently, only the teachers of class 1-A fit that bill.
You were roaming the halls rather aimlessly, not really worried about time constrictions. You didn’t teach until later in the day, and the meeting with Nedzu wasn’t for another half hour. Your mindless activity was interrupted by a very large, very sturdy body.
Your eyes slid all the way up the expanse of his chest- which by the way, what was he wearing? You made eye contact with the great Symbol of Peace, though you’d be lying if your gaze didn’t flick up to those legendary bangs for just a moment. You gulped.
Not intimidating at all, right? Just a seven foot man with more muscle than you had dreams.
“All Might,” you said as nonchalantly as you could manage.
Luckily enough, your voice didn’t crack. Now that would’ve been embarrassing.
“You’re the new teacher, yes?” He inquired, leaning down to get a proper look.
“Hey, I’m not that short,” you muttered indignantly. And okay, maybe you were that short in comparison, but come on buddy, your dignity couldn’t take the hit.
“Sorry,” he mumbled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Poseidous, right?”
You held out a hand to him, pleased when he shook it like a normal human being. One for three, (L/N).
“That’s me,” you proclaimed with a false cheeriness.
No, that was not you. That was so far from you, that you were sure you would’ve made fun of anyone who picked that name. Okay, no, you weren’t that mean. You would’ve definitely made a pun out of the name, or a Percy Jackson reference, or something else that wasn’t super mean, but definitely jested at the name.
“It’s a delight to meet another up and coming hero.”
You had no idea how he kept that smile up. To be honest, if the whole hero business ever fell through, he’d do great in the customer service industry. Would it be impolite to say that?
“And it’s an honor to meet Japan’s number one,” you replied in kind, though this time the smile was genuine.
You’d been wanting to meet him for some time. The last time you were anywhere near him was after you’d been rising through the ranks. Someone from your agency had worked out a meeting and everything, but it’d been cancelled last minute after a particularly gruesome villain attack. That was what you call a major disappointment.
He was supposed to be one of the world’s best, and honestly, you kind of wanted to fight him. Not like, ‘I’m evil and I want to destroy what you stand for’ kind of fight, but the kind where you test your abilities against somebody of his caliber.
It’d be interesting, that’s for sure. And it’d get one hell of a crowd. Perhaps it could be for a fundraiser event? You’d have to suggest the idea to your agency when you returned.
“I have a meeting with the principal,” you nodded your head in the general direction of his office. “Wow, didn’t think I’d be saying that again.”
The hero before you laughed, a deep and hearty sound. It was uplifting, and you found yourself joining in.
“Take care, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around,” he said.
“Likewise,” you replied, leaving with a gentle wave.
The walk to the principal’s office was quiet. The halls were empty while students were in their classes. It was eerie, a high school hallway without the hustle and bustle of teenagers. But it was also a little nostalgic. Don’t be misled, high school was awful and you’d never do it again, but a part of you did miss being so young, having no real care in the world.
You found yourself in front of Nedzu’s office surprisingly quickly, making you wonder if the walk was shorter than you thought or if you’d really just been that lost in your own mind. Starstruck, if you will.
You knocked gently, waiting with your hands clasped behind your back. The little creature that served as UA’s principal didn’t make you wait for long. He was ushering you inside within a minute of your arrival, his little paws gesturing towards the couch across from him. You took the seat gratefully, feeling the stress peel away at not having to worry about keeping your identity a secret.
“How is it so far?” He asked, speaking to you in English.
You smiled at the principal. He was aware you could speak both languages, but he’d done everything in his power to make you feel more at home. Apparently, this included speaking your native tongue.
“Lovely, actually,” you answered, surprised to find that you were telling the truth.
From what you’d seen, the campus was beautiful and large. You couldn’t wait to make use of the training rooms, even if you would have to wait until night before using your quirk. The staff that you’d met was friendly, and the students were pleasant as well. All in all, it could’ve been a hell of a lot worse.
“Though I wish I could be here under better circumstances.”
Nedzu offered a grimace in reply. He had been asking for you to make an appearance at the last few sports festivals. You had wanted to attend one but your schedule had gotten a bit hectic. Now, it seems you’d finally have the chance. Though, he’d wanted your hero moniker to attend really, so it didn’t have the same effect.
“Perhaps you’ll be able to return after everything is settled.”
His tone was hopeful, lifting your spirits the smallest bit. You had faith in your own ability as a hero, so you weren’t afraid of being unable to finish the task. You were just unhappy it would take so long before you could reclaim your image.
“It’s been all over the news,” Nedzu added as an afterthought. He gestured towards the television tucked in the corner of his office, the title in big red lettering.
America’s Number One Hero, Where Has She Gone?
You scrunched your nose up at that.
“Why do they always use the title, not my hero name?” You asked a bit redundantly. Nedzu took it upon himself to answer anyways.
“The title is more recognizable here,” he informed you, shrugging. “Though, I’m sure many still know your hero name, Tempest.”
You managed a half smile at the words he spoke. Okay, maybe you weren’t the most creative at hero names either, but Tempest was what you chose when you were fifteen, and you’d be damned if anyone tried to make you change it now.
Besides, Tempest was the number one hero in America. Nobody would question your decision, even if they thought it sounded lame.
“Maybe the people of Japan will get to know Poseidous,” you stated, only half-joking.
You were itching to get back out into the hero business. At first, it’d been a nice break. Now, you were just getting antsy. Not to mention, everyone thought you had abandoned them. You’d been listening to the news articles about your disappearance and most of them were about how the public assumed he’d gotten to you.
The principal tsked.
“No patrolling,” he reminded you, crossing his arms over his chest. “No being a hero, just a teacher.”
You deflated at that comment.
“Yeah, yeah,” you muttered, slouching back into the seat.
“Now, let’s get you prepared for your first class.”
That lightened your spirits, if only a little. You had something to look forward to, even though you wanted nothing more than to return home and show them that you hadn’t been defeated.
Alas, they were forcing you into hiding until there was a better plan of attack, until you were ready to go on the offensive. Luckily for you, you’d kept your hero life and your private life entirely separate. There was no one who knew of both identities, except for Nedzu. Not even the agent who had created your profile knew who you really were.
You could do this. You could help these kids prepare for their future as a hero, and then return to your duties once you were ready.
It was just a matter of waiting.